7/9/2016
It's Saturday and several things are happening today. First, and probably foremost, is that Sears is coming back today to put a new part in my microwave. You remember the broken microwave that has been inoperable for some time. I'm hoping that by putting in the new part, the microwave will be functional again. I am using a tiny microwave that eats up counter space and while it does the job, I don't like it.
Second, I'm having lunch with a girlfriend from Marriott. We're going to go to our local Mexican restaurant. We catch up with each other every few months and there's always a lot to talk about. How can you lose when you add good food to a good chat?!
Third, Jeff has been working with Daisy on going in and out of the doggy door. Jeff has pushed her through the doggy door and then comes back upstairs. Amazingly, Daisy always seems to find her way back through the doggy door and come upstairs. As a puppy owner, I'm used to being like white on rice with Daisy about chewing and barking. But success with potty training hasn't been my strong suit I'm afraid.
I bought myself a Bissell shampooer called Little Green. Trust me, sometimes a spot needs more than shampoo that comes from a can! I brought out Little Green this morning and tried it on a few spots and it worked well. Now I just need the carpet to dry a little and then run the vacuum over those areas. When potty training is over - I mean really over - then I'll call a commercial carpet cleaning company to do the rugs. But, in the meantime, there's no point while Daisy, Jeff and I try to figure out her potty schedule!
It's hot and humid today and we're supposed to have thunderstorms this afternoon. As a new puppy, Daisy hardly noticed the last time we had thunder and lightening, and this is a good thing.
Have to log off. I've got things I need to get done.
Enjoy your day.
P
Saturday, July 9, 2016
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Making Pie
7/7/2016
Over the weekend, Jeff brought down to the counter my stand mixer. If I'm going to use a stand mixer, then you know I'm about to do some serious baking. And, yesterday was no exception.
Between potty breaks and retrieving shoes, I managed to make a coconut cream pie. The effort that goes into making a pie from scratch is really worth it. I made the custard, browned the coconut for the top of the pie and put the completed pie in the refrigerator.
Jeff has trouble digesting sugar and I could have used Splenda, but was pretty sure I wouldn't get the same taste. The pie turned out beautifully. The stand mixer is back in it's cupboard and likely won't be brought back down anytime soon. I may have won the "Betty Crocker Homemaker Award" in high school in 1967, I don't do too much baking now.
Here's the recipe and I promise your family will love it.
Over the weekend, Jeff brought down to the counter my stand mixer. If I'm going to use a stand mixer, then you know I'm about to do some serious baking. And, yesterday was no exception.
Between potty breaks and retrieving shoes, I managed to make a coconut cream pie. The effort that goes into making a pie from scratch is really worth it. I made the custard, browned the coconut for the top of the pie and put the completed pie in the refrigerator.
Jeff has trouble digesting sugar and I could have used Splenda, but was pretty sure I wouldn't get the same taste. The pie turned out beautifully. The stand mixer is back in it's cupboard and likely won't be brought back down anytime soon. I may have won the "Betty Crocker Homemaker Award" in high school in 1967, I don't do too much baking now.
Here's the recipe and I promise your family will love it.
Coconut Cream Pie
1 15 oz. refrigerated
pkg. piecrusts
½ c sugar
¼ c cornstarch
2 c half and half
4 egg yolks
3 T butter
1 c sweetened
flaked coconut
2 ½ teas. vanilla,
divided
2 c whipping cream
1/3 c sugar
Garnish: toasted
coconut
Fit 1 piecrust into
9 inch pie plate according to package directions; fold edges under and crimp.
Prick bottom and sides of piecrust with a fork. Bake according to package
directions for a one-crust pie.
Combine ½ c sugar and
cornstarch in a heavy pan. Whisk together half and half and egg yolks.
Gradually whisk egg mixture into sugar mixture; bring to a boil over medium
heat, whisking constantly. Boil 1 minute; remove from heat.
Stir in butter, 1 c coconut and 1 teas.
vanilla. Cover w/plastic wrap, placing plastic wrap directly on filling in pan;
let stand 30 minutes. Spoon custard mixture into prepared crust, cover and
chill 30 minutes or until set.
Beat whipping cream at high speed with an
electric mixer until foamy; gradually add 1/3 c sugar and remaining 1 ½ teas.
vanilla, beating until soft peaks form. Spread whipped cream over pie
filling. Garnish with toasted coconut if
desired.
