Here’s hoping you have the best Monday possible following a wonderful weekend. Stay motivated.
Life, love, bark! 🐾
Category: Monday Musings
Monday Musings ~ April 13, 2026
Have a very Happy Monday and don’t forget to include some sunbeam therapy.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Monday Musings ~ April 6, 2026
We hope your holiday weekend was ‘pawsome.’ Anyone who owns a pet knows the drill when it comes to taking care of the water bowl. All I can say, is it’s a good thing the ‘other’ bowls all have lids.
We hope your water bowl (as well as the week) remain clean and fresh. Happy Monday!
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Nature Friday ~ March 27, 2026
throw pull something together. But I’m nothing if not a professional, in addition to being a fabulous floof, so I’ll do my level best. Wilson here. I know Mum is overwhelmed and over stressed but I managed to find a few things to share for this week’s edition of Nature Friday. As always, we’re joining those adorable pups from Adventures of the LLB Gang for the last Friday of the month. Be sure to click on their link to see what slices of nature others have shared.
The Mum: {yawning} Thanks House Pony, appreciate you stepping up. I’m a bit brain dead after the last session where I painted the outside window sills in 90F (32.2C) degree temps. After a week of summer temperatures in the upper 80’sF (31.6C), this morning’s crisp temp of 37F (2.77C) was very welcome. It felt great needing to wear a light jacket to take you outside at 6 AM.
Wilson: It sure revved me up. I just wanted to bounce till I got to my favorite potty spot. I hope you buckle up for our morning walk, Mum. No slow walking, okay?
The Mum: Please be gentle with me. I’m old and sleep deprived, buddy.
Wilson: Oh Mum…I’m sure you’ll be okay…
The Mum: {rolling her eyes and interrupting} Especially remember the old part. These days that’s extra critical…so what did you manage to find for us?
Wilson: Well, spring definitely has sprung. Although I think we went from pitiful winter to flat out broiling summer. I finally spotted a nice clump of blooming daffodils around a tree. Aren’t they just delightfully cheerful?
The Mum: Those daffodils are the largest clump we’ve seen yet. The few places we’ve spotted daffodils have been the one off and I always think a clump gives them a much better presence in the spring garden. They did make me smile.
Wilson: Well if you liked them, I’ll just bet you enjoyed yesterday’s sunrise. The clouds were quite gorgeous and left a nice glowing arch to decorate the morning sky.
The Mum: It was very pretty, for sure. And very quiet, something that I rather relish since moving to this peaceful neighborhood. The morning sounds are birds calling to one another, not the traffic and hubbub that we used to face every morning. And it makes me very grateful to begin each day here. When you’re in the midst of hustle bustle, and then you’re out of it, it’s very noticeable. Life is good, even when it’s busy.
Wilson: That’s the spirit, Mum! I know I sure enjoy the birds and all the new smells I encounter and I’m glad you’re taking the time to notice the simple things. The flowering trees (ornamental pears and crabapples that were getting ready to bloom late last weekend) emerged with the warm temps and are providing a beautiful contrast of color to the otherwise scorched brown landscape.
The Mum: I noticed yesterday afternoon some of those same trees are beginning to lose their pretty blossoms. I guess we’re finally getting snow…even if it doesn’t have any moisture in it.
Wilson: Well look on the bright side, you don’t have to shovel. But yeah, I get it. One of the things I found a couple of days ago was the following graphic that depicts the seriousness of the high temps and lack of moisture on the snowpack that the entire state is suffering. Things are very grim with no end in sight. Notice the statewide average is a mere 38%.
The Mum: That graphic is very sobering. While today is much cooler (and very appreciated) moisture continues to not show up in our extended forecast. Mandatory water restrictions are going into effect all up and down the Front Ranch.
Wilson: I know it’s very grim, Mum. We’ll have to do what we can conserving water. For my part, I will happily give up baths.
