Cal Orey's Blog, page 166

Wake up to the the Amazing Perks of Coffee! EBook

Surprise! The Healing Powers of Coffee is in EBook
By Cal Orey

“A cup or two of Joe every day is a good way to boost mood, energy and overall health.” --Julian Whitaker, M.D., founder of the Whitaker Wellness Institute
Wake Up To The Amazing Perks Of Coffee!

Java facts you didn’t know...According to legend, an Ethiopian goat herder was the first to discover the energizing benefits of the coffee bean plant centuries ago.Drinking freshly ground coffee from whole beans can help lower the risk of heart disease, cancer (including breast, prostate and skin), cirrhosis, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease!Coffee is the number #1 source of antioxidants in the U.S. diet.Two antioxidants key to coffee's health buzz are chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid; and coffee boasts more antioxidants than cocoa and tea!Coffee can relieve a host of ailments, including asthma, dental woes, gallstones, headaches, short term memory loss, muscle pain, as well as help you slim down and shape up!Percolating with information about the world’s favorite “new” health food, as well as interviews with medical doctors, researchers, and coffee roasters, this intriguing book (with a jolt of past and present coffee culture) reveals coffee types and blends, and flavored varieties (both regular and decaf), like chocolate, fruits, nuts, and spices. Discover why this potent elixir has gone from vice to virtue and how to incorporate coffee in Mediterranean-style, healthful recipes like Cappuccino Biscotti, Thai Coffee Spice Chicken Sates, Coffee Cheesecake and Maple Espresso Pudding (plus DIY espresso drinks). Also included are more than 50 home cures that fight seasonal affective disorder to fatigue, plus beauty and anti-aging treatments, and eco-friendly household uses—all made with coffee’s magical beans!“For heart, mind, and body, Cal Orey shows us why coffee is the most comforting health food on the planet.” --Will Clower, Ph.D., founder and president of Mediterranean Wellness, Inc."Can coffee be a fountain of youth? Yes! This book can help you add years to your life." --Karlis Ullis, M.D., Medical Director of Sports Medicine and Anti-Aging Medical Group in Santa Monica, California“This book is a wake-up call to show coffee, an emerging ancient remedy, is now the ‘newest’ health food.” –Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D.

Author-Intuitive Cal Orey Talks Sixth Sense in Animals

DO ANIMALS HAVE A SIXTH SENSE

Article Written By Cal Orey an Expert Psychic(Readings: Contact COrey39184@aol.com... PayPal Accepted.)
Cal Orey is a Renowned Author-Intuitive and Radio Psychic who has been providing accurate predictions for over 25 years. 



