Cowfolk



Happy New Year!
~Spud, Bandy, and Mom



An Old Man in Winter

    
    On the way back to the house from the barn, Spud and I saw this spectacular sky and the camera had to come out!  Beauty is everywhere and this tree is a favorite on the farm.

~Mom

Spud's Christmas Wish

My wish for Christmas is that I will never have to dress up like Santa again.  Talk about humiliation!  But wait a minute......it's time to open gifts.  If Santa is so special, he should be the first one to open his gift, right?  Maybe it's not so bad dressing up like Santa after all!

Why We Have Christmas

     For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life.  John 3:16

The Good Shepherd

     This was sent to Mom's e-mail from Grandpa and Grandma, (I love Grandma...she always brings me treats!), with the message that "we should all have the good sense of this dog and curl up in Jesus' lap from time to time".  I'm not surprised that a shepherd should seek out the comfort of "The Good Shepherd".

~Spud

Christmas Tour at Our House

Thought you might like to take a little photo tour of some of the Christmasy things at our house.....Thanks to Jeanne for some of Mom's fav. decorations!

       Put a milk carton, frosting, graham crackers, and candy in front of the kids.  This will occupy them for a long while.....Great time for us dogs to get some rest before the kids resume chasing us around the couch again.

~Spud

Merry Christmas!

Birthday

Today is the first day of winter and also Jacob's birthday.  Please remember, dogs like cake too!  Happy Birthday, Jacob!

~Spud

Winter Moon on The Farm

I see the moon, and the moon sees me.  God bless the moon, and God bless me.
(an old poem, author unknown)

It's going to be a barking night tonight!  I can't sleep under a full winter moon, so the rest of the house might just as well be awake too!

~Spud

Don't Blame the Dog

No, I did not dig this hole!        Please, don't take me swimming there!

~Spud
(Photos copied from Yahoo.)

Holiday Fun Food Not For Dogs

Pretzels and Chocolate

1/2 pkg white chocolate chips
1/2 pkg chocolate chips
1 large bag of pretzels
Holiday sprinkles

1.  Melt chocolate in microwave for 45 seconds.  Stir until smooth.
2.  Dip pretzels in chocolate and sprinkle.
3.  Stand upright in container such as a 1/2 pint wide mouth jar until chocolate hardens.  White chocolate will harden long before regular chocolate.  You can hurry up the process by putting pretzels in freezer for a couple of mins.
4.  Dogs and chocolate don't mix well together so give your dog a little meat from Christmas Dinner while you are snacking on the pretzels.

~Spud

A Little Help Please

     Could someone please help the dog!!!!  Why do you think you humans have fingers anyway?  Ahhh, admit it, you think it's amusing to watch us struggle a little.  Well, I'm not proud!  I won't give up until I'm scarfing down Beggin Strips, the King of all snacks.  Putting an opened bag in front of me is like offering catnip to a cat.

~Spud

This is No Doghouse

What is so great about this picture?  How about a snowy picture of a doghouse instead?  Second thought, I don't think I've ever spent the night in a doghouse.  Ok, how about a picture of the back of the couch?  You birds, take my advice...that's the place to sleep!

~Spud

Lemon Coffee Cake

This recipe is one of Jacob's favorite cakes and is nice for company dropping in around the holidays.  There is a surprise burst of lemon in the middle!

1 1/4 c sugar, divided
3/4 c vegetable or olive oil
4 eggs
2 c flour
1 t baking powder
1 can lemon pie filling/pudding.  (Pudding in the box is not good in this recipe.)
1 1/2 t cinnamon

1.  Mix sugar and oil well.  Add eggs and beat until light.
2.  Add flour and baking powder.  Mix well.
3.  Spread half the batter in the bottom of a greased 8 x 8 baking dish.  (A 13 x 9 dish makes the cake too crunchy.)
4.  Spread lemon pie filling over the batter.  Top with remaining batter. 
5.  Mix cinnamon and remaining suger together.  Sprinkle over the top. 
6.  Bake 350 for 30 mins. or until toothpick comes out clean.

Jingle Smells

(As sung to the tune of Jingle Bells.)

Jingle bells, possum smells,
Wafting in the air.
Think I'll go and have a roll.
Then beg to come inside.
Coyotes howl.
I will growl.
Mom will let me in.
Got what I wanted. Whoops. What?  A BATH!
You took away my grin.

~Spud

Fuel for the Woodstove

     If you look carefully, you'll see I'm not the only one who likes to show his best side!  As long as I can back my rear quarters up to the woodstove, I'm a happy puppy!

~Spud

Toy in the Air

      I don't care whose birthday this is!  If I get hold of that "toy", it's mine!

More Pet Tips

Click on the Tips Tab to check out more pet tips.

Gone for the Winter

     The Jenny Wrens left for the winter after raising several clutches of babies.  Mom loves to listen to them talk to one another.  Me, I love to try to capture them in the air and have been known to catch a sparrow or two in flight.  I do have to agree that the wrens help to reduce the mosquito population around here though.

