BEV B and BLUE COLLAR DOG TREATS

It's official- We're a business

2011-12-27T12:22:00.000-08:00

The local newspaper, the Skagit Valley Herald did a nice article about dog treat bakers and here we are. I was happy it went into the Business section. They did a nice write-up. Gracie looks a little manic but then she does love those treats!

They took a shot of me moving my "warehouse on wheels" in for the interview.

and the article turned out great!

Our thanks to reporter Whitney Pipkin and Photographer Frank Varga for your great work and our 15 minutes of fame- now say goodnight, Gracie.

Comments??

So much to be thankful for...

2011-11-24T08:51:00.001-08:00

Another year and we're still here.

We're thankful for family, good friends and the blessings we receive.

Have a great Thanksgiving!

It's REALLY starting to look like....

2011-11-20T09:36:00.000-08:00

We had a great time with our Burlington friends yesterday.

There's going to be lots of happy dogs again this Christmas....

starting with these two little guys...

Christmas and puppies-- what's not to love?

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It's starting to look alot like...

2011-11-10T16:12:00.000-08:00

~ This is one of my favorite Holiday Gift Shows~

It's the first gift show of the season where everyone goes all out with the Holiday decorations.

Lights and greenery and lots of happy faces. What's not to love about that?

I'm ready to go. If you're in the neighborhood-come on down to the Depot.

Our Pumpkin Princess

2011-11-09T16:18:00.000-08:00

Rowan is four months old and just keeps getting cuter! I know this is supposed to be my Dog Treat blog but the Great Grandma in me just arm-wrestled the business woman in me for bragging rights and won.

The Princess of all she surveys

She was a Lady Bug for Halloween

OK- I'm down oohing and ahhing - now I'm going back to work.

Betty Cocker??

2011-10-31T11:28:00.000-07:00

Lots of dog treat baking happening here.

A clever friend of mine has started calling me Betty Cocker...

See you in STANWOOD...

2011-10-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

Hope you'll all come see us at the XYZ STUDIO VENDOR CRAFT FAIR !!
4915-A Lakewood Rd Stanwood, Wa 98292

Saturday – October 22nd
12:00-5:00pm

Local Vendors & Crafters:
PartyLite MaryKay Cosmetics Pacific Bubble & Lotions Willow House
Miche Bags Feather Hair Extensions Stella & Dot Jewelry Simplycaketastic Blings & Things Pepperjack Home Scentsy Candles Sojen Cellars Winery
Photo Art Tiles Unique Body Boutique Songcroft Naturals Mist of Gems by Amber Handcrafted Accessories by Kathleeen Bob’s Kettle Corn Cutco Cutlery Blue Collar Dog Treats Susan’s Swag

Stressed?

2011-09-06T00:26:00.001-07:00

We need to learn from our dogs. They know how to handle stress...

If they can't eat it or play with it, they just pee on it and walk away.

I like that concept.

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Just like Grandma used to make

2011-07-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

Remember Snickerdoodles? Cinnamon-laden cookies that smelled- and tasted soooo good with a glass of cold milk?

So here's my canine-friendly version-
SNICKERPOODLES topped off with carob chips.

Folks have been clamoring for some wheat-free treats and after messing up a couple of batches, I finally hit on the right combination- using Brown Rice Flour and Oat Flour.

Introducing them at the Everett Market tomorrow.. a little more costly, but they are made with some (not all) organic ingredients and are wheat/gluten free which means the ingredients cost more than the ordinary. Folks who have dogs with wheat/gluten sensitivities are well aware of that fact and don't seem to mind paying a little extra when they can find a tasty, healthy treat for their furry friends.

One of these days we'll talk about my feelings of "organic dog treats" and how I really think they're a waste of money. Oh wait, I guess we just talked about it.

In a nutshell....

Natural? Yes!

No By-Products, Sugar, Salt, Chemicals, Preservatives? Absolutely!

Organic? Just a little over the top for a pet.

If I've stepped on anyone's toes, Im sorry. Please refrain from throwing tomatoes... unless of course- they are certified organic.

Got a Dog? Gotta LOVE This!

2011-07-08T21:59:00.000-07:00

We love the Pacific Northwest.. keep it landmine free.

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Welcome to the World, Rowan

2011-07-01T21:21:00.000-07:00

My son...Grandpa John and his new grandaughter, Rowan

Rowan Esther Steffen was born at 5:11 pm today, weighing 6lbs 1 oz and measuring 19". Mommy Heather is doing just fine and if Daddy Phillip gets any prouder, he will burst his shirt buttons. Baby Rowan seems to turn her head towards him whenever she hears Phillip's voice. Grandpa John seems to be in shock- that his little girl has a little girl. As for Great Grandma Bev...the tears of joy are mingled with a few tears of sorrow...our first Great Grandchild... Pat would have adored having another baby girl to fuss over. I like to think she's already met him since all babies come from Heaven.

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Sedro Woolley Farmers' Market

2011-06-23T15:09:00.000-07:00

I did a drop in this week because I'd heard this was a pretty cool market and it turns out I'd heard right.

Look who was there to give my treats a double thumbs up!

I'll definitely do this market again. Fun vendors, nice customers and great dogs!

Thanks Sedro Woolley for the nice welcome. I'll be back next week for your 10th anniversry celebration. Hmm.. wonder if I can do a canine anniversary cake?

Cloudy days can be nice too

2011-06-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

Photoshopped? I don't care. I like it.

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

All Gave Some, Some Gave All

We Will Remember With Eternal Gratitude

What have I been up to?

2011-04-07T21:25:00.000-07:00

Where do I begin? Blue Collar Dog Treats is leaving the Anacortes Farmers Market. I spent a great five years there but the opportunity to create and grow a new Market at a sensational location has presented itself and I just can't pass it up. With two good friends, Kate and Janet, I've spent the last several weeks finding high quality vendors to join us at the SKAGIT VALLEY SATURDAY MARKET at the Farmhouse Restaurant, a local dining destination. It has left little or no time for much of anything else but I couldnt stand the cobwebs growing on this blog, so I'll try to get back into the groove here.

The Farmhouse Restaurant is located out on the 'flats' in the heart of the Skagit Valley, amid fields of daffodils, tulips, and vegetable crops. We'll have more farmers joining us as the crops come on. The Farmhouse is where Skagit county locals go for a hearty, family style dinners so the location is perfect for a Saturday Market. Centrally located between Anacortes, Burlington, MtVernon and La Conner, everyone will be headed in our direction at some point every Saturday. Everyone- customers and vendors alike are excited about the location.

We've been busy designing banners, flyers, postcards & business cards to get the word out.

Speaking of which, I'm supposed to be working on the flyer right now so I'd best get back to it.

Stay tuned.....

Friends Bearing Gifts

2011-03-01T13:20:00.000-08:00

Christine Olsen, a local artist and friend surprised me with a totally unique gift and I have to share it.

A portrait of Gracie in her blue collar.

I absolutely love this! Grace is about 10 different colors ranging from her white shawl to her rust-colored back and Christine's colors just pop. LOVE the dog treat. I love that she took the time to do this for me.

Another unique gift was from my friend Jan. She & her husband Michael left Anacortes three years ago to retire in rural eastern Washington. She sends me amazing photos of bobcats and moose and the beauty of their mountain home. They were in town this weekend and we had a catchup lunch and then drove around the fields looking at the thousands of snow geese and swans.

Jan brought me some eggs from her Aracauna chickens. The colors are amazing. blues and greens and shades of tan. I almost hate to use them because they're so pretty.

Michael brought me some of the trout he caught. Too late for a photo...

it be breaded with Zaterain, pan-fried and et. :)

Deelicious, I Gare-awn-tee.

My friend Ang has started sharing her amazing photography by creating gorgeous greeting cards.

Son John gave me this one. It's gorgeous. Ang is going to join us at the Skagit Valley Summer Market at the Farmhouse. Cant wait to see her tulip field photos.

I received great gifts for my birthday, ranging from unique to practical. If it sounds crass, I'm sorry, but I really love the invention of the Gift Card. Some say impersonal. I disagree! To me it says: 'I want you to have anything YOU want.' That's so thoughtful! Same with cash. Everybody wins.

Also got a collection of chocolate- always high on my list.

I enjoyed the beauty of our snow covered island & spent some time on the phone with people who love me. You can't beat that.

It was a good day turn 65.

* * *

It's OFFICAL

2011-02-26T14:14:00.000-08:00

It's my birthday and I’m old.

The government sent me a Medicare card to prove it.

They need not have bothered. I already knew it.

Along with all the gravitational ravages my body’s endured,

my mind has gone south too.

* * *

I don’t mean memory wise. Hell, that happened in my 30s.

I mean my opinions of what’s happening in the world are echoing those of my father when I was 18:

My dad said:

Of the Beatles- dressed in suits & ties: Those slobs need haircuts!

Of gas prices: I’ll be damned if I’ll pay more than .35 a gallon.

Of TV: That Bandstand is just a bunch of noise with fanny-shaking.

Of the President: Finally! A Catholic in the White House. Can he get those Commies straightened out?

Of Me: Just wait ‘til you have kids of your own, young lady.

