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*sigh*

Too many things I find discouraging today..
a Jury that “can’t get along” in the J.A. case?
Seriously?  OMG, people.. the money spent already…
and they knew the job ahead of them six months ago!
AND COULD THERE BE A MORE CLEAR CUT CASE??
They oughta be ashamed if they can’t come to a unanimous decision.
Ashamed.
While they are squabbling, she is still giving interviews, still smug,
(laughing and flirting with the court guard yesterday!)
still making excuses, still trashing the victim and his family. 
UNREAL.
Yet another heartbreaking natural disaster… 
have you counted the frequency of these events in the past two to three years?
If you’re not scared yet, you should be. 
I don’t know if it’s global warming or the natural order of the cycles of the earth,
but it’s trying to shed us in one way or another. 
Scary indeed.
I have been good about exercise,
terrible with the ban on crap food.
If there is a cookie in the house, it’s not safe with me around. 
*sigh*
WHY.. am I so crappy with this one particular thing?
Any advice on curbing the extra eating would be appreciated. 
I eat plenty of the good stuff  – veggies and fruit.. that’s not the problem.
I’ve got a horse show to get ready for today, there’s a barn bake-off on Friday night
and I’m making red white and blue cupcakes to bring along.
(and I won’t eat a single one …lie…) 
I’ll leave you with this picture of Bailey..
When Ben goes outside he usually leaves a rawhide on his bed.
The little ones take this opportunity to steal it and drag it to their bed.
They pretend to enjoy it immensely for about two minutes..
because HA!!.. I got Bens Bone!!
And then they just sit with it and guard it from each other
until he returns.  Then I have to pry it from them because he won’t,
gentleman that he is.
Like little kids, they are.
It’s a new day, people.  Let’s make it a good one.

Your two cents

 I’ve been following the Jodi Ar*as trial, curious to see what justice might be served for such a heinous crime.  We’re all too familiar with the recent Cas*y Anth*ny disaster. I wasn’t a regular trial watcher, but I was shocked at the outcome, that’s for sure.   There’s no doubt in recent years my faith in our government as well as our judicial system has tattered and frayed and I know I’m not alone.  It’s true we have one of the most civilized judicial systems in the world, however it’s also flawed. One issue? Proven criminals have too many rights.  Why is this woman, who admittedly obliterated a person hideously, granted permission to twitter from jail, to sell merchandise, to author a book, to give interviews with the media (and receive the hair and makeup assistance she requested).

  So here’s the question I pose to you.  Do you believe in the death penalty?  Jodi is awaiting the verdict on whether she will get life in prison or death. If she gets life, there is the possibility with good behavior she could walk in 20 years.   There’s no doubt she killed her ex boyfriend, horribly so.  If you have no knowledge of the case, she slashed his throat, stabbed him 29 times all over, and shot him in the face. After having sex with him, while he was naked and defenseless in the shower.    Yeah.       She claimed he was always abusive and physically attacked her.  There is no evidence to suggest this, EVER, in his life, or in her history with him. This includes her own journal entries and e-mails, texts to him, etc. etc.  and accounts from his and her friends.  There is PLENTY of evidence that she was a deranged stalker.   Now.. the jury did convict her (Amen) and they concluded the murder was an act of particular cruelty as well. Their final decision is whether or not she dies for her crime.   Do you think she deserves it?    I do.   

    First she asked for the death penalty, because she feels death is the ultimate freedom and she doesn’t want to spend her life in a prison. Those were her words.  (It’s all about her)  Then she changed her mind and is now asking for Mercy, if only to spare her family more pain.  Mercy she did not show her ex boyfriend.  She has not apologized or said she is sorry to the family of her ex.  She won’t even look at them in court.  She continues to grant interviews and continues to trash her victims character to explain her heinous act, even thought there is no one on the face of the earth to cooberate her  information. Just her lies. and she has been caught in hundreds of lies.   She wants her life spared so she can start a book club… start a recycling program at the prison, teach literacy and sign language to other inmates, donate her hair to locks of love.

    Does she deserve to live this life of purpose after what she’s done?  I think Travis would have given anything to have those opportunities.  His chances ended at the age of 30, thanks to her.   No, I don’t think she should be granted this gift of “purpose”.  And I don’t think  “the people”  should have to foot the bill for her existence while incarcerated for Lord knows how long.  Even if she gets the death penalty, she will be on death row for possibly 20 years, is that CRAZY?  There are women on Death Row who were convicted in 1989!  I understand giving her time for an appeal since this is serious stuff… but all those years?  What’s the point then?..

