Author: Rhys Ford

Rhys Ford is an award-winning author with several long-running LGBT+ mystery, thriller, paranormal, and urban fantasy series, including Murder and Mayhem, a 2016 LAMBDA finalist. She is published by Dreamspinner Press and DSP Publications.

Today’s BORKING REPORT! Marching On!

On By Rhys FordIn Borking DayLeave a comment
Today’s BORKING REPORT!
 
The Potato was up and ready when his Auntie Paige arrived. He took a little bit to sniff her out because well, she’s not quite known but then after a scritch, he was all… OH HEY! YEAH!
 
I of course spent a few seconds talking to her so we were promptly scolded about it. Because… BORKING is serious business and when it’s time to BORK, it is TIME TO BORK! Talk later.
 
He continued to scold and gossip as he went out, par for the course for the Potato and when he came home, he was over the moon and rolling about. Auntie Paige sat down and chatted for a few moments, giving him more scritches and I was able to unload about five pounds of Lion Coffee onto her. Trust me, we do not lack coffee in this house. SO MUCH COFFEE. I periodically send it off because I just can’t consume that much.
 
Gus was quite happy and tired, crashing hard about an hour later and Paige discovered you just cannot slow-his-roll when he’s out BORKING. He’s a strong little dog with opinions and he’s there to patrol. He did stop and potty, which is a huge sign of trust for him because he doesn’t potty outside of his back yard unless he trusts who he’s with. So kudos to Paige for that.
 
And right now, he’s snoring like he’s a band saw. Full belly, warm bed, and a safe home.
 
From his Auntie Paige:
Good morning! 🙂 I just realized by looking at this picture attached to hear that me and Gus match today! We’ve both got purple and blue on. 🙂
 
As mentioned, he did all his business while on patrol down the street. Thank you so much!
 
Best, Paige

First BORKING with his Auntie Paige!

On By Rhys FordIn Rhys FordLeave a comment
Today’s BORKING REPORT! First time with Auntie Paige!
 
There definitely was some… Wait, Who Are YOU? today when Paige opened the door instead of Jessica but after a few sniffs, The Potato was all… OH YEAH! I met you! You gave me scritches. He wasn’t hesitant to go but he knew it wasn’t Jessica for sure. We sadly stopped and chatted for a few seconds and was promptly scolded by the Potato for holding up the Bork.
 
Because Borking is Serious Business.
 
Which we told Paige when she first came to visit. And boy he did not let her down. Most dogs do toddle about, stopping and sniffing when they go on walks. Gus DOES NOT. He doesn’t know what those other dogs are doing but a walk is for Borking, Giving Opinions, and Supervising Workers. On the off chance there is a wet lawn or even a wet fertilized lawn, then a good roll can be taken as a break but then it’s right back to work.
 
Today he was in high form because there was going to be a BORK and Paige just better keep up. Which she did and I think maybe she fell in love with the Potato just a bit. And when they came back to the house, he smiled and rolled about like a happy little blond ottoman and gave her many lols and snorkles. And rolled about some more.
 
Right now he’s passed out because well, it was a hard Borking shift and he’s going to need to rest up for the next one.
 
From his Auntie Paige:
It was so nice to walk Gus for the first time! It was just how you said- he was all business and ran the whole way to the end of the street and back. He barked at the guy across the street and your neighbor, but no worries, he didn’t start any trouble.
 
Thank you so much!
 
Best,
Paige
 

Last Borking Day with The Potato’s Auntie Jessica

On By Rhys FordIn Borking DayLeave a comment
Last Borking Day With Auntie Jessica
 
It actually is a sad day at the Cabin today as this was the final Borking with The Potato’s Auntie Jessica. She has been walking him for a few years and he was the only dog who remained her client thru the pandemic. She had other clients come and go but the Potato… who has always been her very favourite… has been with her since the beginning.
 
She was able to take him for a bork and he told her about his life and he got to scold the workers across the street. A typical Bork for him and his Auntie. The hardest part is, him not knowing this was the last time.
 
When they got back, she was able to spend a very long time giving scritchies and pets. And that’s when she told us today was her last day with the dog walking company and Gus was her very last walk. She wanted to say goodbye and give love to her Potato as her final hurrah. He will miss her. He loves her dearly and spent a good deal of time rolling around on the floor with her.
 
