Tom Sawyer and his dog- Cole

Tom Sawyer and his dog - Cole

I was very reluctant to adopt another pet yet I understood my wife’s need for a small dog after the passing of her favorite pet, a small Welch Corgi named Biscuit, so I agreed to take her to a rescue and look at a Miniature Schnauzer puppy. We drove for over an hour into small town America to arrive at a residence that looked quite worn, as many small town dwellings appear. Two guys who ,from their appearance, could have been on parole, led us into the “living room” which was lined with cages from floor to ceiling with puppies that they said they had rescued and for a small fee we could help save a discarded animal. We had come to see a liter of seven miniature Schnauzers that were advertised on line. Our intent was to take home a little female. Certainly we had great apprehension based on the surroundings but once the cage was open and the puppies ran out our decision was affirmed and it was only a matter of which female we would take home. They were all so cute but one ran over to me immediately and reminiscent to how we got our first puppy for Jeremiah when he was only three the one that jumped up in his lap and licked his face which was obviously the one that would be selected. At that time he said “this one is pokie” so the name stuck and we had a wonderful pet. The brother of the, cute but somewhat shy, girls jumped up in my lap and would not stop playing his puppy games with me so he actually chose me and we both willingly took him home to become part of the family.

We surveyed our children and Grandchildren for a name and the mutually agreed upon his name of Cole (Coal) since he was all black with a few small strands of Schnauzer gray starting to emerge. He became part of the family and grew on us as his body grew, and grew, and grew. He just kept on growing. Soon we realized that he could not be a miniature Schnauzer but some type of mixed breed. We bought larger dog cages , three times, as he kept growing. The veterinarian thought that he was part black Labrador retriever. He also resembles a black Labra-doodle. His appearance now reminds many of an Irish Wolfhound and from what I have read and the images that I have seen it does appear to me that this may indeed be his heritage. So I have concluded that he is a great big Schnazadore  wolf hound

 Whatever his lineage, he a big lovable, clumsy, friendly, endearing lump of a dog. He has become my very best friend. He is not a pet but a true companion.  His appearance reminds one of Clifford the Big Red Dog except he is Cole the big black dog. He has those long floppy ears that fly up in the air when he runs down the stairs to go outdoors. His long tail bends skyward when he is happy, which is most of the time,  and it knocks things off shelves as he whirls his long body around in one of his many excitable moments. His tail becomes an inadvertent weapon much like an uncontrollable  Indiana Jones’ bullwhip or the tail of an alligator lashing at things with a mighty force.  Cole’s paws are huge and sometimes when he is sleeping next to me he puts his leg over my head and it feels as if someone just punched me. When he stands on his two legs, which he does when he wishes to see over something or when chasing a bug as he will rise up on his back legs to extend his range and snag that flying insect, he looks like The Biggest Bear and stands over almost 6 feet tall. If he hasn’t seen me in awhile he will stand up on his hind legs, put his front paws on my shoulders and plant a big wet Cole kiss on my face. Cole has a big shaggy beard that serves to collect much water when he drinks that he drips everywhere he lumbers. It also can collect grass, dust, burrs and an assortment of small particles that require some attention. Cole’s face has the appearance of inquisitiveness as if he is in a constant state of “ wondering what is going on”.  He perpetually has that quizzical look on his face. He looks quite happy with his floppy ears, big black sad eyes and always present pink tongue either slightly protruding or side- hanging after a long walk or time of great excitement. Cole gets very excited to the point of frenzy whenever something “big” is going on like the presence of another dog or an outing in the car. Coles bark resembles some distant ancestral warning to large threatening mammals to beware. This deep toned foreboding cry now frightens most every mammal from visitors to big deer or innocent FedEx deliverymen.

 Another endearing trait is his discovering, during his first Christmas season as part of the family, that rather than just whine at the door to go out he could take his huge paws and swipe at the long string of sleigh bells  that hung from the door handle, like a cat swipes at dangling string, and we would hear the loud clanging in any room and immediately take him outside. This started as a positive method for his daily “business” ,so we still have the sleigh bells hanging, but it has evolved into a practice so he can go outside to see what is going on, sniff around or just loiter on the lawn. He goes to the door, vigorously slaps with his large paw the bells, and turns his head to look for us with those big sad eyes which hide his real intent for going outside. His brother, Bart the Beagle, has also learned that when the bells ring he should stay close to Cole so he could also enjoy the outdoors. As intelligent that Bart is, and as adept he is using his paws to manipulate many food items from in the center of the kitchen island to within his Beagle mouth to snatch and devour, he still has not learned how to ring the bell. Since his body began growing, Cole’s awkwardness has taken on many dimensions one of which how he lays down to rest. He does not slowly lower his long legs or curl his front legs under his body but rather he just collapses into one big lump. Usually this is accompanied by what visitors think is something crashing on the floor with a great thud. He then sprawls his entire body out in complete relaxation n mode and instantly falls into a dreamy sleep. Anyone hearing this body collapse is startled and is much surprised upon discovering that it is merely Cole reclining to rest. When he is excited Cole will jump high like a bounding lion leaping after prey or a gazelle jumping onto our bed. He also will run like some cat on the African Plain with his front legs in unison stretching forward then being tucked so as to gain optimal speed. Cole does not curl up like most dogs often but will always use the opportunity to claim my chair or Becky’s couch if vacant. This is one of the rare times that he will tuck his legs underneath his body but as he insists on laying his head on the arm rest which gives the appearance of someone reclining on a sofa.

