The Mysterious Appeal of Skunk Scat

Who woulda thought that a photo of skunk scat would be such a draw? One thing is certain, though. Skunks aren’t only good neighbors—they eat the grubs of nuisance insects—but they’re also cute.
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by Tamia Nelson | April 9, 2018

Not long after I founded this website, I published a short article about wildlife scat and included a photo of skunk scat. Three skunks live in the area, and I’ve met them all at one time or another. Sometimes all three of them will dine on seed left behind at the bird table outside my office window. Their bright white stripes stand out in the moonlight, and each skunk is easily distinguished from the others by the unique shapes of their white stripes and tails. I’ve become rather fond of Pepé, Pierre, and Big Momma. I’ve crossed paths with them when taking nighttime strolls onto the hillside to get a breath of air before bed. In all the years I’ve lived close to skunks, none has sprayed me with their formidable deterrent. We all give … Continue reading »

Fast Food My Way: Quick Roast Chicken for Dinner? YES!

The next time you’re in a hurry for a home-cooked dinner but don’t have the time to do everything yourself, pick up a rotisserie chicken on your way home. By adding a couple side dishes, you’re in for a well-rounded and almost effortless meal that’s sure to fill in all the empty corners. Comfort food doesn’t get any easier than this.
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by Tamia Nelson | April 2, 2018

Home Cooking Article on Tamiasoutside.com

Roasted whole chicken is one of the easiest meals to cook, and one of the most satisfying to eat. A small chicken of four to five pounds is just the right size for four hungry people, or for two people with leftovers for more meals. Plus there’s the carcass, which when simmered with aromatic vegetables, produces enough broth for soup. Chicken is healthy and is versatile. Its mild flavor is pleasing on its own, but can get a boost or kick depending on how it’s seasoned and prepared.

So roasted chicken is a great choice when you’re hungry and want comfort food. Yet there’s a snag. It … Continue reading »

On Your Guard: How (and Why) to Fender for Yourself

Cheap fenders might not win you any style points, but they’ll help both you and your bike stay clean in foul weather. And guess which is more important.
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by Tamia Nelson | March 31, 2018

There are a few places on earth where bicycles are considered basic transportation, and in those places, it’s rare to find a bike without fenders. (The Brits call these vital accessories “mudguards,” and that’s a far more descriptive term, but since I’m writing on a US passport, I’ll stick to “fenders.”) The reason why anyone would want fenders on a bike is obvious to anyone who’s ever cycled on wet roads without them. Hint: The soggy, gritty, black stripe up the back from rump to shoulders is a giveaway.

Having said this, fenders are uncommon on bikes here in the States. Few roadies would mount them on their bikes, even if the frames were designed to accommodate fenders. You might think that touring bikes would be built with them, but you won’t find many that are built with fenders as a … Continue reading »

For the Cyclist Who Can’t Come in From the Cold

It isn’t summer yet, but with longer days and open roads beckoning, you might be tempted to ride when the weather smiles. But before you go, remember that shoulder season weather can be colder than you think. Does this mean you have to wait for hot weather? Nope. Be prepared! These tips will help.
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by Tamia Nelson | March 26, 2018
Originally published in different form on October 14, 2007

Bicycling Article on Tamiasoutside.com

If you’re tempted to roll out on your bike into the early spring sunshine, you might be surprised by how cold it can be once you’re underway, which in turn can ruin your ride and cause you to cut it short. You might even develop hypothermia or frostbite if your bike has a mechanical or a tire punctures. So before heading out on an early spring (or late fall) ride, consider these pointers:

It’s Colder Than You Think!  I “stage” for rides in a sheltered spot with a southern exposure. On a sunny day, the temperature in this refuge may easily be 10 degrees warmer … Continue reading »