Tag Archives: Zoe

Happy and Safe

Posted on June 9, 2015 | Leave a comment

There is a dichotomy in our household recently, as my husband is working from home much of the time. I’ve moved into the office so we set one up for him in our bedroom with en suite bath so he only comes out to say hello, get a Dr. Pepper.

Our dog Zoe is very concerned right now as she wants to have access everywhere and doesn’t know where to go when he shuts the door, and she cannot herd us all the time. Oh, she’s an Aussie mix.

I must say that of all the thousands of dogs and cats I’ve dealt with over the past 20 years as a volunteer, Zoe is the happiest creature I’ve ever met. We’ve had her since she was six weeks old, she’s now 11.5, happy and healthy.

She’ll do anything for an adult, child, other dog, even cats. My first dog Chani was abused by a Deputy Sheriff, kicked, and pelted with rocks from neighborhood kids over the fence. I knew her for a year at the shelter then adopted her and had her, kids and moms loved her, for ten years.

Zoe was so sick when we got her at six weeks, coccidia and hookworms and I had that taken care of immediately. She also needed her hips removed as a pup, worst hip dysplasia her vet ever saw. I didn’t have to teach her anything but going outside. She’s been a natural with people and cats and other dogs and unlike other shelter pets I’ve worked with, she is trusting and kind and has always felt safe since we had the opportunity to adopt her.

She is getting older but she remains happy and safe, and we will take care of her ’til the end. I’m getting older too but may have another pup in me, to care for. Our Zoe has a few years in her, we hope. To saving graces, canine, Dee

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged

A New Superhero

Posted on June 6, 2015 | 1 comment

Like The Blue Raja or The Shoveler, we have a new Superhero.

She is The Sleeper. She can awaken in an instant to bark at any sound but is capable of sleeping 2o hours per day. Yes, she is a dog, our dog.

An 11 year-old Aussie mix, she had a troubled youth, born into squalor and losing both her hips before she was a year old, she was determined to sleep her way to victory. Luckily we found this talented girl when she was five weeks old at a shelter, adopted her and knew she would be a Superhero.

While asleep she chases criminals like squirrels, mean cats and bunnies. Her twitching and REM sleep lets us know she’s on the job.

I’ve never seen her Superhero outfit as I don’t want to ask about her extracurricular activities. I just know that when we’re asleep, she is fighting crime. I know she’s got an eye on a local turkey who somehow gets pardoned every Thanksgiving. That deserves further investigation.

As for the two mice in another state, the gun just went off. Willy-nilly. Snow was on the ground, they came out of their hideout and she was a rookie back then. Statute of limitations is over. Internal Affairs cleared her for duty.

There is an ongoing investigation, suspended for now because she’s miles away. He’s called Ermine the Vermin. He lived under a hot tub and poached his prey in a neighbor’s hot tub. How’s that for a opportunistic serial killer, a stoat. He rubbed it in her face by running back and forth outside a sliding door.

His fur may be on Queen Elizabeth II’s ceremonial robes, however, but she will have to go to the Palace to complete the investigation.

Sad to say, but our Superhero would like to retire at age 80 and spend time with her family. She’s fine and healthy but if a new Superhero would like to come to the fore, she would be happy to train/vet that new dog or cat. Yes, she likes cats.

Hope you’re having a great weekend! Dee

1 Comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , ,

A Resume

Posted on June 5, 2015 | Leave a comment

My name is Dee.

The summary of my life experiences includes consulting and arts, education, government roles that shaped my life experience.

I’ve a B.A. and two culinary degrees. I love to cook and make new and favorite meals. My college degree and interests allow me to help others.

For over 20 years I’ve volunteered for shelter animals and spayed/neutered over 2,500 feral cats. I’m not afraid to get my hands dirty, but will not eat a donated donut after I touch my first cat. “Hey Dee, this one has ringworm, this one has mange.” Yeah, that was my day every month for six years. It was both exhausting in punishing heat, yet rewarding in knowing I did a good deed.

My current job is making sure my husband is the best that he can be, consulting for him personally (volunteer), reading and assessing legal papers, dealing with life and taking care of our home and dog Zoe. I always wanted to help and not be the star. I married a star.

