Cal Orey's Blog, page 163

Not a Snow Bunny...Creating Winter Wonderland

By Cal Orey

In less than two weeks, Old Man Winter will be knocking on my door. Right now there is an ice dam on the front deck, two heating devices on the rooftop, and black ice everywhere in the sierra. The fact is, winter is not my favorite season. At all.

But today, my freshly neutered Aussie pup Skye had the biggest smile on his face as he sported his double dense winter coat during his pre-winter walk. Yep, he adores the season unlike his mistress. Perhaps he is a mismatch for me weather wise, but his personality is endearing and healthy for me. Skyler is upbeat, fun-loving, playful, affectionate, protective, and his markings make me smile. What can I say? I'm in love with an Australian Shepherd and a senior Brittany. Both dogs give me a sense of calm and happiness.

So, today was a productive one. My 2014 Forecasts for the Earth Changes column is done. The "What's Cookin' at Callie's Cabin" column is completed for the week. And, the OLIVE OIL book? It's more than three fourths done and I'm seeing it like a puzzle. The picture is coming together...a piece here and a piece there and by January 15 it will be a project stamped DONE!

Here I am, snug in white flannel sheets with Skye is his "man cave" and Zen kitty next to me. One more night and Simon, my man dog will be mine again. During the healing process of Skye's neuter is was smart to separate the boys so they stay calm and we don't have any re-dos.

Come December 26th to the dentist I go...No cone but I'm sure I will not feel well after a couple of procedures. But hey, after it's over I will have peace of mind and life will go on. And I can focus on winter. A few more lights to add warmth, a couple of faux fur throws, more fires (yes, I finally broke and began my firefest for ambiance and to feel cozy), casseroles, hot teas and coffee, scented candles, layered clothing, and visits to the resort pool in the A.M.s and walks on fresh snow--these are the things that will get me on Skye's agenda. Hello Old Man Winter. Come on in. I've been waiting for you. Did you ever see the film, "Arsenic and Lace"?  Let me make you a cup of tea.

Skyler's Real Scoop: Update on Fixing my Pup

My fun-loving dog, my companion, my playmateBy Cal Orey
UPDATE:  


Post-neutering an Aussie is a challenge. One cone/sedatives and 8 days left of healing. Pup sleeps on treadmill by crackling fire. The surgery is easy; it's the aftermath if you have an energetic Type A dog that makes it not a walk in the park. But soon, we will be doing our long walks and smiling again... Just 8 more long days. My baby boy sleeps and dreams of smiling, running once again as he did before. I can feel his pain. I'm sorry. I will make it up to you. One more thing: That cute blue donut cone? Skye shredded it in one day. All gone. Read: It does not do the job, nor does saying, "Don't chase the cat!" or "Stop playing with the dog."  Sorry, it's the real deal. Dogs just want to have fun!


* * *Tomorrow morning at 7:30 A.M., my one-year-old Aussie pup Skye will arrive at the vet's to be de-sexed.  As a human, I've been here before but this time around I'm a bit anxious. My baby boy is going to be n-e-u-t-e-r-e-d. I didn't have the heart to tell him...
...I did purchase a cool collar so he looks like a handsome canine character straight out of Titantic (he will live, though). And, of course, I gave it a test run and told him he looked like a big bold lion. He believed me and adapted.
2 1/2 months old, Feb. 2012 This is so cute and worksSkye's B-Day
December 1, Sunday is his birthday, I vow to get him toys: new balls (oops, a Freudian slip), new bone, new Kong toy--whatever he wants. It's his. Uh oh, I'm having neutering remorse. After all, he comes from an excellent line, congenital testing has been done with parents...Skyler would be a more than doable stud but...no matter. Tomorrow, snip. Done.

Okay. Let's be practical. This operation is easy. I've been there with three Brittanys. I can do this; he can do this. It's not a big deal. We have a young, healthy, strong boy! My vet has been with us for more than a decade. No worries. 


Mom
DadSkyler's mom and dad would be proud of him. He's got his mother's markings; his father's smile and vibe. I sense they understand that this operation is for his health, happiness, and to ensure a long, quality life...



Meanwhile, my boy sleeps next to the fireplace. I will make him fires next week if the sierra temps drop. He's looking at me. I wonder if he senses I know that he knows what's happening tomorrow. No matter. It will be done. We will survive. I hope he doesn't give me the silent treatment. I realize now that I have given my heart to another dog. 

Fixing my Pup Jitters

By Cal Orey


Tomorrow morning at 7:30 A.M., my one-year-old Aussie pup Skye will arrive the vet office to be de-sexed.  As a human, I've been here before but this time around I'm a bit anxious. My baby boy is going to be n-e-u-t-e-r-e-d. I didn't have the heart to tell him...