EXPERTS EXPLAIN MYSTERIOUS INSIGHTAnimals have such amazing senses that it seems they can predict quakes and tsunamis. “No way,” you’re thinking. But it’s true, they can, and for a variety of reasons. Here, some experts offer possible theories to explain animal, and maybe your pet’s mysterious insights.On December 26, on the day of the Full Moon, a 9.0 earthquake hit off the west coast of Northern Sumatra, and the big wave of destruction followed.  In Sri Lanka, an island south of India, wildlife officials reported that at Yala National Park, near the area of mass destruction, elephants, leopards, and deer survived. Unlike humans, few animal carcasses have been found after the killer tsunami hit the wildlife sanctuary.California Geologist Jim Berkland is not surprised by the post-tsunami disaster reports of the animals and their “sixth sense.” After all, he has been creating a buzz about our pet-friendly “seismic sentries” for more than 20 years.So what gives? Diana L. Guerrero, author and animal disaster behavior expert in Big Bear Lake, CA, said, “Animals appear to exhibit an awareness of impending disaster. Changes are common in both wild and domestic animals prior to seismic activity. So I would suspect that animals vacated the area prior to the tsunami based on their survival instincts.”How do animals do that? It’s just another astounding act that makes animals seem psychic. But do they really have a supernatural sixth sense?
CLAIRVOYANT CUESAnimal experts claim there doesn’t seem to be any other explanation. Animals possess super senses that are beyond the scope of normal sensory perception. Ever notice how pets often seem to know something we don’t? They wake up before the alarm clock rings or recognize their owner is ill. Some experts think they have ESP. Some say it’s a mystery of nature. And some things animals know are unsolved mysteries—or are they?Do animals really have a sixth sense? “Anecdotal accounts seem to indicate that they appear to. A more common example would be the survival response in groups of animals in response to predators—they avoid the hunters and ignore those that are not on the prowl. I would hypothesize that the same adaptations relate to geological and related threats,” explains Guerrero.ANIMAL WARNINGS In fact, pets may be so sensitive to the movements of the earth’s crust that they can actually predict earthquakes, too.
“When the magnetic field fluctuates a few days or hours before a quake, the animals become disoriented or frightened and some run away,” according to Berkland.He claims a better than 80 percent success rate .Berkland predicted the 1989 World Series earthquake and the 1994 Northridge quake in Southern California. What led this geologist to make these predictions? Missing cats and dogs! He’s found the number of lost-pet ads peak a day or so before an earthquake hits. Evidently, our pets will often disappear— heading for safer ground! And apparently, the wildlife in Sri Lanka did just that.Berkland also suggests animals are able to detect minute changes in the earth’s magnetic field due to magnetite in their bodies; magnetite is magnetic iron oxide grains that are common in many rocks. Recent research on magnetite suggests they’re the cause of homing pigeons’ navigational abilities, and of whales’ and butterflies’ migrations.Odd animal behavior has been reported elsewhere. A few days before an earthquake in Haicheng, China, which occurred on February 4, 1975, masses of frogs and fish killed themselves trying to break through ice-covered rivers and ponds. Horses, cows, and pigs ran off.A few days after the strange animal happenings began, the 7.3 earthquake flattened the city, destroying a large percentage of buildings. But because city officials took heed of the animal warnings, the city was evacuated within a day before the quake, and fatalities were kept to a minimum.TURNING TO MOTHER NATUREBut there is more to Berkland’s theory than just missing pets and strange animal behavior. He also predicts quakes by using information on the tidal flows, and the position of the moon and earth. Plus, the moon in the Full or New phase with fluctuation of both extreme low and high tides can cause significant earthquakes. And not only “was the great 9.0 Sumatra quake and tsunami on the day of the Full Moon,” points out Berkland, “the last 9+ magnitude quake and tsunami was in Alaska on March 27, 1964, also the day of the Full Moon.”Berkland adds, “All year I have been warning of the record tides coming in early December. I have said that if a great quake was going to occur, December was the most likely time. And now we have two separate great earthquakes within one week, which may be unprecedented.” An 8.1 monster quake struck off the Macquarie Island on December 23. Interestingly, it has been reported that penguins, like the Sri Lanka animals, escaped harm’s way, too.But since scientists still admit they aren’t yet able to reliably predict earthquakes, is it really so silly to monitor our animal friends?Berkland advises people to do just that. Prepare. In the meantime, he’ll be noting the moons, tides, and listening to reports from people worldwide who observe changes in animal behavior.Callie is an author and journalist who lives in South Lake Tahoe, CA. She is the author of The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes, the story of Jim Berkland and his ability to predict major tremors around the world, for publication in 2006, the centennial anniversary year of the San Francisco earthquake.Your Seismic Sentries
Looking for a beacon to the next earthquake? Here are some animal clues gleaned from Diana L.Guerrero’s animal disaster preparedness booklet, Animal Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners & Pet Professionals:
Wild Animals: Animals vacate areas, gather in groups, or enter into human inhabited areas prior to incidents.
Cats: You may see warning signs such as hiding, running around frantically trying to escape outdoors, and meowing.
Dogs: Dogs will usually hide. Behavior before a quake includes howling, whining, barking, restlessness, aggression, and increased devotion to animal guardians.
Horses and Livestock: Hoofed animals often refuse to enter their barns or pens and often refuse to tie. They tend to group together in open areas, act nervous, or pace.
Other Animals: Caged birds will often hang on their cage, sometimes they will flap frantically, or they can be abnormally quiet.
But note, not all animals can and do predict earthquakes.

I Am a Phone Psychic...And I'm Good at My Job!

