Amy's World

St. John, USVI

2012-01-02T17:14:00.007-05:00

Here is a recap from our wonderful Christmas Vacation. Mama took us to St. John for ten days. I snorkeled everyday and returned with a tan!

Almost everyday we ended up at The Beach Bar in Cruz Bay. Here are more memorable events: Salt Pond Bay, Cinnamon Bay, Maho Bay (twice... to swim with the sea turtles), sunset from our balcony, iguanas everywhere, Miami Vice, renting a Jeep, Peace Hill, Frank's Bay (just down from our house) with Ziggy the pig, and SpyGlass for Christmas dinner, deep fried Key Lime Pie, and a great happy hour.

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Next time

2011-12-10T22:16:00.002-05:00

What will I do next time? This time I told a very small handful of people, well next I think I might tell the world.

Tonight we had dinner at a friend's house. They invited us over to catch up and to tell us they are pregnant. It was so incredibly hard to sit there and listen to the details of her body changing. I wanted to say, yea...been there done that, it's gone now.

So there's a good example, if I would have told her I was pregnant and I had a miscarriage know she wouldn't have gushed those pregnancy details over dinner with us.

I kept going back and forth, between changing the subject or asking those questions that any girlfriend asks, names, nursery, etc. It was just so weird. I didn't make much eye contact with Will, and at times I thought I might loose it. Especially those times I could relate with , or the reason they hadn't told the news earlier "cause you just never know" ---um, yea.

The whole car ride home I had a huge lump in my throat and tears just ran down my face. I don't like to cry in front of people, and I just wanted to escape and drive away alone once we got home.

I don't think I would have reacted this way if I was currently trying to conceive. However, this stupid ass aunt flow of mine hasn't been around for 54 days and I'm not pregnant. I have started meds for 10 days to start it, I'm on day 3 or 4 now. I just want to escape and go away....oh I am, St. John in 7 days.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-27T16:06:00.004-05:00

This year we spent Thanksgiving near Charlotte with Will's family. This was my favorite part...a fire, and now I want to build one, um like yesterday. We started this too late, so two years from now when we are back--note to self, start sooner :-)

This is Uncle Cliff's family!Grandma Sarah was a champ and hung out with us for lunch and dinner! Yay, I'm so glad she didn't stay at home.
Super cheese, what you don't see is that Susan is cutting the turkey and Will keeps taking the slices off the tray and eating them. He also is holding a plate with 4 sour dough rolls his grandmama made.
Funniest part of the day. I see Aunt Murray looking at those darn geese, and then hear, "Where's my gun?" really--um yes, see below. (it's just an air gun)
Codie and her daddy!
Siblings--this photo is way over processed, but they really are just about that white :-)
Pam and Mike---hmmm, um cousins? isn't that way you say when you don't know how they are related to you :-) at least that's how we do it on my side of the family.

Angel Oak

2011-11-27T16:00:00.003-05:00

Oh my word...Will changed his password for google and I couldn't remember the new password to update. I wish I could figure out how to change my blog to my email address...if you know, let me know!

Will's Mama and Aunt Kathy came to visit. We went to see Darius Rucker, and it was oh so good. But we also did the touristy stuff, here we are at the Angel Oak (and one random picture from the market, just 'cause I liked the tree) :-)

My mind is full

2011-10-02T20:52:00.004-04:00

So I'm gonna spill it.

I have many urges these days.
The spending money urge has come and I haven't quite shaken it even though we don't have an excess of dough. or any dough for that matter. I have gone back to the budget it's needed these days. I hope we make it to Friday.
The urge to take advantage that we aren't pregnant so the need to drink, go on a cruise, and go to Vegas again. I am ready to go Now. Then that Stupid angel on the other shoulder is still saying you didn't save up for this, but I still wanna break that rule and do it.

Friends.... When Kim had Aiden she got and is very busy now. I went from talking to her twice a day to never, to twice a week. Life was/is busy...so since that happened, my other friend's that have had babies I never call because I know they are as busy as Kim is... probably not what I should be doing, I should still call and keep in touch, at least leave a message. Or invite them over and put the dogs in the garage with crates. But do I do this? No. So Goal: work on this! Same goes for Jaimie we use to work opposite schedules so my normal phone call at 7am won't work for her, so I just don't call at all. I think of all these people often but I never call. They probably just think I don't care.

Pictures, I never take them anymore. Guitar, ready to start again but scared to make the commitment to leave school at a normal time.

Remember when I got together at Christmas with the MMP played the guitar, had a few adult beverages, thought about Rod....I feel like I need another one of those. Not 'cause of Rod just like, other stuff.

This new format reminded me....just the other day we were sitting around saying I was really stressed last school year. Then I couldn't remember why? oh yea, Rod I remembered that but Behr being sick was really hard. I was up in the middle of the night fretting about him. Then the father of year said just put him down. Thanks, remind me not to tell you things.

I told Jennifer I missed her the other night when I spoke to her. I miss all MMP I wish they all lived here and my BFF pool was always available.

BLAH BLAH BLAH.

Oh a positive note, I love 2nd graders and my classroom is running smoothly.
...okay that's all for now.
It's a school night and I gotta stop thinking and go to bed. XO

What's in a name?

2011-09-12T20:43:00.003-04:00

So I am teaching today...and G said "Hey, do you know there is another A. K.?" I said no, how do you know, she and M said "We googled you." Oh goodness, I came straight home and did that myself.

So I found my goodreads list that came up first, but nothing else.

Then I did A.K. with city and state, I found a video of Rod playing 2am at pizza on a cruise...I know I wasn't there because I was in the bed incredibly mad since Will was still out! So his obit must be attached and it has my name in it.

I also found a really cute picture of Jaimie and Jimmy from the knot and my name is listed as a bridesmaid. They have almost been married 100 days!

Then a short pixy cut that I commented on from my hairdresser, a comment on Ted's Butcherblock wall, and on the interior decorated we hired....so if you post on anyone's wall that is public it shows up on google, just FYI.

A list of people that gave money to AH...Will and I are both there.

So I decided to use my real name. That lead to who we bought the house from, it's location, and what we paid. Then our engagement announcement....so I found no skeletons, thank goodness!
So note to self maybe it is wise to name your child one thing, but give them a nickname then it's harder to find everything...

R.I.P.

2011-09-10T19:05:00.008-04:00

Today is the day that I purge my teeny tiny bikinis. As I took them each out of their own ziploc bag and laid them all out I had to reminisce. To a count of either 44 or 45 -I couldn't keep track, I had a few smiles. Once upon a time these were my life, now I barely ever wear a swimsuit, much less a thong. Oh those were the days...
Just in case I put it on again, one of them had a note in it's ziploc bag.

A sea of bikinis!

Kim called as I was doing this...and she said I can't toss this one, and that I was ruining her dream of being able to wear it after she is all done with babies. It's here Kim!
I LOVED this one with all my heart. I thought I was hot stuff with hose flames on my hiney!
This one made it into The Lake Murray News swimsuit edition. Boy-ee did I look tan! I still love that yellow label on the back.
Here is another favorite.

This one has a funny story. The first time I wore it was on a cruise and Billy C. threw me in the pool. I cried because I didn't want it to get wet. Speaking of water, I would say only 20 of these 44 suits ever came in contact with water.
They aren't really gone until Monday, trash day. So as I took them to the trash can in the garage I got a thought...is there something I can do with them? Can I cut them up, make a wreath?...I don't know. If you have any ideas before Monday let me know!

Planning for the Kuenzel's to visit!

2011-08-28T12:39:00.004-04:00

We're hoping to take them to the Serpentarium. Last time I went about a month ago there was this gator's nest!

We saw the big gators get fed, not as exciting as the smaller ones, since the big guys don't really move that much.

Edisto Island Serpentarium
$13 per person and AAA gets a discount!
Open Labor Day 10-6.

Angel Oak at John's Island
a 1500 year old tree that is so massive in size. We haven't been there in a long time, so it will be good to go back.
Open 9-5 free!

Now on to our favorite thing....FOOD
Where do we take them??

I have always wanted to take them to SeeWee Restaurant, but from our house it's 45 minutes! However, to the Kuenzel's that is nothing. So we might can do this....I have a menu at the house we can check out.

Will suggested The Wreck but last I remember for eating on a paper plate and no a/c it was overpriced. Here is the menu (and I know they like Hyman's and the menu looks the same)

Burgers?? We can take them to Sesame Burger! Menu Our favorite burgers are: Park circle, Arizona, Memphis (yes peanut butter, banana, and bacon), and Southwest. The sweet potato fries are OH SO Good!

Turner, Maine and Beyond

2011-08-27T12:02:00.006-04:00

Our last summer trip was to Maine with our friends Audrey and Adam. Audrey is from Maine and these two have been saying for years, you gotta come with us. Well it finally happened! We stayed with Audrey's parents and Audrey and Adam and a huge plan for our trip. We literally just got on the plane and they took us everywhere! Here were some of my favorite parts of the trip.

We ran into a restaurant just in time for a quick downpour. I was quite happy I was Not on this sailboat!

This past school year we studied bridges, so I was still looking for them...and there were some different ones up there in Maine!
Will's first "Lobstah" Roll

Adam trying to get a lobstah with the claw at the Lobster Festival.
I was super excited Audrey put this stop in our plan...a covered bridge--Love it!

On the first night we cooked lobsters over this fire pit, learned out to shell/pick or whatever the term is for them...I loved it, this was one of my favorite things. Then we cooked smores!

