Category Archives: animals

Travel Smart, Be Safe

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When Travel Stories Skip the “Not‑So‑Great” Parts

When we talk about travel—or read the glossy blogs and glowing travelogues—we mostly hear how wonderful a place is. Sure, someone might mention bad weather or a disappointing meal, but the overall tone is usually sunshine and rainbows. I’m guilty of it myself. Except for my Road to Hana misadventure, I sing Hawaii’s praises every chance I get.

But every now and then, a little reality check is healthy.

The Comfort of a Timeshare… and the Trade‑Offs

For nearly twenty years, I traveled through my timeshare. It was one of the hardest things to give up when I retired, but the maintenance fees just didn’t fit my fixed income. While I had it, though? I traveled in style. Beautiful accommodations, attentive staff, and a sense of security—especially important because I often traveled alone.

Timeshares get a bad rap, and yes, getting out of one is neither painless nor easy. But if I ever hit the lottery, I’d consider it again. And here’s a tip: you can sometimes get the same perks without ownership by checking Redweek.com, where owners rent out their weeks to offset costs.

When a Destination Doesn’t Match the Hype

Even with all that comfort, not every trip felt safe. New Orleans is the one that stands out. Friends raved about the energy, the food, the parades—even outside Mardi Gras season. What they didn’t mention was the grime, the chaos, and the aggressive hustlers who thought nothing of following you down the street. I never felt unsafe anywhere else quite like I did there.

Other cities come with their own cautions. Detroit requires you to be mindful of the neighborhood you wander into. St. Louis consistently ranks among the most violent cities in the country. Oakland has seen a rise in break‑ins and street crime.

Nature Has Its Own Hazards

It’s not just cities. Even the most iconic outdoor destinations can be dangerous if you’re unprepared. Death Valley, for example, is one of the deadliest national parks due to extreme heat and dehydration risks.

Yellowstone has dangers from  geysers to wildlife. If you have any doubt read about my encounter with the Bison of Yellowstone . I was sure I was going to be flattened to roadkill before I was through.

Getting ready to pass by

On the South Rim, Grand Canyon 2008

A Little Research Goes a Long Way

I’m not saying you should stay home. Travel is still one of the most exciting, enriching things you can do. But a bit of research before you go—and a few simple precautions—can make the difference between a great adventure and a stressful one. Know the risks, plan accordingly, and you’ll come home with memories worth keeping.

Quick, No‑Nonsense Travel Tips That Actually Help

  • Know the vibe before you go — Not just the “Top 10 Things to Do” list. Look up neighborhood safety, recent news, and what locals say. Every city has great areas and “maybe not after dark” areas.
  • Trust your spidey sense — If something feels off, it probably is. Change direction, duck into a store, or call it a night.
  • Stay where the people are — Wandering is fun until it isn’t. Stick to well‑lit, busy areas, especially if you’re solo.
  • Keep your stuff simple — Crossbody bag, zipper closed, nothing dangling. Leave the “I’m a tourist!” clues at home.
  • Have a “just in case” plan — Screenshot directions, save the hotel address, and keep a backup way to get back.
  • Hydrate like it’s your job — Especially in places with heat, altitude, or long trails.
  • Don’t overshare in real time — Post the photos after you leave the location.
  • Ask locals the right question — Not “Is it safe?” but “Where would you go or avoid after dark?”
  • Give yourself permission to bail — If a situation feels sketchy, you don’t owe anyone an explanation.

So go forth, intrepid adventurer, and make memories worth keeping… safely, of course.

Alaska 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Brought to You by Banner & Balboa: Two Professional Nappers

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cat curled up napping after losing an hour to Daylight Saving Time

National Napping Day: The Holiday We Actually Need After the Time Change

If you’ve been following along here on Around Dusty Roads, you know I’ve spent the past week or so grumbling, musing, and generally side‑eyeing Daylight Saving Time. And now that we’ve all “sprung forward” and lost an hour of sleep we never agreed to give up, it’s only fair that today brings us a little mercy.

Enter National Napping Day — the unofficial, absolutely essential holiday that arrives the Monday after the time change. In 2026, that’s today, March 9.

Honestly? This might be the most sensible holiday on the calendar.

Why Today Exists (And Why We Deserve It)

National Napping Day was created back in 1999 by a Boston University professor and his wife — which feels very on‑brand for New England. Only here would someone look at a population of overtired, cranky, sleep‑deprived people and say, “You know what? Let’s make this official.”

The idea was simple:
We lose an hour.
We feel awful.
We should nap.

Science backs them up. Even a short 20‑minute nap can boost alertness, improve mood, and help counteract the grogginess that hits hard after the clocks jump ahead.

And here’s a little personal observation: since retiring, I nap almost every day. It’s become one of the unexpected perks of this new chapter. And no — it doesn’t mess with my nighttime sleep. My bladder and the cats take care of that all on their own. If anything, the nap is the most predictable part of my sleep schedule.

Honestly, if humans took their cues from cats, we’d all be better rested. Banner and Balboa nap with the confidence of creatures who know they’re right.

