I canned my first case of diced tomatoes this week, with more (probably another case) to do this afternoon. Small batches every 3 or 4 days mean I don't have some spoiling and others not completely ripe. I put all of the pint jars in the dishwasher, then dunk them in the hot water bath before filling them. It's a hot messy job, always one to be done when it's hot weather in general.

The dogs went for a ride today to get their rabies shots (free, because I work at a university- they do it for police, military, and the teaching professions). But I paid for chips (finally!) for the girls. Zeke has one, now they all do. This was a good place to do it - for $35 they electronically file all of the records that they have on the dogs with the chip to the company. When Zeke got his chip he was a pup, and when I called the company to activate it I had to pay $25 then log on and fill in the information. So I think the places that offer chips for $15 are not filing the paperwork.

And, the monthly shot clinic is at a feed store I have shopped at for years but is closing in a few days, consolidating operations in another location (far away from me). I walked through the store with the dogs and spoke with a couple of the friends who are clerks. I had dog treats so they did a couple of tricks for people. As we got near the door a Mom with a couple of small children was admiring the dogs - I told them that Poppy (my 50lb Blue Heeler/Catahoula mix) gives great kisses - did they want one? No, the kids didn't think so, but on cue, Poppy carefully stepped up to the little guy, probably 3-years-old, and gave him a gentle kiss on the nose. It was so cute, and he was charmed by her delicacy. (If Cinnamon gives someone a kiss, it's across your whole face and you stay kissed. Zeke gets right in there and wants to kiss you on the lips). Now we're home and all dog-like creatures are sprawled on the cool tile floors.

I'm listing more Ebay things this afternoon, in breaks while tomatoes process. And I'll be doing some cleaning and moving of stuff in the guest room and bathroom since a friend is coming to stay for a few days. Her daughter will also be here one night, so I need to clear stuff off of the bed in my sewing room (it used to be the only guest room, but since it's where I also sew and store crafts, the first guest room is now my son's old bedroom).

Laundry, mowing, the usual stuff. And maybe garden work this evening for a little while. It needs it.