Stellar's Jays made a nest on our backyard light fixture. Watching the process from nest building up to fledging was quite entertaining. Twigs made the frame, then smaller pieces formed the nest. Eventually mud and grass lined the inside where four little eggs were then Continue Reading

That yellow dust is pine pollen. Each spring pine trees release yellow pollen sometimes so thick it looks like a cloud. It is harmless unless you have an adverse reaction to pollen. However it makes water look polluted and forget spring cleaning for a few weeks. I recommend Continue Reading

Happy July 4th. I was going through photos and came upon this shot I took years ago while skiing on July 4 in Alpine Meadows. The bear ran across Alpine Bowl just above Roundhouse. The man just in front is wearing the shirt they gave that year to the first 1000 skiers. Every Continue Reading

We feel fortunate to live full time in Northstar especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing changes how we interact with friends and clients, but we still are able enjoy what Northstar has to offer. While there was snow, x-c skiing through Martis Valley and Continue Reading

Preparing for winter's 300+ inches of annual snowfall and freezing temperatures helps protect your home from damage and heat loss plus makes life easier. Best to take these steps before the first snow... Detach all hoses from hose bibs and connect the hose ends Continue Reading

The air is filled with particles. It seems the layers keep coming back no matter how often you dust. The aspen this spring had more seeds than I have ever seen. Those fluffy pods looked like snow under the trees and accumulated in entry ways, creeped into corners, stuck to Continue Reading

Living with bears in Lake Tahoe Truckee area is a reality. They do roam freely and if residents follow certain steps, we can live together. With an estimated 35,000 bears, California has a healthy and growing black bear population. In spring, hibernating bears emerge Continue Reading