Of course, we’re all sobby a bit but I know she will do well. She is hoping to adopt a pit-mix named Bear who has a fear of the outside and we told her to please have them contact us so we can recommend her for Bear’s placement as she’s worked with Gus’ fear aggression for years and is familiar with all of the processes we use to de-escalate and keep him on an even keel.
 
So a very sad day for the humans and a very happy, satisfying day for the Potato. His Auntie Paige starts on Monday and we’ll see how they get on. I think it’ll be fine.
 
Best of Luck, Jessica!
 
From his Auntie Jessica
I had so much fun with Gus these past 2 years! I will miss him so much! I hope he does well with Paige and gives her as much love as he gave me. Thanks so much for everything and I wish you all the best!
Best, Jessica

First Bork of March!

On By Rhys FordIn Borking DayLeave a comment
Today’s Borking Report…
 
This is the next to the last Auntie Jessica walk with the Potato. I wasn’t home for this one but I will be for the last one and then for his first one with Auntie Paige.
 
But I did get reports that he was a grumpy old man and didn’t want to get out of bed but then… I imagine as always, he saw his Auntie and was like… Dunno who those people are, gotta go now.
 
I came home and it was warm out so we had all the fans on in the house… house is very cool inside and the Potato just slept thru me coming in and the cats serenading me. Because he’s like that. But once he rambled on it, he gave me a grin and much tail wags… then right back to sleep in his living room bed.
 
It’s a tough Potato life.
 
From his Auntie Jessica
Gus was walking fast today! I think maybe he just wanted to get back inside! It was a hot day but I think he liked the heat. Hope he gets plenty of rest and treats!
 
Best, Jessica

Last Borking Day in Feb!

On By Rhys FordIn Borking DayLeave a comment
Today’s Borking Report!
 
We only have TWO more walks with Auntie Jessica and then Auntie Paige will take over. She came by to visit with the Potato and he gave his Potato approval very quickly, rolling over for scritches and belly rubs. Auntie Jessica arrived at the end of the session and took the Borker out so Auntie Paige had the unique experience of hearing him sing the song of his people as he left the house.
 
Which I am sure the neighbours love but hey, if I have to listen to a really off key church band the entire summer, they can listen to my dog bark for a minute.
 
Okay, the band isn’t the neighbourhood’s fault but I’m placing it there, damn it.
 
It was cold today. Probably should / could have dressed the Potato a bit warmer but he literally was out the door before you could say BOO when his Auntie got here. We’ll see how it is on Tuesday.
 
From his Auntie Jessica:
Gus was so happy today. I’m glad he liked the new walker! He did do a bit of barking and saying hi to everyone we passed. He did a lot of rolling around in the grass too! I think he loved the warmer weather today.
Best, Jessica

Dinner Last Night: Congee or Juk (depending on where you’re from)

On By Rhys FordIn FoodLeave a comment

One of the best things to eat when it’s cold or rainy or you’re feeling miserable is congee. Our family calls it juk / jook but congee works too.

I’ve eaten a bit of restaurant congee which is always lovely but I haven’t made any in a while. So tonight, it is time for a very thick rice porridge with LOTS of ginger. With tofu, fresh shitake mushrooms and bamboo shoots… of course green onion.

It does hit the spot.

Yet Another Potato Update

On By Rhys FordIn Rhys Ford4 Comments

You’d think with as how much I talk about the Potato that he’s a very interactive dog. He really isn’t. He’s an old man who likes to eat, sleep, and roll around in the grass, preferably if the grass has fish emulsion or something stinky like possum poop on it. But he is a delight and in the past couple of years, has really enjoyed having people visit him. To the point where he is upset the UPS and FedEx guys don’t come in and pet him or when someone who is visiting leaves.

And in the spirit of the Year of the Tiger, he also got a spa day which he badly needed following the skin infection he’d gotten, which kind of left him with odd patches and we had to shave spots down so they could be addressed.

Our last dog groomer ghosted us because we TOLD her to not take off the muzzle if he was outside and she decided that no, she could. That did not go well. As all of you know, that’s imperative for Gus to feel safe and secure.