Of Me: Get a JOB! You need to learn the value of a dollar.

Now I’m 65 and I say:

Lady Gaga should just SING. Who wears meat & rides around in an egg?

Charlie Sheen - ass.
Lindsay Lohan - ass.
Kardashians - family of asses.

Of gas prices: I’ll be damned if I’ll pay ~~$3.00~~, ~~$4.00,~~ $5.00 a gallon.

Of TV: I refuse to watch a bunch of slutty housewives.

Of the President: I don't care if he's purple- can he fix the @#$%^&* economy?

Of Me: I don’t FEEL like a great grandmother (come July)

Of Me: What?! No Cost Of Living Raise on my Social Security this year? I need a job!

I am a crone- a woman of wisdom. I have developed skills I didnt have before.

I can laugh, cough, sneeze and pee all at the same time.

So I will embrace my age BUT WITH DIGNITY
remembering that some hold on waaaay too long.

***
I was bitchin' at 18 and I'm still bitchin' at 65.

Celebrate! Today is

2011-02-23T11:00:00.000-08:00

National Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day !

My sincere thanks to all my loyal customers and their lovable furry best friends who show appreciation with their friendship and support.

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A Mother's Beautiful Imagination

2011-01-21T13:44:00.000-08:00

Adele Enersen is one very creative and talented woman. When my babies napped, I grabbed a nap too or did the ironing or called up Betty B because her kids napped at the same time. Adele uses that time for an infinitely better purpose. Her blog, Mila's Daydreams is a great read. I'm impressed.

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Smoking Reduction... down to 4 a day

2011-01-13T23:32:00.000-08:00

I'm not enjoying this project.

cravings. confusion.

physical and mental misery.

I'm not fit for human socializing.
Even Gracie is staying away from me.
smart dog.

just leave me alone

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My Current Project

2011-01-07T10:17:00.000-08:00

All my energy is currently being spent in this direction....

48 years of this addiction is enough.... I am NOT a nice person right now...

Pray for me and especially for those around me.....amen.

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Breaking Eggs to Make an Omelet

2011-01-05T11:59:00.001-08:00

Inspiring

2011-01-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

Trying to imagine the concentration this demanded.

Artist Harwinder Singh Gill displays a special new year message he carved into the tips of coloured pencils in Amritsar, India

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Welcome 2011

2011-01-01T13:17:00.000-08:00

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My Wish for 2010 Was

2010-12-30T21:43:00.000-08:00

for just one thing.....

I got some and for that I am grateful..... now I want more in 2011.

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I want this tree next Christmas

2010-12-29T19:00:00.000-08:00

no watering, no needle drop, no dragging it out to the sidewalk for pickup.

easy. easy. easy.

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The Greatest Gift

2010-12-25T10:53:00.000-08:00

Luke 2:8-14 “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,

which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you;

Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace, good will toward men.

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Christmas Songs_In a New Old Fashioned Way

2010-12-20T18:07:00.000-08:00

All performed using iPads and iPhones--

Wishing You a

2010-12-20T12:37:00.000-08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

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Holiday Giveaways

2010-12-16T14:42:00.000-08:00

Every year on December 1st, I see busy bloggers inundated with free gifts from manufacturers (My blog's not busy enough to qualify) and they're encouraged to do a giveaway for their blog readers. It helps them "up" their follower numbers and readership- for a while anyway. To enter, you must jump through a hoop or two: leave a comment, follow their blog, *like* them on facebook, tweet about them or complete a survey.
Every year I go on a hunt for Kindle Giveaways and always end up entering a few miscellaneous giveaways here and there. The Kindle isn't for me- I do audiobooks. It's a gift for someone...well, it will be if I ever win one.

I look for blogs giving away useful things with a minimum of entries. I don't bother with The Pioneer Woman's giveaways any more. One of her typical two day giveaways will be for a fabulous Nikon camera or a gorgeous purple Kitchen Aide Pro Mixer or a freakin' iPad. Her giveaways aren't manufacturer sponsored. Married to Marlboro Man, a successful Oklahoma rancher, she's loaded and generous, but it's not uncommon to see THIRTY-FIVE THOUSAND entries for a 2 day giveaway. If I wanted odds like that I'd play the lottery. Nope, give me a nice little blog with 100-200 entries and I'm happy. I'd love to win a $100 gift card to Staples or Cracker Barrell or Amazon.com. I'm not choosy but I still chase that elusive free Kindle.

No Kindle yet but I have won a $14 book "A Field Guide To Burying Your Parents" (I'm sure it's a lovely book but I'm not ready to read it) and a $40 water filtering pitcher -the spout popped off last week leaving it totally useless but it worked great for a year.

and now I just won this: .

Hi Bev at Blue Collar Treats-
you just won the Premier toy giveaway on Bocci's Beefs -congrats! Please choose the size toys best fit and send me your snail mail address... Hope your pooch ( Gracie?)enjoys the toys!
Bocci and his Parental Unit

Bocci's giveaway was for not one- but four great dog toys. Grace loves chewable toys like I love chocolate so she'll be on cloud nine when the package arrives. One toy has a floating squeaker that relocates. Poor Grace will be ready for Betty Ford if she can't locate the squeaker every time she sinks her teeth into it. It's actually perfect for a heeler because they're happiest when they have a job to do.

The generous gift giver is Bocci, a self described "mutt from the pound" who muses daily about "life with humans (and other) animals". While not a huge fan of blogs "voiced" by animals, I like Boccie's blog. It's cute and informative about the evils of puppy mills and animal rights. AND I add happily it doesn't bastardize the english language into "dog speak". (Why do people think a dog, if capable of speech would say "frew" instead of "threw"? What would make them sound like they have speech impediments?) It's just so irritating. For Pete's sake, if dog's could talk they'd sound like we do. Hmm... that's an idea for another blog. I digress, as usual.

Bottom line: Thanks to Bocci et al for the cool goodies and now I need to go check Kindle giveaway sites.

It Can't Get Any Easier

2010-12-10T09:57:00.000-08:00

If you have Dog Lovers on your list (and who doesn't?) we can make your choice of gifts quick and simple with a Gift Certificate. Not sure if your best friend's best friend craves chicken or peanut butter? Take the guesswork out of it without bruising your budget. Choose the amount you want to spend-

$10, $15 or $20- just let us know the amount & we'll do the rest.

One quick phone call to us before December 20th and your Gift Certificates will be in the mail to you the same day and your shipping charge will be a whole fifty cents, whether you need one or ten certificates. Your gift certificate will be good until December 31, 2011.

Call today so you can cross the Dog Lovers off your shopping list.

Come. Sit. Stay. Shop.

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HOLIDAY SPECIAL 12/4-12/11

2010-12-08T11:52:00.000-08:00

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72 LITTLE BITS COOKIE JARS ~ $10.95

72 LITTLE BITS BUCKET~ $10.95

* 36 Chicken and 36 Peanut Buddier in each container *

SAVE $$
ORDER 2 OR MORE SAMPLER BUCKETS or

SAMPLER JARS

only 9.95 EACH

Come. Sit. Stay. Shop.

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A Beautiful Surprise

2010-12-05T08:53:00.000-08:00

Imagine you're sitting in the Food Court at the Mall and.....

Wow.
Fantastic.
Breathtaking.
Incredible.

The Flash Mob was organized and by Alphabet Photography. Wow.

Decorating Dogs

2010-12-03T23:21:00.000-08:00

If you're passing through on the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop, glad to see you!

Going WAY,WAY back

2010-12-03T15:43:00.000-08:00

You have to be a real child of the 50's to remember Suzy Snowflake. The cartoon usually played on your local afternoon cartoon show - featuring Popeye & Mighty Mouse- starting in December. I was amazed to find that I still knew all the words.

What a blast from the past....Can't remember what I had for breakfast but I can still sing Suzy Snowflake. *sigh*

Holiday Specials

2010-11-28T09:46:00.000-08:00

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CURRENT HOLIDAY SPECIAL

From time to time we'll be offering a different Holiday Special on our catalog page - just a little something extra to set tails wagging.

Catalog orders of $20 or more will recieve a free

POCKET PACK

expires 12-3

Come. Sit. Stay. Shop.

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Black Friday

2010-11-26T20:21:00.000-08:00

A perfect day to curl up on the couch with a turkey sandwich and some sparling Martinelli's and watch this Black Friday.

instead of THIS Black Friday

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Happy Thanksgiving Day!

2010-11-25T07:38:00.000-08:00

Barbara Spurll has captured our typical family Thanksgiving Dinner. We hope your celebration is joyous and less eventful.

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'Tis The Season

2010-11-24T14:46:00.000-08:00

and our BLUE COLLAR DOG TREATS catalog is finally online.

Our wonderful Farmers' Market customers have been barking about missing our treats during the "off season" so we've taken the plunge. Selling online is a whole new trick for us so we could be chasing our tails for a while. We're excited and optimistic but we don't think amazon.com will be worried about us taking their e-tailer crown.

We want to make a profit by selling our treats not shipping them.

