Blessings into the New Year...

A carriage, a sleigh made for a beautiful day and drive with a view as far as the eye could see. The prairie covered in a blanket of snow dotted with farms, beautiful tree belts, cattle and horses. Horses, as you know, are one of my favorites right up there with dogs, both were my first loves in life and remain. Blessed are we.

Friend

Yesterday another drive, to see family. Lily was the first to greet as Eli and I drove into the yard.  "Hello Lily, you're such a pretty girl. I've got something for you." She sat. She remembered and was given a treat.

Lily

Gracie has 2 new lambs,  Halo born at Halloween and the other,  born last week named Holly. Opal, Holly's mother, was more curious than protective as she let me stoop down and say hello to her babe and rub Opal's forehead. Lily, the corgi/blue heeler, waited patiently outside the door. Seeing the animals was the last of the trip. Lily walked me to Eli, we visited. She sat in the soft snow, cocked her head listening intently. Rubbing her ears, okay, one more. As I handed off the treat, she licked the tip of my nose and trotted off. She's a hard worker, keeping coyotes at bay from the sheep.

We've been keeping treats in Eli for those dogs that wonder near, keep close and looking for home. Was happy to have some treats for Lily. The blonde lab that has been seen before and this time thin, remembered me. Shaking, she sat, I reached into my coat pocket and gave. With the help of  friends and many phone calls, her name is Tess. Just so happens we can see her home from ours. Yes, we do look over and bless at night. Always helping where we can, lost and abandoned, animal or human.

We are most blessed by friends and family that share their animals. Blessed. Truly. Thank you.

Stay warm friends, enjoy your week, love your animals and help where you can for those animals that need help in these cold temps. Savor the warmth of the sun.

High centered...

It's amazing what 4" of snow and two white dogs can create. Friday morning we were greeted to snow, Carlee romped, jumped, ran and rolled while Buster was a close second getting high centered more than once. Fortunately the wet snow slid across the deck when pushed fitting neatly under the railing.

Buster. Safe and warm.

It wasn't until our return back to work did I call Buster more than once. No sound, just falling snow and no sign of my little white boy. Calling, calling and looking in his hiding places. My heart began to pound, he couldn't possibly get out of the fence until I saw a glimpse of his red collar. I ran to the walk out, he was high centered and covered with snow. It was a few short minutes, he must have thought wasn't someone coming to find him. My heart sunk, I scooped him up, no sound he looked into my eyes." I'm here buddy" and got him in the house. He was shivering, grabbed our cleanup towel and wrapped him up in a blanket holding him slightly tighter than usual. Quick prayer indeed. Slow down, we're moving to fast, we have to make good things last. So I tweeked that a bit, today, we catch up on play time, nap time, outside and hug time. I look at my family, both rest nearby as always. Priceless.

Keep an eye on your kids, your neighbors kids and any kid that needs your help. Volunteer, get involved, help where you can, make a phone call if that is all it takes.

Take care friends, stay safe and warm.

Stocking stuffers...

were a hit, as always, people are busy shopping for everyone on their list, including the family member with the most legs. Gingersnap's Mom was our first customer Saturday, still time to set up, we grabbed treats and went to see Ginger. She jumped out of the car, saw us and promptly sat down in the parking lot. The scent of treats filtered through our cash box which holds our treat samples.

Gingersnap, Lover of Bab's treats!

She was tickled, sat closer with each treat and then looked deeply into my eyes. I scratched her ears and said, "You're welcome, so glad to see you this morning."

More new customers, vendors to visit with in down time and caught up on reading the few magazines received at home. Ripping open a, what I thought was recent magazine, happened to be a July 2012 issue which caught my attention with Summer smoothie recipes. Mmm, maybe next year.

With shorter days, we sleep longer, fewer things get done. On nice days like today, we continue to bake to fill orders, our morning walk was interrupted by a restless night and instead the dogs napped soundly in the afternoon sun outside while indoor work has piled up for another week.

We are thankful however, we are blessed daily, our health is good and love is over abundant at home.
We wish you a wonderful week friends and pray that love is over abundant to help those that come for help, comfort and sustenance.

Christmas crackers...

in November, but Christmas is just around the corner and fur friends might be dreaming, what will they find tucked inside their stockings come Christmas! Moms/Dads, Grandma's, neighbors and friends have been inquiring, so today we started our Christmas dog treat baking, seasonal designs are popular, eye catching and we call them Christmas crackers. 

