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When Sean and I moved to Merced, California after I finished my PhD with our two huskies, Kodiak and Iliamna, many people would ask us why we moved to Merced. These were people in Merced. We moved there when I accepted a position at the University of California, Merced, but there were many other reasons we wanted to live there. My friend Heather and I would chuckle about folks' confusion, and then I decided to do something about it. So I started a blog: ThisIsWhyMerced.blogspot.com to share all the cool stuff about the area.

Now we live in Denver, Colorado with our huskies Willow and Juneau. And literally no one asks us why we live here. But lately I've been feeling a bit sad with the way things seem to be headed and I need more reminders than I used to that there are wonderful, kind people doing things that bring them joy and help others as well. One way I've found to help connect me to nature, support local, family farms, and reduce the carbon footprint of my food consumption is through gardening and food preservation. So I'm starting this new blog to share some joy with a world that needs it. And share recipes with those who are interested. And convince you all to move to Denver! (Only joking...) I'm happy for you to come on this journey with me and know you will spread joy right back to me.


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