I can't help but think it's good to know I'm not totally insane. Sure, I'm still a crazy dog lady. Yep, I'll probably always be a bit suspect in my neighborhood because of this. Not a huge deal.
I'm happy to report other self respecting dog lovers have sampled their canine companions medications. If we were at a ten-step program for dog lovers, I wouldn't be the only one standing up and owning this particular behavior.
Yes, I did almost call my vet to ask if the eye ointment was interchangeable. He would have helped me in a heart beat. In his defense, he knows my name, and would where ever he ran into me. He would not need to refer to a chart to know who I am. I'm not just a female, patient number ____, 51 yrs old, 5' 4', on med's for blah, blah and blah, menopausal, prone to being weepy....you get my drift. I did call my primary Dr. to ask about my eye issue. I talked to a nurse. I don't know her name or face. She only knows my name. I did not confess who's ointment I was using.
To my vet I have a name and a face and we have more than medical history. Don't get me wrong, not that kind of history. When you sit on the floor and help a beloved pet over the bridge together, the client/vet relationship takes on a new meaning.
Things like this are good to know. In the company of dogs, cats and other pets we may become a little eccentric. If that's the case I'm all for it. Better to be insanely in love with our pets, than to never be insane at all. I rest my case.
Life with dogs. A little humor, a dash of play, a seed of faith, and of course, some dog fur.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Life is Good When.....
Life is good when you open the door, smell the distinct aroma of skunk, and realize you're dogs came in unscathed.
Life is good when you stumble upon a really great deal on dog food. Plus it provides visual entertainment. Kobe, with his funky bottom lip and lack of teeth spreads around the small kibble bits, not to mention cottage cheese, like he's crop dusting or something. The other dogs are always willing to clean up the morsels he might leave behind. Might being the operative word, he might be messy, but he rarely leaves any behind.
Life is good when the dogs leave just enough room on the sofa for one human being. It doesn't always work out that way. Although I do have to laugh at Mickey. We (well Reno) covers the sofa with a blanket to keep it fur free. When we are at work, Mick diligently moves the blanket aside so he can sleep on the sofa. He's no dummy!
Life is good when the medicine cabinet has both canine prescriptions and human prescriptions. Although during times of great stress I have accidentally taken the dogs meds instead of my own. Plus, I once had to fill out a HIP PA privacy form for my lab when I picked up a prescription for her at the pharmacy. Soooo, this ginormous sty on my eye that got me thinking. Perhaps there was an eye ointment that I could use. Okay, perhaps publicly admitting this might be grounds for insanity. I'd say the amount of pain and swelling from this sty is insane. Let me just say, I am not usually a wimp about pain. I am a trooper, generally speaking. Unless you ask Reno or my kids.
It is probably not the wisest decision to self diagnose and self medicate. Part of me willingly acknowledges that. Actually, no where on the tube does it say "not for human use". And yes, I did research the contents to verify they were medications for human use too. So there.
As I write this I have to wonder if all ya'alls are aghast at this thought process, or if some of you might be saying yes! I've done that too!
If it doesn't help I will call the Dr. tomorrow. If I begin wagging my tail incessantly, I will call the Dr. tomorrow. If I get a wet nose, lose my oposable thumbs, have any other side affects like panting or licking my nether parts, I will call the Dr. tonight.
My thinking if it's a dose weight appropriate for one of my dogs, it probably won't hurt me, and it just might help. Of course, I am a crazy dog lady - what do I know.
Life is good when you share your life with dogs, and when they share their stuff with you.
Life is good when you stumble upon a really great deal on dog food. Plus it provides visual entertainment. Kobe, with his funky bottom lip and lack of teeth spreads around the small kibble bits, not to mention cottage cheese, like he's crop dusting or something. The other dogs are always willing to clean up the morsels he might leave behind. Might being the operative word, he might be messy, but he rarely leaves any behind.
Life is good when the dogs leave just enough room on the sofa for one human being. It doesn't always work out that way. Although I do have to laugh at Mickey. We (well Reno) covers the sofa with a blanket to keep it fur free. When we are at work, Mick diligently moves the blanket aside so he can sleep on the sofa. He's no dummy!
