Lessons Learned from Pets

I continuously learn lessons from the animals in my yard and in my house. We treat them like family, and they love us in return (or at least love the food we provide).

Here are a few truths from our pets' perspectives:

Take a break and play several times a day.

Explore and experience fun within reason.

If a friend takes your favorite spot, scoot over a little.

She'll eventually share with you when she realizes it's your favorite spot.

Look outside the box for a little treat every now and then.

I'll send a few more lessons your way on Thursday's post.

Have a terrific Tuesday!
Love,
TCB

Related posts:

What I've Learned from my Pets

Trading Housework Duties

Housework has gotten a bad name. We lump every household chore into that category - and turn our noses up at it. Is housework really the bane of our existence?

I realize I'm treading into the quicksand here, but bear with me.

Do you really hate every single household chore you're tasked with each week?

I despise DESPISE dusting. I will clean my entire house and "forget" to dust.

My friend likes dusting. She says it's the only chore where you can see progress. I secretly think she's crazy.

So, I would like to propose a swap. I'll do your laundry and grocery shopping, and you dust my house and clean the showers. Deal?

Then you can spend your time watching the grass grow.

Or listening to The Rolling Stones.

Tell me in the Comments section below to which household chore you would like to say "hasta la vista?" (If you are reading this in email, click on the link at the bottom where you will be taken to the blog and can comment.)

Have a wonderful, work(free) day!

TCB

Simple Fruit Salad

I need a little spring in my life. The weather is cold and windy, but I feel as if I'm ready for something tropical. I suppose it will be a fruit salad since I don't see a beach retreat in my near future.

In the South, we like to slather our fruit salad with a dressing that contains a whole lot of mayonnaise or cream cheese or sour cream or something  totally fattening. When I'm really in the mood for something light and sweet, however, it's hard to beat a simple salad that lets the natural flavors shine through. (And saves you about a zillion calories).

I made a fruit salad last week when the weather was extra dreary. The beauty of this Simple Fruit Salad is the God-given ability to use any fruit you happen to have in the refrigerator or sitting on the counter. For my salad, I used blackberries, bananas, navel oranges (all from Aldi), and kiwi fruit (Sam's Club). In keeping with the healthy theme, I melted one to one-and-a-half  tablespoons of organic honey in the microwave and drizzled over the fruit mixture, topping with chopped pecans and dried cranberries.

The mint in my garden has disliked the cold weather as much as I have, so I did not have it to add to the dish this time, but it makes a wonderful addition.

The sky's the limit on variations. Trade out any of the fruits for something else, or substitute slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for pecans.

After having fruit dressed simply like this, I have begun to prefer it over the traditional, heavier alternatives. (And I'm thinking I may have to exercise fewer minutes because of it all).

Add a little sunshine to your day!
TCB

Household Critters

Earlier this week, I wrote about some of the country critters around these parts. There are several household pets that act like critters, too. What makes a critter? It's all about the mischief involved.

And sometimes it's just pure love. This critter has to be touching someone most of the time.

The critter in the laundry basket is sitting on my clean clothes!! Argh!

"Bad doggie!" (Kitty's words, not mine).

Ever heard the saying, "Don't wake the sleeping giant?"

"I give up. Chasing kitties takes up too much energy..."

"...and too much nap time."

Have a happy day with your critters.
Love,
TCB

Related posts:
Strangers in the Night
Pet Photos
What I've Learned from Pets

Country Critters

We've had some beautiful days recently by the river, with temps in the mid-70s. Perfect March weather.

My son and I packed up some vegetables and headed to our neighbors' pasture to feed the goats. He has been hankering for one or two of his own, but I don't think Mr. Country Belle wants to spend his weekend afternoons putting up pasture fencing. So we're doing the next best thing.

The animals always come running as soon as my son makes his nanny goat noises. (Next time I'll video that for you).

The Big Hoss always gets fed first. You don't feed him, NO ONE else gets by.

Spring babies on the farm! These are siblings.

Awwwww......

It is so much fun to see the babies grow while I see my baby grow.

Have a happy day!
TCB

Related stories:
What I've Learned from my Pets
Life in the Country

Golden Cutie Pie

Is there anything cuter than this? (I may be a wee bit biased. You are warned.)

But, oh, yes. I can top it.

Hola, dudes!

Have a happy day!
TCB

Pork Tenderloin for Supper

During the school year, it's always a mad rush to get supper on the table at a decent time. By decent, I mean 6 to 7 pm, otherwise the males in my house would eat all the junk food available in the pantry just waiting for the main course.

With scouting and swimming and general running around in the evenings, it can be a challenge to accomplish supper at a reasonable hour. If you're a mama, I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.

I have about three weeks' worth of tried-and-true recipes I almost can make in my sleep...very expediently...and which are generally nutritious. Whew. I'm tired already just thinking about it. Did I mention sleep?

I always love to hear other mothers' tricks for tasty main dishes for the weekdays, so I'll share mine. Please snag it for the times you're in a super rush. This one's a breeze. You won't believe the simplicity of this dish can equal such great flavor.

Quick & Delicious Pork Tenderloin

One pork loin (Aldi has them shrink wrapped at a low price)
Bottle of Kraft Roasted Red Pepper salad dressing

Place the entire pork loin into a plastic storage bag in the morning and pour in enough dressing to cover it. (Hint: Take note of the weight of the pork tenderloin on the package before disposing of it. You'll need this tidbit of information later.)

Wa-la! Your marinade is done.

Pop it into the refrigerator to sit for the day.

When you're ready to begin supper, remove the bag from the refrigerator about 20 minutes prior to cooking. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the pork loin on a foil lined and sprayed shallow roasting pan. (Who wants to wash dishes later?) Cook 20-30 minutes per pound. (I usually cook it 30 minutes per pound because I like the meat done to at least medium well.)

When done, let it "rest" in the pan on the counter for about 10 minutes. Then carve it into slices. So tender and moist!

It's great with quick-cooking brown rice and broccoli spears. The entire meal takes about 30-45 minutes to prepare and cook, depending on the size of your tenderloin. There's little prep work and you have all the time the pork is in the oven to whip up quick side dishes.

Happy week!
TCB

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Delicious Chicken Casserole
Pan-Seared Salmon Fillets with Sweet Fruit Salsa