Random Ramblings - December 2017 (FD)

(The photo above shows Lilie stood at the top of our stairs, looking longingly at the front door, waiting for her Daddy).

Many dogs will form a stronger bond with one person in their "pack" over the others. In Lilie's case, this person is Kelly.

She's happy to be with me. In fact, she loves to have both of us nearby. But she absolutely adores her Daddy, and will go to him over me almost every time. Sometimes I can tempt her to me with food - assuming I have some food she wants, and he doesn't have anything edible at all - but most often even food isn't enough to make her pick me over her Daddy.

The photo above is exactly how she is every time he goes out without her. There's a flight of stairs as soon as you come in our door, and she waits at the top of them, looking longingly at the door, ready to race down to it the moment it opens and her Daddy comes home. Then she'll greet him with her best wiggle dance, and often some excited yips.

Sometimes - especially if he's out for a long time - she'll whine a bit as though wondering out loud what's taking him so long, but mostly she waits there in silence. It's the stillest - not to mention quietest - she ever is while awake.

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A few months ago, I saw this recipe for Pumpkin, Mushroom, and Spinach Tater Tot Casserole. It sounded tasty, so I decided I wanted to make it.

I originally planned to make it around Halloween, but with the caravan holiday Lilie and I went on with my Mam happening so close to Halloween, I didn't end up doing so.

Then I thought I'd make it for Thanksgiving. We don't celebrate Thanksgiving here - and, if we did, like we have a couple of times over the years, it would be Canadian Thanksgiving, since Kelly's Canadian - but I didn't see why I couldn't make something nice for that date. Except life happened, and I didn't end up making it then either.

Finally, about a week ago, I got around to making it, and learned I was right that it's very tasty. Something to bear in mind if you're looking for more pumpkin recipes ready for next pumpkin season, have some frozen/canned pumpkin to use up, or whatever. Especially if you're looking for vegetarian friendly recipes.

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It's my Mam's birthday today.

I've actually been really bad about posting about birthdays on here in the past couple of months, even though there have been several. I used to remember to post about everyone who had a birthday, but lately it's not been happening. I mean, it took me two weeks to post about my own birthday. LOL!

So, while I'm actually remembering to do so, let me take this opportunity to say, "happy birthday," to my Mam, and to anyone reading this who celebrated their birthday in the past couple of months.

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We haven't had any more snow yet, unfortunately. I'm crossing my fingers that the next week will involve some snow, but not holding my breath, since I know the chances are slim.

It has been really cold here though. As in, cold enough that I've been wearing fluffy socks most days. Those who have followed me for a long time may remember that I hate having things on my feet, and go barefoot at home, except when the weather gets cold, when I'll wear fluffy socks. Sometimes slippers make an appearance too, but more often than not it's just the socks. Especially since Lilie ate my Cthulhu slippers.

I do have another pair of slippers. They're purple with dogs on them. But the Cthulhu ones were more comfortable, and better at keeping cold toes warm. Mind you, I prefer to just go with the fluffy socks most of the time anyhow. I still wish she hadn't eaten the Cthulhu slippers though.

Anyway, the temperature has been sticking around 5 degrees C (42 degrees F) most of the time - give or take a couple of degrees in either direction - and the wind has been quite strong at times, even on those days when the rain stays away. I don't really mind though. I like the cold weather better than the hot weather, and would much rather the temperatures we've been having to those Kelly's cousin, Holly, says she's been having in Australia.

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Want to help raise money for The Dog's Trust?

Hugh is collecting links, and donating money to The Dog's Trust for each link he collects. Isn't that nice?

For more details, or to get involved, check out Hugh's post from yesterday.