almost ice cream

Lately I've been not-so-inspired and too busy and tired to post. But today I remembered something that I needed to spread the word about. Banana ice cream. I was obsessed with this last summer and then plain forgot about it. Until today.

One ingredient ice cream! And the only ingredient is bananas. Just try it (if I haven't forced you to try it already) and you'll be amazed.

BANANA ICE CREAM

1. Slice up a banana onto a wax paper covered tray.

2. Stick the tray in the freezer.

3. When the banana slices are frozen, take them out and throw them in a food processor.

4. Wait a few minutes while they defrost a tad and then turn on the food processor.

5. After a minute or so, the banana chunks will magically turn into a smooth ice cream-like consistency.

6. Enjoy your guilt-free frozen treat!

Note: If you're feeling fancy, you could mix in some peanut butter, cocoa powder or chocolate syrup once the bananas are blended.

greta garbo the dog

"I want to be left alone." That's what I feel Ginger's trying to convey to me this morning.

And a few minutes later:

I hope she's okay and just acting goofy. She only ever plows her way under the bed when we hide a treat under there.

chunky mcchunkerson

Took Ginger to the vet today to get her bordetella vaccine nose drops before she gets boarded in a few weeks. She tolerated the drops (and the butt thermometer) like a champ. Unfortunately, I still walked out of the vet's office a little upset. Ginger's gained a whole mess of weight since last autumn and we didn't even notice.

I weighed her once we got home because I just couldn't believe it. Sure enough, 26.5 lbs. That's up from 23 lbs last year! And it's the most she's ever weighed. (She's about 5 years old.)

In the back of my mind, I'm wondering if her thyroid is out of whack. My sister's boxer had been packing on the pounds and was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism. But until we head back to the vet next month for her full check-up, I'll keep my paranoia at bay and get cracking on a diet and exercise plan:

• old diet: scant 1/2 cup dog food + green beans, twice a day
• new diet: 1/3 cup dog food + green beans, twice a day
• smaller treats, continue doling them out twice a day
• longer speedier morning walks
• same old evening walks (because it's just too hot)
• re-implement nightly play time - we've been major slackers

Swimsuit season is just about here, Ginger. Let's get movin'!

cubey time

When the weather starts to warm up, Todd and Ginger's post-dinner walk becomes a tad less pleasant. Last summer, we instituted a new evening ritual to combat the heat - cubey time. After their walk, I grab an ice cube (a cubey) from the freezer and plop it into a cup in the living room to help the doggie cool off. She tries her hardest to get the cubey out of the cup, and only half the times is she successful. And when she can't get it out, at least I'm not left with melting ice on the carpet.

The other night she couldn't even be bothered to make it all the way into the living room to snack on her ice.

rock climbing

Went back to Usery Mountain Park this morning to tackle another hiking trail. Our first trek there last month ended up being a bit much on the pup. This time we took on Wind Cave Trail - 3.2 miles total, out and back. I thought it'd be an easy stroll since I noticed lots of families on it last month. Turns out it's 820 feet of elevation change, all uphill to a wind-carved cave in the side of Pass Mountain.

Sections of the trail were steep and rocky, but surprisingly, Ginger only had to be picked up twice to make it up over some rocks. And EVERYONE on the trail commented on her short legs and how she's a trooper. But she held her own amongst all the other dogs (all much bigger than her) and didn't seem all that exhausted by the time we reached the car. Our little mountain goat.

It was a nice way to spend another warm sunny morning.

palo verde in bloom

glowing palo verde and cholla cacti

the saguaros are in bloom

Ginger gets a helping hand

snack o de day

Been eating a lot of Turkish dried apricots lately - they remind me of our trip to Turkey and they're almost as satisfying as snacking on chocolate chips. I just threw together a fancy-hat snack, adapted a recipe from Sunset magazine.

It's simple.

apricot + goat cheese + basil leaf + marcona almond + honey drizzle (which I forgot but didn't miss)

Now that's definitely more satisfying than a palmful of chocolate chips.

bath time

Once upon a time I recorded Ginger drying off after a bath and it was awesome. Enjoy.