But we DID find an ANGEL of a groomer named Charity who owns and runs Raise the Wuff Mobile Grooming and had an opening immediately because she was in the area. Woman literally has a towable mobile salon attached to the hitch of her truck and we were given an iPad with a camera feed so we could watch him. If you’re in San Diego and need a dog groomer, Charity is awesome.

Because as soon as she came in, the Potato was in love. And when he came back, he was so sorry to see her go. But that said, look at the results! One Clean Potato. And his cat.

Today’s Borking Report…and it is HOT outside!

On By Rhys FordIn Borking DayLeave a comment
Today’s Borking Report!
 
It is VERY hot outside today with temps going to hit the HIGH 80s but it was still cool enough for the Potato to go Borking.
 
He was very happy to see his Auntie Jessica and went out today NEKKID! Because it was very warm. We’ll be tossing on the fans and thankfully because the house is adobe, the interior will be cool. Also since the temp drops down to the 40s at night, we’re not carrying that heat all thru the evening. The Potato is happy about that too.
 
He came home, cavorted mightily and Harley rolled all over his kit. Because she’s a weirdo. Now she’s killing her blue squid toy and he’s lounging in his bed.
 
All is right in the world of the Gus Gus.
 
From his Auntie Jessica:
It’s a hot day I hope Gus stays cool and gets some rest! He was so happy today! He rolled around in all the grass and said hi to everyone we saw. I’ll see him soon!
Jessica

Today’s Borking Report…

On By Rhys FordIn Bloggy Stuff, Borking DayLeave a comment
Today’s Borking Report… which is kind of covered by cat spit because Harley is VERY invested in getting scritches today and she bites and licks.
 
California is a bit warmer today so the Borking Potato went out in lighter gear. He for some reason loves to roll around when someone is trying to get him kitted up. Or at least when others do. He’s pretty well behaved for me. He’s a dork.
 
He was so very excited and happy when he came back and rolled around like a mad thing. It’s been a good Gus Gus morning. And he’s been loving his new food, a combination of dehydrated raw and refrigerated “fresh”. Since he likes it a bit soupy, I do add more water than necessary but like I’ve said, he’s an odd dog.
 
He also LURVES his Auntie Jessica and came back grinning after spending time with her.
 
From his Auntie Jessica
Gus is so happy today! He said hi to some people out on walks. He did a lot of rolling around in the grass too! I hope he gets some rest today!
 
Best,
Jessica

Meandering…

On By Rhys FordIn Bloggy Stuff, FoodLeave a comment

I’ve been working on editing something to put back out and I’d forgotten how time consuming editing is. Reading things over, making sure the words are right. Discovering I apparently biffed spelling satisfaction in such a way Word didn’t even know what language I was in. Such is the way of the writer.

San Diego’s been getting warmer this week. We always have odd winters. Next week it’ll be cold again. I’m hoping for rain. Rain is always welcome.

I’d been scheduled for an outpatient procedure at the end of January and after a consultation on that day, the procedure was called off and instead, I get to go into surgery in the hopes that it will help fix things quicker. Not a major thing. In and out. One day only. Like a drive thru oil change.

I do have to remember to tell my mother about it. I’ve not yet. Just slipped my brain. But it’s not till the end of March so, not too bad.

Cooking more which has been fun. Tonight is stew. Since Andi my roommate is currently forgoing meat, I’ve been doing dual meals… sometimes I’ll do the vegetarian route and we have one dish or I make two of the same dish. Tonight I made Irish beef stew for me and Japanese curry stew for them. Well sort of a Japanese curry stew. I kind of went roasted veggies when making it, much to the chagrin of my ancestors but hopefully it’s got a good curry punch. *grins*

The vegetarian curry stew is made with Gardein beef tips. We’ll see how they do. They held up well for the browning. You’re supposed to add them into your dish last but I let it sit in the curry after browning so hopefully it would pick up some of the curry flavour.

Irish Beef Stew
Japanese curry stew

I’ll have more info on the novella that’s being released again in a bit. My brain is very much overloaded with words right now. And the dog is snoring. Everyone stay safe and don’t forget to take care of one another.