the end of September means the end of the garden

My son's exact words when he came in the kitchen were "Holy Tomatoes!" I find this pretty funny. I had the same reaction when I was in the garden ripping out the plants, getting the raised beds ready for the first frost. I had harvested so many these past weeks, I had no idea there were still so many waiting. We will see if I am laughing (this week) as I research 50 ways to cook green tomatoes. This should be interesting.

I am grateful to have had success in the garden this growing season. The beauty of the sunshine and soil is much appreciated. My garden got away from me in 2010, 2011, and 2012. I would start with good intentions and neat rows of starter plants. By the time mid July hit, I was buried in final exams at Whitworth and those tiny little plants looked like Seymore from Little Shop of Horrors. With intensive classes and extreme summer heat, I would surrender. This year was different.

I am blessed to have a large space in my back yard to plant vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Several raised beds are surrounded by a red picket fence with a grape vine covered archway at the entrance. The gate is latched and always closed.This is one area at our home where the dogs are not allowed. They protest and fuss on the other side of the fence but I don't waiver with this rule. Bulldogs barreling through tomato cages or eating jalapeno peppers or onions would be bad. I like having a solid fence between us.

Gardens are usually better behaved than dogs. The expression "You are always training a bulldog or the bulldog is training you" is true. Their stubbornness is legendary and they can smell it if you choose to deviate from the rules. They are like kindergartners-- do not turn your back on them! Plants are true to the nature of the soil, sun and water. If you feed it correctly and tend to it consistently, there is a really good chance you will have a positive outcome.

FYI: Safety is the first reason to keep the pets away from the garden. Many garden plants such as rhubarb and potatoes have poisonous leaves and can be fatal if ingested. If a dog or cat thinks it smells good, they may make the mistake and taste it.

A new month starts in less than a day. Time flies by at breakneck speed. Would you like to come over for some fried green tomatoes?

a choir of dogs on a Friday night

Oh joy! It is the last Friday evening in September of 2013 and I am at my desk, trying to figure out what to write about. My focus is sporadic at best- because three of the bulldogs are playing keep away with a favorite toy in this room. This game is underfoot and it is quite animated. The prized toy is a stuffed beaver that is very important to Gus. He loves this toy, where the others are just fond of it.

This weekend is full of transitions. We move into the Fall season and the weather that compliments it. It is rainy and cold in the Northwest and all that we want to do it snuggle into a blanket and read a  good book. Add a roaring fire in the fireplace and a cup of tea and it would be a lovely evening.

Wouldn't it be lovely if we humans were not so handcuffed to our calendars? What if we felt the same about a Friday night as perhaps a Monday morning? That would be so ideal and so present tense and positive. Just the thought that every day is important and shouldn't be qualified by how close it is to the weekend is mind blowing. I strive to realize how important Tuesday's are. Saturday's are incredible too, but I wish to appreciate both (all) 24 hour periods.

It is now Saturday afternoon and I am finishing this blog post. I tried to finish it last night, but there were technical difficulties with my cable, internet provider. A person doesn't appreciate her internet provider until there is a problem with the service.

Perhaps I am supposed to finish this post today. Seventeen years ago today is when my Mom left this earth. We were with her when she said goodbye to this life.  It was not a cold and rainy day in Montana, it was sunny and crisp.

There are no dog points of interest today. I just wish you happiness and hope for you to have the joy of a dog's company each day.Our pups enjoy who we are every minute. Their love shines through all the days of the week.

Enjoy your Saturday and your Sunday too! May your Monday be the best day ever!

 

Perspective and Poop Scooping

I have made it to middle age without any health code violations in my home. That is a major accomplishment for me. I have never been one of those lucky people who is naturally organized, or domestically superior. I can cook a healthy meal that tastes pretty good, but don't look too closely at the windows. There are probably smudges from dog noses.

In my dreams, I aspire for "Martha Stewart-esque" interiors and exteriors but it just doesn't happen. Life gets in the way. I wish that I had those skills -but I rely on Pine Sol, Swiffers, and the system of the Flylady ( www.flylady.net ) to manage this household. Self bribery and caffeine help too - I would rather be in my garden or even cleaning up after the dogs in the back yard. Household chores are a snore.