I Love Reading People and Pets By Cal Orey

So, exactly how in the world did I, a veteran author and natural Earth changes prognosticator, end up being a live part-time phone psychic anyhow?
Blame it on the Great Recession hit (yes, I predicted it). In the winter of 2010, I called a psychic (or 10) to ask, "When is a foreign rights check for my books coming?" Then, one day I thought, "Since I was 8, people have noticed my sensitive nature and uncanny sixth sense. After I penned the book 'The Man Who Predicts Earthquakes,' I began dishing out quake predictions on national radio shows. Reading people and the challenges that rock their world is no different."

And now I'm one of countless psychic adviser voices who charge by the minute to tune into people and be their personal Magic Eight Ball.

Tuning In to the Faraway Caller
No, I do not use incense, hold a crystal ball or provide spells. I'm often in the company of two sensitive dogs (a seismically sensitive Brittany and thunderstorm predicting Aussie) and one laid-back Siamese cat (they relax me), and listening to alternative music when the phone rings. I am connected to a caller who is often sad, upset or confused. And, yes, this job can be stressful as well as rewarding. Think healer.

Once I hear a voice, it sets the stage. Often I can pick up if the call is from the West Coast, South, Northeast, Canada, Trinidad, New Zealand or Australia. And it's not always the accents. It's my animal-like intuition that kicks in from the get go. But there's more ...

Hello, Mother Nature
I use the planets as a baseline, lunar cycles (emotions and calls soar during the New and Full Moon), and a tarot card to get an objective read, which often coincides with what I've picked up with my gut instinct. As a super-sensitive woman, I can predict callers' questions by tuning into their voice, energy and words.

I can also pick up why I'm being contacted, the age of a person, their sun sign (but sometimes I do ask; usually they end up being on the cusp of two signs). If I'm challenged by a skeptical caller, it can end up in a murky reading or a hang-up. It used to hurt my feelings, but nowadays, I sip chamomile tea until the next ring.

I can sense if the caller is sincere -- and then it's show time. Sometimes, the paranormal activity kind of cues I get send chills through my body. The caller feels it, too. That means that I tapped into their psyche and we connected, big-time.

I Can Feel Your Vibrations
Both my callers and I are often surprised that I know things, such as if he or she has a toothache or heartache. The most common problem I am faced with is unrequited love (one-sided romance) -- and it hurts. How do you say, "He or she isn't that much into you?" and/or "Move on for true happiness" -- especially when the caller has her ego is wounded, fears being alone, or is anxious about the unknown.

I do offer positive advice and words of preparedness for upcoming events (even if a caller can't see what I'm talking about yet). I tell it like it is because saying good things doesn't always bring good or accurate results. It's like saying, "A quake won't hit" when I'm looking at the USGS map, watching an aggressive swarm on an active fault, and the caller is located at the epicenter of a country in the Pacific Ring of Fire.

Fire, Earth, Water and Air Signs
Speaking of Earth elements, how do I know if a caller is a Fire, Earth, Water or Air sign? A fire sign is direct and intense, and if the topic is touchy, I can feel their heated emotions (my clavicle often aches). Earth signs are reserved, a bit shy and need a nudge to be real. I can pick up the vibe of passionate water signs' feelings and understand they want me to confirm what they know. And air signs are analytical, good communicators and have a sixth sense, but are hesitant to tune into their gut instincts.

Two days ago, a woman asked me if her sibling would survive a challenging surgical procedure. I strongly sensed "yes." Tonight, I got the answer. I was spot on. I signed on to take another call. I'm sensing the phone will ring within 15 minutes.

Oh, and if you're wondering why, if I'm so psychic, I didn't know when my book check was in the mail, the reason is this: Sometimes it can be tricky to get an accurate read on your own life. Psychic advisers frequently turn to their colleagues (or tarot cards) for an objective outlook, the way I look to the moon and planets to tell me what other people have in store.

There goes the phone, right on time. So, if you'll excuse me, I think I'll take that call.
Author-intuitive Cal Orey uses her intuition, astrology and tarot cards for confirmation. Orey has been a guest on national talk shows, from "Coast to Coast" to "The Mancow Show," for her ability to forecast Earth changes. To find out about her best-selling Healing Powers series visit her website www.calorey.com -- or if you'd like a private reading email her.

