Cal Orey's Blog, page 55

Hello Alaska, Autumn Trip Looking Good

  By Cal Orey

UPDATE:  Today I got a message from the airlines... My booked trip got some changes. Earlier than later for departure -- and ALL big aircraft. This is a sign that I'm likely going to go. For now, COVID is not super high in the regions I'll be stopping -- including Seattle for a day/night. As noted in a past blog post, I did it! I booked a first-class flight to Anchorage. (I had flight miles saved.)  So, in November, off season, I'll bundle up, and hopefully flying, hotels, and nature tour(s) will be a bit more normal-ish. An outing to see the northern lights (praying for no cloud cover this time around) is number one...and perhaps, a glacier event. The flight routes are doable with less than more layovers. And, it's just meant to be... North to Alaska is calling like "The Call of the Wild."   Herbs and spices play a big role in my life and well-being in California -- and fresh seasonings were less than more in  December 2019, pre-pandemic era. My solo expedition en route from Lake Tahoe to Alaska aka “The Last Frontier” finally happened.  As I traveled through hurricane-force winds, an almost flight diversion to Fairbanks, I anticipated fresh and exciting herbs and fish, northern lights, and a moose sighting. Sometimes, fantasies are healthier than real life...

In Anchorage at 9:00 a.m., I sat in my hotel room bed on the seventeenth floor overlooking downtown, and Chugach Mountains—but it was dark. The city was shut down due to icy roads, no snow. It was the warmest day since 1952.

I called room service. No freshly squeezed orange juice with fresh mint sprigs or coffee lattes with fresh spices. You will not likely find garden-fresh herbal treasures in December. Blame it on the lack of sunlight. Fresh food is expensive if it’s imported. And that’s not all . . . 

The last night I was nursing a sore throat. Blame it on frigid air blowing down on my bed in a pricey suite. I went with the flow… ordered a Greek pizza. It had chunks of real garlic! Another herbal highlight of the Alaska adventure was finding an artisan chocolate shop. I bought a peri-cayenne pepper truffle, caramelized pear saffron chocolate, and a white square of chocolate with pink peppercorn. The cayenne and dark chocolate gave me the gift of those feel-good endorphins and soothed my raw throat that hurt when swallowing. Both garlic and cayenne made me feel better.

 

Inside My Seasoned Cabin for Almost Three Years

           These days, I’m dreaming about revisiting Alaska. Booked! Ironically, it was going to be Fairbanks (I still can switch the flight plan) to up the odds of seeing the green and blue colored sky also known as the aurora borealis. And I'm ready for dried herbs, such as the parsley, pepper, and paprika -- and six hours of daylight.

It took an adventurous trip through a hurricane-force storm up to Alaska for me to appreciate fresh seasonings year-round that I have right at home inside my cabin. But dried herbs and spices are fine. You can’t always get what you want but you get what you need. 

This time around, maybe I will get that moose sighting and the northern lights. It's not during Mercury Retrograde and well, you never know what you're going to be challenged with when traveling. But cabin fever is getting to me. It's time to put on my jeans, sweaters, neck scarf and get on at jet plane to go north to Alaska!

Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is  http://www.calorey.com .

TEA and HONEY Bestseller Books on Summer Sale (ebook)

  By Cal Orey

In March 2022, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices got noticed in Mother Earth News. Then, The Healing Powers of Essential Oils was featured in the popular magazine FIRST FOR WOMEN (one of seven favorite books).  And two bestselling timeless books--TEA and HONEY-- in the Healing Powers Series haven't been ignored. No way.  These four  books out of nine, are must-haves to spring into a the end days of summer and edge into autumn... Don't forget The Healing Powers of Superfoods...
For the past months, The Healing Powers of Honey and The Healing Powers of  Tea have been graced with the BEST SELLER banner on the Amazon.com.com website. I also found a huge synopsis of the HONEY book; it was a synopsis quite well done and comprehensive linked to Newsmax.com/honey and Newsmax.com/tea offers the gift books. 


* Both TEA and HONEY have gone back to press many times.*HONEY is now available in audiobook format.
* In the past months, The Healing Powers of Honey hit #1 in many categories on amazon. 



 Not to forget the "Tahoe Daily Tribune" shared an excerpt about honey cures from the honey book--and locals enjoyed it. After all, we are coping with the  allergies, erratic poor air quality, and the viruses in the mountains around Lake Tahoe. But nature's remedies, like in the Healing Powers Series, come to the rescue.
So there you have it. Tea and honey continue to get attention. And that does not surprise me but it makes me happy. Two years ago, when I was in Alaska, it was chamomile tea and honey lozenges that kept me well while surrounded by people coughing and sniffling, from airport to airport. I stayed well.