Life is good when the medicine cabinet has both canine prescriptions and human prescriptions. Although during times of great stress I have accidentally taken the dogs meds instead of my own. Plus, I once had to fill out a HIP PA privacy form for my lab when I picked up a prescription for her at the pharmacy. Soooo, this ginormous sty on my eye that got me thinking. Perhaps there was an eye ointment that I could use. Okay, perhaps publicly admitting this might be grounds for insanity. I'd say the amount of pain and swelling from this sty is insane. Let me just say, I am not usually a wimp about pain. I am a trooper, generally speaking. Unless you ask Reno or my kids.
It is probably not the wisest decision to self diagnose and self medicate. Part of me willingly acknowledges that. Actually, no where on the tube does it say "not for human use". And yes, I did research the contents to verify they were medications for human use too. So there.
As I write this I have to wonder if all ya'alls are aghast at this thought process, or if some of you might be saying yes! I've done that too!
If it doesn't help I will call the Dr. tomorrow. If I begin wagging my tail incessantly, I will call the Dr. tomorrow. If I get a wet nose, lose my oposable thumbs, have any other side affects like panting or licking my nether parts, I will call the Dr. tonight.
My thinking if it's a dose weight appropriate for one of my dogs, it probably won't hurt me, and it just might help. Of course, I am a crazy dog lady - what do I know.
Life is good when you share your life with dogs, and when they share their stuff with you.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Good Dogs - Great People
I believe dog people are some of the best in the world. Perhaps I am biased because I am totally a dog person. If so, I can deal with that.
Next weekend is one of our local blessings of the animals. Years ago I took Kobe when he first came into my foster care. He was homely, just a rack of hips and ribs. I met a woman there who came over to inquire about him. She raises Chinese crested dogs, and bears out the theory people do resemble their dogs. But that is another whole blog.
She was taken by this sweet boy. Over the years I cross paths with her at dog events here and there. We always talk about Kobe when we meet. I'm sure she doesn't know my first name, just like I don't know hers. That really matters not.
She frequents the store I work at, so I'm always delighted when I see her. Today she had a four month old crested pup in her little pouch. She asked me to hold him to work on socialization skills. I was only to glad to help out. Ears, toes, paws, teeth, belly - I touched them all. A person can get very personal in the name of socialization! This little pup's name is Jimmy Choo-Shoes. What a hilarious name. Another litter mate of little Jimmy has even less 'hair' and is named Lucille Bald. Frankly, I think I need to get more creative with the names of my dogs! I could use Kate Spayed, Billy Jowel (an English bulldog, of course) or Smelly Butts. So many possibilities. Or, I could ask her help with naming dogs.
That's part of what makes the rescue family so awesome. Ask and you will receive. Do you have a behavior issue? Or rather does your dog? Ask and we will answer. Are you grieving the loss of a beloved pet, we will lend a shoulder. Could you be pondering adding another dog to the pack? We'd be right there saying do it!! Need a toy recommendation - if its on the market one of us has bought it.
I love the people brought into my life by opening my heart to dogs. They are the best, absolutely, totally, and most amazingly. Now, if only I could get one of them over to scoop poop.
Next weekend is one of our local blessings of the animals. Years ago I took Kobe when he first came into my foster care. He was homely, just a rack of hips and ribs. I met a woman there who came over to inquire about him. She raises Chinese crested dogs, and bears out the theory people do resemble their dogs. But that is another whole blog.
She was taken by this sweet boy. Over the years I cross paths with her at dog events here and there. We always talk about Kobe when we meet. I'm sure she doesn't know my first name, just like I don't know hers. That really matters not.
She frequents the store I work at, so I'm always delighted when I see her. Today she had a four month old crested pup in her little pouch. She asked me to hold him to work on socialization skills. I was only to glad to help out. Ears, toes, paws, teeth, belly - I touched them all. A person can get very personal in the name of socialization! This little pup's name is Jimmy Choo-Shoes. What a hilarious name. Another litter mate of little Jimmy has even less 'hair' and is named Lucille Bald. Frankly, I think I need to get more creative with the names of my dogs! I could use Kate Spayed, Billy Jowel (an English bulldog, of course) or Smelly Butts. So many possibilities. Or, I could ask her help with naming dogs.
That's part of what makes the rescue family so awesome. Ask and you will receive. Do you have a behavior issue? Or rather does your dog? Ask and we will answer. Are you grieving the loss of a beloved pet, we will lend a shoulder. Could you be pondering adding another dog to the pack? We'd be right there saying do it!! Need a toy recommendation - if its on the market one of us has bought it.