Autumn's Amazing Coffee Grounds For Your Home

By CalOrey
AUTUMN’S AMAZING COFFEE GROUNDS FOR YOUR HOME

            Drinking coffee for its healing powers is healing, but did you know that you can use coffee for healing your personal environment, too? Welcome to the world of coffee uses in the home, another perk of the coffee tree. Before I entered Coffee World, I didn’t know coffee grounds were eco-friendly and something to use. But now I know uncommon grounds can be home-friendly.  God bless nature’s little dark coffee grounds for their multi-purpose uses indoors and outdoors. INDOORSKitchenUse An Abrasive Cleaner. Use grounds as a scouring agent to tackle any greasy or dirty surface. It also can get rid of pungent odors from pans and your hands.Go for a Deodorizing Buzz. Dry coffee ground (not soggy used ones) placed on a cookie sheet and put in an open container in your fridge or freezer can be an instant way to help absorb odors. Also, fill a sachet with dried grounds paired with cinnamon sticks and whole cloves and place it in close drawers (baby and pet-proof).
Living Room/Dining Room/BedroomFurniture Concealer:  Coffee grounds can do away with smells and unsightly scratches on furniture, too. Steep grounds and apply the dark brew to wood furniture with a cloth. I tried this household treatment on an antique dark chest in my bedroom and it worked. I thought, “If coffee stains cups, coffee pots, and teeth, it has to work on brown furniture.” And it did just that. Flavored coffees provide a nice aroma unlike commercial types with strong, undesirable scents.Fireplace Dust Buster: Ever notice that when you clean out the ashes from the fireplace that dust gets in your eyes and nose? You can control the dust by using wet coffee grounds on the cool ashes because they keep the dust down and not in the air. Note to self: Try to see if this method works.
BathroomAnt Repellent: In the mountains I don’t see ants but in the city I did. And if they weren’t in the kitchen they took over the bathroom, especially around water. Rather than using a chemical spray, try using coffee grounds on the area thirsty ants go to. (Be sure kids, cats and dogs are not around as the natural ant eater does its job.)
OUTDOORSPlant Fertilzer: Plants that like acidic soils will like your coffee grounds. Use grounds on the top layer of soil, or mix it with potting soil before planting. I started dumping coffee grounds on the aspens in the front yard.  It could have been the late summer rain and/or the green grounds that helped the trees perk up.Compost: Grounds not only feed your plants and trees, but they can feed your compost bin (if you have one). Simply add compost piles to increase nitrogen balance. Coffee filters and tea bags (yes, I have both, especially if my youngest Brittanydoesn’t scarf down the chamomile tea bags) will also break down fast during composting. I still don’t do the compost dance it but it’s on my list of to-do changes and coffee grounds and filters will be included. I continue to sprinkle grounds on one wilted aspen in the front yard but so far it’s not showing signs of being a coffee lover…Insect Repellant: But tossing coffee grounds on the deck, dirt, or sidewalks may have a faster effect. Again, it’s a risk to do this if you have indoor/outdoor dogs or cats, because you don’t want a sequel of the Ethiopian goat herder’s dancing goats. And that’s not all…
HEALTHY COFFEE FENG SHUI TIPS Welcome your home sweet home to the art of feng shui—the ancient Chinese art of placement—with a twist of coffee. By putting stuff in the right spots in your kitchen and other rooms it can enhance the flow of positive energy and zap negative vibrations, bringing you good health, happiness—and even fortune. Declutter Your Coffees. If you’re a coffee lover, chances are you’re going to have more than less java beans and gadgets in your home. Rather than stuffing it all in one place, such as your pantry, I suggest storing it in a variety of places just in case of a blackout. You’ll find cans of coffee (these have expiration dates) in my pantry. Plus, they are sealed so I feel safe and secure that my fur kids won’t get into the java. Also, when I open my freezer, there is an array of well packaged coffees lined up in rows. It makes me feel safe in case there is a shortage on coffee. And, in my fridge, I also have concealed containers filled with coffee in use, from day to day. It’s clutter free but coffee definitely has its place(s) in my kitchen. Clean the Coffee Pot(s) to Coffee Grinder. This is a chore but it’s good chi to have a squeaky clean pot (or two) and grinder. For the pot, use vinegar, water, and lemon (use hot water, let soak). As far as the grinder goes, day by day cleaning will keep you and yours healthy coffee drinkers.Brighten Up with Lighting.  