Enjoy.
P
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
The House From a Puppy's Point of View!
7/6/2016
When you have dogs, who have been trained, you forget how much trouble (and yes, it was worth it) it was to get them to their present state. Puppies, as I'm now reminded, pretty much think that everything in the house is theirs. Possession being 9/10ths of the law, I can chase Daisy around and around to retrieve a slipper! On the bright side, this may be a new way to lose weight!
Daisy finds everything wonderful. She will chew up kleenex, paper towels, envelopes that are within her reach and absolutely anything that falls to the ground. I will say that Daisy is really well taught in the "fooey" command and will stop what she's doing. That's progress. Chewing on the sofa (fooey), chewing on a chair leg, also gets a fooey.
As I type this morning, Daisy has found a kleenex, from who knows where, and has torn it to shreds. My job? Picking up the bits of kleenex - think of it as another form of exercise.
We have a doggy door and I'm now half dragging Daisy down the basement stairs and then push her through the doggy door. In time and with the help of Maggie, I know that Daisy will soon get the hang of going through the doggy door. And, when she does master this little feat, there will be cause for celebration. If I take Daisy in the front yard, she'll absolutely do her business and then wants to play cat and mouse with me. I don't care for the game, and it's easier on me to get her in the backyard, which she enjoys very much.
Today, I'm taking Maggie to the vet. She has a lump/mass/growth thing on her side. It's probably nothing, but we feel that we should at least get her examined. Now getting Maggie into the car may take some doing, because she is not a good car traveler. My plan is to push and pull her into the backseat.
This is short, I've got to get ready for Maggie's appointment.
P
When you have dogs, who have been trained, you forget how much trouble (and yes, it was worth it) it was to get them to their present state. Puppies, as I'm now reminded, pretty much think that everything in the house is theirs. Possession being 9/10ths of the law, I can chase Daisy around and around to retrieve a slipper! On the bright side, this may be a new way to lose weight!
Daisy finds everything wonderful. She will chew up kleenex, paper towels, envelopes that are within her reach and absolutely anything that falls to the ground. I will say that Daisy is really well taught in the "fooey" command and will stop what she's doing. That's progress. Chewing on the sofa (fooey), chewing on a chair leg, also gets a fooey.
As I type this morning, Daisy has found a kleenex, from who knows where, and has torn it to shreds. My job? Picking up the bits of kleenex - think of it as another form of exercise.
We have a doggy door and I'm now half dragging Daisy down the basement stairs and then push her through the doggy door. In time and with the help of Maggie, I know that Daisy will soon get the hang of going through the doggy door. And, when she does master this little feat, there will be cause for celebration. If I take Daisy in the front yard, she'll absolutely do her business and then wants to play cat and mouse with me. I don't care for the game, and it's easier on me to get her in the backyard, which she enjoys very much.
Today, I'm taking Maggie to the vet. She has a lump/mass/growth thing on her side. It's probably nothing, but we feel that we should at least get her examined. Now getting Maggie into the car may take some doing, because she is not a good car traveler. My plan is to push and pull her into the backseat.
This is short, I've got to get ready for Maggie's appointment.
P
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Keeping Up with a Puppy!
7/5/2016
Daisy has been with us for a week now. Parts of her training is more successful than others. If we take her out to the yard, she'll potty right away. That's good right? It is, but then she wants to run around the yard, into the street and poke her nose into the neighbor's mulch. While she's having a lot of fun, I'm not. My new tactic is to send Maggie out with her because Maggie will come when she's called and generally Daisy will follow.
Like all puppies Daisy chews on everything. But she has quickly learned our word for no which is "fooey". Once she hears fooey she will stop her chewing on a chair leg or my shoe and can be redirected to her toys.