Ornaments are fun, the tricky part is actually hanging them on the tree, we suggest cupboard knobs but as a reminder...give the dog his gift when it's time!  No need to keep and shalac...give the dog his or her bone.

Our 'Barker's Dozen' is also a popular stocking stuffer, 13 small treats that fall to the bottom of the stocking, that's what happens to ours, the dogs scratch and nearly crawl into their stockings trying to fish them out, with a little human help, all is less frustrating. Our treats will soon be dry for Saturday's One Stop Christmas Shoppe. We'll sport our Santa hat and have a smile waiting for you when you stop by!

Blessings to the lost and  abandoned, help them when they come to you. Every fur friend deserves a warm and loving home every day of the year. Have a great week friends!

 Our tired boy naps soundly after supper.

 Blessed are we!

 Bab's Bites 'n Bones





Our biggest delivery...

...in small packages. Five years ago, with determination, persistance and much leg work, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture said, "Okay!" I nearly picked the guy out of his chair and hugged him, (I think he was a little nervous too!) instead I ran down the stairs woohooing! Bab's Bites 'n Bones was in business!

The recent call was a present on my birthday, today we delivered and tomorrow, you will find our popular "Barker's Dozen" in a local store.  Big things really do come in small packages!

A quaint shop with a delightful ambiance, a place where we would have chosen, it just so happens where we landed. We wouldn't be without our customers and their humans.

Many fearful dogs out running with the extra gun fire, help where you can, we've had visitors too!
Enjoy your week friends.

And the Winner is...

...the Hunter's Wives Day Out fair doesn't have a fee to be a vendor but they do ask that each vendor provide a door prize of $25, that seems fair. In past years, one person would get $25 worth of treats, but over the last several the prize has been divided into two and this year into 4 winners.

The container of names is spilled onto the floor and if a dog picks up and carry's a name away, it's a winner!
Ya gotta have fun with it. The rest are randomly picked, called and delivered. They are so thankful and the comments have been "I what?! I won, wahoo!" to  a gal hugging the package softly speaking, "My dog just loves your treats, thank you so much!" One gal hadn't purchased any, unsure her dog would eat them, now she could try them for free! That's a good deal!

Our last delivery's were tonite in the rain, we've prayed for rain for so long, it was worth the delivery's and the excitement of the dogs when I arrive home. Of course, I can go out and come back in and Carlee is just head over heals happy to see the human! Must love dogs, cheap entertainment and besides, they fill a soft spot.

We had a visitor the other night, B I G blonde male dog. He appeared, no sound, very still. Before I could get out the gate to greet him, he had done his business and scampered off to the neighbors. We keep him in thought and prayer that he has some shelter from the rain and cool of the evening and something to put in his stomach. We await his return so we know where to return him to, unless he found home. Take care of your dogs and look after those that need a little extra.

Enjoy the rain, take care friends.

"Jenna, come!"



Gingersnap



Our first visitor today was Ginger, short for Gingershap. Gin as her Mother calls her will sit for treats, but today she sat up on her hind quarters for a treat. What a surprise, good girl, looking so lovingly at the "Dog treat lady". We've been dubbed. Quite a compliment!



Jenna and her Mom





Angus and Bud



I whispered to Jenna, who was selling beautiful potholders she made, the BIG dogs are here. Walking around our white knight, Eli,  was Angus and Bud. Full of energy, bounding down the parking lot towing Mom and Dad close behind. I was overly excited, Jenna's eyes were huge and I yelled, "Jenna, come!" Feeling bad for my mistake, she ran over and stopped short. She excitedly told of her own dogs and loved petting Angus. He's so gentle and Bud has a wonderful, deep bark. As customers drove near, windows went up as dogs inside rushed to windows. They came for treats and got birthday treats too. Everyone was tail-wagging happy.



Eli, the Rescuer



Today was our last weekend at the Farmer's Market, we thank our customers for bringing your dogs, telling us your stories and well, being friends. Keep up with us on this blog and we hope to see you and updates of your "kids". Until next Spring fur friends, stay warm, take care and know we are thinking of you all!

With Love,

The Dog Treat Lady!



Home is where the heart is...

