Stop the Insanity!!!

Will this year EVER go away? Sometimes I wonder. I was just thinking that it's been almost two years since I started this blog. Wow....I've pissed off a lot of people in two years....LOL!! Hahaha...no, that wasn't my reason for pointing that out. I was just thinking how much has happened in two years. On one hand, time and life both seem to drag by. Then, you look at your child or your spouse or your life situation and think, "where the hell did time go?" Or, if you are like me sometimes you think, "why does this shit keep dragging on?"

I'm a confusing animal, I know that. I'm equal parts confrontation/duke it out/move on and let me keep beating the dead horse just in case it's not dead. However, (and you know there's always a caveat with me), when I say drop it and move on, I mean, drop it and move on. I can't stand people who say they've moved on from something or their over a disagreement and you think everything has settled and then the next thing you know, it's a big deal again. Why do people do that? Is it because they're cajone-less and can't say what they need to say when the opportunity presents itself? Or are they incapable of standing firm on a decision and truly moving on? I have a third option, but I'm going to not mention it for fear of being accused of blogging about T&B Demolition...which I sort of am, but not as much as one might think.

So, in the spirit of the coming new year, my resolution is to let go. Breathe. Give shit a rest when it's time to give it a rest. What's done is done. It is what it is. There's no need to second guess ourselves in life. Where does that ever really lead us to? Regret? The inability to make a decision? You know what I'm talking about - you decide to do something and then you regret your decision - even though going with your first reaction is usually the right one. Or, you can't make up your mind and you go back and forth and back and forth. Or worse - you bounce your issues off of everyone else looking for clues to the right answer instead of listening to your head/heart/gut or whatever it is in you that guides you. And when we say we're done...then BE DONE WITH IT! Let it go! What's re-hashing a problem or issue nine thousand times really going to do for any of us besides make us doubt ourselves. I say live and die by what you decide to do. Have courage to make a decision, move on and give problems a rest. And if it turns out it wasn't the best move? Then change how you look at mistakes. They're lessons...and without life lessons, we never grow and become better, stronger people.

Which leads me to resolution numero dos.

Convenient Morality

Yep, that's been a big topic in my life this past year. Depending on your place on the food chain, what's good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander. And one person's wrong is another person's "that doesn't really apply to me and whatever I was doing wasn't really wrong because I've applied the convenient morality principal #11125885.1 to my actions. Yeah...right....

We're all guilty of it in some lesser/greater form or fashion. We all bargain our behavior...we all justify our actions and usually to the degree of whether or not what was being done to us was a greater foul on our moral agenda than what we might have been doing. That's taking it to extremes, but you know what I mean. And before ANYONE freaks out, I got Paige a phone for Christmas. Yes, she is young, probably too young for a phone, but I got it so that she can talk to Gammy as much as she wants. It's like a Batphone for Gammy. She has restricted access, low minutes, it's a Go Phone for God's Sake...see....I'm justifying...but that's not why I just let everyone know my 8 year old now has a phone. I wanted to tell you that I got on to her yesterday for not putting her phone down to pick up her stuff so we could leave the house. And what does my super smart Juicy of Love and Deliciousness say to me?

"You drop stuff all the time because you won't set your phone down."

And what did I say?

"I'm the mommy. I don't have to."

See, we're aaaaallllll guilty of it. She defended her actions by telling me I do the same thing so it can't be that bad and I turned it around on her and played the "Mommy Card". It's a web we all weave, like it or not. My goal this year is to not be that person...or get sucked in by people who do operate that way. I've dealt with that bullshit a lot this year (not from my kid, but from adults that you'd think would know better) and I'm over it. In fact, I'm tired of seething about it over hydrocodone and wine. I'm not going to do it anymore. I don't think any of us should have to. If there is one thing that I cannot stand, it's someone who thinks they have the moral high ground, when in fact, they crawled out of a hole like the snake that they are. That just does it for me.

Letting go of negative thoughts and energy as I type....really....typing harder and harder, but I'm letting those negative thoughts evaporate from my brain :) I think my keyboard is ready for me to take a break!

Numero Tres

Get on an airplane.

Yep, this is the year that I think I will actually step foot onto an airplane, buckle myself in and fly to my destination. I don't know when or where - and it's not going to be a long flight over any body of water - but I'm going to do it.

With the help of Xanax, of course.

And my last one....

Oh God, this is so hard....

Stop being late everywhere I go.

There, I said it. It really has become a pandemic in my life. I am constantly rushing and running late and forgetting shit and it's just got to stop. It's killing me and driving me crazy. I need a schedule. Shit, I need a handler. I can't manage myself anymore. I don't know whether I'm coming or going sometimes. I'm just all over the place and it has finally worn me the F**k out. Seriously.

So there, those are my goals for the coming year. Let's recap:

Let go of conflict and stop second guessing decisions. Move on when it's time to move on.

Stay away from douchebags and douchebaggery behavior (Also known as Convenient Morality and why it drives me batshit crazy).

Make an effort (Oh my God...already crawfishing) to no longer be late to appointments, school, the store, dinner reservations, lunch with my sister, to pick up my child, to the post office, and so on.

Those sound like challenging, yet attainable goals for the new year. I want to be a better person. I want to set a better example for Paige. I have goals for her, but I don't think it's fair to lay those on her. That would probably fall under the behavior in resolution #2 and I NEVER want to impart that type of example on Paige. EVER!

Well, that's my soapbox blog for the evening. Maybe for the rest of the year. Or two years. Who the hell knows. I kind of want to gripe about the city of Ennis City Manager and how he runs off all the good restaurants that come into town but then I'm afraid someone from Ennis will read my blog and blackball Mild Bills!!! I never know who's going to read my blog from their cozy seat in a restaurant up in Lewisville...drinking and driving in a company vehicle.

Did I just say that?

You're damn right I did....and it felt GOOOOOOOD!!!!!

Spread it around like you own it :)

K

OMG!!!! She's Back!!!

Well hello there....I've returned to the blogosphere. Did you miss me? Have you missed my passive aggressive musings thinly disguised as digs against former coworkers? Have you missed my biting wit and inappropriate conversations with my daughter? Well, guess what?

SO HAVE I GOSH DAMNIT!!!!!

So, does this mean my smart ass fingers are back to blogging? YES!!!

Does this mean I can go back to making digs at people I'd like to beat the hell out of???

NO!!!!!!!

Well, not really...unless I can do a better job at disguising my disgust for certain people. And since we ALL know that ain't going to happen, I guess I'm still on lockdown for a little while longer......

A moment of silence for my former self, please.....


Okay, enough of that. How was everyone's Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, etc? Or, as my sister would say, Winter Solstice? Mine was busy. The weeks leading up to what was supposed to be a relaxing Christmas Eve and Day were CRAZY! I was so busy at the store!! It was SO AMAZING!!! Thank you to everyone who ordered gift baskets, gift boxes and chili spices non stop! I had a blast putting baskets together and taking care of all the wonderful Mild Bill's customers. I hope all of you had a fantabulous Christmas with your family, friends and loved ones. My mom and I cooked all day Christmas Day....I wasn't digging it. I'm thinking that won't be happening next year. Christmas Eve was good - we went to early Mass and came home for deli sandwiches, chips and Jalapeno Ranch Dip mix as well as chips and Mild Bill's Salsa. I stayed up late wrapping presents & The Juicy deigned to let us sleep in until 8:30 am. But once I was up, I was cooking. Breakfast, lunch....the whole shabang. My mom and I were worn the hell out by the end of the day. We made some delicious food though.....seared pork loin, roasted prime rib, dressed up mac and cheese, CC potatoes au gratin, sauteed spinach, French peas, the most amazing salad from my mother in law and my mom made dessert. Gary and I had a bottle of Seghesio Old Vine Zinfandel, and a Grenache by Orin Swift, maker of Absract and Prisoner. We never suffer for good wine :)

I think the kiddos had a good Christmas. They all got lots of clothes and Paige got a new bike, a pogo stick and a set of Legos that have led to several meltdowns among not only the eight year old, but the adults in the family as well. Those pieces are soooo small....and there are SO MANY of them! This morning my mom wigged out about the windmill and then Paige, in fine dramatic flair, put her hands on her head and cried:

"I just want this to be over with!!"

Over Legos? Seriously? WTF??? No one is allowed to be pissed at me about this. I was told by my mother and husband that Paige had that on her list and it was important that she receive it since she also asked Santa Claus to bring it to her. So I simply did what I was told.....

Do not shoot the messenger!!!

Oh!! Oh!!! My Expedition is back home! It's home, it's home!!! Thank you Baby Jesus in your ghost manger!! My vehicle has returned to me! It looks so pretty and there is no sign of deer hair in the grill at all. (That sounds soooo redneck and I totally meant for it to!!) I'm so happy! It was my Christmas present!!!!

My mom bought me the two Ina Garten cookbooks that I was missing from my serial killer collection (kidding) and there are sooo many fantastic recipes in both of them. I can't wait to get back to cooking again. Gary and the kids bought me a Le Crueset dutch oven, utensils and holder (all in turquoise!!!) and I was so surprised! I'm a big Le Crueset homer and I buy it a piece at a time when it's on sale. I have a 6 quart dutch oven in yellow, a 3 quart in red and now a 2 quart dutch oven in turquoise. I also have a gratin dish and small stockpot. I don't give a shit that all of my pieces are different colors. This is how the rednecks do it. The Johnny Cash song "One Piece at a Time" comes to mind :)

Something scary happened a few hours ago.

I made dumplings that floated. That were light and fluffy. That didn't sink to the bottom of the pot.

Someone alert the friggin media! For once, my incompetent, inept and ignorant dumpling making self did not screw up the dumplings!!! I made them with Pioneer baking mix and what started out as a dumpling disaster turned into only the 2nd time in my life I've made decent dumplings without cutting up biscuit dough. Well, maybe the 3rd time and I am not exaggerating. I think my dumpling struggles have been well documented on this blog. They were delicious and Juicy and I will have them for lunch tomorrow, too.

Something I don't screw up - MEAT! I rocked my rib roast Christmas Day. Below is the recipe that I have varied every time I've used it. You can use different herbs - even add horseradish to the mix - and it's always going to come out delicious. Every. Time.

