I’ve Created a New Season – Happy Sprinter

This picture is from Wikipedia.  It shows the typical seasons – Spring, Summer, Fall and then Winter.  That’s the way it’s suppose to fall.  But this year, dear old Mother Nature is not playing fairly.  Mommy says she needs hormone shots and daddy says she needs more dates with Father Time.  I’m not sure which one is right.  I just know that maybe she needs a kick in the butt.  Yep, I said.  I kick right smack in the middle of her captains quarters.

You see, this weekend is what I’m talking about.  Saturday here at the Hotel Thompson we get up and it is beautiful.  There’s no other way to put it.  The birds are chirping (and that’s a story for another time – snorts), the sun is out, the wind is just right and the temperatures are in the 60’s.  You couldn’t ask for a more gorgeous day.

Our neighbor Big Daddy had cut our yard and the back yard was spectacular.  Thanks Big Daddy!  We went out there and ran for a while.  Mommy says it was for me to get some sun and I said I understood.  Secretly I knew she wanted me to run some excess Winter weight off so I would sleep more deeply tonight.  I’m good with that.  I just wonder why she didn’t make daddy do the same.  Double snorts.

It was a wonderful day.  Lots of running, loving and snuggles.

Then BAM!  What a change Sunday.  Sunday brought us rain, cool weather and strong winds.  We could actually sit inside and hear the winds!  We all got up and had breakfast together.  It was so damp and yuck outside that after breakfast, we all went back to bed.  Now, I’m not hating days like this because usually, like this day, when we go back to bed we all get on the Select Comfort for a siesta.  It was great.

Picture this.  A king sized Select Comfort bed with two humans, one purr things, one pooch and a piggy.  Snorts, Me and Houdini are a 65 with mommy on the Select Comfort.  Daddy and Hemi are a 100.  That’s just too hard for this little oinker.  When we got up from our nap, it was still yuck outside.

Now, I’m telling you all of this for a reason.  It’s suppose to be Spring but it still acts like Winter.  I’m suggesting a new season called – Sprinter.  You get it?  Spring with Winter.  So sometime today, tell someone Happy Sprinter.  Then smile and remember my little story here.  🙂

Happy Sprinter my pals!

 

Shopping Around the World

Welcome my friends to another edition of Shopping Around the World!

This month my brother Phenny is hosting SATW – thanks bro!  This month we are highlighting pumpkin recipes.  This should be fun because my mom loves anything and everything pumpkin.  Doesn’t pumpkin just scream fall?  In fact, mom just posted a funny on her Facebook about pumpkin spice.  I thought I would share with you and let mom take it away  with our recipe.  Again thanks brother Phenny for helping us out here at the Hotel Thompson ❤

 

 

---

mmm – pumpkin – one of my favorites this time of year.  Put spice behind it and I’m in hog heaven – sorry Bacon.  My favorite recipe is Pumpkin Spice coffee.  I love it so much throughout the year – not just at Halloween.  And yes, you can ‘buy’ it in those fancy coffee shops and even McDonald’s has a great one; but, why not make it at home yourself.  I mean think about, coffee shops will range from $3.50 to $5.50 a cup.  And that’s just enough pumpkin spice coffee to make you want more.  A second cup at a coffee shop and you will be getting out a loan – LOL.  So what do you need?

Now I’m a sugar free girl.  Of course fully leaded you get more of a pumpkin spice taste but sugar free gets me there.  I use the following:

⇒ Skinny Syrup Pumpkin Spice (costs $9.00 a bottle.  A full bottle can last about 30-35 cups = that’s only $0.26 a cup!)

⇒ International Delight Sugar Free Pumpkin Pie Spice (costs $2.50 a bottle.  A full bottle can last about 20 cups = that’s only $0.13 a cup!)

⇒ Your choice of coffee.  We use Maxwell House here.  We buy a medium can for about $5.50 on sale.  That has enough to last 52 pots!  So basically how do  you price that, right?  LOL

⇒ Two packs of Splenda (a box costs $4.00 for 200 packets = $0.04!)

So let’s talk price first.  For somewhere around $0.50 a CUP at home vs coffee shop prices.  Doh!  It’s a no brainer for sure.

Prepare your coffee as you normally do in your coffee pot.  On our coffee pot, we have the option of making one cup or an entire pot.  When I want one cup, I put my Splenda in my cup along with a shot of my Skinny Syrup Pumpkin Spice.  I then place my cup on the coffee maker and hit Latte (I know I’m blessed).  While that is percolating and the aroma is driving you crazy, pour some creamer into a glass container.  Then froth that cream… again my coffee maker has a frother – don’t hate.  Froth that cream as much as you want.  I find the glass container keeps it cold. 

