Author Archives: joanienaz

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About joanienaz

This is where I share my creative self.

Point Defiance Trail

Posted on April 14, 2014 by joanienaz

Yesterday we took a short hike on the Point Defiance Trail that starts along the north bank of the South Yuba River, near the covered bridge at Bridgeport. The area is accessed by Pleasant Valley Road, from either Highway 20 … Continue reading →

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Turtle Paradise

Posted on April 6, 2014 by joanienaz

The Red-eared Sliders that live in and around the pond where we take our daily walks provide me with an endless supply of entertainment. They were swimming around like crazy today, and are typically seen basking along the edge of … Continue reading →

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Exploring the Foresthill Divide

Posted on March 26, 2014 by joanienaz

Well, I’m patting myself on the back for getting out into the lovely early spring weather over the weekend. Now it is pouring much-needed rain, and the thermometer has plunged thirty degrees. Back to turtleneck weather. Sam and I drove … Continue reading →

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In Search of the Elusive, Healthy Cookie

Posted on March 20, 2014 by joanienaz

I haven’t posted any recipes on this site in quite a long time. Those of you who follow my antics know about my obsession with oatmeal cookies. What is an obsession, really, but an attempt to find/create/enjoy a memorable experience? … Continue reading →

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The Great Tulip Experiment

Posted on March 14, 2014 by joanienaz

The deer haven’t been around much this winter. It’s been so dry. Now that some late winter rain has greened things up, however, I’ve seen a couple here and there, and heard them outside the cabin at night. When the … Continue reading →

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A Wonderland of Moss

Posted on March 7, 2014 by joanienaz

Now that California is finally getting some rain, Spring has officially arrived ahead of schedule. Our latest quick storm brought thunder, lightning, and an overnight deluge to the northern part of the state on Thursday night. The Sierra Nevada mountains, while … Continue reading →

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Territorial Red-shouldered Hawk

Posted on March 2, 2014 by joanienaz

Earlier this week the sun was out and the birds were going crazy. Among the avian revelers in my yard was a Red-shouldered Hawk, one half of a pair that has been observed by us perched on the wires along … Continue reading →

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A Pond of Turtles

Posted on February 19, 2014 by joanienaz

Monday was Presidents Day, and a lovely day here in the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern California. As we took a stroll around a local pond, we were treated to a view of five turtles, scattered around the periphery and … Continue reading →

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The Nuthatch is Back

Posted on February 16, 2014 by joanienaz

After another night of rain (which is desperately needed here in northern California), I woke this morning to sunshine and birdsong. I went outside to see if I could capture the images of some of my feathered neighbors, and before … Continue reading →

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False Spring Has Sprung

Posted on February 5, 2014 by joanienaz

In between the rain that has arrived at last, I have been stalking the songbirds around the cabin this week. The light has been infuriating, but I am stubborn. The monochromatic Oak Titmouse, signature species of the oak woodland where … Continue reading →

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