Category Archives: Editorial

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Political Ads

Posted on September 27, 2012 | Leave a comment

Complaining about something without providing a solution is a waste of everyone’s time.

Yes, I wrote that in the previous post but it fits the world of politics. I hate negative campaign ads and that’s what we’ve allowed ourselves to be reduced to because we don’t speak up and make our politicians (representatives) accountable.

Look at what the other guy did. Look at me. I’m telling you what the other guy did. Vote for me.

That doesn’t work for me. As I’ve said, I’m a policy person.

If you are going to complain about something, have a solution in mind, otherwise you’re just wasting my time and your advertising money. Swing-Stater

ps I’m prolific before 6 a.m. today. Hopefully the dog won’t take over the bed tonight as I need some sleep. Cheers, Dee

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Tempest in a Teapot

Posted on September 27, 2012 | 3 comments

My father warned me yesterday that no good deed goes unpunished. I am aware of that but had to speak up and will suffer the consequences.

There’s a saying that there are no bad dogs, only inexperienced owners. I am of the school that the good and those that can be rehabilitated should not be euthanized in shelters. My first was a danger to men and children and I worked day and night with her because when I walked toward her and she was lying down, she jumped up thinking I was going to kick her because that’s what her former owner, a deputy sheriff, did.

Shortly before she died, everyone in the tot lot yelled out “Chani!!!” every time we walked into the park. They came and petted her and we loved it.

My second dog was fine when we got her at six weeks, then lost function and had to have both hips removed as a pup. She’s happy, healthy and will turn nine years old in January. Happiest critter I’ve ever met and I’ve spent over 20 years volunteering with dogs.

She was attacked by a neighbor’s dog shortly after we moved in. We met in a doorway and I asked if they could meet and the owner said yes. Next second, one dog had my Zoe’s jugular in its mouth and the owner dropped the leash and said “severe leash aggression.” I did what one is not supposed to do and grabbed the offending dog’s collar and pulled it away. No apology, no “is Zoe OK?” or offer to pay vet bills. I ran home and my husband and I went through her fur to see if there was any blood or puncture wounds.

That same dog attacked a neighbor the other day. You’ve heard of the 99% before when it comes to economics. I’m talking 99% of good dog owners, but the 1% rule the roost. It’s time for that to stop. It’s not right for an arrogant owner of a vicious dog to make me cross the lobby, sidewalk or street. Yet that’s what they do. “My dog is aggressive and will bite you or your dog, so move. I’m coming through, move Zoe.”

I spoke out, found out the policies and called professionals  to find a list of local trainers. I called the preferred pet sitting service that we use and got them to devise a special lunchtime “quickie” walk for dogs of working professionals who crate or leave their dogs alone for many hours, in order to better socialize them. Done.

The legendary Barbara Woodhouse once said (I paraphrase because can’t find it online)  “I can train any dog in five minutes, the owner takes longer.”

It’s like politics. Complaining about something without coming up with a solution wastes everyone’s time. Do you need a solution to thicken a sauce or de-grease chicken stock? I’m the answer lady. Enjoy the day, Dee

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Them

Posted on September 27, 2012 | 2 comments

In an effort to snag last-minute votes, Mr. Romney has a new ad out claiming that he does indeed “care” about the 47 percent of us who aren’t arrogant millionaires showing up in rolled up sleeved $500 shirts and denim. The downside is that we’re “them” to him. Another slam.

I’m in a swing state and am registered to vote but whistle-stop politics doesn’t work for me. I’m just awaiting my credentials and polling place.

I deal with mechanics, waiters working their way through college, supermarket checkers, dog walkers. They’re all working hard for low pay. I just don’t understand how a person who has always been wealthy can understand and care for half a nation who is retired, retired military or poor and in need of assistance.

Especially as he described half the nation as losers and victims. He can’t turn that around now. I’m an independent and keep an open mind. Open it, Mr. Romney. Show me your policies. I’m a policy wonk, sorry. It was my job once. Unless I see something concrete I’m in a bog and sinking fast. I look forward to seeing the ad and am sure it’ll be on the Today show because that’s when you always air to get the housewife vote. Cheers from Dee, the Feminist Homemaker

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Stuffed Peppers

Posted on September 24, 2012 | Leave a comment

Years ago my mother used to make this dish with a recipe and precision. I wing it. Saturday afternoon I got out two huge bowls and made a double batch and gave half to a young couple who just had their first child last week.

I’ll give you my ideas for a single batch. This would serve four and I use an 8×8 pyrex baking dish and crowd things a bit.

1# ground beef or turkey

1/2 onion, chopped

3/4 cup rice, cooked (I use half broth, half water in a 2:1 ratio)

2 peppers (I prefer red ones for color and flavor), halved lengthwise and seeded

tomatoes, about 1/2 cup canned chopped whole or ripe fresh to taste, for moisture

thyme, salt and pepper

breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, optional

Get the rice cooking. Saute the onion and add the meat, seasoning and browning until nearly cooked. While these are cooking, halve and stem and seed the peppers and nestle them in the dish. My mother used to boil them, no need as it takes away both vitamins and flavor.