I love the people brought into my life by opening my heart to dogs. They are the best, absolutely, totally, and most amazingly. Now, if only I could get one of them over to scoop poop.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Dog Belly's
Is there anything softer than a dog belly? Well, perhaps a newborn's belly. But either one are sights to behold.
In our race with life, we forget to savor the soft warm touch of a tender belly. We have tender hearts, and tender feet. We fuss about jelly bellies, muffin tops and anything less than 6 pack ab's. Whoop-to-do, la-di-da and big flippin deal.
As I work at the computer I pause to observe Kobe and Hank snoozing away. Hank's belly is very pink and spotted. He has the most gnarly nipples in the world. I kid you not. Kobe's belly is more white, and his nipples are nothing to write home to Mom about, but way less nasty than Hank's.
Either way there is an innocence in their exposed belly. The rhythym of their breathing, the soft snoring, the total relaxation, the ocassional twitching of paws. They are at rest. Their rest promotes my rest.
One old dog, one young dog, one envious observer. They met their day with enthusiasm. And they rest with equal abandon. It just doesn't get any better than dog belly's and gentle snoring.
In our race with life, we forget to savor the soft warm touch of a tender belly. We have tender hearts, and tender feet. We fuss about jelly bellies, muffin tops and anything less than 6 pack ab's. Whoop-to-do, la-di-da and big flippin deal.
As I work at the computer I pause to observe Kobe and Hank snoozing away. Hank's belly is very pink and spotted. He has the most gnarly nipples in the world. I kid you not. Kobe's belly is more white, and his nipples are nothing to write home to Mom about, but way less nasty than Hank's.
Either way there is an innocence in their exposed belly. The rhythym of their breathing, the soft snoring, the total relaxation, the ocassional twitching of paws. They are at rest. Their rest promotes my rest.
One old dog, one young dog, one envious observer. They met their day with enthusiasm. And they rest with equal abandon. It just doesn't get any better than dog belly's and gentle snoring.
Dog-servations - aka random dog thots
Just when you think you have seen all the really gross things a dog can do they come up with one more. And while I can't complain, because it involved no clean up for me, I do have to laugh at the disgusting nature of it. If you are sitting down to breakfast as you are reading this, you may want to push your plate away.
Let me set the scene. Feeding time at the zoo involves four bowls with certain combinations of foods. The dogs wait somewhat patiently for the process to unfold. Kobe and Hank get their bowls first, then Maddie and Mick. Maddie has to sit and Mick has to be in a down position and wait for release. This morning as Maddie was waiting for Mick to get into position she horked up the yellow frothy stuff. Not uncommon for her as she has a bit of a tender tummy. This is the first time she's horked it into her food bowl. May I just say gross, gross and more gross! I was ever so happy to say, not my dog Reno, you deal with it. Actually, even grosser, Maddie took care of it. Yes, dogs are gross.
On a less revolting note, we are learning something new about Mr. Hanky. He is becoming a cold weather wimp. The last two mornings have been deliciously cool. Hank prefers not to leave the warmth of the house first thing in the morning when the others head out to piddle. Given the choice outside or inside, he races for his crate. I'm sure he's saying....no, really, I can hold it a lot longer......let me know when it's about 60 degrees.....I'll just be in my crate with my legs crossed.
And a little follow-up on Reno. Blessedly he has made almost a complete recovery. We see the neurologist tomorrow. His "illness" is still undiagnosed, but what matters is he has recovered. Thankfully, of so thankfully we rejoice in that. In many ways it has been a wake up call for us. Wake up calls, while often rude and surprising, bring with them graces and new opportunities.
In light of all our blessings, a little chilly weather and some dog vomit are pretty small potatoes. Sending you happy tails and happy trails on the road of life. And God Bless.
Let me set the scene. Feeding time at the zoo involves four bowls with certain combinations of foods. The dogs wait somewhat patiently for the process to unfold. Kobe and Hank get their bowls first, then Maddie and Mick. Maddie has to sit and Mick has to be in a down position and wait for release. This morning as Maddie was waiting for Mick to get into position she horked up the yellow frothy stuff. Not uncommon for her as she has a bit of a tender tummy. This is the first time she's horked it into her food bowl. May I just say gross, gross and more gross! I was ever so happy to say, not my dog Reno, you deal with it. Actually, even grosser, Maddie took care of it. Yes, dogs are gross.
