Frantic, I went home and looked for locksmiths. I called the most reputable-looking one and he came. I explained my predicament and told him once he got in there is a letter addressed to me on the kitchen table with instructions and no, I forgot my ID at home.

He let me in and says it happens all the time. I called the owner from her home and told her what happened and she pointed me to another key. I paid the same amount to the key guy as I got for the pet-sitting gig.

Eight months later I was combing our park prior to an event to pick up trash and doggie doo and what did I find? The key. Oh, well.

I used a smoked turkey drumstick instead of ham hocks this time in the soup. The taste was very similar; there was a lot more meat, but the meat was a bit stringy. I think the ham hocks make the soup fattier, and it has a better “mouth feel,” but the turkey is probably better for you. Even with all those smoking chemicals!

We’ll see how our environment is in a few weeks. Some of the dogs people are getting these days can take me for a walk! It bothered me that I probably put in a thousand hours and no-one was there for me. Since then one kind resident has helped us out when we had to go see Mom at hospice. Zoe was very happy and well-adjusted when she returned and we thank our friend in need.

Might you share your beer bread recipe? I’ve never made a loaf. Thanks, Dee

Split pea soup and beer bread tonight!