Mark I’m relieved Hiro has come through this serious infection. This syndrome sounds scary to you and Ben right now, it’s such an unknown quantity to deal with. No precise measurements when it comes to these things. We all have a finite life and sadly so do our beloved dogs. But in facing any loss it is wise to look straight at it. It’s why your grief has begun long before Hiro leaves, I hope.
But every day or perhaps week is a perfect time for Christmas cake in my eyes. Live your life with Hiro in this light Mark, he will leave this world, this life when it is time, yet for now is time for cake.
Thank you for sharing this, your life with us, I’ve been a bit worried for you all.
Lisa, this means so much - thank you 🙏 You’re right, there are no precise measurements with something like this (if only life came with a foolproof recipe, eh?). It’s been a strange mix of grief and hope, but for now, we’re focusing on the good days and making the most of them.
And I love that perspective - every day is a good day for Christmas cake.
Really appreciate you checking in, it honestly means the world. ❤️
It sounds like you have an excellent vet and Hiro is getting back to being is usual fabulous self. Best wishes going forward. Wishing him a long and healthier life going forward.
Also... looking forward to more gorgeous bakes from you Mark, head baker at the musketeer kitchens!
So glad to hear he is doing better. Congrats on the carrot cake for beandog (so exciting!) and yes to more Xmas cake - or whatever cake - anytime we want it!!
I’m so happy they were able to give you answers about what was wrong with Hiro. That’s the biggest piece of the puzzle that doesn’t always get answered. His smile in your photos says so much!❤️ Oh, and the Bakewell tart has some of my favorite flavor combos, YUM!
Thank you, Terra 😊 It was a shock to all of us how rare it is, so - very glad we know what it is. Our vet has only seen 1 other case is his 40 years of practicing.
That's such great news in the circumstances and I'm over the moon it's a better outcome than you thought. Looking forward to more here and wishing you three many adventures to come
Sorry to read of Hiro's woes and your worries... away from regular posting on Substack these last few weeks and so hadn't noticed your updates. Pleased it's not the terrible news you both feared, and hope that Hiro is back to his best and that you have many more months and years of his best ahead of you.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Matt. It’s been a stressful time, but we’re relieved it wasn’t the worst case scenario. He’s stable for now, so we’re hopeful for lots more good times ahead!
Appreciate you taking the time to check in 😊especially when you’ve been away. Hope all’s well with you too!
Thanks for sharing your story. So relieved to hear your dog is doing better, what a stressful experience. Also happy to hear you're back in the kitchen. Your loaf cake looks incredible--anything with almonds (and dried fruit) is right up my alley! :)
The cracked knuckles went right through me! Great picture of the three musketeers and great to read that things are moving in the right direction. Bakewell Loaf....inspiring! Never been a fan of pastry (i'll eat it obviously) but love the filling.
A brilliant uplifting post Ben. So so pleased that Hiro has recovered from his “episode”. You now have answers, not the ones you ever wanted but you can look forward to the years ahead together. Time you thought maybe you didn’t have.
Lovely picture of the three amigos- what a lucky pup he is to have the best Dads.
Oh and the cakes aren’t bad either! Keep ‘em coming . Xx
Hey Gill! Thank you so much - that really means a lot. It’s not the news we hoped for, but as you say at least we know what we’re dealing with now and that makes all the difference. And absolutely, we can just focus on making the most of every adventure ahead.
Glad the cakes get a passing grade too! I’ll keep ‘em coming 😉 Hope you're ok! xx
So very glad to hear that there's many years to enjoy with Hiro! ❤️ And about eating the Christmas cake any time of year... Yes... But just don't do it too often, it'll lose its specialness! (IMO!) Happy baking to you!
It's taxing because the soy beans take so long to cook! I have just one pressure cooker so it takes a few batches to get through the beans. My neighbour, on the other hand, sits her's in a massive pot (like big enough to cook her young grandchild sort of size!) on her woodstove all day, and just keeps topping up the water. Once the beans are done it's happy days!
Mark I’m relieved Hiro has come through this serious infection. This syndrome sounds scary to you and Ben right now, it’s such an unknown quantity to deal with. No precise measurements when it comes to these things. We all have a finite life and sadly so do our beloved dogs. But in facing any loss it is wise to look straight at it. It’s why your grief has begun long before Hiro leaves, I hope.
But every day or perhaps week is a perfect time for Christmas cake in my eyes. Live your life with Hiro in this light Mark, he will leave this world, this life when it is time, yet for now is time for cake.
Thank you for sharing this, your life with us, I’ve been a bit worried for you all.
Lisa, this means so much - thank you 🙏 You’re right, there are no precise measurements with something like this (if only life came with a foolproof recipe, eh?). It’s been a strange mix of grief and hope, but for now, we’re focusing on the good days and making the most of them.
And I love that perspective - every day is a good day for Christmas cake.
Really appreciate you checking in, it honestly means the world. ❤️
It sounds like you have an excellent vet and Hiro is getting back to being is usual fabulous self. Best wishes going forward. Wishing him a long and healthier life going forward.
