Welcoming a new member to the family

In August, we’ll be welcoming a new member to the family; a black german shepherd.

Typically, I’ve gotten rescues; however, this shepherd will be coming from a reputable breeder. I’ve been in contact with him, talked to him twice on the phone, and exchanged several texts with him. I already placed the deposit for the shepherd puppy, and that gave me access to one of his training courses.

The type of shepherd I’m getting is a working line german shepherd. I’ll be feeding them a raw diet. I’ve provided many of my pets with this in the past, and it has been the best choice I’ve made for them. While I know that German Shepherds can be prone to hip dysplasia, I also know numerous things can be done that significantly reduce this issue. So why choose a german shepherd? I’m looking for a dog whose energy level matches mine, and after a lot of research, I felt that the shepherd fit me perfectly. They’re intelligent and trainable, and they have a lot of energy. I’m looking forward to having a fur companion join me on bike rides and runs. One thing that I’ll HAVE to get used to is shedding. We’ve had non-shed dogs; however, I’ll be sure to stay on top of this by grooming them daily. I’m thinking of getting a robot vacuum to also assist me in staying on top of doggy hair. We’ll see.

I love my Breville Smart Grill

Since purchasing the Breville Smart Grill, I’ve used it to prepare various meals. It heats up quickly and cooks the food fast.

Panini (veggie) sandwich

I’ve grilled vegetables, panini sandwiches with sprouted grain bread, and marinated tofu,

Cut Chicken Breast

 

and yesterday

Marinated Chicken Breast

I grilled chicken breast for my daughter and father.

Grilled chicken breast using my Breville Smart Grill

 

Results? They thought the grilled chicken breast was delicious; however, my daughter says she prefers when I prepare the chicken in the crockpot since it’s not as meaty. Although my daughter does eat meat, she does not consume a lot. So I told her the next time I grilled chicken breast, I would cut them up into smaller pieces. Today I plan to grill carrots, mushrooms, and tomatoes. From my research, the key to grilling carrots on the grill is to blanch them first. Yesterday, Sunday, I took a break from preparing a meal since today is my first day back at work. Since my mother passed, I still have a few things to do to ensure everything goes into my father’s name. However, the majority of the accounts have been successfully transferred to him.

Portable indoor grills

After some research, I’ve finally settled upon purchasing this grill.

 

It’s the Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill, Electric Countertop Grill. Breville makes amazing products, and the reviews for the above grill were impressive. There were quite a few people that were still using the grill and they’ve had it for several years. It’s a bit pricey; however, I don’t mind paying the extra money since I know the product will last. I do enjoy grilling; however, I don’t always have the time to grill outdoors and everything that has been going on in our lives over the past seven months. I’ll admit that I have not done any grilling. It’s high time I change that, even if I cheat and grill indoors.

I’m now the primary caregiver for my father, and since he’s in my home, I know that whatever he consumes will be healthy. Therefore, I’ve eliminated all the fried foods from his daily intake and carbonated sugary drinks with no nutritional benefits. Fried is now ‘air-fried,’ and carbonated drinks are fruit juices, smoothies, herbal teas, and more water. He has no complaints about missing his carbonated sodas; however, at times he has been resistant to abandoning fried foods. But since his illness was tied to what he was consuming, I’m not budging on that. I want him around for a long time.

Garlicky ramen and lentils

The good news is that even though he might grumble now and again, he loves the foods I prepare for him.

Vegetable ried brown rice

It’s delicious, healthy, and nutritious.