Sister-Sista Weekend

I spent the past few days in Minneapolis with my sister Brooke. We had such a great time! We call them "sister-sista weekends." It's always fun to hang out with Brooke - especially since we don't live in the same town (or state for that matter) anymore. I'm trying to convince here to move to Des Moines... She made me home-cooked meals every night. We laid around in our pj's and snuggled with Darrell (yes, he got to come... no, Mike didn't). I even bought us matching pj pants but Brooke said they look like "clown pants" and she didn't wear them. We went shopping and gossiped. Brooke tried to convince me that it would be *fun* to drive over the bridge that collasped (it was just rebuilt) but I said NO! Sorry, sister... I forgot to pack my Ativan. I love my sister!

Hot dogs

Now that you all know my love for hot dogs, you probably guessed what this blog would be about. *WRONG!* I got the idea for this blog today when I was at a gas station. A man from animal control was standing next to me as I filled up my 42 ounce cup of Pepsi - anyways, on his radio I heard a call about a dog that was left in a van for over an hour with the windows rolled up. It was 80 degrees today. I almost followed him to help rescue the dog.

Now, contrary to popular belief, I'm not a saint. Actually, while I was in the gas station Darrell was in my car! Two of my car windows were rolled down far (but not too far - he likes to *escape - story on this later in the blog). I did buy Darrell a cup of ice to lick.

Here is an article I found online about the dangers of leaving your pets in the car... even with the windows cracked! Please educate yourself and don't be afraid to call your local animal control!!!

Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car for any period of time. On a warm day, the temperature in a car can reach 120° F in a matter of minutes-even with the windows partially open. Your pet can quickly suffer brain damage or die from heatstroke or suffocation when trapped in high temperatures. This is what you should do if your pet is exposed to high temperatures:

• Be alert to signs of heat stress-heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
  
• If your pet has become overheated, you must lower his body temperature immediately.
  
• Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water all over her body to gradually lower her body temperature.
  
• Apply ice packs or cold towels to your pet's head, neck, and chest only.
  
• Let your pet drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes.
  
• Take your pet to a veterinarian right away-it could save your pet's life.
  

If you see an animal in a car exhibiting any signs of heat stress, call your local animal care and control agency or police department immediately!

You don't just expose your pet to the dangers of heat stress when you leave him in a car, you also expose him to pet theft. Thousands of pets are stolen each year from unattended cars.

I found this article on www.sevagrreat.org.

*Now on to the story about Darrell's escape. One day I stopped at a gas station. I had to run inside quick and get something (Laffy Taffy most likely). Darrell likes to be able to see me at all times so I parked right out front of the gas station doors. I rolled down the windows a little bit so he could breathe. As I was paying for my taffy I looked out to my car... and there was Darrell at the doors of the gas station. He could see me and he was jumping up and down at the door. He wanted his Momma!!! It made me laugh. It's always nice to feel wanted, even if it's by a Jack Russell Terrier.

Music

I now have music on my blog! Look on the right-hand side of this page for the music player. I downloaded four of my favorite songs for you to enjoy!

Favorite foods

Here are a few of my favorite foods:

Hot dogs. Love 'em. Preferred toppings are dill relish or plain. My favorite method of cooking hot dogs is boiling. I also love corn dogs and pigs in a blanket.

Cherry ICEE. You can't beat it. It is getting harder to find these days. K-Mart has them but their machine is broken half the time. My favorite flavor is cherry - and red cherry, not white.

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese. I've been eating it since I was a youngster. Still not sick of it. My brother used to ask my mom to make it "extra runny." Haha. I like to add hot dogs or tuna to my Mac & Cheese.

Apricot wheat beer. I discovered this beer last summer and it's become my favorite (sorry Coors Light). How tasty!

Cotton candy. It you saw my post about the fair then you know that I love cotton candy. So fluffy and delicious! My favorite color cotton candy is pink. The best place to get it is Van-Dee's in Johnson, IA

Donuts. My weakness. My favorite kind are maple frosted with sprinkles. I also love cream filled long johns. And you can't go wrong with traditional glazed.

Camping

At the end of August was the "First Annual Welch Siblings and their better-half's Camping Trip."

We had a blast out on the canoes. Ellie loves to swim! She kept jumping in the lake to swim after the canoe...


Darrell loves to be right by his mother - so it was no surprise that he wanted to come in the canoe with Leah and me. We were out on the water for an hour and Darrell did great. He was our captain...



At night we played games and sat around a campfire. Here is an action-shot of Nate (Brooke's boyfriend)...



Darrell gets cold really easily so he liked to be wrapped up in a beach towel...



The Welch's : Leah, Billy and Ellie


The someday (?) Pischke's: Nate and Brooke


The McGinn's: Becka, Mike and Darrell

We had a fun time with lots of laughs! We only stayed one night because I wasn't sure if I could "rough it" for two... maybe next year.

Tunes

Does anyone know how to put music on a blog?

Iowa State Fair

The Iowa State Fair was a few weeks ago. The state fair is pretty new to me. Growing up in Sioux City, we never went to the fair. But if you live in Des Moines, you HAVE to go. I don't know why... it's the same thing every year. The food is ok - I'd rather eat at McDonalds.

Mike eating meatballs on a stick:





Me drinking a jug of root beer.













Here is a picture of me and my 4-H cow.









My favorite part of the fair - the animals! What a cute pig!