Cadillac Cowgirl Prime Rib Roast

5-6 lb boneless rib roast, brought to room temperature
1/4 Cup Olive Oil (or bacon grease...left over from the 10 pounds of bacon you spent all morning frying for your family!!)
1 Can Beef Broth
4 Tablespoons each chopped fresh Thyme, Rosemary, and Parsley
3 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
3 Tablespoons Telicherry Pepper (available from Mild Bills)
4 Garlic Cloves, minced
6 Garlic Cloves, peeled and left whole
Whole sprigs of rosemary and thyme, as well as additional garlic cloves (unpeeled)

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. While oven is preheating, mix the chopped fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and minced garlic cloves in a small bowl. Make six 2 inch slices throughout the fat cap of the rib roast; place a garlic clove in each cut and then rub all of the herb mixture over the top of the rib roast and let sit. In a large skillet (preferably cast iron) heat the oil or bacon grease. I used bacon grease because I had so much of it. Once it is almost smoking, add the rib roast. Brown on all sides. You may need help doing this, or at least a large set of tongs and a spatula to get it turned. Or...skip this step altogether - it's not imperative - just something I wanted to try and it definitely didn't hurt the flavor at all...it came out perfect. Once browned on all sides, place the roast in a roasting pan with a rack, herb coated side facing up. Using the beef broth, deglaze the skillet and scrape up any of the herbs and browned bits of meat; once deglazed, pour this mixture over the rib roast. Add the rest of the beef broth to the bottom of the roasting rack along with the additional garlic cloves and whole sprigs of herbs. Place the roast in the oven and allow it to cook on 425 for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, cover the roast with foil and reduce the heat to 350 degrees. Continue roasting for 1 hour or until a meat thermometer reads 135 degrees for medium rare and up to 150 degrees for medium. Remember - the roast will continue to cook even after you remove it from the oven...so keep that in mind when you decide to leave it in there "just a little bit longer". You could end up with a very overcooked rib roast! Once desired doneness is achieved, remove roast, allow it to sit still covered in foil for 15 minutes and slice as ribeyes or thinly sliced prime rib and serve. I paired mine with a really delicious horseradish sauce that I would love to share. However....I was drinking (a little) and didn't write down what I did....so I probably shouldn't try and post a wine-terrific recipe!! At any rate, I used horseradish, dijon mustard, sour cream, mayo, salt, pepper and chopped rosemary and made a sauce. I guess you could do that as well....we all like more of a horseradish flavor, so it had a little more zip than anything. You could always use different quantities to get the flavor you prefer.

It's time for mommybaby private time. I think the boys and Paige are worn out. They've been playing since we finished dinner. We are all going to get in bed and read. I hope everyone has a wonderful evening!!

Spreading my own special brand of joy and kindness....

Kelly

Conversations With Paige.....

Paige: Gammy, did you know that I once took 5 testes in one day?"


Let me know when it hits you...after you've said it to yourself a few times....

Yep.....she said "test-ees".

She was trying to explain to my mom that during test week, they take 5 tests a day. She likes to add the long e to the end. I don't think she realizes how much that slight difference in pronunciation changes the context of her statement.


Have a fabulous evening. I'm making chili for P's school tomorrow. Good luck if you are cooking chili this weekend!

Kelly

Cadillac Cowgirl Chicken and Dumplings

I grew up on Chicken and Dumplings. Like me, you probably make them the way your mom did. My mom made hers with Bisquick and they were to die for. In my adult like, I have strived to make dumplings like her. I've never quite succeeded. There were a few times that my dumplings were light and fluffy, but those were few and far between.

Then, I had Drucilla Stewart's chicken and dumplings and my life sort of changed. Then I had Kary Fieseler's and I became obsessed with making the soft, doughy strips of dumplings in a creamy broth. Again, I sucked. Repeatedly. I gave up and just resigned myself to being the taste tester and professional eater of my mom's, Dru's and Kary's dumplings.

But, I like a challenge. And, I refuse to believe a dumpling could outfox me. So, last night, I attempted to make dumplings that would be tender, cooked through and not sink to the bottom of the pot like a dead weight. I did what anyone in my shoes would do.

I bought a can of biscuits and cut those suckers into strips and made some effin chicken and dumplings last night!!!

Yeah, yeah...I know...not homemade dumplings. BUT! BUT!!! It worked! They were delicious! They weren't these horrid little hockey pucks stuck to the bottom of my pot. I made a condensed, weeknight version of chicken and dumplings. It still took a bit, but it didn't require cooking the chicken for a few hours and there was no labor intensive dough making...something I CLEARLY suck at. Below is the recipe for a working girl, I won't be beat by dumplings, chicken and dumpling recipe. With a little spice thrown in for good measure :)

Cadillac Cowgirl Chicken and Dumplings

1 lb chicken tenders, sliced, diced or chopped into bite size pieces
4 Tbsp Butter
4 carrots, diced
4 celery ribs, diced
1 onion, sliced
4 Cups Chicken Stock
4 Cups Water
1 tsp each Salt and Pepper
1 can of Buttermilk Biscuits (I bought the 8 count)
Poultry Seasoning, Parsley, Celery Salt, etc to season the dumplings

In a large soup pot or dutch oven, melt the butter. Add the veggies and saute on medium heat until the onion starts to become translucent. Add the chicken and continue to cook it until it's done on the outside. If you're like me and become physically ill at the sight of poached chicken, keep the temperature up and brown it a little and give it some color. Once the chicken is done on the outside, add the stock, water, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer on a medium boil for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, open your can of easy dumplings (read: biscuits), and roll each one out so that it's about an 1/8 of an inch thick. Then, cut the flattened biscuits into 1 inch strips. Using your seasoning of choice - I used Tony Chachere's, Parsley and a little Celery Salt, season those bad boys. I like my dough to not taste like, well, dough. Don't go overboard because this will also season your broth. Add the dumplings to the pot and cook them on a medium simmer until they are tender. If you like a creamier chicken and dumplings, add about 1/4 cup of milk, heat through and taste for seasonings; adjust as needed. Viola! You have just conquered Chicken and Dumplings!!!

My child even ate these. Yes, the pickiest eater in the world ate an entire bowl. I told you they were good! And, you don't even have to tell people you used biscuits. Let them think you rolled your own dough; cooked a chicken all day; pulled the veggies from your garden. Your secret is safe with me :)

Speaking of my child.....8 years ago I was in the hospital, stroking out and trying to keep that Juicy of Love and Deliciousness from coming out! She didn't want out, but my body couldn't take much more of her awesomeness!! Yes, she was 2 1/2 months early, but look at her now - perfect!!! She was and still is our little miracle and every day I thank God for my Peapod. She's such a sweet, wonderful and unique little person and I love her so much. We are so lucky to have her! We'll be at the Dallas Planetarium Saturday celebrating her birthday. She's so excited!!!

I better go...I've got spices to blend and orders to ship. I also have a lot of passive aggressive smart ass remarks I'd like to make, but Sheriff Gary's gag order is still in place, so I better keep my mouf shut. People still amaze me....there really is no limit to some people's d-baggery behavior. Thank God for Mild Bill's Spices and our wonderful customers!!!! I'm having a blast!

We've got the 2 for 1 Stocking Stuffer sale going right now and a very cool Brown Bag Special. You get three stocking stuffers for the price of two, a brown gift bag with tissue paper and all for $8.00! How can you beat that for a gift for a co-worker, someone you don't like, but need to get them something, in-laws, teachers, hairdresser - you name it! Gift baskets or gift bags - we got 'em!!!

Have a fabulous day everyone. Spread some of your own joy and kindness while you're at it. I know I will....along with the unmistakable aroma of cumin :)

The Cadillac Cowgirl

Two Weeks In A Row....

The Giants SUCK!!! Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!!!

Go Packers!!!!

How was everyone's weekend? Hell - how was everyone's week??? I cannot believe how busy I've been. I didn't realize my last post had been last Monday. I guess I need to start dedicating 30 minutes every morning to the poor neglected Cadillac Cowgirl :)

I had crazy walk in business this week - especially Friday. I joined the Chamber of Commerce and they are hosting a Business After Hours Party and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the store on January 12th. I'm very excited! I also have a new ad in the Ennis Daily News that has attracted more customers. My website gurus are working on a coupon/email blast that will go out this week as well. I'll be running a buy 2 get 1 free on my stocking stuffers - Gunpowder Chili Mix, Mild Bill's Jalapeno Ranch Dip Mix and Mild Bill's Taco Seasoning. I also already have a bunch of gift basket orders. I had my first Klobase and Hot Link Seasoning sales on Friday. I'm so glad that I'm carrying sausage seasoning now. I'm still trying to find the pink curing salt. Suggestions anyone?

Thank you Duke and Vicki for helping me make Jalapeno Jelly and Relish today! This was my first time to make both "Tamara-free" and I was a little nerbous as Paige would say. I told both of them that if they ever wanted to find out if something "foolproof" could be effed up, let me have a stab at it! Thankfully, the jelly set up just like it was supposed to and the relish was a piece of cake. It went beautifully and I'll be making more this week.

It is cold and rainy here - perfect Taco Soup weather! I think I'm going to make a Mexican style stew this week with the Mild Bill's Taco Seasoning. It sounded good to me and I think it would work well with stewed tomatoes and onions. I'm still on the fence about putting potatoes in it. I'm also craving Sea Bass and Chicken Pot Pie. How about that for two totally different types of meals? I'm not sure if I want to do a crust or biscuits on top of the chicken pot pie. The only problem with using biscuits is that they get kind of doughy and gooey underneath.

I gotta go. Fred has done something to his paw and we've got to tend to it. I'll be back tomorrow.

Keep it real :)

K

GIANTS SUCK!!!!!!!

GEAUX SAINTS!!! NOTHING MAKES ME HAPPIER THAN WATCHING THE GIANTS GET THEIR ASSES KICKED.....

WELL, MAYBE THE PATRIOTS LOSING....



Happy Monday!!!!!

I Suck!!!

OMG....I can't believe I haven't blogged since last Monday....what a loser....LOL!

How was everyone's Thanksgiving? Mine was good and bad. Laurie and I showed up in the very cold damp weather to participate in the 44th Annual Capital One Turkey Trot 5k in Downtown Dallas Thursday morning. We completed it in a very respectable time (about an hour figuring 15 minutes to get going from our place in the pack and 20 minutes waiting for a porta potty!!) and then headed back home. I did this with a cold....not my best decision....and now I have a full blown sinus infection and bronchitis. But hey - I'd do it again!! It was totally worth it :) We had a full house for lunch and everything was delicious. I once again spent private time with my MIL's homemade dressing and giblet gravy and the turkey and ham from Honeybaked were both amazing. That is the best way to go - trust me!!! We had so much food - green rice casserole, two kinds of dressing, potatoes, potato salad, sauteed asparagus with pancetta and mushrooms, shoepeg corn casserole and yummy desserts. Eddie, that little bastard, was able to jump high enough and yank part of the pumpkin roll off the island and eat it. Eeewww!!!! Gary went to the deer lease after everyone left; Juicy went to Gammy's and Mommy stayed home and self medicated. I had so many projects planned for the long weekend - both here and at Mild Bill's - and the most I've done is make potato soup and frittata for Kary and Joe Pat and download books to my Kindle. Impressive. I didn't work Friday; I was miserable between running a fever, coughing and sneezing...it just wasn't going to happen. I felt a little better yesterday, but feel like ass again today. I have antibiotics, but they aren't working fast enough! I've promised a pedi and ornament shopping to Paige. I'm going to have to get dressed in a little bit. Gary and I watched Food Network this morning and they showed some amazing food! He had planned on hamburgers for dinner. Don't know if that's still on the menu! We tend to feast after watching cooking shows on Sunday mornings. Wonder what he'll want me to whip up??

