How old is Slinky?

She's 14. An extremely spry, zippy, energetic 14. I seriously always forget how old she is, because she honestly doesn't act like it, and has maybe 6 white hairs total. Although occasionally one of her whiskers will grow in totally white, which is hilarious.

Kato is getting quite the tuxedo-front effect of white hairs, which looks cool, but I dislike him getting older. A lot.

That link is the best thing I've seen all day. Those dogs kick ass. Literally.

Agreed.

I mean, REALLY. I will never in my life, all my cumulative accomplishments done and those yet to come, EVER be as badass as ONE of those dogs.

Sumi, I put soy sauce for dumplings.

In the given context, chicken. Dur.

Damn, now I wish the whole NC contingent had put Mama Dip.

Best of luck, Suzi!

Steph, I hope Slinky's issue is soon diagnosed and easily treated.

Get better, Slinky!

ION, this made me happy: Cat vs. Piñata

In honor of Cinco de Mayo, Charlie disembowels a piñata. For dramatic effect, this piñata was filled with tasty kitty noms.

Go you Suzi! Rock on with your awesome self. I hope it turns out even better than you can imagine. ::waiting to be kept posted...::

I said butter, collards and vinegar. And, sadly, the handed down recipe that popped into my mind was the decidedly un-Southern, chicken soup. In retrospect the pie answer seems the OTA.

Every time I think about the dogs who served in the Vietnam war who just got jettisoned and watched their units leave them behind.... Yeah, anger. I'm glad things have changed, but it doesn't make up for past mistakes.

Tanglewood in Clemmons used to hold steeplechases, which were merely excuses for tailgating--a social event at which 90% of the attendees never even saw a horse--or cared.

Chicken and dumplings, sillies, and vinegar in BBQ. I named Justin Wilson, just because I remember his accent and his lovely wry wit. I have no idea what else you'd call a potluck, the only ones we had were church socials. Or, you know, potlucks.

Someone asked about potlatches--they're a PNW native celebration, involving ceremonies, dancing, as well as food. Sort of like powwows in the southeastern states.

Also, I forgot to add, yay, Suzi! Go have fun!

See, my first thought when seeing the "what are dumplings served with" question was rice vinegar, soy sauce and ginger, of course!

Which means I am reading Sumi's playbook...

mmmmmm... dumplings!

Fried dumplings are served with ackee and saltfish. Boiled dumplings are served with stew peas and rice.

Southern dumplings are more like fat noodles, though--no stuffing. You drop the dough into boiling broth with a whole cut-up chicken (or parts), celery leaves, an onion, a goodly portion of black pepper and some salt. Nouvelle types (like me) reduce the salt, add carrot, thyme, rosemary, garlic slivers, ginger, and regretfully sub rice for the dumplings.

I do miss dumplings.

I have gotten way behind in my dumpling making.