I did purchase a cool collar so he looks like a handsome canine character straight out of Titantic. And, of course, I gave it a test run and told him he looked like a bold lion. He believed me and adapted.

December 1, Sunday is his birthday, I vow to get him toys: new balls (oops, a Freudian slip), new bone, new Kong toy--whatever he wants. It's his. I'm having neutering remorse. After all, he comes from an excellent line, congenital testing has been done with parents...Skyler would be a more than doable stud but...no matter. Tomorrow, snip. Done.

Okay. Let's be practical. This operation is easy. I've been there with three Brittanys. I can do this; he can do this. It's not a big deal. We have a young, healthy, strong boy! My vet has been with us for more than a decade. No worries.


Skyler's mom anf dad would be proud of him. He's got his mother's markings; his father's smile and vibe. I sense they understand that this operation is for his health, happiness, and to ensure a long, quality life...



Meanwhile, my boy sleeps next to the fireplace. I will make him fires next week it the temps drop. He's looking at me. I wonder if he knows that I know that he knows what's happening tomorrow. No matter. It will be done. We will survive. I hope he doesn't give me the silent treatment. I realize now that I have given my heart to another dog. 

Turkey Talk...'Tis the Season

By Cal Orey
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I'm feeling it, sort of. Instead of following tradition and cooking up a big bird with all the trimmings, I've ditched the deal.  Cranberry Orange-Nut Bread, salads, homemade fries, fresh fruits are on my rebellion menu.  I'm going to enjoy being incognito (the tourists like Stephen King's Langoliers are arriving) for the peace of it all...

Peaceful Day
Yeah, I'd love to wake up and go for a swim but I'm sensing the resort pool will have too many intense human fish in it so...it's walking the dogs and eyeing the treadmill. Part of Thursday I'll get the endorphin high by raking the pine leaves and cones (still dropping), sweeping the deck (the dusting of snow is gone), and organizing for the season of discontent--winter. But on the upside, no snow as I forecasted.

Here Comes Winter
There is an art of coping with colder temps, shorter days, longer nights. I've penned many articles on SAD that I should be a pro on this challenge. So, more tips to deal include green plants, nutrient-dense soups, casseroles, breads, muffins, and drink water, water, water. A thicker comforter on the bed and recycling framed artwork (winter landscapes) and help prepare for the inevitable.  Not to forget to get a move on indoors and outdoors (and sneak a swim/hot tub when the tourists are AWOL during the early morning hours).
Snow-loving sibling doesn't like my no powder forecast
Today is a Writing Day
As I continue working on the 2nd edition of OLIVE OIL, going to input a new chapter and add more stuff that I've discovered and am loving it, wanting to share it all. The pantry is full of goods that are special and newsy that readers will find out about sooner than later...and I'm thrilled. I feel like I've entered Olive Oil Land (again), kind of like going back to a film that makes you feel warm and fuzzy. Speaking of fuzzy...

Critter Care
...On Saturday morning, very early, my baby boy Aussie will be facing the neuter. I suppose the cone is the most challenging part of this ordeal but we will survive. I've grown so fond of this pooch even though he chases my Siamese (but fearless Zen keeps coming back for more) so all is good.

Tourist Time
No, it isn't my fave thing to see tourists invade our stores, dog walking grounds, vacation houses, resorts, roads, and life in the mountains. So, it's a time to be a recluse and pretend it's all a dream that will pass. Cable films, inputting prose into the book, pampering the body, mind, and spirit--and making the first fire of the season will get me through this upcoming holiday.

 Friends, Family and Souls in Need
During a time of age when friends, some gone and family, some faraway, are on my mind I will try and connect and show my care and concern. Plus, as an intuitive I will be on the phone working the networks for those gentle souls who need a bit of chicken soup-type comfort to lessen the anxiety of life's uncertainty. I will be here feeling good because I saved a turkey and will my be the human behind my pup who loses his manhood... but will be a healthier, happier, well-adjusted dog. Well, I did my part and won't have turkey heartburn and a muffin top! 

OLD MAN WINTER

By Cal Orey

Today, I'm feeling pre-winter is in the air. Sure, yesterday I swam at 7:30 A.M., and it was bliss but...the good hot tub was down. That is a sign the resort is getting ready for the snowbound fun-loving tourists come wintertime. Personally, I'd rather have it not working than to have it fixed because that will mean winter has arrived--and autumn, my friend, will be gone but there will be two dog nights...and dog-like indoor kitty Zen gets me. We agree. We do not love Old Man Winter. 


Here Comes the Rain/Snow...
Weather Forecast for Dec? Rain, Rain, Rain!Nope, I haven't broke down as of yet to make a fire. But I admit there was a day of weakness, yesterday...and today I noticed temps this weekend will plummet to the low teens, like 12 degrees. Is it fire yet? Almost. But if I jump on the fireplace bandwagon it will be confirmed--winter is almost here.