I've been shopping online. Anything beats shopping in the stores this time of year. I hate the crowds and the crazy people. Not to mention rude salespeople. I love the anonymity and human free experience of online shopping!!! I'm such an ass......

Gary is getting all of the Christmas decorations down. Whatever I don't put up at the house will go to the store. I put a tree up in the living room and decorate the front porch - I don't do the whole "Santa gave birth in my house" sort of decorating. That shit scares me. I have childhood memories of that stuff. I've got a ton of indoor stuff that I can put in the front windows at Mild Bill's. I have lots of Santas and stuff like that. There is a western tree down the street at Interior Ideas. I'm afraid to go in there. I think I'd go batshit crazy shopping in there!!

We've had a slight change in plans for next weekend. We won't be making the trip to Wichita Falls to cook chili as originally planned :( Friends of ours got married last weekend and they are having a party to celebrate this coming Saturday - we wouldn't miss it for the world! We are going to cook in Irving and then spend the night at my parent's house so that we can party the night away - hell yeah!!!

I'll be working on gift baskets and Christmas ideas from Mild Bill's this week. Keep an eye on our website (www.mildbills.com) and our Facebook page for pictures of all of our great products. I hope everyone enjoyed their long weekend. I'm sure I'll have a recipe to post tonight or tomorrow ;)

Keep it real...and keep warm!

The Cadillac Cowgirl

Bottoms Up!!!

Aahhh...wine time! I got home at an early hour, opened a bottle of wine (Woodbridge Pinot Noir, supporting our sponsor) and started dinner. I made my version of Olive Garden's Zuppa Toscana and you know what? It didn't suck! I'll post the recipe below. I also made pea salad yesterday for an early Thanksgiving with friends and since I can't remember if I've ever posted that recipe, I'll share it (again) as well.

How was everyone's weekend? Did all of you chili cooks go out and steal points? I did!!! I was worried I might not get a point and be the loser on the ride home, but I pulled a 3rd place out of my ass on Saturday. Congrats to Budda for placing 1st AND Qualifying. We cooked at Good Shepherd in Cedar Hill and it was a great cook off. I hope they have another one next year. Saturday evening, we took Gary's parents out to dinner for his dad's birthday. We went to our favorite place ever - Pappas Steakhouse and it was AWESOME!!! I had a Wedge Salad and we all (including the Juicy) had Lobster Bisque - she loved it!! We all had our usual steaks with crab mac and cheese, au gratin potatoes and creamed spinach. The creamed spinach was especially good. I got into a bind after dinner. They don't normally have the flourless chocolate cake, so if I want it, Gary calls ahead and asks them to make it for me. Please don't...I know...but it's our special occasion place...so give us a break :) I had my heart set on a glass of Scotch (The MacAllen 12 Year - all I can afford...LOL) and John whispers in my ear..."we have chocolate bread pudding".

Holy Shit!!!!

I looked to Paige and pulled a Jedi Mind Trick on her...

"Paige - since you like chocolate, get the chocolate bread pudding. It's good. You'll love it."

It worked!!!!!

She did like it - especially the ice cream on the side - and I got my liquid and chocolate dessert. I had reached Nirvana! I had my leftover ribeye and crab mac and cheese for dinner last night - it was just as delicious.

I cannot believe it's almost Thanksgiving. WTF?? I haven't done any grocery shopping. I guess I'll go tomorrow morning as soon as I drop off Paige. She gets out at noon for Thanksgiving break. I was at HEB this afternoon and it was a friggin madhouse. It's going to suck tomorrow morning.

It's thundering in Crisp, Texas. Yay! We got a lot of rain at the store today. Gary said it didn't rain much here at the house. I hate it when the MNF game is a crappy one. New England and Kansas City. Wow.

Okay, let's talk food:

Cadillac Cowgirl Pea Salad

4 cans sweet peas, drained
8 oz Velveeta, cubed
1 small onion, diced
4 boiled eggs; yolks removed and whites diced
3 Tbsp Dill Relish
1 Tbsp Mild Bill's Jalapeno Relish (plus more to taste)
1 cup Mayonnaise
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all of the above ingredients together and taste for seasonings. Add more mayo if needed for a creamier pea salad. Chill for at least an hour before serving and check for seasonings before serving. Adjust as needed.

Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana - Cadillac Cowgirl Style

1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, diced
32 oz low sodium chicken broth, plus equal amount of water
1/2 cup whipping cream
1 large bunch kale, washed and drained, leaves removed from stalks and chopped
4 medium large red or yukon gold potatoes, sliced thin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon each salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Parmesan cheese

In a large (at least 6 quarts) dutch oven or soup pot, brown and crumble the Italian sausage, onion and garlic. Drain and wipe pot pot; return the ingredients to the pot and add the chicken broth, water, potatoes oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and turn the heat down to a simmer. Simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. Add the cream and the kale and continue cooking at a low simmer until kale is wilted and tender. Taste for seasonings; adjust to your preference. Serve with Parmesan cheese grated over the soup and warm French bread.

OH MY GOD!!! My ears are bleeding!!! Gary is watching That Metal Show and Axl Rose is attempting to sing songs from 10 years ago and he sounds like a dying animal. He won't change the channel. It's like a train wreck that he can't tear his eyes away from. This is freaking horrible!!!!!

Saw Breaking Dawn Friday Night at the Galaxy Drive In...it was very good and true to the book. Gotta wait a year for the 2nd part....oh no...what will we do?!?!?! Kidding, kidding..but it was a good movie. We were disappointed though, because there was no white trash fight at the drive in. Other than that, we had a great time!

I'm going to sign off for now. Here's a tip for those of you with young children. Don't be afraid of your 7 year old daughter and her penchant for going without undies. Be afraid of your 7 year old daughter who thinks she can wear her undies for 2 days straight and still think they're clean. Man.....I am so paying for my raising......

Keep it real folks....and change your undies daily......

K

Blogging is Not For the Weak....Nor is Reading Said Blog......

Man....blogging ain't what it used to be!!!

a;dkfla;lfkasf;laskfja;sldfjas;lfadf;lksf;lkasjf;lsakfjas;lkfjas;lkfasfklasf;lkajf;alkdfja;lsdkfja;sdklfas;lfkasd;lfkjdsf;lkajsdf;laksdjf;lasjf;lakfjas;ldkfas;ldfkjaweoirweufalskdfweiofja;dsklfjaewiofasdnm;lkfjads;lfijwepiowef;lasjdfowiefjjw;efjas;lf jasd;lkfasnd;lfkj ewoi raew;flaf;lkasjfas;doifjsdl;kfjsdl;kdsf;lafrweiorjwe;iowejo;iweja;slkdfas;ldkfjas;dklfasd;lfkjas;lfkasjdfklasjdf;lkasdfjal;skfjas;dklfjawoierjweiorjewoiwejtweoirjqweiorjew;ofijw;fklsdjf;lkasdfja;lsdkfjas;ldkfas;ldkfjasdlkfjasd;fi jwepowejrewiofjwiofcjalsdkfjasdlkfjasofiwerjewioqewjflsdfalskf ewoirjaslkdfasldkfasldkfas;dlfkas;dlkfasd;lfksd;lsd

I also think if you're going to follow a blog - do so publicly. No need to hide yourself....c'mon....really????? I mean, I proudly follow my sisters!

This morning has been fantastic....coffee, chorizo and egg breakfast taco from Hilda's and a lovely email from a customer wherein we talk about spices and chili powder blends. I had someone yesterday tell me he could tell I loved what I was doing. Man....I don't think I've EVER been told that! He made my day - he's right. I do love what I do - it doesn't get any better than this!

I need to get on the ball, though. Christmas is a month or so away and I need to start on gift baskets so I can post pictures on the website. I will be at the Gail Mills Memorial CCO at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Cedar Hill Saturday and will be selling Gunpowder and True to Texas Chili Mix as well as Jalapeno Ranch Dip Mix and Salsa. I will be having a Jalapeno Jelly making party next week - feel free to drop by! Habanero Peach Preserves are almost gone....and they won't be back until summer :( I know...doesn't that suck?? Because we use only fresh peaches, fall and winter are not the ideal time to make the preserves. With the way this year has flown by, it will be summer again before we all know it - or are ready for it!

So, Ft Worth Light is now on the product list as Stockyards Special. I'm also carrying Hatch Medium, and a variety of sausage seasonings. I also plan to add Kosher Salt to the product list as well. If there are any other blends or spices that you want to see Mild Bill's carry - send me an email and we'll definitely consider it. I'm open to carrying anything my customers need!

I owe ya'll a recipe :) This was the best roast chicken I have ever made. I grew up on roast chicken. It was a big Sunday Supper kind of meal in our house. My dad could eat chicken every day, so my mom was (and still is) constantly doing something different with chicken. Ever have potato chip chicken? Yep, chicken pieces rolled in butter and potato chips. There's a reason I cook the way I do, people....it's ingrained in my every fiber. Butter, butter, and more butter!!!!

Cadillac Cowgirl Lemon Herb Roast Chicken

1 large roasting/frying chicken (or hen)
1 lemon, quartered
Parsley, Rosemary and Thyme (make sure you have a handful of each as your going to stuff your bird with some, and chop and sprinkle the rest over the bird)
1 medium onion, quartered
4 medium large new potatoes, quartered
4 tablespoons butter, divided and softened
2 teaspoons olive oil
LOTS of Kosher Salt and Coarse Ground Black Pepper

Preheat the oven to 425. Wash your bird and remove the neck, gizzards, etc. Freeze them and use them in your gravy at Thanksgiving!! haha

After washing the bird, pat him dry. Make sure you get him (or her) nice and dry so as to get a nice crispy brown skin. Salt and pepper the inside cavity of the bird and stuff it with a few sprigs each of rosemary, thyme, parsley and the quartered lemon. In a shallow roasting pan, spread out the quartered onions and potatoes; place the chicken on top. Make four small cuts in the skin of the chicken and place a tablespoon of butter in each cut area and massage it in. Rub the olive oil all over the bird; generously sprinkle the kosher salt and pepper all over the bird. Top with the remaining chopped herbs and roast at 425 degrees for 1 hour. Using a meat thermometer, check the temperature of the bird and continue roasting until it reaches 180 degrees and the juices run clear. Depending on your oven and the size of the bird, the total cook time should be 1 1/2 hours. If the outside begins to get to brown, turn the temperature down to 400 and continue cooking until done all the way through. Slice and serve with the potatoes and onions and any other desired side dish.