Cole has become much like my shadow around the house always following me from room to room even if that requires him rising and collapsing frequently. Often he will just come up to me, put his big hairy face in front of mine and begin to give me a big Cole kiss which involves vigorous licking of one’s face and head.  Cole has just become part of my life as I frequently find myself speaking to him and he always listens but maintains his puzzled look as if wishing deeper explanation of what I have just communicated. He is most endearing when he knows that it is time to eat and he patiently sits by his food dish with his large front paws and legs extended and his hind quarters resting on the ground. He sits about 4 feet tall in this position and appears like a good child waiting for candy. Cole loves all children in excess. When they arrive he greets them like a shipwrecked man would greet his rescuers with never-ending doggie hugs and kisses. Cole’s great enthusiasm for their arrival usually creates much havoc since his body just flies everywhere  knocking about kids, people, furniture and anything not anchored . It becomes a momentary “lumbering frenzy” of excitement. If I am gone for more than a few moments he treats me like I he has found a long lost companion and I must admit that I share his feelings of affection after a brief absence.

If reincarnation occurs then I am convinced that Tom Sawyer’s  best fictional childhood friend of adventures, Huck Finn, has returned in my dog Cole.

Things I packed ( for simple cabin vacation and the menu)

Things I Packed:

A Simple Cabin Vacation in Hocking Hills, Aug. 15-19, 2011

So I quickly packed only the basic necessities for a simple cabin retreat where one could experience the solitude and unity with nature deep in the woods. Preparing for Spontaneous Relaxation I packed:

1 well used Tommy Hilfiger blue  backpack ,1 old beige Eddie Bauer fisherman’s sunhat, 1 Fuji digital camera with carrying case, 1 flip-video camera, 1 pair of Merrill hiking boots, 6 “short story” assorted  brands  Cigars plus  1 cutter, 1 tube of mosquito repellant ,1 large camping flashlight, 6 books of matches saved from various restaurants,  Sunday’s Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper )to use as fire starter ),

1 unfinished leisure reading book ( Einstein 553 page biography),1 Ignatius Press Study Bible and 2 Bible Study workbooks,  1 collection of French Poetry, 1 house made personal inspirational notebook of favorite poems,  3 ( prose, recipes, op eds) writing notebooks, 9 assorted writing pens,

1 Kindle loaded with with3 partially read books (and all previously read k books), 1 loaded IPOD, 1 android phone, 1 Toshiba laptop, with cords and chargers for each,

5 tee shirts, 3 casual cotton shirts, 3 pair casual shorts,2 “jammy bottoms” 1 swimming trunk, 1 pair of orange Crocs, 1 pair of sand  Zodiac slide sandals,1 pair of brown Clarke driving mocs,  6 pair of low white tennis socks,  6 boxer briefs

1 bag of basic toiletry necessities

2-recipe books ( M.Bittman’s How to Cook Everything Vegetarian, Vja’s at Home),

1-Food TV chef’s knife, 1 orange paring knife,1  garlic press,  1 multi sided grater

1-3.5 ounce jar of imported (by Fungus Among Us) whole  Black truffles,1 jar of Truffle Salt (also from Fungus Among Us)

 1 bottle La Grande Anne 1999 Bollinger champagne,

1 large bundle of fresh herbs from our pots-  rosemary, marjoram, basil,  thyme, plus Heinen’s dill and parsley, and 4 lemons,3  garlic bulbs, 6 Vidalia onions, 1 large container of Mountain High Greek yogurt

1 bottle of Tasso First Cold pressed Greek Olive Oil, 1 bottle Columelo Spanish Sherry Vinegar, Ian’s Panko bread crumbs ,I bottle of  Ingelhoffer Stone Ground Mustard, 1 bottle  of Choula hot sauce, 1 packet of  bacon shred’s, 1 tub of Land O Lakes  soft sweet cream butter, 10 packets of Splenda, 1 house “powdered sugar” shaker  filled with  Kosher Salt, 1 small house container of Malden Salt, 1  regular grinding mill with Black pepper seeds, 1 bottle of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

