tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-526729546215560132024-03-12T20:03:11.991-07:00Canines and CuisineAnecdotes for Dog and Food LoversLiz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-11085764199782912092017-05-19T12:28:00.001-07:002017-05-19T12:33:01.885-07:00Summer Salad with Pasta & Spinach<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQgKn4ZWMXw/WR8_45y2poI/AAAAAAAAVO8/6Av7UlpZubkGxaQzHQe2A6wTx_LjnvigQCLcB/s1600/picnic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CQgKn4ZWMXw/WR8_45y2poI/AAAAAAAAVO8/6Av7UlpZubkGxaQzHQe2A6wTx_LjnvigQCLcB/s200/picnic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Some of us have great stories, pretty stories that take place by a lake, with boats and friends and noodle salad.<br />
~ Melvin Udall, <i>As Good As It Gets</i><br />
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As summertime approaches, the warmer weather inspires many of us to choose a lighter fare of dining. Summer salads are an easy way to whip up a light, refreshing and delicious meal. I came across this salad recipe, courtesy of <b><i>Creme de la Crumb</i></b>, and it is a delightful mixture of greens, fruit and pasta with wonderful textures and flavors. Of course, as with most recipes, I add my own twist, but either way, I guarantee you will love this salad. You may serve it as a side dish or add some shrimp or chicken to it and make it a meal.<br />
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Grab yourself some baby spinach, cilantro, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, pine nuts and bow tie pasta and toss it up with a sweet and tangy teriyaki dressing. The original recipe is here and below it, I tell you how I altered it. <br />
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Mandarin Pasta Spinach Salad with Teriyaki Dressing</div>
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Prep time</div>
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<time datetime="PT15M" itemprop="prepTime" style="box-sizing: border-box;">15 mins</time></div>
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Total time</div>
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<time datetime="PT15M" itemprop="totalTime" style="box-sizing: border-box;">15 mins</time></div>
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<div class="ERSSummary" itemprop="description" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0.45px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">
This salad is easy, quick, healthy, and tossed in the most addictive teriyaki vinaigrette dressing!</div>
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Serves: <span itemprop="recipeYield" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">4</span></div>
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Ingredients</div>
<ul style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">8 ounces bowtie pasta noodles</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">4 cups spinach leaves</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">½ cup craisins or raisins</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">⅓ cup cashews or Diamond of California Pine Nuts</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">1 4-ounce can mandarin oranges, drained</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">¼ cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped</li>
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dressing</div>
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<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">⅓ cup teriyaki sauce (the thicker, the better!)</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">⅓ cup rice wine vinegar (may sub apple cider vinegar)</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">½ teaspoon garlic powder</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">½ teaspoon onion powder (if you have it)</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">¼ teaspoon salt</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">¼ teaspoon black pepper</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">1 tablespoon sugar</li>
<li class="ingredient" itemprop="ingredients" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0px 0px; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: disc inside; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;">½ cup oil (such as vegetable oil, canola oil, olive oil)</li>
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<div class="ERSInstructions" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 300; letter-spacing: 0.45px; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; orphans: 2; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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Instructions</div>
<ol style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">While pasta is boiling, prepare the dressing. In a jar combine all dressing ingredients. Cover and shake to combine. Chill until ready to use.</li>
<li class="instruction" itemprop="recipeInstructions" style="background: 0px 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: inherit; list-style: decimal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 30px; padding: 0px;">In a large bowl toss together pasta, spinach, raisins, nuts, mandarin oranges, and cilantro. Just before serving pour dressing over salad, toss, and serve.</li>
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This is how I changed it up and it was delicious!<br />
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I added the following:<br />
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<li>fresh slices of mandarin orange (versus canned)</li>
<li>about a cup of shredded cabbage</li>
<li>sliced fresh strawberries</li>
<li>fresh blueberries</li>
<li>some crumbled feta cheese</li>
<li>boiled fresh shrimp (I think you could add some grilled chicken and it would be great, too!)</li>
<li>a TBS of honey and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to the teriyaki dressing</li>
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Enjoy! </div>
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Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-71747720412145167442016-02-14T18:23:00.001-08:002016-02-14T18:23:32.803-08:00My Funny, Little Valentines<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CM9u3OPIkSY/VsEnwIZee1I/AAAAAAAAU0s/0Aw6krwB0TE/s1600/Valentine.Boys.2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CM9u3OPIkSY/VsEnwIZee1I/AAAAAAAAU0s/0Aw6krwB0TE/s320/Valentine.Boys.2016.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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"The world would be a nicer place if everybody had the ability to love as unconditionally as a dog." ~ M.K. Clinton<br />
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It's Valentine's Day. Lots of love in the air. Facebook posts loaded with hearts and flowers and hugs and kisses. It's been awhile since I have had a human 'Valentine'. Except for my mom. Mom will always be my Valentine. But really it's been just me and my pups for a long time now. And that's okay. It's better than okay. It's wonderful.<br />
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It was a beautiful, sunshiny day today. Birds chirping in the trees in the early morning hours and blue skies with wispy clouds hanging in the backdrop. Flowers are already peeking out of the earth and it feels like Spring. After a lot rain the last few weeks, there is so much green everywhere! People are outside, mowing lawns, taking walks and even cooking outside on their grills. My doors are open to let in the fresh air. I almost forget that it is still Winter.<br />
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The boys and I had a good day. We hung out in the yard in the morning and went for a leisurely walk together in the afternoon. There is a field close by with lots of tall grass for Raleigh to munch on and lots of mole mounds for Izzy to dig and stick his face into. I have to keep them on leash as there is a busy road nearby and I also do not trust them not to run off. <br />
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Dogs can have so much fun doing the simplest of things. Sniffing every single bush, pole and flower and peeing on fallen palm fronds; digging in the dirt and rolling in the grass. Just watching them gives me a peaceful feeling. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOlWJ_qz_Xs/VsEz-GaDmqI/AAAAAAAAU1A/fqNsUX8bMNM/s1600/2016.2.14.Izzy.in.the.tall.grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oOlWJ_qz_Xs/VsEz-GaDmqI/AAAAAAAAU1A/fqNsUX8bMNM/s320/2016.2.14.Izzy.in.the.tall.grass.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I am happy to have spent my Valentine's Day with the two little rascals that love me unconditionally every single day. </span></div>
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Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-58749515052292139902016-01-16T13:12:00.000-08:002016-01-16T15:38:13.127-08:00The New Kids in Town<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"To get a dog is to open yourself to profound joy, and prospectively, to equally profound sadness." ~ <i>Marjorie Garber</i><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></b></i></div>
It's been a long time since I have posted in this blog. My last post was written while I was grieving the loss of my beautiful Henry. It was very difficult to write about it. And then, a couple of months later, I lost Walter. My grief was so profound, I could not even bring myself to post a farewell to my special boy. Those were some dark days for me.<br />
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Walter had been suffering from arthritis and I was tirelessly trying to control it with medicine and acupuncture and other therapies that might help his mobility and ease his pain. Although it was somewhat helpful for a while, his tired legs and spine could no longer hold him up and his anxiety level had risen to a point of concern. I had a hard time trying to lift him up to go potty and even then, he could not stand long enough to finish. It was heartbreaking. I had that difficult conversation with my Vet about the inevitable. It was Walter's time to meet Henry over the rainbow. And once again, only two months after losing Henry, I was saying goodbye to Walter. <br />
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Walter was the sweetest and kindest dog I have ever met. He was happy to take a back seat to Henry. He absorbed every joy and every sorrow because of his empathetic nature. He rarely left my side - always wanting to be at my feet, his body touching mine in some way. He welcomed everyone he met with warmth and a gentle lean and a wag of his tail. He had a child-like innocence about him all the way until his 12th year and beyond. Walter was a true-blue, supportive companion and was always there to give me comfort when comfort was needed. He was pure love. I miss him so much.<br />
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When Walter breathed his last breath, I was holding him tight, whispering love songs into his ear. I closed my eyes and saw Henry running up to greet him and they were smiling. They were no longer in pain and no longer of this earth. But they still live in my heart. They will always live in my heart.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">~</span></b></div>
We all heal at own pace, in our own way. Since the summer of 2014, I traveled on an amazing adventure to Africa, a life-long dream, and, I adopted a couple of little dogs. The healing began.<br />
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The healing of the heart sometimes feels insurmountable. Fortunately, the heart is resilient. It mends. Perhaps, it even grows a little in the process.<br />
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It's already 2016 and the time has moved so swiftly. I have had my two new little muppets - Raleigh and Izzy - in my life for over a year now. All is well. Both of them ran out of time at a shelter, and luckily, they were rescued.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8FXQkqdR0w/VpqwZ9BdMmI/AAAAAAAAUv0/59kJh9wuXmU/s1600/Raleigh%2Bfin%2Bthe%2Bbeginning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8FXQkqdR0w/VpqwZ9BdMmI/AAAAAAAAUv0/59kJh9wuXmU/s320/Raleigh%2Bfin%2Bthe%2Bbeginning.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raleigh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4xowRA755I/Vpqwo-JcxzI/AAAAAAAAUwA/4M7Nr3KB7wg/s1600/Izzy.7.2.2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4xowRA755I/Vpqwo-JcxzI/AAAAAAAAUwA/4M7Nr3KB7wg/s320/Izzy.7.2.2015.jpg" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Izzy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And then, they rescued me.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9IehZGUqiY/VpqxEA2DznI/AAAAAAAAUwM/lEWQwoK59S8/s1600/Liz.R%2526I.New.Years.Eve.12.31.2014.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9IehZGUqiY/VpqxEA2DznI/AAAAAAAAUwM/lEWQwoK59S8/s400/Liz.R%2526I.New.Years.Eve.12.31.2014.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-66127603240263452732014-07-26T15:16:00.000-07:002014-08-01T22:06:32.633-07:00Loving Henry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~ Anatole France</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In loving memory of my sweet Henry.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g9VeXUInFpY/U9QL_t4TVaI/AAAAAAAAEb0/kuNKUhXm8ls/s1600/W%2526HBaby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g9VeXUInFpY/U9QL_t4TVaI/AAAAAAAAEb0/kuNKUhXm8ls/s1600/W%2526HBaby.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving Henry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">George Bernard Shaw said: "Heartbreak is
life educating us." I'm all for education; I just wish it didn't
have to hurt so much sometimes.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I lost my beloved Henry on June 24, 2014.