Hobbies are writing a blog, this one. Calling the Coast Guard on the Coast Guard for a ship fire training exercise. Making snacks and dinner for others. Taking care of friends/neighbors in need. Petting dogs and cats and giving away treats. Art and museums are in there as well.

Status: Retired.

Dear Sir or Madam, you could not pay me enough to take me away from my retirement job. I love my job and bosses too much. Cheers! Dee

Leave a comment

Posted in Editorial

Tagged , ,

Herding

Posted on June 4, 2015 | Leave a comment

Our dog Zoe is a herder. She has herded us every day for over 11 years. No herding knowledge, only Obedience 101 (she aced it). She has beds positioned in order to keep us from leaving without her knowledge. The beds were placed because she has no hips, so I put them in the areas she frequents. In summer when the sun comes up early she gets off the bed before 4 a.m. to crawl under the bed under my pillow, must have her beauty sleep, also so I can’t leave without her.

My husband took a multi-hour video of her in a crate years ago after we left the house. That was traumatic to watch because she was biting at the wires. We went to lunch and a movie. We never crated her after that. Now, I know she sleeps. She can go anywhere in our home and sleep.

She just wants to be with her pack, which is us. mostly me because I’m the disciplinarian and food wench.

Years ago we went to the ranch and the folks had bought two female baby goats. They were a bit weak and frightened so I asked as a newbie in the family if I could name them. OK. Eleanor (Roosevelt) and Rosa (Parks). I knew they needed strong names to survive.

We let Zoe in and she herded them for perhaps 30 seconds then ran away. Hey, these gals have hooves! She’s always been terrified of the cattle, especially the bulls, and should be. She only herds people.

When we’re with family she protects us and watches for my father-in-law from his special reading spot on the sofa to come home safe on the four-wheeler. She definitely lets us know (Grandma and I are in the kitchen) when anyone arrives.

She’s almost a grandkid where my husband grew up, maybe even a great grand. I’m lucky to be called a daughter and grand-daughter to my husband’s family. All I know is that my M-I-L is disappointed when Zoe doesn’t show up for our now five day Thanksgiving cooking marathon! She licks the floor. Everyone has a job. It’s Texas. Cheers! Dee

Leave a comment

Posted in Editorial, Education, Family, Pet

Tagged , , ,

Rub-a-Dub Dub

Posted on May 29, 2015 | Leave a comment

Dee’s stuck in the tub. Yes. Perhaps four times in three years I have used the jetted tub. I had a bad health day. You don’t want to hear about that.

I got the water up over the jets and turned the jets on. Five minutes later, they would not go off. I had a day-mare of Maintenance showing up with me naked in the tub. Luckily my husband the physicist was home and he turned it off at the breaker. I was terrified and shook for an hour before starting dinner. Here’s the haiku.

The jets were soothing

My skin was smoothing

In all it was a good day

Call maintenance now

***

We have jobs. Today my husband enters his last weekday of freedom. We’ll have the weekend together then things will change. We will each be able to do our jobs. He will be able to be out of my kitchen, out of the way at least a few days a week and I’ll have to take the dog out 5X per day alone. Tradeoffs. He gets to make money. I get to vacuum, and run the dishwasher and washing machine and pay the bills as he will not be omnipresent on the phone and need silence.

I always liked preparing things like having all the laundry done and meals planned out and set up for weekends, when he was coming home every night. Now he will not be here during the week. It has been routine and now I find myself awakening with my arms stretched out to his pillow.

Oh, don’t worry about dog Zoe. She’s an opportunist and just thinks, yeah, that’s MY space! Zoe, you are too furry to be my husband, and I know the difference. She has two beds at home, three if you include ours, and an orthopedic bed in my car for trips. No, she’s not spoiled, but when she takes over his pillows……. Dee

ps A dear friend lost her mother recently and we promised a museum visit in her honor. Perhaps this weekend is the best time to do so.

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged , ,

Vomit

Posted on May 24, 2015 | 3 comments

Yes, my dog, before 7 a.m., vomited all over the lobby downstairs. My husband is not awake yet but as he uses the 16′ leash and is focused on neighbors and doesn’t always pay attention, she probably ate something icky off the sidewalk or park.