Well....it's 9 am. Time to open the store and get to work. I'm wearing my running shoes today....lots to do! Oh - I'm still doing the Turkey Trot, too. I've slacked off of my couch to 5k, but I'm not going to flake out on the Trot. My buddy Laurie is joining me - too bad we can't take our weenies :) Get your minds out of the gutter....she has two mini dachshunds, too..and a love for trailers....that's why we mesh :)

I'm outta here - I got spices to bag, orders to fill and trouble to cause off the Internet......

Spreading my own special brand of kindness and joy in ALL that I do........

K

What's Up With This Blog Not Posting For Me?!?!?!?!

I really wish my blog could read my mind and post for me!

Yesterday was definitely a Monday :) It took a month, but I finally had one. If I scooped it, I spilled it. If I picked it up, I dropped it. And if I touched it, I knocked it over! I self medicated when I got home last night!

So, the roast chicken recipe.....I'll get that posted post haste. The potatoes didn't come out crispy, but they were still delicious, so was the chicken. I roasted broccoli with walnuts and parmesan and it was all so yummy! All that was missing were homemade yeast rolls. I had chicken left over and made soft tacos last night. Delish!

The Juicy of Love and Deliciousness got 1st Place in Sparring at her Karate tournament!!!!!!!! So proud of my Paige - we went to Joe T's afterwards to celebrate :)

Have a fantastic day - I'll be back with recipes, joy, kindness and the unmistakable aroma of cumin!

K

I'm Back!!! And Better Than Ever....At Least I Hope So!

Well hello there! Whew!!!! The past month has been CRAZY!!! The last week has been CRAZY and BUSY! I'm sitting here with a glass of wine trying to wind down from today. I knew I'd have orders waiting on me upon my return from Terlingua - but I was completely unprepared for how many I actually had. Thank you, thank you to all of our customers - chili cooks, home cooks,restaurants and people cooking at cook offs at work (and extremely ultra competitive as well!!), you keep me busy and on my toes! Your business is greatly appreciated and I enjoyed meeting our customers at TICC as well as Behind the Store and I have the best time talking to people on the phone who call in for tips so that they can win their work cook offs. Those are the best conversations ever!

So, we sucked at TICC :( We made it past the first round, but that was it. I was sad. I was feeling lucky. I had a good number, my lucky owl ring....and gravy. I had gravy, bitches!!! When I have good gravy, I know I'm on. Sadly, that was not the case last Saturday! A HUGE congratulations to Larry Walton and all of the Top 10 winners! Tom Dozier, that rascal, he was points away from a back to back! Can you believe that shizz??? Seriously, though - way to go Larry! The shocked look on his face was priceless. He's a nice guy and will be a great champion!

And of course, all of the Top 10 are Mild Bill's customers. Hell Yeah!!

Gary and I had a really nice week in the desert. We were among friends and just had a great time. Our hearts go out to Robbie Swart and her family. Ken Swart passed away Monday, October 31st and everyone at the Ranch was affected by his death. We love you Robbie.

Vicki and I had a fantabulous trip home. I hit a doe at 7 am - 10 minutes from Alpine. Had the four gentlemen on motorcycles not stopped, who knows how long we would have been sitting out there watching everyone else speed by :) As soon as they got into Alpine and had a signal, they called Gary and called Progressive. Thank you to Joe Braden and Budda as well for stopping and checking on us. And the Border Control, of course. And the REALLY cute sheriff....haha.

So, my Expedition AND trailer were towed to Alpine. Tuesday, my Expedition was towed to Ft. Stockton where it will reside at Remie's Body Shop until sometime after Thanksgiving. Can you hear the sarcasm dripping from my fingers? No? Well, let me assure you, it is. Jesus!!! After Thanksgiving? Oh well....

There are no Ford dealerships with body shops within a 200 mile radius from Alpine. Nice. That's what you get for hitting a deer in the middle of nowhere. Seriously, though, Vicki and I are very lucky. Had that doe come through the windshield instead of across Hwy 118, I might be blogging from some scary hospital in West Texas. But alas, we survived. The doe, not so lucky. I've never hit an animal in my life and this was really disturbing. Yes, Gary hunts and I eat deer meat but I'm able to rationalize that as food supply. Hitting and killing an animal is upsetting. That poor doe. Still, it was daylight and she ran right out in front of me...like she wanted to get hit. Damnit.

We made it home, though. Vicki rode with Ron Baker and I rode with Gary and Tom. Yes. In the front seat. All three of us. I know. I'm still recovering.

BUT!!! BUT!!! I was sooooo happy to see my Juicy!! I missed her sooo much! Her Spooky party was a success and thanks to Zoe and Bailey for cleaning up Sunday morning. They put up all the decorations that we had outside on the canopy. Those girls were a HUGE help! Instead of the hay from hell this year, it was glitter from hell all over my wood floors. It looked like half of Baby Doll's dancers showed up. Guess I could have called a few of Gary's associates...they probably would have enjoyed the glitter. No topless babes in lucite heels, though. Bummer....

You know what I say about people in glass houses....be careful....I know you like glass heels, too.....and those can definitely be glass housewreckers :)

Did ya get that on your Android tablet, stalker????

Back to business. Hey - Sheriff Gary Underlings....don't report those last two tidbits...please??? Let me enjoy some passive aggression. It's been so long and I'm about to self destruct!!!!

I have slowly started cooking meals in my home again!! I made the most delicious pot of chili last night for dinner. HEB had REAL chili grind out and I bought some. It was sooo good. And SO much better than that tube stuff we all have to cook now. I miss chili grind :( We've got steaks and burgers planned for Sunday. I'll have to whip up something Cadillac Cowgirl-licious :)

Speaking of cooking - THANKSGIVING!!!!!! Yes - it's almost here. I can hardly contain myself! I'm going to go run the Turkey Trot and then come home and prepare Thanksgiving for my family. Yes, you heard right. I am going to go run the friggin Turkey Trot and then come home and fix a huge meal for my family while they sit and watch football. What the hell is wrong with this picture? I asked if we could go out to eat for Thanksgiving this year and you would have thought I told them there would be no Christmas.

"How will we watch football?"

"How will I take a nap after I eat?"

"What if we can't find a good place to go eat?"

Seriously!!!! It's about being together and giving thanks for what you have!

I guess I need to give thanks for a family that demands my cooking. Okay, I do. But still...that shit ain't right.

If you've used the Pinto Bean Seasoning that was in your goody bag, please give me some feedback. It's kind of a pain to make...I'm thinking I'm not going to put it in grocery stores. It's very time consuming. Hhhhmmm.....

Lover of Ft Worth Light? I now carry it - along with Rio Tejas. I also have breakfast sausage seasoning and pickling spices. Caraway seeds, coriander, and curing salt to follow :)

Gift Baskets are being assembled for the holidays - along with a chili powder sampler pack (thanks Pam!!). I'll have a red chili basket, a green chili basket, a bbq basket, etc. Perfect for Christmas gifts - and you can also pick your own items as well for gift baskets.

Speaking of Pam, THANKS to the Rose City camp for an awesome dinner last Thursday night! It was delicious - so was the friendship. Love you and Blu and it was great to see you two! Next year, I'll remember wine and appetizers. Oops!

I'm earning my Mother of the Year Badge one parenting situation at a time:

Me: Juicy, chili is almost ready. Are you going to eat?
Paige: No, I'm not hungry and I'm tired. I'm just going to go to bed.
Me: Okay. If you get up early, then I'll make eggs with cheese and toast in the morning.
Paige: Thank you, Mommy. I'll get up early.

10 hours later....I'm getting the skillet out...plate, etc.

Me: Hey Juicy, get the butter out.
Paige: Okay, and I'll get the eggs and cheese.
Me: Oh shit....uuuhhh....we have no eggs.
Paige: Mommy!! How am I going to have eggs for breakfast then?
Me: You're not. Get a piece of string cheese....

Damnit!!!

Okay, but before that, Paige came to me and needed help buttoning her shirt. She had the buttons on her Mass oxford jacked up. When I lifted her jumper to unbutton the ones at the bottom, my child was not wearing underwear. When I questioned her about her panty-less status, this was her response:

"Sometimes, I like to take a break from wearing panties. Today is one of those days."

Yes folks, I am paying for my raising. Over and over and over again.

I did make her wear underwear. Look, I may f*ck up on the breakfast, but I DO NOT send my kid to Catholic School sans panties. I'm not that bad of a parent :)

Juicy will be kicking ass at a Karate tournament on Saturday. Tomorrow is Friday. Have a fanfreakintastic weekend everyone!!!

The Cadillac Cowgirl

Last Minute Note - I have pictures of the TICC 2011 Fishnet Experience. Email me for copies :)

Lord Have Mercy!!!

Too Busy to Blog?? Say It Ain't So!!

Whoa!!! This whole spice business is cutting into my blogging time ;). Haha....kidding, kidding! But seriously - I'm one busy woman! I miss blogging my wry, smart ass opinions each day. I'm sad that my mouth and fingers have been put on temporary lockdown by Sheriff Gary. I mean, I can't even be passive aggressive right now. Damnit!! But I digress!

Needing some Ft. Worth Light?!?! Come and get it!! Mild Bill's now sells Stockyard Special. Available in 4, 8, and 16 oz quantities - it'll be posted on the website soon. Im also ordering sausage/klobase seasoning as well. Ive got a large hunting community in Ennis and since we're one weekend away from opening weekend, people are looking for spices. Hell yeah!!

I can't say enough about all of the awesome Mild Bill's customers I've been talking to and meeting for the first time. Everyone has been so kind and patient with me while I learn and adjust and I'm so thankful for everyone's support. I've held spices hostage on accident and no one is ugly about it. They just call or email and nicely ask if I may have forgotten to put something in their shipment ;). Really, people have been great. The best part is learning even more about the spices and talking to people about chili. I'm having a blast!

Tomorrow is Paige's spooky Halloween party!! She's so excited! I'm making a big batch of Gunpowder chili, Mummy dogs and Queso Blanco. Yum! She's soooo excited ;)

We leave Monday for TICC. We are going to use red spray paint and write Viva Terlingua on the side of my trailer. I'll post pics ;)

Have a great weekend. I hope to blog from Terlingua.

Keep it real....and remain calm while I serve out my oath of silence. Soon I'll be able to blog about all of the ignorance that takes place outside of Ellis Co!!

The Cadillac Cowgirl

Viva Terlingua!

Mild Bill's will close Thursday, October 27th to travel to TICC. We will reopen November 7th. Any orders placed during that time will be shipped November 7th and 8th. If you are a Tolbert or CASI cook and need spices brought to you, please call or email me so that I can bring your spice order. I'll head over to Behind the Store on Thursday, November 3rd and deliver any Tolbert orders then. I'll also have spices with me if you realize you've forgotten something and need it for your chili! Safe travels to everyone heading to Terlingua!

