Madison, Obedience School Graduate

She is no beauty school dropout -she's an obedience school graduate. That is my Madison! She is so proud, ok actually, I'm so proud. Although, there was no standardized test to finish - just a final class. We went, we finished. It is totally like high school today - you can graduate and not actually understand how to read or add. However, Madison does know how to STAY, SIT, and DOWN. She can Heel and Come sometimes. Hopefully we'll be going back for refresher training in the fall when Daisy Dogg gets indoctrinated.

Ivy, Oats, and Obedience

We had a fun weekend chez Sarah and Puppies. Friday night was the Relay for Life at Warren Central High School. I had never gone to the Relay, although I was always interested in it. It was amazing to see what the people of Vicksburg put togehter. Every time I lose faith in the 'burg they do something like this that shows me it isn't totally horrible. The relay was VERY moving, and I fully plan to go every year from here on out. THere were tons of people out there walking the track for Cancer, and the teams all did such a good job of raising funds, raising awareness, and having a good time! The survivors lap was amazing, and it was so cute to see little Joshua toddling around. He was absolutely precious.

Unfortunately, i apparently picked up some poison ivy this weekend. I have some spots that are quite itchy, red, and aren't from my friendly neighborhood mosquito. Note to self: 1) benadryl will knock you out, don't take it at work, and 2) find said poison and get rid of it. I think it is either in the yard and the dogs rolled in it and gave it to me, or it is somewhere in the neighborhood and the dogs rolled in it and gave it to me. Aren't you jealous? On a good note, Obedience school continues onward. We are enjoying it. Madison is Really good at sitting, down, and sit/down stays. We need some work on walking in a good heel though. She wants to go pay attention to anything and everything except me. We are working on comming now and continuing to practice everything we have learned thus far. Other good news on the dog front is that the thug dogs have been MIA for almost two weeks now. After Obedience school tonight Madison and I went to pick up the mail. Normally we could never walk from our garage to the mailbox without getting lots of unwanted attention.

I tried a new recipe at the end of last week. I made oatmeal from scratch in the crock pot using steel cut oats. They turned out OK, but not fabulous. There was too much spice/sweet in it, and the raisins didn't have enough texture for me. I would definitely reccomend adding them after cooking in the future. I plan to give another one a try this week. I keep reading how steel cut oats are so much bette for you than instant oatmeal. I think next time I'll try making plain oatmeal and then adding the goodies at the end when I serve myself.

Maple Oatmeal with Dried Fruit and Sweet Spices

1 cup steel-cut oats

1/2 cup raisins, dried cherries, dried blueberries, or sweetened dried cranberries

1 tsp applie pie spice or ground cinnamon wit a pinch of ground cloves, nutmeg, and allspice

4 cups water

2 tbl maple syrup

1. Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker. Coer and cook on LOW for 7-9 hours or overnight.

2. Stir the oatmeal well and scoop into bowls. Serve with mil and maple syrup or sugar.

Where can you find a girl like me?

So this weekend was the big Vicksburg Riverfest. It is a highlight of our year - an oppertunity to play downtown. Saturday afternoon there was an arts and crafts fair on the streets around city hall with all sorts of good fair food downtown. I hit it with Angela. The primary goal of our trip was to get food. I had the fried eggplant - not as good as I remember it being. Since it didn't do it for me I also had a polish sausage from the Whistle Stop Cafe (remember Fried Green Tomatoes?). It was fabulous. I ate half then and half later.. which begs the response, you know you are a redneck when place a pork product in your purse to eat more later! In support of local crafters etc. I bought an apron. It was yellow with a blue toile print - perfect for the yellow and blue kitchen I will have one day... Need to get on top of that one. I also got to see my friends from Paws Pet Rescue, the organization that fostered Madison and her siblings. I will say it again, don't "buy" a pet, resuce one - they can be so loveable.

Later in the evening we hit the RICK SPRINGFIELD concert. Yes, you read it correctly, 80's hearthrob RICK SPRINGFIELD! He was our main entertainment for the night. I gotta say, for a guy his age, he is doing pretty well. I was amused, although the only song I knew was Jessie's gir. Still, it was fun. I've got some pictures of Rick to post. We were right up near the stage towards the end of the show! It was a hoot and a half!!

Tonight Madison and I went to Obedience Class. I have to say, I'm really starting to enjoy it. I am seeing that with a little guidance we can become great mamma and puppy. Madison and I are beginning to do pretty well. Thus far we are working on heeling, sitting, come, stay, and down. She is getting pretty good with heel and sit. She is pretty good with stay. Come and down are our biggest challenges right now. We'll be doing our homework this week! I have to say that 4 weeks ago I never would have thought that I could have her in a sit stay, and stand about 2.5 feet away with 4 other dogs in a circle around us. I think Madison really enjoys the classes too - it is her oppertunity to spend time one on one with me. She never turns down an opperutnity for treats or love. Unfortunately, Daisy doesn't enjoy being left at home alone. But, now that it is springtime she is getting plenty of play time with me. She is turning into a pretty good little fetcher herself!

being our best

this evening madison and i went to our first obediece class. hopefully we will do well.

there are 5 dogs in our part of he class. we are the 'old' class - with dogs 12 months++. in term of big dogs it is madison and a german shepard. the rest are small - a king charles cavelier spaniel, a cute yorkie, and a chin. wish us luck. hopefully this will bring out our best!!