Category Archives: animals

Clowns of the Sea

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Puffins, Clowns of the Sea

I love Puffins. Often called Clowns of the Sea, these charming seabirds earn their nickname thanks to their bright, multi-colored beaks, expressive facial markings, and pudgy little bodies. Add in their frantic wing-flapping and you’ve got a heartwarming, almost comical image that’s impossible not to adore. I love them so much that I embarked on a quest to see them live and in person—a surprisingly tricky endeavor on the East Coast of the USA.

Eastern Egg Rock, Maine – 2012

My first attempt was in 2012, when I joined an excursion to Eastern Egg Rock, a 7-acre island in Muscongus Bay, Maine, located about six miles east of New Harbor. It’s home to the world’s first restored seabird colony, including Atlantic Puffins. And it’s where I spotted my very first Puffin. They’re so little! Seeing one in the wild was a thrill, even if fleeting.

Puffin- Egg Island Maine 2012 photo credit Deb Neumann

 

Alaska – 2013

In 2013, I took a cruise to Alaska. I saw whales and sea lions, moose and caribou—even a couple of bears. But when the ship cruised past a raft of Puffins in Prince William Sound, I was curled up in my bunk, battling a bout of seasickness. Strike two on my Puffin quest.

Sea Lions Alaska 2013 Photo credit Deb Neumann

Machias Seal Island, Maine – 2016

Then in 2016, I heard about a National Audubon trip to Machias Seal Island in the Bay of Fundy. Puffins? Yes, please—sign me up! This time, success. The trip was everything I’d hoped for. You can read all about it in my Around Dusty Roads post [linked here].

Machia Seal Island Puffin 2016 photo credit Deb Neumann

 

Puffling Season

So what got me thinking about Puffins today? I stumbled across a story from Iceland, where residents of a seaside town were reportedly throwing baby Puffins into the sea. The headline was alarming, so of course I had to dig deeper. Turns out, the town’s streetlights confuse fledgling Puffins—called Pufflings—making it difficult for them to find the ocean when they leave the nest. Since Puffins spend the next 3–4 years at sea before returning to land to mate, this disorientation could be disastrous. Thankfully, the townspeople created a Puffling Patrol, gently collecting the confused chicks and helping them reach the water safely. A beautiful example of community compassion and wildlife stewardship.

Puffin Photo credit Deb Neumann

Conclusion

From Maine’s rocky islands to Iceland’s glowing coastlines, Puffins have a way of capturing hearts and stirring wonder. My journey to see them has been filled with detours, discoveries, and a deepening appreciation for these quirky little seabirds. Whether flapping frantically through the air or bobbing serenely on the waves, Puffins remind us that joy often comes in small, feathered packages—and that sometimes, the best adventures begin with a little obsession and a lot of heart.

 

Puffin Hide and Seek- photo credit Deb Neumann

 

 

A Whirl Through August 28

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Sips, Style, and Sentiment: A Whirl Through August 28

I was muddling around wondering what to write about today, August 28. Then I saw it—National Red Wine Day. Naturally, Neil Diamond’s “Red Red Wine” popped into my head (though technically, that’s UB40’s version). But beyond the occasional glass with dinner or a cozy wine-and-cheese evening, I’m no connoisseur. I do enjoy cooking with wine—there’s something magical about a silky wine sauce draped over chicken or fish.

How To Make A Light White Wine Cream Sauce | Shelly Lighting

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White Wine Sauce for Pasta – Perfect for Seafood and Chicken and Pasta Dishes

  • Olive Oil – High quality extra virgin olive oil adds a hint of flavor.
  • Minced Garlic – You can freshly mince, but I just use minced garlic purchased in the produce aisle of the grocery store. You’ll never notice the difference and it’s one of my favorite shortcuts.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a little heat to this simple sauce.
  • Salt – I like to use salt from a grinder for thick flakes, but table salt works well, too.
  • Pepper – Fresh ground black pepper adds beautiful thick flakes and a subtle spicy flavor.
  • Butter – The base for this delicious sauce. Salted or unsalted, your choice.
  • White Wine – Use your favorite crisp white wine or white cooking wine.

Directions

Sauté – In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium. Add garlic, red pepper and sauté until golden (about a minute).

Make Sauce – Add salt and pepper, wine and butter.

Simmer – Stir two minutes, remove from heat and toss with pasta, chicken breasts, shrimp, or scallops.

I once attended a wine tasting and couldn’t quite get past the whole “sip then spit” routine. So… moving on.

Bow Ties

How do you feel about bow ties? Unless they’re paired with a tuxedo, I’m not a huge fan. But if you are, today’s your day to celebrate that natty little accessory. Bow Tie Day is all about embracing quirky charm and dapper flair. If that doesn’t tie up your attention, maybe Radio Commercial Day will strike a nostalgic chord.

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Radio Commercial Day

Does anyone still listen to the radio? I mean, really listen? Back in the day, radio commercials—those catchy little “jingles”—were everywhere. Some were so memorable they stuck in your head for decades. They were the soundtrack of morning commutes and weekend errands, a kind of audio wallpaper that shaped our daily lives.