In your kitchen, you’ll want to have neutral of earthy coffee colors, from a tan, light coffee or wood paneling.  Fresh, white curtains will lighten up the room and your energy. Scent It Up.And, of course, the constant aroma of fresh brewed coffee will linger from room to room.Boost Your Mood with Coffee Mugs. Select your favorite coffee mugs and place them together or in a mug holder on the counter. This is inviting for you or coffee. Use Coffee Art.Framed coffee prints can give your kitchen a nice visual effect, especially if they boast Mediterranean colors: red, brown, gold, and blue. Flaunt Coffee Companions. Glass canisters filled with biscotti to coffee candy, look inviting and are your friends whenever you decide to brew a cup of java.Bring Out the Fresh Fruit. Seasonal fruit in lucky numbers, such as eight, is good for you both physically and mentally. Citrus fruit, such as oranges goes well with coffees—and the shelf life is good. Conceal Knives and Scissors. These are a must-have item so when you open a new bag of coffee you can do it the right way and without going on a hunt through the house or using your nails or teeth.Hide the Gadgets.Too many coffee makers will give you clutter. So, choose your coffee toys and store the others in cupboards. Recycle these to fit the season and your mood.  Place Coffee Books in Piles. Cookbooks are attractive and show that you like being in the kitchen. Line these up in an appealing way or pile books in stacks. Either way it will give a nice coffee literary feel and will be on hand to inspire you. A bonus tip: Purchase a coffee calendar. It will keep you up-to-date on seasons and holidays—a great coffee lover’s tool so you can plan meals and coffee accordingly. And, of course, with your coffee-ized kitchen, what better way to celebrate than to have a cake, like this heavenly recipe, baking in the oven? [SHADED BOX]Heavenly Coffee Angel Food Cake* * *1 cup sifted cake flour                              2 tablespoons instant coffee, ground1 teaspoon cream of tartar                              fine powder in a coffee grinder        1 teaspoon vanilla extract                              1 ¼ cups sugar1 teaspoon coffee extract (or                         1 ½ cups egg whites (10-12 large eggs)½ teaspoon salt substitute almond                at room temperatureextract
     Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 325 degrees. Sift the flour and ground instant coffee together onto a sheet of wax paper, then resift it with the sugar and salt onto a second sheet of wax paper. In a large grease-free bowl of an electric mixture, add the egg whites and cream of tartar and mix on low speed till foamy. Increase speed gradually to medium and beat until whites are stiff and shiny, but not dry. Stop the mixer and add the vanilla and coffee extracts, whisking in once or twice by hand.     Carefully lift the wax paper holding the dry ingredients and sprinkle the flour mixture gently into the egg whites. Using a spatula, carefully fold the dry ingredients into the whites till just incorporated. Do not stir hard or the batter will deflate. Very gently turn the batter into an ungreased tube pan and smooth the top lightly. Place immediately in the oven and bake for 45 minutes or till well risen and golden on top.     As soon as the cake is done baking, invert (if your tube pan doesn’t have “feet”, hang the pan upside down over the neck of a bottle). Allow the pan to hang upside down for several hours until completely cool. (If it cools right side up, gravity will make it sink and become dense.) To remove pan, slide a long thin knife around the edge of the pan and the center tube to loosen it. Top the cake with plate, invert and lift off the pan.(Source: Courtesy Coffee Science Source.)  — Cal Orey, M.A.  is an author and journalist. Her books include "The Healing Powers" series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, and Coffee) published by Kensington. (The Healing Powers of Honey and Coffee are offered by the Good Cook Book Club and available on Walmart's site to store.) 

