Where we left off was with a beautiful, 3-point landing of Sho’s magic carpet, right in front of the hut Canada in Tyeland, Shortly afterward, Sho drifted into a deep sleep (probably from exhaustion, although Xe drove all the way there from Tennessee, so Sho shouldn’t have been that tired). If you missed that, you can go read about it here at the Canadian Cats. As Sho lay snoring…
Tye: Are you getting bored, Xe?
Xe: Yes. We need an adventure. *thinking* Hey! Do you remember how we wanted to try stuffing a mouse down a cobra’s throat, but your big sister Sho was always around so we couldn’t do it?
Tye: Yep, and she’s sound asleep in our hut Canada now.
The friends, about to embark on an adventure, take off through the jungle, looking for a mouse and a cobra.
Tye: Hold the snake still! Xe: I’m trying. Maybe there’s a stick or rock that could help. Tye: No!! Don’t let it go! Mouse: Help!! Help!! I don’t want to die! Xe: That mouse screaming for help isn’t helping. And you went up too high in the palm. Cobra: *gurgle* You’re choking me! Tye: I’m hanging down as low as I can without falling. Xe: There’s a little stick I could wedge in the snake’s mouth. Cobra: When I get loose *gurgle* I’m gonna kill you, *gag* you stupid schnauzer. Tye: Forget it, he’ll get you while your back is turned. On the count of 3, we both let go and run as fast as we can. One, two, run!
A short while later…
Sho: *yawn* I had a good nap. Did you two do anything interesting while I was asleep.
Xe: You mean like shove a mouse down a cobra’s throat? Woof, woof! Tye: Yeah, or almost fall out of a palm? Meow, meow, meow. Xe: We waited on you to take a nice walk with us. Sho: You two are so funny. Let’s stroll down the jungle lane to see if there’s anything interesting going on. Some pretty flowers should be blooming this time of year.
Xe, whispering to Tye: Do you think the cobra’s gone? Remember, he threatened to kill me! Tye, whispering to Xe: Maybe, but let’s wear sunglasses or hats just in case, so he doesn’t recognize us. We’ll have to keep a watchout. And “flowers” will be our code word for cobra.
Tye: Do you see any flowers? Xe: Nope, nothing. Sho: Look, I see a flower over here. Tye and Xe: Eeeeek!
At that, Tye and Xe turned and ran (again) all the way back to the hut Canada.
Sho: Those two are so funny together. I’m glad they’re having a good time.
Sho never suspected that the “pretend” story of a cobra and a palm could be true, and she continues to sleep well because of it.
This concludes part 3, but stay tuned for part 4, coming to a blog near you.
The Mom: Why are you staring at me, Riley? What do you want?
Riley: I just ate and I need to go out.
*a few minutes later*
Lucy: Where’d you go, Riley? I saw you go into the woods and thought you had run off.
Riley: Nah, I just had to do my business and I don’t like anyone watching. Besides, why would I mess in my own yard, or in my family’s yard? That’s just nasty. And why would you think I ran off?
Lucy: It’s cause Mom told me she had a dream about you and me running off together through the woods like we used to do a couple of years ago. In her dream, she found you near her old neighborhood and brought you home. But she never found me. She said it was a terrible dream. It woke her up and she never went back to sleep that night. So I am staying out of the woods.
Now, where did Xena go? It’s so hard being the responsible one, trying to keep track of every body.
Xena: I found a hole; two holes, actually. I can smell a critter.
Lucy: What’s in the hole? Don’t you have to go potty?
Xena: I don’t know yet, and I already went. Now will you please be quiet? I need silence. Absolute. Silence.
Xena’s viewpoint: Why, oh why, oh why is he living here with us again?
Riley won’t listen to anything I woof. He watches when I get my food and I’m afraid he’s going to eat it. Even my schnauzer warrior moves wouldn’t prevail against this 70 pound behemoth. Mommy threw my ball for me and Riley got it. When I tried to get it back from him, he hit me in the head with his tooth, and now there’s a hole where my ear meets the top of my head. I screamed and wouldn’t go near him for a few days. I even got behind Mommy every time he came near. And he has taken over my chair, so I can’t lay on the top of it and watch outside. I wish he would just go home.
Riley: Is that my Dad coming?
