The Don

He's got the ring. The middle name. (Hey thanks Extra!) And heck some even speculated that John was God. Wow the(God)father? The rest of that you can decide for yourself.

Just had to give some Austy love today.

UPDATE: Austin in New Movie!
The Informers -- Hollywood Reporter

Alleged

No one should ever be forced out.

It is too personal and important decision in someone's life.
It is up to each person when they are ready to share that part of themselves with others.

It does look like a blog is claiming to have information and outing Jake.

I am leaving it to you to decide what you think.

Whatever the outcome from this, Jake will need support from all of his fans.

Jake & Austin --We send our good thoughts, wishes and most of all our support. -OMG

Jaxson Blog

Babe and the Bathwater

While there is never a time to condone driving while intoxicated. I don't think we should rush and throw the baby out with the bathwater.

Meaning, there should not be a campaign or rush of people telling Jake to dump Austin. There are two people in couple, not the thousands who watch from the outside. The relationship was them when they met, and it was just them yesterday and it will be them tomorrow. We have our opinions, but they are ours --that's it.

Yes there should be a consequence for actions. Yes there should be contrition for driving under the influence. I am sure that the State of Michigan and Austin will be working on what that consequence will be for him.

We can agree that drinking and driving is not right.

I hope we can agree to have level clear heads and be objective. I hope that we will not go wild in speculation about Austin or the current status of his relationship with Jake.

Jackson Citizen Patriot

Just Jared

TMZ

E! Online

What it's all about Toothy?

The latest from Ted

On the White Picket Fence
Not to further frazzle anybody’s already entirely tortured same-sex detective efforts, but got some news on Toothy Tile, the young actor who just can’t seem to make up his mind on whether or not he wants to come outta the closet. T.T. has spoken—discreetly, of course—to both Time and Newsweek about the possibility of declaring his sexuality publicly. So far, no go, as T.T. prefers to lie low and protect his private life with an increasingly domesticated home front, i.e., procreating with the b-f and all that reproductive jazz.

Jeez, and I thought it was a little much when Jon and I got Margo. I mean, Toothy’s, like, headed down total Beaver Cleaver Lane! (Only in some fashions, mind you.)

So what do you think?

Lone Star State (of Mind)

Jake is known to wear his heart on his sleeve and his love on his chest. Ramona on SNL. Texas Longhorns in the Spring. Do they ring a bell?

Do you think this is a subtle hint to where his heart truly lies?


UPDATE: Check out Giusi's awesome videos at OMG Video View .

Photo Credit: US Weekly/INFphoto.com

One drop at a time.

Brown eyes met blue, and in that one moment all things changed. Not just for Jake and Austin. But for others. Not just at that moment but even years to come.

How were they to know that meeting would create a ripple across life's surface that would be felt around the world. That it would change not just their own lives but others. That it would bring people together in so many different ways. They didn't. Life is about moments that define us, yet we are sometimes blissfully unaware how they reverberate into other's lives.

While they found love so many others found joy.

The joy of making new friends, and meeting new people that they would have never met. The joy of people coming together, making connections and changing the course of their own lives.

Yes, we are here to celebrate not just what Jake and Austin are and have together, but to also celebrate the effect that one moment in time has made on our lives as well.

Cape On Cape Off

Opened up one of the Boston papers this morning in on my commute and found this.

Oscar gal Reese Witherspoon had her kiddies, but not her boyfriend, “Brokeback Mountain” cowboy Jake Gyllenhaal, in tow yesterday when she took in the 146th Annual Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society Fair in West Tisbury.
The Hollywood honeys have rekindled their romance in recent weeks after a two-month hiatus, and are spending their summer hols with Reese’s kiddies, Ava, 7, and Deacon, 3on the Vineyard.
However, there’s been buzz that the “Walk the Line” lady and her brood aren’t bunking in at Jake’s family’s digs up-island. She’s staying with other friends nearby. Because doesn’t all of Hollywood spend its summers on the Rock????

Looks like for one --On Cape and the other Off with the Cape. Is Jake with his real number one girl -- Ramona?

Here is the rest of the story courtesy of the Inside Track girls.

Reese Makes the Farm Scene, Minus Jake

Hot Legs

Ted always said that Toothy's legs were underrated. But do you think they can stand up to the test of Joe's famous pantyhose ad? I guess we will have to wait and see.

I am sure Toothy will be hitting the gym, the road, and the stairs to get those long limbs in tiptop shape.

Now. Do you think he will get them insured for scratch and dent?

And hey.Thanks Rattler, for suggestion.

It's official- JFC canceled!!!

"John" washed up at HBO
Tue Aug 14, 2007 9:00AM EDT
By Nellie Andreeva
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - The wave has crashed for "John From Cincinnati." A day after its first-season finale, HBO on Monday canceled the dark surfing drama.
Labeled by critics as "strange," "weird" and "unlikable," "John" never clicked with viewers despite a strong marketing campaign and such well-known leads as Rebecca De Mornay and Bruce Greenwood.
For the few devoted fans of the show, which David Milch ("Deadwood") created with "surf noir" author Kem Nunn, the mysterious final line in the season finale -- John saying, "Mother of God, Cass-Kai" over a shot of Kai (Keala Kennelly) surfing -- will remain just that, a mystery.
Meanwhile, HBO is yet to decide the fate of its other summer freshman series, the comedy "Flight of the Conchords."
It's been a rough summer for HBO, while basic cable networks have launched a slew of hit new series -- USA Network's "Burn Notice," Lifetime's "Army Wives" and TNT's "Saving Grace," all renewed for a second season.
HBO's upcoming series include the drama "In Treatment," the comedy "12 Miles of Bad Road" and "True Blood," the recently picked-up vampire drama by "Six Feet Under" creator Alan Ball.
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
© Reuters 2007. All rights reserved.

UPDATE:
Thanks to Mad as Hell here is a link for a petition to save JFC.
Save JFC Petition

Ready, Set, Go!

