Look At These Two Cuties

I WANT THEM!  But, I know that I can't have them. I miss my doggy Lily so much!

A couple weeks ago I weakened and took a look at the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue Western Region Website. In my opinion they sound like a top rate program. The dogs are fostered in loving homes until their social  and medical issues (if any) are treated and stabilized. Most of the dogs are older and have medical issues as special needs dogs. Some of the stories of their history are heartbreaking. The requirements for adoption are very extensive. They will not ship dogs and you must live within driving distance of the dog so you can visit the dog at their foster home and be assessed for compatibility and issues associated with adopting their dogs. A dog may cost anywhere from $150 to $650. As you may know, that is so much less than buying from a breeder.

When I looked at the website I was super surprised to see a dog that I adored and she lived close enough to my address.

This is Miss Daisy. What a charmer. She is less than a year old and deemed healthy by a Veterinarian. Her history is unremarkable and her owner (a senior lady) found that she no longer could care for her.

My heart weakened and I submitted an application not knowing if I could afford to have another "love bug" ! But, I said to myself, "I'll put it in God's hands". Needless to say there were many many applications. And, she was adopted by a family with children and two other Cavaliers. In matching a dog to a new owner, the welfare of the dog is top priority. By the picture of her with her forever family, it looks like she will be very happy in her forever home.

And then, much to my surprise, shortly thereafter, another dog showed up on the website that met the criteria.

And, this is Mr. Henry. What a handsome fellow - he is.

Again, under a  year old and healthy. I think it is quite unusual to see these two puppies appear on the website at this time. Most of the dogs are older and have medical issues and expenses.

I did not apply. At this time it is not meant to be for me to have a dog.

Henry, also was adopted by a family with children and cavaliers.

The truth is that I really should not consider another dog because I have always followed my criteria which is:

 #1 --- Live long enough to take care of them which could be more than 10 years. That means I would be 87 years.

 #2 --- Have enough money to provide proper and complete veterinarian care.

 #3 --- Be able to provide enough exercise and outdoor activity to keep the dog interested in life and healthy.

When I brought Lily into my life I had to think long and hard about the decision. Even at that time I had the same concerns. At first I thought there was no way I could have another dog. However, it worked out beautifully. And, I feel very thankful. I think gratitude will have to be my focus and not sadness!

It's a beautiful sunny day here in California and I hope you are enjoying your day wherever you are.

Mary

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You

Forever!

Mary

Why People Get Dogs

I miss my precious Lily so very much. She was so special, especially during some very difficult times for me during the time I was blessed to have her UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. She left eight months ago and my feeling of loss is as strong as it was on that day.

Hug your pets and your people, too.

Mary

White Chrysanthemums and an Azalea

The rain this year has really helped my garden to grow and my flowers to bloom. 

 These first two photos are from a one gallon plant that I bought on sale from a reject (clearance) table for very little money. I have been surprised at how large and healthy the plant is growing.

 And, the next two photos are from a 4-inch potted plant from a few years ago. It has been a vigorous plant growing to (believe it or not) six feet tall and a very prolific amount of blooms.

 As you can see if you look closely the blooms are a little different - more rounded than the others  at the top which look a little more like spider mums.

Another little bargain table plant. This 4-inch potted Azalea has grown nicely and is already blooming.

Well, this is my floral update.

Can you see that I found a new photo editor that I think I like. Just playing around with frames to learn Picmonkey.

That's it for today.

Mary

In The Kitchen Again - Cooking

* I am being very challenged with finding a Photo Editor Program since Picasa is no longer available that I can use without complete frustration !!! Can anyone suggest one?

Now, let's look at some Artichoke Chicken. It is so simple and good. You can find the recipe at the website The Girl That Ate Everything.

ARTICHOKE CHICKEN

4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 (14 oz.) can water-packed artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
3/4 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 garlic cloves, minced

Spray a 13x9 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

Salt and pepper chicken breast halves and place in the dish. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese and garlic. Stir together until combined.
(I also added a handful of chopped pecans. Sliced water chestnuts would be good, also).