Salt and pepper the peppers. I get a fattier cut of meat for flavor then drain it thoroughly before mixing. Mix the meat, onions and tomatoes and rice and season to taste. Add a little parmesan into the mix if you like it. I didn’t as I was cooking for a very healthy and athletic couple and wanted to keep it as free of salt and fat as possible.

Fill the peppers. Over-fill. Top with 1-2T bread crumbs and parmesan, if you wish. Pop into a 350 degree oven for about 50 minutes to reheat the ingredients, cook the peppers through and brown the top. If everything is hot, prick a pepper with a knife and if it goes through easily, the dish is done.

So yesterday this dish did double duty. In a town that doesn’t welcome newcomers, where we live it’s all newcomers and we “pay it forward.” I’ve an easy meal for anyone new who moves in on our floor because I know they’re living in box-land after a long day’s drive and unloading. Also for new families. Come up with your own riff on it and let me know!

Cheers, Dee

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Zoe THW on Herding

Posted on September 20, 2012 | Leave a comment

Here are my rules:

Always have a comfy bed in view of the front door, preferably with a view toward any exit through which mom or dad can escape.

As a herder I never do anything fun once. It is routine, whether driving dad to work and taking over the passenger seat while he crosses the street, to being on my orthopedic mattress in the back of mom’s car when she goes to the grocery store, it’s r-o-u-t-i-n-e.

Make sure to lead mom and serpentine when she’s got an armload of clean clothes to fold.

Bark at whomever is knocking on the front door, then rush out to greet them before they come in.

When you need dinner, sit outside the kitchen and stare at mom until fed. Reject any type of fancy dry organic food until you find what you like, especially if it’s frozen raw lamb with blueberries, carrots and squash. Demand chicken broth with dinner, in addition to a fresh bowl of water.

Don’t poop the first time out in the morning. Then you’ll get to be taken out again and see more squirrels. Sometimes, just stop going for 36-48 hours, then go right before mom calls the vet.

Know exactly where the tennis ball is going to be thrown from the “chuck-it” and be there. Other dogs and pups will still be at home base and I’ll get it every time.

When you have hip problems, as I did, listen to The Hipless Wonder. Roll over on your back and submit. Even aggressive dogs won’t know what to do.

Keep your pack close by at all times. When you’re tired on a Saturday afternoon, send them out to lunch and a movie (stare if you must), get your frozen peanut butter Kong and take a nap.

Beauty sleep is a good thing. Get at least 18 hours per day.

Find out where other folks keep their dog food and treats, especially as mom doesn’t let me free-feed.

When dad eats eggs for breakfast, he wipes his face with a tea towel. Learn to be cute while taking it off the counter and licking egg off it before mom puts it in the washer.

When I do something bad and dad says “we should have gotten the dumb one,” don’t believe him for a second.

When your pack has guests for dinner, look around the table and play “the weakest link.” If it’s only the pack, go to dad. Otherwise size up the guests and decide which one you think will give you some food off their plate. Stare at them while trying to look cute.

And make sure to wake up mom at 4:00 in the morning to lift you up to their bed. Whine and paw the nice wood frame until she lifts you up and you take her spot so she can get online and pay bills and stuff.

That’s all for today from Zoe The Hipless Wonder

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Testing The Waters

Posted on September 19, 2012 | 1 comment

Before it gets too cold here I wanted to walk down to the beach and walk, run, enjoy Lake Michigan. Took off my shoes and socks, tied the dog to a bench (she just had a bath and wasn’t interested anyway) and rolled up my jeans just to put my feet in the water. It was cold, as my nephew told me in July. Thanks, J!

While I was brushing off the sand and putting on my socks and shoes we met the most amazing man, a musician. The wind had picked up to about 40 mph and he was on a bicycle and he told me about a great bike shop.

The dog liked him. That’s big for me. Never talk to anyone your dog doesn’t like! We actually hid from a Spaniel yesterday who once had my dog’s neck in his jaws and his owner didn’t do anything, just said he was “leash aggressive.” Not, is she OK? Can I pay for your vet bills?

He petted Zoe and I said thank you and he said you’re welcome. In Greek. Neither of us are Greek. He’s a musician and may give me a couple of lessons to get me back on track because my mind works better when I’m learning and that’s how I help my husband, besides cooking and taking care of our sweet old dog.

Then again, I’ve been talking about angels. We had way too much in common for him to just stop on his bike near me and Zoe. This may be mine. Or as Grace Hanadarko (we’ve been watching Netflix and Saving Grace) rip series, it might be my Earl.

