california, Dog, Family, Hiking, holidays, Uncategorized, writing

Happy Gotcha Day, Owen: Ten Years of Love and Adventure

It is extraordinary for me to think that we are upon the ten-year anniversary of Owen's adoption from the Pasadena Humane Society. On January 8, 2013 we signed the adoption documents, and two days later, on January 10, we brought our sweet boy home. And the years flew by. Owen as a young pup Owen,… Continue reading Happy Gotcha Day, Owen: Ten Years of Love and Adventure

american west, california, Camping, Dog, Family, Hiking, holidays, Lunch, national parks, Opinion, outdoors, Style, traditions, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Happy Isles and a Happy Dog in the Season of the Sticks

Yosemite National Park is an inspiring place no matter the season, but there is something magical about the park in winter, with its sparkling snow-covered meadows against a backdrop of grey monoliths and towering evergreens. The girls and I had another opportunity to visit our perennial happy place with Owen this past weekend as we… Continue reading Happy Isles and a Happy Dog in the Season of the Sticks

american west, california, Dog, Family, midwest, national parks, Opinion, outdoors, parenting, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Ode to the Great American Road Trip

Car packed for a road trip in California #minivanlife With life returning to a new normal as Covid19 becomes more endemic and regional restrictions ease up, more folks are heading out on vacations. Some families are taking vacations that had been postponed as a result of the pandemic, while others are embracing a slower pace… Continue reading Ode to the Great American Road Trip

american west, california, Dog, dogs, Family, Hiking, outdoors, Pets, safety, Travel, Uncategorized, writing

Bailey Canyon Nature Trails

Into the woods This afternoon's Sunday adventure took me back to Bailey Canyon Park in Sierra Madre. This time we took Owen, and rather than heading up the challenging Bailey Canyon Trail to Jones Peak, we explored the family-friendly nature trails in Bailey Canyon Park. We headed up on Sunday mid-afternoon, after church and a… Continue reading Bailey Canyon Nature Trails

california, Camping, Dog, Hiking, outdoors, Travel, Uncategorized, Vacation, writing

Chino Hills State Park

After Owen's recent hospitalization at a veterinary hospital for pneumonia, we've been taking it easier when it comes to outdoor activity. It's been about a month since he came home, and while he's maintained his puppy-like sweet and playful spirit, his body is definitely slowing down. He is still quite active, and following a fun… Continue reading Chino Hills State Park