Grilled Paprika Shrimp Quesidillas

2011-08-14T19:37:00.002-04:00

From RR 30 min meals!

1 lb large shrimp shelled and deveined
EVOO for drizzling
1 1/2 tsp sweet smoked paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper
1 lime juiced
Small handful of cilantro
avocado sliced
1/2 lemon juiced
8 large tortilla, heated
2 tomatoes diced (left these out)
4 scallions chopped (left these out)
2 1/2 shredded cheese
Pam spray

Recipe says to cook shrimp on skewers, and then grill the quesadilla once it's made...but that's way to much trouble.

So season the shrimp with all this stuff. Cook however you want.
Then add lime to the avocado and put all together for a quesadilla. Heat however you want, Done.

House Stuff!

2011-07-25T16:26:00.007-04:00

When I was little I use to sing "I'm a big girl now...duh, duh, duh, duh, duh" it had a tune with all the duhs :-) and I so feel like a big girl now!

We adopted the blue dog, not Evie on the right (we are dog sitting)

My new obsession

2011-07-20T19:16:00.003-04:00

Jon, Will's friend, let me borrow his 70-300 lens for my camera. Here are some shots that I got. If I were to do this with my lens, this gator would be tiny!

Today, a neighbor told me that DNR just recently took an 8 foot gator out from this pond. Apparently they mated...

Chili Mac

2011-07-17T17:54:00.002-04:00

Let's start off by saying this is okay, not great....and certainly not photogenic. I just wanted to use up some of the mac noodles we had in stock.

From Taste of Home March/April 2010

1 C uncooked elbow macaroni
1 lb. ground beef
1 small green pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
2 cans chili with beans
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Cook macaroni according to package directions.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook the beef, green pepper and onion over medium heat; drain.
Stir in chili and corn. Drain macaroni; add to the skillet and heat through. Sprinkle with cheese.

House Update

2011-07-15T08:01:00.003-04:00

New quilt from Tuesday Morning...I think these are colors are pretty true, I tried all sorts of settings to get this...check out my crummy paint color on the wall (don't worry that will be gone)

I'm a bit crooked huh? I should have taken the white corners off prior to this photo.

Thank heavens for rain...but this is what happens to the yard! I don't think you can see it, but there is practically a river running quickly behind that fence. Now I know why the fence must have 10 feet between them.

Apparently the alligator on the left is "Elvis"... and they never get on the bank closest to the road. I was told you can see deer son the bank, and swimming (um they are dumb)...and in those woods there are wild hogs that people hunt since there are so many of them. The hogs often tear up the banks on this pond, I guess by rolling and digging ?? Not sure.
You can't see this one at all, but I think it was the biggest. I'm not a good estimator, but I thought it looked as long as I am tall! He/She is on the back bank in the middle of this shot. I obviously need another lens!

July 4th

2011-07-15T07:53:00.002-04:00

This is our first time going to see fireworks in Charleston for the fourth. Last year I think I was at Lake Murray, and every other year I've been to the beach with my family. This year we stayed home since we were closing on our house.

This is Kristin and Robert...

This might have to be my new profile picture. This is me, so many photos are the old me.

North Litchfield (I should have just called this post Aiden!)

2011-07-15T07:41:00.004-04:00

Photography Book

2011-07-10T18:29:00.002-04:00

My groupon expires today so I had to use it...I picked Behr as my focus.
Behr's Book

Oh Behr I wish you could move into our new house with us, it has a yard and you would be so happy.

IKEA Trip

2011-06-29T19:31:00.007-04:00

So I just returned from Magic Kingdom...I mean IKEA. Pulling into the place with all the signs was just like being in Orlando and seeing Mickey's ears on the signs! Super exciting.

I left about 2 hours ago and I already want to return and buy more. I really think I can squeeze more in my car!

I bought:
Side Table

Coffee Table

Rug

Blanket

There were two things sold out that I really wanted. A mirror and another rug.
Then there is this bed...I really think it will fit in the car....

Photo Book

2011-06-14T09:23:00.003-04:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

New House

2011-06-09T17:53:00.013-04:00

We close July 7th! YAY.
Standing in the living room looking up at the landing/hallway.
Landing at the top of the stairs:

This is where it gets a little tricky. I am really not sure which room is where. These are the 4 guest rooms. From the stairway, two bedrooms to the left and two bedrooms to the right. ALL of them have walk-in closets!

Guest bathroom upstairs. Yes 4 bedrooms must share 1 bath...
Looking into the living room from the walkway upstairs:

Master bedroom, bathroom, and closet:

Oh please can I have California Closet?

Think Buddy can jump this fence? What if I told you there is another German Shepherd that lives directly behind us....I pray it's a female!
Yay a screen porch!
I think this is looking through the "bar" in the kitchen into the living room.

The closed door in the hallway is a half bath. The first door open, I have no idea what that is...coat closet? The second door is the laundry room leading to the garage.

Master bedroom is at the end of this walkway to the right.

Laundry room, this is also how you get to the garage:
Entry way, here you can see the formal dining room:

The Kitchen:

That blue room you can see in the photo above and below are the formal dining room. We didn't get any pics of that room, but it is the only room that has paint. There are a few pics of it in the link at the bottom.

To see the house listing!

Bianca Pizza with Chicken

2011-06-09T17:46:00.004-04:00

My first thing cooked from a recipe on my nook! It wasn't easy and I don't recommend it, I had trouble. It was still yummy, Will said too cheesy. I used cheeses we don't normally eat on homemade pizza (ricotta and mozzarella)

Which photo looks better? Yellow from light or not?

1 Week Until Reda becomes Moore!

2011-06-04T22:43:00.005-04:00

Yay!
14 minutes ago I saw Jaimie asked, "Is it too late to learn the wobble?" NOPE!

Jaimie this is for you XOXOXO

Jump Up 4 counts
Jump Back 4 counts
Shake it to the right 4 counts
Shake it to the left 4 counts
Right step cha-cha
Left step cha-cha
Right step, Left step back and forth for 8 counts, while you turn to the left..back up while you are stepping these 8 counts. REPEAT!! WOO WOO!

After I figured it out, I just found this link!
After she gives her shout outs, it's actually pretty good and she adds some turns toward the end.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5efTKnSnCl4

BETTER IDEA!...in costume! (Can you tell we aren't doing anything tonight?!!)

Risotto with Shrimp and Bell Peppers

2011-05-31T22:09:00.002-04:00

Another Rachael Ray Recipe!

1 can chicken broth
3 tbsp butter
1 small onion chopped finely
1 cup arboria rice (I used risotto specifically)
salt and pepper
8oz peeled, cooked small shrimp
1 cup frozen peas (ick, I used pepper)
1 cup parm cheese
1 lemon, zested

1. In a small saucepan, heat the chicken broth and 1 3/4 C water over high heat until steaming.; cover and keep warm. I usually microwave 1 cup at a time in my glass measuring cup. My risotto bag calls for more liquid that this recipe. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally until softened, about 5 min. Add the rice and salt, cook and stir for 3 minutes.

2. Stir in 1 C of the broth mixture, bring to a simmer and cook. Stirring until the rice absorbs the liquid. Cook the rice until tender and creaming 20-25 min. Add the remaining butter, the shrimp, peas, and 1/2 C cheese and cook until cheese has melted. Stir in the lemon zest, season with salt and pepper. Top with remaining 1/2 C cheese.

Sausage-and-Shrimp Hash with Grits and Eggs

2011-05-31T21:57:00.002-04:00

I love me some Susan Kuenzel...she is the most giving mother in law! She just got me a subscription to Rachael Ray Magazine and I love it!

I also Love Summer!! Only 1.5 days left with children, there will be much more blogging soon!! YAY.

A very cool book!

2011-05-09T18:53:00.005-04:00

This book came in the mail from Laura K. This was the coolest and really appropriate children's book ever. It was well written but I really thought it was cool because it had been passed from family to family. Each family had a owned a dog that just died. Each family signed it in the cover.

I'm not looking forward to another dog passing away and having to send it to a sad family that is missing a part of them like we are now.

Merry Christmas!

2011-05-03T17:27:00.004-04:00

On our way home from Richmond, after visiting The Trout family we were chatting. Kim suggested we should have one more adult only vacation before getting knocked up, so we were discussing going somewhere. After realizing vacation to me means 80 degrees or higher and surrounded by water, so that means an island we were deciding upon where to go.

All of a sudden Mama calls and says this year we are going to an island for Christmas. HOT DAMN!

This is what she is thinking about...EEKK!!

Heaven on Earth :-)

Pavilion style which means three little houses, one for the living areas and kitchen, another for a bed and a bath, then another for the other bed and bath.

1 week

2011-04-28T06:46:00.003-04:00

I cook dinner every night. We eat at the table together every night. It occurred to me last night that we haven't done this in 1 week. The reason I knew this because when I put the plates on the table I didn't have to tell Behr to leave it. It's been 1 week since we told Behr bye, and yes it's easier today than 7 days ago...of course as I type this I get that lump in my throat.

The dogs came and laid around us while we ate, but there was that empty spot and it was a little sad. I also asked Will which photo to blow up for a canvas, I noticed his eyes getting big and red again so I stopped and I will just have to make that decision. Today Will takes Jade and Buddy to the kennel so we can go out of town, that's gonna be rough on him.