18 organic eggs,  4 large  red bell peppers, 1 bag ( about 18 )of medium red and yellow peppers, 1 large bag of assembled fresh organic baby lettuces

4 hand cut( by Becky) beef filets, 2 pounds organic ground beef, 6 veal “dogs , 2 breaded baked organic chicken breasts

2 large regular cucumbers, 4 pounds fresh carrots, 4 ears sweet corn, 1 bunch celery, 4 farm fresh tomatoes, about 3 pounds of fresh green beans, turnips and baby Cauliflower

8 Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches, 1 bag of Rader Farms frozen mixed berries, 1 large watermelon

1 dozen grape leaves,  1 bag Riceworks Sweet Chili Veggie Natural Baked Chips, 1 box TLC  Kashi pita chips, 1 container of mixed nuts, 1 bag gourmet mixed kernels popping corn,

8 cans of V8 juice, 36 8 oz bottles of Kirkland Spring water,  2 bottles of Paul Jaboulet Aine 2007 Parallele Cotes de Rhone wines, 5 bottles imported Horgaarden Belgium Wheat Beer , 24 can of Le Croix Lime Sparkling Water, 24 bags of Tazo China Green  Tips tea

2 pounds Kirkland Sumatra ground coffee, 1 pint half and half,

1 Tray with 7 day slots filled with daily vitamins and pills

Accompanied by my wife, Becky, and my two best friends Cole & Bart and all of their things. We were very prepared for four days of simple cabin living.

Simple Cabin Dinning:

1^st Evening-  Grilled veal dogs with onions and mustard

Fresh baby greens salad with red pepper, and sherry vinegar dressing

Fresh Corn on the Cob  grilled in the husk

Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion salad in Columelo Spanish Sherry Vinegar and Tasso First Cold pressed Greek Olive Oil

Fresh Green Bean and Bacon salad

Cotes De Rhone  Paul Jaboulet Aine 2007

Skinny Cow  Ice Cream Sandwich

Day 2

Morning- Onion and red pepper omelet

Roasted baby potatoes

Crispy fried pig’s head meat

Kirkland Sumatra fresh made coffee

Mid Morning- Bowl of Rader Farms Mixed Berries, Mountain Top Yogurt and house made granola

Glass of Iced Tazo China Green  Tips tea

Afternoon- Soft Scrambled egg with shaved black Truffles and a dusting of Truffle Salt

Becky’s house salad of fresh baby greens, fennel, dill , scallions, red and yellow peppers, pine nuts with lemon and Tasso First Cold pressed Greek Olive Oil, Malden salt and fresh ground pepper

Mid Day- Stuffed Grape leaves with yogurt, dill, & lemon sauce accompanied by TLC  Kashi pita

Evening- Grilled organic beef hamburger with red peppers, garlic, and parsley

Fresh Con on the cob

Cabbage Slaw with Columelo Spanish Sherry Vinegar and Tasso First Cold pressed Greek Olive Oil

Tomato, Cucumber, and Onion salad in Columelo Spanish Sherry Vinegar and Tasso First Cold pressed Greek Olive Oil

Fresh Green Bean and Bacon salad

Cotes De Rhone  Paul Jaboulet Aine 2007

Fresh cut seedless Watermelon cubes

Skinny Cow  Ice Cream Sandwich

Post Evening - Horgaarden Belgium Wheat Beer / Cotes De Rhone  Paul Jaboulet Aine 2007

Day 3

Morning-Fried Chicken breakfast sandwich and cheese with Choula Hot Sauce

Bowl of Radar Farms Mixed Berries, Mountain Top Yogurt and house made granola

Kirkland Sumatra fresh made coffee

Afternoon- Soft Scrambled egg with shaved black Truffles and a dusting of Truffle Salt

Becky’s house salad of fresh baby greens, fennel, dill, scallions, red and yellow peppers, pine nuts  with lemon and Tasso First Cold pressed Greek Olive Oil, Malden salt and fresh ground pepper

Mid Day- Stuffed Grape leaves with yogurt, dill, & lemon sauce accompanied by TLC  Kashi pita

Glass of Iced Tazo China Green  Tips tea

Gourmet mixed kernels fresh popped Popcorn with Fungus Among Us Truffle Salt

Glass of   La Grande Anne 1999 Bollinger champagne,

Evening- Grilled filet with Fungus Among Us Truffle Salt and fresh ground pepper

Braised carrots and Cauliflower with Columelo Spanish Sherry Vinegar glaze and roasted garlic

