Good Question

Most pets come to the vet hospital brought in by the "lady of the house."  She often brings her young children with her.

I won't lie.  There are some children we dread.  But most are shy.  I usually try to engage them all - the shy ones with what I'm doing, and the poorly mannered ones with stickers and coloring books.

My favorite are the precocious ones, they might be a little shy but are very enthusiastic about their pets, and happy to talk to me.  Like the little 4-year-old guy I had today with his two young kittens.  He remembered that last time I showed him the proper way to pick up his kittens (support them under the hind legs, don't pick them up by the arms).  He also remembered that I let him listen to the cats' hearts with my stethoscope, because he scooted up on the exam table, getting in position nice and close for the stethoscope hand off.

At the end of the visit, I asked Mom if she had any questions, and after I answered her, my little friend said, "I have a question for the vet."  Big, long pause.

"How do you keep them from getting upset when you pick their boogers?"

Mom and I squelched giggles but agreed it was a good question.  Certainly, one I've never been asked before.  I told him I didn't think you could keep them from getting upset, but if you sneak up on them with a soft tissue, you can probably get them off.  Besides, cat boogers aren't as big as ours.

But, apparently they are big enough to flick across the room at your baby brother.

Scenes from a Cell Phone

Here is a boy who hates to go to Costco with his parents.  Even if there are lots of samples.  Doesn't he look miserable?  This is actually his least favorite part - when his dad browses for wine.  Even if there are cheese samples right next to it.

He also refuses to let me take any pictures of his adorable snaggle-toothed grin.  His last upper central incisor FINALLY fell out, and the results are adorable, temporary, and not yet captured on film.

 Here is beautiful Lake Pflugerville!  It is so hot here, and this is the closest thing we have to a beach.  100 degrees doesn't feel quite as bad when you're in the water.  Anna and Colin are the 2 figures on the left.

Today was Toby's first day to go swimming!  He was so much fun.  Slightly apprehensive at first, then enthusiastic and overwhelmed!  Then palunk-palunk-palunk-palunk, he was swimming.  Toby seemed to think he could walk on the water.  But unfortunately, he is not Jesus Christ, he is Toby Sebastian.  Still, his front legs kept plunking above the water, making him sound like a paddle boat.  Then, exhausted, he'd let me hold him suspended in the water, and he'd rest his precious head on my shoulder.  He is so sweet.  After an hour, he finally figured out how to dog paddle streamlined, without lifting his forelegs above the surface of the water.  By then, he was tuckered out!

We can't wait to take him again!

Ode to the Tomato

Homegrown Tomato,
How do I love thee?

Let me count the ways we've eaten them:

Caprese Salad
TexMex Salsa with homegrown jalepenos
Black Bean, Corn, and Tomato Salsa
Tomato and Cheese Sandwich with Truffle Oil
BLT
Pasta Pomodoro
Migas and Huevos Mexicana
Pasta with Olive Oil, Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Garlic
Spicy Pasta Salad with Smoked Gouda, Tomatoes, and Basil
Moussaka (Homegrown eggplants and tomatoes)
Guacamole
Arugula salad
Bruschetta
Tomato and Cucumber salad


I now realized that I haven't made Panzanella yet!  Better get on it!  This is one part of summer I don't ever want to end!