Alaska Trip Coming Up for the Fall! Northern Lights? Moose? PNW Plus!

  By Cal Orey

Coming to Seward to find a moose  Did I go to Anchorage? Did I view the Northern Lights and taste Alaskan salmon with fresh thyme?   Find out in the adventurous stories behind that trip (and Dr. Will Clower's tales about sailing around the world and savoring seasonings) in my #9 Healing Powers series book -- Herbs & Spices. 

I penned this blog post a few years ago. Funny, how things don't always go to plan. I canceled the Alaska trip twice: Once was due to the 100 mph rare storm; second a 7.0 earthquake. So, booked again. I did end up going to Ontario, Canada and it was a bumpy ride which I'll touch on in the new book I'm completing. 
Today, I am home with my family. It's a low-key celebration. Plenty of B-day wishes on FB that make me feel, uh, appreciated.  Baking apple spice scones. Working on book #9 (Healing Powers Series). And cuddling with my beloved Aussie and Siamese makes me happy. I have Alaska to look forward to (a gift from the airline).

For the past few years, as the Healing Powers series author traveling for research for new stories to share to book signings, I've had a love affair with Eastern and Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. With some flight miles saved I knew I was going to go somewhere in the early fall for a getaway, my birthday, and to celebrate the completion of my book on tea. 
At first, it looked like Cleveland and Ontario, Canada was the destination. But then it just didn't seem to be my fantasy because it would take light years and small aircraft to get across the border.  And I waited...

I sent a message to the Barnes and Noble bookstore manager in Anchorage, Alaska, mentioning my the release of my new book The Healing Powers of Vinegar, 3rd edition. After all, it was my sibling who said: "Why don't you go somewhere cool, different--like Alaska?" I waited for a response. But the days turned into a week, two weeks. I assumed it was a no go. 


Then, one day while retrieving e-mails, there was one message--not the Barnes and Noble from Cleveland (I passed) with the words in the subject title "Anchorage, Alaska." I opened it like a Christmas present. The rest is history. I accepted the invitation for a book signing. I booked a flight. I booked a hotel room. I booked a nature tour. But it tanked due to the superstorm and superquake. 

The bottom line: Third attempt. I am booked again for Alaska this year.  It's one dream ready to come true. But the question remains: Who is going to break the news to my Aussie. 

TEA TIME--Nature’s Sun Tea (with Honey)

By Cal Orey
The trend is savoring comfort foods and nutritious nibbles during these crazy times. I almost  whipped up a batch of sweet peanut butter cookies or a peach cobbler. Then, I pondered, “Why?  pack on pandemic pounds?” So, nostalgia hit and I recalled calming, sweet “Sun Tea” and decided if you were to come visit me at the cabin, I’d serve up tea. No cookies.

 In the summers of the carefree pre-pandemic days, I’d spend time at my neighbor’s house around the corner. Her back yard was an Adam and Eve picturesque utopia, surrounded by fruit trees, flowers, and an herbal garden. One afternoon she was brewing tea outside. The black tea blend with a fruit tea made a bright orange-red colored liquid inside a mason jar with a clamped lid, steeping in the sunshine. She added honey, slices of lemon, and ice cubes. The citrusy aroma lingered in the air. With the afternoon sun, a dog basking on the shady deck, I felt a sense of calmness. She called it “Sun Tea” and it enabled me to transcend to a peaceful place like sitting on one of our beaches in the sunshine, and sipping a cold beverage.

An easy way to brew tea from nature’s gift is to use the sun for its heat—and brew tea naturally. This is my new herbal version with a twist of local honey and sweet oranges—rich in immune-boosting vitamin C and antioxidants which you can enjoy to ward off variants that lurk around us everywhere.

Sun Tea

6 cups cold water, fresh tap or bottled

3 black tea bags

Glass jar (large enough to hold 48 ounces)

1 herbal tea bag (I used chamomile and lavender)

1 ½ cups ice, small cubes

Ebook sale for Honey at amazon Orange wedges, for garnish

Basil or rosemary sprigs or traditional mint leaves

6 8-ounce iced tea glasses

Honey to taste (I used orange blossom honey)

Place water and tea bags in a glass jar with a clamp lid, cover, and put in direct sunlight for three to five hours. Once sun brewed, removed the tea bags and chill tea in the refrigerator. Put iced cubes about one-fourth full into tea glasses. Pour tea over the ice and add orange wedges and herb sprigs or leaves. Add honey. Serves six. *Toss leftovers after 24 hours for safety’s sake.