Lucy’s viewpoint: My buddy is back. He’s 20 pounds bigger than me, but I’m almost as tall as him. Sometimes we run and play in the front yard like we used to do. I love having Riley here. Did I mention he’s my friend?
Riley’s viewpoint: My Dad Andrew brought me over to Lucy’s to visit. Or at least I thought I was just visiting. But then he said he had to stay with friends for a while and I could stay here with his Mom. It’s true that she takes real good care of me and feeds me things I like and gives me pills for itching and pets and scritches me. But I miss my Dad Andrew…a lot.
I’ve had some fun times playing with balls and bones (I didn’t mean to hurt that silly schnauzer). And Lucy is a sweet girl and fun to play with. I’ve been real good. I’ve gone into the woods to potty and not run off. I always wag hello when I see the neighbors on our walks, especially the little kids. I love little kids. The guy working on the patio brought his teeny tiny 3 month old chihuahua and I was very, very careful not to hurt or scare him. We could even be friends if he wants.
I was even sorta, kinda good for my bath and nail trim. OK, so Mr. Jeff had to hold me for the nails, but at least they got cut, right? I even let Lucy have everyone’s favorite red chair this afternoon.
I just miss my Dad Andrew so much. He’s my heart-person. Every time I see the other patio worker guy drive his white truck up the driveway, I think it’s my Dad coming to get me. I get excited and start to bark. Then there’s the let-down.
When are you coming to get me, Dad? I’m OK, but I miss you so much.
I’ve been itching. It’s that time of year, I’m told. At first, Mommy had high hopes that my allergy serum injections would finally keep me from itching this year. I think I’m doing better, but I’m still itchy. My ears itch, so I scratch right under them. Then I always get something called a hot spot. Mommy started treating the new hot spot with some Tea Tree Essential Oil mixed in coconut oil. Then, this morning, Mommy found another hot spot under my other ear. I had been scratching during the night, and no one knew because “dogs aren’t allowed to sleep in the bedroom” anymore. Something about the peeps not getting any rest with us there. So now, Mommy is mixing Oregano Essential Oil in coconut oil and putting it on both hot spots. And I have to wear the cone.
At least I can see the ‘puter and still help Mommy in her home office.
Lucy, Ace Reporter here, with another episode of Grooming with Mom. Today I am featuring Benny, a 2-year-old Cockapoo. Mom first groomed Benny when he was three months old.
Mom hated didn’t like how his face looked in this groom, but it matched the picture his Mom asked for him to look like. Kinda crazy, huh?
We didn’t see him again for a couple of years, and today learned that his Mom had gotten married and moved across town. With the Shelter in Place order, it has been a long time since Benny was groomed anywhere. His Mom remembered bringing him here for his first groom, and called, hoping my Mom was open for business.
Benny has grown into a sweet and loving dog (kind of like me, he, he). He also was a very matted dog from missing all those appointments. His Mom expressed her desire to have him groomed like last time, in a scissor cut, but, if that wasn’t possible because of the mats, ok’d a shave-down. Although Mom did her best to work through the mats, his ears were matted like felt, and the only thing to do was to shave them.
After, that, the rest (of his hair) was history. That also gave Mom the liberty to groom his face and head how she thought looked good. Benny’s Mom was pleased. We may have just saved him from a life-time of ridicule by his peers.
Roxie was one special Cairn Terrier girl. She lived with her Mom and Dad within a short walking distance of us, and her Mom brought her here to be groomed about every 3 months. First, though, Roxie would take a dose of something to calm her nerves about getting groomed, especially having her nails cut. I would often sit next to the grooming table and send Zen thoughts her way. Roxie started coming to us way back in 2013, when she was six.
This picture is when she was about 10. She was so happy to be going home, and had already gotten her beard wet from getting a drink of water.
Mom always gave her a scissor cut, which takes longer and left more time for her and Roxie’s Mom to visit. Roxie’s Mom always had lots of good stories to share, and sometimes brought homemade goodies for them to eat. (I never got any.)
Roxie’s almost 12 in this picture.
Sometimes Roxie would be out in the front yard when Mom took me and Xena for a walk past her house. She would always come over, wagging her tail to say hello and wassup? After a few minutes of visiting she would return to her house and we would return to ours.