Gratitude is something I need to work on in my life. With grey, cloudy days it is easy for me to get whiny and focus on what isn't complete. Today I am grateful to have a warm nest to rest in. Our home is sound and the family is comfortable. It may not have the latest in decorations or furniture but there is a lot of warmth and happy furry friends to keep us company.

FYI: There are areas of Bulldogs that need cleaning everyday. One of the most important areas is the wrinkle over the nose that is called the "nose rope." The tail area should be cleaned each day as well. A bulldog cannot reach his hindquarters and the "pocket" can collect debris if not tended regularly.

It is time for me to have another cup of coffee and attempt to clean the kitchen. Stalling only makes the pile of dishes multiply faster.

 

Bless the Zeke and the Charlie.

Sorry about the corny play on a song title- but I could not resist. Zeke is on the left and Charlie is on the right. We were at Valleyfest and we met Father Michael Blackburn from St. Francis of Assisi.  He was offering pet blessings and we were thrilled to have him meet two of the brothers. English Bulldogs (and their owners)  need all the support they can get!

The local chapter of the American Kennel Club offered the opportunity to certify your dog as a "Good Citizen", several Rescue organizations were present, and many agility dogs demonstrated their skills, Our local Humane Society and may vendors were represented as well.  It was a wonderful afternoon and both boys were well behaved.

If you ever want to strike up conversations with complete strangers, bring your dog to a community pet festival. By holding the leash and  walking your friend, some of the nicest people have reason to share something about themselves and their pet accompanying them. Most dog lovers enjoy answering questions about their companions. Introverts (like the one I am married too) become chatty when the opportunity to "talk dog" appears. I think that the socialization and training for our pets- is really for the humans.

 FYI: While most Bulldogs will never compete in agility competitions, many enjoy tracking. When dressed in a harness with a 20 to 40 foot lead, the Bulldog can be trained to find articles such as a wallet or a pair of leather gloves. They can compete for titles offered through the American Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club.

The positive community support for pets and their owners in our area is not unusual. Nationwide, pet festivals and celebrations grow larger every year.
We humans just need to track them down.

We get by with a little help from our friends.

Crisp fall weather is the perfect backdrop for a toasted peanut butter and jelly sandwich.The ooze of crunchy goodness and the sweetness of peaches are satisfying in many ways.  The smell of the browning bread always rouses the late sleepers in our house.

Before this delicious lunch, Joe & I made a scheduled Saturday delivery for a travelling friend. The errand took less than an hour, and it allowed us to see the inner workings of a young non-profit organization in our town.To see their dedication to our community was inspiring. The thoughtfulness and hard work of the Directors and the volunteers was refreshing.

There is warmth and comfort in service work. The intrinsic rewards are something money cannot buy. In two weeks, our town will be holding its annual "Bark for Life" canine event. This is a fund raiser for the American Cancer Society. I cannot wait for this fun "furendly Saturday." Our 10 year old Great Dane, Q is a cancer survivor. The survivors first lap at the opening ceremony is moving and very personal. We were the lucky ones. Our Veterinarian was able to remove all the cancer in his foot and he hasn't had a recurrence. He lives a quiet but happy life. The little dogs make him grumpy sometimes, but he loves his daily walk.

FYI: Vitamin C (water soluble) can be a good addition to your dogs diet. Instead of giving your dog a (wheat) dog bone treat, give your dog a slice of apple. At first you might have to add a little peanut butter, but the snack is better than a dog biscuit. No preservatives or allergens and an excellent source of fiber.

 


I hope that you enjoy your weekend with your family and friends.

 

weekends on a budget

I am lucky to have a partner that shares my love of animals. He loves our dogs.  He loves our cat too. What he really  loves about our cat is that she kills spiders. He hates spiders. When the kids were little and Dad found a spider in the house they used to yell "Don't kill it Dad!" as they ran to me so that I could save it. I happen to love what spiders can do. They are incredible hunters, and they belong outside.