The Popular Book on Coffee Percolates in Book Clubs

COFFEE HAS PERKS ALL DAY LONG!
By Cal Orey

Bookspan book clubs updated their websites and didn't forget my coffee book! I'm talking about The Healing Powers of Coffee [click on the link to see a trailer on the superfood's perks] (Kensington) is offered by a variety of clubs including the popular One Spirit, Crafters, Homestyle, BOM, and my fave Good Cook...


And this make me, the Healing Powers series author very happy. After all, this one-of-a-kind book has caught the eyes of coffee roasters, radio show producers, a publisher in Czech, and has been featured in cover stories for Woman's World and Wellbella national magazines. Not to forget, the big coffee book flaunting java's perks has gone back to press.

Some folks love Iced Coffee in the summertime; other people, like me, savor a cup of joe in the A.M. Like today, after letting out the Aussie pup at 6 (he allowed me an extra hour of shut-eye), feeding the two dogs and cat, I got to enjoy my coffee while viewing the aquarium chock-full of happy fish.  This special time is quality minutes and coffee's mental and physical perks give me that lift for the day....

As noted on the cover of Wellbella, my Q & A article "Get Your Perks" is so true. Coffee keeps me active. After all, enjoying a senior Brittany (he is aging gracefully) and an energetic 7 1/2 month old Aussie takes energy plus. Thank God, for coffee and its amazing healing powers. It helps me do that morning swim to afternoon dog walk and write books and articles on superfoods like coffee!  And thanks to that morning cup of coffee, I have the energy to create mini cheesecakes for my weekly column "What's Cookin' at Callie's Cabin" in the Tahoe Daily Tribune.  The Healing Powers of Coffee isn't just a book--it's part of my life!



Popular Book on the Amazing Powers of Coffee (2nd Printing)
From the hugely successful Healing Powers series (Honey, Vinegar, Olive Oil, and Chocolate) comes THE HEALING POWERS OF COFFEE: A Complete Guide to Nature’s Surprising Superfood. It’s the beverage we can’t live without—yet few consume it without some guilt. But the wonderful truth is that coffee has abundant health benefits. Coffee boasts more antioxidants than cocoa and tea, and even more than renowned antioxidant-rich fruits like oranges and blueberries. In fact, there are hundreds of healing compounds in coffee. Recent studies have shown that coffee consumption can significantly decrease or reduce the risk of many conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, asthma, cancer, heart disease, chronic constipation, dental caries, diabetes, and liver disease...  As in my previous bestselling books, I combine groundbreaking research into all these health and weight loss benefits with home cures, cosmetic uses, household hints, and dozens of heart-healthy Mediterranean style recipes.

Water is the Cure for Summer Blues

by Cal OreyThe Healing Powers of Water
This summer I realize just how important water is to me...

Fish: During the heatwave, I lost more than 20 fish in two aquariums. The water got too hot and the fish ended up miserable and went to Fish Heaven. I was sad, depressed...But when the new shipment arrived, I and my new fish--a variety of goldfish in a all colors--gave life to my home.

Swimming:  This summer tourists have come to Lake Tahoe, as usual...And as usual, I try to dodge the overflow of people. I switch from my fave indoor resort pool to an outdoor one. If I don't swim to get those feel-good endorphins moving, I end up feeling like one of my unhappy fish of a week ago. And my mantra, "Fall is coming" keeps me happy as I swim laps like a fish.



Dogs: My Brittany and Aussie love to walk by the Lake and drink water. I know they'd love to swim in it but recently it's been full of tourists and wayward dogs so their swimming days are on hold for a bit. Still, often they get to trip by the Lake Tahoe (Simon, my Britt, has been in a hotel pool in Chico, Calif.)... But they both seem to be happy to be outdoors as well as greeted by people--locals and tourists until they go and can enjoy the many beaches to themselves.

Coffee to Bottled Water: Java in the A.M. (as noted in The Healing Powers of Coffee), water throughout the day, and herbal tea a few times each day keep me hydrated and happy. I cannot imagine a summer day without H20 for me or my dogs. Water is essential to life year round.

A Visit from a Dear Friend in Heaven

By Cal Orey

Yesterday afternoon my Siamese mix 3-year-old cat Zen did something odd. He stared at the top of a bookcase--the middle one--in the dining room and he jumped up on top of it as though he saw something. He never did this before despite his athletic feats. Low and behold, a large and favorite cactus plant and pot fell and shattered in pieces onto the floor covered with an off white rug. Mess. And I began to clean up the dirt. 

The rub is, the photo on the left of this post and the other photo of my two Brittanys fell one after another as I was on the floor. As an intuitive, and one who channels to the other side for people on phone psychic networks, I have to say that I feel my past Brittany Seth paid me a visit to say, "Hello. I'm okay. I miss you."  I strongly felt his warm presence in the room. And yes, I do believe in signs.

Later, I told my sibling about the event. He didn't say I was crazy. After all, when our dad passed, a week or so after, my brother got an uncanny visit when the clock stopped at the time he passed. My father had a sense of humor and we believed he did this in a joking manner to show us that he was in a better place. A thumbs up for us.