It's been a month already since that sweet boy closed his eyes and
soared to the rainbow bridge and still, I grieve. I still look for that
happy smile and those big, bright, brown exotic eyes. I still wait to
hear his 'woo-woo' howl when I walk through the door in the evenings. But
it doesn't come. He isn't at the door, wagging his whole body, and he isn't
even around the corner, lying in his hammock bed, wiggling and woo-wooing
because he just can't get up anymore to greet me at the door. Even
Walter, his big brother, lies quietly on the floor next to the place where Henry's bed used to
be. I had to take it away because Walter wouldn't use it and it was a
painful, empty reminder - like Tiny's Tim's lonely crutch standing solemnly in
the corner by the fireplace. I would rather look at all the smily, happy
photographs all over the house to give me glimpses of Henry's beautiful spirit.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WqsCg6CfiPs/TVM9dtFHRhI/AAAAAAAAASo/RRRJg-bnppk/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WqsCg6CfiPs/TVM9dtFHRhI/AAAAAAAAASo/RRRJg-bnppk/s1600/003.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry loves his hammock bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I swear, I have cried so many buckets of tears in
my lifetime, I could fill the Pacific Ocean. I have dealt with a lot of
loss in the past year. I was divorced in September of 2013; I lost Macky,
my 22-year old kitty (and my longest companion), on February 14th of this year;
and now Henry is gone, too. It's a lot to wrap my head around and I find
myself floating in a deep sea of thoughts and emotions so often lately. I have been
donating to many animal rescue causes with Henry in mind, because he had such
a generous spirit; and perhaps I can help ease the pain of an animal in need. I
think about getting another dog. Not to replace Henry, and not because I
must have another dog - but for a companion to Walter, who has deeply
experienced all these losses, too. He is such a soulful creature and he
seems to be a little lost and lonely after losing almost all his family
members and best buddies. Walter is getting on in age as well, and he doesn't have a lot of energy anymore. But he is true blue and my devoted
companion. We spend a lot of quiet time together these days. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It's summer time and
I can't help but think about Henry running into the bay to paddle around with
that look of pure concentration and rapture! He really loved to swim! I think it also helped his joints feel better. Henry loved life so
much. Every walk we took was an adventure for him. Every nook and
every cranny was sniffed and inspected and every sound was captured and
pondered. He was such a joy to watch; and to be around Henry, was to be
truly happy and at peace.</span></span><!--EndFragment-->
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry loved to swim. Smooth as silk.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Henry might have been serious about swimming but
he also had a comedic side. Check him out in his Halloween costume here:</span><span style="font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry as a Mad Scientist. What a good sport!</td></tr>
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When I went to the Denver International airport to
pick up Henry after being flown to me from Canada's Kyon Kennels in April of 2003, I could hear
his yelps echoing in back of the cargo area before they even brought out his
crate. Everyone was laughing because he had so much energy and made it
very clear that he wanted out of that crate right away! I was more than happy to
take him out and hold that little ball of white fluff while I signed the
retrieval documents. He was licking my face and squirming in my arms; and I knew from
that moment, that I was going to love him forever.</span></span><!--EndFragment-->
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whj9DxkdPKg/U9QaFHqP2TI/AAAAAAAAEcM/66hPWPfhFt8/s1600/Henry+little+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-whj9DxkdPKg/U9QaFHqP2TI/AAAAAAAAEcM/66hPWPfhFt8/s1600/Henry+little+baby.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at that sweet, baby face!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AD9D_dFdWg/U9QY8il3dfI/AAAAAAAAEcE/kUcxER_FUlQ/s1600/Henny+on+his+back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AD9D_dFdWg/U9QY8il3dfI/AAAAAAAAEcE/kUcxER_FUlQ/s1600/Henny+on+his+back.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As a baby, Henry liked to sleep on his back. Silly dilly.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I</span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> <span style="font-size: 13pt;">know there are many people who say they will
never get another pet because they could not bear to go through the grief of
losing another one. I get that - I really do. The grief is
excruciating. But if we didn't have the sorrow, we would have never known
the joy. That's the deal, isn't it?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">So, I say: Here's to the joy! Here's to knowing that my soul has certainly been awakened</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> because I have definitely known the
unconditional love and devotion of an animal.</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's to loving Henry.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ek3YP9bfT4/URas4_JaBaI/AAAAAAAACZ8/0yZdSamcxuA/s1600/Darling+Henry.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Ek3YP9bfT4/URas4_JaBaI/AAAAAAAACZ8/0yZdSamcxuA/s1600/Darling+Henry.JPG" height="288" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always watchful and caring</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13pt;">My </span><span style="font-size: 17px;">beautiful</span><span style="font-size: 13pt;"> boy.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9R3CzvP38bM/UBskrmCgQvI/AAAAAAAACH4/p3_ZuwazewY/s1600/Henry+Baby1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9R3CzvP38bM/UBskrmCgQvI/AAAAAAAACH4/p3_ZuwazewY/s1600/Henry+Baby1.JPG" height="400" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Forever, Henry </td></tr>
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Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-19874651408097891572013-09-22T19:28:00.000-07:002013-09-23T09:51:12.017-07:00For the Love of Old Dogs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." <br />
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Having senior pets can be challenging. Having three senior pets at one time can be extremely challenging. But I will tell you why I will be there every step of the way, whenever they need me, for as long as they need me. Our pets are our family members. For me, mine are my kids. I raised my cat, Mac, since he was only hours old - found abandoned in a garbage dumpster shortly after his birth. I have raised my dogs from 8 weeks old. Yes, they are my kids. They are part of me - deep inside my heart and forever in my soul. <br />
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In the past year, my little family has had to face a good deal of change. My husband moved out of our home and the boys had to tackle some major adjustments - as did I. It's hard to explain to your pups why their dad is gone and never coming back. He played a big part in their daily routines and I know it was a confusing time for them. With the help of an animal communicator friend, I have come to learn that they are more concerned about <i>me</i> and how I am feeling than they are for their own well-being. How so truly "golden" of them! Golden Retrievers are known for their relentless mission to please everyone. And lucky me - I get to be their mom – top dog, and their True North. <br />
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My boys have been loyally by my side like Velcro pillows - every step of the way through my pain - and through my joy. Anyone that has lived with a dog cannot deny that dogs have feelings. I am a believer that their feelings go beyond human emotions. They are bona fide empaths. Walter and Henry are like sponges - literally soaking up my sorrow, selflessly making it their own cross to bear; and yet, in a heartbeat, they so effortlessly rejoice in every single, little delight.<br />
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The boys are getting older now and I know I have to confront the inevitable decline in the way-too-short lives of our dear, animal friends. They don't move as comfortably as before. They need a little boost from me when they stand up or climb the stairs. We make more visits to the Vet than we did before. But, no matter how tired or how stiff they seem to be, when I walk through that door in the evenings, somehow - <i>and believe me, I know it must take a great deal of effort </i>- they hoist themselves up off the floor just so they can greet me at the door with that exuberance only a dog can exhibit. Seriously, I don’t know any human that would exert themselves to that extent without complaint. To me, it is the most genuine and truest love. It’s that completely pure, unconditional love that we humans are either not capable of giving or just not willing to show. <br />
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In all the years I have lived with these fiercely devoted animals, I have come to believe that a dog’s feelings are far more intense than human feelings. We humans are capable of loving and hating the same person (sometimes at the same time!) where I believe that once dogs love a human, they will always love that human, no matter what. And each time they see the ones they love, they simply can’t help but show how truly happy they are. How fortunate are those who have lived with dogs and have known that kind of devotion!
