Cookin' Cleanin' and Cryin'

Made the most fantastic kitchen-sink curry yesterday, with sweet potatoes and about 15 other things. All of my curries are loosely based on the curry recipes I would use from Sarah Kramer's cookbooks. Way back in the day, when I first started learning to cook vegetarian, her cookbooks were my go to. Now, I very much enjoy cooking without a net.

I am busy as a bee this week. I think we're finally over the knock-us-on-our-ass germ fest that comes with the boy getting an education outside of the home. My mind is always elsewhere though.

Yesterday something happened to me though, something that reminded me to hang on tight to everyone I love. Something that reminded me, that the good that we do in the world really makes a difference. Every compliment, every good deed, every random act of kindness makes the whole world a better place.

Here's to the sweetness in life.

Puppies!

Well, dogs. Dogs, cats. and dog people, and cat people.

 

This is Leo. He was sweet enough to keep me company this morning at the APAC Yard Sale & Bake Sale.

Over a year ago, we were not looking for a dog. We had recently said goodbye to our little Tykie. He was such a great little dog, a terrier mix. He lived to a nice old age, had a very full life. He was born in Rhode Island, traveled with Dave and I to live in Texas when we were married. He was our Bug's first doggy. It was so hard to say goodbye.

So I was not looking for a dog. I was looking for some hamster supplies. Outside our local petshop there were 10 beautiful little puppies. Gorgeous, fuzzy, white puppies sleeping in piles, toddling around and just generally being adorable. I melted before I even got out of the truck. I was *not* looking for a dog. I could not stop thinking about them. The store didn't have the item I was looking for, I went back out and looked at the puppies. I couldn't leave. They were gorgeous, sweet little things. I crouched down and asked them 'who wants to come home with us?' and Woofswell jumped in my lap and licked my face.

So naturally I had to bring her home. I fell in love with her immediately. Dave, who definitely did not want a dog, just melted at her little face. How could you not?


Since she was fostered, she was a breeze to house train. She fit in our little home, right away.

That was my 1st introduction to the APAC. I admit I didn't know a thing about them when I adopted her but the application was impressively thorough and I was happy to see that all of the dogs available for adoption were spayed, neutered and up to date on their vaccinations.

The more I read about the APAC, the more I knew that I wanted to be involved. Not just to give back for the wonderful dog they were able to connect us with, but to help with the very real homeless pet problem in my area.

Today, I was lucky enough to be able to volunteer at the Yard Sale & Bake Sale in Salado Texas. What an amazing group of people and a sweet bunch of animals! I have been saying to Dave, for a while now, I need to find a way to hang out with dogs & puppies more often.

Leo, the sweetie, with his freckles, & gorgeous eyes

Bear, the hero. He recently saved his foster sister from a snake! This guy is so sweet, mellow and yes looks just like a bear. He has had a tough life but is with a fantastic foster family right now and will find his forever home soon


Miss Crystal, she is a love. Gorgeous, slim girl with wild hair and a huge smile. She soaks up the attention like a thirsty sponge
 
This little fella, I didn't get a chance to hang out with him much, but he was fun to photograph


I had such a good time today, taking pictures, playing with puppies and talking to adults (which is kind of a rarity in my life)I am so thankful to everyone from the APAC for the opportunity!