 

 

A Few Fun Napping Facts

  • A quick nap can improve reaction time and reduce fatigue‑related accidents.
  • Napping helps regulate emotions (which explains why I’m less likely to yell at the microwave afterward).
  • Some cultures have been napping for centuries — the siesta is practically an art form.
  • Even Charlemagne was a napper. If it’s good enough for an emperor…
  • And of course, cats nap up to 16 hours a day. Banner and Balboa would like it noted that they are professionals and we should follow their lead.

How to Celebrate (Spoiler: The Cats Already Know)

  • Find a quiet spot between 1–3 p.m.
  • Set a timer for 10–20 minutes so you don’t wake up wondering what century it is.
  • Dark room, cozy blanket, maybe a weighted eye mask if you’re feeling fancy.
  • If you can’t nap, even closing your eyes for a few minutes helps reset your brain.
  • Or — and hear me out — take a page from the cats. Banner warms his butt on the stove when the oven’s on, Balboa curls up in a glass bowl like he’s auditioning for “Cat Tetris,” and both of them nap anywhere, anytime, without apology. They give National Napping Day their full stamp of approval.

Bonus tip: Try a “coffee nap” — drink a little caffeine right before your nap. By the time you wake up, the caffeine kicks in. It’s like a cheat code for adulthood.

Banner’s got the mug. He’s just waiting for the nap to kick in.

Cat‑Approved Napping

I have plenty of photographic proof that naps are not only acceptable but strongly encouraged in this household. Banner and Balboa are champion nappers — bed, couch, sunny patch on the floor, glass bowl, you name it. If there’s a soft surface (or even a hard one), they’re on it, asleep, living their best lives.

So if you need permission to take a nap today, just look at these two. They’ve given National Napping Day their official stamp of approval — and they take their roles very seriously.

 

Bottom Line

If Daylight Saving Time took something from you, National Napping Day is here to give a little back. So whether you curl up with a cat, stretch out on the couch, or sneak a quick snooze in your favorite chair, consider it your civic duty.

Just ask Banner and Balboa — champions of the mid‑morning, mid‑afternoon, and “just because” nap. They’ve been training for this holiday their whole lives.

Endorsed by the Feline Nap Authority

 

March Comes In Like a Lion… Or Maybe Just a Squirrel

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gray squirrel

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Checking the Weather the New England Way

There’s an old saying that “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.”
Here in Massachusetts, that lion has a flair for the dramatic. Some years it roars in with a blizzard, other years it tiptoes in like it’s afraid to wake the neighbors. And sometimes it just shrugs and gives us mud.

So this morning, before I did anything else, I performed the official New England March 1st ritual:
I looked out the window to see what kind of mood March was in.
(Cold, Light rain and snow. Yuk)

Meanwhile, at the Deck Slider…

While I was assessing the weather, Banner and Balboa were conducting their own March 1st investigation. Both were crouched at the deck slider, tails whipping like furry windshield wipers. Outside, the squirrels were running back and forth, pausing just long enough to give the boys a look that clearly said:

“Ha ha, you can’t get me.”

Banner took this as a personal insult. Balboa, ever the dramatic one, flattened himself into full panther mode. The squirrels, of course, remained unimpressed.

If March did come in like a lion today, the squirrels didn’t get the memo.

A Little Spring Inside the House

No matter what’s happening outside — roaring lion, sleepy lamb, or taunting squirrel — March always feels like a turning point. The light lingers a little longer each afternoon, and I start craving small changes that make home feel fresher.

One of my favorite early‑spring rituals is swapping out my heavy winter curtains for something lighter. Even if the weather is still acting up, it makes the whole room feel like it’s leaning toward spring.

This year I’ve been eyeing the Joydeco curtains — soft, modern, and perfect for letting in that slowly returning daylight.
Explore  Curtains here

Lion, Lamb, or Something in Between

Whether March arrived roaring, purring, or just sending squirrels to mock my cats, I’m welcoming it with a warm mug, a hopeful heart, and a few small changes around the house.

Here’s to brighter days ahead — and to Banner and Balboa keeping the squirrel population on high alert.

 

Spring Forward… Again?

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 The Semi-Annual Time-Change Shuffle (According to Humans and Cats)

It’s not even the end of February, but everyone is already buzzing about the time change. Daylight Saving Time is early this year, and on March 8 we’ll be springing forward whether we’re ready or not. Humans groan, reach for extra coffee, and complain about losing an hour of sleep.

Meanwhile, the cats? They’re thrilled. As far as Banner and Balboa are concerned, this is the one magical day when breakfast arrives an hour early. A holiday, really.

Why We Change the Clocks (From a Human Perspective)

Daylight Saving Time (DST) started as an energy-saving idea — shift daylight into the evening, use less electricity, and keep society humming along. It became standardized in the 1960s and has stuck around ever since, even though modern research shows the energy savings are… questionable at best.

But tradition is tradition, and twice a year we all pretend we understand what time it is.

Who Opts Out? (And What Cats Think About That)

A few places have decided they’ve had enough of the clock shuffle. Hawaii and most of Arizona skip DST entirely, along with several U.S. territories.