Then two damn new country songs that remind me of my sadness...even though this is about a man and my co-worker shouldn't listen to this song if she's reading. (Love you B)

oh freakin' bizarre...I just pulled this up on youtube and when she's talking she says "it's only been 1 week" what a coincidence and I've already titled this blog post and all!

A Little Bit Stronger
"I know my heart will never be the same, but I'm telling myself it will be okay. Even on my weakest days, I get a little bit stronger."

Then who created this awful song this week...thoughts about Rod and Behr...too much
If Heaven Weren't So Far Away
"Losing them wouldn't be so hard to take, if heaven wasn't so far away."
"I'd find my bird dog Bo and take him huntin' one more time."
"If Heaven wasn't so far away, I'd pack up the kids and go for the day. Introduce to their grandpaw, watch them laugh at the way he talked..."
UHHH.
"Tell 'em we'd be back in a couple of days."

Gosh wouldn't that be easier? If we could go visit.

Nathaniel Elijah Love

2011-04-24T20:43:00.004-04:00

Easter Sunday I got the chance to meet my newest cousin! This was the last photo I took, I'm quite sure Nathaniel was totally tired of me moving him and changing his positions

Could I be anymore less straight and not centered...I think I was trying to be so quick just in case he woke up or moved.
Erin is just beautiful...

I even got to feed him, now that I think about it I was the baby hog!

Orbees in Heaven

2011-04-21T09:09:00.004-04:00

After a lot of medication, Behr continued to have Grand Mal Seizures #8 and #9 within an hour, and possibly more once we got to the e-vet last night. The next step would have been invasive with anesthesia and a breathing tube in his throat. Around 11:30 we decided to let him go. This was the hardest thing we have ever done in our life. We went back to the e-vet and loved on him one last time. I watched the shots go in, and I'm not sure I should have done that, but I didn't want Will going alone.

We came home at midnight and didn't sleep much but still woke up at 5:30am and then around 7am. I'm not at work, but plan to go in shortly.

Did I jinx this? My old blog was named Two Dogs in a Pod...meant for Jade and Behr, never meant to get Buddy. I also just received Feeling Outnumbered? How to Enjoy your Multi-Dog Household from Barnes & Noble. I'm sure not, and in a few days I will realize it was the right choice.

BUT if you know me, I can't decide where to eat dinner for fear of making a bad choice. Or whether or not to buy this house we hear about today. Much less to end Behr's life what if he would have had a good day today and wanted me to throw his Orbee? or the next step of meds would have worked like a charm.

Just awful

2011-04-20T17:05:00.004-04:00

When I just walked in, Behr was no where in sight. He was in the laundry room staring at the wall and breathing very heavy. He was not responsive to my words.

He has bloody marks on his snout (both sides), and I noticed blood on the wall. The house was in disarray from how Will left it at lunch. Both Buddy and Jade were left out, since Behr was cozy in Buddy's crate when Will left. So my guess Behr stepped on or got in someone's way and they beat up on him. :-(

Then I made him lay down. This happened, and it's never happened like this before. His mouth is wide open and when he got up his tongue had some little spots of blood on it.

FRIENDS, do not watch this video.

Right after the 1st episode:

OMG 8PM it just happened again. Once again standing in the corner, but this time responsive when I called him. I forced him to lay down just like last time and immediate BOOM, best guess Grand Mal Seizure. So is he fighting it off by standing?

Just 2 minutes prior to what I'm calling the seizure:

Seizure:

Afterward: looking up at me crying, and bright eyed. a little clingy after he started walking around, but that's normal Behr...now he is resting on the couch. Not sleeping, but alert.

For Dr. King

2011-04-18T18:02:00.004-04:00

Video's for the neurologist, Dr. King:

This was from April 10th, just a lot of twitching...this was before it got worse with the tongue stuff happening.

Sad Behr

2011-04-13T18:06:00.006-04:00

Before you think this is a cute picture....his tongue isn't going back in (it has now an hour later)

Earlier today Jenwilli wrote me asking if I was excited about putting an offer on a house, because I sounded down in my email. Well she is right, and I've come here to share!

Behr has had two rough days, and I guess what is rough on me is that his bad times are 4:45-6:00pm. This is my time. So I walk in the door and he is good for a few minutes and then it's bad bad very quick.

You might say well you work, you don't know how he is during the day. But in the morning he's not like this, nor at lunch for Will. At least I don't think he's like this, Will doesn't report it or write it down in Behr's journal. Then when Will walks in the door at night, and he isn't this bad either...so at the beginning thankfully Will believed me, I do exaggerate things--so I'm kinda shocked he did this time!

Yesterday I had to hang up on Audrey so that I could grab him while he was pooping so that he didn't fall backwards into it.

Today something really different is going on, and his tongue is doing odd things. It's hanging out and he's making a sucking noise kinda. So I've video taped that for the neurologist. But these behaviors really stress me out and I always worry about him, what he's doing, and the fear of having to call Will that he's gone.

Where is the old Behr?

2011-04-07T21:04:00.005-04:00

Last night was the first time ever Behr did not sleep with us. He chose to stay downstairs. For some people this may sound normal, but for someone that owns a German Shepherd (or knows Behr) it's bizarre. They are kind of like that Sugarland song "Stuck Like Glue"

Behr laid on the floor for hours downstairs, even when Will got up and was walking around. He was stiff, and almost like frozen. I got up and looked at him around 3am. He was in the exact same position totally on his side, and not responsive at 6am when I got out of the shower.

Then today when Will got the dogs out of the garage (Joanne was here cleaning) he wouldn't leave the crate, or couldn't not sure which. So Will carried him to the couch.

I keep looking at him and watching his chest to see if he is breathing. I am really looking to see if he is alive. He has never laid this still.

So tomorrow Will is taking him to a neurologist at 10am. I do hope we learn something. I pray it's positive, but really I hope it's anything to explain his changes.

Looking at old photos, wanna see something cute? Behr as a puppy! We didn't own him at this time, but goodness GS puppies are adorable.

"RUFF" Morning

2011-03-27T09:15:00.006-04:00

My sunshine doesn't come from the skies,
It comes from the love in my dog's eyes.

Unknown Poet

Behr woke me up around 7:55am so I took him outside. He was alert, saw another dog, ears up and all. Within 1 minute after we passed the dog I noticed Behr dragging his front right leg. So we turn around and head back toward the house, I didn't want to be stuck way far away from the house. Next thing I know I'm holding him up as he poops so he doesn't fall into it.

Don't forget he weighs 80lbs. In Will's mind he always thinks this is small, but to me I don't outweigh him by much. We get into the house and he runs face first into the post on the stairs. His eyes, ears, nose, and front paws are twitching.

I didn't cry, which is unusual but that's cause as fast as I could grabbed a sheet put it on the couch, and laid Behr on it then went and woke Will up.

Behr is extremely sad looking right now. His head is hung low and he twitched for about an hour. We decided to re-up his meds (we are suppose to anyway after this weekend) back to where they should be to 1 full pill, not the half we had been giving him this week. So that means he will be loopy and even that much more unsure of his footing until his body get used to the medication.

He is in the corner by the door now, and Buddy will go sniff his nose every now and again to check on him. Every time I walk by him I stop and watch his chest to see if he's breathing. He is never this still.

I'm not sure I can ever be strong enough to have an old dog or a blind dog. Behr runs into things now and if I don't see it, I can still here the bump. It breaks my heart. When we walk he leans into me for support (not just ownership, I promise) or I hold him up to help him walk so his front legs don't give out and he lands on his face. This doesn't happen 24/7 like that sounded, but now that we've seen it more than 5 times in the last month something is up.

I want the old pain in the ass Behr back. Someone remind me, next time he feels good and it's not raining I need to take his picture. Shown above are our two favorite pictures.

Dear Diary...

2011-03-23T06:35:00.003-04:00

I have so much to say....I feel like my head just might explode, and of course today is Parent Conference Day.

Let me list them here:

Teaching Certificate expires June 30, 2011 (SLACK)

Must sign up for 2 college classes and have a job with all the stuff listed below fabulous (most of you say no biggie, we all did it) Well I have not, remember? I did my M.Ed. alone without teaching.

Behr on this medication is not himself and it's stressing us out-starving, can't walk, doesn't obey commands

Banding year at school-for a raise (right now) Huge reflection journal of all teaching due Feb 2012

Multiple jobs for the summer (tutoring like mad $40/hr)

Buying a house, short sale--do you have the answers?

Cramps, wow haven't been off the pill in 15 years

Need to eat more I haven't weighed this little since I don't know when, I'm blaming it on all of the above

oh and another break in unit W yesterday...and our most defensive weapon, Behr, has been medicated for seizures...great.

Faux Macro--Week 6 Two Peas Course

2011-02-21T20:51:00.002-05:00

Week 6? I think...was using a Macro lens...well that's certain not in my price range, so I faked it!

Avocado Shrimp over Salad

2011-02-20T21:17:00.003-05:00

This was really good! Not exactly for winter season, but I don't usually work like that...you know we often eat chili in the summer as well.

(Use less lime next time)
4 servings

1 lb uncooked large shrimp deveined and peeled
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. olive oil
5 cups romaine
1 cup corn
1 cup frozen peas (ick, I leave those out)
1/2 cup sweet red pepper
1 avocado, thinly sliced

Cilantro Vinaigrette:
7 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
1/4 cup lime juice
1-1/2 tsp. sugar
1 small garlic clove, minced tiny so Will can't see it
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

In a large skillet, cook shrimp, garlic, chili powder, and cumin in oil over medium for about 3 minutes.

