Celebrating with Thanksgiving

Just a few things I'm incredibly thankful for...




















I'm thankful for the gorgeous drive home from work early Wednesday Evening and the anticipation of 4 great days of good food and free time with husband and Bob.








I'm thankful for a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner.



I have my mother-in-law to thank for an excellent dressing recipe. My mom's recipe is great, too, but I make this one for my husband because I know it brings back pleasant memories. I really like it, too. Her recipe calls for both hot & mild sausage and two bunches of fresh parsley. It's a really great combination. Write to me and I'll share the recipe, if you like.

Sweet potatoes, in my opinion, need nothing special. Just bake, peel and mash with a pat or two of real butter. Natural sugars are more than enough. Green beans sauteed in olive oil, garlic and almond slices.

Nothing fancy, just simply good.

And speaking of good.... this little guy is an angel. Already housebroken in just 4 days and playful and affectionate! We went to the Vet for a check-up today and now he's on antibiotics for kennel cough, but he's playful and happy and even survived his first bath! (uh...and his first tick removal...yikes!)

Bob stayed alone in the car for 25 whole minutes while Aunt Melissa shopped at Trader Joe's. It was his first true test of being completely alone. He didn't chew or destroy anything in the car, but when I gotback into the front seat he jumped in my lap, laid his head on my shoulder and could not be budged for maybe 5 minutes or more. He was like a baby, needing to be consoled. Tomorrow, we plan to leave him alone in the house for a short period of time and have amassed a pile of new toys and rawhide chews to pacify.

Perhaps tomorrow we can also capture of shot of Bob in his pretty new red collar. He's looking even more handsome since his first bath and made many new friends on his first visit to Pet Smart.

More things to be thankful for:

Blueberry Muffins & Frittata for breakfast







Mini-turkey and dressing sandwiches, turkey salad appetizers....

.....







We have good health, a roof over our heads. There was a nice rain on Wednesday. We have loving families, a wonderful church home, amazing friends, good food and a sweet dog. There's not much else I can say except Happy Thanksgiving all.

Aunt Melissa

It's hard to photograph a moving target.

Somebody has a whole lot of energy tonight! I got the happiest greeting I've received in 6 years tonight. You would think I had been gone for 10 years instead of 10 hours... This little guy was wagging wildly and has followed me around all evening.

It's difficult to get a clear shot....



oops he's gone











Here we go now... One tired puppy with a big heart, a beautiful coat, sad eyes and very short legs!


Sweet Puppy Dreams!

Aunt Melissa

Bob's First Morning - Making Smoothies

Bob is doing very well!

And thanks so much for my many thoughtful friends who have asked! He has more spring in his step this morning. There were no more accidents last night. He tried his new food, which he is only moderately interested in. We had a nice walk and then he supervised the mixing of Smoothies from the dining room. (He hasn't even tried to walk in the kitchen, totally respecting the boundary I've lain.)

If you didn't get the smoothie recipe last week, here it is again:


Aunt Melissa's Awesome Chai Berry Smoothies

1/3 of a 20 oz glass of Ice
1/2 c. frozen blueberries
1/2 c. frozen blackberries
1 T. Trader Joe's Organic cranberry sauce
1 t. Trader Joe's Ginger Spread
1/2 scoop Trader Joe's All Natural Chai (No Sugar Added) drink mix
2 scoops vanilla protein powder splash of milk



If using the Magic Bullet, add about 1/3 of a beverage container with ice and add the next ingredients in order. I made the mistake of adding the powders too soon. The smoothie blends best if the powders are nearest the blender blades and large ice chunks hit the blades last. If using a conventional blender, add ingredients in reverse order.

MMMMMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmm a Very Berry Morning



Have a productive work day!



Aunt Melissa

Bob Moves In

I'm pleased to report that Bob(though very shy indeed) seems very content in his new home. He's a little tentative after his surgery today, and walking downstairs proves a challenge on painkillers and really short legs.... but he met the husband, took a quick tour, very politely stayed out of the kitchen when instructed this space would be off-limits, and quickly found a favorite spot in front of the sofa with his sweet puppy head resting contentedly on my feet.

An hour or two later, there was one tiny mistake on the carpet. No worries, we gave it another try, introducing a small amount of water, set the egg timer for 30 minutes and after the alarm sounded, roused the poor little guy from sleep to go for a long, long, long walk. This proved the perfect Strategy. I'm happy to report that Bob now knows where the doggy bathroom is and it is not on the floor 10 inches to the right of my husband's favorite spot on the sofa. =/


No photos, I'm afraid, as husband and dog are both asleep in front of the television in a dark room... and well, Bob's shiny black coat serves as total camouflage in the dark.

....Unless, of course, you choose to believe one of two alternate theories:


a) Bob attended Hogwarts or
b) Bob is an INCREDIBLY talented scientist wayyyy ahead of the pack

you decide ===============>

Happy to have a dog in the house,


Aunt Melissa

Bashful Bob

The economy's bad. My client companies are facing challenges (like so many are just now). It's probably the worst time in the world to adopt a new family member, but look at those eyes!

