Of Wet Carpets and Cats

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Carpets and Cats: A Tale of Sniffs, Flicks, and Feline Drama

I used to think carpet cleaning was a human affair—loud machines, sudsy solutions, and the satisfying illusion that we were banishing years of snack crumbs and mystery fuzz. I assumed the cats would retreat to their secret lairs while the carpet cleaner roared like a dragon with a Dyson complex. But no. Banner and Balboa had opinions.

 

Banner photo credit Deb Neumann

Banner, ever the stoic gentleman, watched the whole operation like a supervisor who’s seen it all before. He sniffed, he paced, he gave me the occasional side-eye, but he didn’t panic. Balboa, on the other hand, acted like the carpet had been replaced with lava. He took one tentative step, flicked his paws dramatically, and gave me a look that said, “You expect me to WALK on this?” His gait became a sort of bow-legged prance, like a cowboy tiptoeing through a puddle of indignation.

He made his way to the food corner, where he sniffed his bowl with the intensity of a customs agent. I guess he wanted to make sure the carpet cleaner hadn’t tampered with his kibble. Banner followed, sniffing the air like a wine connoisseur detecting notes of citrus and betrayal.

The Toys: A Tactical Feline Response

Paws mustn’t touch the wet carpet- Balboa Photo Credit Deb Neumann

In preparation for the carpet cleanse, I gathered the cat toys. The plush mice, the crinkle balls, the feathered wand—all tucked away. Larger toys were stacked on the coffee table like a shrine to feline fun. Banner immediately began pulling the small toys back out, one by one, as if to say, “Nice try, human.” Balboa, ever the diva, perched in the center of the turbo cat scratcher like a prince on his throne, refusing to let his delicate paws touch the freshly cleaned floor.

Honestly, I think they both believe the carpet belongs to them now. I just pay rent.

🧼 Product Spotlight: BISSELL—Clean Floors, Full Hearts

If you’re looking for a carpet cleaner that gets the job done and gives back, BISSELL is a purr-fect choice. Every purchase helps support the BISSELL Pet Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to saving homeless pets through adoption events, spay/neuter programs, and disaster relief. Since 2011, BISSELL has donated over $28 million to help more than a million pets find loving homes. So when you clean your carpets, you’re also helping clean up lives.

Banner approves. Balboa is still suspicious.

🌀 Product Spotlight: Pet Turbo Scratcher Toy—Balboa’s Throne of Drama

If your cat believes the world revolves around them (and let’s be honest, they’re probably right), the Pet Turbo Scratcher Toy is their red carpet, racetrack, and personal spa rolled into one.

Coastal Pet Products

This clever contraption features:
• A circular ball track that keeps cats entertained for hours—perfect for those 3 a.m. zoomies.
• A replaceable cardboard scratch pad that satisfies their primal urge to shred something other than your couch.
• A sprinkle of catnip magic to turn even the most aloof feline into a turbo-charged tornado of joy.

Balboa, naturally, claimed the center of the scratcher like a feline emperor surveying his freshly cleaned domain. He refused to touch the carpet, but this toy? This toy was worthy. Banner, meanwhile, gave it a few swats before returning to his supervisory duties.

Bonus: The scratcher’s non-skid base means it stays put—even when your cat decides to launch a full-scale attack on the spinning ball.

Whether your cat is a curious kitten or a seasoned sniffer of suspicious carpet fibers, the Turbo Scratcher is a hit. And with replacement pads available, it’s a long-term investment in feline happiness (and furniture preservation).

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Banner and Balboa thank you for supporting their carpeted kingdom and toy hoard.

 

 

Warm and Comforting-Classic Potato Soup

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🥔 A Hug in a Bowl: Classic Potato Soup for Cozy Days

There’s something magical about potato soup. It’s humble, hearty, and healing—like a warm hug from your favorite sweater or a purring cat curled up beside you. Whether you’re snowed in, rained out, or simply craving comfort, this classic soup delivers every time.

🌿 Why Potato Soup Feels Like Home

Potato soup is the kind of dish that doesn’t ask for much—just a few pantry staples, a good pot, and a little patience. It’s the scent of sautéed onions, the gentle simmer of broth, and the creamy swirl of milk or cream that transforms simple spuds into something soul-soothing.

Creamy Potato Soup

photo credit- The Kitchen

Banner and Balboa, my feline muses, always seem to appear when the soup pot comes out. Maybe it’s the aroma. Maybe it’s the promise of warmth. Either way, they know something good is brewing.

🧄 The Recipe: Simple, Satisfying, and Soothing

Ingredients:

  • 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 6 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • Salt, pepper, and thyme to taste
  • Optional: shredded cheddar, crispy bacon, chives
Can You Eat Raw Potatoes? Here's What a Dietitian Says

The main ingredient

Instructions:

  1. In a sturdy soup pot, sauté onion and bacon until fragrant.
  2. Add diced potatoes and broth. Simmer until potatoes are tender.
  3. Mash some of the potatoes for creaminess, then stir in milk or cream.
  4. Season to taste. Top with your favorite garnishes.