165+ Thousand Old Radios Royalty-Free Images, Stock Photos & Pictures | Shutterstock

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

This one hits me right in the heart. Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day honors the pets we’ve loved and lost. The Rainbow Bridge is a comforting idea—a place where our furry companions wait for us, whole and happy, until we meet again. But honestly, I cry buckets every time I say goodbye to one of mine. Saying they’ve “crossed the Rainbow Bridge” is a sweet thought, but it doesn’t always ease the ache.
Most people have heard of the Rainbow Bridge, but have you ever read the full poem? It paints a vivid picture of reunion and unconditional love. The part that always gets me:
“Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.”
That line alone is enough to unravel me.

Little Joe, Smokey & Rocky- Gone but not forgotten

Closing Thoughts

August 28 may seem like a random patchwork of observances—wine, bow ties, radio jingles, and remembrance—but maybe that’s the beauty of it. Life isn’t neatly categorized. It’s a swirl of flavors, fashion, nostalgia, and love. Whether you’re raising a glass, tying a bow, humming an old tune, or holding space for a beloved pet, today invites us to pause and feel. And maybe, just maybe, that’s worth celebrating.

 

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Bye Bye Summer Bye Bye

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🌻 Summer Is Flying By—But Your Patio Still Has a Story to Tell

Summer always feels like a whispered secret—here, then gone. As Labor Day peeks around the corner, the signs of seasonal shift begin to bloom. Pumpkin spice lattes reappear like old friends. Roadside stands brim with sunflowers and heirloom pumpkins. Chrysanthemums spill from terra cotta pots, lining porches, patios, and driveways in a blaze of gold and burgundy.

Farm stand

Farm Stand- Photo credit Deb Neumann

And yes, the school buses have resumed their morning parade, much to the little ones’ dismay. Soon, the trees will don their autumn gowns, and the roads will fill with leaf peepers chasing color and crisp air.

But before we surrender to sweaters and cider, let’s linger a little longer.

🍂 Signs of Fall, Sounds of Change

The squirrels are in a frenzy, gathering acorns like tiny treasure hunters. Geese sketch giant V’s across the sky, their honking a farewell to summer. The soundtrack shifts—gone are the splashes and giggles from the pool. In their place: quiet rustles, distant bird calls, and the occasional crackle of a fire pit warming up for the season.

There’s a new texture to the air. A snap. A crispness. A whisper of wood smoke. It’s the kind of atmosphere that begs for a cozy throw, a steaming mug, and a seat on your favorite patio chair.

Outdoor Furniture- WelcomingHaven.com

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🪑 There’s Still Time—Make It Count

Don’t pack up the patio just yet. There’s still time for one more backyard barbecue, one more roasted marshmallow, one more evening under the stars. Whether it’s tailgating with hot dogs and football chants (Go Pats!) or gathering friends for a twilight toast, your outdoor space deserves a final hurrah.

Welcoming Haven’s patio furniture collections are designed for these moments—the transitional magic between seasons. Think weather-resistant cushions that cradle you in comfort, fire pit tables that invite storytelling, and modular seating that adapts to every gathering.

So dig out that sweatshirt. Wrap yourself in a blanket. Pull up a chair that feels like home. Let your patio be the haven where summer lingers just a little longer.

Welcoming Haven

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The Joy of Feline Mayhem

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Midnight Mischief and Feline Antics

Last night, I wasn’t feeling 100%, so I cut our usual bedtime play session short. A bit after I went to bed, I heard muttering and tiny mews between the two cats, followed by thumps and bumps. I figured they were just wrestling.

Imagine my surprise this morning when I found all our bedtime toys scattered across the floor.

Banner’s look of Innocence photo credit Deb Neumann

They’d managed to open my top dresser drawer—where I keep their special toys—and pull everything out. Looks like they had a grand old time without me.

Balboa’s guilty look photo credit Deb Neumann

Banner Bites

Banner is my little purr machine. His purr is loud, constant, and oddly comforting. He’s confident, happy, and most content when stretched across my desk while I work. Sometimes he rests his head on my hand, quietly soaking up the moment. Other times—without warning—he bites me.

Banner’s favorite spot to snooze- photo credit Deb Neumann

Not a gentle nibble. A full wrist-in-mouth ambush. If I were petting him, I’d chalk it up to overstimulation. But often, he goes from serene to shark in seconds.

Banner also moonlights as my shower sentinel. He perches on the sink, watching like a hawk. The danger zone? When I bend to dry my legs. That’s his cue to launch a shoulder attack. I’ve started warning him not to bite—not that he listens.

Balboa’s Boldness

Balboa may be shy with strangers, but with me, he’s a force of nature. His demands begin with insistent meows. Even if he’s just spent an hour napping on my lap, any interruption earns a dramatic protest.