We have had multiple accidents in the house. All of which are on carpet (ugh). Yes I use club soda for urine and then a spray carpet cleaner but the spot never really seems to come out. We have a big carpet shampooer but I wanted something smaller for these dibbles and dribbles Daisy produces. I found that Bissell makes this little machine called Little Green which is perfect for cleaning spots. Once Daisy is completely potty trained then it will be time for a full on carpet cleaning, but at the moment that would be just a waste of time. So, I've bought this little machine and the reviews are really good. I try and take Daisy out every 30 minutes or so, but I don't always get the time right. Based on the reviews, you fill one side of the machine with solution and water and the dirty water goes in the other side. I know this machine won't make potty training easier, but it should leave my carpet cleaner! I know that the spots on the carpet are more worrisome for me than Jeff. But, the spots on the carpet do absolutely nothing for my OCD behavior! See the picture below. You have to agree that it's a cute machine.
Once you have your puppy/dog potty trained, you forget how much work it actually is to get to the goal line. It's sort of like teaching your children right from wrong. In the moment it can be aggravating, but in the long run you'll forget about how hard it was. Potty training a puppy is just like this, lots of work in the beginning and then suddenly you're not having to push the puppy outside to potty.
It's warm and muggy today, a sure sign of summer. I know that during the coldest days of winter, we long for warmer weather. Okay, the warmer weather is here and we're wishing for a cooler day! Apparently, we humans are never satisfied.
P
Daisy has been with us for a week now. Parts of her training is more successful than others. If we take her out to the yard, she'll potty right away. That's good right? It is, but then she wants to run around the yard, into the street and poke her nose into the neighbor's mulch. While she's having a lot of fun, I'm not. My new tactic is to send Maggie out with her because Maggie will come when she's called and generally Daisy will follow.
Like all puppies Daisy chews on everything. But she has quickly learned our word for no which is "fooey". Once she hears fooey she will stop her chewing on a chair leg or my shoe and can be redirected to her toys.
We have had multiple accidents in the house. All of which are on carpet (ugh). Yes I use club soda for urine and then a spray carpet cleaner but the spot never really seems to come out. We have a big carpet shampooer but I wanted something smaller for these dibbles and dribbles Daisy produces. I found that Bissell makes this little machine called Little Green which is perfect for cleaning spots. Once Daisy is completely potty trained then it will be time for a full on carpet cleaning, but at the moment that would be just a waste of time. So, I've bought this little machine and the reviews are really good. I try and take Daisy out every 30 minutes or so, but I don't always get the time right. Based on the reviews, you fill one side of the machine with solution and water and the dirty water goes in the other side. I know this machine won't make potty training easier, but it should leave my carpet cleaner! I know that the spots on the carpet are more worrisome for me than Jeff. But, the spots on the carpet do absolutely nothing for my OCD behavior! See the picture below. You have to agree that it's a cute machine.
Once you have your puppy/dog potty trained, you forget how much work it actually is to get to the goal line. It's sort of like teaching your children right from wrong. In the moment it can be aggravating, but in the long run you'll forget about how hard it was. Potty training a puppy is just like this, lots of work in the beginning and then suddenly you're not having to push the puppy outside to potty.
It's warm and muggy today, a sure sign of summer. I know that during the coldest days of winter, we long for warmer weather. Okay, the warmer weather is here and we're wishing for a cooler day! Apparently, we humans are never satisfied.
P
Monday, July 4, 2016
Happy 4th of July
7/4/2016
Today is all about celebrating the American way: burgers, dogs, picnics and fireworks. I'm assuming, since we've never gone, but the fireworks on the National Mall look amazing on television. I know they must be much better and more awe-inspiring in person.
I made macaroni salad and an apple cake yesterday. We took those out to Andy's house and brought along Daisy. The town that Andy and Stacey live in had a little parade and we went downtown (a little downtown) to watch. Most of the participants in the parade throw candy out to children. Benjamin picked up a number of pieces and was nice enough to share a piece or two with Jeff and I.
Jeff and I started fixing dinner while Andy et al went to the local community center for moon bouncing and other fun stuff. Dinner was successful. Some of Andy and Stacey's friends came over for dinner and we ate on the new deck. The macaroni salad was a hit as was the apple cake.
After dinner, we drove back to town and watched the fireworks. Daisy slept through all the noise, which is a really good thing. Poor Sam would shake in his boots during a fireworks display. Andy built a fire in his fire pit and s'mores were made. I, once upon a time, loved s'mores but these days, not so much. I also used to like cotton candy and again now not so much.
Daisy ran around with Gus (Andy's BIG puppy) and wore herself out. The ride home was very quiet and when we put her in her bed for the night, she was almost asleep before we closed the door.