Also... looking forward to more gorgeous bakes from you Mark, head baker at the musketeer kitchens!
Hey lovely! Haha thank you - glad to be back at it.
We feel super lucky that by some chance he had actually seen a case of this before. I’ll give him (Hiro, not the vet) a big squeeze from you x
So glad to hear he is doing better. Congrats on the carrot cake for beandog (so exciting!) and yes to more Xmas cake - or whatever cake - anytime we want it!!
Thanks Lyns!! Definitely sighing a bit sigh of relief at the moment. If he’s happy, we’re happy 😊
And yes, cake every day!!
Hope you’re ok, lovely x
I’m so happy they were able to give you answers about what was wrong with Hiro. That’s the biggest piece of the puzzle that doesn’t always get answered. His smile in your photos says so much!❤️ Oh, and the Bakewell tart has some of my favorite flavor combos, YUM!
Thank you, Terra 😊 It was a shock to all of us how rare it is, so - very glad we know what it is. Our vet has only seen 1 other case is his 40 years of practicing.
I think I’m quickly becoming a Bakewell stan!
That's such great news in the circumstances and I'm over the moon it's a better outcome than you thought. Looking forward to more here and wishing you three many adventures to come
Thanks so much Mark 🙏 We’re feeling very lucky, truly thought the odds were stacked against him.
Plenty of moody faces from him in the coffee shop to come!
The best of news about Hiro and the carrot cake was always going to win wasn’t it Mark.
Sorry to read of Hiro's woes and your worries... away from regular posting on Substack these last few weeks and so hadn't noticed your updates. Pleased it's not the terrible news you both feared, and hope that Hiro is back to his best and that you have many more months and years of his best ahead of you.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Matt. It’s been a stressful time, but we’re relieved it wasn’t the worst case scenario. He’s stable for now, so we’re hopeful for lots more good times ahead!
Appreciate you taking the time to check in 😊especially when you’ve been away. Hope all’s well with you too!
So happy to hear the update on Hiro! And welcome back!
Thank you, Betty! And it’s good to be back 😊 Hope you’ve been keeping well?
For the most part, yes! 😅
Thanks for sharing your story. So relieved to hear your dog is doing better, what a stressful experience. Also happy to hear you're back in the kitchen. Your loaf cake looks incredible--anything with almonds (and dried fruit) is right up my alley! :)
Thank you, Kerry 😊 Much appreciated!
And snap! Love almonds - I feel a ‘frangipan’ era coming on 🤭
The cracked knuckles went right through me! Great picture of the three musketeers and great to read that things are moving in the right direction. Bakewell Loaf....inspiring! Never been a fan of pastry (i'll eat it obviously) but love the filling.
Thanks Alex 😊 Funnily enough I was the same until I started baking!
And apologies 😅
Christmas cake should be all year round if you want it to be. So glad to hear happier puppy news. They mean so much to us.
Thanks Joanne 😊 We’re definitely thanking our lucky stars!
Welcome back Mark.
Thank you, good sir!
A brilliant uplifting post Ben. So so pleased that Hiro has recovered from his “episode”. You now have answers, not the ones you ever wanted but you can look forward to the years ahead together. Time you thought maybe you didn’t have.
Lovely picture of the three amigos- what a lucky pup he is to have the best Dads.
Oh and the cakes aren’t bad either! Keep ‘em coming . Xx
Hey Gill! Thank you so much - that really means a lot. It’s not the news we hoped for, but as you say at least we know what we’re dealing with now and that makes all the difference. And absolutely, we can just focus on making the most of every adventure ahead.
Glad the cakes get a passing grade too! I’ll keep ‘em coming 😉 Hope you're ok! xx
Sorry Mark- why did I put Ben???? Another senior moment that are coming thick and fast now🤪
😆 to be fair we answer to each other’s names were that used to it!
So very glad to hear that there's many years to enjoy with Hiro! ❤️ And about eating the Christmas cake any time of year... Yes... But just don't do it too often, it'll lose its specialness! (IMO!) Happy baking to you!
Thanks so much, Debbie! We’re so relieved too that he's starting to get back to his happy, (treat-demanding) bubbly self ❤️
And you make a good point about the Christmas cake 🤔 Perhaps I can experiment turning the flavors into something new.
Hope you're doing ok? x
Oooo, now there's a thought! The sky's the limit!!
I'm going OK thanks, but exhaustion has just hit me after a day in the kitchen making miso!
😲 now I’m really intrigued on the miso-making process!! Is it taxing?
Yes. But baking crossiants might be worse 😂
It's taxing because the soy beans take so long to cook! I have just one pressure cooker so it takes a few batches to get through the beans. My neighbour, on the other hand, sits her's in a massive pot (like big enough to cook her young grandchild sort of size!) on her woodstove all day, and just keeps topping up the water. Once the beans are done it's happy days!
I wrote about my previous miso-making experiences here: https://open.substack.com/pub/behindshojidoors/p/my-japanese-kitchen-miso?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=2q4rv0
I wised-up this year so it wasn't quite as dramatic, but still tiring!
Lots of love to all the family 🐕😘
Thank you Lisa 😊