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So, as they grow older, and may not be as “easy” as they were when they were younger and could easily get up off the floor on their own, climb stairs without a boost, run around the dog park with boundless energy, effortlessly jump up into the bed and cuddle every night…I will be by their sides through every ache, every pain and every thrill they experience - not just because I know they would do no less for me….but because I want them to know I would never do less for them. </div>
Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-65189689398197090782013-05-09T21:02:00.001-07:002013-05-09T21:02:20.243-07:00Dinner for One<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FxANovlpu2g/UYHartBs5DI/AAAAAAAACac/VwPpe1YfU68/s1600/IMG_1278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" lua="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FxANovlpu2g/UYHartBs5DI/AAAAAAAACac/VwPpe1YfU68/s320/IMG_1278.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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“We should look for someone to eat and drink with before looking for something to eat and drink, for dining alone is leading the life of a lion or a wolf.” ~ Epicurus<br />
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I have been remiss in posting to my blog. Actually, for the past six months or so, I have been remiss in doing most things I did before the recent changes in my life. Changes can be good and for the most part, I welcome change; but the changes that occur because they have been forced upon me due to significant and unfortunate life events, sometimes take a little extra effort to embrace. But here I am, surrendering to the inescapable, relentless changes that inevitably come with divorce. For all of you who have gone through the break-up of a marriage – or any long-term human relationship – the realization of it all is like jumping into ice cold water. It shocks and paralyzes. Thawing out takes some time. <br />
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Thank goodness my boys have been by my side to see me through some of the darker days.</div>
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I have been working hard and trying to get through all the emotional stuff that goes with the territory. Finally, I decided to take a little trip in an attempt to leave the daily grind behind, lick my wounds and soothe my soul. I wasn’t up to venturing too far away and where everyone was a stranger so I rented a little beach house in Florida, complete with a pool, a gourmet kitchen and a good friend within an hour’s drive. I figured I would laze by the pool and get some sun, read novels on my Kindle, walk on the beach and maybe cook a few yummy meals in the grand gourmet kitchen. It all sounded perfect as I played it out in my mind’s eye: a whole week of doing nothing but sunning and reading and cooking. <br />
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I have been to Florida several times in my lifetime and have always enjoyed bright, sunshiny days, sandy beaches lined with seashells and the sweet scent of gardenias in the air. So, I was excited to to pack my bag and take my worn out, pale, chilly San Franciscan self and head for warmer and sunnier shores. I had expectations of returning suntanned, healthy, relaxed, and well, recharged. As much as I love my boys and would miss them to the point of pain, I was going to do this, it would be good for me, and I was going to love it! <br />
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What I didn't anticipate was bad weather, and, ultimate boredom.<br />
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I arrived late on a Friday evening. My flight was comfortable and enjoyable. I rented a little car in Orlando and drove to the luxury beach cottage awaiting my arrival in Cocoa Beach. It was a breeze so far. Actually, warm, soft breezes rustled the palm tree leaves as I stepped out of my car and carried my suitcase across the threshold of my little escape haven. I thought to myself: <em>I am here! This is gonna be great!</em><br />
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The gourmet kitchen was pretty impressive for a rental. Shiny, upscale appliances; a big refrigerator filled with condiments, a jug of fresh Florida orange juice and a chilled bottle of white wine. Lovely! I explored the house, checked out the pool, cracked open the bottle of wine and munched on some cheese and crackers before getting into bed. I couldn’t wait to wake up to Paradise. <br />
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I woke up very early on Saturday morning. Traveling through time zones does weird stuff to one’s inner clock. No matter – I could do what I wanted - I could take a nap or stay up all night every night of the week if I wanted! I was on vacation!<br />
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I looked out the window and noticed it looked a little cloudy. <em>Overcast morning</em>, I murmured to myself, it will burn off. I took my morning coffee out to the patio and searched for some sign of the sun. I mean, Florida is the <em>sunshine state</em>, right? Then, I decided to hop in my little rental car and drive to the nearest grocery store and stock up on food and wine. Surely the sun would come out by the time I finished shopping. <br />
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When I got back to the cottage, I noticed the tiniest bit of sunshine trying desperately (or was it me desperately seeking the sun?) to push through the clouds. I was actually rooting for it – out loud! Finally, at around 11:00 am, the sun started peeking through the cloud cover and I took my opportunity to test the water in the sparkling salt-water pool out back. I was only in the pool for a few minutes when those pesky clouds started closing in again and that’s when I felt the first raindrops. <em>Oh, crap.</em> Rain on my first day? I thought to myself that it's common to have rain showers in these tropical climates, <em>isn't it?</em> So I wasn't too worried. Back to the covered patio I went. And there I sat for hours, watching the rain come down harder and harder while I waited for sunny skies that would never come. I read my book, made a sandwich, dabbled on Facebook, looked at email, listened to music.... and still the rain was torrential. Paradise lost on my very first day. What crappy luck.<br />
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Then I did the stupidest thing.<br />
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I grabbed my iPhone and looked up the weekly weather forecast for Cocoa Beach. Big mistake! There were little pictures of dark, grey clouds – some accompanied by cute little yellow lightning bolts – for every single day of the entire week of my stay! As I scrolled through each day, I clung to the word “chance” as in “chance of rain”, “chance of thunderstorms”…didn't that also mean there was a chance there <em>wouldn't</em> be rain or thunderstorms? The outlook got gloomier and gloomier as I read there was a 50%, 70%, 80% chance of rain as the week went on. <br />
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<em>This must be a mistake</em>, I thought to myself. (I think I actually said that out loud.)<br />
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This could not be! This was my vacation! This was Florida! This was the <em>sunshine</em> state! Nowhere does Florida advertise with little, dark grey clouds and yellow lightning bolts! I started to panic a little. What was I supposed to do with myself on my beach vacation when there was now a pretty slim chance I would ever even get to the beach? <br />
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Grasping to find a silver lining, I thought of the kitchen. I could spend time cooking on that fantastic gas cook top and in the high-tech oven - and that would take my mind off the weather. And so I resigned myself to the fact that it was not going to stop raining and went inside to see if I could keep myself busy for a little while. And so I cooked. Dinner for one.<br />
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After six months, you would think that cooking for myself and dining alone would be comfortable for me by now. Most of the time, it is fine. Actually most of the time, I don’t even cook for myself until I miss cooking so much that I spend an entire day preparing enough food that could feed me for two weeks. I cook because I enjoy it but eating food alone is a whole different can of beans. <br />
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With the limited selection of groceries I picked up, I managed to make a few tasty meals. Here, I made garlic chicken with penne pasta and sauteed green beans. </div>
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<br />When the sun finally came out on Monday, I rejoiced and spent as many hours outside as I could; swam in the pool and walked on the beach. Maybe the weather forecast was changing! Then, on Tuesday morning, those thoughtless clouds had the nerve to show up again! I mean, <em>seriously</em>? They were going to steal my Monday bliss so soon? I was patient, though. I still had the Monday glow of hope that the "chances" of sun were on my side. And I was right. At approximately 12:30, the clouds parted like the Red Sea and the glorious sun was shining bright right smack in the middle of the sky. And I had another glorious half day.</div>
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By Wednesday morning, I was convinced the clouds were just a tease and regardless of the forecast, they just visited for awhile and would leave sometime around mid-day. Alas, I was wrong. Wednesday was the day they were here to stay and brought their friends rain, thunder and lightning along for the party. </div>
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I kept myself busy with reading and watching TV. I slept in. I whined to my friend via text message and Facebook. I felt sorry for myself. I truly thought this vacation would be a peaceful getaway and I would enjoy being by myself while I slowly unloaded the stress from life back home. Instead, it made me feel even more alone and melancholy than ever. I admitted to myself that I would rather be back home hanging out with Walter and Henry and Mac. To make things worse, I looked up the weather back home in California and the forecast showed a week’s worth of big, bright suns and the words “clear” with temperatures in the 80’s. I was convinced there was some kind of curse on me. </div>
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The saving grace of this visit to Florida was having my dear friend Brenda close by. I did get to spend some time with her for dinner and catching up on each other's lives. Spending time with her helped soothe the sting of the disastrous weather and my unsuccessful attempt at a divine week at the beach. We actually ventured out to a restaurant on the pier (despite the ocean view of dark clouds and windy rain) and dined on lobster and shrimp and drank tropical drinks as if we were on a warm Caribbean island. We laughed and enjoyed our time together. Just look at our feast:<br />