Today is laundry day and clean up the pieces of paper that Daisy has found and chewed into little bits. This morning, Jeff took Daisy and Maggie outside while he read the paper. As I type this, Daisy is already down for her first nap of the day!
Have a special 4th and enjoy the fireworks.
P
Today is all about celebrating the American way: burgers, dogs, picnics and fireworks. I'm assuming, since we've never gone, but the fireworks on the National Mall look amazing on television. I know they must be much better and more awe-inspiring in person.
I made macaroni salad and an apple cake yesterday. We took those out to Andy's house and brought along Daisy. The town that Andy and Stacey live in had a little parade and we went downtown (a little downtown) to watch. Most of the participants in the parade throw candy out to children. Benjamin picked up a number of pieces and was nice enough to share a piece or two with Jeff and I.
Jeff and I started fixing dinner while Andy et al went to the local community center for moon bouncing and other fun stuff. Dinner was successful. Some of Andy and Stacey's friends came over for dinner and we ate on the new deck. The macaroni salad was a hit as was the apple cake.
After dinner, we drove back to town and watched the fireworks. Daisy slept through all the noise, which is a really good thing. Poor Sam would shake in his boots during a fireworks display. Andy built a fire in his fire pit and s'mores were made. I, once upon a time, loved s'mores but these days, not so much. I also used to like cotton candy and again now not so much.
Daisy ran around with Gus (Andy's BIG puppy) and wore herself out. The ride home was very quiet and when we put her in her bed for the night, she was almost asleep before we closed the door.
Today is laundry day and clean up the pieces of paper that Daisy has found and chewed into little bits. This morning, Jeff took Daisy and Maggie outside while he read the paper. As I type this, Daisy is already down for her first nap of the day!
Have a special 4th and enjoy the fireworks.
P
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Depression
7/3/2016
When you suffer from depression, like I do, you never know when your level of depression is going to hit 10, with 10 being the maximum.
I'm having one of those "10" type of days. No reason. There never is. The demon that is depression just suddenly appears. Last week had been a good week for me and my psychiatrist was pleased with all the positive things I had told her about.
But today, my private hell (depression) is back in full force. It's never gotten so bad that I want to go to bed and sleep the day away. But it's days like this that make me wonder why I suffer from this ugly but unseen disease. When you pass people on the street, 99% of the time you would never suspect that a person(s) is depressed. There are signs if you're looking for them, but most people, myself included, try to tamp down our private demon.
Jeff is very understanding, but it's very hard to tell somebody what depression feels like. Something just comes over you, and more likely than not, settles in for the long haul. On days such as this, I wonder what the hell I'm doing here. It's not like I'm much fun. And, I don't believe I bring very much to the table, and yes I'm sure Jeff would disagree with that statement.
I function and do those things that are expected of me, like laundry and cooking. However, I don't have much of a joy factor and wish I did. Many years ago, I was outgoing and engaged. I took exercise classes, played racquet ball, painted ceramics and pretty much did anything else you can imagine.
While it's not good for me to be a recluse, it's easier to be one. When you're a party of one, nobody's around and consequently, nobody expects anything from you. This is not a good way or a healthy way to live one's life.
If you are worried about me, don't be. I'm going to be fine. I just have to get over this bout of depression and hope it's not going to stick around for very long.
P
When you suffer from depression, like I do, you never know when your level of depression is going to hit 10, with 10 being the maximum.
I'm having one of those "10" type of days. No reason. There never is. The demon that is depression just suddenly appears. Last week had been a good week for me and my psychiatrist was pleased with all the positive things I had told her about.
But today, my private hell (depression) is back in full force. It's never gotten so bad that I want to go to bed and sleep the day away. But it's days like this that make me wonder why I suffer from this ugly but unseen disease. When you pass people on the street, 99% of the time you would never suspect that a person(s) is depressed. There are signs if you're looking for them, but most people, myself included, try to tamp down our private demon.
Jeff is very understanding, but it's very hard to tell somebody what depression feels like. Something just comes over you, and more likely than not, settles in for the long haul. On days such as this, I wonder what the hell I'm doing here. It's not like I'm much fun. And, I don't believe I bring very much to the table, and yes I'm sure Jeff would disagree with that statement.