"Jake seriously, I don't think that's what they had in mind when they said beard."
Overheard in Chilmark

What's in a Name?

You may be wondering why we called this blog "Oh My Godot." The name is a reference to the Samuel Beckett play "Waiting for Godot," in which two men wait for another man (Godot) who never arrives. The name is also in honor of the blog "Waiting for Toothy," which is a Jake Gyllenhaal/"Toothy Tile" blog.
Why do we make this reference? For those who believe Jake and Austin are in a romantic relationship, it symbolizes the long period of time it could take to leave the Hollywood closet. Historically, Hollywood actors who are in same-sex relationships have either waited until they are much older to come out or have never come out at all. We understand that coming out in Hollywood as a young actor is quite difficult and a career risk. We want to enjoy and support Jake and Austin as people and actors without putting pressure on them to declare anything about their relationship.
We also want to make clear that we do not really know anything for certain about the true nature of Jake and Austin's relationship. We believe they are a romantic couple, but this is speculation on our part. We do not possess any insider knowledge of Jake, Austin, or any of their confidantes. There may be times when people will post here claiming to have insider knowledge of Jake and Austin. Read these posts carefully and judge for yourself.

Mission

The mission of this blog is to promote friendship and community among fans of Jake Gyllenhaal and Austin Nichols, whatever the nature of their relationship. We strive to have fun, support these actors and each other, and to promote community. Our main goal is to respect Jake Gyllenhaal, Austin Nichols, their relationship, and each other. Insults and name-calling will not be tolerated here.
We also want to maintain a clear policy regarding trolls. Trolls are part of many blogs and can ruin them for everyone. We strongly encourage everyone to ignore the trolls. The reason they come back time and time again is because people engage them. What you feed, grows. What you starve, dies. STARVE THE TROLLS!!! Let's keep this a community for J&A fans only.

Welcome to Oh My Godot! (OMG)

We're glad you're here. This is a community of friends who are fans of actors Jake Gyllenhaal and Austin Nichols. For a while now, there has been speculation that Jake and Austin may be more than friends. There are numerous sources for this speculation, most notably the Ted Casablanca "Toothy Tile" Blind Items in the Awful Truth column at Eonline. Whatever the relationship between the two, this community is made up of fans of both.
Special K and I started this blog to create a community for fans of Jake and Austin. It is our belief that the only way to make a community is to enlist feedback from people and create the community together. We received feedback from several people in the Jake and Austin fandom saying they would like to see a community that did not allow anonymous posters. We thought we understood why people felt this way. Spesh and I want a community that will offer support to these two actors and to each other. The only way we will effectively be able to do this is if we are known and knowable to each other. We came to a decision to try and not allow anonymous posters. The problem is that Blogger does not make this easy. There are only two ways to do this- moderate comments and delete anons, or require everyone to get a Blogger ID. We tried comment moderation and found that it severely impeded conversation and community. We really do not want to make the demand that all posters get a Blogger ID.
We have come to this policy- here at OMG we STRONGLY encourage posters to post with names. Feel free to use an identity you've used before or to create an entirely new one if you wish. Change names as much or as little as you like. It's up to you. Further, if you have a Blogger ID, please use it when you post here.
If you feel you really want to post anon, that is okay. We will accept anon comments. We do not mean to imply that posting anon is bad in any way. For some people that is the only way they feel comfortable. However, not having an identity does not allow others to get to know you, and will keep you out of full participation in this community. We really want everyone posting here to be a full participant.
We are trying to all this out to see how it works. We welcome feedback from everyone about how it's going. Either comment or get in touch with us via the Oh My Godot e-mail in the sidebar.
Enjoy your stay!

11/27/07 UPDATE- After soliciting the feedback of this community and talking, Special K and I have decided we will reserve the right to delete anonymous comments. We have gotten very clear feedback from those who post here that they want to participate in a community where people attach a name to a post and are not anonymous. We have only two rules here at OMG- post with a name and be polite to each other. Spesh and I have asked people to post with names, folks who post here have asked people to post with names, and we have now decided we're tired of asking. If Blogger is acting up and won't accept your name, sign your comment or otherwise indicate that there is a name attached to it. If you can't be bothered to make up a fake name for your post, then this is not the blog for you.
We really do not want or like to delete comments. However, we intentionally set up this community to discourage anonymous posting and we have gotten too much feedback from folks here asking us to enforce this. Luckily, it is quite easy to put a name on your post. Just click "other" and enter a name. Or if Blogger's being ornery, sign it. We anticipate some people might have strong feelings about this change, but it is clearly what most people posting here want.

OMG Season of Sharing List

Art for Refugees in Transition

39 million people around the world are refugees or internally displaced. More than 40 percent of refugees are children. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, 2007.

A.R.T. provides curriculum and training programs to engage both children and adults in refugee communities in visual, performing and creative arts drawn from their own cultures. These activities provide local and international relief institutions with tools to help refugee communities recover from the trauma, terror and dislocation of war.

A.R.T - is not only looking for monetary contributions, but also donate airline miles, volunteer services and those who can provide printing.


Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice

Founded in 1977, Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice is a dynamic global foundation providing critically needed financial support to lesbian-led, LGBTI and progressive organizations. Separated by continents, language and culture, Astraea grantees are seizing opportunities, and laying the groundwork necessary for women and LGBTI people to claim their human rights. Today, Astraea is the only foundation in the world solely dedicated to supporting LGBTI organizations in both the U.S. and internationally. They raise funds and issue grants based on the belief that all women can participate in the philanthropic process - from giving to grantmaking

Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends Animal Society is guided by a simple philosophy: kindness to animals builds a better world for all of us. They are a no kill animal sanctuary for all animals, big and small. And their goals are : Develop, implement and share world-class standards for companion animal care, including their physical, emotional and behavioral health. End the killing of animals who are labeled "unadoptable" in shelters, by bringing about a time when every pet can enjoy a loving home and when every family can find their special companion through humane sources. Initiate and lead social action on behalf of animals everywhere by providing organizational resources and vision, and by sharing our knowledge and experience freely, so that all communities can achieve the goal of No More Homeless Pets.

