BeBop'n Around

When walking Abby, I used to use just a collar and she was good about not pulling - usually.  However, when she saw a squirrel, all bets were off.  She would pull me as hard as she could to catch that evil squirrel - often choking herself in the process.  Until we can resolve this issue, I wanted another option that would help keep her safe.  Enter BeBop USA.







This website has lots of options for pet safety and a variety of harnesses that come in an excellent variety of colors and patterns.  I selected a step in harness, used the size chart to select a size and placed my order.  The e-mail communication when it was placed and when it was shipped were excellent.  In addition, the order was placed not long after Hurricane Sandy and I received an e-mail from the company to see how we fared from the storm.  It was a very nice personal touch.

Since it was something new, Abby wanted nothing to do with her new harness.  It is called a step in, but since that requires action on her part, I have to say it is just a harness.  I have to lift her paw, put it in the hole then keep the harness elevated until I pick up her other paw.  She refuses to put the first paw down until I start lifting the second one.  The second one remains elevated until I clip the harness.  Once on, she is just peachy and ready to go.  I have walked her around the neighborhood, on rail-to-trail paths, on the Appalachian Trail and many other places with no issues, and no rubbing (pictures below).  The harness itself is well made with sturdy nylon and a plastic buckle.  However, the buckle is not a weak point because you clip the the leash to the harness using two D rings - on on either side of the buckle.  In this manner, if there is any pulling, it is on the harness and not on the one plastic piece. 

Try the BeBop USA site - www.bebopusa.com - you will like it.

Chili - Who Knew?

What I learned from Hubby recently is this - if I say I am making Chili, it is supposed to be red and made with Kidney Beans.  Unless, of course, it is White Chicken Chili.  Otherwise, if I say chili, he gets hungry for red kidney bean chili.  So, I wanted to make a meatless chili, this is what I came up with.

1 Tbl Garlic, minced
1 Tbl Olive Oil
29 Ounce Tomato Sauce
30 Ounce Kidney Beans, rinsed and drained
15 Ounce Canellini Beans, rinsed and drained
14.5 Ounce Diced Tomatoes
1 Tbl Cumin
1 Tbl Chili Powder
1/2 Tbl Ancho Chili Powder
1 1/2 Tsp Oregano
3/4 Tsp Black Pepper
1/2 Tsp Red Pepper

In a 4 quart pot, heat olive oil and cook garlic until fragrant.  Add remaining ingredients and simmer on low for at least an hour.  Goes great with cornbread - tryandlike.blogspot.com/2011/11/cornbread.html

Stove Top Chicken - no stuffing here.

This is a wonderful all in one meal with chicken and pasta.  Hoagie spread is simply jarred, chopped cherry peppers.  Use more or less to control the spiciness.  If you don't have orzo, use any pasta you like.

  2 Tbl Olive Oil                                                                1 Lb Chicken Breast, Boneless,

  2 Cloves Garlic, Diced                                                             -Skinless

  14 Ounce Diced Tomatoes                                              1 Cup Sweet Pepper, Diced

  1/2 Tsp Salt                                                                    2 Tbl Hoagie Spread

  1/4 Tsp Pepper                                                               4 Ounce Orzo, Cooked

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until lightly browned and fragrant. Add chicken and brown.  Stir in tomatoes with liquid, salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes.

Add sweet peppers, onion and hoagie spread. Cook over medium-high heat, covered, for 5 minutes. Cook until internal temperature of the chicken registers 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer.  Stir in cooked orzo and serve.