They call him "Bashful" at LA Animal Services West Valley shelter and I don't know how he'll feel about it when we get him home, but I'm thinking Bashful Bob will be the first name we suggest when he joins our family on Monday.

If you know me, you know I've been heartsick for almost six years after losing my best friend Buddy, faithful sidekick and loving companion of 16 years... And I've been reticent to bring anyone else home. I'm torn between wanting another fearlessly faithful and protective guard-dog companion and a sweet and loving lapdog that just wants to cuddle on the couch while I knit and watch movies. I'm TOTALLY in love with my best friend Katerina's sweetheart of a poodle, Mandy and think think perhaps a female poodle might be the way to go.... then I remember how much I loved the long walks with Buddy and the great feeling of security knowing that he would protect me to the ends of his life and abilities. As a matter of fact, I haven't slept soundly since he's been gone. Knowing that he was ever vigilant and listening for intruders (and even though he would bark in his sleep and make rustling sounds and jingle his little collar in the middle of the night) I would always sleep soundly, secure in the fact that if anyone tried to enter my home we would attack with a vengeance and warn us out of sleep to be prepared before anyone could possibly make it to the bedroom.

I've been afraid to open my heart to another canine companion. And after the job full of hope and security turned into crazy land last Christmas and I found myself starting over again I've been too cautious to adopt a new family member. I've been looking and looking and subscribing to emails and trolling all the adoption sites in hopes that one sweet angel would tug at my heartstrings and beg to come home to be part of our little family.

Bashful (Bob) has a beautiful shiny black coat! His face and body scream "I'm a Labrador Retriever", but his little legs betray the fact that one of his parents was definitely a Beagle. He's shorter than a Lab and larger than a Beagle and weighs about 43 pounds. He was very patient with his suite-mate who was jumping and barking for attention. Bashful (Bob maybe) was sleeping, then patient and only slightly interested in me when we took him into the visiting room. It took him a little while to warm up. At first I didn't think he was interested in me as a friend at all. But I sat patiently and waited for him to be unafraid, and then I asked to hold the leash. He didn't seem to mind when I led him to the other corner of the room and easily followed me around for a while. When I sat again, he sniffed the back of my knee and then laid his little head against my leg. He seemed to become noticeably more at ease and relaxed when I stroked his head and spoke to him gently.

I don't know how he'll be at home and whether he will like my husband or not. I don't know how he'll react to a man. In the beginning, he balked at being on the leash for the gentlemen shelter worker, but after he warmed to me and we sat for a while talking together Bob then went over to the shelter worker and became friendly with him, too. He was found on the street and labeled "Shy" with a warning that shy dogs sometimes snap when threatened.. but he seemed nothing but sweet and docile with me, so I'm hoping he likes it here and we can become great friends.

Bob (if he accepts this name, only time will tell) will go to the Vet on Monday and have sterilization surgery and I should be able to pick him up and bring him home sometime in the afternoon. Then will come the real test, but I'm looking forward to a long holiday weekend to get acquainted. LA Animal Services gives adoptive parents 10 days as a test run. If Bob isn't happy here in our home or if for some reason things just don't work out, we can take him back and allowed 30 days to find another adoptee who is happy in our home.

I hope Bob likes it here and we all get along. My heart has longed for new puppy love for a very long time. My husband doesn't mind dogs, and since I'm clearly the one obsessed with them really only cares that I find one that I love.

Fingers are crossed and we are nervously hopeful that Bashful Bob loves us and we love having him here, too.


CAR CRUSHES

Have you ever had a "Car Crush"? I'm notorious for them!

A few years ago, my heart leapt every time I saw a Volkswagen Passat. I wanted a silver one, with black interior. They look so sophisticated! Clean lines, fuel efficient! I think I would look really good in one! But I held my yearnings in check and continued to drive my fully owned (yes, completely paid for) Mercury Mystique. Next came my Toyota Prius crush. Oh how I loved the totally different look! And 50 mpg! Wow! Cute, roomy AND good for the environment. That crush lasted about 2 years.

Until I saw the Mini Cooper!



















What is it about this little car that makes me want to follow it and take photos during my morning commute? Why do I dream about the way it will feel turning tight corners and accelerating with the power of a mini-race car? Fuel Efficient??? Well, not so much, really, but in 2009 an electric version is due for release.

The Clubman might be just the answer for our expanding family (err... if Bob wants to stay with us) large enough to carry both dog and telescopes hopefully? =)

Here's to hoping the economy gets MUCH much better, BOTH adults in our household find security in interesting and stable jobs and perhaps a new car drives into our garage.

Perhaps I'm overly optimistic. Sadly, most often I'm overly concerned. But there is one promise I hold onto:

Phillipians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Be optimistic. Be strong. Have hope for tomorrow.
Have a very happy weekend!