I function and do those things that are expected of me, like laundry and cooking. However, I don't have much of a joy factor and wish I did. Many years ago, I was outgoing and engaged. I took exercise classes, played racquet ball, painted ceramics and pretty much did anything else you can imagine.
While it's not good for me to be a recluse, it's easier to be one. When you're a party of one, nobody's around and consequently, nobody expects anything from you. This is not a good way or a healthy way to live one's life.
If you are worried about me, don't be. I'm going to be fine. I just have to get over this bout of depression and hope it's not going to stick around for very long.
P
Saturday, July 2, 2016
The Day After Yesterday!
7/2/2016
You probably noticed my absence yesterday. As I've written before, some days there is nothing going on in my head - na da - and yesterday was one of those days.
Yesterday afternoon, Jeff and I went to see Benjamin's play of Peter Pan. Benjamin was John Darling with top hat and umbrella and though we may (are) prejudiced, we thought he did an excellent job. If there's something that Benjamin was born to do, it's act, sing and dance. All of the singing and dancing genes definitely didn't come from the Bassett gene pool!
For an afternoon production, there were a lot of people in the audience. Probably, most, like Jeff, took the afternoon off to enjoy their little ones on stage. When the play was over, Jeff and I headed to the "Mart" to buy more canned dog food. Daisy can eat and she likes to be fed multiple times during the day.
When we brought her home on Tuesday, she was afraid of the stairs. Daisy wouldn't go up or down. Today, no problem. Daisy didn't come to us potty trained, but we're making good progress with her. Since she's so little, her bladder needs to go frequently and she's taking to standing by the front door. That's my cue. She quickly goes potty, but then she doesn't want to come back in the house.
Like all puppies, Daisy will play hard and then just fall over and take a nap. Wish I could fall asleep as easily as she does. We have provided Daisy with many dog appropriate toys, but every now and then, she finds something more interesting - like shoes. Daisy is quickly learning the word "fooey" which is a word we have used for non-acceptable behavior in all our dogs. As cute as we think she is, I'm not sure Maggie feels the same way. Daisy is always tugging on her or barking for Maggie to play.
When we put Daisy in our bathroom at night, with her bed and toys, she absolutely doesn't make a peep until morning. How wonderful is that?
Jeff is going to a wash/wax party at the hangar today. He and his partners are having a small bbq and then they're going to wash and wax the plane. As much fun as that sounds, I'm taking a pass.
Have a wonderful day.
P
You probably noticed my absence yesterday. As I've written before, some days there is nothing going on in my head - na da - and yesterday was one of those days.
Yesterday afternoon, Jeff and I went to see Benjamin's play of Peter Pan. Benjamin was John Darling with top hat and umbrella and though we may (are) prejudiced, we thought he did an excellent job. If there's something that Benjamin was born to do, it's act, sing and dance. All of the singing and dancing genes definitely didn't come from the Bassett gene pool!
For an afternoon production, there were a lot of people in the audience. Probably, most, like Jeff, took the afternoon off to enjoy their little ones on stage. When the play was over, Jeff and I headed to the "Mart" to buy more canned dog food. Daisy can eat and she likes to be fed multiple times during the day.
When we brought her home on Tuesday, she was afraid of the stairs. Daisy wouldn't go up or down. Today, no problem. Daisy didn't come to us potty trained, but we're making good progress with her. Since she's so little, her bladder needs to go frequently and she's taking to standing by the front door. That's my cue. She quickly goes potty, but then she doesn't want to come back in the house.
Like all puppies, Daisy will play hard and then just fall over and take a nap. Wish I could fall asleep as easily as she does. We have provided Daisy with many dog appropriate toys, but every now and then, she finds something more interesting - like shoes. Daisy is quickly learning the word "fooey" which is a word we have used for non-acceptable behavior in all our dogs. As cute as we think she is, I'm not sure Maggie feels the same way. Daisy is always tugging on her or barking for Maggie to play.
When we put Daisy in our bathroom at night, with her bed and toys, she absolutely doesn't make a peep until morning. How wonderful is that?
Jeff is going to a wash/wax party at the hangar today. He and his partners are having a small bbq and then they're going to wash and wax the plane. As much fun as that sounds, I'm taking a pass.
Have a wonderful day.
P
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