We think so each time we drive into our driveway, we know so when we relax and enjoy. We have a million dollar view and a cozy home, while others have million dollar homes with little view. Ours is a keeper!




His heart is home!



We recently had an inquiry from a gal named Princess. So we packed up some treats and sent them on her way. Our treats have a long shelflife, keep in a cool dry place and they will last long which makes shipping them a snap. The box is touched by many hands while the treats are craddled and arrive in a "cute little package."

We are people approved and mentioned if Princess doesn't like the treats, her owners certainly could, however, Princess isn't sharing and we take that as a compliment. Thank you Princess!

Our customer comments continue coming in or they tell us directly at the market, here are a few:

"Your treats are lip smacking, tail wagging good!" - Ginger's Mom

"The dog still sits each time I walk into the kitchen." - Polly's Dad

"The dogs go nuts for your treats!" Frank and Maya's Mom

"We switch out treats, but they like yours best!" Candy's Mom

"She's a picky dog, but she sure like's your treats!" picky dog's Mom

We're baking, getting ready for Fall fairs which will be here very soon and rounding out the Farmer's Market. Running low on treats? Call, email or even leave a message on Facebook. Bab's isn't on there yet, but someday. Take care friends, enjoy your week!

Updated: Ginger...short for Gingersnap photo

was frantic when her Mom zigged and zagged through the market, nearly driving over our tent Saturday.  I stepped back, looked in the car and said, "Hi Ginger!" She lept over her owner's lap as soon as the car door opened, her mother gave her the go ahead, I knelt down, she came running and sat down.
I have wonderful friends and furry friends are everyone's favorites! Ginger, is beautiful and a fine 9 years old.



Gingersnap 



Buster and Carlee aren't allowed at the market, so I encourage my customers to bring their critters and they do. All on leashes and all sit nicely for a treat or two. Fall fairs will soon begin for us, extra visitors will be missed.

We've had inquiry's about our treats and invites to local fairs, we are booked. The kids will get their Fall bathes and trims this week, they are cute and hairy turning back into handsome and pretty.

Out at night? Look up, the stars are always in abundance, the milky way has eeked across our sky. The moon is always gorgeous smiling the other night, sunrise and sets are all free. We watch the sunset at 8pm, turn around and see the moon rising. Blessed.

Have a great week friends, enjoy your furry kids and help those in need where and when you can.
Take care.

12 feet...

We are helping out a neighbor that is traveling far, going through radiation treatments. Cancer seems to touch lives of everyone and when asked to help, of course we said, "Sure."  Though Shania was timid last week, she cuddles right up on my lap as I sit on the floor after our out. Friday they were out of treats, Saturday they had some Bab's treats and they danced! Literally! I 'm not a lover of cats, but I  reach out as Daisy jumps the baby gate and pet her as she walks by. Beautiful blue eyed Daisy rubbed her head on my shoulder Saturday evening. Tears for both of us. These 12 feet need extra human touch and gladly it is given. Help those that need help, sit on the floor if you can, play, visit, sing softly at night. Give a treat and wish them good nights rest, see you tomorrow, 12 feet.

Shania apparently doesn't like the camera.



Sissy likes ears and white patch scratched.



Daisy with beautiful blue eyes.

Good night friends.

Barker's Dozen...

From day one we wanted our treats affordable to anyone, especially kids, that could purchase a bag of treats for a dollar. We continue that today, only we've added a few more treats to the bag and call it a Barker's Dozen. Yes, a spin off of the Baker's Dozen, since we are the baker's and the dogs are the taster's it just seemed fitting!

Ellen, a smiling customer, stopped by with 2 grand kids on Saturday, the young girl could read our label and she did a great job! Each child could choose a bag of treats and did for their dogs, everyone was happy! The flip side of our ingredients is a listing of ingredients of a well known commercial dog treat, children of reading age cannot get past the first few words and nor can we. Mary, a well-known market customer, has taught her children, if you cannot read the label or understand after the first 5 ingredients you shouldn't eat it. We agree!