I apologize for not serving up yummy cookies or  cobbler. But you know what? Once you brew Sun Tea and sit back in your happy place – you and your mind and body will thank me or Mother Nature.

Cal Orey, M.A. is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, and Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. The Healing Powers Series is featured by Newsmax. Her website is  http://www.calorey.com .

Herbs and Spices Number 9 Book Best for Summer (Healing Powers Series)

       By Cal Orey

UPDATE: Newsmax is offering The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices as a GIFT BOOK. And it was debuted in the 2021 July issue of Newsmax Magazine!   And now on Amazon website -- Summer Must-Have! And July 17, 2021? Walmart graces the book with a Best Seller banner (again)! It's the go-to guide for summer-fall... Plus, Herbs and Spices has now made its way into 120 plus libraries worldwide (dozens of branches)! 'Tis the season(ing) to spice it up for heart, immune health and to slim down and healthy up year-round.
Best SellerProduct Image

This gem made its way through the news. On April 7, an article interviewing the author Cal Orey hit Huffington Post...and the piece was picked up by New York Daily, NY Daily Post, City Buzz, and even more online mags and newspapers! 

The new and timely release (yes, McCormick recently shared its Old Bay Seasoning is "hot"). People are still home-cooking more than ever! The reader-friendly book is now in more than 87 libraries worldwide (multiple copies, checked out); Woman's World Book Club approved Feb. 1 issue; reviewed by Booklist; 100% like it on Goodreads; major media outlet is on board carrying copies; Walmart gave it a Best Seller banner for 2 weeks; Best Seller in top 100 health books on Amazon this month; featured in magazines/newspapers...and the year is young. #9 (Series) The book that'll whisk you away!

Product ImageBest SellerProduct TitleThe Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices (Walmart website)Cal OreyISBN10: 0806540486ISBN: 9780806540481Format:Paperback


The mega-popular Healing Powers series from bestselling nutrition writer Cal Orey continues with its 9th installment, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices, exploring the many ways fresh herbs in your fridge and dried spices in your kitchen cupboard can provide medicinal powers, home cures, weight loss benefits, beauty treatments, and adventurous flavors and textures to enhance plant-based dishes. 
And during the pandemic there is a spice surge because of the home-cooking comeback! The key to vibrant health for all generations is in your kitchen...
Anise, bay leaf, garlic, parsley, turmeric, and more (I use a lot of the McCormick classic brand) --for thousands of years, herbs and spices have been praised for preserving and flavoring food, as well as preventing and curing illnesses. The latest research reveals that the seasonings already in your pantry--or easily found fresh in your supermarket or garden--can lower your risk for cancer, heart disease, and obesity. This A-to-Z guide catalogues the most popular and versatile herbs and spices, drawn from the Mediterranean Diet but suitable for any diet plan. You will learn how to harness herbalism to heal your body and mind.

Discover how to use nature's gifts including allspice, chives, fennel, oregano, pepper, tarragon, saffron, and special blends like Herbes de Provence to:

●Bring abundant zest to your table while lowering your cholesterol, balancing your blood sugar, and revving up your metabolism--at any age!
●Ward off colds and flu, banish a hacking cough, and even ease PMS or menopause woes, by adding tasty plant therapy to your favorite food or drink.
●Lessen your anxiety and boost your mood with aromatic natural ingredients found in dried and fresh flavorings.
●Soothe aches and pains without harmful side effects--and trigger feel-good endorphins--using sweet and savory garnishes, including edible flowers.
●Create in-home spa treatments using the same herbal potions featured at luxury spa resorts.
Caraway Breadsticks, anyone? How about Cilantro Lime Slaw, Herbal Greek Bean Soup, or Roasted Paprika Cornish Hens? With over 50 taste-tempting recipes, along with personal stories and fascinating historical anecdotes on medicinal uses dating back to biblical times, The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices is your go-to guide to embracing limitless energy and healthy longevity while feasting on memorable meals full of aroma and deliciousness!