The Mum: {smiling} Not so fast, dog breath. You still will need to get the occasional bath just not as frequently as when you were going to Lutheran for visits but I appreciate your willingness to sacrifice.
Wilson: Harumph…thought you might say that. Just wanted you to know I’ll happily forego any water torture. But let’s leave our dear readers with a scene that’s not all doom and gloom, with a bit of pretty, shall we, Mum? I liked seeing ducks swimming in the water’s reflection.
The Mum: We enjoy walking nearby on the trail path but when I noticed the canal was full, I just had to check it out and was delighted to see a couple of ducks swimming around in it. I had expected that the canal would delay filling up but it was a nice sight seeing it. I’m sure it’ll be used downstream and the level will fluctuate during late spring and summer.
Wilson: So long as we just walk past and don’t get into the water, I’ll be happy. Well that’s it for me. Do you have any plans for this last weekend of March? Whatever you do, we both hope you are able to get outdoors and enjoy some of the beauty Nature provides. Have a wonderful weekend!
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Monday Musings ~ March 16, 2026
Brrrr…it’s a cold one this morning after yesterday’s latest storm so today’s smile seems most appropo. I guess Mother Nature looked at the calendar and decided to place catch up now. Whatever.
Enjoy that first cup of whatever you prefer. In our case, just make it hot. Happy Monday and enjoy a great day.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Monday Musings ~ March 9, 2026
It’s Monday again and we hope you had a fantastic weekend. The weather here was beyond gorgeous and most of last week’s snow has begun melting in earnest. Our temps will be bouncing up and down all week. In the low 70’sF (22C) followed by a day of high 50’sF (58C) all week long as we rush toward the official arrival of Spring in 10 days. Loads of birds that we hadn’t heard before seem to be extra happy if their chirping up a storm is any indication.
As I was looking for a smile to share today, I came across one that rather tickled me. In a world of helicopter parents, those of us of a particular age will no doubt be nodding their heads identifying with today’s smile.
Some days I wonder how I manage to make it through childhood so today’s smile especially cracked me up and I hope it sets the stage for you to enjoy a wonderful week for you and yours to enjoy a wonderful week full of good vibes and smiles. Let’s hear it for thriving and surviving this week. Happy Monday!
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Monday Musings ~ March 2, 2026
While MLB spring training actually began February 20, Wilson is getting in shape for it. Here’s hoping you’re ready to compete for the week. Happy Monday.
Live, Love, Bark! 🐾
Monday Musings ~ February 23, 2026
So here’s what I discovered about how dog treats came to be a billion dollar business. I learned that the term “dog’s bread” had been around since Roman times. It was frequently labeled “bad bran bread,” with the term being associated with treating people poorly.
Back in early 1800’s England, dog biscuits began to show up that resembled what we are more familiar with now. Made with vegetables, grains, and bran, the mixture was baked together and sold as a treat, with claims made that they would improve a dog’s coat and skin.
The first mass-produced dog biscuit was created by American, James Spratt in London when he began manufacturing his “Meat Fibrine Dog Cake” around 1860. Ingredients were wheat meal, vegetables, beetroot, and meat.
These “dog cakes” were originally marketed to the English gentry for their sporting dogs. Spratt’s Meat Fibrine Dog Cakes began to show up in the U.S. in 1881, and were considered a luxury item and were marketed at dog shows. They appeared on the cover of the first journal of the American Kennel Club in 1889. Spratt’s Patent, Ltd. also supplied army dogs with hundreds of millions of the biscuits during WWI.
Not to be outdone, American F. H. Bennett began to compete against Spratt by making the first bone-shaped dog biscuit, known as “Milk Bone.”
A fascinating side fact that I learned was that a box of Milk-Bone treats made an appearance in the 1924 silent film The Tomboy, and later was the basis for a line from the TV sitcom Cheers, spoken by the character Norm, who was played by George Wendt. “It’s a dog-eat-dog world and I’m wearing Milk-Bone underwear.”