If you ask the cats, these places are clearly run by geniuses. No lost hour. No confused feeding schedule. No humans stumbling around muttering about circadian rhythms.

Is It Healthy? (Spoiler: Not Really)

Humans don’t handle the spring time change well. Studies show it disrupts sleep, metabolism, and mood. And yes — it gets harder to adjust as we age. Our internal clocks become less flexible, and losing an hour hits like jet lag without the beach vacation.

Cats, on the other hand, adjust instantly. They simply declare it breakfast time and stare at you until you comply.

Accidents, Odd Traditions, and Feline Commentary

Research shows an uptick in car accidents and workplace injuries the Monday after the time change. Humans are groggy, cranky, and not at their sharpest.

Cats observe this from the safety of the couch and conclude that humans are fragile creatures who should probably nap more.

Some people use the time change as a reminder to check smoke detectors or flip mattresses. Cats use it as a reminder to sprint through the house at 3 a.m. because “the schedule is already messed up, so why not.”

 

Will We Ever Stop Changing the Clocks?

Many states have tried to adopt permanent DST or permanent standard time, but federal law keeps everything stuck in limbo. Until Congress decides what time it is — literally — we’ll keep springing and falling.

Cats, of course, believe time is a social construct and meals should be served whenever they say so.

Bottom Line

Come March 8, I’ll move my clocks ahead and spend the next week adjusting. Banner and Balboa will celebrate their early breakfast like it’s a national holiday.

If nothing else, the time change gives us something to grumble about — and gives the cats one glorious morning of “See? We told you it was time to eat.”

 

 

Florida Looked Good… Until the Flying Cockroaches

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At my age, if I wake up and nothing hurts, I assume I’m dead. My knees are getting to the point where they ache even when I’m lying in bed at night. That walker in the corner from my hip replacement is starting to look pretty good these days. And now my shoulders have joined the chorus.

At first, I blamed the cold weather — snow, sub‑zero temps, the whole New England winter package. Suddenly, Florida was looking really good. I was serious enough that I actually considered selling my condo and heading south.

 

But then reality set in.
Sorry, JR… looks like any move is officially on hold.

There are plenty of reasons to think twice about relocating to the Sunshine State. And no, I’m not even going to get into the political atmosphere — we’ll leave that simmering on the back burner.

Florida Wildlife (a.k.a. My Deal‑Breakers)

The number one reason I’m having second thoughts? Palmetto bugs.

I hate — no, that’s not strong enough — I abhor cockroaches. We had an issue in our building here in Taunton this year, but at least the management company jumped on it immediately and brought in pest control. I have NEVER lived anywhere with bugs, and I have no intention of starting now.

So what are Palmetto bugs?
Well, imagine giant flying cockroaches. That’s it. That’s the whole horror story.

And if that’s not enough, Florida also has killer bees, fire ants, swarms of mosquitoes, and snakes. Really big snakes. The state is being invaded by pythons and anacondas. In the immortal words of Indiana Jones: “Snakes… why did it have to be snakes?”

 

Then there’s Florida’s unofficial mascot: the alligator. They don’t bother me too much — they were there first, after all. The whole state is basically one big tropical swamp. You might even spot a Skunk Ape on a lonely road at night if you’re lucky… or unlucky.

 

More Reasons to Skip Florida

I gave up on Hawaii because the cost of living was outrageous, and Florida seems determined to follow in its footsteps.

1. The cost of living can outpace your budget

Housing prices are soaring, homeowners’ insurance is skyrocketing, and the overall cost of living keeps climbing. The median home value is already higher than the national average, and insurance premiums are only going to rise thanks to hurricanes, tropical storms, and rising sea levels.

2. The heat and humidity can get oppressive

Your utility bills will shoot through the roof as you try to survive the summer with nonstop air conditioning. “Hot and sticky” becomes a lifestyle.

3. Health care isn’t as accessible as you’d expect

You’d think a state full of retirees would have a seamless health care system — but that’s exactly the problem. The demand is enormous, especially in big cities. Long wait times, crowded facilities, and high costs are common.
A study from Fidelity Investments estimates that a 65‑year‑old couple retiring in Florida would need around $315,000 just for health care in retirement.

4. Fraud is a real concern

Florida has some of the highest rates of elder fraud in the country. According to the FBI’s 2024 Elder Fraud Report, seniors lost $4.8 billion nationally — and Florida was in the top three states for losses. Not exactly comforting.

5. No income tax sounds great… until it isn’t

The lack of state income tax means the state has less money to invest in infrastructure. Florida earned a “C” rating from the American Society of Civil Engineers. Aging roadways, limited public transit, and inadequate wastewater systems don’t exactly scream “retirement paradise.”

Bottom Line

For now, I’ll stay put and deal with the cold and snow. Massachusetts isn’t the best state for retirees — it’s expensive, and winter is no joke — but we have excellent health care, and I have my condo. I’m settled, at least for the moment.

 

And honestly? Waking up with a few aches and pains may not be fun… but it’s still better than waking up next to a giant flying cockroach.