Our ordering method is different from what you're used to and we think you'll like it - if for no other reason that it will save you money. Money is tight for everyone right now and pennies count. Our product prices are already at a good, affordable level so the next thing we can do is cut shipping costs. We won't set shipping charges by the dollar amount you order or use a set-in-concrete rate schedule. When you call us, we'll determine the best shipping USPS Priority rate for your individual order. It will take a little more packaging creativity and work on our part but we feel it's worth it and we hope you will too.

We're looking forward to being in touch with our summer market customers all year round and we're excited about the new friends we'll be meeting as well.

We hope you'll think of us when you want treats for your dog & for all the Dog Lovers on your shopping list.

No need for you to run from store to store.

Just visit our catalog.

Come. Sit. Stay. Shop.

Be happy.

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It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like...

2010-11-23T09:54:00.000-08:00

The Anacortes Farmers' Market Holiday Show
was simply wonderful!

It was so good to see everyone again.

We met lots of new friends and caught up with lots of old friends. I'm happy to say folks were stocking up on treats for holiday gifts. It also gave me a chance to remind them that during the "off season" we offer free pick up & delivery service. I heard lots of encouraging feedback about my online catalog.

It was a GOOD day!

Starting Wednesday, 11-24, you'll be able to shop from our online catalog.

Stay tuned for more info!

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I know the feeling...

2010-11-21T22:16:00.000-08:00

Veterans Day 2010

2010-11-11T10:47:00.000-08:00

There are so many serious problems with our country right now. The out of control economy, record unemployment and record foreclosures just to mention a few. I never thought, in my lifetime, I would see the things I'm seeing on the news. It's distressing, depressing and disheartening.

In spite of her wounds, the United States of America is still the greatest country on earth and I want to thank the thousands of men and women, past and present, who have served her so well. Without their daily sacrifices, there would be many and more serious problems.As a military brat and former military wife I think about our Veterans frequently. At the markets I do, when I see a gray head with a Veteran's baseball cap, I get goosebumps and I have to ask them about it- and thank them. There's so much to thank them all for. I think about the thousands of families whose fathers or mothers are away now in the service of their country. I think about the family dinners and home work help and soccer games they're missing. I remember how I felt the year Pat was in Viet Nam. I think about my Dad, serving in the Pacific for four years in WWII. I think about how camo uniforms keep changing color. Jungle green. Desert brown.

I think about the families who have suffered the greatest sacrifice of all- the loss of a loved one and I share their grief.

We owe our Veterans so much. May God bless them and protect our troops everywhere as they protect our freedom.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

In May of 2001, my friends Barbara and Barb and I were visiting the incredible D-Day Museum in New Orleans. While we were sitting in the museum coffee shop, we met a charming veteran who had come down from Mississsippi to speak to a group of school children. We were amazed to find that our new friend was Jack H. Lucas, the youngest Marine ever to receive the Medal of Honor, the United States' highest military decoration. He was presented the award by President Harry S. Truman at the White House on Friday, 5 October 1945. Since all the men in my family are WWII buffs, I asked Mr Lucas if he would pose with us for a photo. He was so gracious and delightful. His story was fascinating. He managed to enlist when he was only 14 years old and was barely 17 when his heroism at Iwo Jima earned him the nation's highest military honor.

After posing with us, Mr. Lucas extracted his payment in the form of a peck on the cheek from each of us. I remember his hearty laugh when I kissed his cheek and whispered "Once a Marine...always a Marine." Meeting him was the high point of my trip and my family was astounded when I presented them with an autographed magazine article. Jacklyn H. Lucas passed away on June 5, 2008 at 80 years young. I wrote his family to tell them about having met him at the museum- (without mentioning the kiss) and to let them know his service would be always be remembered and appreciated. Rest In Peace, Jack Lucas and Semper Fi.

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zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

2010-11-07T01:33:00.000-07:00

I baked 7214 dog treats this week.I just finished the last batch
and right now I feel like he looks.....

It's 2:18 AM and the clocks just zapped back an hour to end daylight savings time. Thank you, Lord. I will take that hour and make good use of it sleeping. Tomorrow I'll start packaging 7214 dog treats.

The Holiday Nutcracker Gift Show starts Thursday and I will be able to say quite truthfully that my treats are fresh...

However, I will probably still look like this polar bear... <yawn>
night all

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Smiling Redux

2010-11-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

Just needed another smile.....

Sure, Blame It On the Dog

2010-11-03T13:48:00.000-07:00

CHIGWELL: Pub accused over 'dog poo' at children's party By Daniel Binns »

A FAMILY has claimed they discovered a “large amount” of dog poo smeared in a pub's function room which they had rented out for their two-year-old's birthday party.

Mum-of-two Lynsey Kourentis, of Alfred Road in Buckhurst Hill, said a party for her daughter at the Ye Olde Kings Head in Chigwell High Road last week was “ruined” by dog faeces allegedly spread all over the floor.

But manager of the pub Sam Carruthers said he found no evidence of any mess, and believes the problem was caused by a baby or a toddler at the get-together. Epping Forest District Council's environmental health officers attended the scene after the family made a complaint, but said the room was clean when they arrived.

Ms Kourentis said: “At first we thought someone had some bad luck and got some of it on their shoes but then we realised there were lumps of dog poo all over the room.

“It was absolutely disgusting. We had lots of babies and toddlers crawling around on the floor and they got it all on their shoes and clothes. “I couldn't enjoy my daughter's birthday party because I was running around trying to clean it up and running around to find the manager. It was very upsetting and it ruined the day for me.
“Not only was it disgusting and the smell was vile, but imagine if one of the children had touched it without realising and then eaten from the buffet with their fingers as toddlers do.”

While dogs are banned from the pub, Ms Kourentis says she was told that animals living above the pub had come down the night before the party and made the mess.

The Guardian has also spoken to other guests at the party who also believe the mess was dog poo.
But Mr Carruthers disputed the family's version of events. He said: “I couldn't see any poo. I think it's one of the children that's done it. “I did give them their deposit back because they were very angry.

“It didn't occur to me at the time that one of the children could have done it. I am fuming with myself that I gave it [the deposit] back to them. The total bill would only have been £80 and I did it to save the aggro.”

This story just struck me as funny...
"I think it's one of the children that's done it." Trying to imagine that scenario.
Maybe it's the colloquialisms? "a large amount of dog poo"? "save the aggro"? I'll be using that one. "I don't NEED this aggro!"

Maybe I'm just easily entertained.
Hey, elections are over~ I'll take a laugh wherever I can get it.

AND he does windows!

2010-11-03T00:01:00.000-07:00

Jesse, this little Jack Russell does more in this video than some husbands do in a month.

Thanks, Kathleen, for passing this video. JustJesse197 has several more videos on You Tube.

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Don't Forget To

2010-11-01T09:57:00.000-07:00

Dogs are such good judges of character, I wonder if maybe we're missing something here. What if we lined up all the candidates and let our dogs sniff out the good ones? Our late & lamented Lab, Stu pissed on the shoes of folks he didn't like. I can think of a certain Washinton state incumbent who bills herself as the "Senator in Sneakers" who might be sloshing her way back from DC to Bothell, if Stu was still around. And interestingly enough her opponent's name is Dino...hmmm... same as the Fred Flintstone's dino/dog. Dog Food for Thought?

Whatever your ~~affliction~~ affiliation get that vote in.

and consider words of Al Capone:
"VOTE EARLY AND VOTE OFTEN."
while keeping in mind he also said "I don't even know what street Canada is on."

I'm with him half way-- I returned my ballot last week.

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Why dogs hate Halloween 2010

2010-10-30T10:16:00.000-07:00

It never ceases to amaze what some folks will do to their pets for Halloween.

The End

Are You Smiling Too?

2010-10-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

I choose to believe this is not photoshopped because I want it to be real.

....makes me smile.

Not Your Grandma's Knitting Bag

2010-10-19T00:01:00.000-07:00

My foray into yarn manipulation would not be complete without showing the dedication and lifetime committment of today's knitters & crocheters... Tattoos. Our Grandmas' comittment was limited to carrying their knitting bags everywhere they went. Times change.

THE END

Icky Innards

2010-10-18T00:01:00.000-07:00

Knitting this stuff is like your Grandma wearing a bikini.
Just because you can... doesn't mean you should...

Dissect the Easter Bunny? Kinda funny.

NOT Funny

Publlic Service Announcement ~ OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS month. Make your appointment for a mammogram NOW.

Seriously. Do it!

Tomorrow- the finale.... Needle committment.

Fuzzy Food

2010-10-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

Not sure I understand the point....

Under what circumstances does one need knit sushi?

do you just grab your yarn basket and say "I think I'll knit a hot dog?"

nicely executed but......why?

still hungry after that burger? super size it.

clueless as to the inspiration- or the purpose.

why?

and why on real lettuce?

WHY?

....a little something different for the guest powder room? and right next to the sink?? Oh, Martha.

tomorrow... Icky Innards... wait for it.

Guerilla Knitting

2010-10-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

no, no, no,

I said GUERILLA knitting...

