It's My Spot

He moves to the spot when I leave. Upon my return I ask him to return to his spot. I need the light, I tell him. I am writing and reading. He understands. He alights from his spot and walks across the sofa. I laugh. This 85 pound yellow retriever knows the drill. Apparently, I don't. Momsey is left wondering. What is going on here? Who is in charge, anyway?

It happens all the time. I leave. He moves. Smart boy. A reasonable young pup of ten years. I watch as he walks across the sofa rather then jumping off to seat himself where it suits him. It is a love affair spanning 10 years. She used to do it but stayed where she landed. When the surgeries began, many years ago, the sofa was off limits to her. Her hind legs could not bear the strain of her sprinting off the sofa even after healing. Those days were gone. My heart aches for my precious girI. Oh, how I miss her and her cousin,  the diminutive yet stoic Sir Mall Cop.  

My big puppy pretends he is smaller than he is. He sleeps near mom or dad, on newly washed sofa pillows. The mini floor lamp is nearby. The neck pillow awaits atop the sofa arm, shielding him from the artificial light that happens only at night. I need this tower of light. He does not. He does not read though I do. A conversation about reading ensues. He understands.The sofa's faux fur cover keeps everything in place. 

The days of get down are over. How many times does puppy have to hear that? He's the boss and that's that. Shall I move, Big Face? I'll tell you when you must go, mom, but for now you can read. Thank you for asking.

Just Add Spinach

 

Every so often, I will buy that burger or foot long. I have this deep seated desire for something fast and loathsome. Something yummy and delicious. Since I'm the only cook? in my home, the lure of 'processed' food can sometimes be overwhelming till all sense and reason are gone, temporarily.

Anything we cook is considered processed to some degree. To downplay the horrid decision to 'eat out' I will add a salad to my offering - spinach for example. A sub is a favourite sandwich choice for me. No fries with that. I'll make my own. My air fryer allows me to tinker with potatoes in that crazy, healthy way.

My drink of choice is usually Chinese tea with lemon - even with pizza as a selection. I'm bad but not that bad. It is a 'course' correction, so to speak. Plain healthy tea with lemon cannot be beat. There is oolong, white, jasmine, green, to name a few. 

I've always maintained that a withdrawal from my health account must be matched with a deposit to it during the same eating period. Add lots of extra leafy greens to that Big Mac or footlong. We can dramatically alter the health quotient of that sandwich, burger or bowl, just to be sure. The addition of leafy greens, sprouts or just plain spinach does make a difference when the kitchen is a mess and cooking is just not in my repertoire that evening.

Dining out is a big step when eating dinner. When I factor in the cost of the food, the minus factor of my labour (there is no cost there) the elimination of tax and tip on the whole meal, the cost of eating at home is the biggest deal of all. Then there is the app, the great extender. The lure to 'tap' into its power is enduring, a panacea. Will eating ever stop? Of course we have the reward aspect of dining out now. Receiving points to buy the food we just finished eating is the hook. Never have to cook again, maybe.

When I think of the can of soup, I consider that departure very seriously. The choices are few for me. If glucose-fructose is present, I'm outta here. Additives not considered food are simply not considered. The liver deserves better, much better! Adding carrots, celery, onions, garlic - the powerful foursome- along with the can of soup in the pot can dramatically change the nutrient profile quickly while reducing the salt per serving. 

Chop the spinach, or snip it with other leafy greens to augment your health account. It is sort of like eating out but without the added cost and wasted time. Adding water allows for more soup to  magically appear. Nice touch.

We have it in us to try and save the money we might need for that million dollar starter home someday. But I digress. Spinach, anyone?