We could see her going downhill. She lost a lot of weight and just looked old. In this last picture, her Mom had said to just trim everything short so Roxie didn’t have to keep getting her face washed (like Xena does).
We loved Roxie, and are so sad she had to leave us. POTP for her Mom and Dad.
“A house without a dog is not a home.”
Rest in peace, sweet girl, and please give Angel Lexi our love when you get to the other side of the bridge. She’s probably in the “Oz” section.
Mom never ever makes bread. Or anything else like that. Not from scratch. Daddy is gluten-intolerant, so she says it just isn’t worth it. So today, we’re going to cheat a little bit and give you a recipe that involves something bread-y. Mom says it’s yummy. We wouldn’t know. Neither would Dad. None of us ever get any of it. It’s called Chicken and Biscuit Casserole and it’s easy-peasy. Be sure to check out Mom’s notes after the recipe.
This is a stock photo and the closest we could find for this recipe.
You can use a couple of teaspoons of sugar if you don’t have Stevia. And you can buy those jars of chicken gravy, or make some from scratch if you boiled your chicken. Mom said to be sure to let you know that the 350 degrees is Fahrenheit. If you’re using Centigrade, just use the most common temp that you bake casseroles or cakes on.
Sho: Well, if we had to be stuck somewhere other than Canada during this pandemic, I’m glad it was here with you and Xe. And Tye had the right idea with this spa tub. I – being a cat – didn’t think I would like it. But it’s so relaxing.
Lu: It’s true, Sho. And this inoculation of Corona tastes pretty good. Do you think it would work better if we had it in “shots”?
Both: BOL, MOL, ha, ha, ha, *hic*
Xe: Hey, what are you two doing?
Tye: OMC, I can’t look. I think they’re naked!
Lu: Of course we are, silly cat. None of us wears clothes. Well, except when you put on that strange-looking hula skirt. The real question is, what have you two been up to?
Tye: I flipped Xe the bird. Xe: And then I shot Tye the bird. Both: Yep, we kept flipping each other the bird and it was lots of fun.
*earlier that day*
Tye: I’m so glad we found these old rackets up in your attic. *whack*
Xe: *whack* Me too, Tye. Shoot that angry bird back to me and I’ll flip this one right back atcha.
Helen from Confessions of a Doctor to Be nominated me for this award, which is really cool because my blogging network has so drastically changed since the first time I was nominated. Thanks, Helen! OK, so maybe it was actually Lexi who was nominated by her boyfriend Noodle the first time, and I was just her typist. I did, however, resurrect the badge from back then!
Rules to the Liebster Blogger awards:
Thank the blogger who nominated you and give them a big hug give them a link to the blog.
Answer the 11 questions given to you or at least most of them
Share 11 or so facts about yourself
Nominate between 5-11 other bloggers
Ask your nominees 11 or so questions
Notify your nominees once you’ve uploaded your post
So. I thanked Helen. Now for her 11 questions. The biggest question in my mind, however, is who answers them? Me? Xena? Lucy? Angel Lexi? Hey! How about if we each answer some of them?
What piece of writing are you the most proud of? Angel Lexi: I would have to say it was writing my book, The Life and Times of a Thespian Schnauzer. You can order it here.
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2. How long does it take for a post to go from an idea to fruition? Amy: Anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of days. A few minutes is, “I need to post something, it’s been a while.” A few days is, “I thought of something as I was falling asleep last night, and I need to take some pictures and find time to sit down with my computer.”
3. What has been your most enjoyable new hobby during this lockdown? Xena: That would be barking as loudly and as shrilly as possible at anything at everything I see out the front window. Mommy rearranged the furniture, thinking I wouldn’t be able to see outside. That hasn’t deterred me. I am a schnauzer, after all.
4. If you could go somewhere for a week, all expenses paid and you could do whatever you wanted, where would you go? Amy: Somewhere like French Polynesia. Warm, sunny, white beaches, clear blue water, good food, umbrella drinks.
5. What’s one thing you wish you were better at? Amy: Music, especially singing. I can’t carry a tune in a bucket, as the saying goes. You know it’s true when your 4 year old says, “Mommy, please don’t sing any more.”
6. What language would you like to learn and perfect if given the opportunity? Amy:French. I took 4 years in high school. I dated a Frenchman for 4 years. I’ve been to France 3 times, where a very nice French lady said she would understand me better if I would just speak English, slowly. Wow. So yeah, I would like to be good at it.
