Boy did summer halt quickly and November come rolling in. With our 80 and 90 degree days gone, and our daily sun amount diminishing, this month is going to be a fun one!  It just means my owner will let me stay inside that much longer.

#NationalCappuccinoDay is November 8th, originally named after Capuchin Friars in Italy. A cappuccino reflects the color of the friar’s hood on the garments they wore.

#NationalPickleDay is November 14th, the word originates from the Dutch word, pekel.  Pekel means to brine and a pickle is full of vitamin K.  Cleopatra ate pickles everyday and believed it maintained her beauty.

#NationalBundtCakeDay is November 15th, and named after the ring shaped pan.  You can thank the 1966 Pillsbury Bake-off runner up for the success of this treat.  The bundt cake will celebrate it’s 60th birthday this year.

#VeteransDay is November 11th, and this is the most important one of all.  A day dedicated to all of those that went before us and gave their lives while serving our country.  On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month in 1918 marked the end of World War I, and is now dedicated to the cause of world peace.  Now that is something a Dog can get behind.

So be sure to thank our Veterans and their families.  And what ever day you chose to celebrate, make it a great day.  Happy Digging!

Rain, Rain, Rain, my you humans do fret over small things.  But if you must know, to be prepared, is to be safe.  Take me for example, I always have multiple bones hidden in my domain of a yard.  Here are some rain-wise tips for you:
*Look down- Water flow patterns may have changed, remember we have not had much rain in a while.  Add 3/4 drain rock to ensure waters flows away from your home.  Where  water will accumulate, add 3″ of material, bark or rock, to assist water to seep into the earth.
*Look up- Clean your gutters, check to make sure they are securely attached, check the exit point of the gutter (add rock here) or add a water collection barrel.  Fix any know current roof repairs.
*Look out – Windows and doorways, add flashing or caulking where needed.
But most of all LOOK!  That’s what I do…..Happy digging!

The wind is blowing, the air is crisp, ghosts and goblins are amiss.
A fire would be nice to warm the space, and a little dog to lick your face.
But what say thee?  You have not wood to burn for me?
I suggest your call my owner’s place, and make an order for wood, and do make haste.
For marshmallows need roasting, and my paws need a toasting.
We gain an hour this spooky week, call Valley Rock for their information you seek….for firewood, bark and rock,- any questions you need, they will talk.
Go trick-or-treat and have some fun, for my master and I will be here when you are done.
Happy Fall…Happy Digging…

Leaves falling, crisp air, cool earth, and rain on the way, it sounds like a fireplace night to me.   As I count my blessings, in dog treats of course, I see you humans have many reasons to curl up to a cozy fire.  So many wonderful traditions to enjoy fireside.
*  Chili month- who doesn’t love the smell of a pot of chili on the stove?  Whether it be a red-hot chili, a meatless chili, or a hearty mix, chili month is now.
*  National Beer day- October 27- Wow that’s this week.  You can brew your own or visit a local brewery.  I know the word Oktoberfest is in your vocabulary.  Danke for the tip!
* Oatmeal for all on October 29- The oldest cereal known to man (and dog), oatmeal is a  whole grain, anitioxidant, mood enhancing all-star food.  Cook up a bowl and adorn with nuts and fruit.  Or bake up a batch of those cookies you humans love.  Just know you are doing your body good.
So back to that cozy fire…start one tonight.  But your first stop (or call) should be to my master.  You can pick up a 1/4 cord of firewood for tonight.  Or if you prefer, my masters truck can delivery firewood (Full cord, 1/2 cord or 1/4 cord) to your door. That way you can begin enjoying your traditions fireside now.  Happy Digging!

As we enter mid October, thoughts of a fireside with my master and my favorite toy fill my doggie brain.  Firewood is measured by the “cord”.  Did you know the term cord, was first used in 1610? In the same era as William Shakespeare and Galileo….crazy.  Just a few facts about firewood:
* A cord of firewood is 128 cubic feet; 1/2 cord is 64 cubic feet and 1/4 is 32 cubic feet.
*Our firewood is 16″ split (that’s the length) and seasoned (it’s ready to burn)
* Hard firewood will burn hotter and longer, than soft firewood.  We carry Oak and Almond, both are hard woods.
*A 1/4 cord will fit in a short bed truck, a 1/2 cord will fit in a full size pick up.
* Firewood can be picked up at Valley Rock or you can contact my master and schedule a delivery.
*  Always start your fire with kindling.  Bundles of kindling are available right in my masters sales office!
* Be sure you keep your fireplace clean, and store your firewood off the ground.
And don’t forget to keep your favorite pets and people warm this season.  Happy digging!

The worlds largest seafare defense turns 240 today, that’s since the American Revolution.  Now I know some of my doggie ancestors were more than likely aboard some of the original vessels.  In honor of our U.S. Navy, how about a naval inspired landscape?  With a few elements in place, you can achieve that sea worthy feel.
As us sea dogs always say “start with a plan”.  Do you want a beach feel, along with a stream, or are you more of the ship wreck type?
* Beachie is best -Our white sand is an excellent choice to create a beach area.  Have a “beach entrance” which is a slant down as your enter the sandy beach.  Throw in some with boards to walk on to create a board walk.
* Seashore shazam – Use our 3/4″ black and white rock to make an entrance to your seashore resting area. Add in a small plank entrance with side rails made of posts and rope or chain.  Hello mate!
* Water – What’s nautical with out the sound of water?  Install a pondless water feature, a running stream with a small bridge, accented with nautical posts.
* Accents, why yes- Nail old flip flops to a fence, hang a bell to ring, wrap wood with rope, old anchors, old boat parts, paint stripes on fencing or garden shed…  Just use your imagination!
And most importantly, thank a Naval Veteran (or all Veterans) for their service.  Anchors away, and happy digging!

Some of my most favorite digging days are in the autumn season.
With so many leaves falling for me to chase, and cooler days for me to lounge around, what’s not to love?
My humans are in the process of building a fire pit.  This one will be made our of Roman Stone wall block.  It really has a nice look to it. High enough for me to jump on, and low enough for the humans to sit their paws upon.
With an open fire pit, safety if key, for me and my furry pals as well.  Please always have water available and never leave fire unattended!
And firewood, why don’t you pick some up here….A quarter cord is a good way to start.  A quarter cord of food will fit in the back of a pick up truck and stack nicely at your home.  So call you BFF and make a evening of it.  As always, Happy Digging!

That’s right, fall is the best season in Northern California.  We do not have to deal with Santa Ana winds, or frost warnings.  Just cooler nights and warm days.  It is the perfect time for planting and gardening  But where to get started?  Us dogs are not good at preparing, we are a more reactive bunch.  But here are some facts for you humans.
*  Raised garden beds produce more root and leaf vegetables for the fall.  So add in new soil  to your existing garden beds to prepare for planting.
*  Soil that is high in organic manner grows the best vegetables, so add it in the mix!
*  Our first frost date in our area is Thanksgiving time.  Add some bark now  to hold the moisture and warmth to your fall garden soil. This will keep weeds away, while enriching the soil.
*  Save and dry seeds from your summer harvest.  Store in air tight containers, safe and sound for next spring.
*  Dig up the herbs and bring inside for November.  Make sure to place near a sunny window!
With such unbelievable weather, falling for my backyard is amazing.  Happy Digging!