God's Gift to Mom

    Mom and I found this weird vine in the woods on one of our walks.  It had been a long time since she had been able to make it through the woods, so she had never seen this before.  She thought the marvel of nature was so interesting.  She just had to take a picture of it.  While going through her pictures, it dawned on her that it resembles the breast cancer ribbon.  Mom believes that God speaks through the Bible, music, and nature to name a few.  It's like God is saying to her, I know what you've been through and I am here for you now.   
~Spud

Two Old Men

The Ham

    

     There is only one ham in this household.  Can you guess who it is?  I mean really, Sacha, why do you have to be such a camera diva?  Can't you pretend to be a little elusive!  Take a lesson from me.  Don't cater to the humans.  Even if it means they sometimes just get butt shots!

Christmas Gift Ideas for Children

Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion for God loves a cheerful giver.  2 Corinthians 9:7

1.  Pack a shoe box for a child....Samaritan's Purse is a Franklin Graham ministry that delivers shoe boxes with toys, candy, and toiletry items to children in disaster/ needy places.  Filling a shoe box can be a fun way to include your child in giving to others.  You can find out more by going to samaritanspurse.com.   It is not too late!

 

2.  Buy a gift for a child of incarcerated parents.....Angel Tree is the largest ministry that reaches out to children of parents who are in prison.  Because of a matching grant, you can provide gifts for 2 children for just $11.44.  Website.....angeltree.org.

~Spud with Mom's help

Christmas Gift Ideas for Animals

For your local humane shelter.....

1.  Donate old towels and linens.

2.  Offer to walk dogs.

3.  Drop off some doggie treats or dog food.

4.  Give them some new or old CLEAN toys.
 
Other animals....

1.  Purchase a bird feeder and some food for a friend's Christmas gift.

2.  Most horses appreciate an apple in their feed on Christmas.

3.  Ask for extra bones at the meat counter of you local grocery for a treat for your favorite pooch.  Personally, I'll take all the bones I can get!


~Spud 

Cute Animal Christmas Song

Trees of the Field

     You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.  Isaiah 55:12

    

    

What I'm Thankful For

I'm thankful that we had PLENTY of turkey and ham at Thanksgiving!  Dogs love left-overs!

~Spud

spudyspot

Want to follow spudyspot?  Just click on the follow button in the right side bar.

~Spud

"Bee"

     Mom thinks I'm something "bee-utiful"  to "bee-hold" in my bee costume!  I reluctantly conceeded to play the part that "bee-fell" me, although it would have "bee"n  more "bee-fitting" "bee-fore" this time of the year, say around October 31st.   You can tell I'm a bit of a "bee-ginner" when it comes to drama.  I'm having a difficult time covering up some ticked off "bee-havior".  "Bee"-sides it's just a little un"bee"-lievable that Mom would dress me up to promote some tips using honey.  "Bee-seeching" her to stop taking pictures did not work.  I "bee"-lieve I'll have to "bee"-siege the costume to get my point across!

     We never seem to have enough honey around our house and use it instead of sugar which is a good thing considering the price of sugar right now!  Click the Tips tab for using honey if  you want to "bee" healthy.  (Sorry I couldn't resist!)

~Spud

Butterfly Dance

Mom "captured" these with her camera this fall. 

Snakes!

     I'm not a boastful dog...I mean I'm not the kind that has to "show" Mom when I send a mouse to an early death.  BUT, when I summon all my courage and wade into a snake, I might just have to let someone know.
You see, Mom walked down to the creek and was just about to step on a very ferocious garter snake when I pounced in front of her.
    She thought I was being a little rude until I started shaking the varmit to death.  You might say, she changed her attitude very quickly and began praising me.  Now, I don't mind a little praise, but I much prefer that praise with bacon on top!

                        To find out what this picture has to do with snakes, click on the Travel Tab.

Spud's Wish For Thanksgiving

May all you dogs find little children who slip bits of turkey under the table!

Dried Beef Cheese Ball Recipe

Holidays are time for eating really yummy things!  (Well, every day is time for eating yummy food for a dog!) Click on the Recipe Tab for a cheese ball recipe that's extra good!

Is This For Me?

     Mom brought home a large bag full of TOYS, and not one of them is for me!!!!!  This one bounces up and down and makes all kinds of noises so you can see how a fellow like me would LOVE to play with it.  BUT, the toys are for children that Mom's side of the family have "adopted" for Christmas, so I guess I can just wait until Christmas and I get my own presents to unwrap!

New Tip

Click on the Tip Tab for a new tip using vinegar!

Dancing Merengue Dog

Mom says this is just too good not to share.  I say some dogs are such pleasers....have to make the rest of us look bad.  You might get me to wear costumes, but don't expect any special dancing out of me, Mom!
Spud

Comments and Labels

Comments.....If you would like to leave a comment, just click on the word, comments after each post.  I would really like to hear what you have to say!