According to Wikipedia Knitta is the "group of anonymous knitters who began the 'knit graffiti' movement in Houston Texas in 2005. They wrap public architecture – e.g. lampposts, parking meters, telephone poles, and signage – with knitted or crocheted material. The mission is to make street art 'a little more warm and fuzzy'. Knitta grew to eleven members by the end of 2007, but has now dwindled down to one member – Magda Sayeg – who continues to travel and knit graffiti. Internationally, as many as a dozen groups have followed Knitta's lead."

Guerilla Knitting, Urban Knitting or Yarnbombing as it's often called, can be found all over the world.

The closest gas station? Oh, about a mile up the road on the left. You can't miss it, trust me.

toilet paper is so much faster...

If Mama Lenin was alive she'd be smiling... and they're red.

When visiting London, Clark Kent often found it difficult to find a suitable phone booth in which to change his clothes.

How'd they do that? A human pyramid? lots of looped knitters on ladders?

It's over, Pierre. Goodbye. Stay warm, mon amour. Please, no tears.

Freeway signs in Afghanistan may be confusing to tourists.

Tomorrow... more yarns to untangle...

Put DOWN The Needles & Step AWAY from the Yarn..

2010-10-15T20:35:00.000-07:00

A friend who knits & crochets (incessantly) mentioned she's almost finished making her Christmas presents and it made me smile. I hope she made nice, wooly socks. I've seen all the crocheted toiletpaper roll cozies I ever want to see. I haven't crocheted or knit in years. I never was very good at it. I just can't sit still that long. If they ever invent a knitting machine that involves a keyboard I might give it a try. I have friends that knit masterworks and friends who really should take up mah-jong.

I started looking around to see what's new and different in the world of yarn.
Flab ber gast ed.
Dumb founded
Stu pi fied
and in some cases, Re pulsed.

Double click on any image to enlarge.... if you must.

Clothing.... ?

Now you know why your wise mother always warned, "Never hang your sweaters on hangers, dear...

...but if you must hang them, do remember to remove the hanger before wearing.

I want to see the back... the part where you sit down...

Thinking cable knit thong... ouch.ouch. ouch.

Yes, that's a Turkey- in every sense of the word- and it's interesting to think she was wearing glasses when she put this hat on. She could actually SEE what was coming.

...and the happy model is thinking- and thankful- that the BEST part of this outfit is that it comes with a mask.

I've chosen to block the face of this lady who appears to have been the sad victim of an unfortunate botox procedure... which somehow may have involved her left knee, as well. Sad picture, on so many levels

This is yarn abuse and gives new meaning to the already vulgar term "butt ugly".

Yes, officer, he was wearing sunglasses and a hat with a beard. No, HE didn't have a beard, the hat did. Breathalyzer test? Sure, I'd be happy to...

Just wondering what kind of election bet you have to lose to have to wear this little number....

Did you know there's a movement called "guerilla knitting"? It's a form of graffiti... kind of like the tagger artwork you see on walls and boxcars.... that's tomorrow's blog.

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Tap Tap Tap.. Is This Thing On???

2010-10-14T20:48:00.000-07:00

echo echo echo echo echo

24 Hours Later

2010-10-13T20:55:00.000-07:00

All thirty-three miners and the last six rescuers have been brought out safely.
39 miracles in just over 24 hours. Incredible!

Chi Chi Chi, Le Le Le! Los mineros de Chile!
and kudos to all the brilliant and brave folks who found a way to accomplish this Herculean task.

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Chilean Miner Rescue Begins

2010-10-12T20:48:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, 10/12 The first miner has been brought to the surface.

Watching the rescue on CNN. There's camera at the bottom of the shaft. It's incredible to think what the 33 miners have gone through during their 69 days, 2000 feet below the surface and what they have yet to go through, trying to return to their lives and loved ones.

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Oh, Canada....

2010-10-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

Have a good Mr. Columbus Day

2010-10-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Have a Great Binary Day

2010-10-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

It's 10/10/10... where will you be at 10:10:10?

One for the Hall of Shame

2010-10-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

A rural community in western Tennessee is outraged and the fire chief is nursing a black eye after firefighters stood by and watched a mobile home burn to the ground because the homeowner hadn't paid a $75 municipal fee. Gene Cranick said he forgot to pay the fee this year.

Mr. Cranick said he told the 911 operator that he'd pay whatever fee was necessary, but it was too late.
Firefighters arrived on the scene in response to nearby home owners who were concerned the flames would sprread. Their property was protected because they had paid the $75 fee.

Later that day, Cranick's son Timothy went to the fire station to complain, and punched the fire chief in the face. Probably not a smart thing to do but frankly, I can understand his anger and frustration.

If the family had been trapped inside the home, would they have stood silently and allowed them to burn? Besides their home and everything in it, the family lost three dogs and a cat to the fire.

The local LAW requires firefighters not to assist anyone who hasn't paid the fee. The RIGHT THING to do would have been to put out the fire and hand Cranick the bill. It seems like such a simple and logical solution.

Things that made me smile this week...

2010-10-04T20:48:00.000-07:00

Every Saturday this guy drives all the way from Eastern Washington over the Cascade Mountains to Anacortes with a produce-loaded semi and comes roaring into the parking lot with Garth Brooks blaring loud & clear, announcing his arrival. There's always a smile on his face no matter how tired he is. He trades me tomatoes and peaches and corn for dog treats and always makes me smile. He even offers to share his precious Red Bull with me if I'm tired. Whatta guy!

Charlie's Family brought him to the market the first week he joined their family and every Saturday since. It's been great watching him grow and become a big treat fan. I took this photo the last day of the Everett Market because I thought it would be fun to see how much Charlie and his kids change between now and the next market in May. It was the Little Princess' birthday so she was wearing her crown- and a big smile.

Charlie went home with vacuum packed treats, Pumpkin Biscottie and a green bandana christmas stocking- it matches his eyes. I'll miss seeing him and his family.

This is our Scone Lady. She has customers lining up long before the Market opens. She made me a scone lover. I've been a weekly peach cobbler buyer but never tried her scones. Last Saturday I finally told her I'd never had a scone that wasn't heavy and doughy and I just didn't like them. She said "Taste this" and handed me a blueberry scone that was light as a feather and ab so lute ly delicious. Now I'm a believer. At midnight before the market, while Ive been already snoring four hours, she starts baking and arrives eight hours later to set up her booth and sell her wares. If she's lucky she's been able to grab an hour of sleep after baking dozens of scones, trays of pies, cobblers, cakes and cupcakes. She's amazing. She always sells every single thing she brings. Last week, an hour before the end of the market she found a chair in the sunshine and sat down for a few minutes.... and then... she was out. No one had the heart to wake her.

Winston is a new friend... He's a Schnau-Tzu, a cross between a Miniature Schnauzer and the Shih-Tzu. What a personality! He was making eye contact with a big guy a couple of booths down the row.

Just look at that face... you can't help but smile...and wonder just what Winston's thinking.

This is Mindy- another grin generator... not only adorable but talented too.

Such a sweet face.

Just wanted to share a few of the reasons I've been smiling this week...Hope you have lots of things making you happy too.

Rest In Peace, Tyler Clementi

2010-10-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

This tragedy is beyond ugly. It is monsterous and heartbreaking. We can't begin to imagine the unbearable despair this young man felt that drove him to end his life.

I have to hope the "friends" who betrayed him with such deliberate malice will carry his memory burned into their minds and hearts for the rest of their lives.

That seems a small price to pay for having destroyed so many lives-including their own.

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Ike's Touchdown - Everybody wins

2010-09-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

This Seattle story video has gotten 2 million hits on youtube. It just makes your heart soar. KING 5 TV's new's anchor Dennis Bounds' emotional comment to colleague Jean Enerson at the end of the video is especially moving. He's well known locally for being a vocal and active supporter of Special Olympics and children with special needs.

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Today is National Coffee Day

2010-09-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was

National Drink Beer Day.....

Hmmmm...

Coincidence?

I don't think so....

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I don't know what to say....

2010-09-28T20:27:00.000-07:00

Trifecta

2010-09-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

Aurora, Autumn and Sasha have been frequent visitors to the Everett Market & there's not been a good opportunity to get a photo of them- rain, I forgot my camera, rain, I remembered the camera but forgot to take the camera's smart card out of the computer (duh) so I was happy when everything came together yesterday.

It's hard to get three large dogs to "pose pretty" so I just snapped away. Seeing the results, I've decided it's hard to get a bad photo of such gorgeous animals.

well mannered and beautiful is a great combination

just have someone stand by my sample bowl and they're riveted...

With only one more week left for the Market, I'm going to miss these visits.

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Feed A Dog for Free

2010-09-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Our friends over at Life With Dogs brought this to our attention.

Each year, more than 4 million dogs end up in shelters and breed rescue organizations. Pedigree created this site, the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive to help shine a spotlight on the plight of these homeless dogs.

This year the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive is raising awareness for homeless dogs by donating a bowl of food to shelter dogs for everyone who becomes a “Fan” or “Likes” The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive on Facebook. So far more than 1 million bowls have been donated.

Special for BlogPaws West: For each blog that posts about the PEDIGREE® Adoption Drive September 16th through September 19^th, PEDIGREE® will donate a bag of their new Healthy Longevity Food for Dogs to shelters nationwide. It’s simple: Write a post, help a dog.