After the swim, I bathed Simon, my senior pooch. I promised him I'd do it. At 10 1/2 years old he's so happy after getting a shampoo and dry. Fluffy Brittany ran crazy indoors, outdoors, played with his pup sidekick, and well, you could tell he felt good about himself and his coat.


The Olive Oil Book
The good news, I'm on track. More than half of the book is input. And I have until January 15 to complete my work. So today, will be a semi- writing day, time for including some easier details. Then, I dive into the real creative prose part again--the stuff authors love to do, getting to the meat of it all. 

Honey, is that you?  That question is a reminder that a package from a honey company will be arriving. More baking and cooking for me!  Taking a break is warranted after the Pumpkin Squares and Coconut Custard...Writing food columns and books is a sure-fire way to not want to weigh in unless you take time off, eat less, walk the dogs more and stay out of the kitchen!

The Fireplace--Hot and Cold
Yesterday I dusted off the fireplace screen and brought in wood. Tomorrow, thank you Scarlett!, I will clean the inside--I peeked. It's not too bad. Last year the chimney cleaner man who wears a tall hat and looks like that funny cricket Disney character did the deed.  But I can't decide if he should do it again. The majority of folks I asked about this chore said I'm good to go because I didn't burn that much wood last winter. Blame it on global warming.




It's no secret. The deal is, wintertime isn't my fave season. But I've learned how to try and pretend it's not really happening. Lots of good lighting, cozy throws, fires, baking and cooking, tea, quality flavored coffee, and dark gourmet chocolate are the things that can make colder days feel warmer and brighter.  Sort of...

...Let's get real.  I have a big calendar. I  check off each day, one by one, until it's spring. My mantra is "Spring"... Some snow days, I try and go with the program: Make coffee, let dogs out, make a fire, shovel snow, walk in snow, and do the treadmill (my resort pool/spa is invaded with tourists), shovel snow. On the upside, we will probably not get buried in the white stuff but on the downside there will be flooding in December, black ice through wintertime, and maybe one of those power outages that I love the first day and loathe any time after that. So, no it won't be a Donner Lake event but it is the season of discontent for me.  I can do this... What day does Spring arrive?

I Ate the Ginger Snap--Paying the Price

By Cal Orey

The Cookie Incident
Today, was a challenging one. This morning I awoke to what was going to be a busy, productive day. On my agenda was to bake a batch of Pumpkin Pie Squares with crushed ginger snaps for a crunch--to be inserted in the book, 2nd edition of The Healing Powers of Olive Oil. In the morning, I grabbed a cookie and in a heartbeat--that first bittersweet bite was a sobering experience. Not only was the treat rock-hard, it felt like I either cracked or broke a filling in my upper right back molar. Emergency sighting!

Where's the Woe? Into the bathroom, and on went the light as I scrutinized the back tooth--one I've never had problems with since I the 20th century. It does have a historical filling. Back in the day, when I was young and ambitious, I was studying to be a dental assistant. But my sensitive nature didn't mesh with the patients' ordeals. As an intern on the job, one day I couldn't deal with a man coping with a difficult root canal. As an empath I cried. No laughing matter. The dentist ordered his chair side assistant to exterminate me--the wuss. And that was the end of my short career.

Back to the back molar of the day. I couldn't tell if the silver filling was cracked. Often the human eye cannot see a crevice, anyhow. So, I gave up my search. I flossed. I brushed. I flossed. I was on a mission to find the problem. Nothing. But the upper molar throbbed. A call to my dentist was next. At 4:00 P.M. I was scheduled to see the damage done from the cookie.

What If? And the day dragged on with "what if" even though I know most "what if's" never happen. I thought, "What if I cracked the tooth and it has to be extracted...I'll be hooked up to blood pressure monitors like the dying creature in that "E.T." film" or "What if I have to get a crown--or worse, a root canal and images of the grown man in pain haunted me." I had my what ifs all lined up in a row so by the time I arrived at the dentist office--I was ready for the grueling news. Bring it on. 

First, I showed my upper tooth to the nurturing dental assistant. Passed the test. She saw nothing but a molar. My gut instincts told me my tooth was most likely going to be saved. When the x-ray came back, I looked at it--all angels good. And the dental exam? The tooth lives!  I, of course, traumatized it even more with my studying the pain of it all. But that's not the end of the story...

