Momathon Blog

True Love: An Old Dog Finds a New Home

Adopting a big dog takes a big heart. Adopting a senior big dog requires even more love. When an older shepherd mix was abandoned back in 2008, I prayed that some kind soul would adopt him. He waited for a very long time. And all that time he never lost his cheery outlook and he never lost the enthusiasm for giving kisses to visitors at the adoption fairs. I think the world would be a better place if people could manage that same optimism.

I am so happy to share the news that Duke found a home because of the good folks at a local animal shelter that never gave up on trying to find him a new home. 

God bless the kind souls that looked beyond his senior age and discovered this amazing forever friend to adopt.

Key to a Cooler Night's Sleep Might Be a New Pillow

Looking for a cooler night's sleep? Relief might be as simple as finding the right pillow. New anti-sweat pillows might be the answer according to a New York Times article by Julie Scelfo. (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/23/garden/23roadtest.html)

Here are three pillows to consider according to the NYT:

• Wool-Wrapped Organic Buckwheat Hull Pillow by Organic Mattresses Inc. ($149)

• latex 3D Breathe Pillow by Hollandia International ($130)

• angled Comfort Pillow with memory foam by Magniflex ($100)

And that's the way it was...

I grew up watching the legendary CBS news anchorman Walter Cronkite--the comforting voice of the most trusted man in America. At the end of his broadcast each night in those tough times as well in those more hopeful times, I felt reassured when he said: And that's the way it was.

A great American life well-lived, Walter Cronkite died at age 92 on July 17, 2009. His career and life will be featured in a special report on CBS on Sunday at 7pm ET/PT in place of 60 minutes. More about the tribute can be found at That's the Way it Was.

"I admired my dad. 'He was just a reporter,' he'd say. 'He just ended up reporting bigger and bigger stories'," said his son, Chip Cronkite at his funeral today.

Fitness Fun for You and Your Dog

Looking for an outlet for your pup's endless energy? Is your dog energetic and focused? Adaptable and water loving? Confident and closely bonded to you? Check out Canine Sports & Games: Great Ways to Get Your Dog Fit and Have Fun Together! by Kristin Mehus-Roe.

This activity book for humans who like to play with their canine friends includes:

• Basic dog training principles to get you started.

• Overview of fitness, injury prevention, and nutrition.

• Sport-by-sport examination of 19 games including agility, flyball, weight pulling, and dock jumping.

• Obedience competitions, tests or instinct,

• Safety reminders, related organizations, and much more.

My family has an active dog with slight limitations due to a leg injury last year. Kristin's book introduced my daughter to many fun activities to do with our pooch to keep her canine mind and body in shape.

Let the games begin!

Nickelodeon Universe at Mall of America

If you are under 21 at the MOA chances are you came to ride the Avatar Airbender or the Rock Bottom Plunge as well as hundreds of stores. My daughter's favorite ride, the Log Chute, promises to get you slightly wet or completely soaked.

The indoor amusement park offers plenty of fun for younger kiddos too. Here are just a few: Kids can motor down the highway on Big Rigs' kid-sized trucks or soar high above the park in the Balloon Race.

Tickets are priced on a points per ride basis. My kids shared a $32 ticket and rode 7 thrill rides while my mom and I shopped at Nordstroms.

Lake Ness Monster?

 

Peek between the trees on the east shore of Lake Harriet in Minneapolis and you just might catch a glimpse of a mysterious lake creature. Her search for the perfect home of her own brought this elusive creature to the Twin Cities this summer. You can read more about the friendly monster at LakeCreature.com

Fiber-rich Snacks for Kids

My kids would never dream of asking for a fiber-rich snack. I just don't tell them that the apples or endamame snack are fiber-rich.

Why is fiber so important? Besides helping maintain good digestive health, fiber-rich foods are more filling and discourage overeating.

Kid-friendly fiber includes fresh fruit such as apples, berries, oranges, and pears. Whole grain cereals, beans, and endamame (a crunchy soybean snack) are good choices too. My kids like the Fiber One cereals and muffin mixes.

For more info on adding fiber to your diet check out this link:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/fiber.html

Midwest Living

Going home to Minnesota in the summer is a delicious treat for all the senses. What could be a better alarm clock than waking up to the sweet scent of cinnamon coffee cake made by my mom? Fitting in your daily workout never feels like work when it's a brisk walk or jog around one of the many lakes in Minneapolis or an afternoon swim. Getting in touch with your creative spirit is simple when you visit one of the outdoor craft fairs or drop by a favorite odds 'n' ends shop for supplies to make your DIY masterpiece. Best of all, a vacation in Minnesota means plenty of good conversation with midwest folks. It's just one more example of "midwest nice."

The Moose Is Loose

The driving in Colorado is never boring. The amazing mountain vistas. So much wildlife to see roaming in the foothills. And even a few elk or moose carted around town in pickup trucks.

Doubt Apple Thought About This Benefit

I like to hike with my dog. This time of year I just might end up hiking with a few animals I don't enjoy sharing the trail with. Bears.

 

I often attach a big jingle bell to my dog's collar to warn the bears that we are hiking nearby. Fellow hikers have told me tales of meeting a bear on the path, but fortunately I haven't met one except in my own backyard--climbing the swing set and also going through trash cans. Bears in general aren't looking for you for dinner unless you have a picnic basket. But the idea that an ambling bear can also charge at 30 m.p.h. does put their power in perspective.

Now when I hike I also play some music sans earbuds on my iPhone or iPod Touch to warn the bears of our approach. Let me say I am not a wildlife expert, but in my highly unscientific study the bears in my neighborhood don't like Bruce Springsteen, Taylor Swift, and Sara Bareilles. 

Happy hiking. (BTW, the photo above doesn't feature a bear, at least that I know of.)

Pets: Janie the Dachshund Mix Needs a Forever Home

Janie, a Dachshund/Chihuahua Mix, is available for adoption at an animal shelter in Arizona. Young Janie is looking for a forever home. You can read more about Janie and see more pictures at the AdoptaPet.com link.

Sweet Janie was found as a stray and needs work to help her overcome her shyness. She is good with kids and other dogs. She is about a year, weighs about 25 lbs., and is a lovely tan/yellow/fawn color.

Because she was abandoned, she is still learning what it's like to be cuddled. She loves it!

If you know someone who might want to adopt Janie, please send them the link to this blog post or have them check out Janie's link on AdoptaPet.com.

Thanks. 

"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." -John Billings

A Hardy & Fragrant Groundcover

I live in a high desert region. Last year I decided to go green and add groundcover plants that do not need to be watered as often. Thyme plants thrive in sunny locations. I love the fact they rarely need water or fertilizing. They aren't picky about soil either--dry, gritty soil is fine. Thyme is hardy and some varieties can tolerate the snow and freezing temps we have in Colorado. The thyme plants vary in height. The one pictured here only grows to approximately 3-5 inches high and slowly spreads to 24 inches. This is the perfect height because I can walk through the garden without accidentally stepping near a rattlesnake or two! Best of all, the fragrant green carpet smells wonderful.