How was everyone's Memorial Day Weekend? Highlights of my weekend include going to bed early Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Fun at SW Open on Saturday and the hilarious drive home with Gary, Mark and Vicki Saturday evening and most importantly, I won a SIGNIFICANT battle in my home.
Let me tell you what's been going on at my house for the past year. My husband bought a Keurig coffeemaker from Costco about a year ago. He had been obsessed with this contraption for quite some time and I finally agreed (read: was beat down by said husband) to buy one. I didn't like it from the beginning. The K-Cups are expensive. I still get coffee grounds in my coffee (one of Lord Brignon's chief complaints about a regular coffee maker) and it never gave me a full cup of coffee. For months I yelled, threatened to withhold sex and threw one titty fit after another over that ridiculous coffeemaker. And then, I just shut up about it and every now and then, I would voice my displeasure. Yesterday, after months of patience, I was VINDICATED. Mr. Coffee Snob had to admit that the Keurig was in fact a piece of shit and returned our NORMAL coffeemaker to the house. Today, I will go buy coffee and filters and there will be much rejoicing in the land.
It's sad when that is the best part of my weekend. But hey - little victories count, too.
Yesterday, we smoked a slab of ribs and I braised a pork loin (carnitas) in the oven. Below are the recipes....they both turned out AMAZINGLY well!!
Cadillac Cowgirl Carnitas
1 Pork Loin Roast for Carnitas (usually 2-3 lbs)
1 12 oz Can Beer (I used Miller Lite)
3 Tbsp Mild Bill's Jalapeno Jelly (mild or spicy)
1 Onion, Sliced
1/3 Cup Mild Bill's BBQ Rub
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large dutch oven, place the pork loin and sliced onion along the bottom; pour the beer in and stir in the jalapeno jelly. Sprinkle the BBQ Rub over the contents, cover and cook for 3 1/2-4 hours or until tender. Check after 2 hours to see if more liquid is needed and add as necessary. When cooked through and tender, remove from oven and shred the pork. Mix well with your favorite BBQ Sauce (I used Sweet Baby Ray's Honey BBQ) for delicious pulled pork sandwiches or tacos. Enjoy!
Lord Brignon's Sassy Syrup Pork Ribs
1 Slab Baby Back Ribs
Mild Bill's BBQ Rub
Mild Bill's Sassy Syrup
Coat ribs with BBQ Rub and smoke until tender. Brush with Sassy Syrup, cover with foil and smoke for 10-20 more minutes. Slice and serve!
We smoke our ribs with a Cajun Injector Electric Smoker using Apple Cider in the liquid pan, Apple Smoking Chips and the temperature set to 275 degrees. It normally takes 4-5 hours for them to cook. Use your usual cooking method for the ribs, just rub them with the Mild Bill's BBQ Rub and baste with the Sassy Syrup instead!
I've been sick since Thursday and finally got antibiotics Saturday night. I felt better when I had no voice and no drugs. Now, I have a voice and drugs and feel like shit. Go figure.
Congrats to Kyle Adams - 2011 SW Open Champion. I think everyone will agree that it was beyond cool to see Kyle win since Dennis won last year. So many Mild Bill's customers were in the Top 21 and I thank and congratulate each and every one of you! Vicki, Mark and I made it to Prefinals; Lord Brignon made it to the Intermediate round. The KOA campground was very, very nice and I hope the NOB Pod can continue to hold the cook off at the Choctaw Casino.
I was so tired this weekend that I was only able to handle three hours of Polka Fest. How pathetic is that? I really hope I get to feeling better. I'd like to go to Canton this weekend and I need to work on my new trailer. The Cowgirl Cadillac is ready to go to West in two weeks - she just needs some additional decorating :) I also have a new toob that I'm going to take to West so that I can float in the pool and RELAX. Maybe even have a cocktail.....shshhhhhhh!!!!
Speaking of which - I've got to go weigh in today. I'm pretty sure I've lost weight, just not sure how much. I haven't felt good and really haven't felt like eating, so maybe being sick is a good thing :)
I'm going to sign off for now. The Mavs and Heat play tonight - Go Mavs!!!
Spreading my own special brand of kindness and joy....
Kelly
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Let the Countdown Begin!!!!!
Mild Bill's now has an official North Texas home!!! We agreed on a lease/purchase yesterday evening for the Old Ennis Meat Market at 113 W. Knox Street in Downtown Ennis!!! We will officially move in August 1st and the spices and inventory will be there soon after that! I am beyond excited and cannot wait to open our doors and have everyone over for an official Mild Bill's Ellis County Party! I've got lots to do between now and then (so does Gary!!) and I can't wait to get it fixed up exactly the way I want it. I'll need to contact my favorite painter (WR...you reading this??) to please paint the name and logo on the front window. It's going to be sooooooo awesome.
