Notes and Reflections Blog
Cathy is an essayist who writes from her base at Boomerang Creek. Her blogs range from gathering persimmons to thoughts on global pandemics. To share her observations, follow her at “Notes and Reflections".

Good Things from Samin Nosrat
Some days I find myself traveling the world via the pages of cookbooks.

Afoot with Peekay
Peekay, my orange Bengal/tabby cat, is due for his annual checkup and shots.

Kit at 87
From the get-go, Kit has been a survivor and an explorer filled with adventure, joy, and light.

It’s Walkabout Time
Late July was a very busy time in my neighborhood in the Sierras.

Good Food and Neighbors
Few things in life these days are as wonderful as good neighbors.

Pie & Whiskey
I love the title of a 2017 book edited by Kate Lebo and Samuel Ligon—Pie & Whiskey: Writers Under the Influence of Butter & Booze.

A Perfect Summer Movie
It is the middle of July and I was desperate for some relief from the heat and the weight of upsetting news that takes a physical toll on the body and soul these days.
Catalina Salter Martin
Last weekend, our granddaughter Catalina graduated from Queens College, Cambridge University, where she has been studying History for the past three years.

Depression Era Pies
Recently, I baked a pie for neighbors who are feeling depressed over the current administration’s daily attacks on freedoms and civil rights Americans have long believed were guaranteed by our constitution.
Inés Salter Martin
On Father’s Day, our amazing granddaughter Inés was among the largest graduating class on record at Stanford University’s 2025 Commencement.

No Kings Protests
Saturday, June 14 was indeed a banner day in America.
Of Writers and their Cats
What did I know of cats as a child? When did a cat first allow me into its life?

Unplanned Events
Life is filled with unplanned events that can be majorly inconvenient or turn into a pleasant surprise.

Walks Among Wildflowers
When Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out on their Voyage of Discovery across the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase over two centuries ago, they surveyed the plants and animals found west of the Mississippi.

A Heavenly Memorial Day Pie
In every family, there are food memories and traditions that are passed down from one generation to the next.

Notre-Dame de Paris
On April 15, 2019, one of the world’s most iconic and beloved architectural masterpieces, Notre-Dame Cathedral, burst into flames.

Peekay’s First Year
Peekay came into my life almost a year ago, wrapped like a newborn in a little blanket up to his chin, his big ears flat with worry.

A Tribute to John
When Kit and I bought our home in the Sierra foothills four years ago, there was much to be done to make it ready for our April move to Northern CA.
Sierra Poetry in My Garden
It is hard to focus this morning as there is so much going on in the garden.

Wisteria
In April, my thoughts turn to spring and the time when I set off for Italy to paint for the first time.