No Tooth Fairy Needed. I did have my teeth cleaned about a month ago. I passed on the dental exam because all was good. Not so much. One dentist's look later: A leaky filling and a small cavity in two good teeth. Gosh, I haven't had a dental hole for years and years. So, on the upside--the ginger snap didn't get us (only temporarily, thank to a bruise, most likely). The downside: We're looking at a probable crown and a small filling. Booked for December before Christmas--my health gift to me.  So much for that trip to Europe. But hey, my Aussie pup will still be neutered (and his upper back molars will be scaled a bit to keep the tartar off and stay on top of doggie dental care) despite the untimely expense of my ginger snap day. For the record, I will be making my own chewy ginger snaps fit for people of all ages.

Motto: Do not eat dog biscuit-type store bought ginger snaps or you'll pay the price!

P.S. I did call the maker of the ginger snap. Strangely, the rep told me they do have a "dental policy" for hard cookie incidents, like this one. So, en route is a package for me to send them the culprit. The researchers will analyze the cookie "specimen". Then, I will be notified. I admit that I recommended that their recipe needs a re-do. And after doing a quick search on the Net, I discovered I am hardly alone. Others have eaten these ginger snaps with too much snap and speculate the recipe has been changed. I wish I hadn't eaten the one tough cookie. But I did.  (Day 2. The cookie tooth still throbs!)

Mid-Fall is in the Air

By Cal Orey

In the Mountains... Cozy with the Critters  
Today at Lake Tahoe the weather seemed a bit off. We're having warm days, cold nights as I forecasted in late October. It's in the 60s during the days...and while the temperature drops to the 20s at night--it's still too cold for making the first fire of the season. Stoking a crackling fire, and feeling its warmth while cuddled up in the waterbed, working in my study, or baking in the kitchen is on my mind. Getting closer to the seasonal change.  I did see smoke billowing from my neighbor's chimney.  But I have two dogs, and a cat to keep me warm at night during mid-fall...


This afternoon I got my hair done (a birthday gift). I suppose it would be easier to let it go gray, and be a natural woman but for some reason I don't think it would be me. I couldn't decide blonde or red highlights (as a kid I was blonde, teen reddish brown highlights); it turns out my locks match both my male canine companions. (Yes, it was a conscious act. We are a pack.) 

Looking at the animal-human bond I have developed with my almost one-year old Aussie pup and 10-year-old Brittany, I realize these two boys are devoted to me as much as I am to them. I adore each of them for their myriad of traits--independent, fun-loving, strong, affectionate, protective, loyal, and sensitive. Yesterday, while running errands (dogless) I saw a tourist couple with two  Saint Bernards (like the duo in "Outbreak"--the couple's dogs). It made me feel blessed that my guys are medium size. Not too big, not too small...but together they hit about 90 pounds--25 pounds less than me. That's a lot of dog.

Yesteryear
I recalled a tale and shared it today with my sibling. During my freewheeling, hippie hitchhiker days when I was twenty-something, I travelled with my cute and bold Maltese terrier. We were en route to Idaho. I swam in Snake River, watched the Evil dude do his stunt that fizzled, and camped outdoors under the stars. It seems long ago, a time when I was fearless, living one day at a time, not worrying about the future-enjoying adventure. I was free--a girl and her dog. No deadlines, no bills. My biggest goals were getting meals for us and finding a safe place to sleep. 

In the Kitchen...Stocking Up for Winter
Back to the present, today I put together homemade salsa for the thrill of it. Tomorrow it will be autumn-type pumpkin squares: a new pie crust, fresh ginger, cookie crumb crust. I'm looking forward to it because it's a highlight of fall. Fall foods are on my mind. My pantry is growing and it's making me think of Tahoe squirrels, snow, winter--but I'm not ready for black ice, temps below zero, and shoveling the white stuff.

Tomorrow It's Back to the BOOK
I've been busy working on The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, Revised and Updated. Compiling, inputting recipes, recipes, and more recipes. And soon, it's back to the anecdotes--one of my favorite parts to create. It's one of the reasons I love to write. And this is my life in mid-fall, kind of like hump day in the middle of the week.

Finding a Delicate Balance
This time of year, it never fails. I fantasize about moving to a warm place like New Mexico, Arizona, Florida--anywhere but here when the roads are icy and walking like a penguin is what you do for self-preservation so you don't fall and have to turn to a heating pad and ice pack. And, of course, I dream about having three cats (I did once) instead of two Type-A dogs...but I would be more sedentary, less active. So, it is what it is and I will make do by visiting my oasis--a resort pool early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
The best part of mid-fall, it's off season, and that means quietude in the mountains, morning, noon, and night. This time of year reminds me of a roller coaster. It's fine going uphill but knowing what happens once you must go down and around with surprise twists and turns is what is spooky. Read: Old Man Winter is coming and I'm not ready. On the upside, however, I've got firewood stacked, mittens, scarves, hats, sweaters, and thick leggings. Flannel sheets, cable TV, work to do--and furry critters with warm hearts and cold noses. Mid-fall is in the air--and I'm feeling the change of pre-winter days are coming.