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Friday could not have come soon enough. I was tired of the past three days of rain and thunder and lightning. I was ready to go home. As I was packing up the car to head to the airport, the sun came out. At that point, I was just grateful I didn't have to drive to the airport in the rain. Well, shame on me for being so optimistic. As soon as I was on the main highway to the airport, Mother Nature decided to stick it me one last time by dumping a tsunami of rain on my windshield. <br />
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The lion and the wolf are independent, self-sufficient, brave and strong. I guess it's sometimes necessary to be like the lion or the wolf in order to survive. If had my preference, I would sooner be the very social and pleasure-seeking Golden Retriever than the lone wolf; and I would much rather dine surrounded by friends. Epicurus was definitely on to something.<br />
<br />Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-47187525785144447222013-02-09T12:11:00.000-08:002013-02-09T12:11:03.351-08:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that people (and DOGS!) who have the most, live the longest."<br />
~ Larry Lorenzoni<br />
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It''s Henry's birthday today. He was brought into this world on February 9, 2003. He has brought more joy into my life than I could ever express. At 10 years old, he is happy and loved.<br />
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Happy 10th Birthday my sweet, special boy!</div>
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Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-1500162959689058752012-11-25T12:32:00.000-08:002012-12-07T08:43:31.013-08:00Giving Thanks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"If the only prayer you said in your lifetime was <i>'thank you'</i>, that would suffice." ~ Meister Eckhart<br />
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The San Francisco Bay area had seen rain for many days before Thanksgiving Day. I was hoping that the sun would make an appearance so I and my Thanksgiving visitor would be able to get outside and enjoy the beauty.</div>
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Luckily, on Thanksgiving Day, Kerry showed up - and so did the sun! It turned out to be a chilly, but sunshiny day... and so was the next day and the next day! Picture perfect! </div>
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Thanksgiving dinner this year consisted of all organic foods from Whole Foods, one of my most favorite places to shop for food. I ordered an organic young turkey and prepared it the traditional way - stuffed with fresh rosemary, sage and thyme and roasted in the oven until it turned a warm, golden brown.</div>
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My sides consisted of a mashed combo of new potatoes and butternut squash; roasted yams with pecans; sauteed green beans with almonds; crusty french bread stuffing with herbs, apples and walnuts and fresh cranberry relish. Everything tasted flavorful and delicious. It was so nice to be able to share Thanksgiving dinner with a good friend. We gave thanks for our health, family, friends, work and the unconditional love of our dogs. We drank Grey Goose martinis and shared some wonderful California wines. It was a lovely Thanksgiving Day.</div>
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I didn't bake this year. Instead, I ordered an assortment of delectable pastries from the Whole Foods bakery: mini fruit tarts, little cheesecakes, chocolate mousse and eclairs, cream puffs and cannolis! Yum!</div>
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On Friday, we ate pulled pork sandwiches and garlic fries at the Buckeye Roadhouse in Mill Valley for lunch. It was packed with people indulging in non-turkey treats. I love that restaurant and I am always happy to introduce its ambiance and splendid smokehouse specialties to my visiting guests. </div>
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We took advantage of the lovely weather and took the boys for a leisurely walk around Richard Bay Cove. The ducks were gathering in the pond off the wildlife preserve. They looked delighted as they perched on the rocks and swam with their friends and family in the protected waters.</div>
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We spotted a lone, winter white egret, walking on the sand bar at low tide. Further out you can see the divine diversity of bird life in the bay. Seagulls, ducks, pelicans, egrets and sandpipers prance along the sandbars in harmony. I wish humans would learn to share the world as well as these birds do!</div>
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Kerry and the boys enjoyed their walk and the views of the San Francisco skyline and the wildlife on the water. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kerry takes hold of the boys while they stop and pose for a photo</td></tr>
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<b>So much to be thankful for during this special time of year.</b></div>
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Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-38930729598407100012012-09-23T20:15:00.000-07:002012-09-27T13:02:54.307-07:00No Dogs Allowed?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"I'm thankful for waking up to another beautiful day. If you're living and breathing, then there's nothing to be depressed about." ~ Unknown<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mystical beauty</td></tr>
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It was the first day of Fall. Cool morning and warming up toward noon. A great day for a drive out to Point Reyes.<br />
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The winding road of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard is quite lovely. Heading west toward Point Reyes brings us to some unusual territory. Despite the sunny weather, the closer we got to the shore, the fog hung low and enveloped us and it felt as if we were driving high up in the mountains, through the clouds. A long road with old, historical ranches lines the road and one would never feel as if they were heading for a beach. But, once we hit the end of the road, there was an oasis at Drakes Beach. It is an, open, white sand beach surrounded by jagged rock cliffs. It looked like the shores of Hawaii. I was mesmerized. <i>We live here! </i> The tide was low and there was a sand bar that separated the surf and formed a pool of water on the sand. Sea birds strutted along the shore, leaving their little bird-feet impressions in the wet sand. It was peaceful and magical.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Other-worldly, is it not?</td></tr>
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Dogs were not allowed on this beach. Bummer. To have these guys with us and see the water and not be allowed to run down and jump in was excruciating. So Brian distracted and walked the boys around the parking lot for a break after our long ride and I was able to walk down to sand, take some photos and soak in the magnificent scenery. Truly breathtaking. It was a bit chilly and I wasn't dressed for the cold air so the boys didn't have to wait too long before I returned to take the leash and take my turn walking them around for a bit.<br />
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We left Drakes Beach in search of a dog-friendly beach and ended up at Stinson Beach which, unfortunately, did not allow dogs on this particular section of Stinson Beach. But it was okay because there was a great, grassy park where dogs were finally allowed! YAY! Brian and I took turns walking down the path to the sandy beach to take some photos. I could not believe that this beach, which looked so much like the Long Island beaches of my youth - it was surrounded by pine trees and cypress trees and hillsides....never saw anything like it. What a cool place. The boys stayed on leash for awhile and when I returned from the beach, Brian was seated at a picnic table and the boys were just leisurely exploring the park. They didn't wander off but just hung out and watched the activity. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When do you get to see this scene at a beach?</td></tr>
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After the low clouds at Drakes Beach in Point Reyes, the skies here were cloudless and stark, azure blue. There was no wind yet it wasn't too hot. It was one of those days when you say: "What a perfect day!" Fall in San Francisco is really its best season so its no wonder. Even though we struck out in finding dog-friendly beaches, the boys did get to go off leash and play and we had a glorious day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walter hanging with his dad</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walty having a moment</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry rockin' some shade</td></tr>
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I must say, I feel blessed to live in a place where the natural beauty takes my breath away on a regular basis.<br />
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Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-23429497407379209152012-09-01T18:13:00.000-07:002012-09-06T13:56:13.015-07:00A Hike with the Boys in Baltimore Canyon<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys resting on the trail in Baltimore Canyon</td></tr>
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"After a day's walk, everything has twice its usual value." ~ George Macauly Trevelyan<br />
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We took a great hike in a magical place called Baltimore Canyon, a 193-acre preserve located at the headwaters of Larkspur Creek in Marin County, California. Walking along the wooded trails, we were surrounded by Redwood, California Bay, Madrone, Fir and Big-Leaf Maple trees. The sunshine literally seeps through the cracks in the top branches of the trees and spills its white light on to the dark paths, creating the most exquisite shadows. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry on the trail</td></tr>
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We saw only a few others on our hike which made our walk particularly serene and special. Being virtually alone in the raw, crisp, coolness of the woods made me feel so small and quiet and peaceful as we stepped along the footpaths among the giant redwoods and their giant shadows. The dogs loved it, too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shadows on the footpath</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Footbridge</td></tr>
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There are little foot bridges that are there to cross over the creek when the water is high in the winter months. Right now, the creek is dry, but the forest is still alive with trees and plants and flowers and the songs of the birds that live there. I can't wait to come back in the wet, winter months to see the waterfall from the storm runoff.<br />
