Update on Legend

Well, I took Legend to the vet yesterday. He was fine through having some blood drawn, having the vet lady prod him while he was standing up, etc. But when she got him lying down and tried to feel his bladder, he freaked out and tried to bite her. Bad sign. For those of you who don't know greyhounds, they are typically very docile and well-behaved for vet procedures, there being a lot of that at the track. So the fact that he reacted so strongly shows that something in there really hurts.

They're running the blood tests now and I'll have more information tomorrow. It could be something simple, like kidney or gall stones, or something more serious. I'm trying not to worry. Timing is bad, since I'm leaving the country tomorrow for 10 days. But my good friend, Terry, will be my proxy while I'm gone.

You know, I didn't realize how attached I'd become to this animal until I heard him cry out in pain. Let's all keep our fingers crossed that he's o.k.

Beef Heart

Kind of like Braveheart, but not exactly. Last week at the Northside Farmer's Market I purchased a beef heart from a vendor selling meat from their grassfed cattle. Back when I was first studying human anatomy and physiology, I dissected a cow heart. I remember thinking, "wow, this is a lot of meat! People should eat these." So when I saw it on their product this, I decided to give it a try. It's sitting in my freezer, waiting for inspiration and the right occasion. Cooking websites and cookbooks are not exactly overflowing with recipes for beef heart. But I've found a couple and all call for long, slow cooking. Doesn't seem so appealing in these warm summer days, but maybe I'll roll out the ol' crockpot, especially now that I got my new AC hooked up. Any of you ever eaten beef heart?

Legend update

Results from Legend's urinalysis were the same as last week - everything normal except for an elevated pH. I'm taking him into the vet on Monday to get a blood draw so they can do some further tests. Timing on this is tough, with me leaving for the Netherlands on Wednesday. Poor guy.

Sexism and Politics

Many of you have experienced the sharp side of my tongue in the last few months, as the media has debated the role of sexism in Hillary Clinton's defeat. Before the primaries even began I was arguing against Hillary running because she is so polarizing. I thought she ran a sloppy, ineffective campaign right through March, when she finally woke up and realized she wasn't going to be crowned queen without some actual work on the ground.

So the insinuation by some in her campaign (and out) that she lost because of sexism really rubbed me the wrong way. It seems clear to me that Hillary lost because of arrogance and poor leadership and we are all the luckier for it.

But I am forced to acknowledge that my vehemence reflects a little internalized sexism of my own. As I list Hillary's sins - an unwarranted sense of entitlement, disorganization, political ambitions that outweigh her integrity - I notice that I can think of only one politician who does not share these, and it's not fair to insist that every person have as much ethical force as Russ Feingold. So why do I hold Senator Clinton to higher standards than anyone else? Could it be that I am looking for a reason to be against her? Am I scared to get behind the woman and feel all that sexism and - let's just say it - hate, directed my way? Worth some reflection.

Tiger is Sick

Last night, Bill called me with sad news. A young friend of ours, Tiger, has leukemia. She's 11 and her mom has had to quit her job to stay home and care for her. On top of all the terrible worry, they are now in real financial straits. Bill is a wonderful friend, and has started some impromptu fundraising to help the family out while Tiger goes through chemotherapy. If you'd like to contribute (any amount is welcome!) let me know and I'll put you in touch with him.

Worried About Signor Snout

So Legend has been turning over a new and not-so-welcome leaf. I started letting him sleep on my bed (I know, I know, but it's so lovely snoozing next to a greyhound) and twice now he's peed in it. I don't think he's even aware of it - when he knows he has to pee he whines and asks for my attention. I took him to the vet after the first time, and he checked out fine except for his urine pH - it was really high, around 8 (dog urine pH is supposed to be around 5).

The vet and I discussed options and decided to give it a week and see if it took care of itself. Well, last night he peed in my bed for the second time. Sigh. So tomorrow I'll take him back to the vet and get his urine checked again. Aside from the expense and inconvenience, it's also quite worrying! Anyone have any experience with dog pee issues?

Recent cooking pleasantries

Here's a few recent cooking successes:
~ Red lentil dahl with fried ramps. Those of you who shop at Farmer's Markets might have been cooking with ramps of late. They're the shoots of young garlic plants and they have a lovely, mild flavor. I've always wondered what to do with them, but I found a great use for them here, frying them 'til crispy in olive oil, and then adding them to the dahl when it was almost done.

~ Asparagus and eggs. This is a fairly traditional combo and so easy to make! This time I just chopped fresh asparagus into inch-sized chunks, briefly sauteed in olive oil and butter, then cracked a couple of eggs on top to cook. I intended to cook them just til the whites were set, but I got caught up in a phone convo and they ended up going til the yolks were firm. Still delicious, especially with a little parmesan sprinkled on top.

~ Ice tea. I'm a huge fan, especially of the Arnold Palmer (half iced-tea, half lemonade). This summer, I'm making big pitchers of sun tea with Trader Joe's decaf Irish Breakfast. I let it steep all day, then add the juice of a lemon or two and a bunch of sugar dissolved in hot water. If I'm really ambitious, I trundle down to the back yard and pick some fresh mint and add that. Deeee-licious!!

I'm headed to a clothing swap on Sunday (ever been to one of those? It's where a bunch of women - or men - get together and bring all the clothes they want to get rid of. You get to go through all the stuff and pick out what you'd like. New clothes for free! And recycling!). Anyway, we're all bringing snacks and I'm considering what to bring. Any tips? Needs to be easy 'cuz I'm all busy this weekend getting ready for my trip. There are still tons of strawberries at the local markets - maybe berries and cream?