We have been reading labels for years, if we pickup an item that doesn't have a label, we ask, from church bazaars, local bake sales to farmer's markets . If the  provider cannot provide, we suggest and thank them. As we've gotten older we've become more allergic to food items. If sugar is a main ingredient, diabetics should know, if sodium is a ingredient then those with high blood pressure should be aware. Several young children have trained dogs that will steer them away from anything that might contain nuts or a scent of a nut. Severe allergic reactions seem to be prominent which should be the push for labels. Though our bag labels provide the our ingredients,  people still ask, "What's in here?" We provide a large print 8 x 11 paper and if they still cannot read it, we read it for them. "Well, that's just like people food!" is a comment we hear often.  They purchase, come back and bring people with them. It's just good business!

Thanks friends! Have a great week!

Stopped by, said hi!

When we say we take the day off, we just aren't at the farmers market. We are up early, as usual, and slip out the door to run errands and deliver treat orders. We delivered 5 cakes and several big orders this week! We did stop by the market today, said hi to various vendors and said hello to Caramel the little goat. The parking lot and street were filled with cars and people lined the vendor tents, a wonderful sight!

We crossed more items off our todo list including making chicken broth for more treats, the house smells like Mom's did. Waiting for her to walk into the room, give hugs, take our hands, sit down and visit. She would be helping with baking of treats and would enjoy the granddogs. The granddogs are resting in the house sleeping sound after eating some chicken that made our delicious broth. Their world is good.

If you are out and about next Saturday morning and Bab's Bites 'n Bones isn't on the front row of the farmer's market, we'll be the wrap around. Stop by, sit a spell, say hi because as you know, customers are our best sellers and we appreciate their touch of advertisement much.

Have a good week friends!

118 degrees...

well that's what our thermometer said this afternoon, in the sun with no breeze. But physically standing in that atmosphere certainly felt like 118 and dogs wouldn't touch it today. The sun tea jar needs potholders to bring it in, but I'm thinking we'll let it cool overnight. The sun comes and goes as the day moves along, clouds scatter the blue sky and the curvature of the earth is showing a little darker cloud coming from the south. We sure could use something, even something to settle the dust.

The trees had green, that turned to brown that have dropped curled up leaves to the ground. Others hang on and when we water to tap their thirst you can almost hear them sigh with some relief. Babe, our seedless cottonwood stands tall on our prairie and has tapped some moisture down deep. He is handsome and seems to have grown several more arms this year! He'll be fun to climb someday.

The dogs have stayed in the office, coolest spot all year round, especially when the oven runs on hot weekend days. Carlee brings her toy duck and drops at my feet waiting for a little fetch and Buster lays under the table getting some air from the vent under the sink, even in the hot kitchen, they choose to remind me they are near. I throw the duck down the hall several times, scratch ears and share treats that have cooled enough from the oven. They know it's the weekend and I miss their charm when we play and stretch on the floor. We still have a list to do yet this weekend, but we'll push off until tomorrow, it's family time!
Stay cool and help watch over those that need extra attention, shade and water.
Enjoy your week friends!

Happy Birthday to you!



Carlee is 7!



Seems like yesterday when the staff was watering and leaving treats for a little white dog that was running from something terrible. We couldn't see it, but she could and our main goal was for her to trust us. Yesterday, 5 years later, she turned 7. She still has fears from her past, but my how she has grown and her trust we have most days. Her environment is quiet and slow moving. She loves rides and walks, like most other dogs and treats. She's a wonderful vacuum, though she doesn't ever seem full, she has surprisingly loud burps which makes Buster turn his head and me to smile each time.

We've had several days off from the working world and it's been wonderful, we await our lottery numbers to be drawn tonite so we can bake dog treats at any given moment other than weekends and some nights. Again with humidity outside, tongues hang to the ground and slow moving for all of us. We come into AC and turn on our oven and bake small treats which sell quicker than our medium treats and take longer to make. However, my dogs are worth it and we think yours are too! Homemade sounds old-fashioned, but it's what we grew up on and look how we turned out, why wouldn't we want that extra for our animal friends. That is our gift to you! So, on this birthday weekend of gifts, we ask that you hug your animals, keep watch over those that need our help and keep cool. Take care friends.

Local farmer's market...



Tent top shade.



Bab's Bites 'n Bones was invited to the local farmer's market four years ago, requested that I bring something for shade, perhaps a tent top. I didn't know what a tent top was, but quickly learned shade was a necessity especially with dog treats that didn't have preservatives! My niece offered her tent. I accepted, however, it didn't come with instructions. I do like a challenge. I was a mess and so was the tent, the dogs must've thought a comedy unfolding in front of them, my neighbors were coming out of their homes sitting on porches with popcorn. I can do it! I waved, smiled and speaking softly, let the entertainment begin.