Want to pull up more recipes?  Then just click on the word recipes in blue at the end of a post and it will bring up all the other recipes that I've included on the blog.  You can also do that with other labels and it will pull up other posts on the same topic, or you can hit the tab button at the top of the page for particular categories.

Happy reading!
Spud

Toads

     I confess, I am captivated by toads. 
     This summer Mom noticed that we didn't have very many toads around.  Even the resident barn toad was missing.  They say if you don't have toads, you probably have snakes, so given the alternative, Mom chose toads.
     Mom thought she would invite snakes to a toad banquet by bringing some hopping joy home from Aunt Sue's house that Trey, Mom's nephew, caught.  Not really.....she just wanted the toads for eating bugs.  I wanted to eat the toads.  I think I hear the music to "The Circle of Life" playing somewhere.  Do the words "food chain" come to mind? 

     However, one little lick gave me a toad-aly sneezing fit.  Hmmmmmmmm.

     Ok, I confess, this shot is a tree frog, not a toad, safe from a curious little dog like me.

  

Meat on Legs

     Mom calls these Golden Laced Wyandottes.  I call them meat on legs.  She has 3 hens and is looking for a rooster of the same breed so she can raise little baby chickens.  Any roosters out there that need a home? Mom wants to know.
     I say great!  And I don't mean in a good way!  It's just more temptations strutting around the yard that a little dog like me has a hard time resisting!

Summer's Ending

    
     Fall is here and winter is coming....I think I'll lay by the wood stove and dream about finding toads in Mom's flowers.

3 Dogs

     Introducing....from left to right....as a puppy, Sacha, my nemosis, and Tinkerbell, my comrade in mouse chasing.  Finally, resting in my favorite place on top of the couch, is Spot, my buddy since birth.  I do a happy dance whenever Tinkerbell and Spot come from Antonia's house to visit!  On the other hand, anyone out there want Sacha to come for an extended visit, say for a year.....or two.....or more? 

Anyone thirsty?

A little chlorine never hurt anyone, Tucker.

Then again, I prefer a little bird poo in my water!

Trick or Treat

Trick or Treat, smell my feet, give me doggie treats to eat!

Coyotes!

     Sorry I haven't posted anything lately.  (I'm still learning how to blog.)  And.....if you tried to leave a comment, but couldn't, I think it should work now.  So, I'd love to hear from you and your human.

     Coyotes!  Don't tell Mom, but I am secretly scared of coyotes, but still a little curious about their whelping dens.  This time of year, they are abandoned, so it's safe for a little dog to explore.  Phew, the holes give off a nasty odor! 

    

     Sometimes they surround the house and call back and forth to each other.  They are pretty brave, too.  We see them in the field and even caught them coming near the chickens.  Hey, if I can't chase them, then coyotes can't either!  They really make me want to hide behind the toilet, my secret hiding place.  But a dog's got to keep up an image, you know....bark loud, even though your knees are shaking.  If these critters are strong enough to kill and eat a calf on our farm, which they did a year ago, then they might just want a little rat terrier like me for dinner! 

     Any of you dogs or people ever met up with coyotes?  I'd love to hear your stories.

                            Disgusting sign on our lane.  Of course none of it really applies to me!

My Softer Side

Even I think I'm cute and somewhat debonair. 

Porky

Porky, the old man.....Mom says he is the easiest to take pics of because all he does is lay around!

Sacha

     It's a little humiliating, but you might as well know that I live in a three dog home.  You would think that one little rat terrier would be quite enough dog for one family.  I get along just fine with Porky, the 13 year old half Walker Coon dog, half German Shepherd.  Maybe it's because he doesn't do much except lie around, enjoying retirement.  But then there is Sacha.   She is a half Australian Shepherd, half Catahoula.  That's right, I said Catahoula, and she is more like the cat in Catahoula, than a dog.  I highly do not recommend getting one unless you live far, far away from other houses, (she runs like a wild woman...I have no idea what that means),....like in Louisiana, where they are the state dog.  Hmmmm, do other states have a state dog?    Any of you states need a state dog?  Let's consider the rat terrier....for obvious reasons.    
     Focus.....Anyway, catahoulas are used to hunt wild boars and even wear little vests for protection.  I don't know what the big deal is about boars.  I think it is far more important to rid the world of mice.  That is one of my missions in life.  I frequently check out the horse tank where the horse feed is kept and am sometimes lucky enough to come across one.  Mouse, not boar. 

     Purebred Catahoulas are very hard to find outside Louisiana and Texas.  Mom happened on Sacha and gave her to Dad for a birthday present.  I think a doggie bone would have been better.  Her one mission in life is to hunt me.   Maybe she thinks I am a boar.  She crouches like a leopard and springs up and attacks me and grabs me with her hands.  Yep, her paws are like hands.  She delights in holding me down with her hands!  Actually, she is a clown....or crazy....or a crazy clown.  Her picture says it all, doesn't it?