That's wonderful, Jesse.

Workplace poo-ducking~ma to Lee, and better-opportunity~ma to Sparky.

My lamb shank fits in the crockpot, hooray!

For some reason I first read this as a sort of marzipan-in-your-pie-plate-bingo type encouragement: My, lambshank in the crockpot, honey! I had no idea why you were saying it, but it was totally charming. Now that I've gulped down my coffee I see that it's an actual lamb shank that fits in an actual crockpot, which is less charming but a lot more practical.

Say hi to MWu for me!

I would make a pitch for the Dark side, but the timing isn't great on that one, is it?

You are right though--so far not a lot of press other than Above the Law

The book is this: [link] It's a lot of like, What did you learn from your father? and What was your favorite subject in school? and How did you and mom meet? Nothing earthshattering, but good conversation starters.

My little cousin's "plan donut" essay was made into a book! (I guess she probably wouldn't like being thought of as my "little cousin," since she's 13 now.) [link]

Day 2 of jury duty, woo hoo. Still hanging out and waiting to see if we are needed for a trial. There's a "quiet room" where jurors can work or read or just chill without the noise of the TV and people talking in the regular waiting area. So I brought my laptop and I'm getting some work done. But there is some dude who does not have an Inside Voice who is sitting right outside the door to the quiet room and just bellowing on his cell phone.

All of the people in the quiet room are my new BFFs, because we are considering going out there with pitchforks and torches to get him to shut the fuck up.

Except we couldn't get the pitchforks and torches past the security guard, so all we have is snark and bile.

That's awesome, Hil! (Although does she need to talk to us about what a bagel is??)

Burrel, Before Grains Dry or Canned?

Both. Our current kitty, Folly, is happy to eat anything, but Burrell was very picky and finding a food she'd eat that I was happy to feed her was a rare gift.

I'm glad I can take his half-sentences and false starts and turn them into something.

That's so wonderful, Jesse. I know exactly what you mean. There are some conversations with my mom where she said maybe one or two words, but she said so much.

Thankfully, our next walk went much better. I know Cagney makes no connection between his behavior and being in his crate for a half hour, but it worked anyway.

He was much calmer when we went out again and actually walked well. No stubborn stops.

Then we ran into Olie, a HUGE white Boxer/Pit mix who pushed Cagney around, right well. Olie is deaf, bless him, so Cagney's obnoxious barking doesn't bother him at all. They had so much fun, there was actually a little blood. The boys were having so much fun, we couldn't figure out which one was actually doing the bleeding.

Now he's asleep. Good times.

Someone just gave me the slogan "Spend it on your pet, not on the vet" with regards to higher quality food

The thug kitchen had wise words about this, truth. He says he feeds his (vegan too?) dog so well the vet pays him when he visits.

"They had so much fun, they were bleeding" is a great line.

Burrell, Folly is a wonderful name for a cat!

Tiki Cat is good cat food. We've tried it but only one of mine likes seafood, alas. Andi, you're right on about where the real cost of cat food lies.