Xena – Page 18 – Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess with Lucy and Chia

Awww Monday: Great News and Flashback to Xena’s Adoption

Published on January 18, 2021August 30, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia22 Comments

Lucy: First, the great news! None of the growths on Ella’s gums were malignant. Thank you all for your prayers, good thoughts and POTP’s.

We are joining Comedy Plus with much thanks for hosting Awww Mondays.

Amy (aka The Mom) Recently I came across a video from when I drove three hours to south Georgia to pick out a puppy.

We lost Lexi September 4, 2016. A little over four months later on January 14, 2017 Lucy came into our lives. A few months later, after unsuccessfully trying to find her a home, I was still grieving hard for Lexi. Lucy was laying at my feet when I felt God say to me, “Look down, I gave you this dog.” I started to cry, and went into Jeff’s office to ask him if we could keep her. Without any hesitation he answered, “Yes, of course.” He was already in love with her. Lucy helped heal my heart and prepare the way for another schnauzer to come into our lives.

So, after failed attempts to adopt or rescue a schnauzer, on October 6, 2017, I found another reputable breeder. After my last groom on that Saturday I took off for Jackson, GA. A little boy and a little girl were presented. I wanted them both, but could only get one. The breeder only allowed one adoption at a time, and besides, that’s all the money I had. Of course, I chose Xena. To this day I think of the other one as “Oscar.” I guess that’s how one of our stuffie schnauzers got his name. Can you tell which three-month-old schnauzer I brought home?

Yes, it’s the little cookie monger, the one with the colorful harness.

Xena was scared in the kennel on the three hour drive back home, and had to have a bath before I brought her upstairs.

Lucy was very curious and immediately accepting of her new little sister. She was, and still is, the very best sister a little schnauzer could have.

Nature Friday and That Thing

Published on January 15, 2021July 11, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia31 Comments

We are joining Arty, Jakey, Rosy and Sunny of the LLB Gang with much thanks for hosting Nature Friday.

Monkey: Whew. I’m glad we made it up here before Riley got ahold of us. Did you see him take off with the new guy that Xena got for Christmas? I’m afraid he might look like this aloe plant that the Mom left outside in the cold too long. It’s a gonner.

Winter Bear: Yes, I did see Riley stick his big T-Rex head into the kennel and snatch the new guy, and it made me shake all over. Bear only knows what happened to him. I know I’m the Winter Bear, but I think I’ll go hibernate with the rest of the bears until Spring. Maybe it’ll be safer around here by then. Wait! Is that the new guy heading back into Xena’s kennel?

Monkey: Hey there, you, new kid on the block, er, in the house. I’m Monkey. What’s you’re name.

Triceratop: Hi Monkey. No one’s given me a name yet. Unless it’s That Thing, as in, “I hate That Thing.” And, “I don’t know what That Thing is, but it gives me the creeps. And, “Have you seen That Thing move all on it’s own?” Xena’s supposed to be my new dog, but she hates me. I’m afraid she’s going to feed me to that big T-Rex dog. He already got me once, but the Mom rescued me.

Monkey: I don’t understand why Xena would feel that way. But come in here with me and I’ll try to help if he comes back.

That Thing: I’m a hand puppet, and I think I moved in ways that might have scared her when I was trying to play, but she would never admit it, Warrior Princess that she is. She did chase and bite me when I tried to run away from her.

Xena: Hey, You Thing, why are you back. I thought Mommy put you somewhere safe (for us both).

The Thing: I want to be with you and be your friend, even if it means facing down the T-Rex Dog.

Xena: Huh. I think you might mean Riley. And you would risk certain death by him just to be my friend?

Lucy: Hey, whatch’all doin’?

Xena: I am Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess and NOBODY threatens my friends!

Dog Bed War

Published on January 9, 2021July 11, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia21 Comments

I’m Shania, and I like sleeping in the big bed.

Riley isn’t always here, so if I want to use his bed, I will.

I knew Angel Lexi and deserve to use this bed that was hers after all the crap she put me through.