Sea Creatures a Sign of a West Coast Shaker?

By Cal Orey
Dying Sea Creatures: Signs of an Overdue 
West Coast Shaker? 

Some reporters are asking, "Did the beached oarfish and whale in Southern Calif. sense the Japan 7.1--or is it coincidence?" Keep in mind, it was a year prior to the great quake-tsunami the oarfish were creeping on Japanese shores.  On Oct. 25, 7.1 Hits Off Coast of Japan... tsunami advisory. Could this be another warning and/or trigger effect for California? What's more, starfish are victims of a major die-off along the entire Pacific Coast. What gives?

On October 24, I was a news segment guest on Coast to Coast AM. (Simply, tune into the show recap to hear what I said about the future for SoCal and an imminent earthquake due to the intact snake-like oarfish around the beaches. ... On air, I did note seeing "water images/scorpio, a water sign". It's not "if" a Calif. shaker will hit, it's when. Because the oarfish were sighted 1 yr. prior to the Japan 2011 great eq-tsunami; rare whales stranded on SF/Santa Cruz beaches soon before the World Series quake; and a rare oarfish on Venice Beach 1 day before the Gulf of CA 6.5 last week--the timing is sketchy to predict the day for a shaker for our Golden State.  Animals are not 100% accurate when it comes to sensing exactly when--or where--the Earth will move.  Despite today's surprise tremor offshore Japan, animals do have a good track record. The question is, did the sea monsters sense the 7.1--or is a Calif. shaker on its way?)

As an author-earthquake sensitive, I recall prior to the 1989 World Series Earthquake, geologist Jim Berkland noted very rare beaked whales washed up alive at SF just before a rare pygmy sperm whale washed up at Santa Cruz, within 5 miles of the epicenter... Animal cues to an earthquake.
Twenty-four years later, in October (the month of the 7.1 World Series Quake hit the San Francisco Bay Area), Southern Californians witnessed two rare snake-like oarfish strandings, one on October 18 was found near the city of Oceanside; another one a few days earlier washed up on Santa Catalina Island;  Last Tues. on the 15th, a rare whale was found dead on Venice Beach. Then, a strong 6.5 Gulf of California quake happened Saturday morning, on October 19. So, what  gives? Are these signs of a coming great California earthquake? 


A Blast from the Past
This month marks an unforgettable event that I will never forget...More than 20 years ago, on Monday, October 17, 1989 I experienced a frightening major earthquake. In retrospect, I received many cues, from my own body and mind. At the same time, geologist Jim Berkland was busy at research of noting signs of odd animal and human behavior including rare whale strandings at S.F. and Santa Cruz (5 miles from the epicenter) wayward seagulls and homing pigeons, a gelding, earthquake-sensitive people warnings--and I noticed red flags from my  companion animals, three cats and a dog.
* On August 8, after a strong jolt rocked the SF Bay Area, my Siamese-Manx, Ashley packed her bags, put in her change of address and moved outdoors to reside underneath the morning glory bushes. I knew it was odd behavior but tuned it out, sort of. 
* In early October, my yellow lab Carmella paced back and forth in the living room of my San Carlos, Calif., bungalow. She wasn't a high strung dog. It was unusual that she was restless and moved her head up into the air in a weird way like she was hearing something that I could not. * On the morning of October 17, my orange and white food-loving cat Alex refused to eat in the morning. This food strike was odd for my lean and healthy feline.* My oldest cat, a gray and white Tuxedo named Gandalf behaved normal, as he was a fearless, laid-back feline.* In the late afternoon on the hot Indian summer day, I fought an excruciating sinus-type headache. I took to bed to try and escape the pain. Then, it happened...
The Day the Earth Shook for 15 SecondsAt 5:04 PM (during the World Series baseball game in San Francisco), strong rattling of the bedroom windows woke me up. Startled by the sound similar to a freight train put me in fight or flight motion. Back in the day, it was protocol to move under a strong doorway. I instinctively grabbed my big dog and headed for the front door. Once I reached the dining room, the floor was buckling like ocean waves; windows and French doors shaking fiercely. I couldn't keep my balance and fell. I cut my leg. In my mind I thought, "The world is ending"  as I watched and heard the loud noise of a shaking home. I got up and crawled with my canine to the doorway. 
The earthquake seized. I heard the words from my neighbor upstairs: "Are you okay?"  With a rapid heartbeat, in shock, and frightened I answered a weak "yes."  As a native California who had endured two strong, rolling Livermore quakes while a San Jose resident; and the 6.2 Morgan Hill shaker scared me when I was living in Santa Cruz Mountains--you'd think this wasn't a big deal. But it was bigger than big. But I survived.