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I know we have only discovered a tiny percentage of the incredible beauty that exists in this part of California. Each time we come across something new, it just about takes my breath away and gives me a renewed respect for the power of nature.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mossy Trees</td></tr>
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Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-29950275243575917192012-08-25T13:04:00.000-07:002012-08-25T17:13:04.486-07:00Tribute to Walter: a Spiritual Empath<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Walter</td></tr>
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"A dog is the only thing on this earth that loves you more than he loves himself." ~ Josh Billings<br />
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Over the past few months, since Henry has been going through his pain treatments and has been under the weather, I have noticed a change in Walter's behavior. He is more alert and protective than usual, and seems to be carrying a little more weight on his shoulders and a little more heaviness in his heart. He has started turning back to head home early on our walks, as if to tell us that Henry should not be pushing himself too hard.<br />
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Walter is a gentle soul. When Henry came into our home in Colorado in April of 2003, it was clear that he was the Alpha Dog. Even though Walter was there first and was 8 months older than Henry, he willingly allowed Henry take the top dog spot. Henry had boundless energy and Walter seemed happy to just let him lead.<br />
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I met this wonderful woman named Terri O'Hara, owner of Animalwize, and who is, what some may call, an <i>animal whisperer</i>. She is one of those rare and special humans who has the ability to communicate with animals at a much deeper level than the average human. She was born with a gift. Now, I am sure there are some of you out there that don't believe in this kind of thing, but you must take my word for it - she is amazing. She has the ability to connect with animals on such a spiritual level, it will astonish even the most skeptical critics.<br />
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The first time she met our boys was in our home in Colorado. She sat in our family room and quietly communicated with each of our guys, including Mac. It was an incredible experience. Walter sat attentively on the floor in front of her while Henry was perched in his spot on the couch and Mac stood above her on the back of the couch. They seemed drawn to her from the moment she stepped foot in our home. I was fascinated. Her gentle touch and almost magical presence certainly captured our boys' attention. Henry was impatient and kept butting into Walter's time with Terri and all she said to Henry was this: "Henry, I am talking to Walter right now and you need to go back on the couch and wait your turn." Obediently, Henry did an about face and hopped back up to his perch. I was impressed. She would telepathically communicate with Walter and pass along his thoughts and feelings to me. I was in awe. She told me things that Walter was telling her and they were spot on. She could not have known these things. Psychic? Maybe. But somehow I knew these thoughts were coming from Walter. He was the "worrier" in our little family and he was telling this woman about all the things he worried about and all of her comments were so Walter-like, there was no doubt in my mind: he was communicating with her! <br />
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Walter is what I call an emotional and spiritual <i>empath</i>. He feels what others are feeling - be it pain or be it joy. It is his burden and it is his rapture. When I am ill, Walter will not leave my side. He will lie on the floor next to my bed for days on end or sometimes come up on the bed and gently lay his nose on my arm or on my chest and look at me with his big, brown, soulful eyes - as if to absorb my pain and make it his own instead. When I am happy and listening to music and dancing around the room, he puts his paws in the air to say to me: "dance with me, mama!" Walter radiates his delight and yet saddles himself with the anguish of others. Our boy lives in his own over-sized heart and carries around the feelings of others with the tenderest of care. So, when Henry's pain began to escalate and he was not at the top of his game, Walter stepped right in to do his tremendous and selfless job of striving to snuff out and soak up Henry's sorrow.<br />
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I have to tell you, it is a noble and beautiful thing to behold. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walter, sharing the bed with his younger bro and best buddy</td></tr>
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If you ever want to learn more about what and how your animals think and feel, and can't seem to quite get there on your own, visit Terri O'Hara at <a href="http://www.animalwize.com/">http://www.animalwize.com/</a> or visit her facebook page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/terri.ohara.7">https://www.facebook.com/terri.ohara.7</a> She holds communication classes, gives tips on animal behaviors and does private consultations - even over the phone!<br />
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Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-19245894373524985342012-08-15T11:37:00.000-07:002012-08-15T11:37:07.782-07:00Henry, the Cool Dude!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"If having a soul means to be able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans." ~ James Herriot<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry sporting his cool shades during laser therapy</td></tr>
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Henry goes to the Vet twice a week for shots of Adequan to help manage his pain. Adequan is a joint pain treatment that is injected into the muscle and helps with inflammation and hopefully relieves some of the pain from his arthritis. We have also started him on laser therapy treatments that also help with joint inflammation. He had his first treatment this week and is seen here sporting some very groovy goggles and a big smile. The technicians were giving him kisses the entire time he went through the treatment and I think he was digging the attention! Henry is a very cool dude.</div>
Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-55432854823207502292012-08-02T18:13:00.001-07:002012-08-12T20:08:53.041-07:00Henry Goes to the Doctor<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." ~ Anatole France<br />
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Taking one's dog to the Vet for his routine shots and check-up is one thing. Taking one's dog to the Vet when he needs an x-ray to determine how far gone his hips are and at the same time finding out that his liver has shrunk and is probably due to a side effect from the pain killers you have been giving him over the past couple of years, is another.<br />
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Henry has always had funky hips. We called him "Lead Butt" when he was just a couple of months old because his back end seemed to weigh a ton. We'd lift him up on the couch (a habit that has forever kept him on the furniture) and he always seemed to take a little extra effort when lifting his butt off the ground. Later, we would find out his hip joints were out of whack and he had arthritis on his backbone. He also had low thyroid function and was gaining weight which was putting additional pressure on his joints. So, we put him on a diet, fed him thyroid pills and helped him get more exercise. He lost 27 pounds (and still hs a little more to lose.) He had a tendency to limp after a good, long walk or after a good, long nap. Still, he was a happy boy. I started feeding him Glucosamine tablets and Glucosamine treats and eventually, started him on Rimadyl - a doggie painkiller. He needed it every day. He started to have more energy and seemed to be pain-free. He was doing great.<br />
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Unfortunately, after a check-up and a blood test, the doc noticed his liver enzymes were on the rise and the asked me to cut back on the pain pills. So I did. Finally, I stopped them altogether. But Henry started limping again and had such difficulty getting up from the floor that we knew we had to start a new treatment. He is now going into the doctor twice a week for Adequan shots to help reduce the inflammation in his joints and reduce the pain. After 4 weeks of this twice-a-week treatment, we will learn to do it ourselves and administer the shot once a month. There are also other treatment options - laser therapy and hip-replacement surgery. We are having consultations about all the available non-liver-hurting options to determine which one will be the most beneficial to Henry. Even if we have to eat Top Ramen for awhile in order to afford the operation (if that is determined to be the best option), then so be it. It shall be done.<br />
He is, after all, our baby boy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry - always smiling.<br />
We want to keep it that way.</td></tr>
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We are waiting to hear the results of Henry's ultrasound to understand the condition of his liver. It's killing me.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Post Note: </span></b>Henry had a mass on his liver and biopsy which turned out to be benign, thank goodness. We are giving him shots of Adequan and laser therapy treatments for his joint pain so hopefully he is on his way to feeling better. He is being such a trooper throughout this. We love our darling boy.<br />
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<br /></div>Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-90450450407089105042012-07-07T19:11:00.000-07:002012-07-08T13:40:37.308-07:00Vacation without the boys<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We came across this wonderful hidden beach</td></tr>
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"Hawaii is not a state of mind, but a state of grace." ~ Paul Theroux<br />
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Brian and I recently took a trip to Hawaii sans dogs (or cat for that matter). We spent a glorious week on the island of Kauai - the Garden Isle and the Island of Beauty. We have been to the Big Island and to Maui but this was our first visit to Kauai. Kauai was spectacular.<br />