Just want to keep everyone, (including my stalker) informed of where Mild Bill's will be!!! Come see us Friday November 4th for the Customer Appreciation Party - it will be held from 2-4pm at the Mild Bill's camp to the right of the Old 320 Cooking Area. Hope to see everyone there!

Busy, Busy!

I'll have chili results from the weekend posted tomorrow. We had a fantastic weekend cooking chili and enjoying our MommyBaby camping trip. Today has been crazy! I've got a ton of orders and TICC is ALMOST HERE. SHIT!!!!! I guess I need to go home now...hopefully Lord B has DVR'd Castle for me. The Rangers and Cardinals are tied and apparantly the Ravens are getting the shit beat out of them.

Have a blissful evening - I'm going to go home and enjoy my family - if they're still awake!

Cadillac Cowgirl thought for the day: People in glass houses shouldn't chunk stones...there is always someone there to catch them and throw them right back.....

Spreading my own special brand of kindess and joy.....

K

Thank God It's Friday!!!

Wow...what an incredibly wonderful, busy week! I am certainly counting my blessings! I was packaging orders, listening to a little 7 Year Bitch and just humming away, all blissed out in my happy world. This sure beats the hell out of the previous place of employment! Thank you Jesus for Mild Bill's Spice Company, Inc.!!! No offense, Jeannie...you know I love you :0)

Oh - Go Rangers!!!!

Paige and I will be embarking on our MommyBaby camping trip tonight. This will be Pussywillow Rose's first trip. It has a full bed and considering how long my child has gotten, we need it. I don't know how much longer we were going to be able to share the twin bed in the Cowgirl Cadillac. PWR still needs an outside paint job, but who cares?!?! It's in great shape on the inside and as long as I've got a comfy bed and a potty, I'm golden! We'll be in Cleburne this weekend cooking chili and having a grand ol' time. She's got Nightmare Before Christmas packed...I've got the hot chocolate...life is GOOD for the Juicy of Love and Deliciousness!

I hope to be cooking at home Sunday. Still not sure what to make for Sunday supper, so I'll be kicking ideas around tomorrow. Maybe a pot pie....or a roast....or maybe roast chicken? Roast chicken sounds delicious, actually. A lot of lemon, a little rosemary, and a lot of butter smeared on that bad boy. Hell Yeah - that's what I'm talkin about! I've also got an idea for a sweet potato/butternut squash soup that I've been wanting to try out. I think a little Mild Bill's Smoked Spanish Paprika would be a wonderful counter to the sweetness of the potatoes and squash. Maybe a little smoked cheddar or gouda grated over the soup? Mmmmm....I think I've got a good start to that one!

I'm going to finish up a few things and head home. Paige is ready for our weekend to start and I'm looking forward to private time with my Peapod. I feel like we've been going 90 miles an hour for the past month...it will be nice to just chill out with her. I'm sure we'll have a few memorable "conversations"!

Spreading my own special brand of kindness and joy....

The Cadillac Cowgirl

Jalapeno Ranch Chicken Stuffed with Goat Cheese and Parsley

Hello Tuesday!! Yesterday was very busy - I was here until 8 pm. I didn't think it would be a good idea to stop filling orders to blog :) I've got a few spare moments this morning, so my fingers are flying!!!

Cadillac Cowgirl Jalapeno Ranch Chicken

6 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
1 1/4 Cups Panko Bread Crumbs
3 Tbsp Mild Bill's Jalapeno Ranch Dip Mix
1 tsp Kosher Salt
1 2 oz log Goat Cheese, sliced into 6 pieces
Handful of fresh Parsley, chopped
Olive Oil for browning chicken
Mayonnaise for coating chicken

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large dish, combine the bread crumbs, ranch dip mix and salt; set aside. Using a large knife, cut a pocket in each chicken breast and stuff with one slice of goat cheese and 1 tsp of parsley. Close the pocket by pressing it firmly. Using a spoon, pastry brush or knife, spread about a teaspoon of mayonnaise over the top of the chicken breast. Using tongs, dredge each chicken breast in the breadcrumb/ranch dip mix dish and using a large skillet, brown in olive oil on each side. I started out with about 1/4 cup of olive oil and added more as needed. Place the chicken breasts in a large baking dish, sprinkle with any remaining parsley and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink on the inside. I served the chicken with couscous and sauteed garlic spinach. It was DELICIOUS!!!

Sunday night, I made Mild Bil''s Taco Soup. There was none left!! Gary and the kids (even Picky Eater Paige ate it!!) ate all of it. It is easy to make and so good!

Mild Bill's Taco Soup

1 lb lean ground beef or ground turkey
1 medium onion, diced
2 cans chicken broth
2 cans diced tomatoes (or 1 can diced tomatoes and 1 can Rotel)
3 cans beans (any combo or all the same...I used pinto, cannellini and great northern)
1 can whole kernel corn
1 Tbsp Mild Bill's Jalapeno Ranch Dip Mix
1 Tbsp Mild Bill's Taco Seasoning Mix

Brown meat with onion until the onion is tender and meat is no longer pink; drain well. Add to a large soup pot with all other ingredients including juice from canned corn and beans. Simmer until warmed through; check for seasonings and adjust to taste. Serves 8-9 (or the entire Brignon family!!)

I can't believe it is almost time for TICC. I can't believe it's almost time for Paige's Halloween Party. Shit!!! Where did time go??? This year has flown by.

I will be cooking in Cleburne this weekend. I don't plan to carry spices with me because Paige and I will be in one of my small trailers. However, if you have an order you would like me to bring to Cleburne, I can certainly do that!

I'm going to get to work. Another busy day at Mild Bill's.....love it!!!

Spreading my own special brand of everything.....

Kelly

Good Sunday Morning!

The Brignon family is headed to the State Fair this morning! It is a beautiful morning ;)

I finally got around to making my Jalapeño Ranch chicken with goat cheese last night. It was awesome! I'll post the recipe tonight. I'm Aldo going to make Mild Bills Taco Soup for dinner tonight. I sold so many taco seasonings yesterday. That and the Jalapeño Ranch Dip mix sold really well. So did my Gunpowder Chili mix. Yesterday was great. I met a lot of new people and had tons of customers. For once, the Habanero Peach Preserves outsold the Jalapeño Jelly.

I hope everyone has a fantastic day. Counting my blessings this morning ;)

Keep it real folks,

The Cadillac Cowgirl

Hello Monday!

I just now got home!! Man - what a wonderful, busy day! Thank God Tamara came today to help me stay caught up on orders. And no - I am NOT complaining! I've had so much fun the past two weeks for damn sure! I'm so glad I'm finally full time at Mild Bill's :)

Thank you to everyone who came to Thousand Trails Lake Whitney last weekend. As usual, it was a great cook off and it was good to see everyone back on the chili trail. We had 30 chilis and 9 beans on Saturday and 22 chilis on Sunday - even with the pouring rain that we have all been praying for! The weather really was wonderful - rain included! Thank you also to all of the cooks who pitch in to help make this cook off such a success year after year. If it weren't for the knowledge and butt busting of so many people, we wouldn't be able to have such a great time at Lake Whitney each year. On to the results:

Saturday Lake Whitney CCO Benefiting Christmas for Kids
30 Chilis

1. Gary Brignon
2. Angie Duke
3. Kelly Brignon
4. Gerald Casey
5. Dru Stewart
6. Blue Kriska
7. David Manske
8. Babs Johnson (Got a point on her birthday!)
9. Randy Duke
10. Danny Strunc

9 Beans

1. David Manske
2. Frances Sullivan
3. Delores Sanders

Sunday TTLW Pod CCO
22 Chilis

1. Jason Goains
2. Vicki Sanders
3. David Manske
4. Delores Sanders
5. Jim Trietsch
6. Tommy Kriska
7. Ramonda Casey
8. Mark Sanders
9. Angie Duke
10. Blue Kriska

Thank you also to everyone for contributing to the potluck dinner Saturday night. Drucilla made her famous dumplings and they were out of this world. I pulled my usual Lake Whitney drunk and drank a box of wine. Not my finest moment, I'm sure...but at least I didn't hurt myself when I fell down on my ass on the slick ramp. Hey - we all have our moments. My pancreas isn't too happy with me and it let me know but other than that, I survived.

We were excited to come home yesterday and not have to go to the store and do anything - especially Gary! What kind of sucked was that I haven't bought groceries in almost three weeks, so dinner pickings were slim around here last night. Thank God for bread, eggs, potatoes and microwave bacon. Shit....we ate like kings!!

Mild Bill's will be open for the Ennis Fall Festival this weekend. Gary is cooking in Kerens and I'm going to work at the store. My mom and Kary are coming out tomorrow to get the front of the store finished and ready for this weekend. Tamara and I are going to finish up on orders, organizing and bagging spices. I've had a fair amount of foot traffic since we opened and I'm looking forward to this weekend.

I've got some updates I'm going to be making to the website, so please be patient as I make a few changes. Something I want to share with everyone before it goes on the website is that I will be carrying FW Light. You'll know it when you see it - I promise :) I've got more pictures to add and things like that, but I want to get all of the information on the website so that when I'm ready to produce a catalog after the first of the year, someone a hell of a lot smarter than me will have all of the info they need in a digital form and will be able to crank them out!

Thank you again to everyone who has been so kind and supportive of our move into the spice business. The only difference is where they're coming from....the service and quality won't change one bit!

Have a great night everyone...mama's tired!

Spreading joy, kindness and the unmistakable aroma of cumin....

Kelly

Whew!!!

Hey there - this is a super quick post :) I just got back from College Station where I've been since Monday morning taking my processed foods class. I am now legal to can..you know...make relishes, salsas and pickled items! I was good to go with the jellies, just had to take the acidified foods course so no one gets sick. Woo hoo!

I'm busy, busy, busy right now between orders, setting up the store, website stuff, email stuff, you name it. Fortunately, I've got my ansswering service working in case I miss a call! I'll be at Thousand Trails Lake Whitney this weekend, so if you have a spice order that you'd like me to bring, let me know. I'll also have spices with me to sell.

Gary and I also want to thank everyone for their support and kind words and for coming to our grand opening (if you could) or sending well wishes if you couldn't. We can't wait for everyone to see the store - we are so proud of it!!

Well, I'm off....I gotta box orders and get my butt in gear. Have a wonderful day....I'll post as I can!!!


Keep it real, folks!

K

Mission Accomplished!!

Good Morning! Mild Bill's has landed at 113 W. Knox Street. What was going to be a quick nap outside of Waco turned onto a 3 hour snooze, but here we are! Spices are unloaded and resting comfortably in their new home - a roomy walk in cooler and everything else can wait a few hours. We've got to get home and let the babies out, clean up, go get kids and run errands. We've still got some minor things to do around the store, but we are good to go!

Good luck if you're cooking chili today and please stop by and see us tomorrow from 3-5 as we celebrate our grand opening!

