It's all about the pets

In the past few weeks, I have had such a longing in my heart to have my Maddy back with me. She was my constant companion for 9 years. I watched her grow from a gangly, uncoordinated little puppy to a huge, drooling, 156lb gentle giant. There are times when I walk downstairs and see a blanket on our love seat and think that it is her, sprawled out. It takes me a moment to realize it's not. I thought I'd share one of my favorite pictures - it was taken by a wonderful friend the day before we went to the vet for her final visit.Look at all that gray on her face. She was such a sweet girl and helped me get through so many tough times in my life.

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I've often thought it would be interesting to know what animals think. I've often in my head pictured conversations between Maddy & Hayden. These two were so good in our home together. They'd lay on opposite ends of the room - a requirement for when you're 156lbs is that you get your own love seat. I would picture Hayden lifting her head & in her spastic voice "saying" to Maddy, "Hey! Maddy! Wanna trade spots??!! Yeah! C'mon! Please???!!!" I could then imagine Maddy lifting her big head & telling Hayden in a very laid back, California voice, "Nah - I'm feeling pretty fine right here. I don't really want to move. Maybe when mom gets home I'll get up."

Kind of silly that I would imagine all this in my head, huh?

Well, I also imagine that our cat Pepe speaks in a heavy French accent- his name is short for Pepe le Pew since when I rescued him he smelled like he'd crawled through sewage & had brown spikes for hair.

This past weekend, I watched Pepe stalk Hayden. Once Hayden had laid down with her ball, Pepe pounced. This is what I imagined - don't forget to read Pepe's part with a French accent:
Pepe: "I've got you now you big ball of yellow fur. I will eat your leg!"
Hayden: "What? You're going to eat my leg? Please don't. No, that hurts! Owww! Mom, Pepe tried to eat my leg!"
Pepe: "Harumph! I've got much better things to do than try to eat her leg." After saying this, he swishes his tail over Hayden's nose & walks away.

I do really wish I could hear what they think. Although I doubt it would be as interesting as it is in my head. Do your pets talk? Do you give them accents or personalities?
Please tell me I'm not the only one that does this. :-)

Changes in the air

I changed a few things about my blog - the background is a major one. I'm not sure I'm really loving it. What do you think? Should I go back to my happy pink (pre New Year background)? Should I pick another new one?

I also added a bit more to the introduction. I did start this with all intentions of it being a food blog (recipes, restaurant reviews, etc.) but it has morphed into so much more. I'll still be adding recipes, but with work for the next two months I'm going to be crazy busy & will be traveling. So you'll probably have more restaurants tidbits than anything.

I also changed my picture. I played around with several last night (whilst taking a break from working - ugh!) and kept coming back to this one picture. In it you see my Great Dane, Madeline M'Lady - otherwise known as My Maddy, Maddy Girl, Bigun', SlobberBobber, Madkins or lovebug. I'm sure there were a thousand other names, but those were my favorite. I lost My Maddy in October to progressive heart disease and am still heartbroken. I just miss her like crazy. Anyway, I'm sure that I will change that picture soon enough, but I really just miss her. This was taken by one of my bridesmaids a few days before Mr. Potts & I had to take her in & let her go. It was a fun day to go to the park & take some pictures - we also took some with Hayden, our yellow lab.

So, what do you think of the changes? Any recommendations?

Happy Saturday! I hope it stays sunny for the Panthers game today! I hope that Jake Delhomme plays consistently & doesn't throw the ball away.

Oh yes, a funny anecdote. An elderly lady stood up in church recently when asked for additions to the general prayers for people. She simply said, "Pray for Jake" and sat down. What a smart woman - Jake needs as much help as we all do!