Blog Archives
Something special
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Occasionally you need to treat yourself (and your best friend) to something special. G knows I hate to shop and I really hate to shop alone. Today we went shopping for a few items I needed to pick up. We found all but one but that’s okay. I’ll find it elsewhere.
On the way home from the conference I’d spotted a sign for a new restaurant’s grand opening and thought of G right away. After we finished shopping, I rather surprised her by making a right turn where, to go home, I would normally turn left.
I further surprised her by pulling into a shopping mall parking lot, parking the van, and telling her we were having lunch. G was delighted. She told me she was glad she hadn’t had any before we left. That was the idea I’d had when I dragged her out before noon.
Of course, after shopping, by the time we did get there for our lunch it was after the lunch crowds had left. We had a wonderful lunch and a lot of fun. By scoping out the restaurant first, we know we’ll be able to take the DH’s there too.
Posted in Food, My blog, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Writers’ bait
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I promised to tell you what we used for writers’ bait. Although Jackie’s guesses were good, she didn’t come close.
Writers’ bait has been a running joke with a few of us for a couple of years. It started one year when we were sitting in another hotel lobby. I put something on the table in front of us. It wasn’t long before more and more people joined us. It seems I found a weakness.
What is it that few people can resist? What was in almost every basket at the Chinese auction?
Throughout the weekend, six bags of Dove Dark Chocolate and three bags of Hershey Dark Bliss candy disappeared. Not only did the night shift hotel staff enjoy the nightly treats I handed out, but all the writers who sat with us did too.
There’s magic in chocolate, my dears.
Posted in Food, My blog, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pennwriters, Pennwriters conference, Writer, Writing
Pilling the dogs
Posted by doggonedmysteries
We should own stock in the OTC allergy medicine company. I take two a day, the vet has Gavin on three a day, and Patty is on two. Then there are days when the pollen count is high and even DH needs them.
Pilling a Bull Terrier isn’t easy when you have one like Gavin. You want to what? Open my mouth? I don’t think so. Our vet has collapsed in the giggles while trying to get a look inside Gavin’s mouth and he’s a big guy. Gavin will clamp his mouth shut and you can’t get in there with a crow bar. On the other hand, Patty is easy.
At least she’s easy if she hasn’t seen you give Gavin his pill. Gavin gets peanut butter on a spoon with his pill on top. He’d eat a building if you covered it in peanut butter. Patty sees him get peanut butter and she wants hers served the same way.
I don’t blame her I like peanut butter too but I like mine on crackers or in a sandwich with jelly. Have you ever tried a peanut butter and jalapeño jelly sandwich? It’s good. Yeah, I’m weird.
Posted in Dog related, Food, My blog, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Rescue Dogs, Writer, Writing
Does anyone make a coffee maker that won’t pee on my counter?
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I love coffee. I love drip coffee makers. However, I have yet to find one that lasts longer than two years. I take care of them. I keep them clean. I follow all instructions. Nevertheless, before I know it, they become senile and start peeing on the counter.
In 37 years, I’ve gone through a multitude of coffee makers. One decided I worked it too hard and in protest shot its on/off switch across the kitchen, nearly hitting G in the head, and then ceased working. That one was the only one that didn’t hang around long enough to pee on the counter.
I have owned every name brand coffee maker out there and not one of them has remained housebroken. I’ve had cheap coffee makers; middle range priced ones, and a couple of expensive ones.
I’m tired of wiping up puddles on my kitchen counter. It’s worse than having an 8 week old puppy. At least as they get older they learn not to wet the floor.
Do coffeemakers mark their territory? Do they perhaps have weak bladders?
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
A quiet NYE
Posted by doggonedmysteries
We don’t often party we are homebodies. Occasionally we go out for a NYE celebration. I am very glad we stayed home last night all snug in the house with the dogs and nothing to do but enjoy watching old Thin Man movies together. It had snowed off and on all day and then by midnight the snow turned to sleet. Driving anywhere in that sort of weather, would’ve been no fun at all.
We shared popcorn with the pups. They love it, beg for it, and will chase down the tiniest piece. Neither one is very good at catching. It’s always good for a giggle or two. I think it’s a Bull Terrier thing since none of ours have ever been great catchers.
A little after midnight DH went to bed. I turned the volume down low on the TV but continued to listen to the Thin Man movies while I worked. The pups were sleeping. The house was quiet. It was a perfect night, an enjoyable night, and a productive night.
Posted in Dog related, Holidays
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pets, Rescue Dogs, Snow, Writer, Writing
Happy New Year!
Posted by doggonedmysteries
A toast!
A toast to my dear readers…
May most of your wishes be granted.
I’d never say all, for a person needs to dream.
Good health.
Long life.
May the love of friends and family warm you.
Smell the roses.
Dance as if no one is looking.
Sing with joy.
Keep your feet on the ground and your head in the clouds.
And please keep on coming back here.
Posted in Holidays
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Fish, Food, Gardening, Gardens, gifts, Happy New Year, Healthcare, Holidays, Home, Humor, Koi, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pet humor, Pets, Pond, Ponds, Rescue Dogs, Snow, Writer, Writing
Who stole the garlic?
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I made spaghetti sauce today. I had help in the form of two four footed helpers. Their sort of help consists of stepping on my toes, standing between the counter and me, blocking access to pots and pans, and stealing three cloves of garlic. I turned my back for one minute and the garlic POOF disappeared.