This is MY bed. I inherited it from Angel Lexi. It’s a schnauzer bed.

This is the bed Mommy bought just for me. Sometimes I let my stuffies sleep in it with me.

I made a bed out of the dirty laundry pile. *phtt* What do you mean, my beard needs washed again? Aghh!

Recap of Our 2020 in Pictures

Published on January 1, 2021January 1, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia32 Comments

Our friend, Miss Monika from Tails Around the Ranch posted this picture, and gave us permission to show it to all our friends. It says so much about how we all feel.

A few of my favorite pictures/moments of 2020. ..

January 2020 (below) We were at our friends’ house in Nashville, blissfully unaware of how the year was going to play out.

February 2020 (below) We actually got some snow!

March 2020 (below) just before our world changed. We got pictures sent to us of Morty celebrating his first birthday.

April 2020 (below)

May 2020 (below)

June 2020 (below) Xena enjoyed turning 3 years old.

July 2020 (below) We got a baby in the home office and dogsat while our friends went on a trip.

August 2020 (below). We travelled to be with family in Indiana to celebrate Jeff’s Mom’s 90th birthday.

September 2020 (below). Still working in my home office with the help of Xena and Lucy. Our new back, enclosed porch was finally finished, and Xena found a way onto the table.

October 2020 (below) Lucy and Xena joined the Zoom service with B’nai Zion and became BarkMitzvah-ed. Lucy’s new Hebrew name is Ora (light or shiny), while Xena’s is Grrvurah (warrior, sort of). We took a trip to an Air B&B in Kentucky for our 12th wedding anniversary, and the pups stayed with our frineds in Nashville.

November 2020 (below) The weather was unseasonably warm and sunny. Our Nashville friends joined us for thanksgiving, and then we leftall four pups home with the dogsitter while we spent a long Thanksgiving weekend at an Air B&B in North Carolina.

December 2020 (below) OK, so the first one is still from November, but just had to include it. Riley is back with us for a while, and so is his Dad Andrew.

Have a very good 2021, from Lucy, Xena, Achilles, Ella, Morty, Riley and Amy

We’re Asleep, Santa Paws

Published on December 24, 2020July 12, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

You can come, now, Santa Paws. We’ve been very good all year. Please leave our pressies in front of the fireplace so we can find them. Mom didn’t put up a tree this year.

Xena, running upstairs to Lucy: Do you think it worked?

Lucy: I don’t know. It’s still daylight out, and you were down in your office bed, not in your usual night time bed.

Xena: OK, we’ll just try to stay awake tonight and be real quiet to try to catch Santa Paws in the house.

Lucy: What if he’s reading this?

silence…

Both: Just kidding, Santa Paws!

Love and Merry Christmas from the good dogs Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Howliday Card

Published on December 23, 2020July 12, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia23 Comments

Thanks to The LLB Gang for hosting. Hop on over to see all the Holiday Cheer.

In our house we bark “Merry Christmas” to each other and hope Santa Paws brings us something good.

Love and kisses from Lucy and Xena

Aww, Poor Lucy

Published on December 21, 2020July 12, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia44 Comments

We are joining Comedy Plus with much thanks for hosting Awww Mondays.

A quick forward from the Mom. Lucy was caught eating poop out in the yard in the morning. Later in the afternoon there were very stinky, steamy brown puddles throughout the house to be cleaned up. My money was on Lucy. Then she urgently signaled she had to go out and my suspicions were confirmed. To give her digestive system a rest, she had to go help her Dad do his video work while her sister got fed.

Animal Personality Types

Published on December 18, 2020July 12, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia29 Comments

Lucy: We recently came across articles about personality types. It’s geared toward what animal personality type a person has. But why couldn’t this also apply to us pups and cats and birds and other anipals?

Xena: But we already have our own personality type. It’s called “dog.”

Lucy: Just go with this for a minute, Xena. Let’s take a look at our choices.
Personality Types: Lion, Otter, Golden Retriever, and Beaver

Xena: I bet all the dogs at Three Pups and a Couple of Kitties have Golden Retriever personalities, BOL!

