SIGNS OF SPRING!!!

"I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would always greet it in a garden."

After a long "rainy season", which is what winter is here in the valley, it is easy to embrace Spring. I have found the garden irresistible and in need of some tender loving care. Tilling the soil with the old pitchfork, mixing in the compost, was a joy. Especially, since I had finally recovered from a 2 week illness. This was not a weekend, you would want to be caught in the mob at Home Depot or Lowe's.

While I was harvesting and nibbling on these snow peas, I said to the old man, "This doesn't suck! It's all good!"

Spring has arrived to give me hope for outer renewal but also that much needed inner renewal. The road bumps and ruts the last 2 months, collapsed my suspension so to speak. The loss of a friend almost pushed me over the edge. "Only the good die young!" "Wild Bill" was a man who lived fully and greeted death with dignity, surrounded by so many loved ones and family. He was an extraordinary guy and touched so many lives in a positive way. We were so fortunate to have known him. Never the less, goodbyes are never easy.

"If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, success would not be so welcome."

DAFFODIL HILL

KEVIN'S KITCHEN

Kevin is cooking again. He fixed up another delicious recipe. Yum. I love this nutrition class. Again, trig just will not fill your stomach.



CHICKEN TERIYAKI OVER STIR-FRY VEGETABLES

Chicken Teriyaki Ingredients:

• 1/3 c. chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic crushed
• 1/3 c soy sauce
• 2 Tbl salad oil
• 2 Tbl chicken broth
• 1 Tbl honey
• 2 chicken breasts cut into strips

1. Combine onion, garlic soy sauce, oil, and honey; mix well.
2. Arrange chicken in shallow baking dish; pour sauce over.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator over night.

Stir-fry Vegetables

• 1 Tbl butter
• 1 Tbl oil
• 2 carrots sliced
• 2 green onions sliced
• 2 c broccoli
• 2 Tbl lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• dash pepper

1. Place chicken and marinade in large frying pan, cook until chicken is no longer pink in the center.
2. In wok or large heavy skillet, heat butter and oil
3. Add carrots and onions; stir fry 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in other vegetable and stir-fry 2 minutes.

ENJOY!!!

ON THE ROAD AGAIN. . . .

Heading up to Oregon on my way to visit my mom, I took a 5 mile detour to the Castle Crags State Park. One of the advantages of traveling alone, is that I can stop whenever I want to check out the views and smell the roses so to speak. ("A good traveler has no fixed plans".) An invigorating short walk through the snow gave me a nice view of these distinctive spiky peaks. Interestingly enough, in the 1850's, a small group of 49er miners and Indians clashed in the "Battle of Castle Crags". I got in this photo and then wouldn't you know it, I got the "change batteries" message on my camera. Unfortunately, batteries were "not included" on my walk, so had to settle for a 1 shot deal. Lesson learned! When in doubt, always have spare batteries on board.

View of Shasta
Another detour I enjoy, is the Sundial Bridge in Redding. I did the I-5 through Redding many times, before I realized that it was even there. After a friend gave me a tour, I was amazed. This is a spectacular pedestrian bridge spanning the Sacramento River and includes trails, gardens, arboretum and is very dog friendly.

This is a sundial. However, the shadow cast by the bridge is exactly accurate on only one day in a year – the summer soltice June 21.

Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava conceived the Sundial Bridge’s unusual design, and has a bridge of the same design in Sevilla, Spain.

Visitors to this attraction, will not be disappointed. Take a few minutes to stop, stretch your legs and enjoy the views!

″A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.”

Whoa-oa-oa! I feel good, like I knew that I could, now so good, so good, I got you, Ben!

In just 1 week, Ben has made a remarkable recovery! The last 2 days he has started to gain back his playfulness- growling, and barking and checking his turf for intruders. Today, he tried to run and discovered he still has sea legs and landed on his snot. But he is steadily growing stronger. Puma is keeping an eye on him, making sure he gets plenty of rest.

THEY MADE ME PUT ON THIS STUPID SHIRT
BUT I AM THANKFUL TO BE A SURVIVOR!

Dogs are amazing. Ben is my pal, my buddy. He's listens to me and never makes a judgment, and keeps up the appearance of being interested. He agrees with a wag of his tail. I like the joke that is going around the internet: Who is your real friend? Put your dog and your spouse in the trunk of the car for an hour. When you open the trunk, see which one is really happy to see you?" . . .
Anyway, I am grateful for getting more time with the old boy. I was a little disappointed today when we went to the vet and had his staples out. After spoiling him with home-cooked food for the last week, he had only gained 1/2 pound. Maybe he is just meant to be a svelte, lean dog.

Meanwhile, every dog has his day - but the nights are reserved for the cat!

A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

It was a beautiful sunny day today! I worked in the garden and best of all my dog was by my side. I even caught him prancing around the yard and checking out a gopher hole, which harassing gophers is one of his favorite past times.


A DOG "OUTSTANDING" IN HIS FIELD!


Just kicking back!!

In less than 24 hours, Ben has made tremendous progress. He is enjoying good home cooking, a softer bed and being surrounded by his loving family. He is definitely being spoiled and relishing every minute of it!! And so am I.