   In cases as horrible as this one, I do believe in the death penalty, but I understand there are many who feel that a life for a life is never justified under any circumstances.   I’d be curious to know what you feel the appropriate punishment would be then.   The question today is, is there a member of that jury who will feel the same.

Wicked

  It’s hard to believe all the destruction in the past few years caused by natural disasters, so many wicked storms…. lives, homes, neighborhoods, families.. destroyed. I’m sending prayers and healing thoughts today to those affected by the storms and tornadoes out west. My sisters son, wife and new baby boy were in a closet in Arkansas last night waiting out a storm, I’m hoping all are OK today.

  A few Dog Days pictures from this past weekend of  families with their adopted dogs below…

Do you remember Hank with the red bandana in my previous post?
Here he is with his new family. They came in the rain to meet him and fall in love.
This is Alexis and Tehran with their new family.
The mom on the right was crying tears of Joy when the bell rang signifying their adoption.
These two middle aged dogs were very bonded..
what an awesome thing to see them go home TOGETHER!
See the two volunteers in the background hugging?
We’re all suckers for these happy endings.
The tally was 69 of the 85 dogs in attendance were adopted.
The rest went into foster or back to rescue. None will die in a kill shelter.


Mediterranean Turkey Burgers and a DD update

 We’ve had another successful Dog Days Adoption Event!  I did not take pictures during the weekend because I was too busy with the adoption interview process, that was my roll this weekend.  It’s not an easy job because sometimes I know the people and the dog they think they want are not a good match. I did turn two people away because they were unable to give any references, and we insist on those before we let the adoption go through.  I don’t like to disappoint or hurt people’s feelings, but our first priority it the well being of the dog. When they don’t understand that and get angry, they weren’t the right people to adopt anyway,  in my opinion.

  There was another photographer on site, I’ll post some of the adoption stories once she has posted her pics.  There were many tears of joy, for sure.

 For now I’ll share with you this great turkey burger recipe I got from Joey of The Fitness Connection a while back. Made it last night and it was delicious after eating crap all weekend on the fly.  The photographs are not mine, but show you the variation of how you can serve turkey burgers.

I don’t have a specific recipe, but it’s pretty easy to put together.
Use the amounts you would like according to your taste preferences.
I add in a generous amount of each ingredient because I like full flavor.
2 lbs ground lean turkey breast (or 1 lb. if you are just feeding one or two people)
Crumbled feta cheese
Pesto sauce
salt & pepper
bread crumbs
minced garlic
Chopped red onion, if desired (I don’t add it in)
Mix all ingredients together well and form patties, not too thick
Heat large pan and spray with cooking spray.
cook burgers until no longer pink.
I serve them with a yogurt or sour cream sauce..
my preference is sour cream but you can use plain Greek yogurt too..
In a bowl combine sour cream (about two cups),1 chopped cucumber, minced garlic to taste
salt & pepper.   I sliced a tomato thin.. placed the slices on top of the burgers
(no buns for us)..and added a big dollop of the sauce on top. 
Delicious!

And.. we’re ready to GO DOG DAYS, GO!!!

  Yesterday was take-in day… the transports come from down South with their shelter/rescued dogs.  The local shelter dogs will be brought in this morning.  Southern Rescuers and dogs are thoroughly exhausted by the time they get to us.  We’ve got paperwork ready and the local vet on hand to check each and every dog out, plus check their paperwork to verify they have all their innoculations and de-worming and are neutered or spayed. All are a requirement to come to Dog days. We charge absolutely nothing for entry or adoption, that’s why we’re always fund raising to hold these events.  Here are some pictures as we went through that process…

 Kennels set up at site, disinfected, name and information of each dog attached to it’s cage.

The vet checks each of the 80-100 dogs and puppies that come to be adopted
before they are allowed in..an exhausting eight hours of work for him
but so necessary.  He checks for temperment as well as health.
The Volunteer has the dogs health records with her, which will also be reviewed by the vet.
Once they are vetted, they are given the opportunity to relax in the grass and around the grounds
with a volunteer before they are tucked away for the night.
This is Buster.  If only I didn’t have four,
he’d be coming home with me today.
What a gentleman, an old soul, just a love.
Today and tomorrow are their chance to find their forever home.
Usually if we have 100 dogs, atleast 90 go home with a new family.
6 Business Park Road, Old Saybrook, follow the DD signs if you’re
in driving distance and want a new family member….
It’s a new day, people…and..
It’s a beautiful thing.  