Spreading kindness, joy and spices ;)

K

Chandler Pow Wow CCO

From Blu Daniels :)




Have a fantabulous day!!!

Kelly

The Dog Days Are (Almost) Over.....

Totally rocking my love for Florence + the Machine these days. And I love that song. It's just so friggin appropriate right now. I've got three days and I just keep singing that song in my head to get me through.

I had a great weekend! Friday was a nice laid back evening with my hubby and then Saturday we worked at the store (thank you Ron Baker!). I had some weird allergy crap going on, so I went home around 3pm and took a nap with my babies. My sister came over that night and I made soup and gave her a Kindle for her early birthday/Christmas present. We watched the Eclipse actor commentary and laughed and then that was our big Saturday night. I had decided not to cook at the Fair Sunday because I still felt kind of crappy. I fixed myself a nice Jack Daniels and Honey hot drink and went to bed. I woke up Sunday feeling fine and said to hell with it, I'm going to go cook! The results are below:

1. Kelly Brignon - YAY!!!!!
2. Tom Dozier
3. Gary Brignon
4. Ray Calhoun - Q'd
5. Ron Barnes
6. Ron Baker
7. TJ Friedel
8. Dusty Hudspeth
9. Mossman
10. Doris Coats

We had 33 chilis and I was sooooo friggin excited when my number was called! I have always wanted to win a blue ribbon at that cook off and this was just the best win ever! I can't wait to hang it up at the Mild Bill's store :)

Don't forget - we're having our Grand Opening celebration Sunday from 3-5 pm. The address is 113 W. Knox Street in downtown Ennis. We'll have snacks and beverages, but feel free to BYOB!

Everyone needs to pick up the latest issue of Texas Monthly. Not only is Miranda Lambert featured in the magazine, but a nice gentlemen from Bosque County wrote into the Editor to add his two cents to a response from a reader who says there is no place for chili in Texas in the summer. The rancher instructed that individual and the rest of Texas Monthly's readers to check out CASI's website so that they could see firsthand how much chili is cooked in Texas in the summer. I thought that was a nice little bit of advertising and hopefully more people (including the CASI Board) will start taking a more aggressive approach to advertising in publications such as Texas Monthly. They seem to take a rather interested and supportive stance of chili cookoffs and CASI in general - I'd like to see us take advantage of that!

My coffee is cold, but that doesn't stop me from mainlining this morning.

I had the most horrific day yesterday. In addition to arguing with the T&B Vinegar Sac most of the day, I ran over a large metal pole with a tarp attached to it and got a flat tire. I was a hysterical mess by the time I walked into Discount Tire. I don't know what set me off more....the shit in the middle of 35 that I couldn't avoid or the DeSoto cop that drove past me when I was clearly on my back halfway under my Expedition trying to extract the large metal pole from my rim and tire. At any rate, the dude at Discount Tire was nice and calm and I was out of there in 30 minutes. Thank God for road hazard certificates!!!

I picked up Paige and met Gary at Chilis. I promptly self medicated with a Xanax and a margarita. When I got home, I took a hydrocodone and went to bed early. I also came to a conclusion regarding the T&BVS - I'm done. I'm finished with being nice, being civil, being cordial, being pleasant. I'M DONE. I can only take so much and when you cross that line with me, there is no going back. I am tired of dealing with someone who has their own convenient version of the facts (when they can even remember them) and I've finally realized that you can't reason with certain people. I have too much to look forward to with Mild Bill's. I don't have to be drug down by this shithole any longer. I made a promise to myself that this chapter of my life was going to be different and it was going to be something that brought me joy. For the first time in my life, I'm doing exactly what I want to do. My rules, my dreams and no one is going to fuck that up for me anymore. I can smile through a lot of bullshit, but I've reached my douchebag limit for now.

Okay, I'll try not to rant anymore.

I also signed up for a PayPal business account that I will be adding to the payment options on the Mild Bill's website - which stays the same. And that got me to thinking about a lot of discussions I've seen on FB about CASI opening up an online store. It seems like there are a lot of members who support this idea and would be willing to help out with it. I sure hope that the Board is serious about their desire to utilize the membership to help achieve goals beneficial to CASI. I think an online store would be fabulous...IMHO.

Me: Paige, do you care if we go to the Hall?
Paige: I thought I couldn't go to bars.
Me: Paige, seriously. Do you care if we swing by the Hall.
Paige: I don't feel like it.
Me: What if I buy you ice cream.
Paige: That's okay then, we can go.

WTF is wrong with this conversation? My kid is telling me whether we can go somewhere? I'm bribing her with ice cream so that I can go to the Hall? That I'm even asking a 7 year old for permission????

This situation is just ripe for CPS involvement, I'm sure.

Gilbert Charlie Robison has turned into one fat Guinea Pig. And, he isn't afraid of Eddie. Last night, Eddie came into Paige's room after we had cleaned Gilbert's cage and Gilbert came right up to the front of the cage and just looked at Eddie. I think Gilbert's got some cajones now :)

I'm going to go now. I have a few things to finish up prior to my Exodus Thursday. I'll be back tomorrow.

Spreading kindness and joy and keeping my DB Shield up at all times.....

The Cadillac Cowgirl

The End is the Beginning is the End or Something Like That

Isn't that a Smashing Pumpkins song?

Let me get off track here for a minute. That reminded me of a guy I waited tables with at Pappasitos. He was the BIGGEST Billy Corgan freak. We used to argue about The Smashing Pumpkins and REM and who was the better band. (REM Duh!!!) But yeah..I can remember all of us hanging out at TGI Fridays after our shifts and arguing about music. Music has always been such an important part of my life and relationships. I knew Gary was the one because he was Van Halen not Van Hagar and Bon Scott instead of Brian Johnson (Except for Back in Black which would not have been the album it is without Brian Johnson) and he also loved SRV and did not like Rush. Or so he said. He's actually a Rush fan but lied because of my extreme dislike for them. But anyways. Still, music is something he and I have always had in common. We saw Hank for the first time together; Charlie Robison and now Jamey Johnson in October. I think I've got him converted to the house of Radiohead as well...he may not admit it, but he likes them.

Anyways....back to my original reason for blogging. The end is near for my time at T&B Demolition - at least my daily involvement. My office was boxed up today. Did I shed a tear; have a "moment"? F*CK NO!!!! HELL NO!!!! I can't get out of that badmotorfinger fast enough. It's like I can see myself having a heart attack at my desk if I don't get the hell out of that lifesucking office. I cannot wait until the store is ready, the inventory is moved and I'm officially Mild Bill's!!! This has been such a journey. I never wanted to own a business. Although I have an unusually high need for autonomy, I do fine as an employee. Let someone else be the idiot making all the decisions and on the hook for everything. I'm happy to work my hours and go home and leave work at work. The first few years at T&B, Gary was the batshit crazy one. He worked 24/7 and was a terror to live with. Looking back on that time, had he not been so obsessed with T&B, it wouldn't be successful. Still, it was hard on our marriage. I think we're lucky to have survived because it is not easy to own a business with your spouse and if anyone tells you otherwise, they're lying. Over the last three years, I'm the one who has become consumed with work as I'm the one responsible for the finances (regardless of other's stupid decisions), making sure bills are paid (or not), payroll is met, etc. It's been tough. I can't stress how tough it has been to run and stay in business in this recent economy. It's been one of the most intensely stressful times in my life. I know more than anyone that you can't have the good without the bad, but it still doesn't make it easier - especially when things are BAD! We are extremely fortunate - our business has survived. But it hasn't been without huge sacrifices and a lot of knock down drag out fights...or in the case of our business partner, complete lack of support or concern, but whatever. For the most part, it's been Gary and I who have run T&B, with the help of others who do see T&B as their own, and it's been hard. And it's worn me out. Hell - it's worn all of us out. So, if you are my parents, or my trusty person charged with protecting me from the stupid people, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for getting in the foxhole with me and Gary and sticking with us, even when it sucked. Thank you to my husband for always, always making sure I have everything I need and for as politically incorrect as it sounds, buying me a business because he believed in what I could do with it long before I did. I'm not ashamed to admit that I do need my husband and that marrying him makes me a feel like a more complete person than if I had just continued to float around this world on my own. Just don't ask me to confirm any of this information in the mornings when I'm dead tired because his loud ass snoring broke through my earplugs and he wouldn't go get on the couch and what I'd really like to do is put a pillow over his head. I digress...again.... :)

So Gary is on his way home with the stove and some of the kitchen equipment. The store is finished and we are soooo close!!! I have to get over to WR's and take him what I want painted on the two front windows. I can't believe this is finally happening. I don't know whether to laugh or cry or have a nervous breakdown. I can't believe that I'm a week away from owning something that I know is going to be a joy to have a hell of a lot more than it is a beatdown. I cannot wait to start selling spices out of the store and talking to customers about spices...and sharing samples and recipes using Mild Bill's products. I finally, finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. And it is soooo friggin bright I can hardly stand it.

This is the beginning of my beginning - and it can't start soon enough!

Spreading joy, kindness and sometimes deep, bizarre thoughts that manage to involve music and other odd things....

The Cadillac Cowgirl

And Just What Have I Ever Done to You Thursday???

It took me two hours to get to work this morning.

I am literally counting the minutes until I leave this small corner in hell and begin my new life at 113 W. Knox Street in Ennis.

Please hurry.....I'm running out of places to hide bodies :)

Cadillac Cowgirl Arroz con Pollo

Happy Humpalicious Hump Day!!!

My dogs have been busy this morning:



Gary sent those pictures to me. This was after he located his glasses under our bed. Waylon is a night prowler...he also invaded Paige's room last night. Crazy muffin.

Last night, Courtney came over for our Bridesmaid's watch party. Melissa McCarthy, the girl that plays Meghan, was freakin hilarious. She stole that movie - it was sooo funny!! I'm glad I finally saw it.

I had everything on hand for Arroz con Pollo so I decided to make that for dinner last night. I made it differently than in the past and it came out fantastic. Below is the recipe:

Cadillac Cowgirl Arroz con Pollo

For the rice:
1 Cup Long Grain Rice
1 Small Onion, Chopped
1 8 oz Can Tomato Sauce
1 Tomato and Chicken Bullion Cube
1 Chicken Bullion Cube
3 1/2 Cups Water
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Pepper
2 Tbsp Olive Oil

For the chicken:
1 lb Chicken Tenders
Olive Oil for Browning
1 Tbsp Pacific Beauty Paprika
1 Tbsp Cumin
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Pepper
(Spices available from Mild Bills - of course!!)

Begin your rice first by heating the olive oil in a large covered skillet. Once hot, add the rice and stir to coat. Saute the rice over medium high heat until it starts to brown; don't let it burn. Add the chopped onion and turn the heat down to medium low; saute for a few minutes. In the meantime, using the microwave or a saucepan, bring the 3 1/2 cups of water and bullion cubes to a boil. Once boiling, add the water and cubes to the rice and onion mixture along with the tomato sauce, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and bring back to a boil. Once boiling, cover and reduce the heat to a simmer.

