If Only Riley Could Talk

 

My dog Riley has not been himself lately when we go to get exercise up at the high school. Usually going to the high school is one of Riley's favorite things to do. He leaps out of the car and runs and runs then walks with me and runs and runs some more.

The first time he wasn't himself  was last week. He ran across the field chasing ravens then came back to me, sat and wouldn't move. I tried to get him to walk with me. He was panting, shaking, and wouldn't budge. He wanted to get back in the car. He didn't get hurt, but something made him act different.

Next time we went to the high school it happened again. He ran up the hill then came back and had the same behaviors. I moved to car closer to the bridge thinking he would get out and walk with me. I couldn't get him out of the car. He was again trembling and panting.

Yesterday I took him to a different place. He was the Riley I know and love. He ran, rolled on a dead animal, found a deer bone and carried it around, He ran until he got tired.

I wish Riley could talk. What happened to him at the high school parking lot? Did he smell something that scared him? I just don't know. I am going to try it again tomorrow to see what happens.

Again, he didn't have an injury and when he is home he is the window watcher, early bed goer, bone lover, and snuggle boy like always. If only Riley could talk, he could tell me what was going on at the high school. Any ideas dog owners?

Keepers From the Recipe Box: Week-End Breakfast Favorites

Labor Day Week-end marks that time when school starts again, mornings are cooler, and days are getting a bit shorter. It is also a time for a last trip to the lake, camping with friends, or enjoying a backyard BBQ with family and friends. No matter how people  spend this first week-end in September, everyone  always eats breakfast. Here are some of my breakfast favorites for any week-end. 

These Sausage Biscuit Bites are easy and delicious. That is a good combination.

These biscuits are super easy to make. Take some breakfast sausage and combine it with cheddar cheese. Divide the mixture into 40 balls. Take refrigerated biscuits and split them into two rounds each. Place the biscuits in a mini muffin pan. Press the sausage ball into the biscuit and bake. I was worried that these biscuit bites would be greasy, but they weren’t.

• You can roll the sausage and cheese into balls ahead of time and assemble the biscuit bites when you are ready to bake them.  

• I use Tennessee Pride or Jimmy Dean sausage.

• You can substitute turkey sausage for the pork sausage if you prefer.

• This recipe uses the smaller refrigerated biscuits. Look for a 12-oz can or 6-oz can of biscuits. They will have 10 or 5 biscuits per can.
• find the recipe here: https://www.plainchicken.com/sausage-biscuit-bites-football-friday/

I just love this Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole. It is a nice change from the tradition breakfast meat casseroles. You make it ahead. It stays good for a few days and you can freeze it. Find the recipe here: https://www.wellplated.com/vegetarian-breakfast-casserole/#wprm-recipe-container-44530

Block Island Fog

Rhode Islanders have voted "coffee milk" the official state drink -- and they adore any variation on it. This punch, with its triple dose of coffee flavor, is a nod to this fondness for coffee.

Ingredients:

2 c. coffee liqueur

1/2 c. vodka

5 c. espresso or strong black coffee

3 pt. high-quality coffee ice cream    

Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.  Serves 16 . Serve chilled. Find the recipe here: https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a1319/block-island-fog-3429/

Enjoy the week-end!