I’m certain my butt will be on camera cleaning this up. I apologized profusely and insisted on cleaning it up myself. Now she’s back on the bed and my husband is supposed to be watching her while snoring. It’s Sunday morning, long weekend.

Breakfast? No for the dog. She just passed heartworm and fecal parasite tests the other day. It’s either the pig’s ear we bought her on Tuesday as a treat from the vet visit (no to that) or my husband allowed her to eat something dead while he was focused on a conversation with an interesting neighbor.

My walks are structured. Zoe wears a hand-made Asian silk Martingale collar with a 6′ leather leash. I hold the handle with my two middle fingers and the leash with my forefinger and thumb for control. No, I never designed this, it just works. Yes, I’ll say hi and talk but she is always under my control a few feet away. Yes, we both always pick up after her. Don’t ever worry about that with us.

With agile software guidance my husband must allow compatriots the longest leash (or none) he can in order to make quality work meet delivery demands. Our dog is an eater of dead birds and frogs that she usually delivers 48 hours later on our bed and that’s seven loads of wash, one comforter has to go out to be cleaned with our own hypoallergenic soap.

A focused and methodical nature is what I expect of and receive from my dear physicist husband. This morning, whatever our old girl Zoe ate last night off the pavement came up publicly. It was not fun. I’m thinking of teaching him to use my method. As Caesar Millan would say, calm submissive. I would never say that about people but if a dog is balanced between its owners (he’s the fun guy, I’m the food wench and disciplinarian) all will be well and we’ve done this for 11 years together. Together over 14, married over 12. Pup is now 11.

A life-work balance would work for us as we haven’t had that for a while. We’ll see. Dee

I see that when my husband lets her go in the park or on the pavement she ends up very happy then vomits in a safe place, usually our bed. I don’t mind that much as it’s probably twice a year so I have to do those seven loads of wash anyway. And that’s the way it is, Sunday May 24. Good night. RIP Walter Cronkite. I was only allowed 30 minutes of TV as a kid, not counting my parents watching the news. I liked Flipper. We got an hour if it was Jacques Cousteau, as that was education.Dee

3 Comments

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged ,

Greyhound Stories

Posted on May 19, 2015 | Leave a comment

Years ago I was a leader in a volunteer organization and I began and led a weekly project with my volunteers guided by their own leader. The organization is Greyhound Pets of America. They take “retired” racing and other hounds from racetracks mostly, fix them up, and take great care adopting them to good homes. It keeps them from being shot when they lose a race or can’t make any more puppies.

I met a gal today at a specialty pet store where we get Zoe’s food. She’s currently volunteering for a local GPA, has a Grey from there and is fostering another, a Greyhound/Coonhound mix. The Coon people wanted a Grey to make faster hunters. He saw a raccoon and ran away so they wanted to shoot the dog. This brave lady intervened. The guys just wanted faster hunters and out here, y’all shoot the ones who don’t make the cut.

While I was volunteer leader at a GPA weekly “turnout” when they take the dogs out to exercise and socialize and eliminate, they had 32 dogs in individual crates. The track dogs felt comfortable there as it was their experience as they’d known no other. They were turned out three times per day.

One came in that was an AKC (show) dog and the dogs didn’t like him for that. Also, he’d been raised with show Rottweilers so thought he was, you get it, a Rottie. I had to take him alone, across the street to a fenced yard and let him go. Man, it was a treat to see that dog run. As a joke I suggested subliminal tapes at night that said “I am a Greyhound, not a Rottweiler.”

The lady and I have five things in common. Of course we love dogs and volunteer. We save/adopt/foster orphans and strays. We appreciate the Greyhound for all its glory. We feed our pets best quality food. We abhor animal cruelty.

Here’s another. Martingale collars that were born to fit dogs like Greys, Silken Windhounds, Collies, anyone who can slip a collar easily. I have two from this great company, all Asian silk and hand-sewn. A Martingale is a two-looped collar with no buckle that offers added control. They have them in the store and can order. Now that is a specialty store. Write in if you want more info.

I put one of my two with a 3/4″ braided leather collar. I’ve arthritis since 25 and often there’s ice on the sidewalks so between the 1.5″ collar and flexible 6′ leash it gives me control. Their shop has a relationship with this growing company and our conversation began with her admiring Zoe’s unique collar, asian silk, emerald green with dogwood flowers and brass trim. I love Greyhound stories!