After the World Series Quake Hit This earthquake, however, was different. My instincts told me that the epicenter was not San Carlos on the peninsula and it had to be worse elsewhere.  I soon discovered it was a catastrophic tremor. The center of destruction was in Santa Cruz Mountain but greatly affected  infrastructure downtown Santa Cruz, Watsonville, the Marina in San Francisco, East Bay and other regions. 

When I turned on the TV I was welcomed with a black screen. Power outage. Nobody was outside. I walked my dog towards the post office--the place where my boyfriend worked. Car sirens were sounding off, and I was still stunned. I felt like I was in a sci-fi film. The main window of  his workplace was shattered, and countless pieces of glass were everywhere on the sidewalk.

Once back home, news reports began to roll in. The 15-second quake, centered 60 miles south of San Francisco on a 30-mile segment of the San Andreas fault, was felt as far away as San Diego and western Nevada.  Damage was significant. The Cypress Street section of I-88O in Oakland collapsed. Areas in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Hollister, and Los Gatos--my fave regions suffered damage. Over 12,000 people were left homeless. The Mercalli intensity was IX. Number of people dead: 63. Property damage: $10 billion.
Hours, days, and weeks of strong aftershocks kept people on edge in the Golden State. For weeks, I refused to sleep in the bedroom where it hit. I camped out in the living room with the lights on. I was clad in clothes, a dog leash and shoes next to me on the floor. I was hardly alone. People south of San Jose lived in tents and were afraid to go back inside their homes. It was an unforgettable earthquake that affected countless people and their pets, before, during, and after.
Becoming a Quake Sensitive
As a sensitive I tune into Earth Changes
As a journalist, I was dished out several assignments (amid aftershocks) to write about the event and its aftermath. Then, I reconnected with geologist Jim Berkland the man who predicted the World Series Earthquake. Four days prior, on Friday the 13th an item about his forecast was published in The Gilroy Dispatch. And then the drama began for him, the man who predicted the quake, and whom was suspended for two months from his San Jose government geologist job because of the frenzy of press and panic that followed. "Was this the Big One?" 
Two decades later, I wrote The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes:  Jim Berkland, Maverick Geologist. And today, as I live at Lake Tahoe amid three faults it brings back memories of a memorable day.  These days, not only do I have a book in 2nd printing written on quake prediction, but a website where earthquake sensitives post their forecasts--Earthquakeepicenter ... And yes, I forecast earthquakes. I pen a monthly Earth Changes column in Oracle 20-20 Magazine, and work at three international psychic networks reading people. I use my sixth sense, Tarot Cards, astrology
Most importantly, I believe some animals can and do sense imminent earthquakes. Do I predict these creepy creatures in Southern California are signs of a significant shaker? Perhaps. In my 2013 Forecasts I did predict a major quake in our Golden State. The year is not over.For more information, check out this former msnbc.com article on when experts can't predict quakes... pets and quakes.  

Sweet November, You Had Me at Autumn

By Cal Orey
Hello November! ... This morning instead of a swim at the resort pool, I played hooky. At 5 AM-ish the pup Skye, got me up and outdoors into the 20-something degree weather to do his business. Back indoors I fed both Aussie and Brittany, Simon. And, I confess. I crawled back into the cozy waterbed with golden colored flannel sheets and entered dreamland. At 7:40 (yep, I looked at the clock), I got up and brewed a cup of Pumpkin Spice Coffee. 


A Writing Day: On this Thursday I was happy because the plan was to write anecdotes from yesteryear for the Revised and Updated OLIVE OIL book. The writing of a book is the fun part; the research is a challenge. In between Skyler devouring my fave comfy over-sized chair in the living room to demanding his romp in the dog run and flaunting his hazel colored big puppy dog eyes begging me to play ball with him, I surprisingly managed to get several long forgotten memories written. 

Dog Walk, Let's Go: As the wannabe leader of the pack, I anticipate our daily dog walk in the afternoons just as much as my go-dogs do. And today, we all got the feel-good endorphin high from getting outdoors and getting a move on. By the time we were through, all of our tails were wagging and it was back home. Now, at 9:30 P.M., I feel the calm of the dogs and myself, winding down as I field calls from the networks, dishing out readings upon command. Today, unrequited love seems to be the topic of choice. I wish I could just say, "Get a dog." 


Fall Fare: This week I've had my fill of homemade White Chocolate Fudge and Peanut Butter Fudge. (FYI: The freezer trick doesn't work. Note to self: Must swim more, walk more, treadmill more or will endure muffin top.) It was a fun Fudgefest...and now I'm done. More seasonal fruits and vegetables seem to be on my mind and in the kitchen.  Plus, coffee, tea(s), water are on my list and goodbye to sweets till December. The rub is, I can't get pies out of my mind...rhubarb, pecan, custard, and the list goes on and on. Maybe a hen glazed with honey will suffice?