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME. . . THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Ben is home again. Yippee! I was so worried, because he wouldn't eat or drink at the hospital and he would just stumble around acting depressed. The Vet hoped he would improve with home therapy. But think about it. Have you ever been stuck in the hospital for a day or two? Much less 5 days? Did you love the food? Of course not. And how was the bed? Even with an egg-crate pad, those beds are lousy. You probably couldn't wait for the doctor to let you out of the place to get home to your own bed and a home cooked meal.

We picked up Ben this evening and he gave us a weak wag and ambled unsteadily to the car. We got home and practically had to shove him into the house, he was so reluctant to move. But then with baby steps, he started exploring. He didn't want to leave my side. I fixed him some rice and he wolfed it down, along with a nice drink of water. I must say I got a bit emotional. I was jubilant. "He's eating!" It looks like being home is the remedy for Ben's recovery. I've even caught him wagging his tail a little more. He's got a long way to go, one day at a time!

There is no place like home!

BEN DOVER IV

Ben is the youngest member of the family. He is the 4th standard poodle my husband has owned. Each one gets the same name. I thought this was a little crazy at first, but then since they have all looked pretty similar, it makes it a lot easier. Even with my 2 boys, it seems like I can't get their names right. "Kev", "El", I mean "Kevel"! The above picture was taken the day Ben was brought home. He looks a little worried and scared, but that didn't last long. When I started looking for some pictures of him, I didn't find a whole lot. As you can see, when he is photographed, he pretty much looks like a big black blob.

August 2000

2002

Ben shaking "hands" with my favorite niece. 2004

Ben and the boys 2005

"Does this outfit make me look frumpy?"

The other night Ben was just acting a little strange. Kept standing up. We commented on this behavior, but we had no idea that it was because he was in pain. By morning, he was lethargic and wouldn't lay down. We got him to the vet and he was diagnosed with "bloat" or twisted stomach-- GVD. This is the "mother of all emergencies"! Dogs can die within a few hours. He had surgery and did arrest, but thanks to CPR and the fine surgical team, he was pulled from the "brink". He is still under the weather, but the good news is that he should be coming home tomorrow. We are hoping that home therapy will be just what he needs to bring a spring in his step, and his tail wagging vigorously with a sparkle in his eyes. Right now, he is not a happy camper. Perhaps a lot of separation anxiety!!

PONYGIRL WAS HERE!!

Ponygirl arrived, full of enthusiasm with her "owners" tagging along behind her. I think she pretty much owns them!! Nothing like a puppy to add to our mix of animals here on the farm. It did not take long before she had the confidence of a seasoned old hand!! She found a new love--trenching!! She probably trenched an acre or two, which turned her into a barely recognizable 'coffee mocha' pup. She would have come in handy when we were putting in a sprinkler system. Since we were accustomed to her predecessor Cowgirl,(as of http://cowgirltales.blogspot.com fame) I nick named her "the girl" cause I kept calling her cowpony, cowgirl or ponycow, so she is "the girl" to me. And such a beauty! She made a nice hearth ornament, cause she just loved the heat.

Her presence was enhanced by her and our personal chef--"Ms.G" and her master--"Mr.T". A wild and crazy time was had by all. Happy Day Spa, Viet Ha, Curb episodes, and "sheet shopping"! Wonderful Sicilian cooking washed down with a unique "vile" vintage and spiced up with loads of laughter. Good friends are cheaper than therapy, in fact they are the best therapy. Perfect cure for the winter blues. Batteries recharged! As I have said before in an earlier blog:"Dal centro della mia vita venne una grande fontana"

As they disappeared into the fog, at the end of their visit, I felt so blessed to know such special people and one very extraordinary Mexican puppy from La Paz.

Miss you guys!!
Come back soon, Ponygirl!
xoxoxo

HERE COMES THE SUN

After enduring fog, rain, and storms for way too long. . . nothing more beautiful than a little sunshine. Even though it was just a sliver at the end of the day.

JAMBALAYA

Remember I am a "PROUD PARENT OF A STUDENT"! Only a parent can understand the trauma and angst of trying to get a kid through trigonometry. After 1 semester, I totally agreed that my son might be better off, (in fact all of us would be better off) if he switched ships.
The only other option for his time frame was Food & Nutrition. Not only does he thoroughly enjoy the class, but to the delight of all of us, he wanted to fix us a meal of Jambalaya. It was amazingly delicious. So who needs trig, it might be better to know how to put on a good meal!!
In case you would like to try it as well, here is the recipe. Easy enough for a kid to fix. Enjoy!

KC'S JAMBALAYA
1 lb smoked Louisiana style sausage sliced (optional if you want vege style)
2 Tbl. oil
1 1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper
1 Tbl dried parsley
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tsp minced garlic
1 cup rice (used brown rice)
1 cup chicken or vege broth
2 cups water
Salt, pepper and cajun seasoning to taste.
Directions:
Place oil and sausage in sauce pan and cook until lightly browned.
Add onion, bell pepper and cook until tender.
Add tomatoe sauce, parsley, and garlic and simmer 5 minutes.
Add chicken broth water, water and rice.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover with a lid and let simmer for 30 minutes or until rice is tender.