Loving Kenyon

Kenyon came to us at 7 mths old, all legs and fur...  A red Afghan Hound with a black mask.  We were his third home in his short life, but he settled into his new surroundings quite quickly.  I'm not saying that we had no issues, he chewed the legs on dining table and chairs, pulled stuffing out of two living room side chairs, and destroyed every house plant he could reach!

My favorite story during that time period was the day I went to the grocery store.  Upon my return, as usual one of my slippers was in the middle of the floor, I guess he felt more secure carrying it around with him.  I had left a bag of navy beans on the  counter, which he decided to steal... very common with the breed, they are all thieves!  The bag was laying empty on the living room floor, the beans spread evenly all across the carpet right into the dining room...  I was pissed, but had to laugh, as I could just imagine him with that bag in his mouth, swinging his head from side to side, spraying those beans everywhere!  He must have been thinking "Oh boy, this is FUN!"

Years passed us all by, he became so smart, and such a character.  It didn't take him long to learn that after daddy ate dinner, he would get a treat.  He began LEADING us to the cupboard where we kept them, and would go to the rug by the back door, sit, and raise his left paw.  We called this "pretty boy" and reinforced.  Even after his hips and hind legs began to suffer, he would try...

Persia, another of our rescues over the years, suffered from old dog syndrome as she came to her end, so as Kenyon's 14th birthday approached, and he "forgot" his house training, we took him to the vet.  She thought it was a neurological issue, and he went on steroids.  I week later, we took him back in, and the vet said he was physically in good shape, and to up the dose.  A month ago, after 13 or more years together, the dear boy left his spot at my feet, and wandered off.  I didn't think much of it, until Paloma (our most recent rescue ) moved to his spot on the carpet.  She had never done this before.

It was time to go searching, and I found our precious boy in a hallway where he never slept...  he had crossed the Rainbow Bridge without so much as a whimper...

BLESS YOU KENYON, for sharing your life with us!  You are missed, but remembered fondly, and I still smile when I think about all of those beans you spread all over the house!  We love you.....

Online friends, and crazy cooks!

I met Sheila on another site, when I was writing a food blog, telling a non food related story, and we've kept in touch since.  So, since I've been away from here for so long, Sheila shamed me into finding a reason to make a post.  A few days ago, we were chatting on FB messenger, and I had an idea, so here it is.  I thought I could share a few "homemade" versions of items many of us keep in the pantry.  I have some health issues, so began making my own blends to remove things like salt, sugar, and caffeine from my diet.  So, here you have it...  I found these on the internet.

Taco Seasoning Mix:        Two tablespoons of this mix = 1 packet of store bought.  Add to 1 lb ground meat and 1/3 cup water.  To make the mix:
1/4 cup dried minced onion
1/4 cup chili powder
3 Tbls. salt
4 tsps. cornstarch
3 Tbls. dried minced garlic
1 Tbls. cumin
1 Tbls red pepper flakes
2 tsps. beef bouillon
1+1/2 tsps. oregano

I omit the salt and add only a pinch of red pepper flakes.  A few months ago I was out of my mix, so I picked up a packet at the local store - it was so salty I could hardly eat the meat!  Strange what you can get used to...  I use more like 3 Tbls. of mix, to taste.


Onion Soup Mix:
2+1/2 Tbls dried minced onion
4 cubes (or tsps. powder) beef bouillon
1 tsp. onion powder
1/8 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp ground black pepper

This is equivalent to one packet of soup/dip mix.  I omit the salt.


Baking Mix:  (Like Bisquick)
2+1/2 cups flour
2 Tbls. baking powder
1+1/2 tsps. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil.
Mix well in blender or food processor

Well friends, it's late so you'll have to wait for more down the road, but I WILL be back with more "blends" that I make and use.  Meanwhile, be well, and if you want, be CRAZY as I am!