They look easy. I took it to market and was offered help...I took it! The second season I was able to put the whole thing up and take down by myself in the same package it came in. Quite an accomplishment!  Did I grunt pushing buttons into place? You bet, I can provide references. As I arrived early on Saturday morning, I unloaded my vehicle and went to it, still impressed with myself. There is always room for growth no matter what we take on, but with a little help or not from our friends, we can do it! "Don't interrupt someone who is making progress, no matter how slow." I often offer my help, because it often comes back.



I'm bored! Me too!



Life has become a race, people drive faster, walk faster, talk faster and often get no further ahead getting caught at a red light and me coming up five seconds behind you. At our home we make a point of slowing down and enjoying the moment. Watches come off, gloves go on and out we go. We walk in the cool of the night and wind down before bedtime sitting on the deck watching the day turn into night. The kids wait while we are mowing and find them like this, but they are also thankful for their freedom to run, roll, fetch and jump in their yard, unlike the neighbor dogs. It is the little things and the big, they bless us!



Have a safe and Happy 4th of July friends!

Lawrence...

We took advantage of a nice weekend and celebrated a 60th Jubilee for a cousin of mine. She went home to celebrate in Strasburg, ND. Yes, that is where Lawrence Welk was born and raised, my dad too. My sister and I met up with cousins we hadn't seen in years. Young hearts. Several of us cousins "crashed" the Lawrence Welk Family Reunion and listened to good old time music.

 

Vic Schwahn

On our way home we swung by the Welk farm and toured, hadn't been there in years, a lovely day for a picnic under an old oak tree. We ate cucumber salad and fresh bread, visited , enjoyed the shade tree and lazily walked back to the few cars in the grassy area of a long ago circular drive.

The kids stayed with friends. They went on walks, ate well and slept until the sun came up, just like home. Carlee nearly jumped out of her skin when she saw me walk in the door, Buster knew I'd be back. It's the difference of several years in age and keeping my promise, "I'll be back."

We'll be baking treats this weekend, our inventory is nearly depleted. We'll return to the Farmer's Market Saturday, June 30th. We are enjoying the 1st Day of Summer and enjoying every drop of daylight as today is the longest day of the year.

Enjoy your week friends, call if low on treats and we'll add you to our baking list 224-8592.

Good night, sleep tight and pleasant dreams to you, here's wish and a prayer...and now 'til we meet again, adios, for a walk...Auf Wiedersehn...Good night!

Middle of the street...

...is where the little dog was spotted. Cars drove slow and careful, some honked and drove wild. We were the first out of our vehicle trying to coax him to the side of the road with treats. Down the middle of the street he ran, after all, it is the best view! Another car finally turned around at the corner, they too saw the little guy. He simply disappeared, maybe under a bush or in hopes...home, safe. That's our hope.

Angus and Bud made their appearance at Market's end, what a great surprise, my how Angus has grown! Getting treats of fish and chicks, they thankfully slobbered on shirt and pants, that in itself was a gift for my kids when we got home.

Ginger's Mom retrieved her from the car and Ginger gladly accepted treat samples from little kids that were near by. Ginger did well today! She is beautiful.  One more, Suzy from college. She and family were visiting a daughter that works in my building. A nice surprise on another beautiful day!

Thanks for stopping by, saying hi and in hopes to see you next weekend! If you run short on treats and we're not at the market, call (605-224-8592) or cut/paste us into your browser babsncc@gmail.com  so you don't lose us! Take care friends and enjoy your week!

Memorial Day...

...is a tradition handed down to us kids to take flowers to the cemetary giving and sharing, thinking and remembering those that have gone before us. Of course Memorial Day isn't the only day we think of our loved ones, that is a remembrance everyday of the year. Driving through South Dakota, many small town cemetaries are filled with flags swaying in the breeze, poppy's wrapped around military posts, brightly colored flowers from silk to live blooming and people walking from stone to stone remembering stories.

After Memorial Day services the flag corps goes to the cemetary and a someone plays the lonesome song and military men salute bringing tears, hands on hearts and hands on ears for children.