Feng Shui in the Summertime for Harmony

  By Cal Orey, The Writing Gourmet

“ In the childhood memories of every good cook, there's a large kitchen, a warm stove, a simmering pot and a mom. ” --  Barbara Costikyan
So, here I am fantasizing about a booked trip to Alaska in autumn and enjoying parts of summer. Living at Tahoe has its perks but this season comes with challenges. Yosemite is burning again. And again. This time it's bigger and badder... Evacuations are happening again. The air quality is not holding its own here. I woke up a 6 a.m. to let the dog outdoors and the sky was like fog in Monterey but we're at Tahoe. I knew it meant wildfire -- and I was right.     Booked a room in Los Gatos but held back. Maybe just maybe with a bit of luck it will be contained sooner than later. It's estimated by July 30 but so far zero percent.    I suppose a go bag is in order but I continue to complete another book based in the South -- where the state sits on the New Madrid fault, has hot and humid summers, and tornadoes. Wherever you are there are challenges...I was taught that rude awakening fact when I was a teenager. It's true. So, using a bit of practical magic my help a bit.Into the home and it's time for some feng shui...
The kitchen is oh-so much cleaner thanks to the mega cleanup and feng shui moves I've been making. Simply put, feng shui is the ancient Chinese art of placement. Its goal is to bring you harmony. By putting stuff in the right spots in your kitchen (and outside of it for a different oasis for your mood in the morning, afternoon, night) may enhance the flow of positive energy and zap negative vibrations. The end result: good health, happiness, and fortune. 
Read on--you, too, can enjoy a well-balanced kitchen that feels good from head to toe like I recall enjoying as a little girl...

1. Use Eco-friendly Vinegar and Olive Oil Cleaners. For starters, turn on your fave tunes and use the headphone. Brew a cup of iced tea or piece of quality chocolate (70% cacao) and it will boost your energy and mood...Then, it's time to clean your kitchen from top to bottom with natural stuff. You'll be doing you, yours, and Mother Nature a favor. Using nontoxic vinegar can help you to: lose the ants; clean stainless steel, get rid of dust, and keep fresh flowers longer. By keeping it green it will provide you with better health and energy. Tons of good for you cleaning tips for indoors-outdoors can be found in my books--especially the Healing Powers series. Don't forget to freshen up your dried spices. Out with the old and in with the new for more flavor and aroma.2. Declutter Your Stuff. Ditto. Getting rid of things you don't use will up your energy. It's true. You feel lighter with less kitchen baggage, starting fresh is liberating. I cleaned out both the fridge and freezer. Add a fresh box of baking soda to soak up odors. Then, I tackled the pantry and tossed out olive oil, pasta, rice, soup, gourmet spices (yep, I sadly discovered they don't last forever) and anything else that expired...What's the saying: Out with the old and in with the new.
3. Clean the Stovetop and Oven. This was a chore but it feels right to have the stovetop shine. (My Stepford Wife colors are starting to show.) The inside of the oven is sparkling, too. Writing Gourmet Tip: If you must use toxic oven cleaner, go over it with the natural stuff. Trust me, this is a feel-good must-do before warming up to those cooler days 'n' nights of unforgettable autumn baking and cooking (breads, muffins, casseroles, etc.). Add cookbooks--the Healing Powers Series--9 books will just about do it!4. Brighten Up with Lighting. During the colder days without sun you'll want to have sunny-type lighting which can up your energy and mood--linked to good health. Go for full spectrum light bulbs. No summer blues or other pesky problems. Speaking of lightening up...5. Boost Your Mood with Plants. To help wipe out pollutants in your kitchen, fill your space with hardy, happy plants. Your best bet during the fall: philodendrons. They do well in the Sierras unlike Boston Ferns (which I love). Ah, and fresh herbs for summertime light, flavorful cooking is a must! In the window sills, please.6. Bring on the Water. Fish aquariums provide positive energy in the dining room, especially with a gentle filter Ever notice Asian restaurants and the calming ambiance of fish?7. Fish, Fish, Fish. Today, I read that goldfish can bring you good luck and prosperity. In fact, nine is the lucky number. The colors? Gold and one black one. (Go smaller rather than bigger in size = less cleaning.) My kitchen/dining room/study all are connected. So, the fish aquarium is a pleasant, calming treat for all three rooms. (Goldfish, betta, mollies, snails, frog, catfish--all small and all happy.) 8. Bring Out the Fresh Fruit. I've got several plump healthful seasonal fruits on display and ready to eat or use in recipes, such as apples, grapefruits, lemons, oranges, peaches, and plums placed in a bowl or two. Fresh artichokes to tomatoes adds a nice touch. According to feng shui wizards a full bowl may lead to a full life. Translation: Display pretty bowls with plenty of pretty fruit. Empty bowls with just a few pieces of not so nice fruit not so good. And oranges? Nine is the lucky number I've read...Put 'em in a wooden bowl and on the kitchen or dining room table. (Note: If they're pricey, purchase the ones in a bag. Save the separate, sweet and juicy ones for eating.)9. Conceal Knives and Scissors. My father gave me a black and white marble knife block, cutting board, and rolling pin. I love it. But the knives are out of sight. Bad vibes, say feng shui folks. 10. Hanging Pots and Pans. Today, my cooking stuff is hanging on the wall in an arrangement. But I'm thinking about getting one of those artsy-looking overhead pots and pans hanger. If so, I will not, nor should you hang it over your workspace. Not good energy, or so they feng shui gurus claim. Personal Note: Add a cat and rustic table to get that Hemingway vibe going.
11. Hide the Gadgets. Too many kitchen items can clutter up all that positive declutteringyou did. So, choose your favorites and recycle as you use 'em. Or, you can always get a Kitchen Island. I'm thinking a rustic, wooden Mediterranean type. It would be modest, wooden, but eye-catching, and a great place to stack some kitchen gadgets, and a workspace.12. Hang Wind Chimes with Crystals. I brought one of mine in from the deck--and put it above the kitchen windows. The one I chose is of a sun with a face. It makes me smile every time I look at Mr. Sunshine. Feng shui  enthusiasts recommend hanging chimes in the doorway to the kitchen or over the stove sings good energy.