Equality Now

Equality Now was founded in 1992 to work for the protection and promotion of the human rights of women around the world. Working with national human rights organizations and individual activists, Equality Now documents violence and discrimination against women and mobilizes international action to support their efforts to stop these human rights abuses. Through its Women’s Action Network of concerned groups and individuals around the world, Equality Now: distributes information about human rights violations; takes action to protest these violations; brings public attention to human rights violations against women


FINCA International
In 22 countries, FINCA's Village Banking programs give the working poor capital loans to finance self-employment activities, improve family income and achieve financial independence.


International AIDS Vaccine Iniatitive (IAVI)

Founded in 1996, the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI) is a global, public-private partnership working to accelerate the development of a vaccine to prevent HIV infection and AIDS. IAVI researches and develops vaccine candidates, conducts policy analyses, and serves as an advocate for the field with offices in Africa, India, and Europe. IAVI supports a comprehensive approach to HIV and AIDS that balances the expansion and strengthening of existing HIV prevention and treatment programs with targeted investments in new AIDS prevention technologies. As the world's only organization focused solely on the development of an AIDS vaccine, IAVI also works to ensure a future vaccine will be accessible to all who need it


GLSEN - Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network

GLSEN strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. They seek to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes in creating a more vibrant and diverse community. They welcome as members any and all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or occupation, who are committed to seeing this philosophy realized in K-12 schools.


Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind

Since 1946, the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind has provided guide dogs free of charge to blind people who seek enhanced mobility and independence. Their students come from all over the United States and many foreign countries. Their trademark small classes and individualized instruction often attract students who may have special requirements. They have successfully trained hearing-impaired blind people as well as many physically challenged people to benefit from a guide/helper dog. In addition to providing Second Sight through their guide dogs, the Guide Dog Foundation offers extensive public education vehicles to broaden society's understanding of vision, visual impairment, blindness, and disability rights.

Heifer International

Heifer brings a holistic approach in order to build sustainable communities. They'e developed a set of global initiatives – areas of emphasis that must be addressed to meet the mission of ending world hunger and poverty and caring for the earth. They are:Agroecology,Animal Well-Being,Gender Equity,HIV-AIDS,Microenterprise,Urban Agriculture,Young People's Initiative.

Through Heifer family are giving live stock as well as other resources and tools for self-sufficiency and to build strong village and communities.

Through Heifer - you can purchase a llama, a cow, a goat, a sheep, or yes even a flock of geese that can make the difference in someone's life.

Jewish National Fund

Founded in 1926, the Jewish National Fund (JNF) America has been a vital part of Zionist history, achieving its goal of purchasing the land that would become the State of Israel, helping to develop that land into a thriving nation, and protecting Israel's environment. Over the past century, JNF has planted over 240 million trees, built over 180 dams and reservoirs, developed over 250,000 acres of land, created more than 1,000 parks throughout Israel and educated students around the world about Israel and the environment. As a global environmental leader focusing on Israel, JNF is committed to improving the quality of life for all who live in the Middle East.


LA Conservation Corp

Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year the LA Conversation Corp's primary mission is to provide at-risk young adults and school-aged youth with opportunities for success through job skills training, education and work experience with an emphasis on conservation and service projects that benefit the community.

The Nature Conservancy
Since 1951, and with over one million members annually The Nature Conservancy has protected more than 119 million acres of land and 5,000 miles of rivers worldwide — and we operate more than 100 marine conservation projects globally. Work in more than 30 countries — protecting habitats from grasslands to coral reefs, from Australia to Alaska to Zambia. And address threats to conservation involving climate change, fire, fresh water, forests, invasive species, and marine ecosystems.

One Laptop per Child

One Laptop per Child's mission is to create educational opportunities for the world's poorest children by providing each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning. The XO laptop is designed and built especially for children in developing countries, living in some of the most remote environments. It’s about the size of a small textbook. It has built-in wireless and a unique screen that is readable under direct sunlight for children who go to school outdoors. It’s extremely durable, brilliantly functional, energy-efficient, and fun. Biggest way you can join in is to donate one or more laptops at amazon.com/xo. Or do "the buy one get one" - donate an XO laptop to a child in a developing nation, and to purchase an XO laptop for yourself. But there of other ways to participate; host a fundraising drive, help at a nearby pilot, or spread the word.


Operation Smile

Operation Smile is a worldwide children’s medical charity. Founded by Dr. William P. Magee Jr., a plastic surgeon, and his wife, Kathleen S. Magee, a nurse and clinical social worker. Since 1982, more than 120,000 children and young adults with cleft lips, cleft palates and other facial deformities have been treated by thousands of volunteers worldwide and thousands of medical professionals have been trained globally. Operation Smile was launched after its first mission to the Philippines in 1982. Operation Smile currently has a presence in 51 countries.

Opportunity International
Opportunity International is a global network of partner organizations that raise funds and implement microfinance programs for poor entrepreneurs in developing countries.

Seacology

Seacology is the world's premier environmental organization with the sole purpose of preserving the highly endangered biodiversity of islands throughout the world. Indigenous people are all too often faced with the dilemma of choosing between protecting their precious natural resources, and economic development. Seacology searches for win-win situations where both the local environment is protected and islanders receive some tangible benefit for doing so. They work closely with islanders right from the beginning, their projects enjoy strong local support and consequently lead to long-term benefits. Their ever-expanding list of projects shows that they are truly making a difference in protecting threatened island biodiversity throughout the world.


Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is an organization supporting breast cancer research. Since its inception in 1982, Komen has raised over $1 billion for research, education and health services, making it the largest breast cancer charity in the US. It has more than 75,000 volunteers nationwide — 122 affiliates in the United States (47 of 50 states) and 3 in other countries.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure states that its aim is to "reduce the burden of breast cancer on a global level". Believing that no single approach to breast health will prove effective around the world, Komen works with local communities and organizations to develop programs for particular groups or cultures.