If you have a blog- dog oriented or not- take 5 minutes & write something about PEDIGREE's Adoption Drive. Feel free to copy & paste mine.

Bartered this week....

2010-09-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

This week I turned my dog treats into....

...a pint jar of clover honey... for my Pumpkin Biscottie Dog Treats

3 big bunches of basil (making pesto)
big bag of green beans
20 ears of corn
zuchinni & squash

and a big bouquet of fall flowers
for Heather and Philip's dining room table... to say thanks for the wonderful dinner last week.

Thanks, fellow vendors! Pesto is done, corn & beans are blanched, vacuum packed and in the freezer.
See you next Saturday.

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No time to read? Just listen...

2010-09-13T12:14:00.000-07:00

I love to read but I just don't have the time to sit down with a book and let the rest of the world go by. In the last year I've become a huge fan of audiobooks. For little or no cost, there are thousands of great books available in wma (Windows Media Audio) and mp3 and ipod format..

My local library's website has links to Overdrive Audiobook Downloads and Net Library Downloads.

Overdrive allows you to download up to five audiobooks and you can specify the length of time- for 7 or 14 days. I chose seven days so I can get a-books more frequently. NetLibrary allows you to get ten a-books for a set time of three weeks each. On either site, the a-books are available in different formats.... most all are available in wma not all are available in mp3 or ipod format. Check with your library to see what's available.

Now keep in mind that wma files are protected and will not play on an mp3 player. They are strictly for use on your PC Windows Media Player. That's fine if you're sitting at your desk but not so great if you want to listen in the kitchen or car. I've..uh.. done some research and it's my understanding that there are specific software programs available for about $25 that will convert protected wma files to mp3s so they will play on your portable device. From what I've learned, they convert the protected wma files in real time so if your wma format book is 12 hours long, it will take 12 hours to convert it to mp3 files. I suppose one could start the program at night and when one wakes up in the morning, the conversion would be complete & ready for your mp3 player. I suppose. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Audible.com is another good source though the a-books are not free. You can choose different membership programs to get 1, 2 etc, a-books each month. Spend as much or as little as you choose. The selection there is huge. Much larger that either of the library based sites.

I can’t tell you much about ipod files since I don’t have one. I have a cheap little 4GB Sansa Fuze that does the job just fine. After I’m done with a book, I take it off my Fuze & put it in a storage folder on one of my external hard drives,so I can listen to it again…and yes, Ive found there are a-books worth listening to a second & maybe even a third time. More about that later...

I don't really care much for earbuds. I must have oddly shaped ears because Ive never found earbuds that are comfortable- after a few minutes, they start hurting, so I use an external speaker that I picked up on eBay for about 3 years ago for about $9. It's called...I Am A Speaker... duh, wonder which genius ad man came up with that gem. It's shaped like a 6 x 12 zippered notebook and has surprisingly good sound for such a cheapy. I throw in the Fuze, zip it up and go. I actually found online instructions on how to build a speaker in an empty Altoid tin. I'm not that frugal yet. Ther are plenty of cheap external speakers around.

When I'm baking dog treats I'm listening to an a-book. It makes the time go faster & is infinitely more interestin than concentrating on dough, rolling pins and cookie cutters.
Listening to an abook makes my hour long drive to the Everett Market on Sundays pass quickly and I actually look forward to the drive home so I can unwind and pick up where I left off eight hours before.
I no longer fall asleep with the TV on... but the Fuze is on. Maybe it's a throwback to the bedtime story, but it's great to curl up and listen while I drift off. If I wake up during the night, I might remember to turn off the Fuze & speaker-- or back it up and listen for a while. The 3 AA speaker batteries last about a week because I ususally leave it in all night.

You can find any and every genre on audiobooks. Fiction, non-fiction, biographies, philosophy, religion and even study aids. You can find abridged & unabridged versions.

I love mysteries & historical fiction. So far my favorites have been Pillars of the Earth (38 hours) & the sequel World Without End (43 hours) by Ken Follett. Other spell-binders were The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played With Fire and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornets Nest, all by the late Stieg Larssen. My collection includes James Patterson, J.A. Jance, Lee Child (LOVE his Jack Reacher series) Jeffery Deaver, Michael Palmer, Dan Brown. Nothing heavy. I'm ~~reading~~ listening for entertainment.

Right now I'm listening to Carl Hiassen, who combines a fun mystery with skewering greedy Florida land developers and makes both hilarious.

No time to sit still with a book? Multitask. Find a good audiobook and listen up.

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Remembering 9-11-2001

2010-09-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

Flight 93

The Pentagon

The World Trade Center

Nine years and our hearts are still heavy with sorrow for those who were taken from us.

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Weather or not you can believe it...

2010-09-10T09:57:00.000-07:00

The first thing I do every week day is check the weather forecast for the coming weekend, trying to gauge what to expect at the two Farmer's Markets I attend. Sometimes they're right, sometimes they're wrong.
There's a new outdoor public market a couple of towns away that I've been considering selling at, after my regular Farmers' Markets close. That would be in October. Soooo... I thought it would be a good idea to google some weather predictions and I stumbled onto this site.

See me up there in the corner? Where it says Winter's Worst weather?

No fuh-reakin' way. Not us. We don't do snow. We do rain and gray days and seasonal affective disorder and we do them all quite well. Where the hell is Al Gore's global warming?

This is (supposedly) a retirement town- I just think of it as a town where everyone has gotten old at the same time . OK, we live on an island... with a bridge. It's not like we are isolated. But at the first mention of possible snow, the Safeway parking lot looks like a geriatric version of the Indy 500 as we dash downtown to grab milk & bread & coffee before the coming blizzard (28 flakes does not a blizzard make) locks us in for three whole days. Forget even getting close to Blockbuster or the liquor store. I sometimes wonder if the Bailey's Irish Cream people are somehow manipulating our cold snaps. Just a thought.

We can do about three days of snow and that's it. We're done. It ain't pretty any more. Tempers flare and so do the chimney fires. The crunch of tires on snow is like fingernails on a blackboard. Make it stop. If the TV cable hasn't gone out, our only live news is Seattle's coverage of cars sliding into each other on Capital Hill.

If you' re listening, Lord, Please don't confuse us with that other place. We are the GOOD Washington. The one with apples, salmon and evergreen trees. The one with no snow plows, no parkas and a only limited supply of Ugg boots.

The one you're thinking of is 2337 miles east of my house. Go for it.

It's not Magic- It's BARTERING!

2010-09-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

How do you turn dog treats...

...into a lovely peach cobbler?

BARTER!

So many of my fellow vendors at the Farmers' Markets have taught me a thing or two about bartering. It's easy and wonderful. Last week I traded dog treats for a bag of apples & traded the apples to another vendor for a peach cobbler. Isn't that great?! I barter with anyone who asks- even accepting things I dont really need. I'm not a huge apple fan (Greetings from WA state) but I traded them to someone who did need them & went home with a fabulous peach cobbler that I did ~~need~~ want.
Everybody wins.

I've been able to turn my dog treats into so many good things...

I really love the idea of bartering. In our ~~crappy~~ ~~shaky~~ ~~lousy~~ current economy it seems so logical to be able to exchange goods and/or services. Why hasn't President Obama thought of this? I'd love to see the President's Council on Bartering established to encourage the practice. I wonder if my dentist or the guy at the Chevron station down the street has a dog needing some dog treats...

"Hello, IRS? I understand the President has a dog......Have I got a deal for you!"

Dream on , Bev... but.....wouldn't it be loverly?

I like your shirt & I like this.

2010-08-28T05:34:00.000-07:00

Detour Alert ~ C & C

2010-08-24T23:09:00.000-07:00

A previous post mentioned my Englebreit 'Snap Out Of It’ Collection. I said most of those things were gone but that comment started me thinking as to where they all went. Since I never throw things out, they’re still here- somewhere in all the Clutter & Crap. The mug is in a hard-to-reach short cabinet above the fridge- with all the other crap mugs I’ve collected over the years. I haven't opened that cabinet in well over a year. The doll is probably crammed onto a top shelf in a closet somewhere. The journals- used and unused- are in a closet drawer with a half dozen other untouched journals I might need some day. The old calendars- marked with dates/memories are in a another drawer. Why? Because I might need them some day. What in the name of Hoarders Anonymous am I thinking?

I decided to take some Clutter & Crap photos so I grabbed the camera –(from the insulated Seattle Caviar carrying case which I’ve had since 1996- I knew I’d need it some day.) and started aiming around my container laden office and- I swear this is true- and I am far more astonished than you are- as I focused on the two huge baskets on top of my bookcase- there she was- the 'Snap Out Of It' doll - sitting on top of a bookcase not six feet from me.

I swear to you I had no idea it was there. I spend 8-10 hours in this room every day and I had no idea it was there. That scared me and started me thinking about releasing myself from the burden of all this stuff...stuff I don't love.... stuff I don't need... stuff I forgot I have.

There's undoubtedly more surprising finds in store for me. I am a container freak. Visible Clutter & Crap makes me crazy so my C & C is housed in tins, boxes, baskets, totes, bins & drawers and it looks al-l-l-l-l organized but- it’s still C & C. I have stuff to put my stuff in.