A Quest for the Perfect Ready-To-Drink Tea

By Cal Orey

One Tahoe summer day I picked up a Ready-To-Drink Tea beverage at the local supermarket. I was being adventurous and didn’t care about a brand or flavor. I did want “natural” though. I picked out a large container of a nondescript brand tea.

So, the nutrition label welcomed me with some good things, and not so good things: “No preservatives, sweetened with sugar.” But I scrutinized the nutrition label and read: “Filtered water, sugar, tea concentrate, caramel color tea essence, and malic acid.” Then, I read: “32 grams sugar and 38 milligrams sodium” per 12-ounce serving and 120 calories! It wasn’t my cup of perfect tea (I should have selected a lemony-tea with fun flavors, black tea and unsweetened.)

So, I poured 4 ounces of ready to drink organic lemonade into a 16-ounce cup and filled up the rest with the RTD tea for the hot August day. It was easy (no effort of brewing, straining, washing a kettle or teapot) and took me back to my childhood swimming days and Arnold Palmers with Dad. And, I was surprised at the clean taste of the ready-to-drink tea beverage.

The next day, I tried another brand: Snapple All-Natural Lemon Tea made from green and black tea; 16 ounces give you 10 milligrams sodium, 150 calories, 36 grams of sugar, 42 milligrams of caffeine, filtered water, sugar, citric acid, and natural flavors. The result: “Hello, my name is Cal. I am a part-time RTD fanatic. I love this stuff!” I prefer 8 ounces to cut the sugar, calories, and caffeine; and include the ready-to-drink teas (like this one) in my tea cupboard for busy and/or hot summer days for the energy, tart taste, and convenience of not having to turn on a stove when it’s 85 degrees or hotter.

Fast forward to now. The Snapple All-Natural Lemon Tea made from green and black tea is AWOL on the South Shore! I cannot find it. So, I searched the stores online. I ordered two cartons (six bottles each). Very pricey: 21.00! Two days later: The tea arrived on my doorstep. Surprise! The brand has changed it up! Baby plastic bottles, and no green and black tea noted on the label. I tried writing and calling the company but got nowhere.

So, I went back to Plan B. I found the organic lemonade at Safeway for the taste and convenience of it. Then, I did brew black tea. I mixed it up – and it’s a done deal. I have my RTD lemon tea.

My Dad’s Arnold Palmer

1/2 cup lemonade (I used an all-natural organic brand)

1 cup black tea (I used Bigalow)

Honey (local), to taste (super for summertime allergens) 

Product Image   Best Seller

: The Healing Powers of Honey: The Healthy & Green ChoiceAverage Rating:(0.0)out of5starsProduct SpecAuthors:Cal OreyISBN10: 1496712544ISBN: 9781496712547Format:Paperback  (Walmart)Discover Honey's Amazing Bee-Healthy Powers and Disease-Fighting Antioxidants for Immune and Heart Health

Ice, cubes or crushed

Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and lemon wedges

In a tall glass (or mug), pour lemonade, tea, and honey Stir. Add ice. Garnish. Serves one.

The bottom line: RTD Teas are available in a variety of teas and flavors with or without lemon and sweeteners. These teas are available at major grocery stores, superstore, and convenient stores. Bottled beverages, like RTDS, can be tempting when you’re on the go --  healthier pick than sugary sodas. But keep in mind they can include more sugar and fewer antioxidants than a homemade glass of brewed tea, which give you control over what goes into it.