Lucy: Probably. But continuing, here’s a very brief summary of each type.

Lions: Strengths— Visionary, practical, productive, strong-willed, independent, decisive, leader
Weaknesses— Cold, domineering, unemotional self-sufficient, unforgiving, sarcastic, cruel

Otters: Strengths— Outgoing, responsive, warm, friendly, talkative, enthusiastic, compassionate
Weaknesses— Undisciplined, unproductive, exaggerates, egocentric, unstable

Golden Retrievers: Strengths— Calm, easy-going, dependable, quiet, objective, diplomatic, humorous
Weaknesses— Selfish, stingy, procrastinator, unmotivated, indecisive, fearful, worrier

Beavers: Strengths— Analytical, self-disciplined, industrious, organized, aesthetic, sacrificing
Weaknesses— Moody, self-centered, touchy, negative, unsociable, critical, revengeful

Lucy: Hmm, I wonder which one I am. Let’s see…I’m easily frightened, very friendly, love people, easy-going and compliant with the rules. I will run and play with other dogs, but I won’t play ball or other games, and I won’t do stuff like Freestyle or Agility. I don’t bark much and I’m sure not an alpha. I think maybe I’m a Golden Retriever.

Xena: I’m whichever one is loud, busy, in charge and always ready to do anything. I love to play and work at my Freestyle and cuddle with my Mommy. I think maybe I’m a Lion (without the weaknesses part, of course).

Which one are you? Here’s a link to read more about the types. You peeps can play along too. We’d love to know which animal personality types our friends have!

XOX Lucy and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Nature Friday in my Hoodie (Pththth)

Published on December 11, 2020August 15, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia33 Comments

We are joining Arty, Jakey, Rosy and Sunny of the LLB Gang with much thanks for hosting Nature Friday.

Xena: Since the weather has gotten a bit colder Mommy insists I wear my jammies at night and my hoodie on our walks. Now, while I would like to honor my Angel Piper – it was his hoodie — I would much rather not wear it. Why, you ask. Because Angel Lexi taught me that clothes are like a punishment and now I. Hate. Clothes. Sure, I used to wear them and look pretty darned cute when I was a puppy. But I’m a big girl now (I’m 3 whole years old) and I am just fine without them thank you very much. Anyhoo, this is what happened when Mommy first put the R2D2 hoodie on me.

Help! I’ve been blinded. Everything has gone dark!

How can I go for a walk if I can’t see!!

This is simply un-nature-all. I’m not going anywhere looking like this.
Moments later…

Hey Lucy, bet I can walk faster than you.

Lucy: You’re not walking, you’re trotting like you always do, Xena.

Xena: Haven’t you heard, Lucy? Trot is the new walk, BOL! Besides, when was the last time you actually saw me walk? My new motto: Why walk when you can trot?

Lucy: We’re supposed to be posting about nature, not racing.

Xena: Here’s some nature on the road – it’s called leaves. Dead leaves. Maybe we should look some more. I’m not done trotting.

Lucy: OK Xena, whatever you want, Miss Trot-about. Umm, there’s a lot of leaves over there. And some sun, too. I think that counts.

Xena: Rrrrr. Why am I having to pull so hard to trot?

Lucy: Mom’s yelling at you to “Heel,” and to “Walk with me!”

Xena: *grunt* This trotting fast is hard work when no one cooperates. Uh, did you or Mommy say something, Lucy?

Lucy and Xena the Trotting Schnauzer Warrior Princess wishing you a happy and natural weekend.

Nature Friday: Bear Stuffies

Published on December 4, 2020August 16, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia27 Comments

We are joining Arty, Jakey, Rosy and Sunny of the LLB Gang with much thanks for hosting. Nature Friday.