I stuff my stuff inside other stuff.

and into overstuffed drawers.

and then I stuff the overstuffed containers into overstuffed closets.

It's amazing how much stuff one can stuff over the years. No-- what's really amazing is the sheer number of containers just in these pictures. Just in one part of one room.

What's IN the drawers and bins and baskets and boxes and tins and totes??? That's a whole other blog.

Yes, I am purging but I think I will keep the doll...maybe move her over here to my desk to remind me to pay attention...and remember.

to be continued.....

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Wrinkles aren't necessarily a bad thing...

2010-08-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

...as long as they're on someone else- or someone else's dog. The weather prediction for Market in Everett on Sunday was 30% chance of precipitation. Ha! Soggy socks and four rain-soaked bags of treats later, the sun came out and it was a pleasant enough day. Sales were good, but this guy, OTIS really spread the sunshine and smiles. Every time I heard my squishy,soggy socks, I thought of this face and I ended up smiling all afternoon.

OTIS actually has three names but I was so busy snapping picture after picture, I have to admit I can't remember what the owner said.

Thanks so much, Otis! I'll be smiling all week.

Occasional Detours Ahead

2010-08-19T00:52:00.000-07:00

My blog is taking different directions for a while. I'll be posting about Blue Collar & fun at the Markets but there will be some very personal posts once in a while. This might be the time for you to seek the door with the lighted, red EXIT sign. or go out for some popcorn for a couple of weeks. I need to purge and I need to write about it. Not for you, but for me. The Muse is upon me and I think I’m channeling Erma Bombeck. Don't I wish. It may end up sounding more like Stephen King meets Sigmund Freud. Frightening and disturbing.

The problem with climbing out of my occasional bouts of ennui is that I usually go to the other extreme- giddy with dozens of ideas for projects I want (or need) to do. Manic? Maybe, but I choose not to go there.. This time it's different. I need a major change. The wheels are turning and I'm not moving. I’ve come to to the realization that I must do something about all the stuff in this house. I’m overwhelmed. It’s stifling. Neither Neicy, from ‘Clean House' or the crew from ‘Hoarders’ have knocked on the door yet but…..it’s time for some changes before they do.

A former daughter-in-law once commented that when I died, she’d simply hang a sign

on my front door and let people think it was a gift shop. It would be sold out in no time. Incidentally, that comment has no bearing on the fact that she eventually became a FORMER daughter-in law. I still like her a lot.) She was teasing me and while I was amused at her comment, I knew it really was true. I was a stuffaholic. Stuff was my drug of choice.

When Pat was fishing in Alaska, the money was very, very good and I learned very, very quickly from the other fishermen's wives about retail therapy. We stayed home and ran the house for three to five months at a time with no husbands around to deal with problem plumbing or flat tires. We helped each other. We did lunch. and we Shopped.

We even had a mantra.

I want it. I need it. I deserve it.

I bought stuff. Stuff for the house. I decorated. I painted and wallpapered and accessorized. The house was stuffed with stuff. It still is. The same stuff and more. Those days are gone and the stuff has got to go.

The woman I was then is not who I am now.

My life has turned upside down since Pat died in 2007. So many changes. Every minute of my life is totally different from the way we were. Forty-two years of us funneled down to me – alone. What have I learned? What do I know for sure? One thing: You can cherish the past but you can’t live there. Moving On. I won’t purge the memories. Must I get rid of that lovely big menu from that wonderful dinner at Thirteen Coins? It’s mounted on my wall. I smile when I see it. Do I need to see it to remember how I felt when he asked the waiter for it - as a memento for me? I’m not sure. I just know I can’t keep living in a house so filled with stuff.
I do know thisis not the answer.
Oh, I've tried to purge before but never very successfully. I always found more reasons not to get rid of the stuff. Sentimental, economical- always some excuse for putting stuff in a detail labelled tote and putting it in the garage. This time I want to analyze WHY I've needed to keep all this stuff and what mind-set I have to acheive to be able to let go of it. It's become a burden and I'm sinking under it's weight.

To be sure, I am NOT wiping Pat and those 42 years from my life. I have a house full of THINGS that I don't (and probably never did) need but I seem can't get rid of them. I paid good money for them. It wold be a waste. So many excuses, so many things, so little room left.

I'm going on a journey. It will take time and planning. I found a good road map. The Wastefulness of Decluttering; or How to Make Less Count for More. Leo Babauta's article begins with this quote:

It is preoccupation with possession, more than anything else, that prevents men from living freely and nobly.’ ~Bertrand Russell

and ends with this one

‘Don’t water your weeds.’ ~Harvey MacKay

with lots of good advice in between the two. It's short, sweet and well worth reading, if you're interested.

<---------------- Zen Habits is where I stumbled across it.

to be continued...

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Snap out of it!

2010-08-16T15:33:00.000-07:00

My dear friend, Kat, reminded me of something from the past that I'd forgotten.
The chick in this Mary Englebreit (illustrator-extraordinaire) print used to be my personal icon-my words to live by... my mission statement.

I had this little gal all over my office. prints. coffee mugs. doll. journals. boxes. cards. calendars. People gifted me and I bought everything I could find.

She was me.
I was her.

For whatever reasons things got moved or stored or used or worn out
and all I have left is:

My point is NO wonder I had ennui. I forgot to Snap Out Of It.
Thanks, Kat, for the heads up. I snapped out of it. I'm back.

By the way, I'm no longer Ms Englebreit's biggest fan. Lovely work, she does indeed, but no longer my cuppa latte. I'm sure I've been replaced with lots of folks with lots more disposable income. Having given her loads of money over the years, I consider it an amicable parting. Sure- she'll miss me but, she'll get over it.
After all, she says Life's a Chair of Bowlies.

Oh yes.
I'm back.

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I am suffering from ennui

2010-08-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

en·nui ~ Fr. [ahn-nwee] – noun. definition: a feeling of utter weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest, inspiration or satisfaction; boredom.
Synonyms: listlessness, tedium, lassitude, languor, beverly

If you google the word "ennui" you might see my picture. This week I have No drive. No inspiration. No desire to do anything although there's SO much needing to be done AND worse yet, I have the time to do it.
I just....can't. It's not depression it's "there's nothing I want to do, nowhere I want to go."
I think it's ok to wallow in this for another day or two then I'll have to find the spark. Today I'm content to listen to my audiobook, raiding the fridge every hour and taking naps in between.

Like all my New Year's resolutions, this too shall pass.
I shall return.

Boredom is sooooo boring.

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Don't

2010-07-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

That yellow thing is back!

2010-07-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Winter is finally over!

No more wool socks with my Crocs!

Western Washington Officially Welcomes Summer

Happy Birthday to our US of A

2010-07-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

I can't resist saying "This takes the cake." because it really does!

Yes, it IS always about food with me.

I cant think of a sweeter way to pay tribute to our country and it's moving anthem. mimiguk did a spectacular job with the intricate script.

Appropriately, I'll be watching the local fireworks with my Census buddies.

Hope you all have a wonderful celebration.

And if your pets are fireworks sensitive, make sure they're in a safe secure place.

God Bless America and all who love her.

Nothing to say but...

2010-07-02T09:19:00.001-07:00

I have to post SOMETHING to make that spider photo move further down the page

Arachniphobes--- DON'T LOOK!

2010-06-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

Anyone recognize this guy? He's about 1.75 inches long and I found him in my tub this morning. So much for bathing for the next year or so. There's just no way I'm going back in there. It's going to be a long stinky summer around this house. Apparently he's gainfully employed, since he seems to have walking around money with him.

Double click on the photo to see a zoom version- or don't.

I just want to know if he's a good spider or a bad spider. Like there's such a thing as a good spider <shudder>

UPDATE:
Most opinions were that it is a HOBO SPIDER.
Apparently it's easier to determine that a spider's NOT a Hobo than that is IS a Hobo. After (way too) close examination with a flashlight through the bottom of a huge jar and info gleaned from a WSU article it appears to be a giant house spider- similar in appearance but it has the sternum spots of a giant house spider. At any rate- it's gone. We gave it away. Seriously. Someone wanted to photograph it.

Did you double click on the photo? It really is fascinating in a horrifying sort of way. If you look at specific parts and don't think of it being a spider, the anatomy really is amazing.

Sidebar: Years ago I was returning the video "Arachniphobia" to our local mom & pop video store. I'd thought emersing myself in the movie might help me rationalize my fear of spiders. It didn't. I regretted watching it. I walked in and put the video on the counter. The gal picked it up and we both commented on how it gave everyone the creeps...then she said "Just a minute.."- picked up a kleenex and swished it across my hair. "Got it," she said calmly, and when she opened the kleenex there was a Daddy Long Legs. That's about as close as I've ever come to fainting. She slid a chair under me or I'd have hit deck. More nightmares.

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BIG DOG DAY

2010-06-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

Sunday's Everett Farmers' Market was sooo nice. The weather came though for us- sunny but comfortably cool. My kind of day. Folks came out in droves and it seemed like it was BIG DOG day at the market.

