You might not think that tuna is a frequent topic of this blog. But I blog about tuna more than you might think. In 2009, after reading about the decline of tuna worldwide, I said I would stop eating tuna. This didn’t last. I ended up eating tuna, but feeling guilty.
Continue readingTag: animals (other than dogs)
wmtc: what i’m reading: an immense world by ed yong
Long ago, I briefly observed one of our dogs do something that has always stayed with me. I was walking Cody in our New York City neighbourhood, and saw, in the distance, a neighbour walking a dog that Cody was in love with, called Little Bear. Cody had never interacted
Continue readingwmtc: a remedy for my blogging funk: interspecies love
I had a wildly busy — and interesting and fun — October, and no time to blog. Now I have time, and plenty to write about, and can’t seem to string together words in any coherent order. This is typical for me when I haven’t written anything in a while.
Continue readingwmtc: the north island report: whale watching, little huson caves park, zeballos
While we had family visiting, we did a little more exploring of the North Island. We went to Telegraph Cove, a historic village and tiny tourist resort just south of Port McNeill, which is the easiest place to pick up a whale watching boat, a guided kayaking trip, or similar excursions.
Continue readingwmtc: what i’m reading: four fish: the future of the last wild food
After reading a review of Paul Greenberg’s Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food when it was published in 2010, I added the title to The List. When I read it recently, more than 10 years later, the subject matter had become so much more relevant to me, in
Continue readingwmtc: dog agility, worm composting, and morning tea: three things going on with me
Does it make sense to create compost when you don’t garden? I don’t know, but I’m doing it. Worms, but no garden So, I’m not gardening. The Urban Worm Bag v2 Since moving to a cool, wet, temperate climate, I haven’t done any successful gardening. My little mini gardens in
Continue readingwmtc: what i’m reading: never cry wolf by farley mowat
I have read many essays and op-eds by Farley Mowat, the legendary Canadian naturalist, but until now, had never read any of his many books. (He was incredibly prolific.) When visiting Russell Books in September, I noticed a copy of Never Cry Wolf and picked it up. I’m so glad I
Continue readingwmtc: the post of orphaned notes
Like many writers, especially those of us who grew up before the digital age, I keep a notebook. I use it to capture ideas, capture thoughts about I’m reading, take notes on experiences, and take notes on various activist or community meetings I attend. I’ve learned that I have to
Continue readingwmtc: what i’m reading: our inner ape: a leading primatologist explains why we are who we are
When I scroll through my ridiculously long book list, the name Frans de Waal appears again and again. I read reviews of his books, they sound appealing, they go on the list — and there it ends. This has been going on since the 1990s, and now in 2020, I
Continue readingwmtc: interspecies love: it’s been too long
I’ve been stashing these in a folder, but it’s been years since I’ve posted any! I don’t know about you, but I could sure use a break.
Continue readingwmtc: island day trip with mom: whale watching cruise from telegraph cove
The pictures tell the story this time — all Allan’s. It was an amazing experience, far better than I expected. We also learned a lot about whales. It was such a privilege to be around these magnificent animals. We weren’t out 10 minutes before we saw orcas, humpbacks, and porpoises.
Continue readingwmtc: island day trip with mom: sointula
This week’s day trip with my Mom was the town of Sointula. One of my libraries is located in Sointula, so I’ve been there a couple of times, but had never had an opportunity to explore the town or surrounding Malcolm Island. Sointula has a fascinating history: it was founded
Continue readingwmtc: backyard baby bear
This adorable little dude was not actually in our backyard, but close enough! He or she was just over the back fence of our next-door neighbour’s yard. He was crying and mewing so loudly, we were worried he was scared or in distress. So I spoke to a conservation officer
Continue readingwmtc: in which cookie gets hold of a fish head, is attacked by an eagle, and almost makes me cry
This weekend we took Kai and Cookie to the beach both days. The beach was Diego’s favourite place in all the world, so it was sad to be there without him. But the Littles are so entertaining; they keep us in the moment. Yesterday, however, Cookie put on a show
Continue readingwmtc: spectacular photos of bald eagles in port hardy
Check out these incredible photographs of bald eagles at Storey’s Beach in Port Hardy, created by my friend sM. The story is here. I wish sM would post more photos! There must be dozens of other great shots that don’t meet her standards for public viewing. But these will give
Continue readingwmtc: the north island report: alert bay, eagles, and our first ontario visitors (photos to follow)
When we moved to Port Hardy, I was sure that none of our Ontario friends would ever visit. It’s so far away, and not an easy place to travel to. I was so happy to be wrong! Two sets of close friends have reason to be in Vancouver this year,
Continue readingwmtc: first bear sighting of the season
We see bald eagles every day here, and we’ve seen lots of elk — but they never stick around for a photo. This little guy was munching away, and let us get some pics from the safety of our car. It was a beautiful privilege to see him. No lectures
Continue readingwmtc: in which i help a skunk and it kind of says thank you
My apologies to wmtc readers who saw this on Facebook, but this story must be recorded on this blog! Yesterday morning the dogs were barking at the back door, really going nuts, and not settling down. Checking to see what was going on, I got quite a surprise. A skunk
Continue readingwmtc: towards a cruelty-free face: switching to products not tested on animals
I’ve begun changing my personal care products to cruelty-free: natural products from companies that are better for the environment and don’t test on animals. I’m not sure how far I’ll be able to go, but I’ve begun the process. After a lifetime of using conventional products, I was moved to
Continue readingwmtc: for those who believe meat-eating can be ethical: in praise of beretta farms
I’ve mentioned Beretta Farms in many different posts over the years, but I’ve never specifically blogged about them. With grilling season underway, it’s time to give Beretta a shout-out. When I learned about the horrors of factory farming, first from reading Michael Pollan, and later through other sources, I knew
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