Yet someone always believes it can work . . .

Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery.Winston Churchill

Something to think about . . . seriously!

Miss Stubby's extended day at the vet . . .

 As you know, Miss Stubby is going to a new home soon. The prospective owner asked that we have her tested for a couple of common feline diseases so she doesn't present a problem to the cats he already has in residence. No problem. I got up early, opened up a cat of really stinky cat food and lured both Miss Stubby and Bold (the other one being adopted) into the house. When they had just about finished, I gently grabbed Bold and got him into the carrier without incident. I then got the unsuspecting Miss Stubby incarcerated. She was not happy and her pitiful meowing got Bold upset and we had two hours of stereo cat whines going until our appointment.

At the office, we filled out forms and soon went in to see the doctor. She got Bold out of the carrier and he actually let her cuddle him and check his vitals. He made no objection when she took him into the next room for tests.

.  .  . Then she tried to remove Miss Stubby from the carrier and all the sweet, Southern charm the cat seems to exude disappeared. The doctor took the entire carrier into the next room where she had assistance it dealing with the cat. Fifteen minutes later, she comes back and hands us the carrier and said Miss Stubby had escaped and the time had been spent chasing her up and down the halls. We decided all around that getting her medically sleepy wasn't a bad idea at all. When we picked her up, later, the doctor said that coming out of the drugs, she was actually a sweet cat!

Both Stubby and Bold are back home here. Bold was happy to be home and played with our cat before having a special lunch and going outside to play. When we brought Miss Stubby home, she ate a bite of food, ignored any offered petting, and demanded to go outside. Sigh . . . Just one, more trip for the pair when we take them to their new home . . . which is two hours away. It's just going to seem longer!

Brownies a l'orange . . .

After mint, orange is my favorite flavor in something chocolate. And, what better way to enjoy this combination than with a fudgy brownie. Continuing with the 'B' alphabet of holiday baking . . .

Brownies a l'Orange . . .
2 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate
1/2 cup or 1 stick butter
2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon orange extract
1/2 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
1 cup toasted and chopped walnuts

Grease or vegetable oil spray a 8-inch square baking pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Melt together the chocolate and butter. Let cool. In a large mixing bowl combine the eggs and sugar and whisk together until thoroughly mixed. Mix in the butter, chocolate, extracts, salt, and orange zest. Stir in the flour and nuts. Spread into the prepared pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 20-25 minutes. Cut into preferred sized portions and finish cooling in the pan. Recipe doubles nicely.

Ideas . . .
For a festive look, an orange glaze and some colorful sprinkles would be pretty.
While the brownies are still warm from the oven, scatter chocolate chips, let soften, spread as for icing and sprinkle with finely chopped nuts.