mermaidcamp
Keeping current in wellness, in and out of the water
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Dream Dog Beach
October 5, 2025
In Oregon the beach belongs to the state and cannot be private. Dogs are allowed to go off leash with reasonable behavior expected. Our dog Charlie is a huge fan of beach trips, feeling the need to greet all humans as well as canine visitors. He’s allowed to play with mutually consenting dogs. Today he met a one year old female dog from Texas who made him ecstatic. She is a great athlete who loves running as much as he does. His parents bring him here to run at the beach, all the way from Ft. Worth. She was his dream date.
Boulder Falls Healing Garden
October 3, 2025
In Lebanon, Oregon an exceptionally stunning Japanese garden grows that has been designed for healing. Arranged around a koi pond with fountains and waterfalls are rocks, trees, and floral gardens that provide privacy in serene beauty for those seeking healthier lives. The garden is connected to a hotel and conference center on a medical campus, Best Western Boulder Falls Inn. It’s popular for weddings and other special occasions as well as giving guests who are at the hospital for care a place to heal. It’s a brilliant idea and an unforgettable experience. We spent one night on our way out of Oregon. Enjoying the garden and koi pond was a superb way to begin our journey. The staff is courteous and professional, and the hotel is comfortable and well designed. The garden is what sets it apart from all other hotels. The dog loved it there.
Best Dog Park Ever
October 1, 2025
We are on the road with our dog, looking for a good time. We found it at Minto-Brown Island off leash dog park in Salem, Oregon . I frequent dog parks as a pet sitter so I have visited a wide range of facilities designed for dogs. Never have I seen such an elaborate space for canine contentment. Charlie agrees. This place is the total bomb. Old orchards of apple, walnut, cherry, and chestnuts surround a giant field of grass. Pathways through this forest are part of the off leash privileges. It’s very exciting to the dogs to be free in this setting. He met many fun and friendly people and dogs, who ran with him until he was exhausted.
I cannot recommend this park highly enough. Charlie woofs in hearty agreement.
Intuitive Astrology Forecast for September 2018 by Tanaaz September holds the vibration of number 9. In numerology, number 9 represents the completion phase before a new cycle begins, and that is exactly what September has in store for us all.
via Intuitive Astrology Forecast for September 2018 — In a Love World
Intuitive Astrology Forecast for September 2018 — In a Love World
September 19, 2018
Orion the Hunter returns before dawn By Deborah Byrd Around early August, if you’re up early and have an unobstructed view to the east, be sure to look in that direction in the hour before dawn. You might find a familiar figure – a constellation that always returns to the sky around this time of year. It’s the […]
via Your Earth Sky News for August 1: Orion the Hunter returns before dawn — Witches Of The Craft®
Your Earth Sky News for August 1: Orion the Hunter returns before dawn — Witches Of The Craft®
August 1, 2018
New Moon in Pisces This Week
March 12, 2018
— 1 Comment
Between the waning Moon and Pisces Season winding to a close, there may be a tinge of melancholy in the air this week. The New Moon in Pisces on Saturday is more about looking back rather than ahead and won’t do much to lighten the mood. One big change is Mars leaving fiery Sagittarius for […]
#WeekendCoffeeShare, Quick Break Edition
March 11, 2018
— 5 Comments
Giant
If we were having coffee I would offer you a drink and a cozy place to sit while I tell you about the short trip from which we just returned. This weekend was the perfect time to visit Santa Cruz County, AZ. The birds are returning to Madera Canyon, a National Forrest area very popular with many species of migratory birds and their fans. We spent an afternoon in Tubac enjoying art and an excellent meal. My partner had a specific purchase in mind, but we always like to see the galleries and the shows at the Tubac Center for the Arts. The town is walkable with plenty of parking, even on the busiest days. This weekend they held an art walk to attract customers. It worked for us. Bob found the belt he wanted. We enjoyed seeing paintings, sculpture, and lots of lovely jewelry. We took in the current exhibits at the Center for the Arts, a small and very high quality museum in the middle of town.
glass ceiling at Elvira’s
Chile Relleno Frida Kahlo
Mango Margarita
His belt needed to be sized, so we went to Elvira’s, a restaurant we like, for lunch. I tried the chile relleno Frida Kahlo , which is an elaborate version of the stuffed classic fried whole chile. Bob order tongue with two kinds of mole. The place was jammed, so service was understandably slow. The waiter gave us an apology up front, and brought us some free guacamole to pass the time. We were in no rush. The mango margaritas with tajín and salt on the rim are excellent, as is the very exotic cheese crisp, not your standard tortilla. The place is decorated with thousands of glass drops, and many mirrors, which gives it a super festive look. It was the perfect place to spend our lunch break.