Serve hot in a bowl that feels like it was made for moments like this.

🍲 Cozy Up with These Essentials

To make your potato soup ritual even more delightful, I’ve curated a few affiliate-friendly finds that blend beauty and function:

  • Soup Bowls: These Kook Ceramic Bowls1 are marshmallow-white, microwave-safe, and perfect for stews, soups, or even a scoop of ice cream on the side.
  • Soup Pot: This Stainless Steel Soup Pot2 is oven-safe, induction-ready, and polished to perfection. It’s a kitchen workhorse with a touch of elegance.
  • Kitchen Gadget: Chop, slice, and dice with ease using this Vegetable Chopper & Mandolin Slicer3—a 10-in-1 tool that makes prep a breeze.

📝 Affiliate Disclosure

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love and use in my own kitchen. Thanks for supporting Around Dusty Roads and helping keep the storytelling flowing.

📣 Share Your Soup Stories

Do you have a favorite soup recipe that warms your soul? A childhood memory tied to a steaming bowl? I’d love to hear it! Drop your stories, tips, or twists in the comments. Let’s build a cozy collection of comfort food together.

the pioneer woman's perfect potato soup recipe

Photo Pioneer Woman

A Traveler’s Guide to Roadside Attractions

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Just a heads-up: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only share products, places, and experiences I truly love and think you will too. Thanks for supporting Around Dusty Roads and helping me keep the adventure going!

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📝 Lists: These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

I love lists. I like to check off the things I’ve done and review the things to come. One of my favorites? A well-worn copy of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. It’s part bucket list, part daydream fuel.

Every now and then, I stumble across a list of Roadside Attractions—those quirky, unforgettable stops that dot the highways like exclamation points. Starting in the 1920s and ’30s, the rise of the automobile road trip sparked a craze among entrepreneurs to build eye-catching structures and clever advertisements to lure passing motorists. The trend flourished through the 1950s and ’60s, often considered the “Golden Age” of roadside Americana. Route 66 was famous for it. And yes, I’ve driven parts of Route 66 myself.

Rt 66 2011 – Photo Credit Deb Neumann

⏳ Time Is Passing

Sadly, as time marches on, many of these roadside oddities are falling into ruin—or worse, being sold to developers and replaced with modern billboards and generic signage. The charm fades, but a few gems still linger.

📍 Three Attractions That Linger

Here are three roadside wonders I’ve personally visited—and they’ve left a lasting impression.

🦖 1. Wall Drug Store — South Dakota

Located near Badlands National Park, Wall Drug is more than a pharmacy—it’s a full-blown destination. Think kitschy souvenirs, an 80-foot animatronic T-Rex, and a dining room that serves up hearty fare. When people say “You can’t miss it,” they mean it. Just follow the signs off Route 16.

Wall Drug Store 2011- Photo Credit Deb Neumann

Thanks to a catchy jingle—
“Get a soda / get a beer / turn next corner / just as near / to Highway 16 and 14 / free ice water / Wall Drug”—
the cars started rolling in and haven’t stopped since.

🦕 2. Dinosaur Park — Rapid City, South Dakota

After a snack at Wall Drug, why not swing by Dinosaur Park? Built in 1936 during the Great Depression, this hilltop attraction features a towering 80-foot brontosaurus and six of its prehistoric pals.

Dinosaur Park Rapid City SD 2011- photo credit Deb Neumann

The idea was sparked by local discoveries of dinosaur bones and footprints—and it worked. The park captured traffic headed toward Mount Rushmore and became a beloved symbol of Rapid City. Today, the brontosaurus still stands tall, watching over the town like a gentle giant.

Big Brontosaurus- Rapid City photo credit Deb Neumann

 

🧜‍♀️ 3. Weeki Wachee Springs — Florida

Heading south to the Sunshine State, I was on the hunt for manatees—and found mermaids instead. Weeki Wachee Springs is famous for its live mermaid shows, a nostalgic nod to old Florida charm. But like the vintage ads say, “Wait—there’s more!”

Mermaid Show Weeki Wachee Springs 2012 – photo credit Deb Neumann

Visitors can take a nature boat ride, go kayaking, or splash around in the water park. It’s a fun day for all ages. And yes, if you’re lucky, you might just spot a manatee gliding through the springs. ( Yes, that’s me swimming with the baby manatee)

Baby Manatee

Manatee Whisperer 2017

 

A Gothic Cat Tree That’s Drop-Dead Fabulous

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🖤 “Paws of the Crypt”: A Gothic Cat Tree That’s Drop-Dead Fabulous

This Halloween, give your feline familiars a throne worthy of their mysterious majesty. The Heavy Duty Gothic Cat Tree isn’t just a scratching post—it’s a statement piece for cats who rule the night. With blood-red accents and a coffin-shaped bed, it’s the purrfect blend of spooky and stylish.

