First Dog, Cards and Wolves

I was talking about the dogs of the White House the other day and then on the news we saw the current White House Scottie - Barney - bite a reporter. The reporter has had a nice apology from Mrs. Bush apparently and had to have a tetanus shot (not rabies?). I have just discovered that Barney and Miss Beazley have their own web page click here and another page called Bushy Barney here. I didn't realise First Dogs were so important. They apparently also have a First Cat Willie as well. If the Obama's have a new puppy, we were wondering who will clean up after its mistakes!!! Come to that, who will look after it when the children are at school and take it for walks etc. The answer is, presumably, the servants at the White House. I can't see the President jumping up in the middle of an important meeting to go walk the dog. I am patting myself on the back because yesterday I made and printed all my Christmas/Hannukah cards, printed all the address labels and return labels (I put a something Christmassy on both) so now all I have to do is fold the cards and label the envelopes. The most expensive part is the stamps unfortunately. Especially as I have lots to send out of country. We won't be messing with them today as we have a dinner party tonight. I had trouble finding suitable wall calendars this year too, I used to buy the big calendar from World Wildlife in the States, but World Wildlife in Canada don't seem to do the same one. I eventually found Wolf calendars, which I like, through Avon, but they aren't doing them any more. Having searched the internet, I finally found myself some wolf calendars, one for the kitchen, one for the computer room so they are on their way. Matt and I both love wolves and my computer room is littered with pictures of them as well as pictures of grandchildren, I wonder if that says anything? Browsing through Reader's Digest Great Recipes for Good Health, I came across a recipe I like the sound of, Onions in Raisin Sauce. Onions in Raisin Sauce Serves 4 Here is a dish that can be refrigerated for several days and reheated at serving time. 1 1/2 tsp olive oil 3/4 lb small white onions, peeled 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup dry white wine 1 cup low sodium beef broth 2 tbs low sodium tomato paste 2 tbs raisins 1/2 tsp grated orange rind 1/4 tsp each basil and thyme, crumbled 1/8 tsp black pepper In a small heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over moderate heat for 1 minute; add the onions and cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, until they are golden, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic, wine, beef broth, tomato paste, raisins, orange rind, basil, thyme and pepper and bring to a simmer. Cook, uncovered, stirring often, for 20 minutes or until the onions are tender. Raise the heat to high and cook, stirring, until the sauce is thick, about three minutes. Have a great weekend