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Tasso First Cold pressed Greek Olive Oil and Fungus Among Us Truffle Salt

Tomato, Cucumber and Onion in Columelo Spanish Sherry Vinegar and Tasso First Cold pressed Greek Olive Oil  salad, Malden salt and fresh ground pepper

La Grande Anne 1999 Bollinger champagne,

Seedless Watermelon Cubes

Skinny Cow  Ice Cream Sandwich

Day 4

Morning- Skillet Fried Chickpea Fritters

Bowl of Rader Farms Mixed Berries, Mountain Top Yogurt and house made granola

Kirkland Sumatra fresh made coffee

Mid Morning- Glass of Iced Tazo China Green Tips tea

Afternoon- Soft Scrambled egg with shaved black Fungus Among Us truffles and a dusting of Truffle Salt

Becky’s house salad of fresh baby greens, fennel, dill, scallions, pine nuts, with lemon and Tasso First Cold pressed Greek Olive Oil, Malden salt and fresh ground pepper

Seedless Watermelon Cubes

Cotes De Rhone  Paul Jaboulet Aine 2007

Mid Afternoon- Horgaarden Belgium Wheat Beer  / Cotes De Rhone  Paul Jaboulet Aine 2007

Mixed kernel Gourmet popping corn

Evening- Grilled organic beef hamburger with red peppers, garlic, and parsley

Cabbage Slaw with Columelo Spanish Sherry Vinegar and Tasso First Cold pressed Greek Olive Oil

Braised baby multi colored carrots and baby turnips with Columelo Spanish Sherry Vinegar glaze and roasted garlic cloves

Roasted Baby Potatoes with Tasso First Cold pressed Greek Olive Oil and Fungus Among Us Truffle Salt

Cotes De Rhone  Paul Jaboulet Aine 2007

Skinny Cow  Ice Cream Sandwich

When Eggs with Truffles Arrive at Table

When Eggs with Truffles Arrive at Table

There exists a culinary tradition that has developed over the centuries to allow a dining participant the opportunity to receive the maximum enjoyment of this extraordinary peak experience. To participate fully and indulge in the world’s most intense sensory event one must follow time honed and perfected process. Every sense, at a heightened level, is continually involved in this, the ultimate culinary moment. The pace required must be extremely slow and exquisitely deliberate, almost to the point of motionlessness. One must be prepared to gracefully and consciously allow a harmonious flow of all the elements associated with consuming Truffled eggs.

One is to be seated in quiet anticipation. The aroma announces the pageant’s start as the fragrance  permeates the air while the treasure is carefully brought  to the table in a slow paced procession . The extreme muskiness that exudes from the plate, almost visible, as it engulfs one’s very being, in a fragrance like no other and the recipient is taken to a special sensory place reserved for the culinary gods. It is life, the earth, wholesomeness, nature’s purity, all in one scent that becomes  overwhelming and uniquely intoxicating.

As the plate is placed in front of the guest it is not just customary ,or required but like the earth’s magnetic pull, an inexplicable force draws one’s face close to the plate until almost coming in contact with the small culinary jewels of shaved truffles. One breaths deep, as if preparing to hold in the air before an underwater plunge, which is also analogous to breathing in the scent of a women’s fragrance on the first night when one fell in love. It becomes like a fog engulfing everything and becoming lost in the mist that hides all else from one’s view. One is devoted only to absorbing every delicate waft and drift of aroma. A great pause naturally occurs before the next symphonic movement.

Next the fork, ever so carefully, gently scoops, as if lifting a baby asleep so as not to disturb , a small portion with one truffle shaving or a few small pieces of treasure onto the fork.  Anticipating the elegance of this taste, one guides the fork into the slightly open mouth as if waiting for a kiss from one’s beloved , lips parted slightly, awaiting the delicate taste of bliss. As the fork is deliberately inserted  in the waiting opening, the lips close. As if experiencing the sense of taste the first time the entire body explodes in delight. After the utensil has been inserted it is slowly withdrawn between moist lips while a taste of purity intensifies in one’s mouth. Soft, perfectly cooked egg seems to melt upon the tongue along with the incredible taste of truffle. Like gelato eaten in Florence, on a warm Italian night, that is absorbed in one’s body, all of one’s being is infected with a sensory intensity that imparts a harmony with life. A long and lingering pause, for reflection and indulgence of what has transpired, is taken. Evoking a feeling of momentary ecstasy. Like lovers having just shared a moment of bliss the experience is savored. These steps are meticulously repeated in a slow, methodical manner until all has been consumed. Then a final gesture of reverence is observed as one lovingly traces a finger across the plate to gather all stray elements and one last touch upon the tongue is performed.