A Wee Bit O' Irish in the Morn'

Friday was my last day of work before my week-long Spring break.  If only Mother Nature had gotten the memo - but I'm not one to complain; at least not for too long.  I'll take a week off even if it's going to be cold.  And snowy.  A week off is a week off after all.  Besides... this Spring break is going to be a lot of fun because we picked up our new puppy!
                                                          


Annie Oakley is her name and looking for trouble is her game!   


Saturday morning finally arrived.  Suzy and I got up early and went through our morning routine-breakfast and a quick trip outside for her, then coffee for me while we sit on the couch relaxing and enjoying each other's company.  Suzy had no idea she was soon to become a "big sister", but I knew and I decided I had to savor this one final morning that would be so peaceful.  Once Annie got here things were going to be different.  Puppies just don't understand that morning time is for sitting quietly and relaxing.  Since it is St. Patrick's Day weekend and we would be heading to a St. Patrick's Day party later in the evening what better way to enjoy my coffee than to make it an Irish Coffee?!
                                                       
I was making an Irish Lime Meringue Pie to take to the party so I even had Irish Whiskey. Just a small splash of that went into my coffee along with the Bailey's.  Redi-Whip sprayed on top with a sprinkling of nutmeg.  That was a coffee to enjoy!  I could feel my "Irish" coming out already!


The pie was a snap to make.  I cheated and bought a graham cracker pie crust to use.  The filling was a can of condensed milk, 3 egg yolks, a couple tablespoons of Irish Whiskey, and lime juice.  Then I whipped up my meringue and popped it into the oven for about 15 minutes.  I have to pat myself on the back here and brag about my meringue. It was the best attempt ever for me at making meringue!


                                                                
It was light, subtly sweet, stiff enough to stand up nice and straight, and best of all - it did not weep or pull away from the sides of the pie!  While we went to the party we left Annie with my mom and dad.  They had her littermate and brother, Chip, so what's one more puppy to rush outside for potty breaks, right?  Plus - my little sister had another brother, Hank, and she would be visiting with my parents.  A regular puppy party was going on.  It was cute to see the 3 pups wiggle with excitement when they saw each other after being separated for a day.  I hear Annie is the ornery one that instigates the "fights".  I believe it - she does the same thing with Suzy and Suzy doesn't seem to mind all that much. 


Suzy likes Annie.  When she came to live here there were new toys for both!  Annie eats more meals and that means Suzy is getting to have a few little bites in her dish, too.  There are lots of trips outside, too.


The party was fun and the food was fabulous!  I ate so much corned beef, shepherds pie and desserts I felt like I was going to burst.  We left early so we could get back to Annie.  I didn't want her to forget where she lives.       




This morning there was no time for coffee.  After a trip outside, breakfast, another trip outside, several games of chewing, discovering that cats live here, and much running, jumping, exploring, Annie finally wore out! 
   Her naps last just long enough for me to get comfortable.  Then we have to start the routine all over again:  Trip outside, play a while, eat, another trip outside, play, then another nap.  Yup - this week is gonna be a dog's life for me!  (And I couldn't be happier!)