My Dog Has Aquaphobia

I have been slowly teaching my smaller dog, Rascal to walk on a leash. He is tiny at 5.6 lbs. He gets carried everywhere he goes. There are times he wants to get down to explore. This is why I have been teaching him to walk on a leash.

Earlier today I took him with me when I left with my boyfriend. We stopped out at the local reservoir looking for Pokemon playing the app 'Pokemon Go.' We also stopped to eat the lunch we had picked up.

Rascal kept poking his head out the car window as we were eating. As he was keeping an eye on the runner with two German Shepherds, a seagull flying overhead, and anything else that was going on. 

When we were done eating, I open the door to go put the trash from our meal in a trashcan. Rascal hopped out and started walking towards the water of the reservoir. I redirected him and coaxed towards the trashcan. As I used the one word command 'come'. Rascal was walking across big rocks he has never walked across before. He was slow at first but quickly picked his pace.

After throwing the trash away. I started walking towards the water of the reservoir. Rascal started to follow. However, he quickly decided to put his feet down to let me know he would no longer be moving anywhere near the water. Instead I walked towards him. Rascal darted towards the car. He was ready to go home.

You see Rascal has Aquaphobia, which means he has a fear of water. He will walk up to small bowls of water to drink it. Not towards a tub or sink. When I give him a bath. I end up being the wettest thing in the room on top of him not getting a bath. He fights back to prevent getting in a tub or sink. You put him. He will jump right out.

I have learned to compromise with Rascal in order to give him a bath. I am allowed to run water up to his knees in the kitchen sink. He will not sit or lay down as I wash him up. He will try to leave when I pour water on him to rinse the shampoo off of him. If I try this anywhere else, he fights a bath. 

I should have known the reservoir would scare him. I didn't stop to think. The next time we go the reservoir I will have a treat bag with me to help him learn it is okay to walk up to the water in the reservoir.

Have you owned a pet that was afraid of water? If so, what did you do to help your pet overcome that fear?

Happy Birthday "16" To My Daughter

Sixteen years ago on this very day, my baby girl was born. Labor didn't last long. Only four hours. I won't go in to details as I forgot that pain long ago. I do know I fell in love that day with the last child I would birth.

By time she started school, I knew she was behind in her peers. At the age of five, she could not pronounce words or sentences like a child her age should be able to. I was able to place her in a pre-k program. Instead of kindergarten after some testing was done.My daughter excelled in her pre-k classroom. However, she was still behind her peers. 

She has had some awesome teachers helping her along her way. She also had some bad teachers where I have had to step in and go to the school board to ensure my daughter was getting the education she deserved. Through all of her struggles, she has progressed further than many thought she would. 

It hasn't been easy. As she has been diagnosed with a learning disability, ADHD and ODD when she was really young. She does required medication on a daily bases to be able to focus to get her day to day task done.  Without it she can not function and socialize properly with her peers.

I just wanted to say "Happy Birthday" to my baby girl, you sure have come along way. I have stood by your side through your struggles holding your hand. I don't plan on moving any time soon.

"I love you" and I hope all your dreams come true.

Flea and Tick Control With 3 Tick Remover Twister Tool and Flea Comb For Dog

I bought the "Flea and Tick Control With 3 Tick Remover Twister Tool and Flea Comb For Dogs" through Amazon to try out on my dogs. Mainly for my long haired chihuahua/ wired terrier mix. 

The first thing I did was give my dog a bath. I shampooed him for fleas. That way it would be easier combating the fleas. Any dog owner who has treated their dogs for fleas, knows giving a bath does kill them all, nor get rid of them all.

With the way my dogs hair is. I had to brush him out with a different comb that had wider comb needles to get the comb that came with it to go through.  Nothing against the maker of the comb. I know it is because of my dog's hair with the issue, not the comb.

Once I was able to use the comb, it went through my dog's hair with ease. I was able to grab the dead fleas out of his fur. Plus, some live ones. The fleas were easy to remove from the comb.

Three different sizes of tick remover tools also came with the flea comb. They are an off green color. The ticker remover tools are made out of plastic. I think these tick remover tools work much better than nay tweezers I have used to remove ticks. Tweezers was the old stand by tick remover tool. Not anymore. I like these little green plastic tick remover tools much better. It is easy to slip the tool under the tick and remove it whole.

If I had to rate this product from 1 to 5. 5 being the highest rated. I would rate it a 5. I am that impressed with it. I highly recommend this product to anyone who is works around or owns a dog.

