The Hardest Goodbye

Three weeks ago we had to make the hardest decision of our lives and say goodbye to our love, our life our perfect dog. Regis developed lung cancer and within three weeks he was having a very difficult time breathing and his quality of life was diminishing at a rapid pace. His cancer consumed his body so fast that we didn't have time to comprehend that we would never run on the beach, hike a mountain or spend a lazy summer in the sun with our Regis James. 

When we got Regis he choose us. We were looking at a different dog with a rescue group but he came up to us and demanded our attention, he was for us and he knew it. Regis came home with some anxiety about- well too many things to name. Together we braved the world and his fears began to fade. Recently he would approach other dogs, a huge fear in the beginning, and was learning to love children. 

He was the perfect pup for our family- very laid back yet full of energy in all the right moments. He knew when it was tv and popcorn time, curling up in the crock of your legs. But he was always up for an adventure in the mountains or a car ride to anywhere. On our move from Nebraska to DC he sat in my lap the whole ride- sharing the same hopes and fears of Scott and I. 

His unmeasured affection, countless kisses and compassionate heart will never be forgotten. He taught us that love is something that everyone deserves. That kisses can solve problems. And that sometimes you just need to go for a walk. 

Regis our sweet sweet boy- know that we will always remember your love and hold it dear to our hearts.

Regis James O'Banion

September 26, 2006 - October 9, 2013

Tuesday With Regis

I am sorry to have been absent lately; this job is keeping me busy and I am pleased as punch!

My goal is to do some updates this weekend. Until then, here's the Reg to tied you over.

Tuesday With Regis

This is what happens when our windows are open and a firetruck drives by.

Sorry for the video quality, it's a long story that ends with a cup of coffee and a defeated Victoria.

Tuesday With Regis

Wakey-Wakey-Eggs-N-Bakey

I know I know...I missed yesterdays' 'Tuesday With Regis', I apologize for this oversight. You see, we were all caught up preparing for a vacation to Spokane to visit my parents, sister and brother-in-law. It will be seven days of rest, relaxation and good family time...we can't wait.

This morning came early with a cab ride to Dulles airport and now we are waiting to board. Regis is our watch dog, always checking for suspicious baggage.

In The Dawning of Relaxation

Tuesday With Regis

Posing for the camera.

Tuesday's With Regis

Since I seem to be able to capture Regis' uniqueness on camera, and per the begging from Scott, I am going to start an installment of photos of Regis.

Regis was awfully tired and insisted on sleeping on his back in the nook of my armpit. He's a mouth breather in this position.

Weekend

Well I failed on my goal, I made no treat nor meal this weekend.

I did take a walk with a pretty cute dog though.

Give A Dog A Cookie

I don't know about you, but running out of dog treats is equal to running out of toilet paper when your on the John. It's a semi-long bus ride, shimming my way to the back of the over-crowded pet store to find the 'special' treats and final defeat as the bus home whirls past.

A few months ago I set out to make my own. I figured if I could make cookies for myself, I could defiantly make cookies for Regis. After a few google searches and a few batches this is my tried and true recipe.

Peanut Butter & Oatmeal Dog Treats
Makes: about 5 dozen 

• 3/4 cup quick oatmeal
• 11/2 cup flour (you may use white or whole wheat)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (Regis prefers chunky)
• 1 Tbs olive oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 Tbs parsley (*optional*)
• 1 egg beaten

In large bowl combine oatmeal, flour and parsley. Melt peanut better, add to dry mixture along with chicken broth and olive oil. Dough should be firm and slightly sticky. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with your favorite shapes. Transfer to non-stick cookie sheet (ungreased). Brush each cookie with a light coating of beaten egg. Bake in 350* oven for 20 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet and let cool on wire rack. These treats freeze well and last for 4 months frozen; simply remove from the freezer, thaw and reward. 

He had to lick the spoon. 

In Happy Pups

Regis and His Booties

Needless to say, they didn't fit.
 
In Silly Dogs

Christmas Card Photo-shoot-Dog Version

I will let the photo shoot speak for its self.











In Playfulness

I said it, 'A HomeMade A Day For A Year'!

Okay this is it, my commitment to a HomeMade a day for a whole year. (As a disclaimer, this does include a homemade supper from scratch and steps to a larger project. I.E. work on a quilt, knitting, etc.)

So far so good.

Scott and I were at my parents for New Years/Christmas. As you can tell from the picture, a 5 hour car ride can get a little dull.

I made a cheesecake (my first) at my parent's home on the 1st; began a knitting project on the 2nd; continued the knitting on the 3rd. The project I am working on is a 3-button wrap using a deep green wool, it's gorgeous.

Lately, I have been doing a lot of baking since we are stuck inside due to the Arctic temperatures. My parents gave Scott Blood Orange Olive Oil for Christmas, so naturally I googled. I found a recipe for brownies. There were amazing, tasted like the orange shaped and flavored chocolate Santa brings you. Last night we had this yummy pizza for supper.


It was Fontina cheese and arugula, mmmm.

Regis has been uber cute these days; I think he is confused on why we are always home these days.


Well knitting, sewing, baking and crafting await me (along with a wedding, possible move and a brand new garden!). I'll keep you posted.

Victoria