So I lost 4.8 lbs last week - yay me!!! I'm back on the Jenny Craig and I have vowed not to flake out and flunk out like last time! I also made a promise not to drink (unless I'm on a toob in the Guadalupe) until I'm halfway to my goal weight. Let me know when you stop laughing.....
But, yes...I'm going to lay off the wine for the next few months while I focus on getting this weight off. I know a lot of people will roll their eyes and say, "whatever", but I know I can do it. I laid off the wine for 3 months with pancreatitis...so I know I can lay off to lose weight. I guess I finally felt so beat down by my weight that I knew it was time. I'm 37 years old...and I don't want to be some overweight 40 year old when I know I don't have to be :) I'm too cute to be this heavy!!! My sister is doing it with me and we've been a great support system for one another. Only she can understand my need for Joe T Garcia's tacos. And my love of the Sonic chili cheese fries...or Carne Guisada from El Taquito. And only Courtney can watch Food Porn with me for hours on end and never be bored.....LOL!!!
My little Nervous Nelly is not handling this crazy weather very well. One afternoon last week, we came home and someones house or septic alarm was going off. The sky was dark, so she immediately assumed it was the weather sirens. I could not convince her that it was something completely unrelated to the weather and she had no need to worry. Nope, she was not buying it. She's been in two tornadic situations, one at school when the sirens were going off and there was a tornado on the ground and then with me last month. I guess chasing that tornado with her wasn't such a bright idea now that I look back on it. Anytime there is any type of bad weather, she immediately assumes that there will be a tornado and I just can't get her to believe me when I tell her that sometimes we just have rain and thunder without the tornadoes. It's gotten bad enough that I won't let her watch the news or the weather because if she sees it coming towards our house, she freaks out. If she sees that it's near Gammy's, she freaks out. I'm not trying to sound mean and insensitive - not in the least. I understand her worry and know that it is completely normal for a little one to be scared. I just don't want her to have any unnecessary fears every time the weather is bad and that is what's going on now. Poor Juicy.
I just want to say a general, "Thank you God for answered prayers."
Most of my morning was spent jacking with my friggin computer when I got into the office. The storms from last night caused all kinds of problems and it took forever to get back on the network, etc. I thought I was going to go Office Space on our router and server.
Gary is still waffling on boarding the babies. He cracks me up with those dogs. They were so excited to see their daddy when he got home yesterday afternoon. They're spoiled little bastards, that's for sure.
I've got some gorgeous zucchini and squash to saute tonight. I think they'd be great with a sliced onion. Or, I could grill them, too. I've also got a ton of greens from my garden. I love to saute them with olive oil and garlic....mmmm...delish!
Thank you again to those of you who have tried my pinto bean seasoning. I'm mixing a batch tonight with a few of the tweaks that were suggested to me. If any of your are up to the task of testing this new batch out, I'd be very, very grateful for your help!
I'm going to get back to work. It's a dirty, nasty job, but I have to do it. And now that I have a real, see it and believe it end date, I've got a lot to get done. August 1st will be here before I know it!!!
Keep it real,
K
So I lost 4.8 lbs last week - yay me!!! I'm back on the Jenny Craig and I have vowed not to flake out and flunk out like last time! I also made a promise not to drink (unless I'm on a toob in the Guadalupe) until I'm halfway to my goal weight. Let me know when you stop laughing.....
But, yes...I'm going to lay off the wine for the next few months while I focus on getting this weight off. I know a lot of people will roll their eyes and say, "whatever", but I know I can do it. I laid off the wine for 3 months with pancreatitis...so I know I can lay off to lose weight. I guess I finally felt so beat down by my weight that I knew it was time. I'm 37 years old...and I don't want to be some overweight 40 year old when I know I don't have to be :) I'm too cute to be this heavy!!! My sister is doing it with me and we've been a great support system for one another. Only she can understand my need for Joe T Garcia's tacos. And my love of the Sonic chili cheese fries...or Carne Guisada from El Taquito. And only Courtney can watch Food Porn with me for hours on end and never be bored.....LOL!!!
