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Respite in Rural Napa #2 | 3 Days

As an ’80s kid, one of my favorite movies was Benji. I thought that brave little dog was the best thing since… well, since Old Yeller! Needless to say, I was terribly excited for this housesit to begin as it meant I got to care for a smaller, more adorable female version of my most favorite canine actor!

The last time I house-sat here, the owners took their sweet pooch with them so I only had the plants and wild animals to keep me company. But this time I got my puppy playmate – and she was constantly by my side 🙂

Even though she is accustomed to an early-to-bed-early-to-rise routine, she tolerated my late-to-bed-late-to-rise habits. In the morning, she patiently waited until I was awake before she made any commotion. And then she patiently waited for me to pour myself a cup of coffee before we went on our morning walk. We loved our morning walks around the property – around the meadow and along the creek. So many things to see and sniff!

In the evenings she would curl up on my lap as we watched TV, just waiting for me to say the magic words, “time for bed”; at which time she would run into my bedroom and curl up on her blanket I placed at the foot of the bed.

Needless to say, I can’t wait to come back and hang out with this sweet girl again.

Duties:

– Care for 1 dog
– Collect mail

Unexpected Benefits and/or Realizations:

– I grew up in a rural area, but have lived most my adult life within city limits. Staying here, in “the country”, I am reminded of how much I love (and miss) dark skies filled with stars, the smell of dried leaves and grass, and SILENCE!

Unexpected Events and/or Challenges:

– Dogs can do some odd things sometimes. Fifteen minutes after standing at the open door and encouraging her to go outside to “go potty” (and her refusing), she went and urinated in her bed, right in front of me. It wasn’t a big deal as it was easy enough to rinse her bed outside but was just unexpected and rather confusing.

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Boulder Creek Redwood Retreat #2 | 18 Days

It was great being back in the woods. There’s just something so relaxing about seeing nothing but trees outside your window. After so much time on the road this year, 18 days alone (with my feline friend) in this cozy cabin was just what I needed.

 Last time I was here it was winter and I spent most days by the fire or out foraging for mushrooms. This time the temperatures reached the mid-80s most days and I found myself wishing the rains would come back. It was just so dry and hot!

However, the warm weather did encourage me to get out, do lots of hiking, and explore the area a bit more. I spent a night out at a local watering hole to see how the locals “roll”, another night out listening to amazing music at a private home concert, and an afternoon lounging on the beach in nearby Santa Cruz. I even travelled over the hill into nearby San Jose for a comedy show.

My cat companion was just as sweet as she was last time, but she seemed happier this time around; not sure if it was because she remembered me or because she was enjoying lounging in the sun all day (maybe both :)).

Duties:
– Care for 1 cat
– Water outdoor potted plants and landscaping
– Check Mail

Unexpected Benefits and/or Realizations:

– During this second sit, I realized that Boulder Creek is much more accessible than I previously thought. It was fairly easy to get over to the city as well as to the ocean. I just might have to consider moving here…

Unexpected PROBLEMS and/or Challenges:

– The weather was so dry and hot that the homeowner suggested I keep an eye on local alerts from the fire department in case of a wildfire. As the house was located at the end of a one lane private road, I admit I felt a little nervous as there was only one direction to which I could escape if needed.

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North Napa Neighborhood | 5 Days

Ahhh… back in Napa. It was good to be “home” after so many months away. This sit was the perfect opportunity not only to get some kitty cuddles (which I really needed), but also have a chance to visit with friends I hadn’t seen in over 6 months!

The cat was fairly independent and spent most the day outside. Per the owner’s instructions, I left the back slider door partially open all the time so he could come and go as he pleased. In the evenings, he would come inside, play with his toys, let me brush him, and would lounge next to me while I watched TV. He was a very chill, happy cat. He even visited me while I was in the tub 🙂

I was slightly concerned that he was allowed outside all day as I was worried he would get run over by a car and definitely did NOT want that happening while on my watch. But thankfully, he survived the sit.

Duties:
– Care for 1 cat
– Water plants
– Check mail

Unexpected Benefits and/or Realizations:

– This wasn’t so much unexpected as I knew the cat was an indoor/outdoor cat, but the fact that he didn’t use his litter box once when I was there was SO nice. I love cats but am not terribly fond of dealing with the litter box 🙂

Unexpected PROBLEMS and/or Challenges:

– Just as a couple other male cats had done during previous sits, this cat decided to mark his territory. Sadly “his territory” was my bedside table. It was easy enough to clean up but if I am being honest, I am seriously starting to rethink pet-sitting male cats.
– The cat liked to be fed at 6am (due to the owner’s early schedule) which was not ideal for a night owl like me. But we made it work just fine; I would simply feed him while I was half asleep and then head back to bed. He seemed just fine with that  🙂

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Poolside in Sacramento | 10 Days

Is there a better way to savor every moment of the last days of summer than to have a cool, refreshing pool all to yourself?  I think not!