For the rest of the summer, my plan is to savor my semi-homemade version of the Arnold Palmer -- a non-alcoholic drink that is a mix of iced tea and lemonade. This beverage is a tribute to the famous pro golfer and my father, who, like me, ordered this feel-good, lemon tea beverage with a kick.

Adapted from The Healing Powers of Tea (published by Kensington).

-- Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is http://www.calorey.com.

Western Wildfires--On the Rise Everywhere in California

 I Forecasted Calif. Wildfires for the Summer

I Can Feel the Earth Move

By Cal Orey

 Western Wildfires… On the Rise?

Perhaps, there is something to global warming and we will see more effects including more wildfires during the summer into the fall. – 2013 Forecasts, Cal Orey January Oracle 20-20

The news is, Western wildfires are becoming “more immense” than ever before.  This summer, science gurus claim the Arizona wildfire and other fires burning in the West are not an earthshaking surprise as the planet gets hotter.  And, of course, warmer temperatures and drought are not to be ignored during a longer fire season.

In July, more than 24 wildfires are burning in the West (including Colorado, Southern California, and Nevada), many triggered by the heat wave, lack of humidity, and winds.  One unforgettable wildfire in Arizona, took the lives of 19 firefighters in the mountain town of Yarnell.

Worse, the U.S. Forest Service notes wildfires in the West are more commonplace than a half a century ago. So, are Western wildfires really raging out of control?  Read on—find out the lowdown on terrifying and destructive summer/fall wildfires and Mother Nature.

GLOBAL WARMING TO BLAME—OR NOT?

Like many of the effects attributed to global warming, fires have been occurring for many years—with and without man’s help. Yes, surprisingly, the world as had its share of fires before you were born and before industrialization of the 20th century.

In nature, lightning causes a number of fires every year. Whether we like it or not, fires actually serve a purpose in the environment. A forest not gardened out or not subject to brush clearing fire on a regular basis will develop a ground cover which can cause an extremely hot, low fire that sterilizes the soil when a fire eventually does occur.

The main complaint in the thinly stretched global-warming-leads-to-more-fires chain is that fires created by global warming will have a negative effect on the total count up of species, ecosystems, and peoples’ habitat in a given location. And that’s not all…

 FIRE SEASON IS GETTING BIGGER, BADDER

Some researchers believe that some areas of the world, including the western United States should prepare themselves for more wildfires.  It doesn’t take a savvy scientist to tell you that wacky weather and rising temperatures thanks to the below average snowfall in the Western states is partially to blame for wildfires in the past and future. While weather is a key factor, the jury is still out whether Western states are victims of climate change.

Whether you live in the Western states or East Coast, Deep South, or Midwest, wildfires may affect you one day.  Take a look at these factoids, straight from the website http://www.smokeybear.com/wildfires.asp—and find out what you can do to stay aware of a problem on our planet that appears to be on the rise.

Facts on Fires:

In 2011, there were 10,249 wildfires caused by lightning, but 63,877 wildfires caused by human error (as reported to the National Interagency Fire Center).

In 2011, more than 8.7 million acres burned due to wildfires in the U.S. More than 5.4 million acres burned due to human-caused wildfires.

 Common ways YOU could unintentionally start a wildfire

unattended debris burning

equipment fires such as from lawnmowers, ATVs, power equipment

smoking

unattended campfires

fireworks

carelessly discarding fireplace or BBQ ashes

For more information:   https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/202... a native Californian, I know the danger of wildfires. More than 30 years ago, I lived in Santa Cruz Mountains, Calif.  In the summertime, the High Fire Danger signs were a constant reminder that our community was a victim of wildfires. In 1991, I was on the beat as a journalist for the deadly Oakland Firestorm—an unforgettable event that affected homes, people and their pets. And in 2007, I ended up evacuating South Lake Tahoe, to avoid the drama of the Angora Fire...and the Caldor Fire was horrific as we almost lost our town after the mandatory evacuation.

While fire season is not over, and the wildfires continue to spread, this year may or may not be one that goes down in history.  As wildfires break out in the states West of me, I cannot help but wonder, “Are we next?” The sound of sirens and plumes of smoke have me and my pets on guard. I know living in the forest I am too close for comfort and a wildfire during the summer and fall can become a harsh reality of living in paradise.

(August issue Oracle 20-20 Magazine, by Cal Orey)

2022 Forecasts Made in January Coming True (Solar Storm Predicted for July 19)

 2022 FORECASTS 

By Cal Orey

It's Happening--Solar storms, variants, air quality affected by wildfires in the West, food supply woes...