So I’ve been thinking. Why does Nature Friday always have to be about plants? Aren’t we all part of nature? I know, deep thoughts for me…Angel Lexi must be haunting my dreams. So what about bears? And if bears, then why not my bear stuffies? I mean, they’ve got feelings too, right? At least I believe they do, so it must be true. I think that’s how it works. Wow, Angel Lexi really is around here somewhere.

Usually my bear stuffies are all hibernating by now – with the exception of Winter Bear who sticks around all year. I guess the warm weather has kept them active and still in the mood to play. Then, right after Thanksgiving, this happened.

Xena, we need to talk to you. We’ve been having lots of fun with you, even deep into our usual hibernation time. But since Riley’s been here, we’ve had to stay up out of his reach so that, well, you know. *shudder*

Anyhoo, we decided it’s time to go take our long winter nap. We love you and will see you in the spring.

Riley: You can stop talking trash about me. I’m right here, you know. I haven’t touched even one of y’all since I’ve been here.

That’s cause they’re right, Mommy did set all my stuffies up on top of the Victorola so that you wouldn’t hurt them. Stupid dog. Now they’re going away and I won’t see them for months!
Mommy, send Riley home so that my friends don’t have to go hibernate.

It’s OK Xexe, it’s just Nature. We’ll see you in the Spring. And thank you for the yummy berries on Thanksgiving. Those were a great treat, and it meant a lot to us that a schnauzer would share her food.

Love, Bears Sweetheart, Jen-Jen, Brownie, Rainbow and Lexi’s little bear.

Santa Paws Treats and Turkey Stuffed Peppers

Published on December 2, 2020August 16, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia12 Comments

Thanks to Shoko and Tyebe of the Canadian Cats and Nelly and Phenny of Easy Blog for hosting In Purrsuit of Flavours.

Xena: It’s that time again! We get to share our favorite recipes and this month it’s all about color. But since me and Lucy, umm, I mean Lucy and I, didn’t get to give a doggie recipe last month, Mommy said we didn’t have to follow the rules (like we ever do)!

Lucy: I always follow the rules. Mom and Dad say I’m “compliant.”

Xena: OK then, Lucy, I’ll post our (my) recipe and you can help Mommy post hers. Mine has nuts and dried fruit in it, just like the fruitcakes that I hear are so famous at Christmastime. This recipe is called Santa Paws, BOL, and the picture is very “colorful”!

Lucy: Now that Xena has given you something yummy for your Moms or Dads to make for you for Christmas, here is something my Mom and Dad enjoy eating, and it’s bright red for the Christmas holidays. I think you could probably use ground chicken too. This week, Mom is going to find out if it is any good with her already cooked leftover turkey! Or you veggie terians can try something like tofu or whatever. I hope you like our recipe and it is yummy in your tummy.

Slow-Cooker Turkey Stuffed Peppers
Serving Size:6 (if you have lots to go with it, BOL)

Ingredients

6 small red bell peppers
1 cup cauliflower rice (or use real rice)
1 pound ground turkey (or use your food processor to chop fine your leftovers)
1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
1 cup water

Instructions:
Cut off the stems from the peppers. Scoop out the seeds on the inside, leaving a hollow shell.
In a bowl, mix the ground turkey and spices. Stir in the cauliflower and coconut oil, then mix in the Monterey jack cheese.
Scoop up some of the turkey mixture and pack it into each pepper shell.
Place the stuffed peppers into a Crock-Pot and pour a cup of water into the bottom. Cook on high for four hours or low for eight hours. Top with a little extra cheese 10 minutes before they are done.

“The discovery of a new dish does more for the happiness of the human race than the discovery of a star.”
― Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

A Long Weekend without Our Folks

Published on November 28, 2020August 16, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia27 Comments

It sure is a long weekend without our Mommy and Daddy here. Our cousins are here and so is our dog and house sitter, Miss Christy. She’s really nice, but I still don’t like her much because it means my Mommy won’t be back for a while. But at least Miss Christy feeds me.

I keep looking for my Mommy. No one else seems to care.

Ella has stolen my chair. She has taken over my place as the official neighborhood lookout. Actually, I think she is watching for her Mom and Dad to come back, too.