In a separate skillet, heat the oil for the chicken. While the oil is heating up, sprinkle half of the cumin, paprika, salt and pepper evenly over the chicken tenders. Add the chicken (seasoned side down) to the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining half of the cumin, paprika, salt and pepper over the unseasoned side of the chicken tenders. Brown over medium heat on each side, about 4 minutes per side. Allow the chicken tenders to drain on a paper towel, then add them to the rice. Re-cover the rice after adding the chicken and continue to cook the rice until the chicken and the rice are done.

The rice takes about 50 minutes and since you are browning the chicken tenders, it's only going to take about 20-25 minutes to finish cooking them, so I always add them halfway through. You know that your rice is done when the moisture has evaporated and you are left with moist, but fluffy rice. You don't want it to be gummy, so don't stir it around. The best way to check it and see if you need a little more water while cooking is to take a spoon and just move it away from the edge of the skillet. If it's getting a little brown on bottom and sticking, but the rice isn't tender yet, add a little water and put the cover back on.

I like to serve this with queso over the top and flour tortillas. Gary always likes to add salsa to his. It's a great weeknight meal and it also freezes well. Enjoy!!!

I better get to work...ugh.....

Spreading kindness and joy in all that I do....

Kelly

From Bob Coats.......

Top of Texas Pod and Irving Elks Lodge of Irving, Texas
Supporting CASI

A first for CASI

At present, the TOT Pod is the only CASI Pod to have the honor of having two Past Exulted Rulers as members and active cooks. Mike and Jennifer Moore are both PER’s of the Irving Elks and active members of the TOT Pod. Mike recently won his first cook-off and is hooked on cooking CASI. Jennifer and Mike are in their first year of cooking and are doing well in competing with the best.

Irving Elks Lodge #2334 is a friend of CASI sponsor and host the TOT Pod event. TOT also holds their monthly meeting at the Irving Lodge. In addition to the TOT Cookoff the Lodge also holds a cook-off for Elks charities. The support of the Irving Elks of TOT and CASI is a key element in the success of chili in North Texas.

CASI is very fortunate to have the support of the Elks around the country.

Bob Coats

Conversations With Paige

Paige: Mommy, does Ennis have a jail?
Me: Yes.
Paige: Where is it?
Me: Over there - at the end of the street.
Paige: Oh - have you been in it?
Me: No.
Paige: Do you know what it looks like?
Me: No.
Paige: Does Daddy know what it looks like?
Me: (knowing where this is headed) No!!
Paige: Has Daddy been in that jail?
Me: No, your daddy has not been to that jail.
Paige: You've got to be kidding me!

Even Paige knows her Daddy has a fondness for jails.....LOL!!!!

Paige: Mommy, can I go in that room?
Me: No, it's a bar. (We were at Marsala's waiting on our pizza and they have a separate bar.)
Paige: What's a bar?
Me: It's like the KJT.
Paige: You let me go to the KJT, so why can't I go in there?
Me: Because it's a different kind of bar and you aren't supposed to go in there if you're under 21.
Paige: But I'm only seven and you take me to bars. Isn't that illegal.
Me: Depends on where and not at the KJT.
Paige: But if you take me and the cops see me, they could take me to jail.
Me: No, Paige, they won't take you to jail.
Paige: Okay good, because I don't want to go to kiddie prison.

Gotta love her.....

This morning we were on our way to school and I could see that she was leaning against the window, but she wasn't sleeping. We stopped at a stop sign and I turned around to see what she was doing and to ask for her assignment book. She told me she was "a little obsessed with that and she didn't hear me ask for her book." I had no idea what she was talking about, so I turned around again and she was breathing heavy on the window and drawing smiley faces. WTF??? That's what she was obsessed with.

I'm off to do billings....fun times.

K

Catching Up......

Wow...what a crazy busy weekend! Friday, I spent the day at the Waxahachie Civic Center helping get set up for St. Joseph Catholic School Oktoberfest. I made the oh so cool sign for the 2nd Grade Plinko game (hahahaha!!) and I contributed a Mild Bill's basket:


Keep us in mind for the holidays!!! Mild Bill's gift baskets are perfect gifts and can be tailored to your needs. They can be as big or as small as you need them to be. I'll have several premade baskets as well as custom orders. And remember...we ship :)


Oktoberfest, from what I can tell, was extremely successful. It was moved from the Ellis Co. Expo Center to the Civic Center because of a scheduling conflict and I think that it was a blessing in disguise. The Civic Center was PACKED! There were so many more people and vendors this year and I think the school made more than they have before. I really hope they did well this year and that we continue to have Oktoberfest at the Civic Center. It's air conditioned - so I think that's a big draw as well. This is Texas after all :)

After my shift in the drink line, it was time to take home six of Paige's girlfriends for her sleepover. OMG - the squealing, the screaming...it was CRAZY!!! They had a Conga line going at one point. They played Twister, played Wii....performed a rain dance that actually worked. I thought I had them down for the night then they caught a case of the giggles and stayed up till midnight - and also had a pillow fight. They had such a good time. There was some typical little girl drama, but all of her friends are so sweet and well behaved. She has a good bunch of classmates.

Paige and I were pretty tired and we overslept this morning. The following conversation ensued as we sat at the train in Garrett:

Me: Paige, I need you to prepare yourself, you are probably going to be late.
Paige: (eyes wide with fear) Oh, no...really?
Me: Yes, I'm sorry....we were so tired and we slept late, and now the train is holding us up. I really wish that we could just go back home and go to bed.
Paige: Well, why can't you just call Mrs. Patsy and tell her that's what we're going to do?
Me: (laughing) Well...that's not really a reason. I had to tell her you were sick last week when you skipped school and you really weren't.
Paige: Oh, I didn't know you had to give her a reason. I just figured you told her because you said so, like what you tell me when you don't have a real reason for me.
Me: Oh Paige.......

Those girls didn't kill me Saturday night....but they wore my ass out!! I was soooo tired yesterday. Paige asked me what was wrong and I told her I was tired and wanted to take a nap. A few hours later she asked me why I wasn't laying down and I told her it was because I had things to do. She told me I should just tell Daddy to do them so that I could take a nap.

Right........

I really wanted to make fried chicken last night, but Gary was in the mood for nachos. (Really??) So I made nachos last night...they were easy and good. I also made some hot wings and bought some of the Tyson Tequila Lime Wings....I love those. Don't have much on the menu for this week as we are getting ready for the BIG MOVE!!!! HELL YEAH!!! I've also got to start planning for Paige's Halloween Party. Her invitations came in on Friday and I've got her Devil costume. I also went batshit crazy at Target Friday. They had TONS of cute Halloween stuff at the Dollar Spot and I picked up some really cute items for decorating and treat bags. I love Halloween :)

I hope everyone has a wonderful day. It's Monday and I'm arming myself with caffeine, booze and pills....not necessarily in that order, either.

Keep it real, folks.....

Kelly

Let's Hump!!!!

Today is Wednesday....the day we all start to feel a little better, have a brighter outlook and focus on the fact that if we just make it through a few more days...it will be the weekend. Praise God!

Paige's Oktoberfest is this Saturday at the Waxahachie Civic Center. Afterwards, five of her BFF's will be coming home with us for a sleepover.

Oh, that reminds me - I need to go to the liquor store. I'm low on booze....

Kidding, kidding!!!!

Seriously, she's sooooo freakin excited and I'm excited for her! She's been looking forward to her friends coming over for a few weeks, so she can hardly contain herself. How bad can six little girls be? I mean, really.....what could they possibly get into?!?!?!?

Paige was up early wanting to get on the "trimmeal". That's treadmill to all of you who aren't fluent in Paige. She stalks me while I'm on it. I was up at 4:30 this morning letting the Muffin out for his early morning potty break and decided to stay up. I'll regret that around 2:00 this afternoon!! I'm loving the treadmill, though. Waylon and Eddie, not so much. They both bark at it, and Waylon attacks it. He's trying to save me from it. No shit!!!

I'm sure a lot of people are anticipating my take on the GPM that took place last weekend. Since I wasn't there, I'm not sure I need to really say anything. Most of my info came from Gary, and his perception is sometimes different from mine. I was pleased that the Board announced the location of the future GPM's (Doubletree Hotel in Irving) and I think it's great that the local Pods will each take on the Hospitality Room each year. I'm glad that Jim Ezell is back on the Board along with Jenny. I hope Glenda and Lee can make a difference. But...a lot of it is same ol, same ol...good, bad or indifferent...that's up to each of us to decide.

One topic I will broach is the epidemic sweeping the North Texas Area - cook offs on top of cook offs. On top of ESTABLISHED cook offs. I know just as well as anyone that sometimes, these things are completely unavoidable. But after a while, even that reason becomes a little suspect when it's the same ones doing it. I think it would be beneficial in Texas to have a 25 cook minimum in an effort to eliminate all of these cook offs being scheduled at the same time. That's just my opinion. I just don't see the advantage to anyone by having a cook off that attracts 15 cooks. I want people to have plenty of opportunities to cook, but I also want the charities to have a positive experience by having a good turnout and in turn, a good financial showing. Oh well....just my opinion. I'll stop there before I offend the masses.

Speaking of offending....MY PANCREAS!!! OMG - I don't know what I did to piss it off, but it has been quite disgusted with me the past several days. I may have to call the one and only Dr. Sami Arslanlar and make an appointment. I had a day last week (Friday) where I binged on bad food, but that's not usually a reason for my pancreas to freak out. I didn't drink a lot of wine, either. One never knows when the pancreas will strike. Just be prepared in case it does, I guess. I ate Jenny Craig food all day Monday and I was still miserable. I had sushi and soup yesterday and felt a little better. I've had coffee and Jenny Craig this morning...so we'll see if I'm through it. Keeping my fingers crossed!! LOL

I'm on day 5 of my OPI Shellac manicure and so far, there have been no chips! They have Linkin Park After Dark, so I got that on my nails and toes...they have to match, you know :) I'm just a tad OCD about that. This is so much better than having fake nails, which I wore for 18 years, and you aren't spending as much money on fills, new sets, etc.

I've been pretty productive the past few days. I ordered invitations for Paige's Halloween party, booked her birthday party at the Planetarium, ordered her Halloween costume and ordered phone service for Mild Bills. The most difficult task of the past day - obtaining a P O Box at the Ennis Post Office. And the Postal Service wonders why it's losing money left and right. The logic (or lack thereof) at that place never ceases to amaze me.

I'm going to run for now. I need to mainline this caffeine and get my ass in gear. I'm still waiting for the endorphins from my 5 am run to kick in. If I don't start getting a kick start from the early morning runs, I'm going to have to 86 this shit!!!!!

Keep it real :)

K

Attention All BBQ Cooks!!!!