As the New Year greets us, it’s time. It’s the year to buckle up, get comfortable, and prepare for Mother Earth’s twists and turns.  While 2021 shook up the world with West Coast wildfires, Midwest twisters, and a blizzard in Hawaii to continual quakes and tsunami warnings in the Pacific Ring of Fire, this year unfortunately may be a sequel. So, sit down, cozy up, sip a cup of tea and breathe...

The happenings in 2022 will often be linked to two words “climate change” but also history will repeat itself in many regions around the globe. It is the year to get your go bag to be ready to experience the fight-or-flight response during eye-opening events. That means  snowstorms, shakers, twisters, and hurricanes in odd places that’ll get “ohs” and “ahs” – and make international news. Last year was likely a drill.

So, dear readers, keep your ears and eyes open for anything unimaginable because it is almost certain humanity is going to be blindsided by shocking happenings each season. It’s a year that will be unforgettable.

 

“The Extreme” Ride of Predictions

Earthquakes

 

* Scientists know the San Andreas is overdue for a major earthquake and as they say, “It’s not if but when” the Golden State moves. The regions to get a big jolt include: offshore Northern California, the San Francisco Bay Area (East Bay, South Bay or coastal regions near the San Andreas Fault – and Southern California (Greater Los Angeles or near coast and, of course, the Salton Sea).

* In December 2021, an aggressive swarm or earthquake struck offshore Oregon. It’s possible it could have been foreshadow for the Cascadia Subduction Zone to wake up and shock people with a great quake like it did in the 1700s.

* Europe is often challenged by major earthquakes. At least one Mediterranean great shaker will hit the region and be felt in multiple countries.

* Finally, the Pacific Ring of Fire will be on a huge roll that explodes with volcanic activity, shakers, and tsunami warnings to the real waves.

 

Rain and Snow Events

As Earth changes continue to shock us, in 2022, according to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts reports drier, warmer temperatures in the South, a wetter North, and drought may linger in the West.

The West Coast has experienced a historical dry period but this may be the year to change it up and welcome needed rain – but it still may not be enough for tourism or crops. At the end of 2021, the Pacific Northwest was slammed with rain, while California got its overdue snowstorm(s).  While the regions embraced the help of water, it will come with flooding (especially flash floods in  burn areas from wildfires). Also, all of the entire West Coast is not immune to mudslides, coastal erosion – chunks of Earth will fall into the Pacific Ocean – and avalanches in the sierras.  

Speaking of snow, the Deep South states will experience unusual snow, hail, and some flooding. And, European countries will get noteworthy rainfall and unprecedented flooding, especially in coastal regions in any season or all four seasons.

 

Hurricanes, Tornadoes, and Wildfires

 Hurricanes will happen and not in the likely Gulf States. This year expect Hawaii may get the newsworthy Category 5. And, NOAA agrees, the Atlantic seaboard folks may be boarding up and hunkering down unless there is time to evacuate. At least two historical hurricanes will shock the world and leave unbelievable destruction. Tornado outbreaks will be part of nature’s wrath.

Wildfire season is now an annual challenge – it’s no longer just smoky skies during summertime in the Western regions. Worse, unhealthy air quality is part of the new normal. People up and down the West Coast will likely migrate because living indoors 24/7 with air purifiers running and facing the ill effects of hazardous air outside while being surrounded by wildfires is no way to live.

 

 Despite the crazy Earth events (blame changes in the Universe), as always, humanity will be forced to be self-reliant. And yes, the ongoing pandemic, virus and its variants will cause more challenges and chaos for the world.       That means more people are growing their own food, leaving big cities and our diet will become more plant-based as the supply chain of food will be shaky. It’s the year of challenges (and putting plans to travel on hold). But survival of the fittest (stock your pantry and medical kit for people and beloved pets) will get us through this year – and 2022 will undoubtedly go down in history books.

 

 On the Fringe

So, as we all cope with surreal climate chaos you may wonder, “What else is in the stars” – and surprises are in store. I’m talking a major, earthshaking solar event – solar flares may be the culprit or something related. Now this could be a minor solar storm or a shutdown the Earth event. That means, blackouts, communication lines affected, to disturbance for airline flights and road travel. The solar storm may wreak havoc for a while that’ll affect the world.