Once your coffee is done, pour the froth into your cup.  Then sit on the couch, prop your feet up and enjoy that pure delight.  And then go back for another cup… .you’re welcome ❤

 

 

 

 

Happy First Day of Autumn!

Yeah – the cooler weather is finally getting here.  I just love Autumn – or Fall – whichever you prefer.  I love the cooler weather.  I love that it means that it’s almost the holidays.  And this year, mom says it means I can run and jump in the leaves in the back yard.  I totally can’t wait.

Happy Autumn my friends!  XOXO – Bacon

 

 

Journey with Friends

Welcome my friends to our weekly issue of Journey with Friends.  This is a time that we come together for support, for encouragement, for fellowship – all with one single goal in mind – to live better.  Welcome to our journey to share our goals and our accomplishments and our disappointments and frustrations.

Together we can do this!

---

 Hey sweet friends!  How did you do last week?  We are moving right along here at the Hotel Thompson.  I’m actually doing good.  I’ve been working a lot of different hours but I’ve also been watching what I’m eating.  It’s meshing the two half way these days.  Complicated but it’s working.  I no way got my walking in because of work.  But I can say that the weather is getting cooler.  Most days it’s still hotter than you can imagine but every couple of days, Fall tries to kick in and make an appearance.  And another thing about fall – pumpkin.  Oh my!  I just can’t get enough of pumpkin.  I actually found a recipe for pumpkin muffins with cream cheese.  I’m going to see if I can tweak the recipe to get rid of some of the sugar and try it maybe this coming up weekend.  It sounds so marvelous.  I’ll keep you posted and try to take pics.  How are you with pumpkin – yay or nay?

So my friends – how was YOUR week?  Hugs to a great week.

 

Happy Autumn My Friends

Today marks the beginning of Autumn here in the States.  This means cooler weather – squeals with delight.  I’m so ready!  This heat has almost gotten to me.  I hate heat.  I’d much rather be cool and running around the Hotel Thompson having fun with everyone.  So today my friends – Happy Autumn!

 

It’s Time

It’s Time!  Well, it’s not the time but it’s getting closer.  You do know what I’m talking about my friends.  Fall or Autumn – whichever one you call it.  The one time of the year that my mom looks forward to.  You know, the beautiful colors, the pumpkins, the cooler weather, the changing of the leaves, the start of the holidays, the lighting of candles and fireplaces on a cool night, the snuggling during buggy rides on the farm.

STOP!  STOP!  STOP!  STOP!  STOP!

 Who am I trying to kid?  I’m sure Fall/Autumn means all of those things to some people.  But to mom, it means getting out the Ugg boots and trying Pumpkin everything.  You don’t believe me?  Look at the goodies she had this past weekend.  I’m sorry friends – it has started.  So if you see my mom wearing her Uggs with hands fully loaded of pumpkin stuff in the market, make sure you give her a hand okay.  Happy shopping!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Bacon

Dear Bacon – As you can see, I’m in this contraption my new humans like to call a box.  I call it a box of hell.  I mean I was okay with the humans putting me in it and taking me to their vehicle but to strap me in like the box is part of me – they will pay.  Not at first because I’m fortunate to be adopted.  But after a while… after making my new living conditions mine, they will pay.  I smell dog in this car so I do hope they have a dog and I do hope said dog is ready to be blamed for everything.  Signed Nails Out

Dear Nails Out – Oh pal.  I hate to say it but it’s almost funny to look at the picture.  Now don’t get me wrong.  I’m not laughing at your situation.  Of course I wouldn’t do that.  But the picture of a box with arms attached – oh have mercy.  I so understand the complete concept of payback.  That poor pooch doesn’t know what is coming to his digs.

---

Dear Bacon – Everyone keeps saying that can’t wait for winter or fall and the cooler weather.  I say no.  I like the summer.  You don’t see us anipals bundles up to go out to use the facilities.  You don’t see us anipals where boots and coats when it’s raining.  This is me from last year.  bbbrr – can’t you just feel the cold weather.  Nope. I think I’ll pass…. but I guess mother nature won’t let me.  So, it’s time to dig out my umbrella, scarf and rain boots again.  There’s nothing like trying to pee outside where water is already all over you.  Signed Special

Dear Special – You know I like the way you think my friend.  I myself am not very fond of the outdoors, especially in the elements.  Perhaps your humans can fix you a potty area off of the back door or something.  You know so you don’t get wet.  But if not, I have to say you look adorable in your fall outfit for sure.