Proud

This picture was in our local paper yesterday..
my kiddo volunteered with her place of employment
for Habitat for Humanity last weekend.
Proud Mom, I am.

Swinging a hammer is in the blood, don’t ya know 🙂
Today the dogs will be arriving to settle in at our event (already set up).
They’ll be checked over by the Veterinarian to make sure they are up to date
on all vaccinations and healthy.  Some are traveling from 16 hours away,
others are from just a few towns over at municipal pounds.
Wish them all luck in finding homes –
(my eyes just welled up typing that line, it never fails)
GO DOG DAYS!

Dollhouse Update

   Sooo.. I started with this… a $40. find at a junk  antique store.  Fell in love instantly, oooh it was calling me.   Needed lots of work, kinda decrepid…I believe it sat in someones basement or garage for years.

I’ve decided this is the Marthas Vineyard cottage I will most likely never own
unless I win the BIG MONEY, and hey you never know, except my first
action would then be to open an animal rescue shelter, dogs and horses in particular, maintained by and housing homeless people and domestic abuse victims who need refuge and want to help me take care
of the animals in need – tall order,yes I know.
 
So I’m decorating it in the style I would choose if I ever did have that little MV cottage.
My workspace is currently out on the back porch.
Keep in mind, I am not restoring this house to perfection.
Nooo… that’s not the point.  I like cracks in walls and uneven trim and weird scale
and old scratched windows.  It adds to the charm don’t ya know.
The Mr. with his Type A builder mentality would make this a tear down,
but not me. I’ll take the flaws, thank you.
Here’s what I’ve got going on so far…
New black walnut flooring and some serious paint.
I got rid of all the dark trim look.
(you’re looking at the imperfections, aren’t ya – you have to feel the love)
I get the biggest kick out of this wood floor,
it’s actual wood strips! Very thin.

 The bathroom has a new tile floor
(comes in big vinyl square)
There is actual a dollhouse home depot, I kid you not.
The previous owner used so much glue when building this house
I’ve been peeling and scraping but there isn’t much I can do about the
overabundance used to actually put the house together.  So it remains.

The windows are a problem, I’d have to remove all the molding and window frame
to replace the “glass”… and the house is so old and decrepid it would fall apart if I do so.
SO….I’ve prettied up this window box and there will be curtains.
A girl could spend hours ogling over all the mini furniture and accesories
online… but I’ve tried not to.  I plan to decorate this house inexpensively
no matter how long it takes me to find the right pieces.
I will be honest and tell you I’m coveting this Blue Onion old fashioned sink though..
You, too, can own this tiny little beauty for $73.99.
*sigh* 

Look whos coming to Dog Days

Murphy
Fergie
Hank
Ashley
Cody
Cassidy
Hard to believe these dogs were dumped, abandoned, abused, etc.
isn’t it?  And yet all who come to our events are still loving dogs
who believe in us humans, finding a way to trust and love despite their experiences.
If you live in driving distance of Old Saybrook, CT or know someone
who might be interested in one of these dogs or the other 80 or so
dogs and puppies who will attend this weekend’s Dog Days Adoption Event,
see flyer below for more information.

For the love of pie

  Is there any comfort food that says “LOVE” more than a home made pie?  For me, there’s nothing better. My grandmother Elsie would have us for dinner frequently, and oooh, could she cook.  In a tiny galley kitchen wearing high heels and a proper apron, even!  Along with a gourmet meal, there would usually be pie for dessert.  Not just one pie, usually two.  Blueberry was my favorite,  but the combination could be any of  these as well –  a delectable lemon meringue, chocolate cream, banana cream, or cream puffs that melted in your mouth.

 I’m finally getting around to catching up on my favorite blog reading, and I came across this recipe this morning.  My grandmother came to mind immediately. I’m so thankful for those memories and the traditions I still cherish.

 This is a wonderful blog that drew me in because of her focus on the love of home and food and dogs and ocean (Maine!).  I hope she doesn’t mind the share –  click on link below….

http://oceanbreezesandcountrysneezes.blogspot.com/2013/05/lemon-meringue-pie-for-mothers-day.html

 Do you have a favorite comfort food?
Or one that speaks to you of family and cherished traditions?
Let us know in the comments section, and feel free to share a link to a recipe!