Life changes at my age are a big challenge. But without a challenge life is hardly worth living. Last Thursday, the little guy above came home to live with me. He was named Kris Kringle by his foster mom as he was found wandering dirty, matted, hungry and very frightened in a parking lot the week before Christmas. A good Samaritan called the Coastal Poodle Rescue Group and this miniature poodle was taken into a foster home, given medical care, love and attention and put up for adoption.

Kris is probably between 10 and 12 years of age, completely deaf with cataracts in both eyes but he doesn't let that slow him down from enjoying a good brisk walk. The hint of a walk is all it takes to get this little guy's nub of a tail in rapid motion and his tongue, which bears a strong resemblance to a slice of ham, starts wagging, too. Kris loves to walk. I'm delighted to have the company as I stroll the neighborhood and now I have no excuse for putting off a walk as Kris is quick to let me know it's time to go!

Fast Food

Enjoyed a wonderful 'fast food' dinner the other night. Bay scallops with steamed broccoli and mashed yam. This is a 15 minute meal, 20 if you dilly dally! Serving sizes listed below are for one...Just increase to accommodate.

1/4 lb bay scallops, rinsed, dried and tossed in a little Wondra flour and jerk seasoning. Saute over medium heat in a non-stick pan in a teaspoon of olive oil and a teaspoon of butter...Shake to cook evenly for 4 - 5 minutes. Finish with a squirt of lemon juice. Meanwhile, steam some broccoli flowerets and microwave a scrubbed sweet potato. When the potato is done, scoop out flesh and mash with salt & pepper to taste and squeeze the juice from a wedge of lime over it and mix it in. The broccoli can be dressed to taste, just salt & pepper and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil or even a pat of butter. This colorful plate of delicious food is a winner from scratch to finish in 15 minutes. Get the potato and broccoli going first, when almost finished cooking, 5 - 6 minutes, start the scallops. Finish up the veggies while the scallops brown.