Pantry Clean-up:  Last week on a chilly afternoon, I did it. I spent hours cleaning out the pantry. I'm talking honey, honey, honey. I know that nature's nectar boasts a long shelf life but once opened I think, "When in doubt, toss out." And the olive oils? Ditto. There's only so much I can use in a year or two. On the upside: The pantry is re-stocked with amazing treasures that I'm writing about for The Healing Powers of Olive Oil, Revised and Updated, due in January 2014. And so, my body, mind, and spirit is in Olive Oil Land.


Two Britts bonded at first sight. A dear dog love connection.Senior Dog is Doing Well: It seems so long ago. But back in September Simon, my 10-year-old Brittany had surgery on his forehead. The tumor was benign; his hair, as forecasted by the vet and techs, has grown back. Nobody would know what a brave boy he is. My canine warrior got through the challenge as we both did during the loss of our best friend. Last year, this time both Simon and I dealt with the ups and downs of losing our Seth. Once gone, Simon remained strong through my tears. He was on double duty grieving the loss of our boy and I will always be thankful for his strength and compassion.
A handsome canine.
Going to the Dogs: In my column What's Cookin at Callie's Cabin, this week I wrote about a handsome dog who befriended me at a Barnes and Noble book signing. A group of service canines upstaged me and my attempt to discuss, sign, and sell my books. So, I just went with the flow and made a new dog friend.

"Good as Gold"... A few surprises came my way today on the first day of November. My article "What's Your Pet's Sign?" mad the cover story of Oracle 20-20 magazine. And that's not all...
Wellbella magazine (found in GNC stores nationwide) featured my book The Healing Powers of Honey (Kensington) in a sweet two page article, page 16. Keep in mind, this book (my fave of the Healing Powers series) contains dozens of recipes and was included in the Good Cook Book Club. 

Making a Fire is a Job: So, no I haven't done it yet. One neighbor has begun. I see the smoke billowing from the chimney in the A.M. I will do it. I must clean the fireplace; although I don't think there's much to do. And there is kindling, the firewood is stacked and dry. The thing is, once you start making fires there's no turning back. When the temps hit the teens (in a few days) I will celebrate. It's funny, after each book I write, I celebrate by making a fire, drinking a cup of hot tea, and watching a film with the animal companions. Such is the life of a city girl mountain hermitess (flanked by two dogs and a cat who thinks he's a dog) in the mountains.


Autumn is bliss amid pine trees, golden leaves, and a happy dog.

Are Sea Creatures Sensing a West Coast Quake?

See SoCal Forecast end of this blog post Author-Intuitive believes animals can sense imminent earthquakesBy Cal Orey
UPDATE: On October 24, I was a news segment guest on Coast to Coast AM. (Simply, tune into the show recaps to hear what I said about the future for SoCal and an imminent earthquake due to the snake-like oarfish creeping around the beaches. ... I did note it's not "if" a Calif. shaker will hit, it's when. Because the Japanese oarfish were sighted 1 yr. prior to the 2011 great eq-tsunami; rare whales stranded on SF/Santa Cruz beaches soon before the World Series quake; and 1 day on Venice Beach before the Gulf of CA 6.5 last week--the timing is sketchy to forecasting a imminent shaker. Animals are not 100% accurate when it comes to sensing exactly when the Earth will move.)


As an author-earthquake sensitive, I recall prior to the 1989 World Series Earthquake, geologist Jim Berkland noted very rare beaked whales washed up alive at SF just before a rare pygmy sperm whale washed up at Santa Cruz, within 5 miles of the epicenter...
Twenty-four years later, in October (the month of the 7.1 World Series Quakethat rumbled through the San Francisco Bay Area), Southern Californians witnessed two rare snake-like oarfish strandings, one on October 18 was found near the city of Oceanside; another one a few days earlier washed up on Santa Catalina Island;  Last Tues. on the 15th, a rare whale was found dead on Venice Beach. Then, a strong 6.5 Gulf of California quake happened Saturday morning, on October 19. So, what  gives? Are these signs of a coming great California earthquake? 