7. What’s an irrational fear you have? Lucy: That Mom is going to hit me when she raises her hand for any reason or when tries to teach me what she teaches Xena. She has never hit me, not ever. I guess I have issues.
8. What’s something you might be embarrassed or self-conscious about, but you know you shouldn’t be? Amy: How I look now vs. how I looked when I was 35. Yep, totally irrational.
9. What food are you craving the most right now? Lucy and Xena: beef, pork, fish, chicken, fresh veggies, fresh fruit, nuts, kefir, anything anyone else is eating. Amy: Ice cream.
10. What’s your best party trick? Angel Lexi: Every night at the theater, when I came on stage to take my final bow, the crowd always went wild. I’m a great actress. So good, in fact, that I was the first animal to win an Annie Award. No, wait, my very best trick was making sick little kids in the hospital smile. Amy: I’m an introvert. I rarely go to parties. Xena: What’s a party?
11. What brings you the most joy in life? Mom: Our family, and ballroom dancing.Xena: Our family, and Freestyle dancing, and my mealsLucy: Our family, and every new person I meet, and my meals.
Now it’s time to share 11 things about ourselvesmyself ourselves. Well, what did you expect when you nominated someone who writes in the voices of her dogs?
Puppy Xena in her dress
1. Xena: When I was a puppy and didn’t know any better, I loved Mommy to dress me up in pretty clothes. Now, not so much. I tolerate it, and that’s about the extent of it.
2. Lucy: Every time my dad comes home from wherever he’s been, I greet him at the top of the stairs with a smile on my face. Then he says, “Look at my big girl smiling at me!” (I sure do love my Dad.)
3. Amy: I love being outside. Yet, the outside is loving me less and less. I’ve recently become allergic to stings and bites from insects, such as bees, wasps and fire ants, and end up at the medi-clinic. And until I discovered that apple cider vinegar laced with salt dries up a poison ivy outbreak, I had to get a steroid shot plus prednisone pills every time I broke out. So now I mostly stay in the yard and on the patio. No more hiking or tramping through the woods.
4. Lucy: We eat a B.A.R.F. Raw Diet. Mom doesn’t tell everyone, ’cause people are so judgmental. (But we trust you.) After losing Angel Lexi to gum cancer (that also went into her lungs and brain), Mom did a lot of reading and studying about things that cause cancer in dogs. Dry kibble is one of them. So she did a lot more reading and studying about raw diets for dogs and we are so, so happy she did! Talk about excitement at meal time! And we always lick our bowls clean.
5. Amy: I can make things happen. No, really. My husband said he knew this for a long time about me before I realized it. Actually, most everyone can, to one degree or another, and, like me, don’t even know they are doing it. I say something – put it out there in the universe, as hubby says – and very often it happens. Example: Years ago, I spent a day on a small, rented pontoon boat. I liked it so much, I decided I wanted one. I’m not one to spend a lot of money or buy a lot of things, but this is something I wanted with all my heart. That morning, I opened the paper to the want ads, and there it was. The first listing was for a 16 foot pontoon. It was like new and $1000 more than I knew I could spend. I called anyway, and the first thing the seller said to me was, “I just got this boat in a divorce and I’ll take $1000 less than it is listed for.” Example: I was in-between jobs, and working for a temp agency that also did permanent placement. One afternoon I looked at my hubby and said, “I want to work for a church, or other faith-based organization.” The next day the agency booked me for interviews with two different churches, and I got offers from both. I was very happy with the compensation and job for many years at the one I accepted. Example: One evening, while visiting at a friend’s house, she told me that Chattanooga Theatre Centre was looking for a dog to play Toto. Without hesitation, I exclaimed, “Lexi can do that and she’s going to be Toto!” Of course, the rest is history. This happens all the time, so I’m careful about what I say. Actually, everyone can do this, but some people are just more in tune to it than others. (I wish I could declare myself a millionaire, but it doesn’t work that way.) That said, how about you?
6. Number 5 is so long that we’re also counting it as number 6.
7. Xena: I’m scared of thunder and lightening, of rain hitting the car windshield, of plastic bags coming near me, of riding in the car unless I’m in my kennel, of the vacuum, of dogs that bark back at me, of farts, and of the vet’s office. Mommy named me Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess, and Daddy says it’s something to live up to. I’m still working on it.