Spread the artichoke mixture over chicken breasts. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until chicken juices run clear and top starts to brown slightly.

Oh, I also sprinkled a little paprika on top just before putting it in the oven.

Doesn't this look good? Since I am cooking for myself I am not staging a pretty plate to photograph for you. I plan to eat the Artichoke Chicken with green peas and sweet potatoes. That will give a colorful vision.

Remember to VOTE tomorrow.

Blessings.

Mary

Have You Eaten Buffalo

Recently I was invited to my neighbors home for dinner on a Sunday afternoon. She prepared a Buffalo Roast and it was very good.

It was a really nice dinner of grass fed, rich and slightly sweet bison roast, braised until tender and juicy, nestled in a bed of many fresh organic vegetables like asparagus, carrots and mushrooms. Additionally, she served twice baked potatoes and a few side dishes. Her seasonings for the roast were exceptionally nice for a very lean meat. Red wine was a great accompaniment.

I didn't think it was appropriate to photograph so this is a google photo which looks very similar.

We had a nice visit and got to know each other. She travels a lot with her work and is not home very much. Additionally, she has two other homes, Tahoe and Napa Valley.

It was a fun evening and dinner was lovely.

I hope you had a good weekend.

Mary

Easy-Does-It Recipe

This Crockpot SPAGHETTI recipe came to my attention several years ago when a friend prepared it for me. This is the first time I have made this recipe.  I believe the recipe originally came from a Crockpot Recipe Book. I was surprised that the dry pasta was put into the crockpot. It is truly an easy recipe and I really liked the flavor. It will serve 8 very easily.

EASY-DOES-IT SPAGHETTI

2 lbs. ground chuck, browned and drained
1 cup chopped onions
2 cloves garlic, minced
2-15-oz. cans tomato sauce
2-3 tsp. Italian seasoning (or substitute with basil, thyme, oregano
                                          and margoram)
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
2 4-oz. cans sliced mushrooms, drained
6 cups tomato juice (do not substitute)
16 -oz. dry spaghetti, broken into 4-5 inch pieces
Parmesan cheese (grated)

Combine all ingredients except spaghetti and cheese in 4-quart (or larger) slow cooker.

Cover, Cook on Low 6-8 hours, or High 3-5 hours. Turn to High during last 3;0 minutes and stir in dry spaghetti. If spaghetti is not fully cooked, continue cooking another 10 minutes, check it to make sure it is not becoming over-cooked.

Sprinkle individual servings with Parmesan cheese.

NOTES:
For a little variation, add 1 tsp. dry mustard and 1/2 tsp allspice in Step 1. I ADDED THE MUSTARD AND ALLSPICE! 

I don't usually use canned mushrooms. However, it was fine (and easy) for this recipe.

DO NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR THE TOMATO JUICE. It gives a nice flavor and the liquid is needed to cook the dry spaghetti.

If you make this recipe, and I hope you will, let me know how you like it and any suggestions or comments.

How do you like my new colored measuring spoons? I like the colors and there are 2 additional sizes (1/2 Tbsp and 2 Tbsp) that are handy. I mixed the different spices for the Italian seasoning.

It is a great time of the year to use Crockpots. And during these busy holidays this is a nice easy recipe to ease the pressures of hectic schedules.

Mary

Have You Met Popeye - Therapy Dog

This is one Very Lucky little fellow. I love a warm and fuzzy story. Do you ?

This little sweetheart was once a starving stray puppy who used to eat whatever he could find.  His owner, Ivy Diep found him as a dirty unkempt and hungry puppy in L.A. Now he dines out at the finest restaurants in town. Fear Not. His owner makes sure he does NOT consume any harmful food items. He is quite a Fluffy-Foodie-Star/Model. I wonder if he has an hourly rate for services !

Take a moment to check out his Heart Warming Story. If you view the video you will see his work as A THERAPY DOG.  Allegedly, he has over 100,000 followers on Instagram. Check out Instagram for Popeye's "Dining Out" photo diary.

It's an overload of cute.

I hope you are having a warm and cozy day.

Mary