There are organization worldwide fighting to win the battle against breast cancer, all need help, support, volunteers, and voices.

The Tibet Fund

Under the guidance of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the Tibet Fund was founded in 1981 to help Tibetan refugees improve their lives and enable them to maintain their Tibetan way of life and culture. They bring urgently needed resources to the educational, cultural, health and socio-economic institutions that sustain the Tibetan way of life, language, and traditions. The Tibet Fund's support helps to sustain the Tibetan refugee settlements in India, Nepal and Bhutan and provide rehabilitation services for the thousands of new refugees who continue to arrive from Tibet every year. The Fund works in close cooperation with the Central Tibetan Administration to develop programs to benefit Tibetans.

UNICEF

Some of you may know UNICEF from the little orange boxes at from Halloween, but it'ss so much more. Created by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 1946, to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been devastated by World War II UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations System in 1953. It relies on contributions from governments and private donors and UNICEF's total income for 2006 was $2,781,000,000. Governments contribute two thirds of the organization's resources; private groups and some 6 million individuals contribute the rest through the National Committees.

UNICEF's mission is to provide special protection for the most disadvantaged children: victims of war, disasters, extreme poverty, all forms of violence and exploitation, and those with disabilities. Their work aims to fulfill their basic needs and restore their dignity.


Variety -The Children's Charity

Variety the Children's Charity is an outgrowth of the "Variety Club," a social organization founded in 1927 by 11 men affiliated with the entertainment industry in Pittsburgh, PA. On Christmas Eve 1928, a baby named Catherine was found in the Sheridan Theatre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. Her adoption initiated the charitable work of Variety the Children's Charity. Variety Children's Lifeline was founded in 1982 to provide medical and surgical assistance to children in less-developed countries. And in 2007, Variety Children's Lifeline provided life-saving and life-enhancing surgeries to over 3,000 children in 52 countries. Today, Variety has 50 Tents (Chapters) in 14 countries. Variety has raised over US$1.5 billion for children around the world.

Variety has remained to its entertainment roots, with its Celebrity Ambassadors and their Movie Industry Advisory Board.

Water for People

Founded in 1991, Water For People (WFP) helps people in developing countries improve their quality of life by supporting the development of locally sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities and health and hygiene education programs. Their vision is a world where all people have access to safe drinking water and sanitation; a world where no one suffers or dies from a water- or sanitation-related disease. Water For People works with highly trained and reputable local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in many of its programs including the Peace Corps, CARE, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Rotary International to name a few. In addition to these groups, Water For People considers municipalities, the community members themselves and donors as vital partners in facilitating sustainable water programs.

OMG Cooking Klatch Recipes

OMG Recipes

Breakfast

Breakfast By: Jersey Tom

Frosty Flakes
Milk
Wooooooooooooooo.......

Its really easy

Appetizers

CHEESE BALL By: Kacie

2 8-ounce packages cream cheese softened
1 package Hidden Valley Ranch
Buttermilk Recipe
1 can Hormel chunk ham
1 small package chopped pecans

Mix together cream cheese and
dressing mix.

Drain Ham and then
chunk with fork.

Blend into mixture.

Refrigerate until easy to
work. Roll into ball. Roll in
chopped pecans.

Chill well before serving at least overnight.

Can be frozen.

Artichoke dip. By: M

I get asked for this recipe all the time and keep copies of it on hand for handing out.

1 14oz can drained artichoke hearts. (or use frozen(thawed) or fresh if you prefer)
1 cup grated parmesan
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp dried dill, use more if fresh
1/4 tsp minced garlic.

Chop artichoke hearts; soften cream cheese in microwave so it's blendable. Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Can also be combined in a food processor, but do not overprocess. It's simple enough to do by hand and I prefer this way as it gives more control over the texture.

Can be served chilled on crackers or baguette slices, or heated for about 15 minutes in a 400 degree oven and served warm. Can also be used as a filling for stuffed mushrooms.

Chicken/Cream Cheese Dip By : Prairie Girl

2 (8 oz) pkgs of cream cheese, softened
2 cans of chicken (like the tuna in a can, but chicken)
Garlic powder to taste
Sliced almonds

Mix together both bars of cream cheese, the 2 cans of chicken, and a dash of garlic powder (I use some garlic seasoning). Start with a dash and then add more if you need. Top with sliced almonds (but you don't have to - sometimes I do, sometimes I don't) and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Serve with crackers.

Five-Spice Candied Pecans By: Special K

yield: Makes about 2 cups

1/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons five-spice powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups pecan halves

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a shallow baking pan and a 12-inch
square of foil, keeping pan and foil separate.

In a small heavy saucepan bring water to a boil with sugar, five-spice powder, and salt. Stir in pecans and simmer mixture, stirring, 1 minute. Immediately pour mixture evenly into pan and with a metal spatula spread pecans in one layer. Bake mixture in middle of oven 8 minutes, or until pecans turn mahogany-colored and most of liquid is evaporated. Immediately transfer pecans with metal spatula to foil, keeping them in one layer, and cool completely. (Pecans will continue
to crisp as they cool.) Break up any pecans that have stuck together.

(Candied pecans keep, in layers separated by wax paper, in an airtight container, frozen, 2 weeks.)

I like to put some of these in a salad with dark greens, some dried cranberries and some chevre (goat cheese) with some vinaigrette.

Mediterranean Layer Dip By: Special K

1 pkg. (8 oz.) regular or lowfat cream cheese, softened
1-1/4 cups crumbled Feta Cheese with basil & tomato, divided
2 Tbsp. low fat milk
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed, well drained
2 medium tomatoes, chopped (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup green onion slices
2 Tbsp. sliced pitted ripe olives - (I usually used Kalamata)


Beat cream cheese, 1 cup of the feta cheese and milk in small bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Spread into 9-inch pie plate.