And note, in 2022, Mercury goes into retrograde four times: Jan. 14 and ends Feb. 3. May 10 to June 2; Sept. 9 to Oct. 2; and Dec. 29 and end Jan. 18, 2023. So, plan ahead for these periods. Expect rough air and avoid non-essential travel to making major financial or legal decisions, and be ready for miscommunication at work or play. Best advice: Chill, this too shall pass and we all may welcome 2023.
BIO: CAL OREY, M.A. Meet a versatile non-fiction health author who also pens fiction: True Crime, Humor, Romance, Sci-Fi & Adventure, and creative non-fiction thrillers based on real events, including historical, political and science topics... Plus the writer is a known on-air personality...NEW RELEASE: The Healing Powers of Herbs & Spices: Timeless Treasures #9 was published in 2021 by Kensington... It has made its way to being a pick in Woman's World Magazine Book Club, and covered by Booklist, American Global News, GlobalInformerNews, NYC Daily Post, New York Daily, City Buzz News, Huffington Post, on board with Newsmax, and in more than 200 libraries worldwide... Orey also holds two degrees in English-Creative Writing from SFSU. She is the sole author of the "hugely successful" Healing Powers Series, nine books have been graced with online bookstore Bestseller banners; (translated in 25+ languages), many featured by Good Cook and Literary Guild book clubs to Newsmax media.

24 Things I Learned Living in the Mountains

 By Cal Orey

Back in the summer of 1999, I left the fast-paced San Francisco Bay Area and moved to Lake Tahoe. I knew it would be a different lifestyle than being a city girl. But wow, little did I get that being self reliant is part of survival. So, today I made a list of things I've learned to do that if you told me it would happen two decades ago--I wouldn't have believed it. At all. So, here is my short list of things you have to do for yourself for self-preservation.


24 DIY Things for Surviving Lake Tahoe
1. I became an online shopping addict before the Amazon Prime era. (Yep, they snagged me, too.)
2. I ditched my waterbed for comfort and learned how amazing a bed layered with comforters, a heated blanket is a sanctuary to love during the cold months to endure minus 10 temperatures.
3. I mastered the art of how to make a perfect crackling fire in an old rock fireplace fit for a tom boy-type princess.
4. I made a faux garden in the short summers; it is rustic and fits in with summer vacation homeowners. Read: solar lights, river rock, solar lit umbrellas with wrought iron chairs and a table.
5. I planted trees and they lived...
6. ... I called authorities and complained about newbie mountain  people who killed healthy pine trees for more space.
7. I allowed a wayward battered woman in my home and called the police for help because nobody else wanted to get involved. It was a sign that people can still treat their neighbor right.
8. I evacuated the Angora Wildfire and took two dogs and one cat; lost two beloved fish and Tahoe trees.
9. I experienced a 4.8 and two strong 5.7 earthquakes and lived to tell my stories of predicting these shakers on national radio; I went on a West Coast book tour with the man who predicts earthquakes.
10. I survived a three day power outage with two dogs and was okay. (I lost 200 bucks worth of food; no burying perishables in snow doesn't work.)
11. I didn't melt and die living without a man for 20 years...and I feel like I am still a sexy, vibrant woman of God.
12. I loved and lost three warmhearted Brittany spaniels (I thought I was going to depart Earth with a broken heart when I lost number three); not to forget Alex and Kerouac, two cats, and a variety of fish...
13. ...My heart healed thanks to a loving and fluffy Australian Shepherd and sensitive rescue Siamese kitty.

14.  I learned to use my intuition and work two psychic networks; one in the U.K. (I have mastered the art of understanding the accents and countless dialects.)
15. I survived the Great Recession in 2008; I worked for a luxury real estate firm similar to the film "The Devil Wears Prada"--then my publisher rescued me. (Karma for the cat.)
16. I was a magazine journalist; now I am the author of a book series which ignited in 2000...
17. ...I landed number nine book on V-Day and in love with my eight books who are like human children I forgot to make.
18. I can shovel snow, sort of and make trails on the deck and yards. But I'm not a real mountain woman. Read: I still scream when I break a nail.
19. I learned to love thunderstorms in the summer; and taught my dog and cat to go with the flow and tune out loud noises and the novelty of Fourth of July.
20. I revived my natural girl cooking and baking skills; and I am the author of a food column in the local newspaper.
21. I found my wanderlust  spirit; I have gone to British Columbia (Vancouver and Victoria), Washington, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, and will be going to Eastern Canada--if Mother Nature chills or should I say warms up.
22. I swam in the snow outdoors and indoors--and loved it.
23. I won 2000 bucks playing the dollar slot machines and sensed I would win that day that convinced me I really am psychic.
24. I learned that living in a small town of 21,000 people is bliss if you get off the hill to another region and come back to enjoy nature's paradise and solitude.