Notes and Reflections Blog
Cathy is an essayist who writes from her base at Boomerang Creek. Her blogs range from gathering persimmons to thoughts on global pandemics. To share her observations, follow her at “Notes and Reflections".
No Kings Protests
On Father’s Day, our amazing granddaughter Inés was among the largest graduating class on record at Stanford University’s 2025 Commencement.
Of Writers and their Cats
What did I know of cats as a child? When did a cat first allow me into its life?
Unplanned Events
Life is filled with unplanned events that can be majorly inconvenient or turn into a pleasant surprise.
Walks Among Wildflowers
When Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out on their Voyage of Discovery across the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase over two centuries ago, they surveyed the plants and animals found west of the Mississippi.
A Heavenly Memorial Day Pie
In every family, there are food memories and traditions that are passed down from one generation to the next.
Notre-Dame de Paris
On April 15, 2019, one of the world’s most iconic and beloved architectural masterpieces, Notre-Dame Cathedral, burst into flames.
Peekay’s First Year
Peekay came into my life almost a year ago, wrapped like a newborn in a little blanket up to his chin, his big ears flat with worry.
A Tribute to John
When Kit and I bought our home in the Sierra foothills four years ago, there was much to be done to make it ready for our April move to Northern CA.
Sierra Poetry in My Garden
It is hard to focus this morning as there is so much going on in the garden.
Wisteria
In April, my thoughts turn to spring and the time when I set off for Italy to paint for the first time.
A Magic Moment at Marlboro
Music has always been a cause for celebration in the Salter family.
Wild Alaskan Company
I grew up in a military family in the post-World War II era of frozen food that was quick and easy to prepare.
March’s Many Faces
March 2025 has truly been a roller coaster of a month in our neck of the woods.
Bird Chronicles
There is a shelf in one of my bookcases where books relating to birds are nested.
A Matter of Balance
During the final months of winter, the world has been out of balance.
The Power of Books
March is upon us and I’m finally feeling alive again.
Snow!
One February morning when the temperature dropped below freezing, rain that had been falling for days turned to snow.
Paris Undercover
Bestselling author Matthew Goodman has just published his latest brilliant work of non-fiction.
After the Fall
Let me begin today’s blog with a short summary of an event that took place on January 25, 2025.
The Fall
Around 4:30 on Jan. 25 I took a 30-minute walk in our hilly neighborhood to destress from the chaos in the world and all that is going on in my life right now.