This gorgeous Chow wore her fluffy fur coat and cooled off at the first opportunity. Sloshing our big water bowl to make a puddle, she plopped down in the puddle and stayed there...

and stayed

and stayed.

If not for the gentle prodding of her owners, I think she would have been content to spend the day there basking in the admiration of passing folks.

Apparently Ms Chow spread the word about our big water bowls because pretty soon another big guy took her place at the oasis.

These gorgeous Clumber Spaniels are Abby and her son, Benson. To our delight, they stop by our booth every week to say hello and politely sample some treats.

This lovely Great Dane is Ruby~ a true gentle giant and a Market regular. She's been coming every Sunday since the Market began.

Ruby is always surrounded by crowd of children and I can't imagine how many hands have stroked her over the years.

All in all, it was a perfect day. My definition of a perfect day? Good sales, good dogs, good people and just as I finished loading the booth into the van and climbed in to head home, the rain started. You can't ask for anything more.

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It's SUMMER...somewhere

2010-06-21T11:57:00.000-07:00

OK, we live in Washington state.
We KNOW there are at least 365 different shades of gray.

We KNOW not to expect to see summer weather until at least July 5th but...
where is it written we can't have one 70 degree day before then?

c'mon... just one?

preferably on a weekend when I'm doing a Farmers' Market-

but I'd even settle for a lukewarm Wednesday.

Global warming? In Anacortes, it's beginning to sound like a good thing.
Where do we go to sign up?

I hope this longest day of the year is a sunny one for you. <sigh>

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Fathers' Day 2010

2010-06-20T11:40:00.000-07:00

Long ago and far away...
...another Daddy's Girl...

He was the first man I loved. He carried me when I was tired. Sometimes he carried me just because I wanted to be 'up there' where he was. Too quick to anger, too slow to forgive, he was hardly Ward Cleaver... ...and even with all his human frailities he still set the bar high for any man who would come into my life.

Thanks, dearest Dad. I miss you.

Daddy's Girl...

2010-06-19T16:51:00.000-07:00

My beautiful granddaughter Heather Babarovich became Heather Steffen today...

More pictures to come
later but this is my favorite..

Heather and her dad, John.
My son and his girl.

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How to have a Beach Party...

2010-06-16T21:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Kat for sharing this.
We here in the Pacific NW have yet to see two sunny days in a row, so this gives me hope....

Somebody in Hungary has some pretty clever dogs!

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In Loving Memory of GOLDIE

2010-06-09T09:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday, my brother, Tom, who lives in T or C, New Mexico called to tell me his best friend, Goldie had been bitten by a rattlesnake. One fang caught her nose and her paw showed two fang marks from a 5-6 foot snake. The vet gave her some meds but admitted there wasn't a lot he could do for her because it was too late to use the (very costly) anti-venin. I guess it has to be administered within a very short time to do any good. He explained it was a "wait and see" situation. Tom has been nursing her all week and I've been praying for a minor miracle... just a little one, please.

Tom called a few minutes ago and I knew a call from him this early couldn't be good news.

Goldie was eleven and she fought hard but it was too much for her and she didn't make it.

She was Tom's best friend. They have been through some pretty rough times together and I know his heart is broken. Mine too.

I want to share some photos of this sweet, silky friend of Tom's who was always there for him. He gave her a good life and she adored him.

While Tom was recuperating from a motorcycle accident, Goldie was his pillow and his therapy. She never left his side.

When you saw her you just had to pet her long, silky coat.

her big, beautiful eyes.

Goldie was so loved and will be so sadly missed.

I hope the SOB neighbor who allowed his neglected property to become a snake haven realizes this is his fault. He's put all his neighbors- especially children and pets, in danger because of his stupidity. It's criminal. This guy is a high-priced pediatric dentist up in Albuquerque and shows his true colors by allowing his T or C place to be come an overgrown snake pit.

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Everett, We LOVE you!!

2010-05-31T11:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first time to participate in the Everett Farmers' Market. My sister in law Cyndy went with me. We had no idea what to expect because the weather was not great...
drizzling and chilly and we had visions of dreary day with dismal sales...

but what a market it was!

...and the fact that this is the only photo we took all day proves my point. NO time for a camera. Too many great dogs to meet and greet!

WOW! Is there an Everett city ordinance requiring families to have three dogs?
When we offer folks one of our take-home doggy bag of samples, we ask how many dogs they have so we can put in enough samples. I swear every time we asked the answer was "Three." It was amazing! Everett must be the most dog-friendly city in Washington state. Needless to say we went though hundreds of samples during the day. We spent all day feeding samples to big dogs, little dogs, dogs in strollers, dogs in raincoats and one in a cool argyle knit sweater. Everett folks show their true Washington colors. Ain't no drizzle gonna get 'em down. Come Sunday morning- they hit the Farmers' Market- rain or shine.

We were playing with Chris and Holly, a cute pair of mini-dachshunds and mentioned we wished we had time to take a picture of them for our "Satisfied Customers" display so the sweet owner snapped a couple & offered to send them to me. They were in my Inbox this morning. Thanks, Ann!

Holly and Chris...these little gals couldn't decide which flavor they liked best so we kept trying. I suspect they skipped dinner last night.

In spite of all the great new friends we met, the day was not exactly perfect. The low point happened in the last five minutes. It takes forever to pack everything up. All the racks and treats and supplies were packed into the van and all we had left to do was collapse the booth and stow it. Easy peasy- we'll be outta here in 2 minutes. We were each at one corner of the booth, lowering the legs- gabbing about stopping at the pie place in Marysville on the ride home. Neither one of us thought about the rainwater that had accumulated on the canopy. Cyndy lowered the leg before I did and everything went into slow motion from there. The canopy is peaked- how much water could there be up there? Oh, I'd say at least five gallons...which dumped onto Cyndy's head. I was frozen, watching as a never-ending cascade of icy rainwater poured onto her head. I wanted to laugh. I wanted to cry. I wanted to pee. Cyndy didn't move and the cascade kept pouring on her head. She wanted to laugh. She wanted to cry. She wanted to pee. She stood like a statue until the cascade turned to a drip. The look on her face will be etched in my mind forever. The shock slowly subsided. We laughed. We cried. We didn't have to pee any more. Lucy and Ethel do the Everett Farmers' Market on a rainy day.

Talk about being rode hard and put away wet...

Cyndy, You're the greatest!

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In Gratitude of All Who Serve

2010-05-29T19:31:00.000-07:00

However you celebrate Memorial Day weekend, I hope you'll take time to remember those who have made our freedom possible, most especially those who gave their lives in service to our country. Say an extra prayer that those who are in harm's way today, will soon come home safely.

As both an Air Force brat and an Air Force wife, Memorial Day has always been special to me.... there's something about a guy in uniform :)

My dad, John Earnest Rush, US Army Air Corps and USAF, Ret.
World War II veteran

My husband, John Patrick, when he joined the Air Force in 1964. Vietnam veteran

Have a safe one.

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You Know Who You Are

2010-05-27T08:02:00.000-07:00

Three years ago today my husband Pat died. When we married, I was 19 and he was 20. After 42 years of "we", "us" and "ours", my life instantly became about "I", "me" and "mine" but this post isn't about heartache and grief...it's about blessings and gratitude.

After Pat died, widowed friends told me that there was a phenomenon I could expect to see. "Some of your friends, who have been very close to you, will move away from you, and acquaintances and strangers will move closer to you." Hard to believe and I doubted it, but as it happens, they were right. Some close friends have slipped away quietly for whatever reasons. (Sad to see them go but understandable since everything that came out of me was all about MY grief, MY tears, and MY aloneness.) People I barely knew and people I didn’t know at all have moved into my circle and become very good friends, just as predicted.

But I wasn’t prepared for the angels. I don’t mean the ethereal, celestial creatures of renaissance art. I mean the flesh and blood, young/old, over/underweight angels with freckles or braces or wrinkles or receding hairlines (and in come cases no hair at all.) Some of you I’ve known for many years and some of you have just recently wandered into my life and stayed. My angels.
YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE.

As different and unique as each one of you may be, you all have something in common.You each have given me piece of your heart to help mine mend. You’ve enriched my mind and my soul and given me hope, courage, love and support. In my darkest days, you lit a candle for me. You kept me moving forward.
YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'VE DONE.

I’ve tried to thank you for your generosity of spirit but it seems like that’s not enough. I feel like there’s more I need to do. I want to be as good a friend to others as you have been to me… to pay it forward. So you angels have given me yet another gift.
I KNOW WHAT I NEED TO DO.

I thank God every night for the angels He has sent me and I ask Him to give you blessings and keep you in His loving care.
HE KNOWS WHO YOU ARE.

and Pat...my special angel, I still love you more than trees.

Not a morning person either...

2010-05-24T14:45:00.000-07:00

My friend, Gerri is a morning person. Bright and bubbly and raring to go at day break, she's learned from sad experience that I am not. Apparently neither is Ginger, the golden lab...

Thanks so much, Gerri, for sending this. It's a hoot! and kudos to the clever film maker- but I would have left out the laugh track...too distracting. I know, I know - everybody's a critic.

