George the Snake

As I was working in my vegetable garden the other day, I found a new “friend.”

George the Snake (2)

His name is George, and he is a juvenile black rat snake.

George the Snake (4)

He was hiding under our gutter downspout, and after a quick meet and greet with the girls, he was returned to back to where we found him.

George the Snake (1)

Black rat snakes are native to Maryland. They are harmless snakes and actually help to control the rodent population. If you find a snake skin around the yard or in your house, the chances are it is from a black rat snake. While George may not look like a typical solid black black rat snake, it is because he is still young. As he gets older his color will darken and the pattern will become less distinct.

Keep Your Dog Happy!

Recently I decided my dogs needed to get out  more without driving miles and wasting gas and time. I was sure I could find them something new right in our backyard. I used a search engine to look for local parks and paths that allowed dogs. During my search I came across a group called Columbia Dogs-on-the-Go. This local meetup group is for dog owners and their dogs to socialize and exercise together. I loved the idea and joined up.

Rory-in-the-water

Rory in the water at a Columbia Dogs-on-the-Go meetup spot

Going green includes family pets, and it isn’t all about the right food and shampoo. Most dogs need to stay active, and taking them on walks is key. A green dog walk is nearby, requiring little to no driving. It means picking up after your dog and if possible, composting the waste. Keeping your dog walk green also includes not littering, recycling your waste, and bringing reusable water bottles to keep you hydrated.

Dogs are naturally pack animals and most are ecstatic in a group with other dogs. Although many dogs include their humans in their pack, spending time with other dogs is fun for most of our pet dogs. Even though Canis lupus familiaris has been domesticated for about 15,000 years, dogs still retain some of their wild behaviors and social hierarchy.  Bored dogs tend to be behavior problems, so keeping a dogs happy and engaged is a boon for both the dog and the owner.

Dog-walk

A picture from our walk by a fellow Columbia Dogs-on-the-Go member Amy Pickwick

The group I joined has frequent walks and events; right now they seem to average once per week. There are events at dog-friendly businesses and after work and weekend walks. On our first walk we met at a local lake and used the path around it to walk for nearly an hour. Abby brought her tricycle and Chuck walked Rory and I took Blue while pushing Abby. It was the first time Rory and Blue had walked with other dogs. Both dogs got along with all of the other dogs, and Rory actually calmed down a little bit and stopped pulling hard near the end; Blue is only a year old but is much better on the leash than Rory and rarely pulls unless we are running.

The walk was great! There were small dogs and big dogs, young dogs and old dogs. Almost 18 people attended and just about as many dogs. We had a number of people on the path ask about such a large group walking with dogs, and the organizers of Columbia Dogs-on-the-Go are looking into bandannas and t-shirts to advertise the group to encourage more people to join.

Rory-and-a-new-friend

Rory and a new friend at a Columbia Dogs-on-the-Go meetup. Picture also by Amy Pickwick

If you are a dog owner, I encourage you to look for similar groups in your area. If you don’t find one, start one! The exercise and socializing is good for both humans and adults and it is a great chance to meet new people. Still unsure? Show your dog his leash and his tail wagging will convince you!

Recycling Tires Is Fun?

While camping is an excellent green vacation, bringing small children along means you have to plan accordingly. The younger ones may not be as gung-ho about hiking, particularly since their short legs have to take more steps. They may not be able to climb craggy trails as well either and whitewater rafting is usually out. On our last camping trip, we visited the playground at Patapsco Valley State Park to entertain the kids. I’d heard how much fun the 2 acre recycled tire play area was but I had never had a chance to actually visit.

Tire-Park-(20)-sm

Continue reading “Recycling Tires Is Fun?”

Camping – the Green Vacation!

Vacation; the true meaning of summer. Usually my two months off are filled with a couple of four or five day getaways because staying home with two kids is work too. This summer the stars didn’t align for a vacation until recently. Mom invited us to go camping with her for a few days and I excitedly agreed.

Camping

Camping is generally the ultimate green vacation. Not only is it economical, but it uses very little energy beyond the gas for your car, wood for your fire and the energy used to make the products you bring. It gives you a chance to see what your life would be like if you changed your carbon footprint drastically. Continue reading “Camping – the Green Vacation!”

Review of Terressentials Roll-on Deodorant

As I watched one of my favorite shows, Dirty Jobs, Mike Rowe went to work at Terressentials, an organic product company in nearby Middletown, MD. I watched in delight, and the next week my husband drove me to their location where I purchased some products, one of them being their Super Protection Deodorant.

The store was full of fun items, and I was like a kid in a candy store.  I knew I wanted to try their deodorant, so it was the first thing I grabbed.  I was able to smell all four of their fragrances, and the Organic Zesty Citrus scent was the one that appealed to me the most.  It is a spicy-type citrus, lemony but not in a traditional way.  The first time I applied it, it left a whitish mark as it dried, but since then it has always dried with no mark.  I would categorize this as a deodorant that dries clear. Continue reading “Review of Terressentials Roll-on Deodorant”