I recived this product for free or a deep discount. In exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

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Photos were taken by and © belongs to Sandy KS aka rusty2rusty.

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Cheesy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

My boyfriend, teenagers and I are seafood lovers. We normally eat fish. Every so often we eat crab. Even less often lobster when we visit Red Lobster on a special occasion. Serving crab at a meal is a special treat for my family. I do on occasion. 

I made a sunflower crunch salad. It was one of those bagged salads already prepared in a bag. You open bag, dump ingredients in a bowl and mix. Easy to do. Salad was colorful and delicious.

The crab was easy to prepare. All I had to do was place in a pan to steam or boil it for 8 to 10 minutes. I choose to boil the crab. 

I prepared a cheesy cornbread casserole to go with the crab and salad. The cheesy cornbread casserole came out beautifully with a golden brown crust. My adult son was over as I was pulling it from the oven. he grabbed a fork and tried it out. He loves my cooking. He asked if he could take some home. As he was on his way out the door. Of course this momma couldn’t say no. I packaged him up some to take home.

Cheesy Cornbread Casserole Recipe

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2 small boxes of jiffy mix cornbread

2 cans of cream corn

1/2 cup of honey

1/2 to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Mix jiffy cornbread per directions. Add in rest of ingredients. bake at 425 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes. Or until cornbread is golden brown.

Tip : Check with a fork or toothpick to come out clean to be sure. As I used a deep baking dish. As oven times could vary.

Tip : If you do not want a sweet cornbread, do not add the honey.

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Photographs taken by and © belong to Sandy KS aka rusty2rusty. 

Dog Treat Pouch Bag Review

I like to re-enforce training with my dogs from time to time. As I want the dogs to listen to the same commands by everyone in the family. I bought the "Dog Treat Pouch Bag" by Fit Pup. That way whomever takes the dogs for a walk can have treats, dog poo bags, and toys all in one place if needed.

The dog treat pouch bag comes with two sets of straps as you can see in the photograph. 

The shoulder strap is attached by two metal hooks. Which are removable. 

The other set of straps are sewn to the bag. You can hook them to your waist with plastic attachments as a fanny pack. I ended cutting them off. As I do not use fanny packs. Fanny packs can be useful for those who wish to keep their shoulder and hands free from carrying the bag.

One of the pros for this bag is the ability to not only carry dog poo bags, but to be able to pull them out one by one. There is a zipper area to the left of the round circle. You place the bags in the zipper area. Til one pokes out of the circle in the photo.

There is also another area with a zipper. You can store smaller items in there to take with you. Such as do wipes. Both areas with zippers, zip and unzip with ease.

The dog treat bag also comes with a small new area to hold items in. The stitching looks like it was done with care.  Whomever stitched this did a very good job.

The treats can be stored in the top of the bag that closes with a draw string. The drawstring has a small plastic piece you must push to move it up and down the string. I have no idea why the maker did not add another zipper at the top of the pouch instead of teh drawstring. I think the drawstring is to much. I did try out the drawstring. It does allow the bag to close completely, not allowing anything to fall out.

This bag is great for those who walk, run or take their dogs with them on the go. As you can re-enforce who is alpha by using treats. As well carry dog poo bags with you. You can store everything in one bag. It is light weight and easily to take on the go.

If I hate to rate this bag from 1 to 5. 5 being the highest rated. I would rate this bag a 5. I recommend anyone who walks runs, or take their dogs with them on the go to buy one of these dog treat pouch bags made by Fit Pup.

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Photos taken by and below to Sandy KS aka rusty2rusty.

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Disclaimer : This product was given to me for free or a deep discount. In exchange for an honest review.

Adding Flavor To Your Potatoes 21 Different Ways

The other day I mention my "Black Bean Chili". Today I made chicken flavored mashed potatoes with parsley. I didn’t use real potatoes. As I was out. I did have one instant package of mashed potatoes. I don’t know about you, but those never taste as good as homemade mashed potatoes. So, I tend to add different things to spice up the flavor. You can do it. You don’t have to have plain mashed potatoes every night of the week. Instead you can can change your mashed potatoes up each night with a different flavor. For me, I added a teaspoon of chicken flavoring and 1 teaspoon of parsley.