Top with layers of spinach, tomatoes, onions and olives; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup feta cheese. Cover.

Refrigerate several hours or until chilled.

Serve with tortilla chips, pita pieces, or my personal favorite, thick slices of cucumbers.

Spinach Cheese Squares By: Special K

2 tablespoons butter
3 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 pound shredded Cheddar cheese
2 (10 ounce) packages frozen
chopped spinach - thawed and
squeezed till all liquid is
out
1 tablespoon minced onion


1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Place butter or margarine in a 9x13 inch baking dish and melt butter in oven. Remove when melted, approximately 3 minutes.

3. In large mixing bowl, beat eggs well. Mix in flour, milk and baking powder. When the dough is well combined, mix in cheese, spinach, and onion. Spoon mixture into the baking dish with melted butter.

4. Bake for 35 minutes. Let cool 45 minutes then cut into bite-size squares.

You can reheat these just watch so they don't get too rubbery

Breads

HERBED CLOVERLEAF ROLLS By: NETB

Ingredients:
1 package dry yeast (about 2 1/4 teaspoons)
2 teaspoons sugar
1/4 cup warm water (105° to 115°)
3/4 cup 1% low-fat milk
1/2 cup evaporated skim milk
4 cups bread or all-purpose flour, divided
1 1/2 tablespoons stick margarine or butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray
1 tablespoon water
1 large egg white, lightly beaten

Preparation:

Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a large bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Stir in milks. Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Add 3 cups flour, margarine, and next 5 ingredients (margarine through pepper) to yeast mixture; stir until blended. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead until smooth and elastic (about 10 minutes); add enough of remaining flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, to prevent dough from sticking to hands.

Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning to coat top. Cover and let rise in a warm place (85°), free from drafts, 1 hour or until doubled in bulk. Punch dough down; cover and let rest 10 minutes. Divide dough into 18 equal portions. Working with 1 portion at a time (cover remaining dough to keep from drying), divide each portion into 3 pieces; shape each piece into a ball. Coat muffin pans with cooking spray; place 3 dough balls in each muffin cup. Cover and let rise in a warm place, free from drafts, 30 minutes or until doubled in bulk.

Preheat oven to 350°.

Uncover dough. Combine 1 tablespoon water and egg white; brush over dough. Bake at 350° for 20 minutes. Serve warm.

Yield
1 1/2 dozen (serving size: 1 roll)

CLASSIC CRANBERRY NUT BREAD By: NETB
(From Ocean Spray)

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon grated orange peel
2 tablespoons shortening
1 egg, well beaten
1 1/2 cups Ocean Spray® Fresh or Frozen Cranberries, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup chopped nuts

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and baking soda in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in orange juice, orange peel, shortening and egg. Mix until well blended. Stir in cranberries and nuts. Spread evenly in loaf pan.

Bake for 55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely. Wrap and store overnight. Makes 1 loaf (16 slices).

Salads

Gelatin Fruit Salad By: Prairie Girl

Okay, this is for Kacie. Kacie, I got this out of Taste of Home years ago and my family has to have it every Thanksgiving. It has a diabetic exchange of 1/2 fruit, if that helps ya.

1 c. unsweetened applesauce
1 pkg (.6 oz) sugar-free cherry gelatin
1 can (12 oz) or 1 1/2 c. diet ginger ale
1 can (8 oz) unsweetened crushed pineapple, undrained

In a saucepan, bring the applesauce to a boil; remove from the heat. Stir in gelatin until dissolved. Slowly add ginger ale and pineapple. Pour into a 2 qt. serving bowl. Chill until set.

Ice Box Salad By: Destiny

This is a dish my mom probably got out of a magazine. This is always on my Thanksgiving menu as it is an easy way to get in some vegetables and color to that brown, carb-loaded meal, and it's usually a big hit too.

1 can (16 oz) green beans (chopped)
1 can (17 oz) tiny peas (Leseur brand is best)
1 can (16 oz) or 2 cans (11 oz) of shoe peg corn
1 jar (4 oz) chopped pimentos
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 onion finely chopped
1 green pepper finely chopped


Marinade:

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup oil (can be reduced to 1/4 cup, which is the way I prefer it)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper


Drain canned vegetables and combine in glass bowl with other vegetables.

In a saucepan combine the marinade ingredients. Bring it to a boil--then take off stove and cool slightly. Pour over veggies, cover bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight.


Note: Do not use a metal bowl for the vegetables, it affects the taste. Also, it is very important to cook the marinade, it tastes completely different if you don't. I used cider viengar and olive oil for added taste.

Buttermilk Salad - side dish By: Prairie Girl

This is a simple side gelatin salad but what makes it different, I think, is the buttermilk. Seems anything I have made that has buttermilk in it is great. Everytime I have made this and taken it somewhere, someone wants the recipe. Kacie, I bet you can adapt this and use sugar free Jello & sugar free Cool Whip. And pineapple in its own juice. Can you have/do you like pineapple?

1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple
1 pkg (6 oz) orange or apricot-flavored Jell O
2 c. buttermilk
1 (9 3/4 oz) Cool Whip (thawed)

In a medium saucepan, bring pineapple with its juice to a boil. Remove from heat.
Stir in gelatin until well dissolved.
Add buttermilk.
Refrigerate 45 min. or until partly set.

Orzo Salad w/Chickpeas - salad. From the Kansas City Star By: Prairie Girl

1 c. orzo pasta
1/2 c. thinly sliced green onions
1/2 c. reduced-fat crumbled feta cheese
1/4 c. chopped fresh dill
1 (19 oz) can rinsed & drained chickpeas or garbanzo beans
3 TB fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 TB extra virgin olive oil
1 TB cold water
1/2 tsp each of salt & minced garlic

1. Cook pasta according to package directions, but without oil; drain and rinse in cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, green onions, cheese, dill, & chickpeas, tossing gently to combine.
3. In a small bowl, whisk juice, oil, water, salt & minced garlic. Drizzle over pasta mixture. Toss to coat.

