The Sock 'Whisperer'

“Where's my sock, I wondered?” He'd grabbed it before I had noticed it was gone. When I looked down, I knew immediately who'd taken it. He saw me in the corners of his green eyes as he ran to lie down, hoping I would not notice his 'loot'. I smiled again. The Sock Whisperer was at it again.

Mr. Wiggles, our four-year-old yellow retriever, was stealing again. His habit of taking things – gloves, mitts, socks - without permission, was such a quaint hobby of his. Taking Kleenex tissue was another matter, however. We were careful not to leave loose tissue in plain sight. He might want to deconstruct it. 

 

Whenever small clothing product was missing we knew who the culprit was. It was our sweet Mr. Wiggles. He was a nice 'guy' not prone to chewing or destroying these soft treasures. From inside a large bag, he would 'inquire', knowing there were gloves or mitts to be found. Many times, he would remove the gloves of winter to carry to his 'abode' while others would ask him,”Well, where is it?” We knew. He watches us from afar.

Mr. Wiggles lives to carry. Anything that squeaks is O.K., too. He wiggles and carries to the absurd. But he is a gentle sweet guy, not interested in the destruction of his world around him. His playful manner enjoys the world of people and things, creating all the excitement he so enjoys. When winter mitts are worn he looks to see if there is a way to take one or both, then disappear. He waits till no one is watching, then goes 'shopping', with complete abandon. A lie detector would be meaningless. There is no crime, here. Just the scent of the many he loves.

The other day, our wiggler decided to unravel the scarf of our pregnant 'daughter', as she was about to leave. Winter is here, with the accompanying very cold temperatures. She was attempting to pet Sally, his sister. Without missing a beat he began to untangle this long piece of knitted fabric to take as he left the room. “What's the problem?”, he seemed to say, when others noticed his newest attire. He beguiles us with his quirky sense of style. As we noticed this brazen piece of 'artistry' take over his persona, we were all reminded of his gentle, sweet nature. Nothing was ever kept, always in plain sight, as he pondered his next move. Gloves, anyone? When one of a pair was visible on floor or table its mate was always with him. Maybe, he wanted the attention or perhaps our scent nearby. Maybe, he was training to become a sitter for all things in all seasons. Maybe he sensed the fun of it all.

Something happened the other day that made seeing difficult. The sock whisperer had slowed down, his hobby now shelved until he felt better. After a week long visit from Emerson, our newest family member, the hound/beagle pup, a high energy baby brother, in disguise, our wiggler looked different as he lay on the sofa, his head propped up on a pillow. He was so tired, I remarked to my husband. Our wiggler could barely lift his head to look at us, preferring more to keep his eyes shut. But that was odd. He'd never done that before. Then I looked, again, more closely, at our quiet unobtrusive little guy, oh so gentle, never complaining companion. His eyes were shut for a reason. Inflamed, deep pink and droopy, his lens on the world needed a doctor's look.

The quiet little pup was the perfect patient as the doctor's thorough exam would attest. Eye drops would address the inflammation and infection. In the examining room, the first dose began its work. At home, I noticed improvement, immediately. The next step: how many people would it take to put the 4 drops into the eyes of a 73 pound squirmy yellow retriever? There had been three of us at the clinic. At home, I was alone in the wilderness: Mr. Wiggles and I, four times a day, 2 drops per eye, for 7 days, then twice daily. His gentle demeanour has helped greatly as I tell him, each time, what had I had to do. As each drop went in, I remarked that one more needed to be added. Dogs do understand language, I have discovered. Then I moved my hand to his second eye, hoping for understanding in what I had to do. On the sofa, with pillow underneath, Mr. wiggles helped me define our 'special' time and place together.

In the morning, I arrived to a sleepy puppy who realized the ritual had arrived, again, for eye medication, but with a treat. Every companion received one. (I needed all the support I could get). He knew this wasn't so bad, after all.  It would continue for ten days. Healing had begun. Mr. Wiggles had reminded me of a blind dog - but for a minute, in time. We were lucky, 'Cause you never know. The sock whisperer has returned.

Momsey's Best Ever Rice Pudding

Momsey's best rice pudding just got better. With the turmeric being classed as a super spice, a regular in all curry dishes and chilis, too, Momsey now includes it in her rice pudding, the last minute dessert with any meal.

The other day, after cooking more rice than needed, with added turmeric, I refrigerated this world wide staple until a use could be found later in the week. ... I remembered making chocolate mousse twice last week. I needed a change. We all did. With one daughter breast feeding and another about to give birth, my intention was to displace gluten and grains from any dessert I might make for their indulgence. They are so mindful of all foods entering their bodies. Health is #1. I wanted my desserts to reflect that.

I remembered having bought organic 1% milk. Its best before date was coming soon. Must use it now. Too expensive to waste. An open carton of organic half and half was there, too, waiting to be 'called' before its 'date'. Realizing I had all the components for a great dessert, I began to create the rice 'brew' known as rice pudding.

I heated three cups of milk 'product' into the stainless steel pot, sitting atop a burner heat diffuser. A small amount of the milk mixture was added to eggs, slowly. (Eggs need 'heat adjustment' to prevent 'scrambling'). The excitement was building. (The heat is now indirect, a must to minimize scorching when cooking dairy products). A wire whisk kept everything in harmony. A few drops of vanilla were added, with more added at the end for that extra kick of wow. A slow stir kept all ingredients in motion to prevent sticking. The anticipation was growing. I managed to make this simple dessert without a recipe. I had seen many. It was not a challenge to do. The turmeric was barely there, I could see. Time to add more. Why not? Desserts could he healthy, too.

Turmeric, this super spice, is found in many curry dishes, a mainstay in all of Momsey's cooking and baking. It is now to be found in my rice pudding and other desserts. Its colour and flavour do not overwhelm foods or other spices added with it. It is a secret weapon in my kitchen arsenal of spices. Why not use it often to keep our brains healthy? Dementia is on the rise, as we live longer, become sedentary and pursue a fast food life style, sometimes, devoid of healthy ingredients. Adding different spices to the desserts we bake makes sense to me.

Whenever we make withdrawals from our health account, we must then make deposits to it for health sake. Of course, an apple would be the best choice. Or a kale salad. No thanks, sometimes dessert is my only escape. With a terrible sense of direction, it is best I stay home, save money and eat dessert, instead.

When I cook rice, now, I make more than needed then freeze it for dessert or side dish as needed in a hurry. Day old rice is better for health, too, becoming resistant starch, like green bananas, a plus in our overindulgent, overweight world. With 3% milk, half and half cream, eggs and sugar, I'm ready to go. Tapioca can replace the rice for that yummy pudding alternative. I will sneak in turmeric, as I always do in many desserts, sandwich fillings, stuffings, soups and even homemade chicken soup. Since there are no recipe police on how I alter the recipe, anything is possible.

Raisins are a favourite of mine, though detested by many because of its taste and texture after being cooked. It is included in my rice pudding, after soaking, then mixed thoroughly throughout. Oh so Yummy and so healthy, I have discovered. The sugar in raisins  contain a rare sugar that is slowly released into the body and reduces cravings. Now they have another purpose. Thank you. I use organic whenever I can find it. Found it the other day at Costco: Sun Maid organic raisins with no oil added. Yay! 

 

On top of my pudding goes the cinnamon because cinnamon, like turmeric, is about health. Turmeric for the brain; cinnamon, for blood pressure. Such a dreamy combination. As I let the rice pudding cool, I am left wondering did I make enough? With 2 dogs to hang out with, a fire to keep stoking, a cat to feed, a book to write, this blog in addition to other chores, I am busy. Love that rice pudding.