In a small bowl whisk together the dressing. Divide all among 4 plates and serve! So good and light!

Shrimp Po'Boys

2011-02-20T21:12:00.002-05:00

When I go out to eat if they serve shrimp on a bun, which let's face it...that is what this is, I will order it! But it didn't occur to me until recently that you can fry up shrimp at home! Yummy.

So I asked Will, "What should we eat with shrimp po'boys?" After a huge list of equally unhealthy choices, I chose carrots and celery, not so good huh...well that's okay the Rachael Ray sandwich was great! We are having it again this week. Crud, I forgot lettuce, back to the store...

Menu for the Week!

2011-02-20T09:51:00.003-05:00

Steak Fajitas
Shrimp Po Boys -a mix between the recipe on this blog and this recipe
Chicken Quesidillas
Lemon Chicken Piccata
Broiled Tilapia Parmesan
One Skillet Pasta

Beaufort Weekend

2011-02-19T18:56:00.005-05:00

Great women, Great weather, Great weekend!

Catch lights

2011-02-16T21:12:00.006-05:00

Trying to get the catch lights in the subjects eyes. Since the window is behind me, that is what you should see...when blown up these are the best three. I like the last one only because of the tongue, not due to the horrid composition of clutter, dog hair, and a random dog toy.

Landscape/Cityscape Pictures

2011-02-13T15:12:00.005-05:00

The only photo I liked from the day! (and it has nothing to do with the project)

Uh, is I feel about this one! Homework for this week is to practice landscape and cityscapes.

Well when you go looking for abandoned houses, or really cool fields you can't find them. Everything says "no trespassing" and I'm a chicken. Then when you finally pull the car over you think you hear dog tags and while looking through the camera you have visions of a dog on your a$$.

These suck. I know the only way to improve is practice, but still....This first word sums up this project for me!

Landscape/Cityscape Tips from a fellow bumpie: http://confessionsofafauxtographer.blogspot.com/

"Be Like a Duck...

2011-02-09T19:03:00.003-05:00

...Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath."

Last week's lesson was Composition. I am happy with this first photo and where the "horizon" line is...not sure that street would be considered horizon. But ya know.

This photo I couldn't figure out how to get my shadow out of it! The sun was directly behind me, right where I wanted it, and the ducks were coming my way. So I just took it and I like it. I also used this photo for my Alphabet Challenge "O" --One Female.

Taco Salad with Homemade Seasoning

2011-02-06T20:34:00.003-05:00

Ingredients

Measured Out

Shaken

Dinner-Taco Salad from Aunt Kathy? Aunt Murray?

The first time I had this salad I must admit I thought it was odd. But in 6 years I've probably eaten it 20+ times. The thing that makes this different are adding crunched up Doritos, along with Thousand Island Dressing. Will prefers to eat his chips out of the bag, but I add mine right to the salad!

Charleston Foodie

2011-02-05T18:45:00.003-05:00

Visiting Charleston, SC soon? Here is a pretty great list from our free Charleston City Paper that you do need to pick up when you get to town! It lists the side of town, and type of cuisine.

$$$$:
Peninsula Grill - This dessert is Will's favorite and many others...Ultimate Coconut Cake $$$ This cake cost $100 plus shipping if you would like one delivered to your house!
Hall's Chophouse - Will continuously tells the story, "When you order your rare steak, they ask 'cool rare or warm rare?'"...he was in heaven. We are going for our 5 year anni.

$$$:
High Cotton - Surf and Turf, Hamburgers at the bar, Tuna Tartare...okay I'm seeing a trend, we order tuna tartare everywhere we go. This one is really good though and served in a halved avocado.
Hank's Seafood Restaurant - Crispy Rock Shrimp App, Tuna Tartare App, Roasted Salmon, Roasted Grouper, Sweet Potato Fries for the side.
39 Rue de Jean - Escargot, sushi and atmosphere with a fun bar!
Husk - (2/5/11) Really neat bar that is not attached to the restaurant, but they will come get you when your reservation is ready. We could only get our reservation for 9:45, it's still new and very popular on Queen Street. Here are some thoughts, if you don't eat pork, it's not for you! The menu changes frequently, but we like the Oyster Stew, Chicken Wings, and all 3 of our entrees were very good. The waitress had us drooling and was extremely knowledgeable about the local ingredients used.

$$:
Bushido Japanese Restaurant- Not the type that cooks in front of you. We usually order sushi and it costs a lot more than $$--Will loves the "Surf n turf" roll it has steak on the top!
Kim's Japanese Restaurant- This IS the kind that cooks in front of you. However, it's like no other, the cooks will partake in the saki with you and it's NOT a place for children, they can be vulgar, but it's a blast with a large group of partying friends! Not fun with just two of you.
Red Orchid China Bistro-Fancy Chinese, no buffet. My first time here, we didn't order correctly. We all only ate our plate...so I had a plate of chicken. This place is raved about, really? 2nd visit we ordered 3 entrees and we all shared with a veggie, and rice...now I get it! Yummy! *Tangerine Chicken was good!
Taco Boy-2 locations downtown (in the ghetto/under the bridge) and Folly Beach. I order a Frozen Screwdriver, and 2 Tempura Shrimp Tacos on flour tortillas (otherwise you get corn and they are a little tough-but not awful if you forget, I always forget)

$:
Kaminsky's (Dessert Cafe)- My Favorite Chocolate Mousse, it's open late night you can run by after the bar, or after dinner.
Andolini's Pizza - Our favorite Pepperoni Pizza ($18 whole pie). These slices are huge, but we order a whole pie and I eat it for 3 breakfasts!
Sesame Burgers & Beer- You are unlikely to eat here if you are staying downtown, but I thought I'd add it to the list. It has an awful location in West Ashley, in the mall. I like to order off the special board they are always great, and I also like the sliders that way you can try 3 burgers. Here are my favorites: 1. Arizona (pepper jack & grilled zucchini) 2. Memphis (housemade peanut butter, bacon & banana slices) I know right?!! 3. Southwestern (guacamole & chipotle sour cream) <--although this one is bland in comparison, so eat it first.
Red's Ice House - This is great atmosphere! You can watch dolphins and fishing boats come in with their latest catch, grab a beer, and bring your dog. Food is eh, okay--no one can mess up a shrimp po-boy and a few times a year they have all you can eat snow crab legs.

Restaurants to Try: 17 North Roadside Kitchen, Amen Street Fish and Raw Bar, Bowen's Island Restaurant, Closed for Business, Fat Hen, The Glass Onion, Hall's Chophouse (going 2/11), Wild Olive, and Zia Taqueria!...and Johnny Rocket's at the Tanger Outlet Mall!

When walking around town make sure to see:
1. Waterfront park-the fountain, swings, view the bridge and Yorktown from here
2. Rainbow row on Meeting Street
3. The Battery view the harbor and beautiful homes there
4. The Market on Market Street
5. College of Charleston on George Street has some beautiful buildings
6. King Street shops are always fun!

Other fun things of interest:
The HaveNots at Theatre 99 --This is stand up comedy and hilarious. Not appropriate for children.
Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms (furthest away from downtown)
Tanger Outlet Center 15 minutes away from downtown (Coach, Brooks Brother, Gap, Ann Taylor, Converse, Old Navy, Ralph Lauren, Nike, Adidas)
Many many historical tours that's just not my thing, I'd obviously rather eat my way through town !

Kelly Moore Bag

2011-02-05T13:25:00.005-05:00

I want a Kelly Moore Bag!

There are so many to choose from how do you choose just one?
I really like the Posey in Slate. What do you think? It is a camera bag with all the wallet features on the outside! My favorite part about this website is whichever bag you like you click on it and Kelly shows you a video of the actual bag and all the features, even how to wear it! Check it out here: www.kellymoorebag.com

My Favorite Photos From Today!

2011-01-30T16:35:00.004-05:00

Oh my word I love this camera, and oh my word I love these dogs. After I took Jade to dog lessons today I took her all over downtown and she was such a trooper. I would tell her to sit or down stay just about anywhere and then leave her, back up, and start taking her picture. She got quite a few comments about her being a good dog.

It was pretty ridiculous, now that I'm looking back through the 88 photographs I took in an hour! No lie. This was such fun!! 73 degrees helped to make this enjoyable.

Thoughts on Rod

2011-01-29T08:38:00.007-05:00

Cruise July 2009

Yesterday I went to a funeral and it's been the first one since Rod died. I thought about him and that whole situation. Will it always be like this, or just because it was the first one since? This family had been remarried also, so there were awkward times like who sits where or which pew in front of whom, why did they sit there...we just went through all of that, I felt that I could have warned them this was going to happen. I guess everyone thinks they are the most closest to the dead. I Did, I believe I WAS...but my title was STEP.

Then I got to thinking about Rod's watch where is it? What's it doing? Mama gave it to Rod for their anniversary. Kelley wore it to the funeral along with his hat from Crockett. This is so petty why am I spending my Saturday morning typing this, where's my camera...go do something fun.

Another thing that was important at this funeral yesterday was guitar playing, so once again back to Rod. Where is it? What's it doing? I know he broke a string at the hospital the night before he died, so is it all sitting in a house in Whitehall? But I don't need these items it just made me think of them, please Irmo friends don't go find them.
I know I was drunk when I said this....but while sitting at this piano I questioned our cruise group, "What if this is our last?"