Oh, looks like this was adapted from Cooking Light magazine. hey, netb, your magazine!

Sally's Salad By: Prairie Girl

4 c. broccoli flourettes
1/2 c. sliced grapes
1/2 c. pineapple
1/2 c. mandarin orange slices
1/2 c. raisins
1/2 c. nuts (walnuts)
1/2 c. chopped celery
Diced onion optional
1 c. mayo
1/2 c. sugar
2 TB vinegar

Mix together. Lol! doesn't get any easier than that. You know what I do? In recipes like this, I go to the grocery store salad bars and get their chopped celery. That's it. Then I don't have to buy a whole stalk. Not that I don't like celery, but sometimes I'm in a hurry, don't want to chop. SALAD BAR. They come in handy. I also made a Cheeseburger Soup for work not that long ago and that time, I skimped on dicing the potatoes. So I bought a bag of frozen breakfast potatoes. Worked just as well. And like Wal Mart sells frozen chopped onions & green/red peppers - ready to thaw & throw into a dish. There's alot of shortcuts one can take to help speed things along in a pinch.

Simple Summer Salad By: Destiny

One of my favorite salads, and one I make probably 3-4 times a week is to just chop up tomatoes and onions, and put on a little olive oil and some kosher or course salt. Sometimes I add in cucumbers, or in the summer watermelon.

Olive oil and lemon is great too, I do that with arugala.
Fold in Cool Whip, blending well.
Refrigerate until firm.

Main Dishes

Beef Brisket (Oven Method) By: Special K

4 1/2 - 5lbs. Brisket (Could be called Flat Cut or Point Cut)
NOT CORNED BEEF BRISKET
Brisket is a beef cut taken from the breast section beneath the first five ribs, behind the foreshank.

Combine the following:
4 Tablespoons Liquid Smoke
2 teaspoons garlic salt
4 teaspoons celery seed
4 slices of onion
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

Put meat on 2 layers of heavy duty aluminum foil with enough foil to bring up and around meat to bring together and make a pouch.

Use a baking sheet for support.

Pour liquid and spices over the meat, bring up ends of foil, make pouch, folding over foil and pinching to make strong seal.

Refrigerate overnight

Bake in a slow oven - 300F
1 hour per pound.

Unwrap and let sit for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Cut ACROSS the grain of the meat, NOT WITH the grain.

If you can't make your own bbq pit or its too cold outside this is great way to have some KC BBQ. Family Favorite

Cola Short Ribs. By: M

4-5 lb beef short ribs
salt,pepper and garlic powder to taste
1 1/2 cups coca cola
1 1/2 cups bottled chili sauce
3 tbls worcestershire sauce
2 tbls red pepper sauce or to taste
1 -2 tbls flour
heat oven to 325. Brown short ribs on all sides over medium heat in a dutch oven or large pot, uncovered. Drain any excess oil. Combine salt, pepper and garlic powder, sprinkle evenly over browned ribs. Mix cola, chili sauce, worcestershire and red pepper sauce. Pour over ribs. Make sure ribs are largely covered with liquid. Add water or more cola if needed. Cover with tight fitting lid and bake 1 1/2 - 2 hours until meat is tender and falling off bones. Stir and turn ribs periodically for even cooking. Remove ribs from pan and skim off fat. Thicken sauce by adding a mixture of flour and water to sauce. Be sure to mix the flour and water, in equal parts, together first before adding to the sauce. Reheat sauce until lighlty boiling to cook off the flour. Serve ribs topped with sauce. Tastes best if allowed to sit overnight for the flavors to mingle, but can be served the same day.

Beef Stroganoff Casserole By: Kacie

Praire Girl wanted this version of a Beef Stroganoff Caserole. I got this out of a True Story magazine recipe sometime in 1999.

1 pound Hamburger or Extra Lean
Hamburger (I always use EL hamburger.)
1 10-ounce can Campbell's Cheddar
Cheese Soup
1-pound package egg noodles
(I have used macaroni at times if
you get in a pinch)
1 pack shredded cheddar cheese or
whatever cheese you like

Fry hamburger and drain off grease. Combine hamburger and cheddar cheese soup in bowl. Cook
egg noodles and drain. Grease baking pan. Mix egg noodles, hamburger mixture in layers in
pan. Pour cheese over top.

Bake at 350 degree oven for about 20-25
minutes or until cheese is melted.

It may get done in about 15 minutes.

Moroccan Chicken recipe By: Clarity

ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 garlic cloves slivered
2 medium tomatoes cored and coarsely chopped (about 1 3/4 cups)
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 cup packed chopped fresh cilantro
1 1/2 teaspoons honey
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast half (about 6 ounces)
1 small zucchini, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise (about 1 cup)
coarse salt and ground pepper
Couscous
3 tablespoons dry couscous
1/3 cup water
Coarse salt


Moroccan Chicken

Serves 1 | Prep time: 15 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

So that everything is ready at the same time, start the couscous while the chicken is simmering; then keep the couscous covered until ready to serve.
In a large (10-inch) skillet, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic; cook until starting to soften, about 1 minute. Stir in tomatoes, ginger, teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, half the cilantro, and 2 tablespoons water.
Bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated but is still somewhat saucy, 6 to 8 minutes.
Stir in honey; add chicken and zucchini. Return to a simmer; cover. Cook, turning once, until chicken is cooked through and zucchini is tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in remaining cilantro. Serve over couscous (below).
Couscous
In a small saucepan, bring 1/3 cup water to a boil. Stir in couscous, season with salt.
Remove from heat; cover, and let stand until water has been absorbed, about 5 minutes. Before serving, fluff with a fork

TATER TOT CASSEROLE By: Kacie

2 pounds ground beef
1 big bag of tater tots
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of celery soup
2 cups shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Brown ground beef and then drain; set saide.
Warm soup in saucepan as directed on can.
Lightly spray a casserole dish and pour in each ingredient,
blend, and top with cheese.
Bake at 350 degrees until cheese melts.