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We rented a little condo right at the edge of Lawai Beach, where the surfers jump off the lava rocks onto their boards to do their dances on the waves. It was quite the show every day as we sat in our yard or on the patio, watching the ocean.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View form our backyard</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surfers push off the lava rocks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6jmeU5QkIxA/T_jiNlKBc4I/AAAAAAAACFk/-hoHRHbg6VE/s1600/Kuhio+Shores+%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6jmeU5QkIxA/T_jiNlKBc4I/AAAAAAAACFk/-hoHRHbg6VE/s400/Kuhio+Shores+%252810%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They put on a show every day</td></tr>
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Lawai Beach is a favorite spot for surfers and snorkelers and sea turtles make their home here. It is a great spot to watch the sunsets from the Beach House Restaurant.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset view from the Beach House</td></tr>
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We ate dinner at the <i>Beach House</i> one night and it was delicious. I had the biggest Mai-Tai I've ever seen. We ordered a watermelon salad served with caramelized red onions, Gorgonzola cheese, toasted macadamia nuts and drizzled with a raspberry vinaigrette. I ate Macadamia-crusted Mahi-Mahi (lots of Macadamia nut recipes in Hawaii!) and Brian enjoyed an excellent Angus Filet Minion steak. For dessert, we shared a yummy banana-puff pastry dessert.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puff pastry with bananas, caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coconut Shrimp from the Shrimp Station</td></tr>
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Because we had the condo, I would prepare eggs for breakfast and sandwiches to go when we headed out for day trip the beach or park. A couple of times we stopped and picked up some coconut or garlic shrimp to go from the local restaurants. Everything tasted so fresh and delicious. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garlic Shrimp from the local Food Truck in Koloa</td></tr>
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We also had a lovely dinner of fresh fish and roasted vegetables at the <i>Tidepools</i> restaurant in Poipu Beach. The restaurant overlooked a lagoon filled with Koi fish. I was naughty and tossed a piece of bread in the water and the fish went into a frenzy. Bad Lizzie. But Brian got a bunch of really cool shots of the fish with the iphone! Check it out:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorful Koi in the lagoon </td></tr>
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We took an amazing sunset sail along the Na Pali coast. They served us spinach lasagna and beer and wine but we didn't care what we ate. The coast was so incredibly stunning, it was mesmerizing. Check out some of these photos:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jurassic Park Location</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have you seen this in movies?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water fall inside the cave</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Romantic cave</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous coastline</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sunset part of the sail!</td></tr>
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I could post hundreds and hundreds of photos from this trip. It's hard not to be camera-crazy!<br />
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We sure missed our boys while we were gone. I would awaken in the middle of the night and imagine them lying on the floor next to the bed. It's strange how they seem to be with us even when they are 2500 miles away! <br />
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When we got home, we took them for a swim in the bay and all at once, everything was back to normal for all of us.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry back in the bay</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Walty goes in!</td></tr>
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</div>Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-57327525831994906092012-07-04T14:51:00.000-07:002012-07-04T14:58:53.743-07:00Henry Loses his Couch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Bye, Bye Stinky Couch!<br />
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Well, the time finally arrived. I called <i>1-800-Got-Junk?</i> and surrendered Henry's couch.<br />
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I actually fretted over this decision for a long time and the guilt I felt was overwhelming. That couch was Henry's favorite perch. I had a feeling he was going to deeply mourn its disappearance. I purchased a cool bed for him months before so he could transition to a new sleeping arrangement. Even though he uses the new bed from time to time, he eventually would end up back in his spot on the couch.<br />
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The couch was getting so dirty and stinky, it just had to go. After all, it was an eyesore positioned right in the middle of my living room. I tried to imagine that ridding ourselves of the stinky couch would be similar to a parent having to take away a favorite, disintegrating blanket from a child who should have outgrown it long ago. <i>The kid gets over it, doesn't he?</i><br />
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So, Brian and the boys headed out for ride in the car while I waited alone for the junk-removal guys to come and haul the couch away. I figured if Henry did not have to witness his beloved bed being hauled off and dismantled by the recyclers, the impact would be softer.<br />
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When they came back home, I acted as if nothing had changed, gave Henry a pat on the head and a handed him a bone, hoping it would distract him. Fat chance. He walked around in circles in the empty space where his couch stood invitingly only a couple of hours before. He looked at me with big, brown, inquisitive eyes and I could swear I heard him ask: "Where is it, Mom?" <i> Gulp.</i><br />
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I encouraged him to get in his fancy L.L. Bean bed and, reluctantly, he did. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay,I guess I will try it</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't know if I like it</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want my couch back</td></tr>
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After about a minute or so, he got up and headed back to his ghost-couch. He walked around in circles and laid his disappointed and defeated little body down on the floor. Hmmmph. <br />
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I have seen doggie-sofas for sale. I just might have to look into that. Call me crazy, but I just can't bear to see my little boy so sad. <br />
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</div>Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-31489041301887661662012-05-25T15:43:00.002-07:002012-05-28T11:45:39.689-07:00Walter’s Magic Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soft, colorful Gerbera Daisies</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">~ Ralph Waldo Emerson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Spring is in all its glory here in Tiburon. Fluffy green leaves flutter in the breeze and
explosions of color splatter the canvas of this Northern California
landscape. We have so many different
types of trees in our little neighborhood and flowering plants spring up at
every turn. It is a sight to behold.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lucky for all of us, Brian has taken up a new hobby: patio gardening. We have a large deck on the back of our
little abode with enough room for a fabulous array of flowers and trees. Last year, we started off with some big
potted Japanese privet trees and a couple of small fruit trees. But this year, Brian decided to adorn our
deck with colorful pots of flowers. He
has become quite the planter. I am very
impressed. His goal to is to fill the deck with decorative planters and flowers
and lattice so not only will it be a place of beauty, it will provide some
privacy for us as well. I have enclosed
some photos of the new garden which delights me every day. In the mornings when I wake up and open the doors
to the deck to the evening when I return home from work, I am greeted by happy
little flowers and showered with their fragrant aromas. We have petunias and daisies, chrysanthemums and
roses, gerberas and even fragrant jasmine. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Privet Trees and Potted Plants</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trees surrounded by colorful arrangements</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely yellow begonias pop with color in front of the fragrant jasmine </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little corner of color!</td></tr>
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Walter is particularly enchanted with this little flower garden on our patio. Every evening, when I return from work and round the corner to our back deck, I know I will spot Walter sprawled out on the deck surrounded by bursts of color. It does my heart good to see Walter so relaxed and at peace. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very peaceful Walter, looking at his magic garden</td></tr>
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And take a look at Henry sleeping soundly in his hammock bed by the garden. He will stay out there for hours and hours at the end of the day. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry is relaxed in the garden<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even Mac gets in on the action in Henry's bed on the deck</td></tr>
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Evenings on the deck are glorious and serene this time of year. The late-day sunshine saturates the leaves on the backyard trees and gently spills its hazy light onto the deck boards, while bathing us and the flowers in warmth and tenderness. </div>
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Wow. This little flower garden has worked its magic and calmed
the beast in us all. Cheers!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Colorful Collage of Flowers</td></tr>
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</div>Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-5433406652795557512012-04-21T15:32:00.000-07:002012-04-24T13:10:03.811-07:00Spring has Sprung!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"April hath put a spirit of youth in everything!" ~ William Shakespeare<br />