8. Amy: A few years ago, one of the local high schools with predominantly underprivileged kids decided to try out a 6-week ballroom dance program for any of the kids who wanted to participate. Since I can teach ballroom, and I love teens, I was asked to be one of three teachers. I taught the kids hustle with a routine to Gloria Gaynor’s song, “I Will Survive.” I danced with them, and we got to perform in front of the entire school. What a rush!
9. Lucy: While I have a lot of fears, too, I’ve never met a stranger. I love everyone and want them to pet me. I will get in their car if they leave the door open.
In no particular order our nominees are *drum roll, please* 1. Erin the Cat Princess We recently discovered Erin across the Pond. She has the attitude and staff of a princess for sure, and Xena is secretly trying to take lessons from her. 2. Lulu, Charlee and Chaplin and their Dad of the Oceanside Animals. We try not to miss Dennis the Vizsla too much while reading about the real and imaginary adventures of Lulu the dog and her 2 cat friends. Their Dad is an author, and I can’t wait to dig into one of his horror/sci fi novels. 3. Rachel from The Cricket Pages. Rachel only blogs once a week. She blogs – with raw openness – about her struggles caused by childhood abuse, her victories, and her failures. I’ve read her book, and it’s worth a look. 4. BellaDharma of BellaDharma and LadyMeow’s Purrfect Pad is a beautiful solid black kittie who is often the purramedic for her Mom up in Canada. Purrayers badge for her Mom is on my sidebar. 5. Max Power’s Blog is another one I have recently begun to follow. An Irishman blogging from his home country, his posts are both entertaining and insightful. He is also a published author, and I have also read one of his books. Take a look, there are several from which to choose. 6. The Canadian Cats have been going on adventures with my Xena in her blog stories. Beyond that, these two Siamese and one DSH have lots of fun on their own blog. Definitely worth a look. 7. Millie and Walter from Bird Brains and Dog Tails are two sweet pups who share what’s going on in their corner of the world. 8. We love Kosmo from PHOTOFINLAND RANTASALOT. I learn so much about the wildlife and landscape of Finland with the help of gorgeous photos. And Kosmo the tuxedo cat has a not-so-secret crush on our Lucy dog. She’s flattered.
Eight nominees seems like a good halfway point between the 5 minimum and 11 maximum in the instructions, don’t you think? If you weren’t nominated, please nominate yourself, as I would love to hear all about you. And, just so you know, I did leave out some of my other favorite blogs, so come on and join in the fun – you know who you are!
Now, for the questions you get to answer:
1 Why do you blog? 2 Blue jeans or formal wear? Cake or a health bar? Why? 3 If you could have one (more) animal live with you, what would it be and why? 4 What do you feel are your greatest talents? 5 If you could be any age, what would it be and why? 6 If there was one thing you could go back and do differently, what would it be?
Since I’m a rule-breaker, I’m only asking six questions. Besides, this is getting way too long. Just remember to “#3 Share 11 facts about yourself.” And since I only asked 6 questions, feel free to share more than 11.
If you haven’t already, be sure to hit “Follow” on my sidebar. See you around.
Posted at 11:56 am by Xena and Lucy, on April 25, 2020
Lucy: Why are you still at our house, Easter Bunny? Easter was a long time ago. And, come to think of it, you didn’t bring us anything.
Easter Bunny: Your Mom mistook me for one of your stuffies and I got thrown in the washer and dryer with them. (see here) After that, I was so traumatized, I couldn’t remember what I was supposed to do. Your stuffies took pity on me and let me sleep in their nice big crate. After I woke up, I shared the rest of the candy with them. Now I see why all you pups and kitties and little peeps look forward to me coming every year.
Xena: Do you mean no one in the world got any candy for Easter?
Easter Bunny: Oh no, not at all. First of all, there are thousands, nay, millions of us bunnies who deliver candy all around the world very early on Easter morning. I’m Bunny #36950. Second, your house was my last stop.
Lucy and Xena: So you mean we’re the only ones who didn’t get candy?
