but my dear husband got me up at 5:45 a.m. to take out the dog and make him breakfast so he could drive to a client two hours away and make it back before 4:30 when we have to leave for the airport.
btw, the bleach/dishwasher detergent solution worked fine for the whirlpool tub and I’d love to have a long soak today but no time. Plus I feel guilty doing anything but cleaning it because it takes up so much energy and water.
So, now I have sheets in the dryer so I can make up the bed for our new pet-sitter, a lovely young woman who is going to sleep with our dog Zoe for two nights. They’ve left a folder into which I have placed Zoe’s medical file. I can hear my m-i-l’s shock, but it would be even more expensive to put her on a plane to see you for the weekend, plus a hassle, M.
They also left a notebook, that I wrote in at seven this morning, “prepare to be herded.” I’ve placed post-it notes on cupboards for her food, treats, bags and essential phone numbers.
OK, I still don’t know what I’m going to wear or pack, but the dog is taken care of. This is going to cost more than our hotel! All because we’re new here and people aren’t lining up at the door to take Zoe home for the weekend. Where are all those nine year-old girls when I need them! Channel them, C! C is Zoe’s old sitter, who would do extra homework to be able to take Zoe for her pre-bedtime walk. Come visit in the summer with your folks, when we’re not living in 700 square feet of hockey fame!
Jim’s parents are dairy farmers and ranchers who consider dogs to be herders or guards, not house pets. They do like Zoe, though, and allow her in their home, which in eight years she has never soiled. She’s essential in the kitchen, where m-i-l M and I have marathon cooking sessions for “our boys.” She picks up anything that drops.
Over the years in SoCal I’ve come to see urban sheep-herding classes to allow herders some exercise. The practical farmer/rancher looks at this as they should, a bunch of yuppies who want a breed of dog they can’t handle.
Yes, we do spoil our dog. But her only clothing is a collar (OK, I bought another Greyfriars Bobby tartan collar from Scotland as a gift upon our return) and one winter coat for nasty weather that saves me from washing 1-2 towels.
Greyfriars Bobby
We’ve never had a sleepover dog-sitter and I’m spending my time waiting for sheets to dry so I can make the bed for her. And I still don’t know what to wear. But the dog and her sitter are well cared for. Cheers, Dee
Cooking with Dee 