No other way to say it . . .

"I am concerned about a culture that has become increasingly callous about the radical abortion license, and a legal system that affords more protection to endangered species of plants and animals than to unborn babies." --Timothy Cardinal Dolan

Cat Summer!

 As I've shared with you here on my blog, it has certainly been a summer of cats. One of the first to show up was this ancient tom cat my daughter called Humperdink and the name seemed to fit. He was a friendly cat who adored a good ear scratch and purr. The only trouble was that old age had not been kind to him and he had allergies and intestinal gas that could clear the neighborhood. He didn't want much more than a bowl of water, a snack, and a warm place in the sun to sleep the day away. He would often show up with a runny nose and leaves stuck to it. He would disappear for a week or so and show up - sometimes looking/feeling better and other times being an aging cat.

A month or so ago, he showed up in really bad condition. His age had caught up with him, big time, and we made arrangements to have him taken to a shelter. We didn't want to do it but he was suffering. He still managed to purr when we gave him attention but didn't bother with eating or drinking. The appointed Saturday came and we waited for the old fellow to show up and take him on a last ride. No Humperdink! After lunch, still no orange cat. By evening, we were pretty sure  the friendly, orange cat had gone to his reward. We never saw him again but I was glad I had taken so many pictures of him and that we had given him some food, attention, and happiness.

Quick . . . Make a wish!

 One of the last dandelions of the summer! When we were children, we used to love blowing the fuzzy seeds all over the yard and letting the wind pick them up and help them travel to far away places . . . the neighbor's lawn and garden! We never knew that we were promoting a new weed population for the coming year. We just knew it was fun and, perhaps, we'd really get a wish!

Watching the big screen . . .

 Although our cat is still too small to take on the loving advances of our big dog, Chick, they seem to be forging a friendship from opposite sides of the screen door. Marcella, the cat, is enthralled with this giant, fuzzy, weird 'cat' and Chick is longing to give this inside rodent a good snuffle. The other day, I had the door opened enough for Marcella to put a paw out and pat Chick on the nose. They were both thrilled.

Oops! The second quote hits home!

"Everybody hates me because I'm so universally liked."
-- Peter de Vries

"Politics is perhaps the only profession for which no preparation is thought necessary."
-- Robert Louis Stevenson

"Ahhh. A man with a sharp wit. Someone ought to take it away from him before he cuts himself."
-- Peter da Silva

"So little time and so little to do."
-- Oscar Levant

Profoundly stated . . .

Only after the last tree has been cut down, Only after the last river has been poisoned, Only after the last fish has been caught, Only then will you find that money cannot be eaten.

- Proverbs

Rice Pudding for a Crowd . . .

Even as I type, I have a big pot of Rice Pudding simmering on the stove. The reason for the occasion? I just went grocery shopping and brought home milk not realizing I had half a gallon at home so decided the older milk would become renewed as Rice Pudding. It is a favorite of my children and I like the fact that it is easy to put together and ignore except for a quick stir every now and then while the rice cooks and the while thing thickens.

 Rice Pudding for a Crowd
2 cups long-grained rice
6 cups whole milk but not less than 2% variety
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

Mix this all into a large cooking pot with a lid. Bring to a strong simmer and turn down to very low and let it slowly cook. This could take up to 45 minutes to an hour depending on the type of rice you use, etc. When the rice has cooked through and the milk is thickened, remove from heat.

At this point, you can add cinnamon, diced apples, dried fruit, raisins, etc. I like to throw in a tablespoon of butter and a teaspoon or two of vanilla extract. A dash of brandy won't hurt, either. Stir in your chosen ingredient(s), cover, and let sit until you serve it. It is great hot, warm, or cold. It keeps in the refrigerator a day of two although it seldom lasts that long at my house.