SIde Dishes

Baked Beans By: Special K

8oz bacon diced
1 large white onion
1 large green pepper

1 large red bell pepper
1 cup dark brown sugar
1 cup BBQ sauce ---Hickory flavored
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup light corn syrup
3 cans(28oz or so)of pork and beans, drained-not rinse but drained Use your judgment on the number and size of cans.
2/3 cup to 1 cup of Molson Golden Beer or any Light Lager, drink the rest.
You can use apple juice instead of beer.

Burned ends of brisket (cripsy pieces left of the brisket) - you have any. -----optional


In a frying pan cook bacon--- remove and use some of the bacon fat to cook the diced onion and peppers for three minutes or until they are crispy tender.

Stir in sugar, BBQ sauce, and syrups.

Put the drained beans in a 12x16x3 foil pan.

Add the liquid mixture and bacon to the beans and stir.

Start at 325 degrees slowly cook down. Turn temp down as mixture thickness. Serve hot.

For 8-12 people

Corn State Broccoli Bake By: Prairie Girl

Okay, this is from Taste of Home, too. Can't get enough of their stuff. This is a great side dish. Why don't they make a degree thing on a computer keyboard, I wonder? That sure would be handy. ;)

1 pkg (8 oz) Chicken in a Biskit crackers, crushed
1/2 c. butter or marg, melted
1 pkg (10 oz) frozen chopped broccoli, thawed
1 can (15 1/4 oz) whole kernel corn, drained
1 can (14 3/4 oz) cream style corn

Combine cracker crumbs & butter; reserve 1/2 c. for topping. In a bowl, combine broccoli, both cans of corn, and remaining crumbs. Transfer to a greased 2 qt. baking dish. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 25-30 min. or until lightly browned.

Cranberry Sauce By: Destiny

Mix one bag of fresh cranberries in a pan with one cup of orange juice and one cup of real maple syrup. Cook on the stove over medium heat, skimming off any white foam and stirring to avoid burning and sticking on the bottom of the pan. Cook until cranberries start to burst and mixture starts to thicken a bit. Take off heat and smash cranberries with a potato masher until most of the whole cranberries are mushed. Cool.

Herbed Baby Carrots - By: Prairie Girl

1 1/2 lb tiny whole carrots

1/4 c. butter or marg

1 1/2 tsp snipped fresh tarragon or 1/2 tsp dried tarragon, crushed

1 1/2 tsp snipped fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp dried thyme, crushed

1/2 tsp salt

Dash freshly ground pepper

1. In a large saucepan, cook carrots, covered, in a small amount of boiling water for 15-20 min. or til crisp-tender. Drain.
2. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat the remaining ingred. til butter is melted. Pour over carrots. Toss gently.
These are really simple but the herbs give the carrots a different flavor. My cutout looks like this came from Southern Living. I've had it a long time.

Roasted Green Beans with Tomatoes and Feta By: Special K

1 ½ lbs fresh green beans
2 cups (approximately 10 oz) grape tomatoes
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Ground Black pepper to taste.

Preheat oven to 425 degree.
In a ceramic/glass baking dish place fresh snapped green beans in a single layer, lightly drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, season with a light sprinkle of kosher salt. Toss to evenly coat. Place in oven, roast for 8-10 minutes.

Place grape tomatoes in a non-stick frying pan, over a medium high heat. Drizzle lightly with the extra virgin olive oil. Stir gently. Heat the tomatoes until they begin to split their skins and soften.

Remove green beans from oven, add the sautéed cherry tomatoes combine together gently. Sprinkle with ½ cup feta cheese. Loosely tent dish with foil, avoiding the tomatoes having direct contact with the foil. Return to oven for 2-4 minutes to incorporate flavors.

Season to taste.

Serves 6

Roasted Squash By: NETB

About the roasted squash - I usually bake it in a roasting pan or pyrex dish; if you use a glass dish adjust the heat to 375 degrees. Actually, I keep it at 375 although the recipe called for 400, and it takes about 45 minutes for me. Skin side up; should get a little brown and blistery on the outside skin. The natural sugars get all caramel-ly and sweet, so you really don't need to add sugar unless you want to.

Rockin' Sweet Potatoes By: Special K

4-6 Large sweet potatoes
Bake at 350 until soft, peel and mash.
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs well beaten
1/2 (1/4 cup) stick of butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon

Mix above ingredients together with mashed sweet potatoes and then place in a 2 quart casserole dish.

Topping:
Mix the following ingredients together and spread over the sweet potato mixture.
1/3 cup melted butter or margarine
1/3 cup flour
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (your preference)
1/2 cup shredded coconut

Spread over sweet potato mixture, cover dish and bake at 350F for 30-40 minutes.

The top layer of crunch maybe stirred in with the sweet potatoes at the end of baking if desired. Me? I like to keep the crunchy layer on top.

Vegetarian

.

Deserts

Crescent Sopaipilla/Sopapilla Cheesecake By: Prairie Girl

2 (8 oz) pkgs cream cheese
2 (8 oz) pkgs refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
1 c. sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract or almond extract
1/2 c. marg or butter, melted
1/2 c. cinnamon sugar

Cinnamon sugar: Combine 1 c. sugar to 2 TB cinnamon. I don't even use that much. I don't measure either. I just add a little cinnamon to some sugar, lol.

1. Using a 9 x 13 pan, unroll one pkg of refrig crescent rolls and line the bottom of the pan with them.
2. Flatten
3. Mix together the cream cheese, sugar, and extract
4. Spread over the crescent rolls.
5. Unroll the other can of crescent rolls and place on top of cream cheese mixture.
6. Pour one stick of melted butter or marg over the top and sprinkle with about 1/2 c. of the cinnamon sugar mixture.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 min.

