Agility Fun!

We're on our fourth week of Intro to Agility at the Ann Arbor Dog Training Club. There's about 10 folks in the class and we're split into two groups. This way we're afforded ample opportunity to teach the dogs the obtacles. The only downfall of this class is that it's so late, 7:45, which makes it tough to head out the door. But once there, it is quite enjoyable.

It's interesting there are so many obstacles and the way they're set up, and the proper way to maneuver through them. It gives me a new appreciation for observing the rallies I see on TV. Of course, they make it look so easy! Max is making progress, and is soooo pooped when he leaves. Once in the backseat of the car, he plops down and it's snoozeville.

I don't know I'll get to the point where I want to "compete" with the Maxster, but surely is a fun component to his exercise regime.

An Evening to Savor

The trio arrived at the table, and what a surprise. The first oozing fiery sensuality, the second neatly attired, and the third coyly perched off to the side, its leg jutting out, hinting at its delciousness. Girls night out speed dating? A Match dot com success?

No! Even better!! It was dinner out at Atlas Global Bistro in Detroit. I will forever regret not photographing our entrees as they arrived at the table. Their magnificence is unparalleled in my recent dining career. (see below my dining disappointment at Coach Insignia)

The first dilemma of the evening presented when I perused the wine list. I am always in a connundrum here, but eventually settling on a Snoqualmie chardonnay. I think I just liked the name Snoqualmie, LOL. Despite my haphazard way of selecting, it was quite tasty and complimented my meal nicely.

I became completely stymied when I read the menu. For a foodie like myself, how on earth was I to choose. I suppose if I was already into my month-long vegan commitment it might have been easier, but this was just a panoply of mouth-watering choices!

I certainly couldn't pass up the Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese salad, with baby greens, spinach, garlic croute, herbed goat cheese, spiced walnuts and saffron vinaigrette

All of the entrees tormented me with their luscious words. I relented and called for our waiter's assistance. He urged the Five Spice Escolar, and I happily acquiesced to his suggestion. How could I not when it is described as follows: Pan Roasted. Orange Ginger Sauce. Red Pepper. Leeks. Bok Choy. Sesame Seeds.

Mike chose the Pancetta Wrapped Korabuta Pork Tenderloin: Butter Poached Fingerling Potatoes. Brussels Sprouts. Bosch Pear. Granny Smith Apple. Fig. Michigan Cherries. Spiced Brandy Buerre Fondue.

Sue decided on the Cardamom Dusted Veal Chop: Bone-in Chop. Spiced Glace. Sweet Potato. Parsnip. Rapini. Citrus Garlic Butter.

As mentioned above, when they arrived at the table, they were pictures of perfection, pure artistry on a plate!

As soon as the fork hit my mouth, it was divine. Normally not one for sharing, it was so outstanding, I had to have Mike and Sue taste the savory goodness. We all began spooning off pieces of our entrees for the others to try, each exhaling with satisfaction, our collective taste buds alive with delight.

When it was over, there was no longing for more; it was satiety at its best. It's a shame no one ordered dessert, if only to appreciate this chef's talent.

I now have a reason to go back and visit the city of Detroit!

It's a Snow Day!

Well, a pathetic one at that. A measly seven inches fell, but for the first time in 16 years, they actually closed the federal courthouse. I'll take it! I vowed to really savor the day. Wow, that worked out well -- er not so much. I woke up at 4:30, and watched the news, but promptly turned around and caught a few more Zzzzs.

Rewarded the hubster with a hot cooked breakfast for clearing the walk and drive, and then it was off to romp with the pupster in the snow. He was SO excited. I fear for spring, he just loves it so much. You can see he's up to his haunches in the snow-- but you can't even see the snow, LOL, he just looks legless!!! You can kind of see a leaf on the right side of his back leg, which is the top of the snow!

Back at the ranch, a soak in a tub, followed by more tedious organizational tasks to tackle.

But, all the while, gnawing away at me is a review of the last 30 days. I know, you can't move a mountain in a month. The damage that's been done to Valerie and Sean is so monumental that I feel weary that my involvement will have any effect. I've seen a rare glimmer or two that I am having an effect but it is increasingly frustrating.

My initial enthusiasm has now become tempered with anger at her parents -- a desire to lash out at them (I know, with no reasonable result) as well as wanting to throw in the towel due to Valerie's snottiness. I don't know if she's "testing" me, is a typical teenager or truly is beyond hope, the constant battering at her to do her homework, to be responsible.

WHERE ARE THESE PARENTS? Doesn't anyone care what these children are doing???? Oh, wait, I'm childless, I am clueless about proper care of children, right? Yes, I'm back on my political rant that procreation needs to be regulated and licensed.

Phew, I think having snow days might not be such a good thing. Too much time to think, LOL.