Must go. Dog went to the vet today for a heartworm test and she’s lethargic. Ate dinner but needs to go “you know where.” Cheers! Here’s to GPA and Greyhound Rescue. Dee

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Editorial, Pet

Tagged ,

Knock and Run

Posted on May 14, 2015 | Leave a comment

That’s tough to do around here. There are seven families per floor. Our neighbors are having people knock on the front door and leave. They need an elevator to do so. I know everyone on the floor so it’s not any of us.

Backstory is that this neighbor’s young grandkids show up a couple of times a year and at their age all they want is to see Zoe, our old dog. Sorry, Grandma and Grandpa! They sometimes stand in the hall and just whisper “zoe” and she rushes to the door to see them.

I ran into Grandpa the other day and he told me of this issue, something I never did in my youth and would certainly never dream of in adulthood. I did knock on their door the day they moved in and gave them pasta and sauce and pots so they wouldn’t have to order in or go out for dinner.

He said “I thought Zoe might have learned to knock on a door. She would never leave, though, she’d always stop to say hello.” I replied “yes she would, and especially if your grandchildren are around!”

Ah, neighbors. As it is, our bedroom is way in the back and even Zoe, lifted by Otis The Elevator (me) to the bed at night, is unaware of hallway sounds so we can’t help find the culprit.

I find it hopeful and helpful that neighbors are so kind and watch out for each other. Another neighbor, when my husband is out of town on business, checks on me and Zoe at least once per week. It is so sweet of him to do so. No, he doesn’t knock and run. He’s usually off with his recycling or to an appointment somewhere and just checks in to see if we’re OK.

There is something to be said for neighborliness and camaraderie. A Swedish neighbor taught me Kottsbullar (Swedish meatballs) and in return I taught him true Texas Chili (Pedernales a la the great Lady Bird Johnson) circa 1962.

The neighbor who checks on me is also a Swede. Are they taking over here? Now there’s Irish. I’ve been given several packages that belonged to someone with the same Irish name I was given at birth. I introduced myself to her today, and her kids. Now we know when packages or drycleaning goes to the wrong Dee, where to send it.

We’re up in the air right now, things happening and in flight. This certainly will not be our final destination but it’s good to know we’ve friends around. I need to get a dinner party together before my husband is off for a while. I think I’ll do a pork roast with hard cider gravy and apples stuffed with corn bread. Southern, I know. I’m smelling and tasting it now, in my mind. That’s how I cook.

I’d actually rather bone out and butterfly a leg of lamb and marinate in a sauce from Jacques Pepin, one of my culinary heroes. Roasted potatoes with garlic, green beans with salt, pepper and a touch of butter and all we need is dessert!  I’m thinking fresh vanilla ice cream with a berry coulis and fresh raspberries and blackberries. Let me call our neighbors on another floor. I used to help take care of their dog who died last year, perhaps the new additions would like to come along as well. Zoe has friends and has been termed, by me, a “cougar.” She only flirts.

Y’all take care. Y’all means you, dear reader, in Texas-speak. All y’all means the mess of you who just got together for real BBQ. Just so you know. Cheers! Dee

Leave a comment

Posted in Editorial, Family, Pet

Tagged , , ,

Wonder of Wonders

Posted on April 16, 2015 | Leave a comment

Miracle of miracles….. Talking with MIL M the other day I heard wind in the background but she’s already planted in Texas, it was warm and she was picking asparagus for dinner that comes up every year. We’re not so lucky, yet.

Today I didn’t take my car out. I walked to the store, dressed too warmly (I checked the weather a few moments before when I took Zoe out and changed jackets, an unwise move).

Just in case my husband does arrive hungry tomorrow night for the weekend I plan to make pizza dough and was getting the fixings while talking to this guy at the deli counter about different doughs we’ve made over the years. Interesting stuff, I know. Then I hear a woman’s voice asking how Zoe is doing. I looked over and it was our former USPS mail carrier, L. She said one of the gals said that Zoe says hello. She’s still around the neighborhood but not at our place. Because of L, Zoe goes up to everyone in blue pants with a dark stripe! Anyone who says dogs are color blind needs to have their eyes examined.