Ella: “Look, Achilles, is that their car?”

Then there’s big, goofy Achilles. Him and Lucy, they keep licking each other in the mouth. It’s so gross. Hey, you two, get a room! Miss Christy thought it was too private of a moment to take pictures of them playing smoochie face. When Achilles isn’t playing house with Lucy he helps watch for all our folks to come back.

Achilles: “What, Lucy? You want me to sleep in the sun with you? OK, I’ll be there in a moment.”

Then there’s my very own sister Lucy, who only cares about her stupid boyfriend and her BFF and hogging Miss Christy’s lap.

Lucy: I’ll try to not fall asleep before you get over here, Achilles, honey.

I get mad when I come into the living room needing a little attention and there’s Lucy, in the person’s lap. Grr. I give them both a dirty look and lay down in the living room dog bed to wait them out. As soon as Lucy jumps down I forgive Miss Christy and get in her lap. She’s actually a really good petter, but shhh, don’t tell anyone I said that.

Does anyone know where my foks went and if when they’ll be home?

Xena Grruvah Schnauzer Warrior Princess

Riley plus a Thanksgiving Weekend Surprise

Published on November 24, 2020September 3, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia30 Comments

Riley spent the night with us again. His Dad gave him a bath, so at least he smelled good and didn’t have any fleas. It was kinda strange…he mostly ignored me and Lucy. When he wasn’t watching for his Dad to come back, he followed Mommy around wagging his tail.

Mommy even made up a song about it. Bet you know the tune!
If you’re happy and you know it wag your tail. *thump thump*
If you’re happy and you know it wag your tail. *thump thump*
If you’re happy and you know it then your tail will surely show it, if you’re happy and you know it wag your tail. *thump thump*
Oh, and you’re welcome for the ear worm BOL!

Riley was all feet on-board when he heard we were going to walk around the neighborhood.

Later that evening I ended up on the grooming table. Mommy explained that we were getting company. She didn’t know that Lucy had already gotten a message from her BFF and her Boyfriend.

“Hi girlfriend! We’ve got great news. We’re coming to stay with you all weekend over the Thanksgiving holiday!

Auntie Jen and Uncle Bill are coming with them. But then the B.A.D. news hit! The peeps are all going away right after Thanksgiving Day until Monday – yes, for 87 days! Yes, yes, I know our sitter Christy will be here, but I want to go with Mommy. Maybe she could take just me! Yes, that’s it, just me. I’ll be really, really good, Mommy! I promise! Please don’t leave me here all by myself!

I’m Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess, bravely fighting for the right to go with my Mommy.

Pee S. Happy Turkey Day

Xena’s Woes

Published on November 21, 2020August 16, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia30 Comments

It’s been kind of a rough few weeks. First, in wondering if the allergy sea rum injections were really helping me, Mommy contacted the allergist’s office. Let me tell you about them. They had an office here in town that they visited once every two weeks, which was quite enough. Then the vet who owned the office and used it the rest of the time decided the space needed remodeling, so the allergist couldn’t work there any more. Then the pandemic hit and, well, let’s not go into that. So Mom would have to drive a couple of hours north or west to get me to see the allergy dogtor. She said that was ok, but wanted to talk to the dogtor first. A few months ago she got into an e-mail war with someone who was supposed to be the dogtor, but Mommy believes it was an office worker who posed as the dogtor, ’cause no professional would have been so inaccurate, repetitive, and smart-alecky as this person was in their responses. This time she decided to call and keep calling until someone answered or returned her messages, but even a bull dog has their limit of how many times they can call and leave a message with no response. She finally used their website to send a message saying she wanted to talk with my dogtor about how I was doing, as I still itch – especially in the high allergy season – and if she should stop the shots and try something else. Actually, I didn’t mind the shots. I always got two big, high value treats – one before and one after the shot. Mom finally got a reply in the form of a text. They “fired” us! They said they couldn’t help me anymore and there were several dermatologists in our area! Seriously? Can a dogtor actually fire his patient?

