ABC Wednesday seems to have come around really quickly this week – I suppose that’s what I get for running off and enjoying myself in Aylesbury! Anyway, I’m home now, and ready for the letter ‘T‘.
There were things I missed while I was away. OH, for instance, and ready access to a decent, healthy snack when I needed one. Here’s one of my favourites -
Tahini on rice cakes! For those that don’t know, tahini is sesame paste. It’s made from sesame seeds and very little else, so it’s a little bit like peanut butter, only .. not.
Something to drink with it? Why not a cup of tea? And if you don’t fancy camellia sinensis (ordinary common or garden tea), I have a variety of alternatives.
Oops … that bright red pack at the back, underneath the Rooibos vanilla, that was meant to be more visible. It’s another rooibos, brand name ‘Tick Tock‘.  Incidentally, the two blue Twinings tea varieties are favourites of mine. The one on the right is honey and camomile and makes an excellent bedtime drink, and the other is much nicer than it sounds. Lemongrass and lavender! Mmm!
Here’s an interesting cup for my tea. This was given to me by Son No. 2′s girlfriend, and look! It has it’s own teaspoon in a special slot in the handle! Handy for fishing out those pesky teabags.
While I was in the kitchen taking pictures of that, I flipped over the calendar and noticed that there was a picture of Johnny Depp …
… wearing tinted glasses.  Well, that’s fairly normal for him, but he is also wearing a tie! Well, well. How very traditional of him!
You know, normally, he’s not really a traditional kind of guy. For instance, he’s well known for his many tattoos.
These ones, on his right arm, are some of the most famous. The ‘Jack’ tattoo is very similar to the one worn by his alter ego Captain Jack Sparrow, but in Johnny’s case, it refers to his son Jack. He has another tattoo – over his heart – for his daughter Lily-Rose, and there’s one for his mother Betty-Sue, which is on his left arm. There are plenty of others, too.
I imagine that his tattoos must be a nightmare for the make-up artists when he’s making movies … and here’s a few of those -
No, none of them begin with ‘T‘, do they? But all of these movies are based on true stories.
From the left: ‘The Libertine’, the story of John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester. ‘Donnie Brasco’, the story of the FBI agent of that name who went undercover to infiltrate the Mob. ‘Blow’, the story of infamous cocaine smuggler George Jung.  ‘Finding Neverland’, the story of Peter Pan creator J M Barrie. And lastly, the story of ‘Ed Wood’, famously abysmal movie director, creator of such classics as ‘Plan 9 From Outer Space’.
Now for the sad part. Here is a very special necklace which my Princess used to wear when she went on a therapy visit.
This was the one which carried her PAT dog ID tags, and her own name tag, too. Just picking it up and hearing it jingle in my hand brings her vividly to mind, trotting quickly to my side, ears up and expectant, ready for a trip out to work.
She really loved her therapy visits, and she knew that whenever she heard this particular necklace, that’s where she would be going. I really miss her, and Jack too, but just this morning I had a wonderful surprise in the mail.
These two tiny greyhound head charms were sent to me by a very lovely friend of mine, who found them and chose them because one is like Renie, and the other is like Jack. Thank you, Jeannine! I shall wear them with great pleasure and think of you. Oh, and that coin I put there for scale is a twopenny piece.
Talking of greyhounds, here’s a toothbrush.
I bought this a few days ago in preparation for Sid. This will be his toothbrush. No doubt I’ll have to spend quite some time acclimatising him to having his teeth brushed in the first place, before I ever think about turning on the motor, but electric toothbrushes do a great job of sparkling up the old canine enamel and keeping dogs’ mouths healthy.
But it’s probably a good thing he’s not coming for a couple of weeks yet, because I have this book to read, learn and inwardly digest before he gets here.
It’s a new book on dog training. This one is slightly different, because it incorporates techniques used by assistance and therapy dog trainers. So far, I’m finding it really interesting and it’s taught me a few things already.
I bought it because I have high hopes that Sid will prove to be suitable to train as a PAT dog, too. And if not? Well, then, I’ll have a pretty laid-back and obedient couch potato!
Oh. I nearly forgot! Pick up the telephone, Carolina -
Looks like someone wants to get hold of you!
I never heard of or saw a twopenny piece! Wicked Cool!
meleah rebeccahs last blog post..Take Me As I Am
I can only imagine the chaos that would ensue if I tried to use an electric toothbrush on WIllow. It would not be a pretty sight!
Don’t Bug Me!s last blog post..Ice, Ice, Baby! Argentine Style
Great choices for “T” also your choices in snacks are much healthier than mine.
