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Zsa Zsa and Her Fam

June 20, 2024

I recently had the extreme pleasure of meeting Zsa Zsa the Basset Hound from the Greater Idaho. She came to Carlton to stay with her human family accompanied by her 3 progeny, Meatloaf and Mister are her twins. Winnie is a sister born of the same father at a different time. What a wild and funny group of characters they are. They were visiting a house in Carlton that had been their mom’s childhood home. It’s a rental now, so they chose it as a place to celebrate the mom’s graduation from the master’s program at University of Oregon.

It was my first time staying with a Basset Hound, and I was looking forward to spending time with those ears. I found out that they are so much more than just adorable ear dogs. They have a nose second only to the Bloodhound in sensitivity. They never stop nosing around. Four full time noses active all over the place is more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

They love to play with each other and with toys, but do not discriminate well between the two. Once attached to something (like a stick) their tank like strength and determination is astonishing. Being low to the ground gives them extra advantage in tug of war. They have big bursts of energy and are asleep most of the time ( like all dogs).

Being a Rover sitter gives me great opportunities to meet new people and dogs. Zsa Zsa and her charming brood introduced me to the wonders of Basset Hound life. It was a wonderful and enriching day. We had a real good canine time.

Resources

June 20, 2024

Reflection on resources allows exploration

Into distance and horizons not yet imagined

All phenomena that are enumerated

Are stuck within definitions and exclusions

Going beyond that which can be counted

Is the adventure we intend to discover

Beet Kvaas for Health

June 15, 2024

A few years ago I worked at the Tucson farmers market for Suzette Smith, owner of Garden Goddess Ferments. She has developed her business and no longer sells at the Tucson market. It was fun to give people samples of fermented raw vegetable products to try.

The experience has enhanced my health significantly because Suzette taught me how to make beet kvaas. The customers who came from eastern Europe had their own recipes that came from their cultures. This drink is much more popular than I had imagined. Now that I have been on the stuff for many years, I can never imagine going without it. We drink it daily.

It’s easy to make, starting with some of the last batch to stimulate fermentation. It’s the most simple formula for improving bodily health that I know. Beets, salt, and water become a magical elixir. If you’re not interested in fermentation as a hobby, you can purchase high quality kvaas from Suzette at Garden Goddess. She delivers.