On a less revolting note, we are learning something new about Mr. Hanky. He is becoming a cold weather wimp. The last two mornings have been deliciously cool. Hank prefers not to leave the warmth of the house first thing in the morning when the others head out to piddle. Given the choice outside or inside, he races for his crate. I'm sure he's saying....no, really, I can hold it a lot longer......let me know when it's about 60 degrees.....I'll just be in my crate with my legs crossed.
And a little follow-up on Reno. Blessedly he has made almost a complete recovery. We see the neurologist tomorrow. His "illness" is still undiagnosed, but what matters is he has recovered. Thankfully, of so thankfully we rejoice in that. In many ways it has been a wake up call for us. Wake up calls, while often rude and surprising, bring with them graces and new opportunities.
In light of all our blessings, a little chilly weather and some dog vomit are pretty small potatoes. Sending you happy tails and happy trails on the road of life. And God Bless.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Spotting Old Dogs
So many ways I could go with this blog. Let's start with a bit of gratitude. Reno had a huge health scare over the weekend. He got sick while driving home from a fishing trip about 45 miles away. Somehow I knew instinctively it was a serious issue, so my son and I headed out to meet him. Of course, I thought he had stopped driving. Little did I know. But that's another story.
But back to the gratitude part. We came out of this very lucky. I know the big Guy upstairs had a hand in it, as did the boat load of prayers from our friends and family. We don't know what caused it, but in some cases one doesn't need to know.
We "spot" Kobe on the stairs all the time how. Age and arthritis make him unsteady on the stairs. He can go down, he just can't stop at the bottom. Well, he can stop at the bottom but much like a runner sliding into home plate. We try to protect him as best we can. Sliding is not recommended at his age.
Now I find myself spotting Kobe and Reno on the stairs. I wouldn't have it any other way. I know Kobe is snickering at Reno. Kobe is saying "he-he-he you old fart...how's it feel? He-he-he that will teach you to be so smug". And Kobe's favorite, "ha-ha-ha Mom loved me first!"
There is no one I'd rather spot than this spotted pointer, and my Reno. I am grateful for both. I delight in the goodness in their hearts, and for the opportunity to spot them along the bumpy parts in life.
Some things we need to know, some things we just trust our way through. Sometimes there is sliding, sometimes gentle hands reach out to spot us. Always there is love.
But back to the gratitude part. We came out of this very lucky. I know the big Guy upstairs had a hand in it, as did the boat load of prayers from our friends and family. We don't know what caused it, but in some cases one doesn't need to know.
We "spot" Kobe on the stairs all the time how. Age and arthritis make him unsteady on the stairs. He can go down, he just can't stop at the bottom. Well, he can stop at the bottom but much like a runner sliding into home plate. We try to protect him as best we can. Sliding is not recommended at his age.
Now I find myself spotting Kobe and Reno on the stairs. I wouldn't have it any other way. I know Kobe is snickering at Reno. Kobe is saying "he-he-he you old fart...how's it feel? He-he-he that will teach you to be so smug". And Kobe's favorite, "ha-ha-ha Mom loved me first!"
There is no one I'd rather spot than this spotted pointer, and my Reno. I am grateful for both. I delight in the goodness in their hearts, and for the opportunity to spot them along the bumpy parts in life.
Some things we need to know, some things we just trust our way through. Sometimes there is sliding, sometimes gentle hands reach out to spot us. Always there is love.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Turkey Tenderloins
We run a pretty tight ship around here with the dogs. Of course the 'ship' allows bed privileges and some furniture privileges. Now that I think of it, only Reno's chair is off limits as is the leather love seat. So it's not like they are roughing it by any means.
So when those times of gross, totally over the top rule breaking happen I'm all over it. In retrospect I usually wish I'd had the camera handy first to photograph the event. Such a moral dilemma. Catch that Kodak moment or give a timely (and well needed!) correction. I go for the correction. Now corrections are tricky things. One must, and I cannot stress this enough, sound like you mean business during the correction. On the other hand, sometimes curbing your amusement while giving the correct is almost impossible to do!
All that said, let me describe the gross, totally over the top misbehavior of my dear Mr. Hanky.
Remember, Pete? He was another foster dog of ours. Pete is famous for his love of Liver Treats OMG Liver Treats. Well, I discovered Hank's Achilles heel. For Hank it's Turkey Tenderloins OMG Turkey Tenderloins!
We grilled some TT's last night and had a late leisurely dinner on the patio. Reno is a master griller and his Weber kettle grill sees a lot of action. You can kinda see where this is going. He left the cover off the grill off last night.