Writing this so I don't forget: Kristin asked me the other day what song did I dance with Rod at my wedding, I couldn't remember...but I know now and I can almost play it on the guitar, "My Girl"

Learning about White Balance

2011-01-22T23:29:00.003-05:00

As I'm learning about my camera, I feel like I'm only skimming the surface and not understanding why to do that, or when to do whatever I'm learning.

So I'm on week 3. The Color of Light. You know lights aren't white, they look blue, yellow, all sorts of colors. Some make you look good, some make you look terrible. Well I've been playing with changing the white balance on my settings. Okay done. But why...and I only took pictures of white stuff...that wasn't the point was it?

When to change the white balance? This article sucks and a quick google search didn't get me anything decent. Thank heavens just found someone smart! Pioneer woman has a host of posts on custom white balance!

I am so use to seeing the yellow tinted photos, I almost like them...must move on! I hope I'm doing this lesson correctly. I didn't use a flash as suggested.

Hard to see, shot in AWB auto white balance (green tint)

Incandescent (yellow tinted)
Custom White Balance! WOW it's white just like the mug!

Poor Man's Caviar

2011-01-22T13:15:00.004-05:00

For NYE I took this dip. Now my photos looks nothing like the grand photo from where I stole the recipe from...check here for the original

As I'm scrambling through the grocery store really wanting this dip, I frantically text Jenwilli to ask her since I know she knows it by heart and she sends me the ingredients.

Poor Man’s Caviar Dip

1 14-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained
1 15.5-ounce can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
1 14-ounce can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups cooked corn or 1 15-ounce can white corn, drained
1 cup finely chopped sweet onion
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh basil

1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
3 shakes hot sauce

Combine all the beans, the corn, the onion, the garlic, and the herbs in a large bowl, and set aside.

In a seal-able container, combine the olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, mustard, and hot sauce. Seal and shake vigorously until completely combined. Pour the dressing over the bean mixture. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, before serving so that all the flavors can meld. Serve with tortilla chips (or just a spoon). Enjoy!!

Thanks Jenwilli and Ellie for a great recipe!

"Elegant" Weeknight Chicken

2011-01-22T13:05:00.003-05:00

Why in the world they chose to call this elegant, I have no clue? I didn't even take a photo, it looked not so pretty, but d*mn it was SO easy to cook.

Then Will says, "Can we have risotto with it?" really...if anyone knows of canned/boxed risotto that would be really cool to share that with me!

From Simple and Delcious May 2010

4 Servings
Prep: 10 min. Bake: 40 min.

Ingredients

1 pound fresh asparagus, trimmed
1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
1/8 teaspoon pepper, divided
1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter, melted
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (5 ounces each)
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

Place the asparagus in a greased 11-in. x 7-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with 1/8 teaspoon salt and a dash pepper. In a small bowl, combine wine and butter; pour over asparagus.
Arrange chicken over asparagus; sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 35 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese, bake 5-10 minutes longer or until chicken juices run clear and cheese is melted. Yield: 4 servings.

Sourdough French Toast

2011-01-22T12:57:00.003-05:00

This recipe tastes like an elephant ear. Now I am one that likes my french toast salty, weird I know, but this is heavenly!

Recipe from All recipes

Ingredients

6 slices white bread
2 eggs
2/3 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter

Directions

Cut each slice of bread twice diagonally to make each slice into 4 triangles.
Beat together eggs, milk, vanilla and cinnamon. Dip the bread slices into egg mixture.(MY ADDITION--and let soak, otherwise you are just eating bread)
Heat butter over medium-high heat in a frying pan or skillet. Cook bread until golden brown. Serve warm with your favorite topping. Powdered sugar :-)

One-Skillet Pasta

2011-01-17T22:02:00.006-05:00

From Taste of Home Aug/Sept 2010

Yes Kristin, it's just spaghetti!

I am shocked I have made yet another meal with onion, this is huge...I'm branching out, onion, vinegar, huge chunks of tomatoes...who knows what will be next!

The great thing about this is that Will only has to clean one pan!

5 ServingsPrep: 20 min. Cook: 1-1/4 hours

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds ground turkey
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium sweet red pepper, finely chopped
1 can (28 ounces) Hunt’s® Original Diced Tomatoes, undrained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium beef broth
1 can (4 ounces) sliced mushrooms
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon chili powder
8 ounces uncooked angel hair pasta
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

In a large skillet, cook the turkey, onion and pepper over medium
heat until meat is no longer pink; drain.
Add the tomatoes, broth, mushrooms, brown sugar and chili powder.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Add
pasta; return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30-35
minutes or until pasta is tender. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and
cook 2-3 minutes longer or until cheese is melted.

As I am cooking tonight, I can't stop thinking of a dear friend that gave me this wine "Three Wishes" for Christmas...so I'm opening it and making three wishes for her as I indulge. I hope I don't finish the bottle since I have to work tomorrow.

Chicken Noodle Soup

2011-01-14T06:55:00.004-05:00

My dish with egg noodles.
Will's dish with spaghetti noodles. Ends up the reason he doesn't like this is because he doesn't like the noodle, well that easy to fix! I thought he just hated the whole thing.

Slow-Cooker Black Bean Chili w/ Venison

2011-01-14T06:53:00.002-05:00

Recipe From the Local Cook
Ingredients:

1 lb+ ground beef, cooked and drained (I used venison that Will's client gave him)
2 pint jars of salsa (I used my fav garlic something... near the bagged salad)
2 cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
2 Tbsp taco seasoning
1 Tbsp Hot Cock, sirachi whatever...

Directions:

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker and cook on high for 4-6 hours.

NYE Cheese Meatballs

2011-01-09T10:02:00.004-05:00

We love to eat these, but I've never made them before. So I called Aunt Kathy and asked her a few questions then I went shopping.
3 C shredded cheese
1 C biscuit/baking mix
1/2 t salt
1/4 t pepper and garlic powder
1 lb lean ground beef

In a large bowl combine the first five ingredients. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1 in. balls (I missed this part and it was hard to accomplish). Place meatballs on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan.

Bake at 400 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until meat is no longer pink; drain. Yield: 4 dozen. From Taste of Home

What I should have realized is this has biscuit mix it will grow! I ended up with huge, not so pretty meatballs, but that's okay they still tasted good.

Behr Much Better!

2011-01-08T13:26:00.002-05:00

Before I say Behr takes much better photos, maybe being inside helps as well. Wind makes dogs excited just like it makes 4 year olds excited on the playground, and it's a very windy day here.
Now I need to remember he has ears and include those in the photo as well.

Note: If I get a flickr account and upload there it will tell me the settings that my camera was on when I took each picture--just learned that tip.

Buddy Hates the Camera!

2011-01-08T13:18:00.004-05:00

I am still playing around the the A setting on my camera...and this dog won't look at me to save my life. Come on Buddy, I have homework to upload and snapfish has a 0.99 cent deal I need some good photos by tomorrow! I guess it's my fault I didn't bring a treat!

Two Peas-Week One-Aperture

2011-01-06T19:07:00.006-05:00

This week I began a photography course called Two Peas in a Bucket. It's 12 weeks to better photography, portraits are like week 9 (I wanna cheat and look ahead!) Wanna join me? Kimmie??
This week I was to play with the camera on "A" mode....it makes the background fuzzy. I tried both outside and inside.

Pioneer Woman says " For instance, when I take photos of my children, I know I want the Aperture number to be quite low (wide open) so that the subject will be in focus and the background will be blurred. That’s my—ready?—PRIORITY for this shot—a wide open aperture. I don’t want to mess around with figuring out the Shutter Speed side of things, so I’ll let the camera figure that out." So set your dial to "A" when photographing children, the camera will do the rest for you. GOT IT! Whew, I'm learning. and I wanna take photos of kids, so this is important to me.

f/22

f/8 I think

f/4.5

Inside photos were taken one day. I was so confused, I couldn't focus and had to focus manually. I then re-read week one and the next day was able to get the outdoor shots without zooming. I figured things out a little better.

f/22

f/4

Photography in the winter in my neighborhood is pretty blah...but I did find a pink flowering bush the other day.

Roasted Asparagus and Mushrooms

2011-01-03T18:33:00.002-05:00

Exact recipe here

450 degrees for 15 min.
Olive oil veggies and sprinkle with garlic powder and some other stuff you have handy!

Served with Lemon Grilled Chicken

Lemon Grilled Chicken

2011-01-03T18:22:00.005-05:00

Will: What's that white thing?
Amy: (whispers) garlic
Will: Uh, I'll let you have that piece.
Amy: Just remember cooked garlic is less potent than garlic powder.
Will: Sure.

Great American Recipes (card in the mail from MIL)
serves 4

1 lemon
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley plus extra springs for garnish
1/4 tsp. dried thyme, dried marjoram, salt, black pepper
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

1. Use a peeler to remove strips of zest from half of the lemon, then trim into fine strips with a small knife. Reserve and set aside. Grate the other side of the lemon to make 1 tablespoon zest. Finally, squeeze the juice from the lemon into a bowl.

2. In a large bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice, oil, garlic, parsley, thyme, marjoram, salt and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and spoon the marinade over the chicken until well coated. Cover with plastic wrap. Chill for 30 minutes, or overnight if you have time.

3. Preheat the George Foreman to medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes on each side, or about 7 minutes total if using tenderloins. Sprinkle with lemon strips and parsley sprigs.