Funny and sad. My old dog Chani was abused by a deputy sheriff and left at a shelter to rot for a year. I spent time every week with her and when her health declined and she was becoming a danger to herself and others I took her home, rehabilitated her and we spent ten years together. She was afraid of any kind of uniform or hat for a while but got over it and her fear of the kids who used to throw sticks and rocks at her as a pup such that all the kids in the tot lot called out her name when we entered our park. And their moms let them pet her. Now Zoe seeks out people in uniform, something we should all do to thank our service personnel here and abroad.

***

I think my dinner party has blown up. No worries, it was supposed to be a cooking lesson and dinner. I’ll find out what’s happening tomorrow and will go ahead with the dinner anyway. I can always freeze cooked foods and give some away.

***

Did I write about diet trifle? I never said that, I’ll be taken out back by British chefs and flogged. Shhhh, not a word. I’m trying an experiment. Some folks around here are refusing dessert. I have an experiment. I usually make a multi-berry trifle with lemon curd with pound cake and whipped cream. Tomorrow I’m going to try angel food cake with nonfat vanilla Greek yogurt and berries. I’m not letting go of the lemon curd, though. Perhaps I can add lemon zest and juice as well. It’s a somewhat healthy alternative. I’ll let you know how it goes. Oh, I didn’t make the cake or the curd or the yogurt. I didn’t grow the berries because it’s still too cold here.

***

On my walk to the grocery store I saw a few tulips, hyacinths, and hints of buds on hedges. Also squirrels and another animal I saw for a fraction of a second and can’t identify. There were loads of birds and I was able to pick out a few male robins. No cardinals since a couple of months ago. The trees are still bare and I have to look at the lake and the flag, at half mast once again, to find out where the wind is coming from (that determines clothing and where to walk the dog).

***

My husband says fall is his favorite season. I think spring is mine, when everything comes to life and one can stop making winter stews and make ratatouille or chilled cucumber/yogurt soup. And eat a peach or a cantaloupe or a pint of cherries that taste as they should. Farmers’ markets will open. We’ll see watercraft on the lake. I can clean all the winter gear and wear a light jacket in the evening, or a pashmina shawl. I do love the colors of fall, though, especially in the Adirondacks.

***

It’s chicken wings tonight with a homemade Asian marinade/glaze. I’ve heirloom carrots in all colors and will roast them and make some sort of potato. Now I have to make lists. I don’t want my husband and me to spend the one day he has at home doing errands. Cheers and have a great weekend! Dee

Leave a comment

Posted in Editorial

Tagged , , , , , ,

101, not Dalmations

Posted on April 10, 2015 | Leave a comment

Things To Do.

Last night we had tornado warnings. We cannot get into our garage because of re-surfacing as that would be the best place to go. Dog Zoe was sound asleep after I lifted The Hipless Wonder up to the bed but there was this strange lightning and I could hear the wind.

My husband called from Maine, knowing I couldn’t get to the garage and while I suggested the back bathroom or hallway, he insisted on the stairwell.

Early this morning it’s very cloudy but the Lake looks clear. The second wave of thunderstorms missed us. Dog Zoe is behind me on the futon. It’s not officially “time” (to go out) yet.

Now is a time for good neighbors. Unfortunately one of ours has passed at a young age. A Marquette player and community benefactor, Marc Marotta died of a brain aneurism. He lived here. Yes, I’ve seen him and spoken with him but never really knew who he was. He had the air of someone who thought I should know, but while I admire athletes I do not adore them or keep track.

Now we’re looking at places that get way more tornadoes, severe storms including hurricanes. Why should I worry? My husband and dog slept nine hours through Hurricane Ike, a Cat 5. I sat by our windows and blogged it until the power went out. We spent the morning draining the garage, unblocking storm drains and knocking on everyone’s door to make sure they were OK because management didn’t show up for days. Yes, days.

Well, now we do have a hurricane kit. It’s in storage and we only have access to that for certain hours. Food, crank radio, you name it, it’s in there. Time to replenish if we’re looking at the Eastern seaboard. All for now, friends – Dee

ps My husband is flying in tonight and I have more than 101 things to do. No garage means no trash and I’ve salmon skin fermenting. Not good for a guy who’s allergic to fish.

Leave a comment

Posted in Editorial

Tagged , , ,