Some of the other clips are pretty funny too.

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My weekend schedule

2010-05-21T08:51:00.000-07:00

My first Saturday Farmer's Market of the season...

and my last free Sunday until October...

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Dogs at Festivals...Fun or Misery?

2010-05-19T12:03:00.000-07:00

Look at that smile! Happy dog!
but I'm not very happy this morning....

On Anacortes Scoop, one of the local information pages I visit on Facebook, someone posted the following: "THE DOGS I SAW SAT AND SUN AT THE WATERFRONT FESTIVAL LOOKED MISERABLE HOT AND A LOT SEEMED VERY NERVOUS IN SUCH A LARGE CROWD. THEN A COUPLE OF THEM TRIED TO HAVE A FIGHT." The caps are hers- not mine. I hardly ever yell (ha!) This poster went on to ask people for their opinions as to whether dogs belonged at festivals or not and specified that she voted NO and added that she is a dog lover. Well, good for her, I'm happy to hear it.

I commented that my booth is a mecca for dogs at festivals,with multiple watering stations available and every dog goes home with a free doggie bag of treats.

Then I really jumped up on my soapbox:
"It is a dog owner's responsibility to decide if the weather is suitable and if their dog is socialized enough and has a temperment to be comfortable in ANY type of situation- from a dog park to a festival. In my five years of doing festivals I've seen far more humans misbehave than dogs. I've seen many sunburned toddlers but never a dog in distress."

I have dozens of pictures taken at this year's Waterfront Festival. Couldn't find one of any dog looking "MISERABLE HOT." [sic] or "VERY NERVOUS" or distressed in any way...I'll let you decide for yourself.

this little guy needed a moustache towel...

this little gal had her own taxi driver...

This one was wet behind the ears...

politely chowing down on free samples...

and look at these guys... do they LOOK like they were at each others' throats?

Countries should get along this well!

Do I think dogs belong at dog-freindly Festivals. Absolutely!

IF they are well behaved and the weather and surroundings are suitable.

If the venue is specified NOT dog friendly, leave Bowser at home.

I don't take Gracie to Festivals or Farmer's Markets where I'm working because I can't give her my full attention. I'm busy with the business of treating other folks' dogs. Wouldn't be fair to her or to the people around me.

As responsible pet owners WE must decide what venues are appropriate for our dogs. In making that decision we must consider their health, temperment and safety. We also must show consideration for other people by making sure our dogs are leashed and trained to behave appropriately in a public setting.

Side note: The people that scare me are the ones who come to my booth for samples saying they've left their dog in the car. I offer them a loaner leash and encourage them to go get the dog out of the car. WHAT are they thinking??

My wise friend Kate reminds me that there are no bad dogs- just bad dog owners. I think she makes a very good point.

BTW, the woman who posted her concern is entitled to her opinion, but this is MY blog and I reserve the right to insist that my opinion is more important. ;)

Happy Mothers' Day to All

2010-05-09T06:31:00.000-07:00

Everyone can celebrate MOTHERS' DAY because you don't have to BE one, you just have to have had one.

"Wash Day"
cake by Debbie Brown in her book
Easy Party Cakes.

I'm celebrating this day in loving memory of my mom
Mary Eloise Carlisle Rush

My Week at Work

2010-05-08T16:15:00.000-07:00

You want me to walk WHERE??????

Take a moment to memorize my face.When I come to your house PLEASE be nice to me.

On behalf of my fellow census workers, I thank you from the bottom of my government-issued-must-be-returned-undamaged briefcase.

Babarbecue with the Babaroviches

2010-05-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

What a great time we had! ..and going back through the pictures I've just realized, duh, there are no photos of the table loaded with all the food! What a maroon. Maybe it's because it wasn't on the table long enough to snap any pictures. Maybe it's because I ate myself into a stupor. Lots of noisy chatter and laughing and then all you could hear was the clinking of forks and the smacking of lips. What a classy crew we are!

Here's Cyndy slicing ribs. I suspect this is one of the few times she's allowed to play with sharp implements.

Wayne had already fixed a mountain of ribs but he wasn't finished cooking. He's a magician with his deep-fried walleye and today was no exception.When you BBQ in Washington state you can't wait for sunshine. If you did, you'd starve.

So after some preparation in the kitchen...

out to the back yard deep fryer Wayne went...

...accompanied by his son in law Steven manning an umbrella and Dave as observer.

Granddaughter Heather and Philip - can you tell they're engaged? The wedding is in about six weeks and they simply radiate joy and happiness. She is already a great baker- she brought two cakes, a strawberry soda cake and a whipped cream-covered chocolate wafer cake. I managed to bring a piece of the strawberry cake home but the wafer cake was history before I got to it.

Son John and Grandson Mitchell - sometimes it's hard to tell which one is fifteen.

Son Dave and our lovely Rachel...another happy couple...

Cyndy's four year old grandson Miles caught them cuddling in the den and asked Dave "Have you married her yet?"

Grandson Cale and his friend, Hannah.

It was her first Babarovich experience. To her credit, she didn't seem too horrified at our rowdiness.

Miles absolutely adores Heather. He doesn't like sharing her. He loves Philip but he adores Heather. He tolerates Philip sitting next to her but only because Philip plays wth him.

This photo of Bud pretty much sums up the day. We ate a lot, laughed a lot, had a great time

and like Bud, some of us needed a nap.

Note: After I got home, I realized I'd forgotten to take dear little Bud some dog treats so I ran some back up to Cyndy's house. When she saw me feeding Blue Collar Pumpkin Biscottie to Bud, she said "Let me try that." Wayne's jaw hit the floor when she took a bite and pronounced it delicious. I'd tasted it, of course, so I knew it was yummy but... talk about a leap of faith. Thanks for the endorsement, Cyndy.

Slav Sauerkraut for an army

2010-05-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we're having a get together at my SIL Cyndy's house. We're all Babaroviches so it makes sense that we're having a Babarbecue. Most of the clan will be there. It's a celebration of Cyndy's birthday (4/21), both my sons' birthdays (Dave 4/29 & John 5/6) and to introduce our newest ~~victim~~ member of our family, Rachel. I'll have pictures tomorrow. Hopefully, there won't be one of Rachel running out the door. Ours is a rowdy crew. I hope Dave's explained our....eccentricities to her.

Cyndy's husband, Chef Wayne will be doing his BBQ chicken/ribs and loose meat sandwiches. Whatever Wayne cooks is always fantastic (although my catfish is better than his walleye). I'm making a cauldron of Slav Sauerkraut today that will be ready tomorrow. The Babarovich family, being Croatian, loves to eat. Pat's mom Mae, came from a Swedish family but learned to make some great Croatian standards. Sometime in the mid 70's my Jaycee Wives group (women couldn't BE Jaycees then- they could only be wives- cringe) was putting together a "local recipe" type fundraiser cookbook and I asked her to write down the recipe to share. She said she'd never seen a recipe but she did her best to put it all down in recipe form.
calories, carbs and fat? oh my. faggitaboutit.

I make it all the time and haven't looked at the recipe in years but found again it in that yellowed, 35 year old spiral-bound cookbook.

I'm nowhere close to being The Pioneer Woman but I'll do my best to show you how it's made. Grandma Mae's recipe calls for ribs but I always make it with chicken thighs because they're moist and meaty. Her recipe feeds 4-6. Mine feeds about 16.

The ingredients are simple.

Since I'm cooking for a army,
I peppered & very lightly salted 16 large chicken thighs
and browned them lightly on both sides using just enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan...

roughly chopped 2 small onions and 6 large celery stalks...

...after browning all the chicken, I drained off some of the grease- leaving as much of the goodie bits of chicken as possible-

and cooked the celery and onions until just turning clear.

I used a 64 oz jar and a 24 oz jar of sauerkraut. Cheap sauerkraut is best because you actually rinse the sauerkraut very well- leaving just a bit if the sauerkrauty flavor. The great taste of a more expensive sauerkraut would be wasted.

To one can of tomato sauce I added 3 heaping tablespoons of brown sugar and mixed it together...

After adding the sauerkraut to the pan with the onions and celery, I poured on the tomato sauce/brown sugar mixture.

and stirred it all together

and decided it looked too dry so- I added another can of tomato sauce with 3 heaping T of brown sugar.

I put all the thighs in a large pot (or crockpot) & covered it with the sauerkraut mixture.

now it's ready to simmer in the oven at 325. I checked it after an hour and decided to add- yes- another can of tomato sauce/brown sugar mixture.

Now it's perfect! I'll let it cook for a couple of hours and then take it out of the oven to cool. Into the fridge over night and then into the oven at Cyndy's house an hour before we're ready to eat. The flavors will mingle and marry and be yummy.

You may have noticed Mae's recipe called for cinnamon. Pat didn't like cinnamon so I never used it. I've never been crazy about a meat/cinnamon flavor myself. Cyndy says she uses it so I'll have to check with her to see how much she uses. Not more than a qrtr/half teaspoon, I would think.

Wish I could be more specicfic with measurements but it's one of those family recipes that's been handed down from kitchen to kitchen without being written down and every family fixes it differently.