February brought us some challenges and most of them interfered with time in the kitchen...Not that I didn't cook each day, because I did. But recipe development for new to enjoy recipes, was practically a non-event! Let me explain...as we join Sherry for In My Kitchen!
what with Valentine's Day (which is also our anniversary), the weather is warming up along with a strong desire to get outside and enjoy some sunshine. But....we were on the receiving end of two puppies being abandoned on our property. For a couple of days when I would go out to the shop to put a load of laundry in, I would hear a scratching/scurrying sound. I did not think to much of it, often we have birds walking around on the outside o the tin roof. Then when my husband went out and into the shop to work on the repair project, he came into the house and said, "there are two puppies in the shop".
Since we do not have any puppies, I knew exactly what had happened.
Unfortunately in our rural area, it is common for pets no longer wanted, or too expensive to keep, to be brought out to a rural country road and let go. But I call it what it actually is, they were abandoned. No sense trying to be polite, when you throw an animal away, you are abandoning it. These two were healthy, and most likely recently weened. When no new homes could be found, they came our way. However they got pretty hungry in our shop for two days, and were happy to be fed.
I began the process of trying to work with rescue/foster agencies,
but quickly learned that at this time, the entire area is saturated with animals with no homes to take them. And add to that our rural location does not offer animal control services. You really are on your own....so I called the sheriff's office to learn of my responsibility in the whole cycle of abandonment, feeding the abandoned animals and rehoming them if possible. Fortunately I got a very compassionate Deputy who said that if I could not find homes for them by the end of the week, he would come and take them.
As much as having a dog to love was on my mind for most of the week,
now is not the time. We already have a full list of responsibilities, and honestly it simply would not be fair to the dog. Which made for a long week of no homes available, as well as no foster arrangements available. Each day, I fed them, cleaned up after them and of course pet them! My daughter even said, "no I don't want to pet them, I am afraid I will want one." So I called the Deputy back and took him up on his offer! When he arrived to take them home, he picked them up, inspected them and stated he would have no trouble finding homes for them in his family and friends group! It was hard to say goodbye, but also the very best outcome!
And then we each caught a cold. Not just a cold, a bad cold!
Looking back it has probably been four years since I last had a cold. If I get one they usually come on at the end of winter. I was pretty sure I knew where I met my cold virus! We had taken our grandson to the library for story hour and time to play with other kids in our small community. And I could feel that unique feeling in the back of my throat the next morning...I knew what was headed my way! And then my husband got it! At that point the last shop project, we need to get done. Stopped!
I did purchase a couple of items for the kitchen,
These measuring cup scooping spoons.
And this instant read meat thermometer!
New recipes? Only these three...
I also got some development work done on three new recipes, but not to the point of publishing in the month of February...
I also did my usual pioneer woman chores, I made sauerkraut, homemade dish soap, and got several different seeds started for the upcoming gardening season!
How has your month been? Thanks so much for stopping by, I appreciate it.
#wholefoodingredients
#scratchmadefoodforyourfamily
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Both the pups lucked out in finding their way to you and you lucked out in finding such a compassionate deputy to take them off your hands. Sorry to hear you have all been under the weather and bet you are right that story time at the library was the culprit. Kids are cute but they are for sure little germ factories! LOL
ReplyDeleteJoanne, I was truly blessed when I call the Sheriff's office!
DeleteI hope you are both well now. hubby had a cold and cough for well over 6 weeks! What a pity about the poor pups. Some people!... Love your measuring spoons. They are so cute and useful too. Thanks so much for joining in this month, and for using my logo. Much appreciated. Have a great March.
ReplyDeletecheers
Sherry
Sherry, after hearing from you, I think my opinion is confirmed that this virus is harder on men than women. I was up and back at it in a week, but not so much for my husband. Headed into week 3, but I can tell he is beginning to "dry out" and heal. Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it.
DeleteGood to know that your visiting pups found a home!
ReplyDeleteMae, my thoughts exactly!
DeleteOh that maple coconut granola looks like the bomb! I want to make some granola now.. I'm so touched that you took those puppies in, who could abandon such beautiful gorgeous creatures?
ReplyDeleteDOS, it was a very hard decision. One I made easier on myself, by NOT picking them up to love on them. I talked kindly to them as I cleanup the little area I had them in and replace the food and water each day. Thanks so much for stopping by, I appreciate it!
DeleteThose puppies look soooo cute. I can imagine how hard it was to part with them but the reality of taking care of them is no joke. Glad the Sheriff thought he could find good homes for them .I warded off a oold all fall and winter even when so many of my friends had them. I too was hit last weekend and spent the past 3 days in bed with a very low fever and cold.I'm just getting myself up and hopefully out today. The blueberry and chia sauce for oatmeal sounds delicious. Hope you have a good week..
ReplyDeleteJudee, it had been more than 4 years since my last cold. I finally ran into a virus stronger than my immunity. Spring is really bursting out here in East Texas, I am outside as much as is possible. Thanks so much for stopping by, and I am glad you too are on the mend!
DeleteI am so glad the puppies will find a good home. It is so sad and abandon is the right word. That happens a lot around here too and I just don't know how anyone could do that.
ReplyDeleteLori, I was so sad when I say how limited the options were, we were blessed with the kindness of the Deputy. Thanks so much for stopping by, I appreciate it.
DeleteGlad the puppies got re-homed! It seems like everyone got the crud this year: my family got it around Christmas and I escaped it, but I do have a cold right now. Hopefully will be done in a few days: just a runny nose and sneezes: I don't think it's allergies.
ReplyDeletewww.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Mireille, getting them taken care of was such a relief! Glad your family is well, it had been a number of years since our last virus, but this one was tough. Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate it.
DeleteLove this, thanks for sharing with us! I'm featuring you when the next To Grandma's house we go link party starts <3
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteThanks for sharing with us! I'm featuring you when the next To Grandma's house we go link party starts <3
ReplyDeleteTaralynn, thanks so much!
DeleteOne of those pups looks just like my dog when she was little. So cute.
ReplyDeleteIt was hard to pas them off to new homes, but I felt so fortunate to be able to make sure they would be taken care of. Thanks so much for stopping by, I appreciate it.
DeleteMelynda, I'm so glad those puppies landed in the soft place that is YOU! I don't know what can be done about the problem. What might be the best way to educate people who live in or near rural areas and do this sort of thing? How might they be reached? Could it be through the children, a classroom lesson or assembly program? Through community organizations? The sheriff's office? It's just too sad. Loved this post. Happy ending for the puppies, a productive month despite sickness, yummy foods. Thanks for your uplifting posts.
ReplyDeleteJean, I agree. It is, I believe a bit of all you suggested. Begin with education, then programs to assist (these are in place now) and then of course enforcement of the law. Thanks so much for stopping by, I appreciate it.
DeleteSo lovely that you took the pups in and that they have found a home. You really are an amazing Pioneering woman, I love that.
ReplyDeletePauline, you are too kind! Thank you for stopping by, I appreciate it, very much!
Delete