What We Are Loving Now

The nice gentleman at the American Spoon shop near our summer spot in Michigan insisted that dad try their new Rhubarb-Hibiscus Conserve on top of vanilla gelato.   Now, we know, dad doesn't usually like rhubarb.  We have a patch at home that just goes to seed each summer. So we were a bit surprised, but didn't mind waiting outside while dad boldly asked for a second much larger sample.

Now the people in our house make their own Rhubarb-Hibiscus sundae on a regular basis.  They say it is out of this world.  To get some of your own visit spoon.com.

Death by Grapes

Deep Acres Farm Concord Grapes on the Vine

Well, luckily, dad happened to mention how sweet and delicious our grapes are this season to Sherpa's dad Michael.   And how much Rufus and I love to enjoy a grape when they are fresh off the vine.  "Aren't grapes bad for dogs?" said Sherpa's dad.

Turns out grapes are bad and potentially fatal to dogs.  No more sweet concord grapes for us!

According to the AKC:

" Dogs can become fatally ill after ingesting grapes and raisins. In some dogs, as few as seven raisins brought on symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and shaking. The fruits can cause the kidneys to shut down, and often, even aggressive treatment is unsuccessful.

No one is sure why grapes and raisins cause this reaction in dogs. All dog owners should refrain from feeding grapes and raisins as treats to their dogs, and keep them well out of reach. If you suspect your dog has ingested grapes, or if he starts showing symptoms, contact your vet immediately."

To make us feel better, Michael took a pic of my boy Sherpa and texted it to us.  Michael and I agree, Sherpa is one of the most beautiful TTs we have ever seen.

Sherpa, Champion Deep Acres Autumn Splendor

Praying Mantis

It's always around this time of year that we start seeing the praying mantis around Deep Acres Farm.

And speaking of praying mantis, here is a pic of the most lovely 5-week- old Tibetan Terrier you ever will see.  A sweet girl named Lola.

Dad, I'm SURE I Saw a Bird Out There

Angus is a Birder.

Little Pups on the Prairie

We headed out at quarter past six for our morning walk around the prairie.   It's been relatively cool lately, but today is supposed to be a hot one so we wanted to go on our long walk in the cool morning air.  There's a statue of Grammie Jill in her younger days stark naked looking out over the prairie.

We were out for a good hour and a half, but Roxie was eager to get home to her little ones.  They're as pretty as a prairie sunflower and will be 5-weeks-old on Sunday.

Hot Tub for Dogs

Doesn't your pooch deserve one of these?  I know I do!

Unexpected Pleasures

We were driving down the highway in Iowa when we passed a sign for the L. T. Organic Farm Restaurant.  It was on one of those highway signs that usually tells you there is a McDonalds, Cracker Barrel, Taco Bell, etc. available at the next exit.

Now, this was no chain restaurant.   Family run and slightly funky.  We decided to give it a try.  Picnic tables on the lawn for al fresco dining with your dogs.  We were hooked.  A tad expensive for lunch $17.99 and cash only.  The food was good and fresh and the falafel were made of split peas not chick peas!   You get a combo plate of all the items listed on the board.   Vegetarian or with Chicken.