Easter Bunny #36950: Don’t blame me! It’s all your Mom’s fault. *shudder* You may have to meet me down by the street next year. Now, if you’ll excuse me, while I’ve had a lot of fun playing with Rainbow Bear and Sweetheart Bear and Chippy, and oh, by the way, who chewed the nose off of Oscar the baby schnauzer? That pup isn’t getting any candy next year!
Xena: Well, uh, you see, uh… Gee, it was nice having you visit, Easter Bunny #36950, and please be sure to come back next year with candy for us both. But maybe you should go now before Mommy decides to put you up in the attic until next Spring.
Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess, who didn’t get any Easter candy (and might not next year)
Lucy doesn’t play with Mom, but Lucy and me, we wrestle and play chase outside in the yard almost every day.
Thankfully, our restrictions are few and our routine has changed very little. We do have Mom and Dad home more, which we both love. But we know it’s not like this for all of our doggie friends, so we looked through Mom’s email and found this info to help with boredom and – Dog forbid – being forced to go potty inside because you’re not allowed outside! Here’s Your COVID-19 Canine Survival Guide.
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
If you’re a dog parent, you may be in need of a “canine survival guide” while you’re hunkered down at home during the current COVID-19 crisis
Be sure to have at least a month’s worth of pet supplies on hand, including all the things your dog typically needs on a daily and weekly basis
It also may be necessary to train your dog to go potty indoors while you’re quarantined or under a stay-at-home directive
Enriching your dog’s environment during this time is the best way to keep her mentally stimulated, manage her stress level, and avoid problem behaviors
Click here to read the details. There’s lots of fun stuff and helpful information!
Now I’m waiting for Mom to stop working so that we can try out some of these fun new games she has promised to play with me (especially the ones involving treats). I think I’ll go downstairs and remind her.
Posted at 1:40 am by Xena and Lucy, on April 20, 2020
Tye: I’m getting bored with this Shelter in Place thingie. Hey Xe, let’s play a new game.
Xe: OK, what do you want to play?
*a bit later*
Tye: Sit still, I’m almost done fixing your hair. Then I’ll do your nails.
Xe: Curlers in my beard? And I see nail clippers! I’m outa here.
Tye: Wait, Xe, you’re going to like this next part….trust me.
Xe: Mmmm, can I have the recipe for this juicy drink? When can I eat the cucumber slices?
Tye: Wait til I’m done with my spa soak and I’ll get you finished up, Xe.
*meanwhile*
Lucy: What do you suppose Tye and Xe are doing in the house?
Sho: Hmm, all I know is I’m enjoying laying here in the sun. Do you like the drink I made for you, Lu? I’m sure those two are having fun playing some silly game or another.
Tye: And then you step like this *hic* and wave your front arms *hic* and wiggle your hips. *meow, meow, meow*
I’m doing Freestyle dancing for the ISO-Lympics! This is intended to delight and amuse you while Sheltering in Place. I happily accept a gold medal for my efforts!
Posted at 1:37 am by Xena and Lucy, on April 13, 2020
Mommy washed my bedding and put fresh spring cases on the pillows in my kennel. Looky, my stuffies got a good bath and “air” dry. Now they don’t carry any germs, especially with Easter Bunny appearing from who knows where.
The Mom: Xena, your beard sure looks crunchy. How long’s it been since you had a bath?
Stuffies: Uh oh, wanna bet who’s getting a shampoo and blow dry next? Let’s go with Lucy to watch.
Posted at 1:15 am by Xena and Lucy, on April 11, 2020
Lucy: Hey Xexe, what did you do to Oscar? Where’s his nose? And what happened to his beard? But mostly, where’s his nose?
Xena: Um, I was grooming him, you see, and I was trimming his beard with my teeth, and, well, and I must have gotten too close to his nose.
Lucy: You ate his nose? Are you a barbarian?
Xena: I didn’t eat it!
Lucy: What if Mom did that to you when she’s grooming you? Look at Oscar. He’s pitiful. Poor puppy.
Xena: I’m so sorry, Oscar. I didn’t mean to hurt you.
I’ll tell you what, Oscar, sweetie. We’ll get dogtor Lucy to fix you up, and I’ll ask Mommy to groom you from now on. What’s that? Will it hurt? No *giggle* not at I’ll. I’ll gas you and you’ll sleep right through it.
*a short time later*
Lucy: That was a delicate operation.
Oscar didn’t have any health insurance, but he said to send the bill to you, Xena.
