Ess - Eye - Ex

_Perhaps my favorite day or the year has arrived!  The day when we do something totally ridiculous as a family and spend a bit of cash on pure happiness.  Today of course is my dog's Birthday!  Happy Birthday, Oscar, old chap!

Turning 6 is a momentous occasion for a dog.  It could be considered mid-life for some, but of course my dog will live forever.

With grey fur peeking through around the muzzle and a little "hitch in his giddiyup (from a previous hip fracture)," my earnest Beagle is a little worse for wear, but loved just the same.

Today we began the festivities by baking a batch of Oscar-friendly Birthday Muffins.  Complete with frosting and a loving lick from Axel, Oscar was pleased-as-pie to feast on his own private delight.

Our next stop, as on each of his birthdays. was the pet store.  We used a "birthday coupon" to score a deal on a new brain-teaser/treat-dispenser.

Watching him lounge on the sofa this evening, I'm noticing a shit-eating-grin.  I think he enjoyed his very special sixth birthday.

Oscars Birthday Cupcake Recipe:
1 cup white flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup shredded carrots
1 tsp vanilla
1/3 cup honey
1 egg
*Mix ingredients in order above.  Heat oven to 350 degrees and bake in a muffin tin for approx. 12-15 minutes.  Makes roughly 9 muffins.

Oscars Frosting Recipe:
6 oz. softened cream cheese
1.5 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp honey
*Mix well and frost cupcakes generously.

I recommend giving one to the birthday dog and freezing the rest.  It's always great to have treats on-hand for...say...Valentines Day...Easter...Halloween. :)

Post muffin.  I think he was about to cry.