Couple of notes: Don't try using the Pillsbury biscuits - cubemate tried it and it didn't work. Also, don't try using reduced fat stuff. Won't work as well. Also, you can cut it in half and use an 8 x 8. I also found 1/2 c. of butter almost too much. Next time, I'm going to cut back on that.

PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES By: Kacie

Wicked asked for this Peanut Butter Cookie recipe so here it is. Three generations of my family
made them. This recipe came from the cookbook my mother's friend gave her before she was married. It was an engagement present!

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1 egg well beaten
1 1/4 cups flour
1 teaspoon soda
1/4 cup brown sugar

Cream together butter and peanut. Add sugars and cream thoroughly.

Add well beaten egg.
Sift flour and soda together and work into creamed mixture.

Form into balls and flatten out on a baking sheet with a fork.

Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Keep a close eye on them because they
can BURN QUICKLY if you do not keep a close eye on them!!

Pumpkin Bars (Paula Dean) By: NETB

Ingredients:

Bars:
4 eggs
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
15-ounce can pumpkin
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda

Icing:
8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Using an electric mixer at medium speed, combine the eggs, sugar, oil and pumpkin until light and fluffy. Stir together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Add the dry ingredients to the pumpkin mixture and mix at low speed until thoroughly combined and the batter is smooth. Spread the batter into a greased 13 by 10-inch baking pan. Bake for 30 minutes. Let cool completely before frosting. Cut into bars.

To make the icing: Combine the cream cheese and butter in a medium bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar and mix at low speed until combined. Stir in the vanilla and mix again. Spread on cooled pumpkin bars.

Pumpkin Crunch – dessert By: Prairie Girl
my buddy @ work made this & brought it to one of our office potlucks. I don't know where she got it, but it's a keeper.

1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1 (15 oz) can solid pack pumpkin
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
3 large eggs
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1 c. butter
Whipped Topping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease bottom of 9 x 13. Combine pumpkin, milk, evap. milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, & salt in large bowl.

Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over pumpkin mix.

Top with pecans. Drizzle melted butter over top.

Bake at 350 degrees for 50-55 min. Cool. Chill. Serve with whipped cream.

Out Spotlight Compendium

I. 11/18/07~ Mary Oliver
II. 11/25/07~ Mary Renault
III. 12/2/07~ John Barrowman
IV. 12/9/07~ Jake Shears
V. 12/16/07~ Ian McKellen
VI. 12/30/07~ Peter Tatchell
VII. 1/6/08~ Rob Halford
VIII. 1/13/08~ Ferron
IX. 1/20/08~ Quentin Crisp
X. 1/27/08~ Renee Richards
XI. 2/3/08~ Johnny Weir
XII. 2/10/08~ Billy Haines and Jimmy Shields
XIII. 2/17/08~ Audre Lorde
XIV. 2/24/08~ Margaret Cho
XV. 3/2/08~ Ramon Novarro
XVI. 3/9/08~ Barney Frank
XVII. 3/16/08~ The Anti-Out Spotlight
XVIII. 3/23/08~ Bishop V. Gene Robinson
XIX. 3/30/08~ SMYAL
XX. 4/6/08~ Michael Stipe
XXI. 4/13/08~ Prince Manvendra
XXII. 4/20/08~ Judith Light
XXIII. 4/27/08~ Heather Matarazzo
XXIV. 5/4/08~ Sheryl Swoopes
XXV. 5/11/08~ Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon

Twicked Exposed!!

Carina's story

Hello, my name is Carina and I am a discarded Easter bunny. Before you read any further, let me assure you that my story has a happy ending! :) I was bought by some well-meaning people who really didn't know how to care for bunnies. They didn't know how to approach me or get me to feel comfortable with them. As a result, I was frightened and skittish around them, and sometimes I would bite. They thought I was mean.

After two months, they decided they didn't want me anymore and dumped me out of their house and into the streets. They thought I would "revert back to the wild." I really think they actually believed this and did not think they were doing anything mean to me. What they didn't know is that domestic rabbits cannot survive in the wild. We have no idea how to get food or take care of ourselves. That's because we've been bred to rely on you.

I lived for about a month and a half outside, running from cats and dogs, and trying to find food. I started living underneath a house and eating the pansies in the garden. The people there saw me and talked to me. They started bringing me food. That's me above in the crawl space under their house. One of the mommies is giving me celery. Then they tried to catch me. I didn't like that, because I wasn't totally sure of them. Finally they got one of those Havahart traps, that is open on both sides with food in the middle. I walked in and both doors shut. They had me!

They brought me in the house and there was another rabbit there! He seemed to like me, but I was aggressive to him for a while because I wasn't spayed. I had to stay in another cage and be let out by myself. I would check him out. Then he would be let out and check me out. Then I went and got spayed when I was old enough. As soon as I was done healing, the mommies tried us together. It was love at first sight. That night, we went into the bunny condo together and that's where we live now, when we are not just running around the house. We are companions and do everything together. We are truly a bonded pair.

The moral of my story is never buy an animal on impulse. The holidays are a particularly bad time for people doing this. Easter tends to be a big time for bunnies, ducks, chicks, and pigs. People often do not know how to handle these pets and we end up getting dumped. They don't know that the vet bills for exotic pets are a lot higher than for cats and dogs (just ask Wicked about that $900 she spend on me a few months ago). People think we can live in the wild but we cannot. Not when we are domesticated. June is the worst month for rabbits showing up at animal shelters and getting dumped. Why? Because it's about two months after Easter and by that time the family realizes how much work bunnies are and that they don't really understand how to interact with us. They decide they don't want us anymore.

Please check out the link for Make Mine Chocolate. It's an organization dedicated to educating people about bunnies and their care and also to discouraging the buying of bunnies at Easter. And if you do want a bunny, or any other exotic pet, consider rescue. They can help you learn to care for your new pet too. Thanks for reading and Happy Easter from a real Easter bunny!