---

Dear Bacon –  Hey dude.  I’m like saying to my humans that if the potential president of our United States can have a comb over, like why can’t I?  Right?  And I have to admit that like I carry the comb over so much better than that dude for sure.  I mean like for real!  This is like my look and I’m digging it for sure.  I like the close shave all except my comb over which makes me like stand out in front of everyone else.  I mean dude with that in mind, maybe *I* should run like for the president of these United States.  I think like I have as much experience as the others, right?  Would you like vote for a dude like me?  Signed Dude

Dear Dude – I think everyone in the United States should write you in when they vote.  Just your views on life and your style, that makes you stand out in front of everyone else.  Nobody can claim that you have a double making appearances.  Nobody can claim that your cold.  Nobody can claim that you are not your very own dog.  I like that in a running campaign.  I say go for it.  And remember, free treats for everyone that votes!

---

 

Dear Bacon – They say you can be whoever you want to be.  I’ve always wanted to be a dinosaur.  I mean who wouldn’t, right?  I’ve always roared and told my humans that I’m strong like dinosaur.  They found this horse coat and boom they knew it had my name all over it.  Now, I love wearing it.  Wouldn’t you be scared if you saw me coming your way?  You would, wouldn’t you?  Signed Roar

Dear Roar – Oh my piggy heavens!  I’m shaking with fear.  That is so awesome my friend.  I love your coat and I think you make the coat.  I think it’s awesome that your humans bought if for you.  In fact,with your coat on, you could be a superhero.  I can see it now on all the televisions and papers – “Super Roar Adventures”.  It has a great sound to it, right?  Keep having an awesome time in your coat dear friend!

---

Dear Bacon – I claim not fair!  My doggy rights have been violated.  Who do I need to make a report to?  My friends are buttheads.  That’s right.  I said it.  They kept telling me about a new friend they met and how we had to meet because I would love them.  That’s when they introduced me to the new friend and then stepped to the side to take a picture of me saying hello.  Buttheads.  How do I get even Bacon?  Signed Caught Sniffing

Dear Caught Sniffing – Shaking my piggy head.  I’m so glad that I’m not the only one that gets caught in these types of things.  I’m so sure that there will come a time when they forget about this incident and everything with the stars line up just right that you will get even for sure.  AND I’m thinking it might be better than this episode… maybe.

 

---

❤ Remember my friends – Dear Bacon can’t happen without YOU.  Please continue emailing me your pictures and letters ❤

 

 

Journey with Friends

Welcome my friends to our weekly issue of Journey with Friends.  This is a time that we come together for support, for encouragement, for fellowship – all with one single goal in mind – to live better.  Welcome to our journey to share our goals and our accomplishments and our disappointments and frustrations.

Together we can do this!

---

 I exercised this weekend!  I walked the block twice – what a trooper huh?  LOL.  No, I couldn’t resist my friends.  I did do some walking last week and I’m trying to get back into the swing of things without donuts and chocolate.  I tell you, it’s been a tough couple of weeks but I’m working on it.

I’ve come to realize that life is life.  You are going to have stumbles.  The most important thing is to get back on the horse and carry on.  You can just stoop and simmer and what if.  You keep charging on to the new you.  It’s not a race.  We are going to trip and fall.  That’s when you lean on support from your friends like I do with all of you.  I can’t thank you enough for being there with me during this time.

So my friends, how was your week?

 

Journey with Friends

Welcome my friends to our weekly issue of Journey with Friends.  This is a time that we come together for support, for encouragement, for fellowship – all with one single goal in mind – to live better.  Welcome to our journey to share our goals and our accomplishments and our disappointments and frustrations.

Together we can do this!

---

Hello friends.  How did you do last week?  It still remains so hot here.  It’s almost unbearable.  All you want to do is stay inside anywhere near a fan or the air conditioner.  We are all so ready for a bit of cooler weather here in the south.  It seemed like last year, we went straight from winter to HOT summer with no in between of Spring.  I’m hoping that we have some fall this year.  That’s my favorite time of the year – you?  I love watching the leaves change and everything starting to go into hibernation.

This week, we are stepping things up here at the Hotel Thompson.  We have been straying here/there and sometimes more there then it should be.  With that in mind, we are going to do better.  It’s also suppose to rain some this week.  I’m hoping that it brings some cooler weather with that rain.  So much easier to breathe without the heat.  I did walk 4.73 miles – not my best but I’m not hating that with this weather.

So, how did you do my friends and what are your plans for this week?

Miles Walked Since 06/13/2016:  63.57 miles 

 

Happy Autumn My Friends

Today marks the beginning of Autumn here in the States.  This means cooler weather – squeals with delight.  I’m so ready!  This heat has almost gotten to me.  I hate heat.  I’d much rather be cool and running around the Hotel Thompson having fun with everyone.  So today my friends – Happy Autumn!