Friday happenings and a Birthday Giveaway!

Only what we give away
Enriches us from day to day,
For not in getting but in giving
Is found the lasting joy of living,
For no one ever had a part
In sharing treasures of the heart
Who did not feel the impact of
The magic mystery of God's love.
Love alone can make us kind
And give us joy and peace of mind,
So live with joy unselfishly
And you'll be blessed abundantly.
~Helen Steiner Rice, A Collection of Blessings

Well, what a lovely visit we had yesterday morning with the puppies. I have to confess, it was love at first sight, but then you knew it would be!! We have decided to take a little Blue Roan Female. She is the one in the back of this first picture. They were all so sweet and adorable, but she, in particular, grabbed our hearts and gave them a big tug!

We were very impressed with the breeder. The home was clean and the puppies and other dogs were in a very clean kennel area right next to the kitchen door. We got to see the mother, a half sister and the father and all of them were beautiful dogs and most importantly, they were all happy dogs! You could tell that the breeder was very much involved with finding out if we were suitable for being a cocker owner and if we would be able to give the puppy a good home, and thankfully we were!



We have not brought her home with us yet, but we will be picking her up and bringing her home with us on the 13th, which also happens to be my birthday! I have always said that Friday the 13th is my lucky day, and none more lucky than my birthday! I just can't wait.

The next week will be filled with the business of getting the house and garden puppy proofed. Neither one of us has ever had a true puppy! Our dogs have always been older dogs when we got them, so this is really special. We feel just like expectant parents!



We went out last evening and got some things for her . . . ie. a bed, some toys,grooming brushes, shampoo, dog dishes (the cutest cocker spaniel bowl that is tapered at the top so that their ears don't hang in their food) a blankey, etc. . . . Todd fussed a bit at the expense, but then again, I told him at least he wasn't going to have to put it through College and University! We are both really excited about the impending arrival of our newest family member.

Everything we have read about Spaniels makes me sure that this is the right choice for us! Her name will be Mitzie. My grandparents had a Cocker named Mitzie when I was a little girl, that I just adored and it just seemed like the right name to me, so Mitzie she is!



Only SEVEN more sleeps to wait!!! Be prepared to be inundated with puppy love!! (Not to mention lots of Miztie pics!)

Speaking of my birthday, this year it is the big "55!" I know! I can't believe it either, but it's true. Anyways in honor of my 55th I am giving away something to one of you, my much loved readers! If you leave your contact details in a comment at the end of this post I will put your name into the draw for a delicious cookbook.



Filled with scrummy recipes for tasty little cakes! I will also include a selection of FIVE of my handmade greeting cards, painted and created by me, just for you! So make sure you leave a comment on this post to be included in the special Birthday giveaway!

Because it is my birthday, I get to choose what I am going to have for a cake. This year I have decided that I want a big, huge chocolate chip cookie! (and yes, I made it a week early. I know, what AM I like!) I decorated mine with piped vanilla buttercream icing and plenty of sprinkles and little heart shaped chocolate candy covered buttons. You could do this in a 12 inch pizza pan of course and cut it into wedges to serve, which would also be really cute, but, alas . . . a 12 inch pizza pan no longer fits into my oven . . . *sniff *sniff

*Chocolate Chip Pan Cookie* Makes one 10 by 15 inch pan (how big you cut them is up to you!) Printable Recipe Very much like a chocolate chip brownie. What's not to like! 2 1/4 cups flour 1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 1 cup butter, softened 3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup soft light brown sugar, packed 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 large free range eggs 1 (12 ounce) package of semi sweet chocolate chips 1 cup chopped toasted walnuts (optional) 1 cup sultana raisins (optional) Preheat the oven to 190*C/375*F/ gas mark 5. Butter a 10 by 15 inch jelly roll pan. Set aside. Cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time and stir in the vanilla. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt. Stir this into the creamed mixture, making sure it is all well combined. Stir in the chocolate chips, nuts and raisins. Spread into the prepared pan evenly. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until golden brown. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars and store in an airtight container.

And over on The English Kitchen today, a delicious Lemon Yogurt Loaf!