So long, dear cows!

Aunt Linda has yet to meet an animal she doesn't love. I haven't had to worry about my cats since she moved in. (To be honest, when she was gone one weekend I forgot to feed the cats until they started howling.) Knowing how much she loves animals, I knew she'd enjoy going with me to the farm.

 

The farm greeters. They were looking for a treat - they remember Linda because she always knows where to find the box of dog treats.

This is part of the dairy herd. Off-and-on for about two years we had the privilege of owning part of this herd, so we enjoyed fresh, raw milk every week. Things have changed, however, so the cows are finding new homes. We wanted to take some pictures before we said good-bye.

Linda could usually get the older cows (above) to moo at her. The calves (below) never gave us the time of day.

Except this little guy (or girl?). He would run out to see us whenever we stopped by. He usually turned away once he realized he didn't have food, but this week he let Linda pet him for a while.

We certainly had fun visiting our bovine friends. We'll miss 'em, but Linda's not too worried. She's already found another horse ranch she'd like me to check out with her!

Hug & Groom

Last month I spent four days down with a cold. Normally that's not a big deal, but the week before that Linda had a cough. We spent most of the week at the house while she recovered, then we spent four days at the house while I fought a bug. When I finally felt better I was four days behind in my work and couldn't afford another day off, so I called my sister in law.

I asked my SIL, Beth, if she'd mind taking Linda out somewhere - a movie, to the mall, anything outside of my house. The timing was perfect. Beth was already planning on going to the PEACH Ranch Hug & Groom event.

"PEACE Ranch is a faith based equine assisted therapy center founded on the belief that there is great potential for healing in the parallel process of rescue, rehabilitation and restoration between horses and humans." Every so often they host a Hug & Groom - two hours when people can walk through to meet and pet the animals.

This is an event designed for Linda! She's yet to meet an animal that she doesn't like, and the Hug & Groom was no different. This fellow shown above developed a particular fondness for her.

It was this little pony, however, that captured Linda's heart. We're looking forward to the next event (hopefully sans snow) so we can go back and she can introduce me to all of her new friends.

And a big thanks to Beth for not only getting Linda out of the house, but for introducing her to her favorite horse!

Pizza Pull Apart Bread ... Modified (of course)

I found this fun look recipe on Facebook for Pizza Pull Apart Bread. As is my custom, I followed the directions the first time. As is usually the case for FB recipes, I found it incomplete and not quite right, so I've modified it for better results in the future.

Here's what you need:
2 cans of pizza dough (or enough homemade dough for two pizzas)
6 oz. of pepperoni
1/3 cup olive oil
Spices
8 oz. shredded cheese

Here's what you do:

Roll out and cut up your pizza dough.

Roll you dough pieces into bite-sized dough balls.

Toss dough balls with olive oil seasoned with spices (I used an Italian blend, but forgot to take a picture).

Layer ingredients in bundt pan or fluted angel food cake pan: dough, pepperoni, cheese. End with dough (I used some biscuits that I had on hand, thus the weird looking top). Bake at 375 degrees (the recipe didn't include a time - I went for 20 minutes because I had no idea).

Dump bread onto plate.

Pull apart (my pepperoni is locally made without all of the artificial colors, thus the brownish tone).

Serve with marinara (and I added ranch!)

The recipe was okay, but incomplete. Here's what you should do:
2 cans of pizza dough (or enough homemade dough for two pizzas)
6 oz. of pepperoni, diced
Assorted favorite pizza toppings, diced
1/3 cup olive oil
Spices
8 oz. shredded cheese
Marinara
Ranch Dressing
Bundt pan or angel food cake pan

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Cut pizza dough into bite size pieces and roll into balls; coat with seasoned olive oil
3. Layer ingredients in pan: dough, toppings, cheese. Make sure your last layer is dough. (NOTE: If using an angel food cake pan you will only have four layers - dough, toppings, cheese, dough. A bundt pan creates more layers)
4. Bake for 30 minutes; check for done-ness. Bake until golden and crusty.
5. Cover pan with plate; flip over to remove bread.
6. Serve with your favorite dips!