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Oh, how true it is! After months of rain and fog, Spring has come to the Bay. It was a picture-perfect day today and that meant the boys would be down by the bay, enjoying the sunshine and of course, jumping in the water! Here are some shots of our day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eLUXWTxUOhw/T5MzQfmXCGI/AAAAAAAACAA/4OEXWhQQ8_A/s1600/Purple+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eLUXWTxUOhw/T5MzQfmXCGI/AAAAAAAACAA/4OEXWhQQ8_A/s400/Purple+Flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple flowers along the path around the bay</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiburon Cove on Richardson Bay</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warmth on the Water</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HJE0X7j1iHA/T5Mr3PGoRRI/AAAAAAAAB-g/0kIoFtGcK8I/s1600/Walter+by+the+Bay.4.21.2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HJE0X7j1iHA/T5Mr3PGoRRI/AAAAAAAAB-g/0kIoFtGcK8I/s400/Walter+by+the+Bay.4.21.2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rare shot of Walter actually looking at the camera!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walter in the grass, gives me a glance....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BuxPcPlLqFs/T5Ms0p5vIoI/AAAAAAAAB-4/w_HTJ2OeS6c/s1600/Henry+in+the+water.4.21.2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BuxPcPlLqFs/T5Ms0p5vIoI/AAAAAAAAB-4/w_HTJ2OeS6c/s400/Henry+in+the+water.4.21.2012.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry takes a dip. He is always first in the water!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And such a happy boy after a dip!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of the skyline today - right in my own backyard!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Calla Lillies growing everywhere</td></tr>
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<b style="color: #674ea7; font-size: x-large;">Happy Happy Spring!</b></div>
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</div>Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-13540583019979765022012-03-17T12:29:00.001-07:002012-03-17T14:10:41.468-07:00Henry's New Bed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73gixkykChQ/T2Tgw6jkE8I/AAAAAAAAB7s/QNE3-CHDv24/s1600/2A-Sleepy-Dog-Napping-In-A-Dog-Bed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-73gixkykChQ/T2Tgw6jkE8I/AAAAAAAAB7s/QNE3-CHDv24/s200/2A-Sleepy-Dog-Napping-In-A-Dog-Bed.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><br />
It gives me great comfort to know that I am providing great comfort to my pets.<br />
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I have purchased little beds for Mac the Cat, but he prefers sleeping on top of the heat vent or curled in a ball on the pillow on my bed.<br />
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I have purchased beds and mats for Walter but he prefers to scratch the carpet while turning in circles until it is just right to stretch out on the floor and go to sleep. <br />
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But Henry likes his beds. When we moved up here from San Diego, we left our giant outdoor dog beds behind as they had seen their day.<br />
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In the Bay Area, the weather is not conducive to keeping dog beds outdoors; however, we do keep one hammock-style bed outside on the covered part of the deck. <br />
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Henry hangs in it.<br />
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Henry also has his very own couch - right smack in the middle of our living room. This is an old leather couch that we don't even sit on anymore because Henry has taken it over. It's really starting to look shabby and I long to replace it with a stylish, fabric couch. I haven't done it yet because guilt gets the best of me as I know that Henry will mourn the loss of his favorite perch. <br />
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So, here's my attempt to wean Henry off the living room couch. I purchased a nice, therapeutic, couch-like dog bed. My hope is that he decides to use that bed and spend less and less time on the leather couch. He seems to like it well enough. Take a look:<br />
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But will it last? Will I be able to get my new couch without the guilt that I am taking away Henry's favorite comfy couch? Fingers crossed. </div>Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-10578144645300377492012-02-25T20:15:00.003-08:002012-03-17T12:47:02.313-07:00Stuffed Paccheri Pasta with Butternut Squash Sauce<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">"Life is too short, and I'm Italian. I'd much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size 0." ~ Sophia Bush<br />
<i>(A woman after my own heart....)</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paccheri after being stuffed with Ricotta and Roasted Garlic</td></tr>
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I haven't been cooking as much as usual lately. I miss it. Tonight, I decided to make a pasta dish as I had purchased some <i>Dave's Gourmet Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce</i> and I wanted to try it. It is quite yummy. I may try and make homemade butternut squash sauce next time to see how that turns out. I bet it will be fun!<br />
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Here's how I made the stuffed pasta:<br />
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I boiled and drained about 24 Paccheri pastas until al dente and set aside to cool. These little tubular pastas are like mini Manicotti or jumbo Rigatoni pasta. In the meantime, I roasted 2 heads of garlic (drizzled with olive oil and wrapped in aluminum foil) in a 350 degree oven for a half hour. I mixed 15 ounces of ricotta cheese with one beaten egg and about 4 tablespoons of fine bread crumbs and gave the mixture a few dashes of black pepper, dried basil and nutmeg. I sliced a couple of shallots very thin and added those to the cheese mixture. Then, when the garlic was roasted all soft and golden, I squeezed the fragrant cloves into the cheese mixture, mashed it in and mixed it well. Yum! The smell of roasted garlic is one of my most favorite aromas on earth! <br />
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Put it all together:<br />
Stuff the Paccheri tubes with the cheese mixture (I used a small butter knife instead of a spoon) and laid them on top of some sauce in a shallow baking dish (as seen above in the top photo). Cover the pasta with more sauce and sprinkle with shredded Mozzarella cheese. You may add as much sauce as you desire. Bake the stuffed pasta for about 20 minutes to a half hour until cheese on top is melted and the sauce is hot and bubbly. Sprinkle some fresh Parmesan cheese on top and serve with a side salad and your favorite warm bread. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UV1JkLeVG0/T0mnTuvlf5I/AAAAAAAAB64/k1OzHYuKSqU/s1600/IMG_0136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UV1JkLeVG0/T0mnTuvlf5I/AAAAAAAAB64/k1OzHYuKSqU/s400/IMG_0136.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of the oven</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The butternut squash sauce added a soft and surprising sweetness to this dish. It is a simple meal with delicious flavors. We really enjoyed it and will have leftovers tomorrow for sure (pasta tastes even better the next day).<br />
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</div>Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-6015878324736561092012-02-18T21:46:00.001-08:002012-02-25T16:09:34.031-08:00Unconditional Love<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNT9o0McG6Q/T0CK0QJUTLI/AAAAAAAAB6k/FvY5RUBC2QY/s1600/canada+goose.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNT9o0McG6Q/T0CK0QJUTLI/AAAAAAAAB6k/FvY5RUBC2QY/s200/canada+goose.gif" width="200" /></a></div>Unconditional: without conditions. absolute.<br />
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"To give and not expect return, that is the heart of love." ~ Oscar Wilde<br />
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On my walk with Walter and Henry today, we saw lots of seagulls and birds walking on the bay in low tide. Canadian geese seem to be everywhere we look. They are always in pairs. I think I read somewhere that Canadian Geese mate for life and may only take another mate when widowed. I think Orcas do the same. How lovely and romantic to know they are so fiercely loyal. Again, animals never cease to delight me with their demonstration of unconditional love.<br />
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Here's a shot of the little cove at our apartment complex. Way in the back are two geese. My iPhone didn't get the best shot, but they were cuddling there, in love, forever.<br />
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Henry and Walter stood on the dock and watched intently while I took the photo. They know love when they see it.<br />
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</div>Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-8562004066328003482012-02-12T13:06:00.000-08:002012-08-26T14:13:21.825-07:00Henry's Feet<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have heard it said by some, that dog feet smell like salty snacks. </div>
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In our house, we refer to it as <b><span style="color: blue;">Frito Feet</span></b>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F59LYXQ33l0/TzgnqiR9SSI/AAAAAAAAB1k/wMraXtsIMhI/s1600/Hennys.Feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F59LYXQ33l0/TzgnqiR9SSI/AAAAAAAAB1k/wMraXtsIMhI/s400/Hennys.Feet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are Henny's cute little feet. He crosses them when he sits on the couch. Looks like he's wearing fluffy slippers. I call them his <i><b>Fancy</b></i> Feet.</td></tr>
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Does anyone else like the smell of their dog's paws? There's something strangely appealing about it! </div>
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Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-85993606534747940962012-02-05T18:33:00.000-08:002012-02-05T18:40:15.029-08:00Walty's back in the Hood....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0zv89qkz8Sc/Ty8uGxQq9lI/AAAAAAAABzc/G0z5xd1S9Ek/s1600/dogs_16272_lg.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0zv89qkz8Sc/Ty8uGxQq9lI/AAAAAAAABzc/G0z5xd1S9Ek/s200/dogs_16272_lg.gif" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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"Dogs love company....." J.R. Ackerly<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey, Dude! Do you dig my Hood?</td></tr>
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Walter managed to scratch his face again into a bloody mess. An ear infection and other allergies seem to get the best of him. Our lovely Vet, Dr. Lisa, managed to do a great job shaving the area and cleaning his wounds. She gave us some antibiotics to drop in his ears and rub on his face. His face is itchy and he wants to scratch it all the time. He tries to rub his face on the rug. I have to constantly watch him to ensure he doesn't scratch it open again. A cold compress seems to give him some relief but he is back in the Hood..<br />
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Sometimes I get the feeling he may even kinda like the Hood. <br />