As I had no pets to care for during this sit, maintaining the water quality of the homeowner’s pool was my main focus.  Unfortunately, before the homeowner left on his trip, the extremely hot weather caused the pool to turn green. Thankfully he left me all the supplies I needed to help solve the issue. With his instructions plus my desire to partake in daily swims, I was quickly able to get the pool back to a color that was much more blue than green. It wasn’t perfect but much improved.

During the process, I learned a lot about pool chemicals, cleaning filters, and even pool vacuuming. I might need a refresher in the future if I am tasked with maintaining a pool during future sits. But at least now it won’t be so foreign 🙂

Other than the pool, my only other job was to make sure the landscaping was getting enough water, as well as hand-watering some potted plants and newly planted fruit trees and rose bushes.

Duties:
– Maintain swimming pool (including fixing the algae issue)
– Water plants
– Gather Mail

Unexpected Benefits and/or Realizations:

– While I love watching pets during sits, it was a nice change of pace (and quite relaxing) that the only living things I had to care for were plants.

Unexpected Events and/or Challenges:

– Pool maintenance is time consuming. Even worse if the pool has turned green!! I don’t think I will ever own a pool, haha.

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Santa Rosa Suburb | 10 Days

It’s been almost a year since fires ravaged the North Bay, almost a year since the flames forced me to evacuate one of my first housesitting jobs in Sonoma, and almost a year since these same fires devastated the Santa Rosa suburb known as Coffey Park. Yes, much time has passed, but I can sense emotions here are still raw, especially with the 2018 summer fire season ramping up.

Admittedly, I was a little nervous to sit in Coffey Park; I wasn’t sure what to expect. Before the fires, I was unfamiliar with this Santa Rosa suburb. It was only after images of the devastated neighborhood appeared again and again on the local news that I became aware of Coffey Park.

Sadly, I had to drive past many barren lots and scorched trees to reach the house. While it was definitely a dismal sight, I was happy to see a flurry of construction activity. New houses were going up on every block and infrastructure was being repaired. As with the housesit in Cobb where fires destroyed most of that neighborhood a couple years back, it’s amazing to see the resilience of both man and nature alike. Where there is a will there is a way.

The house in which I sat was located in a cul-de-sac at the very back of the neighborhood, surrounded by other homes that were spared by the flames. The home had a lovely backyard with vertical veggie garden and outdoor patio seating. It was just the quiet, cozy place I needed after my last 4-5 months of traveling. The only thing better than the space was the sweet, chill, beautiful cat I had the pleasure of watching. Thankfully she warmed up to me towards the end of my sit and gave me some nighttime cuddles too!

Happily, I get to sit here again this November – can’t wait! I look forward to seeing my feline friend again and seeing all the construction progress.

Duties:
– Care for 1 cat
– Water Plants/Veggies
– Gather Mail

Unexpected Benefits and/or Realizations:

– Fresh homegrown veggies are the best! The owners said I was welcome to help myself to any veggies from the garden which was much appreciated 🙂

Unexpected Events and/or Challenges:

– None! This was a very easy, stress-free sit!

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Victoria with a View | 2 Months

Springtime in Victoria is simply magical. The skies filled with dark clouds offer a complementary backdrop to the brightly colored flowers that litter the landscape. Daffodils, crocuses, tulips, camellias, and golden yellow gorse blossoms (that smell of coconut!) are a feast for the eyes and nose. It was as if the ornamental cherry trees decided to bloom just for me; the trees, filled with light pink snowy blossoms, seemed to say “Welcome! You’re going to love it here!” And I did.

As is typical of Spring, the rain was a frequent occurrence, but it didn’t dampen my enjoyment. I spent hours everyday, rain or shine, walking my sweet temporary pet, a 10-year-old black standard poodle. She and I often meandered along one of the several beaches within walking distance of the house. Just the mention of the word “walk” caused her to leap with joy. I soon found out that many of the beaches are covered with the most beautifully colored stones which made the artist in me leap for joy too. Each rock was a miniature abstract painting just waiting to be discovered.

It was on my beach walks, searching for these tiny works of art, that I realized I had become my grandmother. For most of her life, my grandma lived in a beach town in the Pacific Northwest and spent many drizzly afternoons walking along the beach, her poodle Teddy in tow, hunting for gorgeous pebbles polished by the ocean. Not a bad way to live if you ask me!

