A Look Back at Last Year's Crop

Some highlights from last year's fundraiser....

It was really interesting to hear first hand, the impact that having a Service Dog had on the family and what they can do for the kids.

Of course, having a chance to win these fabulous raffle prizes helped make the day even more fun.

Cake Raffle

You know how once you pick a theme, you seem to see it everywhere? I spotted an adorable ladybug cake pan and knew I had to have it. Way back when, I thought I would decorate cakes on the side and then I realized how much work it was and what a mess it makes in your kitchen. Anyway, I have resurrected my talent to make a couple of these for the Crop.

Maya thinks it looks pretty good, anyway.

I also did a golf bag cake for my Dad's birthday and golf tournament next weekend but you likely won't be seeing THIS cake again. It was really fussy and I had to mix a lot of colours but I think it turned out pretty good. Dad will eat it anyway and say it looks good cuz that's what Dad's do! 

Don't worry, I won't be serving stale baked goods at the Crop. These cakes freeze really well and I like to do most of the food preparation at the last minute so its as fresh as possible.

Friend of Lindor Spotlight

While I am thrilled to have the support of several corporate sponsors (more on this later), I am blessed to have so many friends and family that are willing to chip in their support in so many ways to help me make Lindor's crop such a great day! One of those people is my friend Corrina whom you have met in an earlier blog post. She is super kind-hearted and so fun to hang around and even better, she's an amazing seamstress! We come up with so many ideas when we're sitting around chatting and before I know it, she's doing them and donating them to the Crop. SO here's a sneak peek at some of the things she has created.

Who says aprons are old-fashioned? These gorgeous items from Riley Blake Designs are sure to be a hit in the kitchen. This will be in the raffle at the Crop.

Some lovely fabric which is also going to make an appearance at the Crop. I'll leave it at that.

Wouldn't this brighten your day? This just may end up as a beautiful quilt that will be up for grabs in the raffle. The touching part about this quilt is that purple is Corrina's favourite colour so it says a lot that she is giving away something that she would really LOVE herself. I know she is busily sewing away this weekend for me, not herself and I want her to know that her efforts are much appreciated and her kindness will be magnified down the road when one more deserving family gets a Service dog to help ease their lives just a little.

Japanese Chicken

So enough about the dogs already. Well, I'm sure I'll keep talking about them and the Crop Fundraiser that is rapidly coming up but for now I thought I would post a recipe. This is a really fast and tasty recipe. I got it off a blog awhile ago and I've been making it ever since.  Great with Basmati Rice.

Japanese Chicken
2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite size pieces)
Dredge in flour and brown.
Mix sauce:
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup white sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
Pour over browned chicken in a casserole dish and bake at 350F for an hour or so.

It doesn't get any easier then that and its very yummy.

FIrst Puppy Class

I was able to go see some of the pups in their first puppy class. At only 9 weeks of age, they are already going to school. The first lesson they learn is focus.

They are always rewarded for their good response.

This group of pups did really well at their first lesson. It is very rewarding to watch them grow and learn. I am also reminded of the dedicated Volunteers who so lovingly and unselfishly give their time and love to these dogs so they can go on to do great things for their future families.
Kingsley, Krosby, Kasper, Kobe, Khloe and Koko are on their way!

A Coat of Every Colour

One of the best things about volunteering with a doggie based organization is that I've met many like-minded individuals. As in "dog crazy" like myself. We try to help each other out with dog-sitting etc as its not always easy to find accomodation for your 4 legged friends when you want to travel etc.
This is one of my favourite pictures from when I was pet sitting last summer. I had one of each colour. So pretty and looking so well-behaved. LOL.
Meet Velvet, Lindor, Equoia and Maya.

Afternoon Nap

This is what happens when you forget to put the hangers back on the couch when you go for a nap.

The dogs are not allowed on my living room furniture and instead of blocking off the room or putting the cushions up, I use a tip that someone gave me years ago. Put a couple metal coat hangers on the flat surface and that will do the trick. It works really well to keep the pets off ( if you remember to put them back ON!) and doesn't look too unslightly. Did I  mention that I have FOUR overpriced dog beds strewn around the home already as an alternate sleeping location?