Served with Roasted Mushrooms and Asparagus

Croque Madame Sandwich

2011-01-02T15:43:00.006-05:00

I saw this on Food Network and I had to try it. I had no clue this cheese should be named STINKY CHEESE! YUCK. So the first time I made this sandwich, it was rather mild. I couldn't bring myself to add much of this nasty stuff to my dinner!

But the second go around, this time, much better!
Will, nor I could finish our sandwich! They were so huge.

You add this milk/flour/parm combo (bechamel sauce?) to practically all sides of this sandwich, even under the egg!

Now into the skillet to make it all buttery and melty! Then under the broiler with some more of that bechamel sauce on top!

Fry up an egg and slide it onto the top! Then grab a fork and a knife!
Click for the full recipe, Alex Guarnaschelli

Millers Creek, NC

2011-01-01T20:00:00.000-05:00

Christmas this year was spent in NC with the Kuenzel's and we had a fabulous time. We got to stay extra long because it snowed all day long on Christmas day!

Black Capped Chickadee, this was Paw Paw's favorite bird.

Jojo in her box!

Macie wasn't camera shy, so I took a load of pictures of her!

So many Cardinals!

Looking from the porch up the driveway, Susan's favorite view!
Random
Just beautiful!

Lowcountry Pork BBQ with Tangy Mustard Sauce

2011-01-01T12:56:00.004-05:00

My whole 30 years I have used Maurice's our of a jar or something similar. I now know how to make my own BBQ sauce! Fancy huh?

From Charleston Cooks

Tangy Mustard Sauce
1/4 C onion, peeled and minced
1 clove garlic, peeled and grated
2/3 C cider vinegar
1/4 C ketchup
1 C yellow mustard
1 T Worcestershire
1/4 C water
3/4 C cola-flavored soda
1 ear corn, shucked and kernels removed (I learned our to properly cut from cob to get all the juices out)
2-3 dashes hot sauce
Lowcountry seasoning, to taste?? I'm sure something sold at their store, which I bought (yep I see it in the picture below that cylinder container)

1. Place onion, garlic, and cider vinegar in a medium sauce pan. Cook over medium heat until the vinegar is reduced and syrupy.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients, except hot sauce and Lowcountry seasoning, to the pan, and bring to a simmer. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt, hot sauce, and Lowcountry seasoning.

Tip: This sauce goes well with chicken, pork, or beef BBQ.

Pork
1 bone-in pork shoulder, about 3-4 pounds (Boston Butt)
Canola oil, for searing
2 C chicken stock
1 C apple cider vinegar
1 C cola-flavored soda
1 C Tangy Mustard Sauce (See above)

1. Pat the pork dry with paper towels and set aside.
2. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven (my high school husband thinks this term is hilarious) over medium high heat.
3. Add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pot.
4. Sear the pork on each side, leaving it undisturbed until very brown before rotation.
5. Remove pork from the pot and set aside.
6. Add liquids to the pot and use a spatula or wooden spoon to scrape up any bits from the bottom.
7. Return pork to the pot and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cook covered until the pork is tender, about 3 hours or 30 minutes per pound, basting occasionally with cooking liquids.
8. Remove the cooked pork from the liquid and shred the meat with two forks. Set aside
9. Reduce the cooking liquid over medium high heat until only about 1 cup remains. Toss with shredded pork and serve with Tangy Mustard Sauce.

Here is my captive audience!

Fried Chicken with Pan Gravy

2011-01-01T12:52:00.003-05:00

Here are two yummy yummy recipes from a class I took at Charleston Cooks!
Fried Chicken with Pan Gravy
and Carolina Aromatic Rice with Veggies.

Tip: Messy cooking? Put your recipe in a ziploc!
Another tip: I bought this screen thing that goes over the skillet to keep the grease from popping, found it at TJMaxx from much less than the cooking store. :-)

From Charleston Cooks!
Serves 8-12 (But somehow I always make just enough for us with no leftovers, but with A LOT of gravy)!!

boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Lowcountry boil seasoning
2 C flour
2 eggs
2 T milk
Canola oil
Chicken stock
Heavy cream

1. Rinse chicken and pat dry.
2. Butterfly the thickest par of the meat, if using breast of thighs.
3. Lay the chicken out on a cutting board. Season with salt, pepper, and seasoning.
4. Place the flour in a mixing bowl.
5. In a separate bowl. place eggs and milk and whisk until smooth and frothy.
6. Dredge the seasoned chicken in the flour. Complete coat the chicken pieces with flour leaving no dry spots.
7. Dip floured chicken into the egg mixture. Quickly place the chicken back into the season flour to coat once more.
8. Remove the breaded chicken from the flour and place on a cutting board or sheet tray.
9. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add enough canola oil to submerge chicken halfway.
10. Place the chicken in the hot oil. Fry chicken until golden brown on each side. Remove the chicken from the pan. Place on a tray lined with paper towels and keep warm by covering with foil or placing in your warm toaster over until ready to serve.
11. Drain off the remaining oil from the skillet. Reserving 1/4 cup oil. Wipe the pan out using a paper towel. Add the 1/4 cup of oil back in the pan.
12. Sprinkle enough flour into the skillet to make a paste that is the consistency of wet sand.
13. Stir over medium heat until flour smells nutty.
14. Whisk the flour mixture while SLOWLY adding chicken stock to the pan. Continue to whisk constantly over medium heat until sauce is thickened and smooth.
15. Add splash of heavy cream to gravy, and season to taste with salt and pepper. (I do usually add any s or p here)
16. Serve the chicken topped with the pan gravy!

Chocolate Pretzels!

2010-12-31T16:18:00.002-05:00

Directions

Place the pretzels on baking sheets; place a chocolate kiss or rolo in the center of each pretzel. Bake at 275 degrees F for 2-3 minutes or until chocolate is softened. Remove from the oven. Place an M&M or pecan on each, pressing down slightly so chocolate fills the pretzel. Refrigerate for 5-10 minutes or until chocolate is firm. Store at room temperature.

Pets Galore

2010-12-31T16:10:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of my favorites!

Meet Evie our neighbor!

Meet Macie, my neice!
This is Behr's foot. I keep taking photos of their feet, no clue why...but this is the best one!

Behr and Jade's Challenge

2010-12-28T15:56:00.001-05:00

**If you are just catching up, please scroll down and watch Buddy on the next post, his video is more entertaining.

Buddy did so well with The Dog Fighter toy I was a little hesitant to try it with the other two dogs. However, I have the day off so Behr got his turn next. He is not food driven at all. He prefers a ball. So I put cheese inside as a treat. This is on the easy level. I think I can teach Behr to take each piece out and bring it to me in my hand.

Jade's turn came last. Keep in mind Jade gets excited very easily and when I get excited it's even worse. She barks often during training and when she doesn't understand what I want from her that escalates the barking as well.

This video is painfully slow and I ended up turning it off, no one wants to watch an 8 minute clip!

Dog Fighter by Nina Ottosen

2010-12-28T10:47:00.001-05:00

The dogs got "The Dog Fighter" toy by Nina Ottosen from Mama. This is the coolest toy ever. Meet my most food driven, street smartest dog: BUDDY--this made it much more fun.

This is level one: Easy

This is level two: Medium

Level three to come! There are stoppers that I can insert, and then he has to move them before he can slide the cylinders. Then level four looks like it's more suitable for smaller dogs (very small pegs)

Cranberry Sauce

2010-12-20T11:19:00.003-05:00

I love whole cranberry sauce. At the store a few days after Thanksgiving I decided to give this a try. It was delicious, and tasted just like Ga Ga's homemade sauce!
Look for it in your Bi-Lo fresh veggie section, put it in a fancy dish and no one with ever know!

Missing Sheena

2010-12-18T10:06:00.000-05:00

Oh Sheena I sure do you miss you! This week I've looked around for you, thought I heard your raspy meow, or heard you digging in the litter box. There are so many things you did for me, and I will always love you dearly! You were the best cat I've ever had.

Here are some things I miss:
Looking up from the couch and you sitting on top step just thinking "come to bed"
Sliding my feet as I walk around so I don't step on you
Worried about grabbing my scarf under the bed you could be lurking and think that I wanna play
Late night cat zoomies with random socks left in odd places
Lifting the toilet seat and you'd come running for a good brushing
Putting on jewelry at my dresser you jump from foot board over to greet me
Walking past the bed where you sleep, I swear 20 hours a day, and you swat me on the butt
Hiding my hands under the covers, so I didn't have to pet you (sorry about that)
But most of all...
Being my snuggle bug and sleeping with me almost nightly. In the crook of my arm, or near my belly under or over the covers, or by my feet. I love and miss you very very much.

Rant

2010-12-17T03:46:00.000-05:00

Awake at 4am so sick, but only one day of work left...

There are two posts that are incredibly significant, but I have been sick and so busy I haven't had time.
Dec 8th Sheena had her teeth cleaned and had some removed.
Dec 15th We had a horrible horrible accident and forgot to lock Buddy in his crate. He tore up some presents, magazines, treat bag, and laid on the couch downstairs. Then hw went upstairs and killed Sheena. There is a just a huge post I want to write about that awful event and how much I terribly miss her and I keep looking for her.