Duties:
– Care for 1 dog (included daily walks of 3+ miles)
– Gather mail
– Try to keep a fern and 2 orchids alive… my Achilles’ green thumb!

Unexpected Benefits and/or Realizations:

– Unlike California, Victoria is much more pet friendly (and bicycle friendly!) so I was surprised at all the places I could take my poodle pal.
– Location, location, location! There were so many parks, trails, neighborhoods, near the house that we never got bored on our walks; there was always something new for me to see and for her to smell.

Unexpected Events and/or Challenges:

– It’s always hard to know how a pet will react to their owners leaving. While outwardly calm and happy, this poodle’s hidden nervousness led to a bout of nausea one afternoon. This led to a somewhat stressful day cleaning carpets, rugs, and even my bedding. Poor baby 🙁

 

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Seattle Suburb | 10 Days

Being fairly unfamiliar with the Seattle area, I didn’t know anything about the Ballard suburb in which I’d be temporarily residing. To be honest, I was a little disappointed I wasn’t able to book a sit in downtown Seattle because in my mind, that was the spot to be. But boy oh boy was I pleasantly surprised!!

Ballard is simply adorable. It’s filled with amazing shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment. Every Sunday year-round, there is a farmers market with every type of locally made good you could want. The buildings are historic, the people are friendly, and the scenery is breathtaking.

The neighborhood is located north of Seattle along Salmon Bay. As indicated by the name, salmon make their way up this waterway to return to their native stream to spawn. At the Ballard Locks, there’s a fish ladder where you can watch the fish as they migrate during late Summer and early Fall.

On the weekends, I explored the area as much as I could. I walked over 10 miles (which included a hike out to the Discover Park lighthouse) and bicycled about 25 miles (which included a ride all the way to downtown Seattle). But there is still so much more to see and do that I have already decided I MUST come back; especially to see the salmon in action.

I spent my weekdays at the apartment working and hanging out with two of the sweetest cats I’ve had the pleasure of sitting. I’ve been lucky to sit very friendly cats in the past but no cats have been this cuddly. The very first night I had a cat cuddled up in my armpit in bed – the same cat that insisted on laying on my lap when I was trying to work 🙂 The other cat loved to play and seemed to enjoy it when I smothered him in kisses.  I happily obliged. Needless to say, I was smitten and really hope I get to watch them again in the future.

Duties:
– Care for 2 cats
– Gather mail

Unexpected Benefits and/or Realizations:

– Accessibility!! It was wonderful to be able to walk a couple blocks in either direction and have everything I needed at my fingertips. Restaurants, groceries, pharmacy, entertainment, banking, mailing, etc were just outside my door. And when I had a late night ice cream craving, I just had to look out the window to see if the shop across the street was still open; it was!

– This city is so bicycle-friendly. Not only was I able to rent a bicycle online that was delivered to my doorstep, but I was able to safely and easily ride the 7 miles to downtown Seattle almost entirely  on a dedicated bike path. And when I did have to navigate around cars, I noticed the drivers here seemed much more patience and courteous when it comes to bicycles (compared to what I have seen and heard in California).

– LOTS of much needed kitty cuddles!!!

Unexpected Events and/or Challenges:

– Nothing! This was a WONDERFUL, carefree sit!

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Cozy Cobb Cabin | 3 Weeks

Turkeys and squirrels and deer, oh my! Life in the country is pure wildlife bliss. From this cabin in beautiful Lake County, I got to enjoy the best that nature has to offer: night skies filled with stars, the scent of warm pine, and the sound of… silence. Lots of peaceful, stress-reducing silence.

This relaxing, secluded sit was just what I needed to focus on some important personal projects I had been neglecting. I absolutely love my life as a full-time sitter, but must admit that at times the bouncing around can be a little exhausting.  So, needless to say, I was very excited for this sit to begin.

To make matters even better, the homeowners couldn’t have been more welcoming or generous. Even the chickens were kind enough to increase their egg-laying just for me (apparently they had been holding out on their owner).

I enjoyed walking the neighborhood and nearby golf course; especially with the wave of spring-like weather that caused the flowers and trees to bloom early.  But sadly, this area still bears the scars of the terrible fire that tore through in 2015. Thankfully this cabin was spared, but barely. In fact, burned trees were visible directly across the street. It’s a good reminder that life is precious and delicate and to be thankful for what we have.