Here are a list of things  you can add to get more flavor to mashed potatoes :

1. Chicken beef or turkey flavoring
2. Butter
3. Parsley
4. Different cheeses
5. Chopped bacon pieces
6. Chopped ham pieces
7. Sauteed mushrooms and onions
8. Sour cream and chives
9. Leaving the skins on
10. Cilantro and scallions
11. Sour Cream and Dill
12. Spinach
13. Carrots
14. Jalapeno and cheddar cheese
15. Rosemary
16. Pesto
17. Italian dressing
18. Buttermilk ranch dressing
19. Butternut squash
20. Cream cheese
21. Mayo

There are many ways to add more flavor to your mashed potatoes. You can use any combination of any of the ingredients I listed. You can be creative and come up with new ways I have not mention. The easiest way to do this is by experimenting on your own. By adding different spices, flavoring, and veggies.

Some people choose to add toppings to their mashed potatoes instead of mixing it all together. Which can be packed with flavor as well. Such as : Broccoli and cheese, chili, bacon and cheddar cheese, garlic shrimp, french fried onions, beef gravy and mushrooms. The possibilities are endless.

You don’t have to use regular potatoes either. You can do the same thing with sweet potatoes, red potatoes or any kind you choose. With sweet potatoes I noticed you can add different sweets for flavoring. Such as : brown sugar, maple syrup, marshmallows, honey, butter, thyme, cumin, cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger.

How do you enjoy eating your mashed potatoes?

Inflatable Solar Light Gas-filled LED Hand Lamp Review

I ordered this product with a little hesitation. My questions was put to ease as soon as I was able to check out and review the inflatable solar light gas filled LED hand lamp.

This hand lamp comes already collapsed. It comes with a tool that inflates the hand lamp. The same tool will help deflate the hand lamp. It is easy and simple to use. After it is deflated. It is fold-able and easy to transport.

The hand lamp is covered in a clear plastic. Which makes it water proof. That is light weight, easy to transport, and easy to clean. It has a small handle on the top. The handle in my opinion could be a little bigger. However, it still does the job.

First you need to sit it in the sun or incandescent lamp to power it up. It can hold a single charge up to three months. It comes with a button. You push the button on top of the hand lamp to light it. It has two settings for the light. One allows the light to be on non stop. The second allows the light to flicker on and off.

The light is bright enough to read a book in the dark. the higher you lift the hand lamp, the more light you receive. It can light up to twenty square meters.

My boyfriend couldn't resist using the light to play on his phone. Lol.

I feel confident enough to allow my 2 year old grandson to carry this hand lamp. Perfect to take camping or use in the backyard at night. It also makes a great night light.  

It has 10 built in LEDS. The light lasts for 6 to 7 hours in full light mode. Or 13 to 15 hours for half light mode. It also lasts up to 13 hours for flashing mode.

The pros of the "Inflatable Solar Light Gas-filled LED Hand Lamp" : 

1. Collapsible hand lamp

2. Water proof

3. Light weight
4. Solar powered
5. Easy to transport

If I had to rate this product from 1 to 5. 5 being the highest rated. I would rate this a 5. As I have had no issues with it whatever so ever. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to go camping, to use in the back yard around the camp fire, or to walk outside at night.

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Photos take by and © belong to Sandy KS aka rusty2rusty. 

I recived this product for free or a deep discount. In exchange for an honest review based on my families and I's personal experiences.

If you would like to purchase an inflatable solar light gas filled hand lamp. You can do by going to Amazon.com.  

Ten Rules Of The Kitchen To Stay Clean And Organized

I have a tiny kitchen. I have a small amount of space where I need to create a good home cooked meal for my family. A freezer in a regular size refrigerator is not big enough to feed a family of four for a month. Unless I plan to go grocery shopping in a weekly bases.

I have a small deep freezer to make up what my fridge freezer lacks in space. As I freeze many fruits and veggies to last all freezer long. I also use the deep freezer to prepare the meals. As it is the higher than the table. Where I don’t have to hunch over to do anything. Plus, I really have no counter space.

I am limited on cupboard space as well. This is my cupboard where I store can foods and boxes. I have another cupboard like this to store dishes and pans.

This is a storage rack I bought to add more stuff. It helps. As you can see I need to sort through things again. As my teenagers will place things anything where hey can shove them. I hate having to hunt for those to cook or eat. I like to be organized. My teenagers are the opposites. Especially my daughter.

To remove clutter from my kitchen. I will go from cupboard to cupboard to organize and rearrange things. As I like things to look neat and easy to find. I tend to do it about every two weeks. If I wait a month I don’t recognize my own kitchen.