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Lately, Walter has been climbing into our bed and stays there for hours on end. I guess he feels safe and comfy there. This is new behavior for Walter as he generally likes to sleep on the floor. Now he barks for me to come in and help him up the doggie-stairs and into the bed. The whole point of the doggie-stairs is so the boys are able to climb up on the bed all by themselves! Henry climbs the stairs on his own; but not goofball Walty. He only puts his front paws on the first step and I have to lift his 120-pound butt up those stairs. HA! Gotta love the Walty. Now he is in our bed almost all day and night, only to emerge to eat and go potty. He has even missed a couple of walks because he doesn't want to leave the bed. Is he just so comfortable or is he depressed? My poor, sweet guy!<br />
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While Walter is in the comfy bed sleeping away his troubles, Henry is alone in the living room. Usually always cheerful and upbeat, Henry seems a little down in the dumps as well. Is he feeling bad that Walter is in the Hood again? Does he know that Walter is uncomfortable and feels bad? Perhaps.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQTGjDyAUts/Ty8oex5xxdI/AAAAAAAABzM/eQeEXbmSAB4/s1600/DSCN0341-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xQTGjDyAUts/Ty8oex5xxdI/AAAAAAAABzM/eQeEXbmSAB4/s400/DSCN0341-1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry - looking a little lonely today :(</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">I think he just misses his best buddy.</div><br />
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</div>Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-42997898023938965852012-01-28T17:58:00.000-08:002012-01-30T08:54:29.024-08:00It was rainin' hard in Frisco....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">"A dog is one of the remaining reasons why some people can be persuaded to go for a walk." ~ O.A. Battista</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">So, far, we haven’t had a lot of rain this Winter in San Francisco. But recently, we had a few wet days. When it’s raining buckets, we sometimes skip a walk or it’s a very, very short one; but if it’s a lighter rain, and not so windy, the boys may get a full walk around the bay or the neighborhood, at the very least.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I prepared for this when we first moved up here. I bought a good rain slicker and rain boots and even a rain hat. I purchased two umbrellas – one small one for carrying in my bag and one fancy-schmancy English, wooden-handled, BIG umbrella so the whole family could get under it. Well, I figured out quickly enough that while trying to hold on to an umbrella and two 100+ pound dogs – rain or shine – it is not conducive to a pleasant walk. So, I would have to go sans umbrella. My handy rain hat would have to do.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As we ventured out into the rain, I was as dry as I could be with slicker and hat and boots; however, the boys were not. They did not seem to mind getting wet and still went about their business. They frolicked and sniffed and splashed through mud puddles as every decent dog would do.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">When we got home it was a different story. Wet, long-haired, soggy, stinky dogs were entering our home and were inevitably going to park their butts on the carpet or on the couch. Not so fast!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I get the dog-towels and towel-dry them and lay down the towels on the floor or the couch. That does not stop the wet-dog-smell though. And so I looked into doggie slickers. And, of course, found them.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Here are Walter and Henry donning their new rain slickers. Don’t they look like super heroes? </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walter and Henry in their super-hero rain slickers; although their eyes also look like "Doggies of the Corn".</td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Well, maybe they don’t look that thrilled but I have to tell ya: once we get outside, they could care less whether they are wearing slickers or sweaters and it keeps the water off their backs. In a rainy town like San Francisco, that is something. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></div>Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-64321728290886735352012-01-15T17:18:00.000-08:002012-01-15T17:30:14.506-08:00Sunshine on the Water and Henry Scares a Cat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TZxaIYqIXGY/TxNraEN4WRI/AAAAAAAABvo/GJEgUvJJ9jQ/s1600/DSCN0325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TZxaIYqIXGY/TxNraEN4WRI/AAAAAAAABvo/GJEgUvJJ9jQ/s320/DSCN0325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>"Sunshine on the water looks so lovely." ~ John Denver<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Walter, Henry and I went for walk around our favorite part of the bay today. The air was crisp and dry and the sun spread its illuminating beams across the sparkling winter waters. How perfect nature is as it reveals its magic to us! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The city by the bay was in full, clear view today with some cottony clouds suspended in the pale blue backdrop. The boys sniffed and explored every bush and branch as if they were all brand new. They always want to greet every passerby - human and canine alike. Most are open to their enthusiasm and give them a much-wanted pet; but, still, I wait to get the okay. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The little clip-clop bridge we cross on our walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">We walked down to the floating dock where I have to hold on tight to ensure they don’t decide to take a leap into the tempting waters. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKRipIBbCXc/TxNtHvnr_5I/AAAAAAAABvw/QMzxn760w8s/s1600/DSCN0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKRipIBbCXc/TxNtHvnr_5I/AAAAAAAABvw/QMzxn760w8s/s400/DSCN0317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">After we headed back up the dock ramp, we walked to a great spot on a curve where we can take a rest by the bench. From here, we have a perfect view of the city skyline and the Golden Gate Bridge. Does it get any better than that?<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Sometimes on the walk back to our house, I unhook Henry from the leash and let him walk solo the rest of the way home. Henry is very obedient. Walter stays tethered to me as I cannot quite trust him from wandering off and getting into mischief. I tell Walter he is my special boy as he watches Henry roam free to sniff out interesting things off the beaten path. He does not seem to mind. Today, however, Henry got into a little mischief himself. I took my eyes away for a moment to capture the church steeple with my camera and that is when I heard Henry’s very excited barks. </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty church standing against the blue winter sky</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">When I turned around, I saw him at the base of a tree barking and looking up at a very alarmed kitty cat. Oh, Henry! </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, Henry!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor, scared kitty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Is it terribly mean that I actually took the time to photograph this event while that poor kitty remained in the tree shaking like a leaf - all for the sake of memorializing my sweet little pup's behavior so I could post it on my blog? Does this confirm that I am "dog person" more than a "cat person" even though I have been mother to a sweet little feline named Mac for the past two decades? Oh, dear.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">At home, I don’t think Henry even realizes that Mac is a cat and even if he does, he has no interest in Mac. He simply ignores him. But on every walk, Henry relentlessly hunts in bushes and alleys in search of a cat. I have even seen him awestruck by a cat statue! He will stop dead in his tracks and unremittingly stare at the inanimate kitty with fixed eyes and pointed tail. What a hoot! Henry is a gentle guy so I really do not know what he would do if cats did not run away from him. My guess is he would sniff and eventually lose interest. The whole thing was really quite comical to watch, albeit not so much for the terrorized kitty cat. Just look at the poor little guy in the tree. I sure hope it didn’t take too long for him to get over it.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We always go around the back way to our house on the way home. Walter and Henry get to go over the wooden dock to our back deck door. </div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPgtqH_oY_0/TxN2mQ5kGgI/AAAAAAAABww/jvrB96AQDPg/s1600/DSCN0332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vPgtqH_oY_0/TxN2mQ5kGgI/AAAAAAAABww/jvrB96AQDPg/s400/DSCN0332.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And then we go through another gate....Walter decides to take a rest while I take the picture</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">All the walks with Walter and Henry are eventful to me in some way. These boys never cease to delight me with their endless curiosity and their sense of wonder. It is as if they are seeing everything for the first time, every time. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div></div>Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52672954621556013.post-7386580584408461592012-01-01T00:36:00.000-08:002012-01-01T14:31:18.401-08:00Peace and a New Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCF8QbiHzSI/TwAWjqqvIsI/AAAAAAAABuM/c9XCYNSFdYM/s1600/dove107.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HCF8QbiHzSI/TwAWjqqvIsI/AAAAAAAABuM/c9XCYNSFdYM/s200/dove107.gif" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called <i>Opportunity</i> and its first chapter is New Years Day." ~ Edith Lovejoy Pierce</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Another year gone by. A new one begins. I have always found New Year's Eve a little sad. As I sit in my warm and cozy living room watching and listening to Coldplay on the TV, I hold up my glass of champagne and toast another New Year. Even though Brian is already in bed fast asleep, I am not alone. My boys are right here with me. I reflect on the past year and of many years gone by. Time for a brand new year to start. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At midnight, Walter and Henry are sleeping. To them, it's just another regular night. No New Year's resolutions to think about. No wondering what the New Year will bring. No worries at all. How lovely to look at them with such peace on their faces and more importantly, in their hearts. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walter, laying by his bowl</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Henry (with his toy and rawhide)</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's to a wonderfully happy and peaceful New Year!</span></div></div>Liz Berry http://www.blogger.com/profile/02224639686514912693noreply@blogger.com5