So in honor of the Floof’s favorite day, here are two recipes from our treat making cookbook that you can make for your dog’s favorite day. Enjoy!
Peanut Butter & Pumpkin Dog Treats (Source-Maryland SPCA)
Prep time: 25 min. Cook time: 40 min.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (whole pumpkin only, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 TBS peanut butter (make sure your peanut butter doesn’t contain any Xylitol or other artificial sweeteners)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (I use much less-1/8 tsp as not all dogs like the taste of cinnamon)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
- Mix together flour, eggs, pumpkin, peanut butter, salt, & cinnamon in bowl. Add water as needed to make dough workable but keep it fairly dry and stiff. Roll out to 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 1/2″ pieces or use cookie cutters.
- Bake in preheated oven until hard, about 40 minutes.
- Enjoy 🐾
Peter Peter, Punkin Eater Treats *
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or another if your pup has wheat sensitivities. We experimented and use coconut flour because we were out of whole wheat-it was quite yummy but very difficult to use cookie cutters with the coconut flour which made it rather crumbly)
- 1 cup oats
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/3 cup plain pumpkin
- 1 cup water (I substituted The Honest Kitchen’s Bone Broth well…because I tend to tinker with recipes and in this case, and it was well received) by my official taster, Sam.
*We blogged this recipe way back when in October 2016. Original post can be seen here.
Mix all ingredients until well combined. Press into a ball, wrap in plastic and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. Lightly flour surface and roll dough out to about 1/2″ thick. Use cookie cutters or a small glass to cut out the treats. Bake at 250º for 25-30 minutes and allow to cool before serving. This recipe received the 4-paw seal of approval. 🐾🐾 Nom, nom!
And even though it’s National Dog Biscuit Day, it’s still a Monday, which means we start the week out with a smile or two. The first is in honor of the historic win by Team USA in yesterday’s gold medal men’s hockey, overtime win on the exact day 46 years ago when the upstart US team beat the Soviet Union back in 1980.
Because we know the East Coast from Maryland to Maine is being hit with more severe winter weather, we hope they will appreciate today’s smile. Stay safe, warm and be comforted with the fact that Spring officially arrives in 25 days. Hang in there.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Monday Musings ~ February 16, 2026
Good morning peeps. We hope you had a good weekend and are enjoying improved temperatures. With 32 days until the official arrival of Spring, things are starting to show signs that temps is moving in the right direction after a seemingly endless winter for many. We saw our first daffodil blooming on Saturday right before attending the rescue fundraiser at Kendra Scott’s. Wilson was quite the guest and seemed to enjoy all the attention and treats. He even tried his hand with herding after his appearance but was somewhat disappointed with the results. He said, “those doggone difficult creatures showed him no respect.” You can judge for yourself if the sheep disrespected him.
Have a marvelous Monday.
Live, love, bark! 🐾
Monday Musings ~ February 9, 2026
Welcome to another Monday. We hope you enjoyed your weekend and met your quota of sports viewing. Between the Super Bowl, the Olympics and the all important Puppy Bowl XXII, there was something for everyone. Your football team may not have won but everyone won in the Puppy Bowl with all 150 contestants finding their forever homes. As usual, kittens provided the adorable half time entertainment. Team Fluff again won the “Lombarky” Trophy in the 2026 Puppy Bowl, beating Team Ruff by a score of 73-69 (there was a whole lot more offense in the Puppy Bowl than the Super Bowl) for the second year in a row. Wilson and I offer our best congratulations to Team Fluff. For a look at the highlights. please click here.
We’ve heard folks on the East Coast suffered another brutally cold weekend but hope today marks a turn-around in their temps. With Spring just 39 days away, we’re hoping Nature gives them a much needed break.
So let’s move on to a couple of smiles for today.
I realize when you’re freezing, there’s not a lot of funny aboiut it but thought this might bring things into perspective. 
We hope you’re staying toasty warm and have a great Monday and even better week.
Live, love, bark! 🐾