However, what is really bothering me are a few comments from about three people.
Things like he will keep on killing--like who? a dog, a human? that's all we have left inside...
At least it was the cat and not your baby--prey drive doesn't mean attack on human, or visa versa.
You'll just have to get rid of him, have you thought of sending him in to be a police dog, to do that attacking on some bad guys?
He should know better, Sheena was in the house first.

Really. You can't just send an adult away to go sniff bombs. You can't stop prey drive, at least completely. You also can't start it- see Jade posts, fail things like agility, retrieve, motivation, overweight. This was a HUGE accident.
Any mother would never leave work with a baby in the house left upstairs. It's simple, dogs aren't trusted. You gotta pee? baby pees with you, or the baby is left in the crib with the door shut, or all dogs are kenneled with the baby elsewhere.

Listen we aren't pregnant, and we aren't getting pregnant anytime soon. I know this sounds absurd but pets are my life, and yes changing my plans to not have kids for dogs is what I'm doing. It sounds nuts to most--but it's what's important to me. I've never been passionate about something, well this is it. When we do get pregnant, I have plenty of dog savvy friends that aren't the above mentioned people that will give feedback on the current dog situation. I also THINK I have a good head on my shoulders but just to be sure, I am calling a behaviorist to come out. I'm also calling our trainer, but that's more for support. If these folks say one ditch him that's different, but those can folks shut up. It's so hard not to tell them that.

To my friends who didn't say anything and just said, I'm sorry about Sheena. Thank you so much, I didn't realize how thankful I should have been for you until now. Even if you called each other and made the above comments, you at least didn't say them to me. In a few days you can come back and say now I'm worried about your crazy ass German Shepherd, you know I realize they aren't easy.

Food Network Yumminess!

2010-12-12T10:17:00.003-05:00

Oh my heavens, we just got a TV in the bedroom. It's a tiny thing, but this morning I woke up early and watched Alex's Day Off. She made some yummy French Bistro Fare! There were major steps that might just send me overboard on a school night if I attempt these, but I gotta try them!

Croque Madame Sandwich Recipe

Lightly Wilted Spinach Salad

Poached Shrimp with Bay Leaves and Lemon

Photography Stuff

2010-12-07T13:18:00.002-05:00

Someone remind me I put all this info here when I do buy a camera!

digitalphotographyschool.com

The Pioneer Woman

Two Peas Photography (forum)

Woah I just hit the jackpot!! Someone has already done this, super!!
Thank you Jenn!

Children's Book

2010-12-03T18:18:00.000-05:00

My co-teacher Becky found this book a few weeks ago. She showed it to me today. She knew she couldn't read it aloud to the class, and I can't read it aloud to the class but I'd like to add it to my Christmas List.

The Big Little Book of Happy Sadness by Colin Thompson

My spoiler:

A little boy visits the shelter every Friday, always walks all the way to the end of the cages where it's dark and near the green door. He sees a scruffy 3 legged dog and asks the worker about him. She says why do you want that one, we have 85 others that look so much better and have 4 legs. Today is also his last day before he goes to heaven. He runs home as fast as he can.

His grandmother says remember dogs are for life, not just Christmas. We need to think about it. He says we can't he won't have a life tomorrow. She agrees and sends him on ahead of her before they closed. The dog was shocked not to being led to the green door. They gave him a collar, leash, and tag. That was a first. He can't walk so well, so the boy carries him home.

The dog wonders whether he did go through the green door and is dreaming. He never knew the words cuddle, dinner, walks...Once home they make him a leg. And it ends happy. LOVE IT!

Frost-on-the Pumpkin Cake

2010-11-21T14:40:00.005-05:00

By JoAnne Wilkie

Cake
1 (16-oz.) can solid pack pumpkin
2 C sugar
4 eggs
1 C oil
2 C all-purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. cinnamon

Mix pumpkin, sugar, oil, and eggs in a bowl. In another small bowl, mix flour and remaining dry ingredients together. Add to pumpkin mixture and mix well, scraping sides and bottom of bowl often. Pour into bundt pan, either sprayed well or greased and floured. Bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Let cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes, and then invert onto a cooling rack. Cool completely.

Cream Cheese Frosting
1/4 C butter, softened
1 (8-oz.) cream cheese, softened
2 1/3 C powder sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 C chopped pecans for garnish

Mix together all ingredients except the pecans. Frost cake. Garnish with chopped pecans.

Adaptions by Kristin Blair
Cupcakes! Bake for 20+minutes

Timeline

2010-11-14T17:58:00.000-05:00

February 2006 Married
July 2006 Bought a house
?? Sheena
June 2007 Brought Jade home
April 2008 Got Behr
August 2008 Picked up Buddy, not intending to keep him...

Wow that was quick, time to get Gazelle Intense and buy a yard!

"Buddy Crate"

2010-11-10T17:50:00.000-05:00

Well Buddy turns 4 years old on Friday, but he's still not to be trusted. He destroyed the house today!

Around rest time 12:45pm Will texted me photos of the house. I will post photos if I can get them from Will.

Today was Buddy's fifth and last day in house as a free dog. I'm not sure what all he tore up. I know of magazines, a wicker basket, and he ate an entire bag of $11.00 dog treats--possibly the bag too.

So here are some reasons crates are a good thing and not awful, sad, torturous things your dog should never have to get in. Jade and Behr love them, and look for them now that they are in the garage and are only used on the cleaning lady day.

Housetrain (he is less likely to tinkle where he sleeps)
Protection (so he doesn't ingest harmful things)
Protect your property (so he doesn't ruin your things)

To begin we fed the pups in their crate with the door open so they would begin to love the crate. We also would toss treats inside from time to time. The crates are in the family room, but we've read many books and articles discussing location between family room or bedroom. Bedroom isn't an option for us right now. (Cat and I'm allergic to dogs)

Imitation Bang Bang Shrimp

2010-10-30T19:01:00.005-04:00

While walking around Barnes and Noble tonight I found a book called something like the best recipes copied from restaurants, which lead me to think about this fabulous menu item at Bonefish Grill. Let me add that we don't have this restaurant here in Charleston.

Bang Bang Shrimp is Fabulous! ...and imagine that Hot Cock is in this recipe too just like Shrimp en Fuego at Outback! Interesting. I can't wait to try this recipe! Oh and P.S. don't ever google that for an image! The real name of this sauce is Sriracha but at the time I didn't know how to spell it! ha.

Outback Favorites

2010-10-29T06:15:00.004-04:00

Shrimp en Fuego
Green Beans

Turned out pretty good. I only change the shrimp recipe a little. I don't use all those spices, instead I use "hot cock" the hot sauce they use at the Japanese steak house that has a rooster on it. Served over pasta, but I love it over half of a baked potato too.

Outback's description:
"Shrimp En Fuego Fettuccine
This amazing new pasta dish has quickly become a house favorite. Large crispy shrimp, sliced mushrooms and fresh tomatoes in a spicy, creamy sauce served over fettuccine."

Canine Good Citizen

2010-10-23T10:01:00.000-04:00

Jade passed AKC's CGC Program yesterday! I was a little set up, but that was probably good. I went to training under the impression that we were going to practice the items I didn't think she could pass. Tommy ran us through the actual test, and at one point I said, "Oh so this is how we practice this one?" Corday replied, "Um, no this is the test."

If I had known I was walking into the test I would have been on edge and Jade would have sensed it. I wouldn't have been so relaxed like it was a regular private lesson like I thought and it really was, not so "scary"

But as I look back under the training label on my blog CGC has come up since 2008 and then April 2009, so it's about time! Just the other day I made two lists a before I pregnant list and a bucket list. On the before I get pregnant list I wrote 2 out of 3 dogs CGC...so 1 down but holy crap the next one is gonna be a challenge!

Yay! Jade you have come a long way. Just watching you yesterday was amazing my standards for you are so high that I think you can't do so much, but when I step back you really can and I don't give you credit.

Parlor Tricks

2010-10-12T21:31:00.000-04:00

It's so amazing how most of this stuff was hard for us at one point, but now it's so easy even if we haven't practiced it in a year!
You can't hear me, but I am calling one dog at a time.

This video shows leave it, but at the end I should have gotten all my treats back in the bag before I said release!

Another leave it. In the end Behr has 16 treats on his legs!

Declawing Cats

2010-10-10T16:23:00.000-04:00

Just came here in vent...thank God I don't like confrontation, although maybe I should, I'm certain the world would be a better place if I told you how and when you are f*cking up.

How do you know declawing doesn't hurt?
Declawing.com

Declawing is actually an amputation of the last joint of your cat's "toes". Gross and you did this since your next house doesn't allow pets? Find a new damn place to live, it was the nicest house for that reason ---no pets.

You did this to all 3 of your cats!
Why did your last beloved cat die?? Oh that's right complications within the same year it got out of your house and practically mutilated since it couldn't protect itself, it was also declawed.

Want to see surgery pictures...click here--I didn't look at these.

Don't worry Sheena you are safe we will not be cutting/ laser if that makes you feel better off the last section of your toes. Tear up our house if you like, we adopted you, and we take the responsibility for you without amputation.

Card Making with Susan's Cricut

2010-09-06T12:29:00.005-04:00

I could practically run the infomercial, if there is one. I was so wrapped up in this machine while I was visiting the Kuenzel's!!
Here are my creations!!

Vegas Dining

2010-08-16T22:07:00.003-04:00

Our most fancy night was at:
The Eiffel Tower Restaurant

From our seat you could watch the Bellagio fountain show. This little cup of something was to cleanse your palate, I think it was like avocado soup.
This was my appetizer Warm Shrimp, Summer Vegetables, Avocados
I also ordered a medium rare Char Broiled Filet Mignon Accompanied with Lemon Parsley Butter. Although I should have gotten it rare.