A Blast from the Past
This month marks an unforgettable event that I will never forget...More than 20 years ago, on Monday, October 17, 1989 I experienced a frightening major earthquake. In retrospect, I received many cues, from my own body and mind. At the same time, geologist Jim Berkland was busy at research of noting signs of odd animal and human behavior including rare whale strandings at S.F. and Santa Cruz (5 miles from the epicenter) wayward seagulls and homing pigeons, a gelding, earthquake-sensitive people warnings--and I noticed red flags from my  companion animals, three cats and a dog.
* On August 8, after a strong jolt rocked the SF Bay Area, my Siamese-Manx, Ashley packed her bags, put in her change of address and moved outdoors to reside underneath the morning glory bushes. I knew it was odd behavior but tuned it out, sort of.* In early October, my yellow lab Carmella paced back and forth in the living room of my San Carlos, Calif., bungalow. She wasn't a high strung dog. It was unusual that she was restless and moved her head up into the air in a weird way like she was hearing something that I could not. * On the morning of October 17, my orange and white food-loving cat Alex refused to eat in the morning. This food strike was odd for my lean and healthy feline.* My oldest cat, a gray and white Tuxedo named Gandalf behaved normal, as he was a fearless, laid-back feline.* In the late afternoon on the hot Indian summer day, I fought an excruciating sinus-type headache. I took to bed to try and escape the pain. 
The Day the Earth Shook for 15 SecondsThen, it happened. At 5:04 PM (during the World Series baseball game in San Francisco), strong rattling of the bedroom windows woke me up. Startled by the sound similar to a freight train put me in fight or flight motion. Back in the day, it was protocol to move under a strong doorway. I instinctively grabbed my big dog and headed for the front door. Once I reached the dining room, the floor was buckling like ocean waves; windows and French doors shaking fiercely. I couldn't keep my balance and fell. I cut my leg. In my mind I thought, "The world is ending"  as I watched and heard the loud noise of a shaking home. I got up quickly and crawled with my canine to the doorway. 
The earthquake seized. I heard the words from my neighbor upstairs: "Are you okay?"  With a rapid heartbeat, in shock, and frightened I answered a weak "yes."  As a native California who had endured two strong, rolling Livermore quakes while a San Jose resident; and the 6.2 Morgan Hill shaker scared me when I was living in Santa Cruz Mountains--you'd think this wasn't a big deal. But it was bigger than big. But I survived.


After the World Series Quake Hit This earthquake, however, was different. My instincts told me that the epicenter was not San Carlos and it had to be worse elsewhere.  I soon discovered it was catastrophic. The center of destruction was in Santa Cruz Mountain but greatly affected  infrastructure downtown Santa Cruz, Watsonville, the Marina in San Francisco, East Bay and other regions. 

When I turned on the TV I was welcomed with a black screen. Power outage. Nobody was outside. I walked my dog towards the post office--the place where my boyfriend worked. Car sirens were sounding off, and I was still stunned. I felt like I was in a sci-fi film. The main window of  his workplace was shattered, and countless pieces of glass were everywhere on the sidewalk.

Once back home, news reports began to roll in. The 15-second quake, centered 60 miles south of San Francisco on a 30-mile segment of the San Andreas fault, was felt as far away as San Diego and western Nevada.  Damage was significant. The Cypress Street section of I-88O in Oakland collapsed. Areas in Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Hollister, and Los Gatos--my fave regions suffered damage. Over 12,000 people were left homeless. The Mercalli intensity was IX. Number of people dead: 63. Property damage: $10 billion.
Hours, days, and weeks of strong aftershocks kept people on edge in the Golden State. For weeks, I refused to sleep in the bedroom where it hit. I camped out in the living room with the lights on. I was clad in clothes, a dog leash and shoes next to me on the floor. I was hardly alone. People south of San Jose lived in tents and were afraid to go back inside their homes.


Becoming a Quake SensitiveAs a journalist, I was given several assignments to write about the event and its aftermath. Then, I reconnected with geologist Jim Berkland the man who predicted the World Series Earthquake. Four days prior, on Friday the 13th an item about his forecast was published in The Gilroy Dispatch. And then the drama began for him, the man who predicted the quake, and whom was suspended from his job because of the frenzy of press and panic that followed. "Was this the Big One?" 

Two decades later, I became the author of The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes. And today, as I live at Lake Tahoe it brings back memories of a memorable day.  These days, not only do I have a book written on quake prediction, but a website where earthquake sensitives post their forecasts--Earthquakeepicenter ... And yes, I forecast earthquakes. I pen a monthly Earth Changes column in Oracle 20-20 Magazine, and work at three international psychic networks reading people.

Most importantly, I believe some animals can and do sense imminent earthquakes. Do I predict these creepy creatures in Southern California are signs of a significant shaker? Perhaps. In my 2013 Forecasts I did predict a major quake in our Golden State. The year is not over.
For more information, check out this article on when experts can't predict quakes... pets and quakes.  Forecast made on EEC (link above).

Re: CA Quake Now-Oct« Reply #9 on: September 10, 2013, 03:48:26 PM » Quote Modify Remove Split Topic

 Yesterday at 07:41:32 PM ...I'm seeing water for some reason.
August 13, 2013, 01:27:59 PM »
Prediction
NorCal or SoCal 6.0
Aug 13-Oct. 31
70% Probability
Based on gut instinct, seismic lull, timing from history. Large window...may get warnings...cues. SF Bay Area/Greater Los Angeles most likely.

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