I let dogs out this morning to "water" them before feeding time. All scampered back in except Mr. Hanky. I looked out the back window for him and there he was. Front paws up on the grill, licking the grates of the grill clean of any Turkey Tenderloin bits, pieces or juices. Yes, I realize this is a safety issue on multiple levels. So I went straight for the correction. A clap of the hands and a verbal scolding was all it took. Although I have to wonder if the touch of mirth in my voice may have given me away. It would have been a terrific picture you know?
So naturally I covered the grill. Next I looked out Hank had his paws up on the patio table in case one of us missed a morsel! Not bloody likely, but you can't blame him for trying. Another well timed correction given. Another Kodak moment missed.
Clearly we have discovered a passion of Hank's. Sometimes even dogs know temptation overrules the rules! I'm sure Pete would be proud of Hank. He'd be saying "Go for it dude. Live on the edge a little. Life is short, savour those mouth watering tenderloin moments." And you know, Pete would be right.
So when those times of gross, totally over the top rule breaking happen I'm all over it. In retrospect I usually wish I'd had the camera handy first to photograph the event. Such a moral dilemma. Catch that Kodak moment or give a timely (and well needed!) correction. I go for the correction. Now corrections are tricky things. One must, and I cannot stress this enough, sound like you mean business during the correction. On the other hand, sometimes curbing your amusement while giving the correct is almost impossible to do!
All that said, let me describe the gross, totally over the top misbehavior of my dear Mr. Hanky.
Remember, Pete? He was another foster dog of ours. Pete is famous for his love of Liver Treats OMG Liver Treats. Well, I discovered Hank's Achilles heel. For Hank it's Turkey Tenderloins OMG Turkey Tenderloins!
We grilled some TT's last night and had a late leisurely dinner on the patio. Reno is a master griller and his Weber kettle grill sees a lot of action. You can kinda see where this is going. He left the cover off the grill off last night.
I let dogs out this morning to "water" them before feeding time. All scampered back in except Mr. Hanky. I looked out the back window for him and there he was. Front paws up on the grill, licking the grates of the grill clean of any Turkey Tenderloin bits, pieces or juices. Yes, I realize this is a safety issue on multiple levels. So I went straight for the correction. A clap of the hands and a verbal scolding was all it took. Although I have to wonder if the touch of mirth in my voice may have given me away. It would have been a terrific picture you know?
So naturally I covered the grill. Next I looked out Hank had his paws up on the patio table in case one of us missed a morsel! Not bloody likely, but you can't blame him for trying. Another well timed correction given. Another Kodak moment missed.
Clearly we have discovered a passion of Hank's. Sometimes even dogs know temptation overrules the rules! I'm sure Pete would be proud of Hank. He'd be saying "Go for it dude. Live on the edge a little. Life is short, savour those mouth watering tenderloin moments." And you know, Pete would be right.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Career Choices
Thus far,I can say without a doubt, did not miss my calling as a nurse/doctor, an accountant , an attorney, a teacher, a life guard or a politician. When they passed out brains for those fields I was out to lunch.
As much as I love dogs, I have no desire to be a vet or a vet tech. As much as I love flowers, I don't want my own shop. Is it lazy to say I don't want to work that hard? I don't. Frankly, I don't want to work 40-50 hours a week. But I do love my job. I love the people I work with, within reason, or course.
I get paid for my job, but my vocations bring meaning to my life. Writing, dogging, gardening, being a parent, being a partner, a friend, supporting, laughing, praying. Those are my vocations.
Lest you think I get down on my knees to pray daily, I don't. But I have to believe those times I utter the words "oh God" in any context constitute prayer. There are many examples..."oh God, I've done it now, Oh God, what have I gotten myself into? Oh God, here we go again. Oh God, I wasn't expecting that! Oh God, could that person be any more stupid. Oh God! Oh God, Oh God. As in, well you know, Oh God!! Usage of that phrase is not a form of disrespect. Rather one of great respect. Who else does one turn to so immediately? Or at least so consistently!
Which brings me to this thought. We have all seen the Dog and God word plays. Coincidence, I don't think so. I believe in karma and dogma. I believe I would like to be half as good a person as my dogs think I am. I hope once and a while I hit that mark. Much like Kobe, Mickey and Hank all try to hit the same mark, I'd like to do the same.