After riding the rollercoaster at NY NY hotel we had dessert at a cafe there, my favorite Mousse!
Then we headed to Zumanity!

This was the metro sexual shirt that helped get Will on Zumanity stage and the shirt off!
We ate at an Asian restaurant in MGM Grand, which happened to be the same night as Lady Ga Ga and there were some bizarre, I'm not sure that ever describes it, crazy outfits/wigs/shoes.
Some other dining highlights.
Delmonico Steakhouse in The Venetian was awesome. I had beef tartar and lobster bisque that was delicious!
Le Burger Brassiere in between Bally's and Paris was really good. Since I saw they had a french fry sampler, I figured they must be good. Waffle and petite fries were yummy!

Necklace!

2010-08-04T16:58:00.000-04:00

http://frenchietags.com/
I love this so much!!

Fish Tacos

2010-07-21T09:52:00.003-04:00

Nothing special just yummy!

Peach Cobbler

2010-07-20T12:42:00.004-04:00

I knew I was in trouble when Will comes in with a large load of peaches from one of his clients. I thought what will I do with all these?
Then Will asked "Can you make cobbler like my Grandma does it?" My eyes got large...I've never made cobbler and to re-create something your Grandma makes is most likely difficult.

Well I didn't ask if it tastes as good as his Grandma's but I think he likes it!

I used Paula Deen's recipe.

I ate it this morning, and is it suppose to taste like peaches with bread?

Buttery Grilled Shrimp

2010-07-20T12:39:00.004-04:00

From Taste of Home Sept/Oct 2009

This was very easy and so so good.
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground ginger
1/4 tsp. salt
2 lbs. uncooked jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined

--in a small bowl combine the first 5 ingredients; set aside 1/4 cup.
--thread shrimp onto skewers.
--grill shrimp, covered, medium heat 3-5 min.
--basting occasionally with butter mixture.
--remove when pink, brush with reserved mixture

Sausage & Chicken Kabobs

2010-07-10T17:32:00.002-04:00

From Simple and Delicious June/July 2010

This was really easy and yummy.
You need marinade, chicken, pineapple, red potatoes, sausage.

Marinate in ziploc for 1 hour:
1/4 C soy sauce
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. garlic powder
1/8 tsp. seasoned salt
Chicken breast, cut into cubes
Sausage cut into thick slices

Place red potatoes (cut into cubes) in a bowl. Cover and microwave on high for 6-8 minutes. Or until almost done, stirring twice.

Drain and discard marinade. Put on chicken, sausage, potatoes, and pineapple chunks on skewers. Grill until chicken is done about 10-15 minutes.

Bottles N Brushes

2010-07-10T10:23:00.000-04:00

I was on the waiting list to "Paint Your Bestfriend" at Bottles N Brushes. So I was really excited when I got the call that I had a spot in class!

My plan is to return and have a complete set of dogs "Live Laugh Love"

Back to Lessons

2010-06-22T22:50:00.000-04:00

Buddy and I ventured back to dog lessons tonight. It was great. Just us, Ginger a lab puppy, trainer's dog Meiko (black GSD) and Tommy Grammer

We were working on Stay and Come. Buddy did great, I was so proud of him. He didn't hackle, and only had one outburst when the wild puppy got close. I'm quite sure we gave the owner a mild heart attack.
I really think being around Meiko is a good thing since he is so incredibly calm.
I overheard the lab owner talking about dropping her off this Saturday for a stay at Tommy's to train. So jealous I wish we were dropping a dog off there!!

Carolina Aromatic Rice and Vegetable Saute

2010-06-03T07:55:00.003-04:00

From Charleston Cooks!
Carolina Aromatic Rice (Shown here with Fried Chicken with Pan Gravy)
1 C rice
2 C water
Large pinch salt

1. Add rice to a medium saute pan and toast over medium heat until the rice smells nutty. About 4 min.
2. Add water and salt. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low and cook covered fro 8 min.
3. Remove from heat, toss with a fork, season to taste.

Vegetable Saute
1 carrot, peeled
4 T butter
1/2 onion, diced
1 cup corn, fresh off the cob
1/2 C chicken stock
1/2 medium zucchini, chopped (or 8-10 okra sliced)
1/2 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1/4 C fresh basil

1. Shred carrot on large holes of a box grater, and set aside.
2. Heat a medium size saute pan over medium high heat. Melt 2 T of butter in the pan, and add the onions and carrots. 2 min.
3. Add the corn to the pan, cook until heated through (I added mushrooms at this time too)
4. Add the chicken stock to the pan and bring stock to a simmer.
5. Simmer until the liquid is reduced by half.
6. Add zucchini and the remaining butter to the liquid. Stir until butter has melted.
7. Fold in the rice, tomatoes, and basil.
8. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Picture to come soon!

Super-Easy Chicken Manicotti

2010-02-08T21:15:00.002-05:00

I've lost my recipe! So I used this one....practically the same!

:-)

Intro to Agility with Jade!

2010-01-04T21:51:00.000-05:00

Jade got into agility! I have no clue if she will do anything, but she can be around other dogs off leash, so we are going! I had to give her training resume on more than one occasion and since she is under 3 years old I was praying they accepted her.

Woo Hoo!
Here are some things I have been told to practice before we attend.

Sit stay
Down stay
Touch (hand)
Targeting (touch something else) like a coffee can lid

This document teaches touch but also moves into targeting

This video is what I don't want to teach, but it reminds me of targeting:

so much to remember

2010-01-01T19:32:00.000-05:00

If we ever go out for a date and have a babysitter, the dogs MUST stay in their crate, even Jade.

Nanny Watch

This link/blog post makes so much sense. The dogs schedule is off, the baby schedule is off, leadership is not as strong=the dogs sense something is wrong and a bite could happen.

Chicken Fried Rice

2009-12-31T10:25:00.003-05:00

Tasted good, but didn't quite look as appetizing as the magazine. I will probably leave my fried rice to the Asian population to prepare in the future. Theirs looks and tastes much better.

Jan/Feb 2010 Simple & Delicious

Ingredients

1 small carrot, finely chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
3 tablespoons canola oil
4 cups cold cooked instant rice
3 eggs, beaten
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
1/4 cup chopped green onions
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions

In a large skillet or wok, stir-fry carrot and celery in oil for 5 minutes or until crisp-tender. Add rice; stir-fry for 3 minutes or until heated through.
Make a well in the center of the rice mixture; add eggs. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until eggs are completely set. Add the remaining ingredients; stir-fry until heated through. Yield: 4 servings.

Cooking for 2: Chicken Fried Rice for Two

Three Bean Taco Chili

2009-12-31T10:16:00.002-05:00

*Freezes Well

Jan/Feb 2010 Simple & Delicious

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef
2 cups water
1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (16 ounces) chili beans, undrained
1 can (15-1/4 ounces) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) stewed tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 cup chunky salsa
1 envelope taco seasoning
1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

In a Dutch oven, cook beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the water, beans, corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce, salsa, taco seasoning and olives.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Garnish with cheese. Yield: 9 servings.

Dogs and Babies

2009-12-30T09:10:00.000-05:00

Just for future reference you never know...

Babies have been a hot topic recently for us. Is it wrong to think, I need to talk to our dog trainer (not family doctor) before we decide to have a baby?

So many people dump their dog when they get pregnant, I feel the complete opposite. I keep questioning the dogs, like...Are you ready for us to have a baby?? HA.

Blogs:
Dogs & Storks

Family Paws

Babies and Beasts

PittieBoo's Advice:

Strangers kids = not a realistic view of how your dog will be around your baby

And from what I gather, you were holding him [dog] while showing him the baby? Bad idea. You took away his ability to flee something that distressed him. When fearful, dogs have 2 natural responses, fight or flight. By holding him, he had no choice but to display his "fight" i.e. growling and snapping.

You need to work hard on:

1. Not babying him- stop holding him or carrying him if you do; this should be reserved for the bay. Best to stop now so it's not a shock to him.

2. Introduce him to older dog savvy kids who come bearing loads of treats. If at any time your dog acts like he doesn't want to meet them, do not force the issue. Slow and steady, baby steps, etc... Forcing him will only make him dig his proverbial heels in deeper.

3. Acknowledge that he is a product of his surroundings- that'd be you. Get some professional help now. Nothing you have written is that alarming to me at all. Pretty minor stuff all in all.

4. Read my blog. Yes, changing your dog's behaviors is going to require work, but everything in life does. And really, a little dog training isn't rocket science.

5. Accept the advice given here with a teaspoon of sugar, you mentioned rehoming your dog to a large group of women who bust their ass to save homeless pets. Your pet has a home and changing homes only takes away a potential home for one of the 7-8 million animals sitting on death row yearly. They are just doing their part to make you aware even if it's a bitter pill to swallow.

About to give unsolicited advice!

2009-11-28T17:28:00.000-05:00

So my friend rescued two kittens from the shelter. Yay for rescue!

However, they were the typical adopter who just lost a older cat and let these two cats do whatever they want because they were still sad from their loss.

Last night they mentioned declawing the kittens if they get a new couch. WOAH!

So here are some links:
Declawing: What you need to know
Anti-declawing
Catsdotcom

Exactly how much "toe" they cut off...if you declaw