Thank you for letting me walk and run on the beach, watch the wind come up and the mature trees bend. I have a hammer, and I have a bell, and I have a song to sing, Dee

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Those People

Posted on September 19, 2012 | Leave a comment

No, I’m not one of “them” but deplore the fact that a candidate for President of the United States hates veterans and senior citizens who have funded Social Security for decades and don’t get enough back to live on.

FDR would have been incensed at our making war overseas where we have no business doing so, as well as giving banks, auto and insurance companies over a trillion dollars of our tax money so that they could pay themselves and give themselves bonuses. Lend money to people so they can keep their homes? No way. I want my Porsche.

I’m retired but don’t get a cent from the Federal or State governments. My husband works and pays at least twice the percentage Mr. Romney pays. We deal with shutdowns, layoffs, takeovers and have already moved twice this year.

I’m the 54 percent (his numbers were wrong) and Independent. I registered to vote yesterday and may even work on a campaign. As a retiree and supporter of those who have served our country, let’s all be THOSE PEOPLE. I don’t apologize for being political and congratulate Mother Jones for the video. Dee

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Zoe THW’s Dlog

Posted on September 19, 2012 | Leave a comment

I was born in a small farm house in Texas and my litter-mates and I were dropped off at the local shelter. We looked like Aussies but who knows who my original daddy is. I’m definitely a herder, more on that in another post.

At five weeks they took me to the hospital and put me under for an operation. Two days later I met my real parents. Others had come and applied for me but reneged. So my real parents put me in a cardboard box and took me with them and made a home all my nine years.

I jumped out of the cardboard box, little puffball that I was at six weeks, and settled into mama’s lap and have loved riding in cars ever since.

Of course I had worms and severe Coccidia so needed fluids and medication two days into my new home. Dee was able to help with that.

Then, after I learned to do stairs, I couldn’t do them any more and Aunt Val (an Aggie, the best Vets around) asked me to come in for some x-rays and said to my folks that this is the worst case of hip dysplasia she’d ever seen, and in a small pup. So they took out my hips at six and nine months of age and my folks took me for swimming therapy and mom walked me every day and I grew my own hips with cartilage. That’s why I’m THW, The Hipless Wonder.

Honey, I can lose a Golden Retriever around a tree in a heartbeat. They go another hundred feet and look back and ask “where did she go?” By being disabled early in life, I know where to look for the ball on a stick. I’m in the outfield before the other dogs and pups leave home base.

I’ve many stories to tell and want to know if I should start my own dlog or stay with mom’s. Time for a nap. Next time: Herding 101. Zoe THW

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Life as Dee’s Dog

Posted on September 19, 2012 | 2 comments

Good morning, Mommy! It’s 5:30 a.m. and I just threw up on your bathroom rug. Please clean it up and take me out. I feel better already.

I was thinking of you only having to do one more load of wash today, said rug, so didn’t do it on the bed or carpet. I’m a good girl just got something nasty out of the bushes last night and probably a certain person who remains nameless gave me a couple of extra treats.

Out? Now! Of course I won’t do everything. I’ll make you take me out at seven, too, and won’t do anything of consequence then either.

OK we’re home and it looks like you’re making bacon and eggs for Dad. Hmm. Instead of lying down and watching you cook, I’m going to sit here and stare at you until you make me dinner. Stare looks like it’s working. The tea is done, juice is poured and while you have nothing for yourself, I’m NEXT! Yea!

Oh, thanks for dinner. Take me out again. I need to chase some squirrels. Love, Zoe The Hip-less Wonder Dog

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Harrods

Posted on September 18, 2012 | 3 comments

We worked overseas for a few months for a US company and got to London twice, once for three days and then I secured us a flat for our final week.

I had plans, grand plans, to see everything I could starting with Borough Market in Southwark right down the street. My husband was at work so I was on my own. My goal was Not To Shop. I really hate shopping! I’d rather order a needed good on Amazon than go to an actual store, except the grocery.

A few months back, before we left I promised a dear friend to get her a small Harrods tote bag, the essential plastic tote that shows everyone in the world you’ve been to London and, specifically Harrods. I went to Kensington Palace that day, a supreme waste of time and money except I did have a nice lunch on the grounds afterwards. I could have changed my Tube route “home” and stopped at Harrods but chose not to.

I got online (my husband outfitted me with a MacBook and Skype and headset so I could be in touch with family and friends and pay the bills back home) and ordered a small tote for friend J and a large one for me.

Rarely used, my tote was in a box I said was trash. Four homes later, my husband tossed that trash. I asked about the Harrods bag. He said yes, it’s in the trash.

He took himself to the basement and dumpster-dove until he found my Harrods bag whereupon I washed it and placed it in the closet.

So, I’ve been to London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, seen Artemesia Gentileschi’s incredible self-portrait at the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace, Winston Churchill’s War Rooms and walked the parks but have never been to Harrods.

When we arrived home, everyone asked how Harrods was. As I handed the bag over (I had it sent to our US home address) I said “I wouldn’t know. I never went.” And that was that. Have a great day! Dee

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