Perhaps the key to succeeding in this it to keep after it. Like a dog with a bone, a springer with a ball, a lab in water. Dogged determination, unrelenting action, growing belief in our lives, our loves, our dogs and dogma.
All choices we have and vocations we love.
As much as I love dogs, I have no desire to be a vet or a vet tech. As much as I love flowers, I don't want my own shop. Is it lazy to say I don't want to work that hard? I don't. Frankly, I don't want to work 40-50 hours a week. But I do love my job. I love the people I work with, within reason, or course.
I get paid for my job, but my vocations bring meaning to my life. Writing, dogging, gardening, being a parent, being a partner, a friend, supporting, laughing, praying. Those are my vocations.
Lest you think I get down on my knees to pray daily, I don't. But I have to believe those times I utter the words "oh God" in any context constitute prayer. There are many examples..."oh God, I've done it now, Oh God, what have I gotten myself into? Oh God, here we go again. Oh God, I wasn't expecting that! Oh God, could that person be any more stupid. Oh God! Oh God, Oh God. As in, well you know, Oh God!! Usage of that phrase is not a form of disrespect. Rather one of great respect. Who else does one turn to so immediately? Or at least so consistently!
Which brings me to this thought. We have all seen the Dog and God word plays. Coincidence, I don't think so. I believe in karma and dogma. I believe I would like to be half as good a person as my dogs think I am. I hope once and a while I hit that mark. Much like Kobe, Mickey and Hank all try to hit the same mark, I'd like to do the same.
Perhaps the key to succeeding in this it to keep after it. Like a dog with a bone, a springer with a ball, a lab in water. Dogged determination, unrelenting action, growing belief in our lives, our loves, our dogs and dogma.
All choices we have and vocations we love.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Chocolate Raspberry Coffee
I have a confession to make. I like flavored coffee. Reno - not so much, but he indulges me on this. I like flavored coffee with flavored creamer. Yup, I'm one of those people.
We, I, he, not sure which of us bought a bag of Chocolate Raspberry flavored coffee. One would have thought it would be another adventure in coffee consumption pleasure. Except, neither one of us really like it. It does get bonus points for fragrance. It is highly fragrant. But the taste, again, not so pleasing to us.
In fact, if Jesus had our bag of Chocolate Raspberry Coffee there would have been no need for the loaves and the fishes. Unless of course they too didn't like it, then no amount of loaves or fishes would have pacified them.
This bag of coffee has lasted forever. Literally, figuratively, biblically. It goes on and on. We should have dumped it in the compost pile a couple weeks ago. But no, the watchful consumer in us does not want to waste it. The early morning caffeine addict in us thinks we are nuts. We keep buying some "good" coffee and using up that. Then we'll brew another pot of the Chocoraspberry crap when we run out. Immediately we remember to put coffee on the list.
If find this all disturbing. Even more than the taste of this coffee, I am dismayed we don't like it. We love the components of these beans. Coffee - good. Chocolate - even better. Raspberries - delicious. And yet, somehow the end result is way less than the sum of it's parts.
Life is sometimes the best cup of Joe there is, and sometimes it's a bag of coffee that just never ends. Either way, it's interesting. Maybe I shall have to take drastic measures to get rid of the remaining coffee. I think I read somewhere coffee grounds were good for the roses. If that is true I'll be in the garden first thing tomorrow morning.
We, I, he, not sure which of us bought a bag of Chocolate Raspberry flavored coffee. One would have thought it would be another adventure in coffee consumption pleasure. Except, neither one of us really like it. It does get bonus points for fragrance. It is highly fragrant. But the taste, again, not so pleasing to us.
In fact, if Jesus had our bag of Chocolate Raspberry Coffee there would have been no need for the loaves and the fishes. Unless of course they too didn't like it, then no amount of loaves or fishes would have pacified them.
This bag of coffee has lasted forever. Literally, figuratively, biblically. It goes on and on. We should have dumped it in the compost pile a couple weeks ago. But no, the watchful consumer in us does not want to waste it. The early morning caffeine addict in us thinks we are nuts. We keep buying some "good" coffee and using up that. Then we'll brew another pot of the Chocoraspberry crap when we run out. Immediately we remember to put coffee on the list.
If find this all disturbing. Even more than the taste of this coffee, I am dismayed we don't like it. We love the components of these beans. Coffee - good. Chocolate - even better. Raspberries - delicious. And yet, somehow the end result is way less than the sum of it's parts.