DUTIES:
– Care for 2 male cats, both with health issues that require a special raw meat diet and medication, administered multiple times a day
– Water indoor and outdoor plants
– Watching over 4 chickens

UNEXPECTED EVENTS AND/OR CHALLENGES:

– Administering pills to cats was new to me. There’s definitely skill involved. But with a little persistence all things are possible 🙂
– One cat decided to mark his territory on and under the table at which I chose to work. While this is not uncommon for a cat to do, it’s obviously not fun.
– Earthquakes! Due to the nearby geothermal power facility, there are small (less than 3.0) quakes that take place in this area. I’m glad the owner gave me a heads up so the rumbling was not a big shock.

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Boulder Creek Redwood Retreat | 5 Days

It’s not often I prefer misty mornings and rainy afternoons, but here in this small cozy cabin nestled amongst the redwoods, I find myself welcoming the  winter weather; it means days spent cuddled up with my laptop in front of the fire and nights, falling asleep to the sound of water droplets dancing on the roof.

My feline companion was a sweet, affectionate, 18-year-old female black cat. Most nights she opted to sleep nearby in the bottom drawer of a clothes dresser, but towards the end of my stay she finally decided she liked me well enough to cuddle up next to me in bed. Success!

As the cat and the handful of plants were easy to care for, I was able to enjoy ample free time hiking the nearby trails and foraging for mushrooms. While I spent most of my time at the house in front of the wood stove or out in nature, I did bring myself to throw on some “real” clothes and have an afternoon/evening in town (see details below).

Overall, I loved my stay here in Boulder Creek and already have tentative dates on my calendar to come back this Fall. Fingers crossed!!

Duties:
– Care for 1 cat
– Water Plants

Unexpected Benefits and/or Realizations:

Small town living is great!!!

This section is usually directly related to my experience caring for the house/pets/plants, but this time I must list two experiences that I felt were unique to the quaint Boulder Creek area:
1. Watching a live acoustic musical performance by Chris Ayer at Lille Aeske
2. Learning about the mythical Sasquatch at the Bigfoot Discovery Museum

The show at Lille Aeske was wonderful – the venue was tiny and intimate and the performer was extremely talented. This venue, run by a husband and wife team, is an adorable spot in downtown that hosts all sorts of artists and musicians. I highly recommend it!

The trip to the Bigfoot museum was out of this world. Ever since I saw the movie Harry and the Hendersons when I was a small child, I’ve been wanting to come to a museum like this. And I can tell you, it did NOT disappoint. Go see the owner Mike and hear some great stories!

Unexpected Events and/or Challenges:

– None! Thankfully this was a very easy, stress-free sit.

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Irish Countryside | 1 Month

I couldn’t think of a better way to spend Christmas and New Years than in the Irish countryside with my mother. A day after our arrival, we were treated to a dusting of snow; a wonderful welcome and sure sign that Christmas was on the way!

Even though we had arrived, it still hadn’t sunk in that we were going to live in Ireland for an entire month(!). Even harder to believe was the beautiful renovated farmhouse in which we would be living, located in the outskirts of a quaint coastal town on the southern coast of Ireland. The best word to describe it… idyllic.

In addition to the lovely landscape and lodging, we also got to care for two sweet dogs during our stay, a lab and a shitzu. They were energetic and playful and spent a lot of time running around outside or wrestling with each other indoors (our favorite entertainment). The outside pets included two chickens and two semi-feral black cats. It was fun earning the trust of the cats as I was eventually awarded with some soft kitty cuddles.

During our time here, we visited with the locals at nearby pubs, bought and decorated a Christmas Tree, baked and decorated sugar cookies, listened to the local choir and brass band perform a Christmas concert, attended a charity country music concert, took a tour of the town’s Christmas lights from a vintage double-decker bus, went shopping in Cork, took long walks with the dogs on the beach and through the forest, and much more. Simply put, we’ve kept fairly busy in an attempt to soak up the Irish lifestyle.

Sadly, we only have 8 days left on this beautiful island and there is so much more we still want to see and do. I suppose another housesit is in order… maybe during a warmer time of year? Winter is sure cold in Ireland! 😉

Duties:
– Care for 2 dogs, 2 cats, and 2 chickens
– Twice daily, apply ear drops and give oral medication to one of the dogs who had ear mites and an infection
– Gather mail
– Keep home tidy

Unexpected Benefits and/or Realizations:

– Only the FIVE best things one could have during the winter to keep warm: a fireplace, heated floors, and a deep bath tub, scalding hot water on demand, and Powers whiskey to make the best Hot Toddy ever.

Unexpected Events and/or Challenges:

– A hungry fox killed one of the chickens! While the homeowners confirmed this is a common occurrence (they used to have 4 chickens) and didn’t blame me, I still felt awful!
– The cold! I forget how spoiled I am living in the mild California weather. Ireland’s wind and rain (and sporadic snow) certainly gave me a reminder. Brrr!