Whether your cat is a curious vampire or a lounging ghost, this single-tier tree offers spacious comfort and eerie elegance. Designed for large cats who love to sprawl, scratch, and survey their haunted domain, it’s built to last through nine lives and beyond.

Available at Welcominghaven.com Here

🎃 Why Your Cat Will Love It

  • Spacious Coffin Bed: Measuring 23.8 x 16.1 inches, it’s deep enough for dramatic naps and midnight musings.
  • Stable Square Base: At 13.8 x 13.8 inches, the heavy-duty box keeps things grounded—even when your cat’s zoomies go full poltergeist.
  • Elevated Platform: The 19.7-inch rise from base to bed gives your cat the perfect perch to judge mortals from above.
  • Tree Branch Accent: Standing 23.6 inches tall, it adds a whimsical, witchy vibe that’s more Salem than suburban.

Crafted in bold black and red, these Gothic Themed cat trees turns your living room into a haunted haven. It’s not just décor—it’s a lifestyle upgrade for cats with flair. Order Here

Globlazer Heavy Duty Gothic Cat Tree, 72in Large Cat Tower with Coffin Bed, Sturdy Maine Coon Cat Tree for Large Cats 20 lbs+, Medieval Castle Style with 6 Scratching Posts & Hammock, S72, Black & Red

🕸️ Affiliate Disclosure

Heads up, cat lovers! This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products that fit the vibe of Around Dusty Roads and make tails wag (or curl mysteriously around a candle).Thanks for supporting Around Dusty Roads and helping keep the storytelling flowing

Want to add a little haunted luxury to your home? This Gothic Cat Tree is more than a Halloween treat—it’s a year-round throne for your furry familiars. Banner and Balboa would approve.

Banner and Balboa – photo credit Deb Neumann

 

 

Crispy Deliciousness

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🥔 Crispy Delicious Potato Skins

I always assumed those cheesy, crunchy appetizers known as potato skins were deep-fried. But recently, I stumbled across a recipe for oven-baked skins—and I had questions. Could baking really deliver that decadent, crispy shell? Let’s dig into the golden goodness and find out. Feel free to chime in with tips, tricks, or tasty tweaks. To help you get started, I’ve included affiliate links to appliances that make crispy success a breeze.

Disclosure: This post includes affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.

🧑‍🍳 To Fry or Not to Fry—That Is the Question

Traditionally, restaurant-style potato skins rely on deep frying to achieve their signature crunch. However, modern recipes often swap the fryer for the oven or air fryer, offering a healthier twist without sacrificing texture. Regardless of the method, most versions get loaded with cheese and bacon, then baked just long enough to melt the toppings into gooey perfection.

🔍 How Restaurants Make Potato Skins

Here’s the classic process, step by step:

  • Bake: Start by baking whole potatoes until tender.
  • Scoop: Slice them lengthwise and scoop out the centers, leaving about ¼ to 1 inch of flesh.
  • Fry: Drop the shells into hot oil until they turn golden and crisp.
  • Top: Fill each skin with cheese, bacon, and green onions.
  • Bake Again: Pop them back in the oven to melt the cheese.
  • Serve: Finish with a dollop of sour cream and serve hot.

🌿 Healthier Variations Exist

If you’re looking to lighten things up, you’re not alone. Many home cooks and restaurants now offer baked or air-fried versions that skip the deep fryer altogether.

  • Baked Skins: After scooping, brush the shells with seasoned oil and bake until crisp. A quick broil at the end adds extra crunch.
  • Air-Fried Skins: These deliver a similar texture with less oil and faster cook time.

🧀 Loaded Baked Potato Skins (Oven Method)

Servings: 4
Prep Time: ~1 hour

Allrecipes

Ingredients:

  • 4 large baking potatoes, scrubbed
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp ground paprika
  • ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 4 green onions, sliced

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Gather all ingredients.
Step 2: Prick potatoes with a fork and bake until tender—about 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 3: Let cool slightly, then slice lengthwise and scoop out the flesh, leaving a ¼-inch shell. Save the scooped potato for another dish.

Step 4: Mix olive oil, Parmesan, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper. Brush mixture over both sides of the skins.

Step 5: Bake skins for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp.

Step 6: Sprinkle with cheese and bacon. Return to oven for 2 minutes, just until cheese melts.

Step 7: Serve hot, topped with sour cream and green onions.

 

Mine didn’t win any beauty contests—and I was fresh out of sour cream—but they still turned out crispy, cheesy, and downright delicious. If you’ve got a favorite twist or topping, I’d love to hear it!

photo credit Deb Neumann

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely love and think you’ll enjoy too. Thanks for supporting Around Dusty Roads and helping keep the storytelling flowing

Find Small Appliances Here 

And at Welcoming Haven