Life is sometimes the best cup of Joe there is, and sometimes it's a bag of coffee that just never ends. Either way, it's interesting. Maybe I shall have to take drastic measures to get rid of the remaining coffee. I think I read somewhere coffee grounds were good for the roses. If that is true I'll be in the garden first thing tomorrow morning.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Last Best
I've been noticing the way I eat. Well, lately, I've wanted to eat everything in sight, but stress will do that to me.
I live by the last best bite theory. Maybe everyone does this. I don't know. I do know my last bite of anything is selectively chosen to be the best bite. For example if the choice was steak and potato's, the last bite would be steak. Or whatever the "best" is of the mix. One more chance to savor things....yummmm.
This would explain why if someone takes the last bite I would feel a huge rant coming on. Don't mess with my food, and don't take the last bite. I've worked hard to structure my meal so the best is left for last.
We do that, we save the best for last. This would account for the whole idea of dessert. Saving the best for last. Mom's especially will give the best to their kids, and then take what remains. Dogs are not like that at all. All they have to give is their best, and they do it day in and day out. Wish I was more dog-like in that aspect.
Think about your last best....... Is it food? Is it self care? Is it given with the joy of our beloved pets? We never know when our last best will be. Make it spontaneous, make it special, make it really nummy.
I live by the last best bite theory. Maybe everyone does this. I don't know. I do know my last bite of anything is selectively chosen to be the best bite. For example if the choice was steak and potato's, the last bite would be steak. Or whatever the "best" is of the mix. One more chance to savor things....yummmm.
This would explain why if someone takes the last bite I would feel a huge rant coming on. Don't mess with my food, and don't take the last bite. I've worked hard to structure my meal so the best is left for last.
We do that, we save the best for last. This would account for the whole idea of dessert. Saving the best for last. Mom's especially will give the best to their kids, and then take what remains. Dogs are not like that at all. All they have to give is their best, and they do it day in and day out. Wish I was more dog-like in that aspect.
Think about your last best....... Is it food? Is it self care? Is it given with the joy of our beloved pets? We never know when our last best will be. Make it spontaneous, make it special, make it really nummy.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Fenced In or Out
Some time ago we put up a fence around the tomato plants. It was mostly to keep Mr. Hanky out. He had developed a taste for green heirloom tomato's. He had quite a field day pulling them off the vine and nibbling on them. So up went the fence.
It was, at best, a temporary fence. Two sides chicken wire, one side plastic fencing and the back was against the house. In the big plan it would have a gate for easy access. In reality I climbed over the plastic fencing part of it. It did what we wanted....at least as far as Hank was concerned.
I failed to consider Mickey. He is not a fan of tomato's. He had no interest in eating the cherry tomato's, the Better Boys, or the Heirloom variety. But, and there is always a but, tomato plants with many vines make a tantalizing venue for hunting bugs, snakes, perhaps a little rodent or two. Enter Mick, the consummate hunter.
Surprisingly he did not go over the fence. Between you and me we know he could have! He found a place to scoot under. When we busted him for that he got even more creative. He chewed an entryway in the plastic fencing. Supposedly that plastic fencing will keep deer out, but it will not out smart a hunting dog searching out a delectable cricket or two. Deer must be dumber.
Fences are tricky sometimes. They can keep us out, keep us in, or be just an obstacle to climb over, under or through. Mick didn't let it stop him. Hank? Well, his middle name is obviously not McGyver.
It was, at best, a temporary fence. Two sides chicken wire, one side plastic fencing and the back was against the house. In the big plan it would have a gate for easy access. In reality I climbed over the plastic fencing part of it. It did what we wanted....at least as far as Hank was concerned.
I failed to consider Mickey. He is not a fan of tomato's. He had no interest in eating the cherry tomato's, the Better Boys, or the Heirloom variety. But, and there is always a but, tomato plants with many vines make a tantalizing venue for hunting bugs, snakes, perhaps a little rodent or two. Enter Mick, the consummate hunter.
Surprisingly he did not go over the fence. Between you and me we know he could have! He found a place to scoot under. When we busted him for that he got even more creative. He chewed an entryway in the plastic fencing. Supposedly that plastic fencing will keep deer out, but it will not out smart a hunting dog searching out a delectable cricket or two. Deer must be dumber.
Fences are tricky sometimes. They can keep us out, keep us in, or be just an obstacle to climb over, under or through. Mick didn't let it stop him. Hank? Well, his middle name is obviously not McGyver.
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