wild turkey in Madera Canyon
Today we walked around in Madera Canyon, enjoying a cool misty day. We saw a few species of birds and a porcupine, but our big nature thrill was wild turkeys. We ran into several groups while we walked. We stopped to see the feeders at the Santa Cruz Lodge, a famous place for bird watching. The gift shop carries excellent merchandise. I came home with a small piece of pottery that I adore and can exhibit in my china cabinet. Our trip had a little bit of everything. It felt as if we had been away on a longer vacation. We got a full recharge and rejuvenate on about 24 hours away from home. It feels a little bit magical. I am refreshed for work tomorrow.
#weekendcoffeeshare
Let me pour you another cup, or glass, of whatever you are drinking while you tell me about your week. I have been a lazy writer, but I hope this fate has not befallen any of you. How is the writing going? And life? If you are still thirsty for more digital coffee, please join us each weekend at Eclectic Ali’s. You are welcome to read, comment, or submit your own coffee share post here. Cheers! I hope your week will be rewarding and fun.
#WeekendCoffeeShare Desert Retreat
February 25, 2018
— 4 Comments
DHS, CA
If we were having coffee I would invite you to sit poolside under a shade structure to sip some hot coffee or tea. Today is the last day of my spa vacation at one of my favorite destinations, Desert Hot Springs, California. Join me as I completely relax here before driving back to Tucson tomorrow. This week has exceeded my expectations. The weather cleared to make my drive smooth and easy. I zipped across the desert with almost the entire highway to myself. My room has a view facing the mountains, which I love. It has snowed in the higher elevations, which makes the peaks stunningly dramatic, especially at sunrise and sunset.
My spa routine involves a very early morning dip in the pools to exercise and stretch before the rest of the hotel guests start to get up and move about. It is dreamy to have all the pools to myself while the water is still in the shade. I come back to the water for a couple of hours at the end of the day while the sun sets. I had a couple of spa services, and went to Palm Springs (about 15 miles from here) to go to my favorite restaurant, do a little shopping, and attend an event. This is an ideal restorative break in my mind. I have no agenda, and follow my own personal whims. I have traveled all over the world with groups, family, and friends. Each group experience has a different fun aspect. Solo travel, however, is really my cup of tea. This hot spring, and this tiny funky town, is my ideal place to recreate. I will drive back to Tucson today, stopping on the way to see an old friend who is in Quartzite, AZ for the gem show. This will round out my time off with a touch of social activity. I feel completely refreshed to return to work and household chores tomorrow. This retreat has restored my well being and good mood. My spa retreat is a total success.
DHS, CA
I have been slipping into a very lazy spell with this blog, writing very little. I hope I have rebooted my brain with some new ideas to bring forward during my stay here. I want to get back to a daily writing practice, which I love. I want to write more poetry and some short fiction, which requires time and practice. Taking this time to get perspective has brought to my attention that writing is one of my major thrills in life, so I need to put regular practice into developing it. I have not been to this coffee party for a while, so I look forward to hearing how you are doing with your writing. I hope you have not been in a slump like me. So, join me in the bubbly champagne pool, and let’s order another round of coffee. This is the perfect place to catch up on what is new with you. I have a few hours before I drive home.
#weekendcoffeeshare
Please join this weekly digital coffee feast, hosted by Eclectic Ali. Read write, or add your comments here. Thanks, Ali, for inviting us all to the table.
Desert Wind
February 23, 2018
— 4 Comments
desert colorThe wind blows down from the mountains at daybreak
The treetops sway while birds take off to hunt for prey
The sky is full of wings, soaring and circling above
The small creatures hide in hopes of living another day
We take the water, brew the tea, sip it on the balcony
Nature’s law seems so remote while we live this way
desert color
desert color
desert color
#WritePhoto Mustard Seeds
February 15, 2018
— 5 Comments
between mustard fields
The path leads through the mustard fields
Breathtaking golden flowers shelter magical beings
Scattering spells, casting dream bait, with tiny seeds
Windy wandering predictions past what we are seeing
Into a future of bold, unprecedented expansion
Followed by a contraction that will teach a new lesson
Mountains may move, and hearts may fill with faith
Still every new sprout must be tended and shaped by nature
#writephoto
This short poem has been inspired by this week’s photo prompt in Sue Vincent’s Echo. Please join Sue each Thursday for a new photo, and the poems and stories from the previous week’s prompt. Read, comment, or submit your own story this week. It is fun to see all the variety in the responses.
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