Aunt Melissa

Smoky Photos

The smoke is thick even at the beach and extending out into the ocean today. As you know, there are fires burning all over the LA area and the mayor has declared a state of emergency.

This was the view on my way to the office late this afternoon. I was amazed to see people still riding their bikes and jogging along the beach.




Me? Well photo speaks for itself, doesn't it?

Aunt Melissa hates smoke and her sinuses hate it even more.. so lovely precautions are taken.














These last two photos are taken from Top of Topanga. Usually you can see a lot of twinkling lights on the floor of the San Fernando Valley. It is a lovely sight indeed, but tonight there's much smoke and too dim to make out in the distance across the valley is the glow of the Sylmar fire.

Must Go to Work, but I'm glued to Fire Coverage!

YIKES! It's hard to tear away from the fire coverage! Please pray that the winds die down and no additional homes are lost! Our prayers are for the firefighters and the evacuated residents.

Luckily we haven't experienced any of the rolling blackouts, but some residents in the LA area are losing power, related to the fires.

Aunt Melissa's Awesome Chai Berry Smoothies

Sorry, I know I already posted today, but immediately afterward I set off to the kitchen to play with the Magic Bullet Blender. I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker form infomercials and have resisted the temptation to buy this gadget for over two years.

More than a year ago I found the Magic Bullet at Kohl's department store at half the price sold on the infomercials and every single time I go to the Fallbrook mall that silly Magic Bullet has been calling me from behind Kohl's brown brick walls. Two nights ago I succumbed to the calls and since unboxing the gadget on Thursday night, I've been blending everything in sight!

Aunt Melissa's Awesome Chai Berry Smoothies

1/3 of a 20 oz glass of Ice
1/2 c. frozen blueberries
1/2 c. frozen blackberries
1 T. Trader Joe's Organic cranberry sauce
1 t. Trader Joe's Ginger Spread
1/2 scoop Trader Joe's All Natural Chai (No Sugar Added) drink mix
2 scoops vanilla protein powder
splash of milk

If using the Magic Bullet, add about 1/3 of a beverage container with ice and add the next ingredients in order. I made the mistake of adding the powders too soon. The smoothie blends best if the powders are nearest the blender blades and large ice chunks hit the blades last. If using a conventional blender, add ingredients in reverse order.

Unfortunately, no photo at this moment because I've misplaced my cell phone (yes that explains the poor quality of photos on this blog... HA!) But these smoothies are beautiful to look at, too. Nerd to the third loved his smoothie and commented on not only the great flavor but the really pretty color, too!

Happy Smoothies!

Aunt Melissa

Fire Season Hangs on with a Vengeance

Camera phone just doesn't do justice to the beautiful drive home I have along the beach most days at sunset.


Mom, I'm making this post especially for you. We are absolutely fine. The doors and windows are closed and air purifiers are running to keep out the smoke.


Many unlucky people miles away have lost their homes to fire. It is an understatement to say that we are all ready for fire season to be over this year!!!

I'm blogging for you, Mom, because I've misplaced my cell phone and expect you are probably worried sick with pictures of the fires in the news. Again, the fires are on everyone's minds today, but we are safe and sound. I'm actually going into work for a little while today in preparation for meetings next Monday.

Must run, just wanted you to know that we are A-okay!

Aunt Melissa

Update November 11, 2008

Miscellaneous updates since we talked last month:



Gay people most definitely want the equal right to marry in California (as evidenced by the protest march blocking my way home from work tonight !!!!). A big "Yeah" for freedom of speech, but an even larger "thank you" for not making me sit through more than 4 consecutive green lights before allowing me to pass while you exercise that right....




Aunt Melissa's husband (Nerd to the Third*) obviously loves her very much or he wouldn't be making rabbit ears behind her head as she stands in line to perform her civic duty and exercise her precious right to vote for our new President on Nov. 4.!!






Aunt Melissa taking self-portrait in excitingly long line to vote (without rabbit ears, thank you).











Oops, I totally FORGOT my husband(aka Nerd to the 3rd*)'s birthday last Friday (don't be appalled, so did he!); but we recovered quite quickly by baking and eating a luscious dark chocolate layer cake with yummy, yummy frosting.





I think I mentioned a few recipes from Clean Eating recently. Here are a few photos of one recipe I particularly like..."Veggie, Rice & Cheese Supreme" which appears on page 56.





And here's a photo of the Low-Fat Cheesecake Pears (Page 47) simmering away prior to filling with cream cheese filling. (I substituted fresh cranberries for the cranberry juice recommended in the recipe).



I think that's all of the miscellaneous ramblings I have time for tonight.

Please send positive, positive thoughts and heavy-duty prayers up for my job, as it seems to be touch and go every day. Then again, with this economy, everyone's job seems to be touch and go every day...

My very best to all of you!

Aunt Melissa



*Computer Geek/Amateur Astronomer/Meteorologist=Nerd raised to the 3rd power.