“Alright you guys, who stole it? Who stole my garlic?”
Two Bull Terriers did their best to look innocent. Patty ran for her crate and hid in the back. Guilty or not she always does that. She doesn’t do confrontations. Gavin danced around the kitchen sassy barking at me. He always does that when it’s near dinner time. I wasn’t getting any answers.
I had a good idea who did it. Gavin doesn’t often put his paws on the counter edge and he’s not quite tall enough to snitch anything from there. However to be fair I smelled his breath. “Phew, stinky breath but no garlic on it.”
I went to Patty’s crate and leaned down. I didn’t have to smell her breath. Fumes of garlic panted from the back. I didn’t have the heart to scold her.
Posted in Dog related
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pet humor, Pets, Rescue Dogs, Writer, Writing
Hit and passed the 50,000 mark!
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I get to go out to dinner! To everyone who helped, thank you! A special thank you to Delaney for that 50,000th hit. I’ll think of all of you when we are sitting in a restaurant for the first time in a long time. You all twisted Dear Hubby’s arm by helping me to win the bet.
Usually, if I don’t want to cook, he’ll order delivery food. I mean that’s wonderful and I love him dearly for it but it also means I still have to do dishes afterwards. At that rate, I might as well cook too. For once, I just want to go out for dinner. Let someone else cook our meal and clean up afterwards. Let me relax and lounge over a cup of coffee without thinking about doing the dishes.
I’m a cheap date. To make me happy it doesn’t have to be fancy, expensive, or even come with drinks, though dessert is a necessary given. What’s dinner out without a dessert too? I’d be completely happy with one of several local diners that serve exceptional meals at a nominal price. Four of which have the most wonderful cheesecakes.
I’ll leave it up to him.
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Have A Happy Holiday!
Posted by doggonedmysteries
Whatever holiday you celebrate at this time of year we hope it brings you joy, warmth, wishes granted, and love.
With all our love,
MW, DH, Gavin, and Patty
Posted in Holidays
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Fish, Food, Gardening, Gardens, gifts, Holidays, Home, Humor, Koi, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pet humor, Pets, Pond, Ponds, Rescue Dogs, Snow, Writer, Writing
Doggonedmysteries Crock Pot Rueben Casserole
Posted by doggonedmysteries
- 1 can (16 ounces) sauerkraut, undrained
- 1 can (12 ounces) corned beef, sliced, or use deli or home-cooked sliced corned beef (I like to use left over home-cooked corned beef)
- 2 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup to a cup of Thousand Island dressing
- 1 8oz package of noodles, cooked
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 cup soft rye bread crumbs, or pumpernickel
Preparation:
Place sauerkraut in the bottom of slow cooker. Cover with a layer of beef, then noodles, then cheese. Spread Thousand Island dressing over cheese. Cook on high 4 to 6 hours. Sauté bread crumbs in butter and sprinkle on casserole before serving.
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, Craft of writing, Crafts, Crock pot recipes, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, quick and easy recipes, Writer, Writing
The stats are climbing—is it dinner yet?
Posted by doggonedmysteries
I’m delighted to say that there were 108 hits yesterday. Only 1259 hits to go! Dear Hubby is truly sweating it.
Just so you all know, Dear Hubby happily made the bet with me, not only because I’m a cheap date. But because he thinks it’d be great if my blog gets 50,000 hits before the end of the year. This is a fun bet. A win-win sort of bet. I know he’ll be popping buttons off his shirt if this gets the hits. He always says he’s proud of me. (Even when I’ve out shot him at the range.) He’s a very secure man.
He’s supportive of my writing and is always ready to lend some expert advice when I need it. He always has my back and I have his.
A big thank you to all of you who have stopped in to boost my stats. Don’t forget to keep stopping by so I can make my goal!
On another note, R is going in for knee surgery today and here’s hoping all goes well. We are worried for him due to an underlying problem with his heart.
Posted in Food, Misc, Writer, Writing
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Doggoned, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Writer, Writing
Hoping to end the year with 50,000 hits
Posted by doggonedmysteries
With only a few weeks left to this year, I’m afraid I won’t reach my 50,000 hits goal. (More would be even better.) Well, so far it looks as though I won’t make it, at least, not without your help. Hurry dear readers; tell your family, friends, and blog buddies to pop in for a peek. Bribe them, sweet-talk them, and lie to them if you must. I have a bet with Dear Hubby, there’s a dinner out riding on this. Help me please—we don’t get out much.
How can I induce you? Cuter dog pictures? More talks with the editor on my shoulder? More serious discussions on writing? Arguments with my muse? More dog stories? Life with Dear Hubby and his MS stories? Stories of me the super klutz and life with two BTs? Have you any suggestions?
There are only two things I refuse to comment on—religion and politics. I’ll leave that to other people since I created this blog for fun and I consider both subjects private.
Tags: Author, Beads, Bones, books, Books on writing, Bull Terriers, Care giving, Caregiver, Coffee, comedy, Craft of writing, Crafts, Dead, Disability, Dog humor, Doggoned, Dogs, Family, Fiction, Food, Home, Humor, Life, Love, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, Murder, Mysteries, Mystery, Novel writing, Pet humor, Pets, Rescue Dogs, Writer, Writing
Doggonedmysteries 