Balboa – Photo credit Deb Neumann

If I’m working, he stretches up my leg and hooks his claws into me to get attention. Recently, he’s taken to leaping onto my shoulder. At first, it was cute. Now? He adds a surprise chomp to the top of my head. Ouch.

Playtime Tactics

Each cat has a distinct play style. Banner is the stealthy ground force. He hides in paper bags with holes in the bottom, lying perfectly still with just his tail exposed. Then—bam!—a paw shoots out to swat a toy. That’s Balboa’s cue to pounce on the bag. Chaos ensues.

Paper Bag ambush – photo credit Deb Neumann

If Banner is infantry, Balboa is air force. He chases wand toys mid-flight with acrobatic leaps and bounds. It’s always entertaining—and occasionally hazardous to nearby furniture.

Balboa of the flying cat-endas Photo credit Deb Neumann

Conclusion: The Joy of Feline Mayhem

Living with Banner and Balboa is like hosting a nightly improv show starring two furry chaos agents. They’re quirky, demanding, and occasionally bitey—but they’re also endlessly entertaining. Whether they’re raiding drawers, launching surprise attacks, or staging elaborate play battles, they remind me daily that life with cats is never dull.

WWE for Cats Photo credit Deb Neumann

 

And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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Celebrating National Photography Day

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📸 Capturing Magic: Celebrating National Photography Day

Next to my cats, photography is probably my greatest love. I admit I haven’t been indulging that hobby lately but maybe today is a good day to start again. 

Every August 19th, lenses click and shutters flutter in celebration of National Photography Day—a tribute to the art, science, and soul of capturing life in a frame. Whether you’re chasing golden light through a forest canopy or composing a portrait that whispers a thousand words, photography invites us to see the world not just as it is, but as it feels.

Portrait of a Cat at rest- photo credit Deb Neumann

🌍 A Snapshot of History

National Photography Day honors the date in 1839 when the French government officially gifted the world the Daguerreotype—the first publicly available photographic process. Invented by Louis Daguerre, this method used silver-plated copper and mercury vapor to create hauntingly detailed images. It was slow, dangerous, and magical.

But Daguerre wasn’t alone. Innovators like:

  • Joseph Nicéphore Niépce (who captured the first permanent photo in 1826),
  • George Eastman (who made photography accessible with Kodak’s roll film),
  • and Ansel Adams (whose black-and-white landscapes redefined nature photography)

…all helped shape photography into the expressive, everyday art form we know today.

Puffin- Maine photo credit Deb Neumann

🦁📷 Types of Photography That Steal the Spotlight

Photography is as diverse as the subjects it captures. Here are a few beloved genres:

  • Wildlife Photography: Patience meets adrenaline. Think of crouching in dewy grass as a fox pads into view, or waiting for a hummingbird to hover just right.

    Red fox baby on Monday

    Shy Fox- Maine photo credit Deb Neumann

  • Portrait Photography: More than faces—it’s emotion, story, and soul. A good portrait reveals not just who someone is, but how they are.

  • Hula dance

    Hula Hawaii- photo credit Deb Neumann

  • Landscape Photography: From misty mountains to sunlit deserts, this genre celebrates Earth’s grandeur.

  • Quechee Gorge VT- photo credit Deb Neumann

  • Street Photography: Candid, raw, and poetic—capturing life as it unfolds in alleys, cafés, and crosswalks.
  • Macro Photography: A world in miniature. Dewdrops become galaxies, and insect wings shimmer like stained glass.
  • Astrophotography: Shooting stars, lunar landscapes, and the Milky Way—where science meets wonder.

Everyone loves a hot dog (Nat Geo honorable mention)- Photo credit Deb Neumann

🎞️ Quirky Facts That Make Photography Irresistible

Wind Surfing 2020 Hawaii- photo credit Deb Neumann

  • The first photo of a person was accidental—captured by Louis Daguerre in 1838. A man getting his shoes shined stood still long enough to appear in the long exposure.
  • The term “bokeh” (that dreamy blur in backgrounds) comes from the Japanese word boke, meaning “blur” or “haze.”
  • Some photographers use infrared or ultraviolet light to reveal hidden patterns in nature—like floral markings only visible to bees.
  • The longest exposure ever taken lasted eight years. Artist Michael Wesely used custom cameras to capture the slow transformation of urban landscapes.

  • Breaching Whale

    Breaching Humpback, Stellwagon Banks – photo credit Deb Neumann

🌿 Why Photography Is More Than a Hobby

Photography is storytelling with light. It’s a way to preserve fleeting moments, explore new perspectives, and connect with nature, people, and memory. Whether you’re snapping a squirrel mid-leap or composing a still life of moss and moonlight, each photo is a whisper of wonder.

Montezuma’s Castle Arizona – photo credit Deb Neumann

 

So this National Photography Day, grab your camera—or even your phone—and chase the light. Frame the ordinary until it becomes extraordinary. And remember: every photo is a love letter to the moment.

 

Fish for You – Key Largo FL – photo credit Deb Neumann