Huge!

So I go away to a conference for 4 days, and the dog is bigger when I return. Oh dear. We're in for it - and the shelter said 40-50 lbs. Yah right.

Anyway, here are the latest shots. We are pretty dorky taking pictures of our dog all the time, but he is pretty damn cute. What are we going to be like when we have kids? I think we'll have to get a special memory card just to save all the photos.

Luckily, the weather is cooler today so I feel like getting things done. We were melting this weekend - 95 degrees and 7% humidity on the back patio and then by the evening, 95 in the house. I know, I know, it's not like east coast humidity, but when that hits, all ya'll have A/C and we just have a box fan.

Mid-drink on a hike

Do I look like a German Shepherd mix now?

I don't play catch with the frisbee, I hoard it.

All 22 lbs of energy

It's not a bird bath, it's a doggie fountain.

Our Economic Stimulus Package at Work

So here are the two things that Steve and I have spent our "economic stimulus package" on (well, not all of it, and to be honest, we still haven't received the checks in the mail).

One of them you know already: Scupper the Wonderpup ( a recent pic of how big he's getting and his lovely but wacky spots and colors)


And - TADA! We bought a vintage stove:
Now I hear you saying, why do Steve and Aimee need a vintage stove. Well, we don't. But it was on craigslist for a steal of a deal and it's just so damn cool. (and the one that came with this house was not a full size stove and you KNOW how much cooking we do....)

This is an O'Keefe and Merritt 1955 rare model. It has the 4 burners, which have this AMAZING function where you can turn them on the big ring for full blast gas heat and then turn the knob down really low and there are smaller rings called "simmer cups" that just turn on - and yes... simmer. Perfect for spaghetti sauce and soups. Kick ass. You'll notice the oh so cool griddle in the center that should cook up some tasty pancakes and grilled cheese sandwiches this weekend. The four different doors are up left) a "Grillavator" - which is this neat broiler pan that raises and lowers with a spring loaded lever so you can get closer or farther from the flame. upright) oven; bottom left) utility drawer; and bottom right) oven heating unit.

The best part?? (Besides the simmer cups) Behind the tea kettle on the back right burner you'll see a little window. that is a PERISCOPE down to the oven. Yes sirs. I can turn the oven light on and peek in the window and see what's down in the oven without opening the oven door. !!!

Now why don't they make stoves like this anymore? Viking eat your heart out.

I'll keep you posted on its progress with cooking. So far, the quiche I made in the oven today turned out beautifully. And it looked pretty good through the periscope as well. ;)

Here are some more pics if you are so inclined: