It’s time to wrap up my mini-series on education. The past couple of months I wrote that having a curious mind is essential to learning and that educa...
Past Tense: Jan. 16, 2014
65 years ago – 1949 The Chamber discussed a plan to identify the Hill community with the back country, approving the theme, “Gateway to the Mt. ...
Idyllwild Botany: Oracle oaks …
This is the Reader’s Digest condensed version of my thoughts about Oracle Oaks (Quercus X morehus). I have been conducting surveys over the last three...
Science and Reality Today: Who needs superheroes when you have nature? …
Last week my roommate and I were having another one of our deep philosophical discussions about what superpowers would be the coolest to have. My room...
Tax Tips: People get ready, tax season’s a comin’
About this time of year, we begin to collect all the information we will need to properly file our income tax returns. Since it’s been a year, I have ...
Off the Main Roads: Hiking gear, time to retire? …
It’s supported you loyally throughout the years, but bringing worn-out gear into the back country can do you far more harm than good. Here’s a quick g...
Creature Corner: Jan. 16, 2014
Found on the Ernie Maxwell Trail: an adult neutered male German shepherd with no chip, collar or tag. Well groomed. Yep, I’m Scrappy Doo. And it’s a g...
Past Tense: Jan. 9, 2014
65 years ago – 1949 A cold snap brought a high of 30 degrees and a low of 7 degrees one day, freezing pipes and Mrs. Eric Holm’s breath on her c...
Lola’s Kitchen: Fondue revival …
Do you remember the food trends from your past? Some of mine are Jello molds with drained fruit cocktail. Onion dip with chips is still around — a gre...
Fire and forest: A year in review …
The Fire Safe Council began the year with its attention on the new insect threat to the Hill’s oaks, the Goldspotted oak borer. Many of our volunteers...