Mommy’s pretty sure the dogtor never actually saw her message, and it was the evil staff person again. But what can you do when you can’t get past the rottweiller at the gate? I guess you just turn around and go somewhere else.

In the meantime, I’ve chewed the top of my front leg raw. Now I have to wear a shirt with sleeves that Mommy made me. I still try to get under there to lick the yummy coconut oil she puts on it!

If that isn’t enough, I’ve started hopping on my back right leg when we go for walks. Trot trot trot hop, trot trot trot hop. I get a pretty good rhythm going with it. So I haven’t been allowed to go on walkies with Mommy and Lucy lately. When they get ready to go, I get my treat puzzle, like I’m supposed to ignore I’m getting left behind just because there are yummy dried beef heart pieces in the…wait, don’t you want to go for a walk, Lucy? Mommy’s been looking for a doggie chiropractor but the two who helped Angel Freda and Angel Lexi have retired. I hate to admit it, but resting my leg really has helped.

But wait! There’s more! Last time I was at Dr. Karen’s for my DNA HW test, she said I had yeast around my girl parts, so Mommy took care of it with coconut oil and some essential oils. Now Mommy thinks I might be a yeastie beastie, and that might be why I’m still itchy. She has stopped feeding me my probiotic sauerkraut at night and kefir for lunch. Grrr. She said fermented stuff feeds the yeast. She’s also washing me in a natural tea tree and peppermint essential oil shampoo from 4Legger.

Shania: Hi Miss Xena. I’m allowed out when you’re in the tub ’cause I’m “safe” then. I came to visit you while you soak in your anti-yeasty shampoo.

We don’t know where yet, but there are rumors that there is a holistic vet downtown. I may be paying him (or her) a visit.

I am Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess, aka Grruvah. (I answer to my new Hebrew name now!)

Nature Friday Around Our Neighborhood

Published on November 6, 2020August 18, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

Hi there! Mommy said if I want my picture taken with the mums (I still think that’s funny, they aren’t anyone’s “mum” that I know of) then I need to tell you about them. So here goes. She got the pot of flowers last year, set it out somewhere in the yard, the weather got cold, she stuck it somewhere else, found it this spring and dropped it pot and all in the hole in front of the house were she had dug out a bush and they’ve grown crazy big. There, I did it without even taking a breath.

She’s wondering if it will bloom again next year and if she should take it out of the pot and plant it in the ground now or in the spring or if she should just store the whole thing in the shed or what to do with it. I wonder if she wonders a bunch of stuff like that about me.

Then we all took a walk, and this is us turning the corner out of our driveway. Notice anything odd about our mailbox?

Daddy’s here, so I can’t tell you who backed our truck into it and then tried to straighten it back up and got it straight enough so it won’t fall over but it is still the leaning tower of mailbox. Mommy tried to push it but decided it must weigh about 87 tons.

A few houses up the road, we stopped to look at a pretty bug. I wonder if it tastes good.

Anyhoo, there were little bees trying to get the pollen out of the flowers there too, and the butterbug kept moving to a different flower when a bee would get too near. Smart bug!

At another neighbor’s, who we call the chicken people because they raise chickens, we got a picture of this tall plant. It has little purple flowers laid flat against the stem with white parts sticking out.

We’ve never seen a plant like this before and don’t know what it is (which isn’t unusual for us. Do you?

After a great walk on a beautiful, warm, sunny day, our schnauzer flag greets us home.

Do you see how it works for both Halloween and Thanksgiving?

If you’ll excuse me now, I have some running and playing to do with Lucy in our front yard before we go inside for an afternoon nap.

Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess

We are joining Arty, Jakey, Rosy and Sunny of the LLB Gang for Nature Friday, and thank them for hosting it.

In Purrsuit of Flavors Pot Pie Soup

Published on November 4, 2020August 18, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia23 Comments

Thanks to Shoko and Tyebe of the Canadian Cats and Nelly and Phenny of Easy Blog for hosting this yummy day.