My sister and I continue the tradition, the headstones have multiplied over the years and we wondered as we wandered who will continue this tradition when we are gone?! Making lunch of things Mom once made, we ate, visited and told stories. A good tradition to pass along and in hopes that families pass along to their children.

God bless those that look down from above and those hearts that still hurt on earth. Celebrate memories and life.  Enjoy your week friends.

For Mother's Day...

..this Mom took the kids out for a long walk, ride and even rolled the window down far enough for Buster to hang and enjoy everything that came at him quickly. We used to roll the window down all the way until he jumped out one time, fortunately we weren't moving! Lesson learned, rolling down far enough and holding onto his leash. He tells me in a sneeze, tongue wag and greeting to passer by's that he enjoys every second.

Sharing spring fruits they liked the taste of strawberries, mango and didn't think to touch a black olive. We have enjoyed a lovely day, the iris's that were translanted from my Mother's yard are beginning to open and when they do they are a beautiful sunshine yellow with a lavendar ribbon and smell like lemons.

Transplanting them in various areas of the yard last year, they'll now be shared with neighbors and Buster, the smeller of all things good. Am sure that his Grandma is looking down and watching as flowers unfold. She is with me always, but knowing that she is waltzing around Heaven with Dad works.

They both enjoyed gardening, resting in lawnchairs in the shade of the house drinking ice tea after their workout. Memories fill hearts, you may have some of your own.

Enjoy your week friends.

Song of the meadowlark

We don't know all the birds names or their songs, but we do enjoy listening to the songs they sing just outside our door, perched atop the cabin peak or a wood post. We turn off the television and tune into the prairie. The kids lay in the sun and move with it from rug to rug. One dog in, the other out, time away from each other and still close by must be priceless for them.

Comfort food cooking in the oven, looking forward to supper, but in the meantime, we have weekly chores to catch up, naps to take and oh, there is always something to do. Today we take our time, watches aren't worn, we eat when we're hungry and enjoy each other's company in nap or lap.

Nice to see faces yesterday at the Holiday Inn Express, with new faces, new dog names, stories and always, new contacts. Enjoy your week friends.

Buster's bear...

For Christmas Buster found a new toy in his stocking. A small bear that squeaks, he doesn't squeak it often, but he sleeps with it.
It stays in his chair, if the toy accidently falls out, he gets me and lets me know. I pick up the toy, give it a hug, place it on the chair and scratch Buster's ears, "there, all is good again!"

Not unlike children that have favorite toys, blankets and other securities. We've been a gone a bit more than usual, a worn tshirt is part of Buster's bed and he sleeps sound at night. We miss being home more too. The grass is getting tall, the mower will be started this weekend giving the dogs to run away from or chase, they cannot get close, don't worry. Our list of to-do things is growing and we look forward to starting. What are your plans for Spring?

It's already time for bed and seems as if not much has been accomplished, time for treats and last out. Good night friends, good to see many of you this past weekend at the fair. Take care and scratch ears of animals within reach.

Spring Bazaar...

Another great day! New vendors, new customers, great advertising, word of mouth... in unison. People are funny and you've read it before, I love people that carry pictures of their "kids". What great fun, the bake sale and lunch fit the bill and to say thanks, we helped take down tables and chairs in preparation of their Sunday School classrooms.

Fetch with the kids at noon and everyone was happy to see each other at 6pm. After hugs and treats the unloading began. We carved out a niche in our fence line last Fall and while carrying items to our walkout basement, we decided what a great choice we made. The elbow grease was well worth the effort.

With everything counted and put away, jammies have been slipped on and the kids await a cuddle. We hope you had a wonderful day, we have plans to enjoy Sunday.
Have a great week friends.

Ah, presents and more presents...

It took more than a day or week to deposit so why should we think it would take more than that to pick up. Presents arrived when the snow melted, lots and lots of them. This week, with beautiful weather and the winds subsided in the evening, bag in tow we picked up...the diligent job of poo patrol.

You know what I'm talking about, it was double duty, as we picked up deposits we also pulled last Fall weeds making room for the grass seed we sowed. Nice to see little green points pushing up through the soil. Exciting and new!

Buster is all boy, he's a scratcher, after each event he scratches the ground with his back paws and eventually digs trenches. Not all the new grass seedlings will arrive, but in hopes they do. In various places of our fenced yard lay bricks and and other flat surface items to deter the boy. We do want to see the geraniums this year and if need be, the little green fences will go up sooner than expected.