Some rules of the kitchen to stay clean and organized :

1. Kitchen table must be cleaned off after each use. Only thing that stays on table is the crock pot.

2. All recyclables must be placed outside in the recycling bin each night.

3. Nothing sits on the deep freezer. Must clear off after each use.

4. Dishes must be done after each meal, dried and put away. Dishes must be done before I could the next meal.

5. Microwave must stay cleaned. If you make a mess clean it up.

6. Counter and stove top cleaned up after each use. Do not store anything but pans on stove top.

7. Groceries are to be put away. As soon as they come in the home. Plastic bags thrown away. Unless from Aldi’s, than keep them under the sink.

8. Brooms, mops, etc are stored on side of refrigerator.

9. Metal steps get place on other side of refrigerator.

10. Floor gets swept each night. Floor gets mopped each weekend.

I re-organize cupboards, shelves, or any storage areas when family is away at school, or work.

What rules do you have in the kitchen? How do you stay organized and clean in the kitchen?

Black Bean Chili Recipe

I have been playing around with my meal photos in a couple different online photo editors. I think adding a frame (even if it is small) adds definition to a photograph. I also like how it looks adding what the photo is all about.  Do you think frames and telling what the photo is about enhances the photo?

The photo is of the chilli I made the other night with a little shredded cheese added. It gets mixed in together.  Where the cheese melts. before I add crackers and mix them in to.

Chilli is one of my family favorite meals. It is so easy to make. You can add all sorts of combinations together. That way you are not eating the same recipe twice.

The great thing about making chilli, you can add different types of beans and meats to make it. Or go meatless if desired. You can add various vegetables and spices to your chilli.

How you make yours? 

Mushroom Black Bean Chilli

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1 bag of black beans

32 ounces of V-8 juice

1 container of mushrooms

1 lb. of ground beef – browned

1 packet of mild chilli mix

Shredded cheese

I add the black beans to crock pot first thing in the morning. I cover with water. When my family gets home from work and school. I start browning the ground beef. When done, I drain excessive grease and add to the crock pot. I add in the container of mushrooms, V-8 juice , and mild chilli mix. Mix well.

I add shredded cheese on top, mix well. Til cheese is melted. Add crackers if desired.

Note : I do not drain the juice from the black beans before adding the V-8 juice. I mix it in together. As it helps cut back on some of the acid in V-8 juice.

Note : Where I shop mushrooms come in a small or large container. I always buy the small container. I buy them sliced when possible. As the sliced ones are rather large pieces that can be cut down if you wish. That way when I add them to a dish. If someone doesn’t like them. They can easily remove them.

*Note : If you do not wish to use V-8 juice. You can substitute it with tomatoe juice or beef broth instead.

Dear House Challenge

Today’s Challenge I am taking on, is to write a letter to someone, or something that you will never send out. It could be to a dog, a door, or your vehicle. The option is up to you.

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Photo from Pixabay, a free use photo website.

Dear House,

Hello!
I am the mother of the family that lives inside of you. I am sure you think we are a rebellious bunch that needs to move out. As you don’t like being destroyed. Or enjoy listening to the all the fighting going on. To be honest I don’t like it either.

My teens seem bent on figuring out how who can annoy each other the most. That is a typical teenager behavior.

I am sorry my daughter had one of her episodes and kicked holes in the wall. You would think being a teenager she would be over temper tantrums. When her ADHD is off the wall, she literally flips out and doesn’t know how to calm down. I and many other have tried to teach her. It seems like she doesn’t want to. Like she enjoys being angry. I know she doesn’t. She is a scared little girl afraid she is going to fail at life.

I am sorry my teen son leaves his stinky socks and clothes build up in a stack in his room. Which leaves a nasty odor leaking from his room. I am trying to curtail that. I don’t like it either. As I am OCD about those sort of things.

I am trying to get the rest of the house painted. That way you look good. I need to buy more paint. That way I can finish the living room and start on the kitchen. I need to do the laundry room as well.

First I need to start by removing all the spider webs all over the house. That seems to be a never ending battle. Since it has gotten colder. The big spiders have moved back in.  One day I will clear them all. Next day, it looks like I had not started.

I am sorry I am a bit slow at cleaning and keeping up with things. If I had more help out of the rest of the members of the family. I wouldn’t have such a hard time. Picking up after themselves would help me out in a big way.

I am trying, can you see that?

Yours truly,
The Mother