So, as I recall, this incident yesterday happened immediately after a neighbor told me her mother had died; I shared that I lost my Sethie in November. You may or may not believe in the hereafter and communicating with the dead--until you experience it. And it's eerie but fascinating. 

Today, I remember yesterday--making a connection with my dog. It was spooky, startling, and a welcome surprise. (I did have the reconnect dream and also have telepathically talked to him via dangling conversations.) I miss my orange and white Britt so much. He stole my heart for six years and the bond cannot break.

But life here on Earth goes on. I sense my Seth approves of my sweet and healing pup Skyler, a giving Aussie that sports a feel-good smile. Plus, Simon, on the right, is warming up to his new dog pal.  It was a sign from above and I got it. And yes, now I do believe there is a Dog Heaven.

Skyler's Scoop: Dancing with the Pup

Dog Day Afternoons
By Cal Orey       We are almost out of the heat wave--not fun. While my two dogs and cat survived my goldfish did not make it.  I'm talking more than 10, less than 20 gold, white, and black beauties. Worse, there are no freshwater fish available on this side of the Lake until Thursday. The fish gods are punishing me. I have semi-ghost aquariums....Very sad. I haven't lost this many swimmers for a long time. 
The worst losses were when I moved to Tahoe in July of 1999. My long-time beloved blue betta, Shakespeare was cooked in the 105 degree heat. And, of course, in July of 2007,  Romeo and Juliet didn't survive the Angora Fire, thanks to a well-meaning non-fish neighbor who killed them with kindness. So much for July and fish.
But my 7 month old blue merle Aussie? Look at him, my fun-loving dance partner! He is my little man, come rain or shine, probably at 35-36 pounds now. Ironically, I am dressed like his black, gray, and white markings. So, as I wait for the shipment of new fish to come to town this Thursday, I will feel a void for four days without fish despite my fur kids.
These days, I have to add that I do not like the sizzling heat or rowdy tourists with their wayward dogs. It's a zoo gone wild out there! I want to swim tomorrow but I know the pools around town will be filled with chemicals. Not a local's dream. This saddens me, too. I am a mermaid at heart. I crave a good swim. It's time to dance with the pooch to help me forget the fish loss and speed up stocking the aquariums with new swimmers. Life goes on with my healing pup who has helped me each day to remember my former Britt Seth and rejoice the future with a giving four-legger with a heart of gold.

Skyler's Scoop: Guess What Pup Ate?

By Cal Orey
OMG! I Can't Believe What's in My Pup's Mouth!

I woke up this morning at 5:00 AM for my Aussie's daily potty business, feeding, and playtime. Ugh! So much energy he has and I'm envious and annoyed. He tried bothering me, the cat, and dog. We were all anything but smiling.  It was still dawn and more sleep was wanted by all--except Skyler...

Fast forward to around 9 AM. Marley & Me dog sequel!  My fun-loving fur child had a piece of my white dental floss (not a necklace) dangling in his adorable mouth... Before I snagged it (I am quick but he is quicker), down the hatch. Gone! One call to the vet later: "Induce vomiting" was discussed. We had an hour or so for doctor's orders. Gosh, I have never seen my 7 month old baby let the fishies out. 

But I remained semi-calm. Actually, I was surprised to get the return call. I sensed what goes in will come out. All will be good. NOT. The phone rang when I was finishing my last bite of bagel. (That reminded me of my former Brittany Seth who ate a bar of ivory soap, a cube of European style butter, two ear plugs, a bag of six bagels with the plastic wrapper, and the dark chocolate truffle.) So, I knew the drill.  I gave the antidote and Skye lapped it up ASAP. Like I said, he's smart.

With the cool, calm, collected vet tech on the phone with me, I took my boy outside and we waited for him to show the cues of  getting rid of his two small meals. Five minutes later, I knew from experience it was working. Three times. And, of course, the tech told me after I'd have to go through the mess piles to find the long string. 

Mission accomplished. I found the floss intact! Dog survives the Dental Floss Incident. Whew! And the thing is, the day has just begun.

UPDATE: Before 1:00 PM, Skyler is back to himself. He's herding Zen, my Siamese mix and ready to go. Ah, the trials and tribulations of being owned by an Australian Shepherd is just beginning.