Jamess last blog post..T is for Texas Tower
Excellent, per usual, Jay. You know I have never used an electric toothbrush on my hounds. I should try that, it would be better that is for sure. I would imagine they would have to get used to it, right now it is all just the manual brushing. They are good with that.
Totally Terrific!
Sistertexs last blog post..ABC Wednesday ‘T’
Lovely, I needed a cheer up! I’m very excited about the arrival of Sid and frankly, I’ve never cleaned Lily’s teeth . .I always thought bones did that but given her recent spate of haliatosis, perhaps I should! I’ve always wanted to present her as a pet too, I think she’d be fabulous, she’s so gentle. (Secret: the only pressie I bought back from Melbourne was a pretty pink waterproof collar for the dog! Not the son!)
Bainos last blog post..Getting Pissed and Crying a Lot – Now that’s So Mature!
I should eat tahini. I’ve liked it when I’ve had it before.
I love how you pack in so many references, Next week will be tougher.
Roger Greens last blog post..T is for Tang Museum
I hope you have better luck brushing your new friend’s teeth than I had brushing my monster Linette’s teeth: she nearly bit my finger off! And I was only trying to get her used to the Taste of Toothpaste!
And those charms are absolutely beautiful, you have Terrific friends.
Maras last blog post..T is for…
Ah, the mention of tea made my day. I drink far too much of it. There is an intriguing look on Data’s face today, as if he thinks he’s found an antique tri-corder
Anthony Norths last blog post..TONY ON FREE SPEECH
Oh Jay, you always are so imaginative when it comes to this weekly slot, I do love your photo’s – they make me feel a guest in your house. I too love the combination of honey and camomile – the scent alone is delicious! That necklace is absolutely wonderful, it must be very dear to you with all the special memories it must invoke.
You must be excited at the prospect of the pitter patter of little paws soon to arrive – I look forward to hearing more in due course!
Tick Tock Tea–perfect!
Ninas last blog post..Under the Wire
An electric toothbrush…. Hippie doesn’t mind the manual one but I don’t think she would go for the buzzy sort!!!
Good to know Sid’s arrival is getting closer – how excited are you?
Kates last blog post..A sense of humour is essential this week!
Meleah – LOL! You are funny! They’re pretty ordinary to us!
DBM – She might surprise you and get used to it quite easily! Give it a go – just take it slowly, a tiny step at a time.
James – Trust me, I can do unhealthy snacks too! But I just happen to like tahini!
Sistertex – Yes, if they’re good with ordinary brushing, I’m sure your lovely dogs would get used to an electric toothbrush. You just start off using the electric one manually, then turn it on for a few seconds before you start, and after you finish (not while in their mouths), and progress to just touching a tooth lightly with it, and so on, and so on, until they’re quite comfortable. Jack didn’t ever much like it, but Renie remained in a roach more often than not, and just let me get on with it!
Baino – I’m so glad you didn’t bring your son a pretty pink waterproof collar as a gift! I would have been wondering about the both of you! ROFL!
You should take a look inside Lily’s mouth. You might be unpleasantly surprised! Still, tartar cracks off a treat, and there are often perfectly good teeth underneath! LOL!
Roger Green – Next week WILL be tougher, won’t it? And I’m not even going to think about ‘x’ … !
Mara – It does take patience to get a dog used to having her teeth brushed, and some never do take very kindly to it. You really do have to progress in baby steps for some. It took us six months, if I recall, to get a brush inside Jack’s mouth in a meaningful way!
Anthony North – Ha! Yes – you’re right! Data does look as if he’s saying ‘intriguing!’ doesn’t he? I missed the tricorder opportunity, didn’t I? LOL!
Shrinky – Aw, thanks, Shrinky!
Yes, the necklace is dear to me. Part of me wants to adapt it so I can wear it, but mostly I want to keep it as it was when she wore it. I couldn’t use it for another dog, I don’t think.
Nina – I know! And I positioned it badly! LOL!
Kate – I’ve been using electric toothbrushes for my dogs for years. Most have taken to them very well. Jack hated it, but he tolerated it too, for short periods. He had horrible teeth, poor soul, so I’m afraid I made him accept it, but worked at it over time, and if he was having a very ‘anti-toothbrush’ day, I wouldn’t use the motor.
A lot of interesting Ts. I am a big Tea fan so I really liked that, also the dog tags. Thank you for your kind comments on my tribute to Cali. I remember reading your blog just after you lost your precious greyhounds and feeling your grief. I keep my Calis collar and tags on a door knob and her bowl with her name on it is on my refridgerator. It hurts to lose them but the payoff is the pleasure they bring and the wonderful memories.