A warm comfort food for a cold day!

Mom’s Vegetarian Pot Pie Soup

Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 40 minutes Total Time 55 minutes
4 big servings
NOTE: This would also be good with cooked chicken added.

Ingredients:
3 medium Yukon gold potatoes (or use sweet potatoes)
3 tablespoons olive oil divided
1 large onion finely chopped
6 medium carrots peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick (or get a bag of frozen, sliced carrots)
about 1 ½ cups+2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups vegetable broth
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
¼ cup white wine
3/4 cup frozen peas thawed

Instructions:
1. Pierce the potatoes several times with a fork or knife, and microwave until cooked through, about 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes and the power of the microwave. Allow potatoes to cool slightly so that you can handle them, and chop into ½-inch to 1-inch dice. Transfer cubed potatoes to a large bowl, and set aside. (NOTE: I diced my raw sweet potatoes in my food processor and steamed them.)

2. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, and add 1 tablespoon oil. Once the oil is hot, sauté the onions until starting to brown and caramelize, about 15-20 minutes. Add the carrots to the onions, and continue to cook, and until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer cooked vegetables to the large bowl with the potatoes, and set aside.

3. Reduce the heat to medium, and add the butter and 2 tablespoons oil to the same pot. When the butter has melted, stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Slowly and gradually stir the milk, broth, thyme, salt, and pepper into the flour mixture. Continue to stir constantly as the sauce thickens. Stir in the white wine, and cook for an additional minute.

4. Stir the cooked vegetables and the peas into the sauce, and cook on medium-low for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste for salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!

Xena: Now that we got that over with, what about us?
Lucy: Mom said we don’t get a recipe this month.
Xena: Grrr. You know what that means...grrratuitous pictures of us!

Xexe: My Daddy would *never* tell me no.

We wish everyone around the world Peace today and every day.

Love, peace and hugs, Lucy (Ora) and Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princes (Grruvah) who is practicing peace today

Our Barkmitzvah on Almost Wordless Wednesday

Published on October 28, 2020August 21, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia36 Comments

Xena: We got Barkmitzvahed. So did all the other dogs there. One cat got Meowmitzvahed. Even our priest from St. Alban’s dog, Lanie, joined in. Does that make us all Jewish?
Lucy: No.

Lucy: I got blessed and prayed over and given my Hebrew name first, before Xena, cause I’m the oldest. My name, Ora, means light or shiny, ’cause of my beautiful furs and ’cause of the light I am in the world.
Xena: I got blessed and prayed over more ’cause I’m me. My Hebrew name is G’vurah, which means Warrior. Mommy changed it to Grrvurah. Everyone giggled and the Rabbi said that was fine

We got lots of yummy treats the whole time. We wonder if everyone did.

Thanks to Comedy Plus
for hosting the
Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop and to photographing New Zealand!

Love, light and grr’s,
Lucy and Xena

Selfie Sunday: Xena, Lucy & Mom at the Dog Park

Published on October 25, 2020August 21, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia28 Comments

We’re joining The Cat on My Head for their Selfie Sunday blog hop.

Mom, look at the camera phone. I’m about to do our selfie.

You blew it Mom. Hey, what are you looking at anyhow?

Oh no, my beard got really dirty at the park. But wait, look over there at Lucy. Let’s help her do her selfie while she’s got two droolcicles goin’ on.

Te he, he. I’ll pay later for this one, but it’s worth it! And she’s covered in dirt. Bet she gets a bath when we get home.

Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess and Lucy with a droolcicle.

Where Oh Where Did Mommy Go Part 2

Published on October 21, 2020August 21, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia25 Comments

Xena: Days and nights passed in a fog. It seemed like I was waiting for years.

I passed the time running in their really huge back yard, faster and faster, trying to make time run faster too. (It was really fun.) I spent my nights cuddled between my Uncle Bill and Auntie Jen, pretending they were my folks. At least Mommy loved me enough to make up my meals ahead of time for Uncle Bill to put together and feed me.
Each day was much like the one before it.