Lucy and the failed groomer aka Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princes, (and Oscar)
Now, to reveal what my #10 mystery item was on the Scavenger Hunt. (If you missed it, you can read it here.) Ruby, Millie & Walter, and Phenny & Nelly all got it right.
It’s a lamp, one of two that I bought from a dance studio that was closing. Thanks to Hootin’ Anni for hosting this hop. It’s going on until the 15th, so go ahead and have some fun with it by clicking here.
Read Xena’s Story in the pages of Canadian Cats. It’s really easy to access Xena’s Story simply click on the header at Xena’s Story and poof! there you are.
SHOKO….. BEAUTIFUL BLACK TYE……. REBEL ROYAL BLUE XENA……PUKY LIME
Sho was riding on the Magic Carpet over where the big white house was supposed to be. “Holy kittens, Look at the size of that white house, It puts our poor little hut, Canada, to shame. What is that in the backyard….it looks like Xe and Tye. “Up Here Tye and Xe. Look up…up, up. They see me, CADA. Oh catnip heaven they’re safe!” Sho let’s out a deep breath she’d been holding in since she learned Tye was in an Internment Camp…..now she could relax, the travellers were ok.
They’re both running in circles and waving their paws. Sho waves back…
Posted at 10:15 pm by Xena and Lucy, on March 31, 2020
Lucy: We are joining with Easy Blog and the Canadian Cats Blog today to give Uncle Bob (can we call you “uncle,” Uncle Bob?) can make some different suppers for him and Aunt Jean (can we call you “aunt,” Aunt Jean?).
Lucy: Xena and I help keep the floor clean when Mom is cooking, so we can tell you, this dish we’re about to give you the recipe for is super yummy. And it’s dog and cat friendly right up to the point where you add the raisins. It’s supposed to be cran-raisins, which we could eat, but Mom uses raisins ’cause they don’t have any added sugar. If you don’t care about things like added sugar, go with the dried cranberries so we can eat some of it, cause it’s even yummier that way.
This recipe is called BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH APPLE AND CRANBERRIES (or RAISINS)
Mom forgot to take a picture of it when she took it out of the oven, and her and Dad dove into it, so this is all that’s left. At least we caught her before she ate it all for lunch today.
Xena: We hear this is really easy to make once you get past the killing the squash part. Here’s how you do it.
Part 1: Get one butternut squash and nuke it in the microwave for about 4 or 5 minutes to soften it a little. Be sure to poke some holes in it with a fork first so it is injured and doesn’t get away. Then peel it with an apple peeler if you have one, or just a paring knife if you don’t. Slice open it’s belly and remove all the seeds. We like to eat any guts, er seeds, that miss the trash can. Cut up what’s left into smallish cubes, or even medium size cubes if you’re in a hurry or don’t like cutting. Just so it fits in your mouth when it’s cooked. Dump it all in a great big bowl.
Part 2: Core and chop up 3 or 4 apples. We don’t care what kind, as long as they cook good in the oven. No need to peel them. Dump them in with the squash.
Part 3: Dump in 1/4 cup of butter, 1/2 to 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins, 1/4 teaspoon each of cinnamon and nutmeg, and about 3 tablespoons of sugar. (Mommy uses Stevia – it’s that sugar thing again.)
Lucy: This next part involves heat and fire, so I’ll take it from here. After mixing everything up, dump it in a great big casserole dish, the bigger the better – like 3 quarts – and put it in a hot oven that’s set to 425F/220C degrees. Cook it for 30 minutes, then lower temperature to 350F/175C degrees and keep cooking for another hour. It will be done and ready to eat. HOWEVER, after the first 30 minutes, our Mom lowers the temp to 325F/163C and cooks it for about 2 and a half or 3 more hours. That way, it shrivels up and is sweet like a dessert.
Lucy and Xena: Whichever way you cook it, it’s yummy-scrumpdilyishus! Uh Mom, did you just eat all that? And you didn’t save any for Dad? Or us?
Pee S: This makes a very large amount, so you might want to either just get a small butternut squash and use 2 or 3 apples or you might want to just use half the squash.
Dogtor B, an ex-shelter dog, became a therapy dog in October 2016. He loves to talk about his endeavors, his new little brother Sky, and life in general as an expat.