Can anyone really enjoy themselves in Aylesbury … I was born there you know .. and it’s about 10 miles from my true Home !
moons last blog post..Onto Bryce and Zion…
Gone To The Dogs – You’re absolutely right. The grief at the loss is the price you pay for the tremedous amount of pleasure and love they give you while they’re with you. I met someone the other day who’d lost their dog seven years ago and was so devastated she will never have another, and I simply don’t understand that. OK, it took us a while to begin to think about a new dog, but as time went on, the empty space in our home began to hurt more and more.
They don’t live as long as us. C’est la vie. We learn to deal with it.
Moon – Of course they can! It all depends on the company, you know!
Jay, I love how you incorporate so many ‘letters’ in your blog…thanks for visiting my blog and I thought of using a turtle photo for the letter “T” and the only reason I didn’t was because I already have it in my header…
Another treat – thanks!
Tumblewordss last blog post..T for ABC Wednesday
I like your tuppence coin, for I had a lot of them when I was in England in 1956. Great post!
Reader Wils last blog post..ABC Wednesday, T for Transport and Travelling,
Lots of nice Ts (or Teas?) – and now I now about Tahini!
RuneEs last blog post..T is for making Tracks (for Trams) in ABC Wedneday
Tons of Ts today Jay. The charms are gorgeous!
Dragonstars last blog post..ABC Wednesday, Round 4 – T.
great post had never heard of the sesame spread before learn a bit of something new every day. Thanks for visiting my blog as well
angies last blog post..ABC Wednesday T is for Tim
Hi Jay
Thanks for visiting me – found lots to enjoy on your pages… will be back
Electric toothbrushes… definitely approve as a vet – be gentle and start them young to get used to the noise
cheers fi
Fi from “Four Paws and Whiskers”s last blog post..Body Image and the Mind
Lucky fella that Sid…his new Mum is reading the right books and buying the right things…and I’m listening to In the Arms of the Angels…so I’d say Princess is with me…to odd that song starting up as I’m reading your post…hugs to you Jay
Sandi
Sandi McBrides last blog post..The Woman in the mirror
That was a terrific t post…
I hope teeth brushing works out…
Sherry
Sherrys last blog post..ABC Wednesday
Oooohhhh…. that image of Mr. Depp has me drooling. Good thing it’s hung in the kitchen. Yummy!
Maureens last blog post..Math For Cat Owners
Thanks for visiting – Yes you are right – tibbies are not spaniels
Your post is awesome! I like Tahini but prefere the sesam seeds as they are
Have a nice Thursday!
foto CHIP Swedens last blog post..Torsdagsreflektion v23
Foto CHIP Sweden – Yay! I got it right!
Yes, I love sesame seeds as they are too – I sprinkle them on my cereal, or eat them straight from the pack!
Vicki Fl – I guess it would be a bit too much turtle, wouldn’t it? LOL! The trapeze was good though!
Tumblewords – Thank you – you are kind.
Reader Wil – Tuppences weren’t in circulation in the 1950s, they are part of our ‘new money’ which was introduced in the 1970s – was that a typo? If not, you probably remember pennies, which were quite large, much bigger than they are today. We had halfpennies, pennies, threepenny bits, sixpences, shillings, florins, half-crowns, and then the paper money. I don’t remember if farthings were still around. I was only three in 1956 – I didn’t see much money! LOL!
RuneE – Thanks! I should get a percentage from the people who make tahini! LOL!
Dragonstar – Thanks – the charms are gorgeous, aren’t they?
Angie – I love tahini … it’s high calorie, though, so you have to be careful. It’s so easy to eat too much!
Fi – Haha! Well, yeah, I’d love to start Sid young, only he’s already five! He’s an ex-racing greyhound, as all but one of our other dogs have been. I’m used to acclimatising them to home life by now, and will certainly take it easy with him. He’ll start with the mouth handling, tooth-tapping, and toothpaste-tasting, then a few seconds-worth of hand brushing … and hopefully, eventually the full electric job. His teeth aren’t too bad, but there is tartar. I promise you, it will be dealt with!
Thanks for popping over – I’ve put your blog into my reader, and will definitely be visiting again!
Sandi – Aw .. thanks Sandi! If ever a dog deserved to be with the angels, it’s the Princess!
Sherry – Thanks! Yes, I hope so too.
Maureen – Oh, hi! Didn’t see you there, dribbling on my floor! ROFL!