I am talking about my good fortune with my mate because it would be a bummer to be with someone who didn't love pets. That would be a deal breaker. I don't trust a person who doesn't like a dog.

Because of the number of fur children in our house, many times we put their care in front of our entertainment plans. That isn't a complaint, its just a reality.  We have limited funds, but we will stretch it if they need something. Our dogs range in ages from 10 years down to 1& 1/2 years. Senior citizens down to teenage youth -so we see it all with their care and daily requirements. The pets are a priority and we love them.

Pets tend to be like toddler children-- they get sick on a Friday afternoon, usually around 3 pm. Many gray hairs are created deciding if a Vet appointment is needed before the weekend begins. Friday was one of those days. Our bloodhound Kelsey has ears that tend to get moist. The ears are used to collect smells when they drag on the ground when her head is down. That moistness can get "yeasty" which means ear infection.

We will be having some quiet time at home this weekend. Rest and recuperation for our senior girl. The weather may cooperate for some yard work. If not, then Redbox here we come. We won't be renting Arachnophobia or Old Yeller.

FYI: Bulldogs often have problems with soy products. While other possible allergens are often discussed (corn, wheat) this one is often missed.  

Just wondering-- if Spring comes in like a Lion and out like a Lamb, and there are the Dog days of Summer-- what is Fall? Is there an animal?    


 

Banana bread and Herbie Hancock

It would have been so much easier to get take-out but I am so glad that we didn't.

I came home from a lovely visit with friends a bit tired today. Not only did I not have a meal figured out but my kitchen was a catastrophe. I had grand ideas this morning to use up the remaining tomatoes and make a sauce from scratch for dinner. I also had bananas sitting on the counter that had seen better days. The dishwasher has decided to die a slow death. I really wanted to turn around, get back in the car and go get some tacos. The "grown up voice" in my head convinced me that I don't need that much salt,and I decided that even if it is a late meal -I would still  cook at home today.

I really thought that my work in the kitchen would feel like a chore tonight. It did not. It was a relaxing way to wind down. The simple meal preparation was a way to shut off the overloaded To Do list in my head. I turned on some music and started chopping.

The best part of cooking tonight? I got to teach my son how to peel tomatoes and sweat onions. We stirred and seasoned the sauce and we had some time together. 

The pups are at my feet as I write this, just resting and watching me type away. I love that dogs don't stress out over all of the things they didn't finish during the day. Dogs don't care if the kitchen is a wreck. They just want to spend some time together with their pack. If only I could be more mindful and present. 

 

By the way, the bananas are transformed too. The house smells wonderful. I guess that Fall is here because I am baking too. 

*FYI: Shakespeare mentioned the Bulldog breed in his play King Henry VI. At that time, the breed was referred to as "Bondogge" in reference to the practice of Bulldogs being tied up (bonded) with other dogs.

Time together- whether cooking or hanging out is a blessing.   

  

  

Dogs and decisions -first blog

Landmark birthday passes by when real life happens. 

There was much anticipation before my birthday last month. I was filled with hopes for celebration, laughter, and thought I might be surrounded by friends and family. I had wished to possibly go on a long road trip examining my childhood haunts and review my past.I hoped to just stop and examine where I have been in my life journey.  I wanted to contemplate what I should do with my life.

This didn't happen. 

Car problems for family members, money issues, and Veterinary care for our youngest English Bulldog kept me in town. The cars are now fixed, money is still tight, and thank God -(really, Thank You God) our Violet is healthy. I want to wind back the clock to August.I still want to take time for this birthday! This day didn't go the way I rehearsed it in my head.

Perhaps I am to be more open to change this year? Must I learn to "go with the flow" and enjoy what is around me? This is pretty hard for me with my control freak tendencies. When plans change, I should change too, right? That is easier to say than it is to do.

*FYI: Did you know that dogs are pregnant for 63 days? That is 3 trimesters, each being 3 weeks long. In another week or two, we will do an ultrasound. That Veterinary care that was needed on my birthday was for A/I for our girl. Her blood work showed that  her most fertile time was my birthday. 

I couldn't have imagined spending my birthday in a Dr.'s office with my dogs. I wouldn't have been anywhere else in the world.