Smiles and Puppies

What sunshine is to flowers,
Smiles are to humanity.
~Joseph Addison

Today as you step outside your door to enjoy the warmth of a new day on your skin, the smell of newly mown hay, the scent of a freshly cut lawn, wispy clouds in a sky of azure blue, the vibrant colours of some garden flowers, or even the beauty of a cold winter's day (depending on where you live) . . . remember this . . . you DON'T have to just be a spectator. You, too, can play a huge part in the glory and beauty of this day.



Smile. Spread a little sunshine and brighten someone else's day today. It is easy to do, costs nothing, and I guarantee you will get more than a few of them back. That can't be bad at all!!



I have a confession to make. We've been searching for a puppy, and we think we may have found one. We are going to look at a litter of Cocker Spaniel pups this morning. I'm very excited about it. They are blue roan and orange roan pups. We want a female, so are not sure which colour it will be, but they are all beautiful. That's them in the above picture. Are they not adorable?



This is what an adult blue roan looks like.



This is what an adult orange roan looks like.

We even have names picked out. Mitzi if it is a blue and Buffy if it is an orange. I am in love already. Ever since we met that woman the other day with the Cocker Spaniels, I have been researching online about that breed of dog and also looking for some puppies. It sounds a lovely breed, gentle and mild tempered . . . playful and affectionate. Just the type of dog we are looking for. I found this litter of pups on Tuesday and we have been communicating back and forth with the breeder ever since. Today we are going to see them, and like I said I am really excited. I could hardly sleep all night in anticipation! (When I did fall asleep, I dreamt I was in a swimming pool with Boy Zone, and they were all wearing kilts . . . mmmm . . . but that's another story. ☺)

Anyways, I doubt that we will bring one home with us today. We are not ready here at the house for one yet, and I am not sure they are ready to leave their mother yet. We need to get a bed and grooming brush, some toys, food, puppy pads, etc. We gave absolutely everything away after we lost Jess . . . it has taken a few months, but I think our hearts are ready now to let a puppy in. Wish us luck!!

ahhh . . . puppy breath . . . I can't wait!!!



Here is a quick, easy and delicious supper that your whole family will enjoy! Kids especially love it, both the big and the small! Even Todd likes this, and he is not fond of pasta as you know!



*Chillie Weenie Pasta Pot*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

This recipe is a real timesaver and unique in that the pasta actually cooks in the sauce on top of the stove. You get the delicious smoky flavour from the wieners, which goes very well with the rich, cheesey and slightly spicy tomato sauce. Children really love this, both big and small!

2 (295g) tins of condensed tomato soup (MUST be the condensed type of soup that
you have to add water to)
2 1/2 cups water
1 (420g) tin of cooked red kidney beans, drained well and rinsed
1 pound package of frankfurters, sliced into bite sized pieces
8 ounces of farfelle pasta
2 tsp mild chilli powder
1 TBS parsley flakes
2 cups of grated cheese (medium cheddar, edam or gouda)
salt and black pepper to taste

Spray cooking spray on the bottom of a large skillet that has a lid. Heat over medium high heat until hot and add the cut up frankfurters. Cook, stirring until nicely browned. Add the remaining ingredients, except for the cheese. Stir well and then reduce the heat to medium low. Cover and let cook and simmer until the pasta is cooked and tender, about 15 to 17 minutes. Add the cheese, stirring it in until it is melted into the sauce. Taste and add some salt and pepper, if needed. (I never add any) Serve hot, in bowls, with some slices of buttered toast on the side.



Over on The English Kitchen today, a delicious salad of Corn and Beans with a tangy lime and yoghurt dressing!!