Red Beans and Rice...Oh So Nice!

Yum!!!! I finally got around to Cajun Day at the Brignon Compound. Below are recipes for Red Beans and Rice and Shrimp Etouffee. I am really proud of both of these dishes!!

Cadillac Cowgirl Red Beans and Rice

1 lb Dried Kidney Beans
1 Bone In Ham Steak
3 Links Klobase, Kielbasa or Smoked Sausage, sliced
1 Medium Onion, Chopped
3 Garlic Cloves, Chopped
2 Celery Stalks, Chopped
1 Box Swanson Chicken Stock (not broth), plus equal amounts water
1 Tsp Dried Thyme
1 Bay Leaf
1 Tsp Creole Seasoning (I used Tony Chachere's)
1 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Pepper
Chopped Green Onions or Parsley for garnishing
Hot cooked rice

In a large dutch oven, cover kidney beans with hot water and bring to a boil. Cover, turn down to medium heat and simmer for 30 minutes to parboil them. Drain and rinse. Set aside. Meanwhile, add the ham steak and sausage and saute over medium heat to release all of the juices. Add the onions and celery and continue to saute over medium heat for 10 minutes. When the onion and celery start to become tender, add the garlic. Saute for just a few minutes and add the chicken stock, kidney beans and equal parts water. Stir to combine and add the thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper and Creale seasoning. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer for 3o minutes. Check water level and add about a cup of warm water; continue to simmer until the beans are tender and check your water level from time to time. Add water if needed. Remove bay leaf, adjust seasonings and serve with cooked white rice and French bread. Delicious!!!!

Cadillac Cowgirl Shrimp Etouffee

1 lb Peeled and Deveined Shrimp, tails off (I bought a pound of the medium size shrimp)
1 Stick Butter
1 Medium Onion, chopped
1 Bell Pepper, chopped
1 Celery Stalk, chopped
1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
3 Cloves Garlic, chopped
1 Tbsp Mild Bill's Pacific Beauty Paprika
2 Tbsp Creole Seasoning
2 Cups Water
Chopped Green Onions or Chives for garnishing
Hot cooked rice

In a large dutch oven, melt the butter. While the butter is melting, coat the shrimp with the creole seasoning. When the butter is melted, add the shrimp and saute it for 3-5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a bowl and add the paprika, onion, bell pepper, celery and garlic to the pot. Continue to saute over low heat until the veggies become tender. Add the shrimp back to the veggie mixture and add the Worcestershire sauce and two cups of water. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 30-45 minutes until the liquid has reduced some. If the etouffee is not thick enough, use cornstarch and water to thicken it to your tastes. Adjust seasonings with creole seasoning and salt and pepper if needed. Serve over hot rice and garnish with green onions or chives.

Both of these dishes were AMAZING!!!! They both make plenty - so you'll be able to feed a crowd and/or have leftovers. I really liked using sausage and ham in the Red Beans and Rice - it makes it very hearty.

Gary survived the GPM - so did Ron Baker. Jenny and Jim both received 3 year terms and Glenda and Lee each received 2 year terms. I doubt I really comment on the goings on of the GPM since I wasn't there and my information is coming secondhand :)

Paige kicked Karate ass on Saturday!! She placed in Cada and got 2nd in Sparring. Way to go my Juicy of Love and Deliciousness!!!! We are so proud of her!

Have a wonderful day everyone!!

Spreading my own special brand of joy and kindness......

Kelly

This and That.......

I'm beginning to believe that I should go ahead and come in on Mondays even if it's a holiday. The Monday after Monday that has taken over this week is almost unbearable. Thank God today is almost over with. THANK GOD!!!!

So, Gary wasn't home last night and I figured Paige and I would get in bed early, get some fabulous rest and have a peaceful night. WRONG! The Muffin was out of control. Waylon was on guard duty all night. He barked at anything and everything. At nothing. At Eddie. At me and Paige. Then, Fred, Wyatt, Tucker, Molly and Blue all started howling and singing. Then Waylon joined in. Then he wanted to go outside. It was like this all freakin night long. I'm sure he's going to sleep all day and be ready to go again tonight. Maybe I need to start giving him puppy hydrocodone at night to knock him out :) Or maybe a benadryl?? Eddie on the other hand was a little angel. He stayed under the covers keeping me and The Juicy nice and warm. He's such a suck up when Waylon is being bad. Wednesday night, Waylon lured Eddie into the dark hallway so that he could hump him. Eddie didn't seem to bent out of shape, so I guess no charges will be pressed....LOL!!!

This morning after I dropped off Paige, I took her karate uniform to the dry cleaners to have it cleaned for her tournament tomorrow. The sign on the door says, "In by 9 am out by 5 pm by request". I asked them to launder and starch it for pickup today. The girl looks at me and says, "Do you have to have it today?" I told her that I did need it back today. She then asked, "Is it a necessity for the weekend?" Uh, yeah....I tell her and then I turn around, point to the sign and point out to her that in big letters on their front door, they say you can have it back the same day if you get it there by 9 am and seeing as how it's 7:45 in the morning, why is this a problem?? She reluctantly (WTF?????) agreed and told me I could pick it up after 5 today. Seriously??

I made the mistake of taking on this problem sans caffeine. I got in my car and hauled ass to Starbucks down the street. I ordered a Venti Americano with an extra shot and when I was driving off from the drive thru, some DUMBASS woman walked out in front of me. I had to slam on my brakes. Guess what? The lady behind me rear ended me. I was SO PISSED at the dumbass woman who walked out in front of me. I rolled down my window and yelled at her and she just looked at me like a clueless moron. The back of my Expedition was fine - the woman hit me on the hitch, so it didn't do anything to my vehicle. Her vehicle was fine, too. It somehow knocked out her contact....um...okay!!! So off I go to T&B Demolition because I hadn't had enough and I like to immerse myself in angst and bullshit.

I had been summoned, along with our business partner, to meet with a general contractor who doesn't think we have the financial wherewithal to finance a job. It's a small job - $180,000 - and we really don't know what the problem is. So, off we go to have our brains sucked out. I tell said business partner, and I'm quoting, "I'm not going to speak; you do the talking. I think this is BS because our financials are in good shape and I'm going to have a hard time not being a smart ass. I will speak if spoken to, but you need to do the talking."

What happens when we get there? Aforementioned business partner is asked direct questions. He either stares back at person asking question or looks at me to answer. ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS????????? I said I wasn't going to talk. What the fuck is the problem here?!?!?!? So, here I am, talking when I don't want to and getting my feathers ruffled because I think this is the most absurd meeting ever. So I smile and do my best and explain to the GC that T&B is fine, we always pay our bills and make payroll and the size of the job is very small considering what we normally perform. Still, I have to do the remainder of the talking because the individual with me, who thinks I've done nothing but mismanage this business, can't or won't answer questions directed to him. Times like these - I want to be put in a straight jacket and locked in a padded room to protect me from myself. I just don't get anything or anyone anymore. Maybe I'm not meant to. Maybe I shouldn't even give a shit. I like that idea.

Sooo.....the Great Pepper's Meeting is underway! The future GPM's will be held at the Doubletree Hotel in Irving. That's nice - no more traveling...yay!!! There's really nothing to report on, just observations from my husband that I'll withhold comment on until Sunday....LOL!!!

Don't forget that you can donate $1, $3, or $5 at HEB towards the relief effort for the Texas Wildfires!

I'm trying to move on from the insanity of this morning, specifically the meeting I attended. It's just really hard. I don't understand people. I don't understand how someone can look at you, ask you a question, and you not think you should answer it. It just boggles my mind. I think there is a reason I don't own firearms. It's not because I'd kill other people, I think it's because I would end up harming myself. I can't stop the world from being stupid. My only chance at evading it is to get the hell away from it permanently!!!!!

Now to the other end of the spectrum. I am a displaced Catholic. I had to convert to marry my ex husband. I say "had to" because he and his mom were hell bent on a Catholic Church wedding. Needless to say, I went through RCIA and converted and we ended up being married by a Baptist preacher in my parent's backyard. Go figure. Fast forward to this marriage and I'm obviously not in good standing in the Catholic Church. I didn't get the first one annulled, which would be a slam dunk as we were Catholics married outside the Church, and I remarried without one. On top of that, I married someone who had been married and divorced, too. We talked to the Deacon at St. Joseph, where Paige goes to school, and he didn't seem like he wanted to mess with it seeing as how Gary's might be a pain in the ass to annul. As disappointed as I was, I figured it was best to not worry about it. It still bothered me immensely that I couldn't receive Communion in the Catholic Church, but I figured I would get over it. I decided it was still sort of bothering me, but I walked into the Episcopal Church in Oak Lawn five years ago and loved it. Gary soon started going with me and we joined St. Anne's in DeSoto. Paige and Gary were baptised in that Church and we loved it. After we moved, we tried going to the Episcopal Church in Ennis because St. Anne was just too far away. I like it, but they only have one Mass and it's at 10 am. I know, I know, if I was truly devoted, I would make it work. And I accept that, really I do. But, I also think it should also be something that is easy to work into your life as well. I don't believe that I have to go to Church to be a good person or have a relationship with God or even go to Heaven. But I enjoy going. I'm a lover of the rituals, the Saints and everything about the Holy Eucharist. I love celebrating Christianity as a Catholic/Episcopalian. I hate feeling like I don't have a home in which to do it. I can never go back to being a Protestant (Episcopalian is Anglican...not Protestant!!) and I am discouraged by the fact that Gary's marriage seems too difficult to annul by the Catholic Church. I don't like that I can't take Communion as a Catholic and I don't like that I can't find an Episcopal Church nearby that jives with us.

Wow, I sound like a whiny brat!!!

But I don't mean to....I'm not whining...I'm thinking out loud. Do we go through the whole process of trying to get our first marriages annulled so that we can have our marriage recognized by the Catholic Church? Do I just resign myself to 10 am Mass in Ennis...even though I like the Church and have friends there, I just don't really ever feel right in there? Do I start driving back to DeSoto to attend the 7:45 am Mass? Drive to Dallas for the 8 am Mass at St. Matthew? What in the hell do I do? And how can I do this and still be a part of Paige's Catholic experience at St. Joseph the way I want to be? I go to Mass with her from time to time, but it's not the same because it seems incomplete to me. If you can't tell, this REALLY bothers me....LOL!!! Just ask Gary. I told him he was going to hell because he didn't have his marriage annulled before he married me and isn't Catholic. Disclaimer: I was EXTREMELY drunk and yes, I know that makes no sense considering my marriage wasn't annulled, either!!

That's my deep thought/bitch session for today. I'm looking forward to Juicy's Karate tournament tomorrow. I learned how to keep score last night for the sparring matches, so that's going to be fun! Tomorrow night is Hank and I'm ALL OVER THAT!!! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and enjoys the beautiful weather.

Spreading my own special brand of joy and kindness.....

Kelly