Today we opened the windows letting fresh air replace Winter air. We'll sleep well tonight. Tomorrow, if the wind blows, we'll be preparing for next weekend's Spring Bazaar. We were invited, checking the calendar, we said, "We'd love to attend your fair!" Word of mouth does us good.
'Til we see you again, blessings to you friends and to yours!
Take care.

Cat...

What was a black bag on the highway Friday evening coming home, came to life Saturday afternoon, in cat form. We were heading out for our weekend drive/walk when I hit the brakes, instinctively I stretched my right arm out to hold the kids from sliding forward. Buster hit the floor with some force. Pulling over to the shoulder
to inspect, no blood, he jumped right back up and looked out the window. My heart pounded, finding a safe place to park, Buster was shaking. So were we.

Proceeding with our walk cautiously, we ventured off the beaten path and our walk turned into adventure, so many smells, so little time! I think boy dogs are part sponge, they just don't run out of water. Getting home, I inspected both kids more thoroughly, giving a comfort pill and watched close. Buster paced the floor much into the night and ended up sick. I know that's a sign of concussion, but his eyes are clear as is his urine, no residue when he drinks water, because I thought, what if? Anything internal. I have my list ready to call the vet, he's resilient, but I'm still keeping my eye on him and Carlee has been following him around. She's such a good sister. A blessed family we are, blessings to you friends. Oh, the cat sauntered off and appeared fine. Darn cat!

Mirror, mirror...

...on the floor, who is it I see inside this door?! Reflections are curious to Buster and bit more to Carlee as she teeters on 3 feet and slowly steps back. We anticipated cold this winter so we purchased an electric heater with a glass door. Buster strolls by several times a day, he'll stand beside it and inch closer to the front, anticipating to "scare" the other dog. It's cheap entertainment for the humans.

Another beautiful day, after the fog lifted we packed the car and headed out, walking further, new scents to smell and more people on our path. Everyone and their dogs were out! We stopped many times to unwind the leads and pull sand burrs from hair, all in all, a good long walk which should bring a good night's rest.

Enjoy this weather and have a great week friends!

Mmmm, treats!

Southeast winds make our home just a bit colder, so we baked human treats today for Buster's birthday, not paw print cookies, but staff will know whose house they came from. The recipe is near 100 years old called White Cookies, a tribute to a long gone friend, we added the decoration.
Our storm door catches as it did today and snapped off the "button" that holds the door shut. For a quick fix, we tied one end of a short rope to a handle we attached to the door last Fall and tied the other end to our door knob inside. It'll work until the wind shifts tomorrow when the regular door handle can be replaced. An unexpected item, but easy to fix. We've been working on sales tax and gathering tax items together. Writing everything out on ledger paper takes some time, but it's good to see where we've been the past year, how many bags sold, how many miles driven and how many times I have to sharpen my pencil.

The dogs are close by, as always, sleeping sound on warm blankets. Thanks friends for birthday greetings to Buster. Take care.

We're baking...

and making deliveries. Low on treats! Give us a call, if we don't have what you need in our flavors, we'll bake your order and in just days it'll be ready!

Don't want to run out of treats? How about a rotation, we have several customers on a 4 week and 6 week rotation. We keep track, make the treats, contact you and deliver. We can make different shapes or bigger bags, when you want to stop, just let us know. Call or email us it's just that simple, no burden, we aim to please!

The dogs are restless, the day is half gone and we have a wonderful, long walk ahead of us. No wind, full sun and the temperture rises. We are blessed and so are you, now go out and enjoy this beautiful day! Our bookwork will have to wait a few hours, it'll all be worth it, quality family time!

Have a great week friends!

Happy New Year!

Our greatest gift to our family this year was taking Christmas through New Year's Day off from baking dog treats! Selfish?! Maybe. We celebrated friends, family, new friends, comforts of joy and the dogs have flowed with it all.

The New Year was brought in shortly after 10pm with a shluck of wine and a good movie. Staying up past midnight was challenging, great company and we were out before we hit the pillow.

We wish our friends, furry and human, well. We don't know where you are, but God does and we ask that you help others when and where able. We still have people treats to make and send, we'd better get to it. Enjoy the sunshine.

We'll see you again soon.
Take care friends!