Coffee Craze: Grounds for the Household

By Cal Orey
 Healing Your Home Room By Room

Drinking coffee for its healing powers is healing, but did you know that you can use coffee for healing your personal environment, too? Welcome to the world of coffee uses in the home, another perk of the coffee tree. Before I entered Coffee World, I didn’t know coffee grounds were eco-friendly and something to use. But now I know the dark brown gritty grounds can be home friendly. Bless the little coffee grounds for their uses indoors and outdoors.KitchenUse an abrasive Cleaner:  Use grounds as a scouring agent to tackle any greasy or dirty surface. It can also get rid of pungent odors from pans and your hands.Go for a Deodorizing Buzz: Dry coffees (not soggy used ones) placed on a cookie sheet and put in an open container in your fridge or freezer can be an instant way to help absorb odors. Also, fill a sachet with dried grounds paired with cinnamon sticks and whole cloves and place it in close drawers (be sure it’s baby and pet proof).Living Room/Dining Room/BedroomFurniture Concealer: Coffee grounds can do away with smells and unsightly scratches on furniture, too. Steep grounds and apply the dark brew to wood furniture with a cloth. I tried this household treatment on an antique dark chest in my bedroom and it worked. I thought, “If coffee stains cups and coffeepots, it has to work on brown furniture.” And it did just that. Flavored coffees provide a nice aroma, unlike commercial types of cleaners with strong, undesirable scents. Fireplace Dust Buster: Ever notice that when you clean out the ashes from the fireplace dust gets in your eyes and nose? You can control the dust by using wet ground on the cool ashes because they keep the dust down and not in the air. Note to self: Try to see if this method works.BathroomAnt Repellent: In the mountains, I don’t see ants, but in the city I did. And it they weren’t in the kitchen they took over the bathroom especially around water. Rather than using a chemical spray, try using coffee grounds on the area thirsty ants got to. (Be sure kids, cats, and dogs are not around as the natural anteater does its job.)OutdoorsPlant Fertilizer: Plants like acidic soils will like your coffee grounds. Use grounds on the top layer of soil, or mix them with potting soil before planting. I started dumping coffee grounds on the aspens in the front yard. It could have been the late-summer rain and/or the grounds that helped the trees perk up.Compost: Grounds not only feed your plants and trees, but they can feed your compost bin (if you have one) also. Simply add compost piles to increase nitrogen balance. Coffee filters and tea bags (yes, I have both) will also break down fast during composting, I still don’t do the compost dance, but it’s on my list of to-do changes and coffee grounds and filters will be included. I continue to sprinkle grounds on one wilted aspen in the front yard, but so far it’s not showing signs of being a coffee lover…Insect Repellent: But tossing grounds on the deck, dirt, or sidewalks may have a faster effect. Again, it’s a risk to do this if you have indoor/outdoor dogs or cats, because you don’t want a sequel of the Ethiopian got herder’s dancing, frisky goats perked up by the caffeine in coffee.

5 Coffee Feng Shui TipsWelcome your home sweet home to the art of feng shui—the ancient Chinese art of placement—with a twist of joe.  By putting stuff in the right spots in your kitchen and other rooms you can enhance the flow of positive energy and zap negative vibes, brings you good health, happiness—and even fortune.·        Declutter Your Coffees. Rather than stuffing java beans all in one place, such as your pantry, I suggest storing it in a variety of places (including the freezer, and concealed containers in the fridge).  It works and keeps your kitchen clutter free.·        Use Coffee Art. Framed coffee prints can give your kitchen a nice, visual effect, especially if they boast Mediterranean colors: read, brown, gold, and blue.·        Flaunt Coffee Companions. Glass canisters filled with from biscotti to coffee candy look warm and inviting and are your friends whenever you decide to brew a cup of java.·        Brighten up with Lighting. Enjoy earthy coffee colors from a tan, light coffee on wood paneling. Fresh white curtains will lighten up the room and your energy. ·        Scent It Up: Coffee candles made with different aromas (like café au lait and hazelnut) will warm up your kitchen and linger from room to room.
[Excerpt from The Healing Powers of Coffee: AComplete Guide to Nature’s Surprising Superfood]