I found it amusing to run up to that pig called Morty, bark, and run away. I’m too fast for him, so he would go after Lucy, who isn’t as fast in tight places. To get back at me, Lucy kept reminding me that she is now an engaged dog. (Like I care!) This started even before they left.

Meanwhile, my folks were off somewhere walking around neighborhoods where they saw scary plastic ghosts and witches.

They walked a mile to a restaurant where they ate Hawaiian pizza and glazed salmon and veggies while they watched students from Murray State University walk their dogs and ride their bikes. They went to a state park and walked a couple more miles until it was almost dark. And before all that they walked to the downtown farmer’s market and got me and Lucy almost a ton of frozen chicken necks! So they were thinking about me.

After almost two whole ~~years~~ days when I had about given up, I heard our car pull into the driveway. We all spent one more night at my Auntie Jen and Uncle Bill’s before it was time to go home. I saw the suitcases being packed and put by the back door. So did Lucy, who kept asking if she could stay, at least until Thanksgiving when everyone is coming to our house.

*hop, hop* Take me too, take me too! Pick me up! Don’t forget me! *hop, hop*

This is Xena Schnauzer Warrior Princess back home with my Mommy.

Where, Oh Where Could my Mommy Have Gone?

Published on October 19, 2020August 21, 2021 by Xena, Lucy and Chia33 Comments

Xena: Last Friday was the anniversary of our folks being married for 12 years. We thought maybe there would be a party with presents and ice cream and cake. Instead, Mommy kept talking to me about what a good time I was going to have at my Auntie Jen’s and Uncle Bill’s. And she kept telling me to please try to be nice and cuddle with Auntie Jen, ’cause it hurts her feelings when I only want Uncle Bill to hold me. This all sounded very suspicious and I made no promises.

Lucy: Mom told me, too, at the last minute before we got in the car, and I was so excited! I was going to see my BFF Ella and my boyfriend Achilles! I could hardly wait!

Xena: It’s a three hour drive to the other side of Nashville, and our dinner was very late. By the time we got there I was so hungry that I was shaking and crying. It was two hours past my suppertime, and it wasn’t even our “fast” day.

Lucy: I was so over-the-moon excited when we got there that Mom couldn’t even get my car harness off me. Ella and Achilles and I immediately started playing. After we got our supper and settled down a bit, Xena hid in the chair with Dad. Me and Achilles had been playing kissie face, and he asked me to come over to my Dad with him, ’cause he wanted to ask Dad something.

That’s when Achilles asked Dad if he could marry me! I thought I would faint for joy. Dad thought about it for a very long minute, and finally said we could be engaged. I think that’s almost married, so I was really, really happy. Xena wants to be an old spinster, but I want to be happily married like my Mom and Dad.

Xena: I don’t know what a spinster is, but I don’t like the sounds of that and I don’t want to be one. I just want to be independent. Why do you think I hate my harness so much? So quit calling me mean names just because I don’t want to play kissie face with every boy dog that comes along. Grrr.
So back to our trip. Morty the pig has gotten so much bigger. He weighs about 70 pounds now, the same as Riley. I upset him by barking and jumping at him. Lucy and I went somewhere safe.

Is Morty gone?

Yep, it’s safe to get down.

*A little later*

Achilles: Mr. Jeff, I need to tell you something. Come closer.

Achilles: *smooch* You are the bestest ever almost father-in-law.

Next thing we knew it was morning and Mommy and Daddy were carrying suitcases and stuff and going out the door. I just knew she was leaving me when she picked me up and handed me to Uncle Bill. It was terrible. I was afraid she’d never come back.

She promised she would be back, but it has been so long. Lucy doesn’t seem to care. She’d be just as happy living here. I will let you know real soon what happens. Love, Xena the desserted.

Lucy: Oh Xena, you’re so melodramatic. But you’re probably right. You’ve got those dark spots now, and, well, who knows? (te, he, he) Love, Lucy