Hi,
A fascinating post.enjoyed reading you blog:)
Thanks for droping by & have a nice day.
Awangs last blog post..ABC Wednesday letter T is for Tree.
You’re right, Jay. It seems like a blink of an eye since your last! But you never cease to amaze with your ability to inform and delight! I’d love one of those tea cups, and as I’ve been getting over one of those in-between-seasons cold, I think I would enjoy your variety of teas since I had my share of chamomile for years!
Truly enjoyable, Jay! Petra
)
I always love to read ABC Wednesday Jay as I’m always curious as to how you will include Mr D. Well done – as usual. I love it.
I haven’t been looking in much lately – how is Sid settling down with you. Trust all is well. A x
Strawberry Jam Annes last blog post..The Nest Box
Me again Jay – now I’ve just gone back and read again – I’ll ask about Sid in a couple of weeks then! A x
Strawberry Jam Annes last blog post..The Nest Box
Another cool post, thanks for sharing
krizcpecs last blog post..ABC Wednesday – T
loved your tattle!
magiceyes last blog post..Thursday Challenge – Machine
As always, a very interesting tour of t’s in your life.
Karyns last blog post..ABC Wednesday
What a great posting again Jay. Nothing dull or boring (except JD) Only joking! Only joking! That’s rather a smart mug and spoon, great for saving dunked biscuits from sinking. I love the necklace that belonged to Princess, I bet she loved wearing it. It would be touching if you did make into something you could wear, but then again…
I admre your collection of tea, but I am a firm fan of Yorkshire Tea, and apart from a very occasional Earl Grey, that’s all I drink (well in the way of tea)!
granny grimbles last blog post..FACING SCHOOL AND MORE HOSPITALS
I a, suddenly so so hungry for all even JD haha sandy
sandys last blog post..It’s about time , we are sick of waiting for you !!!
I love your teacup. The teaspoon in the handle is very cool.
The therapy collar was very poignant.
Ruth Hull Chatliens last blog post..An Evening Stroll with the Wife
Those greyhound charms are great – the brindle one is so Taffy!
I use an electric toothbrush on Taffy (not that it helps his bad breath!) but William doesn’t like the noise so it is back to the old fashioned way for him although he patiently stands there whilst I clean his teeth whereas Taffy can’t get away fast enough!
ROFL
I’M SO SORRY TO BE READING THIS POST SO LATE!
I’ve missed my little Data-friend. I was wondering who was trying to call me. So many missed calls but from an unknown number. Had I known it was Data…. *sigh*
Oh, and I just love the necklace that Princess used to wear. It must be difficult for you to see that.
The book looks interesting. Our dogs and cats needed their annual shots yesterday. So our vet (we have a very handsome vet I might add) payed us a visit to do that and while he was down on his knees to check up one dog, the another one was licking his face while the third one ran off with the syringe. Teamwork! LOL
Carolinas last blog post..HiFi, great Scottish music, an award and balls for beagles
Awang, Krizcpec, Karyn and Magiceye – Thank you! You are all so kind.
Petra – Oh dear … a cold? I hope you are over it quickly! Lemon and ginger for you, then!
SJ Anne – Yes, I’m afraid the gardeners are doing that thing all small-time tradesmen do, where they fail to turn up, or leave you for three days to do something else and then say they can’t work in the rain. I could kill ‘em! Oh well. Sid will be here at some point. I must be patient.
Granny – *Gasp!* Johnny, boring? How could you? LOL!
Yes, the necklace is gorgeous, but I can’t take it apart. It’s always going to be hers, I’m afraid.
Sandy – JD makes everyone hungry. LOL! Well … the women anyway!
Ruth – Yes, I’ve never seen anything like that teacup! It’s intriguing, isn’t it?
Taffy’s Mum – The electric toothbrush isn’t for everyone, that’s for sure, and it won’t get rid of tartar, that has to be done by hand (unless you’re a vet), but it keeps everything fresh otherwise!
Carolina – Oh there you are! I thought poor Data was going to languish unseen by his greatest fan! LOL!
It is difficult to see, and handle, the necklace – but it’s getting easier. It will always be very special to me, but one day I’ll be able to pick it up without the pain it brings today.
Love the story about your dogs and the vet! Ahahahaa!! I bet he loved that!
What an imagination for expressing a letter!
The dog-training book seems very interesting
Christina – Thank you!
Yes, the dog training book is exceptionally good! I now have a second one, specifically about training therapy dogs, which also looks good. I like to get more than one view before jumping in, but so far they agree!