My little Nervous Nelly is not handling this crazy weather very well. One afternoon last week, we came home and someones house or septic alarm was going off. The sky was dark, so she immediately assumed it was the weather sirens. I could not convince her that it was something completely unrelated to the weather and she had no need to worry. Nope, she was not buying it. She's been in two tornadic situations, one at school when the sirens were going off and there was a tornado on the ground and then with me last month. I guess chasing that tornado with her wasn't such a bright idea now that I look back on it. Anytime there is any type of bad weather, she immediately assumes that there will be a tornado and I just can't get her to believe me when I tell her that sometimes we just have rain and thunder without the tornadoes. It's gotten bad enough that I won't let her watch the news or the weather because if she sees it coming towards our house, she freaks out. If she sees that it's near Gammy's, she freaks out. I'm not trying to sound mean and insensitive - not in the least. I understand her worry and know that it is completely normal for a little one to be scared. I just don't want her to have any unnecessary fears every time the weather is bad and that is what's going on now. Poor Juicy.
I just want to say a general, "Thank you God for answered prayers."
Most of my morning was spent jacking with my friggin computer when I got into the office. The storms from last night caused all kinds of problems and it took forever to get back on the network, etc. I thought I was going to go Office Space on our router and server.
Gary is still waffling on boarding the babies. He cracks me up with those dogs. They were so excited to see their daddy when he got home yesterday afternoon. They're spoiled little bastards, that's for sure.
I've got some gorgeous zucchini and squash to saute tonight. I think they'd be great with a sliced onion. Or, I could grill them, too. I've also got a ton of greens from my garden. I love to saute them with olive oil and garlic....mmmm...delish!
Thank you again to those of you who have tried my pinto bean seasoning. I'm mixing a batch tonight with a few of the tweaks that were suggested to me. If any of your are up to the task of testing this new batch out, I'd be very, very grateful for your help!
I'm going to get back to work. It's a dirty, nasty job, but I have to do it. And now that I have a real, see it and believe it end date, I've got a lot to get done. August 1st will be here before I know it!!!
Keep it real,
K
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Good Tuesday Afternoon
Hello...I'm taking a break from working on our lease for the building on Knox Street in downtown Ennis. This is so exciting!!! I can't believe I am thisclose to having a home for Mild Bills!!! It's just such a neat, quirky perfect old building and I cannot wait to open up and have a big party! It's going to be FANTASTIC!!!
Funeral information for Bruce Smith:
Funeral Home:
Ruebel Funeral Home
6313 W Markham St.
Little Rock, AR 72205
Visitation: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, May 25th
Services: 11:00 am Thursday May 26th
Internment: Roselawn Cemetary
Memorials: CASI Scholarship Fund or Charity of your Choice
Home Information:
Darlene Smith
1904 Gamble Rd
Little Rock, AR 72211
Please continue to keep Bruce's family in your thoughts and prayers.
We're going to have to board the babies this weekend and because of the holiday, we won't be able to pick them up until Tuesday. Gary was very sad. I think he's trying to think of a way to take them with us. I'd really prefer that they stay at the kennel after last weekend. They were pretty much out of control little bastards. But look at them.....they're impossible to stay angry with :)
Still no candidates for the Board, that I'm aware of at least. Sure wish we could get some quality people to run and help CASI right the ship. Lots of suggestions and concerns were shared at TOT over the weekend, but nothing we haven't all heard or said before. Oh well.....
Don't forget - 15% off all things peachy at Mild Bills.com through the end of May! You know you need some Habanero Peach Preserves to puree and brush over a slab of ribs! And since you'll be saving money on the Peach Preserves, pick up a few jars of Jalapeno Jelly and a few packages of Jalapeno Ranch Dip. You need these things for your Memorial Day menus!!! I tell you...I am in love with the Santa Cruz paste from Mild Bill's. I like it better than tomato paste because it also adds a little zing to your chili. I am also a lover of the El Toro. It's so much like Cowtown, but with a little more kick and salt. If you use Cowtown, try out the El Toro and cut back on your salt in your chili. It just gives it a really nice flavor to your chili.
I better finish up the lease. Gary is picking up the Juicy and I'll head to Ennis and meet w/ our prospective landlord :) Tonight is the final episode of DWTS....did everyone vote?? I did!!! I voted for Hines and Kym! Gary called me a "Terrible Towel Lover".....LOL!!! Paige has 3 days of school left and she can hardly wait. I'm also looking forward to waking up a little bit later and not having to haul ass down 879 every morning! Each school year I make a resolution to be more organized, more prompt and less inept. People, Paige is entering the second grade next year and I have yet to make good on any of those endeavors. I kind of suck, I guess!
Enjoy your day....and spread some kindness while you're at it!
K
Funeral information for Bruce Smith:
Funeral Home:
Ruebel Funeral Home
6313 W Markham St.
Little Rock, AR 72205
Visitation: 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm Wednesday, May 25th
Services: 11:00 am Thursday May 26th
Internment: Roselawn Cemetary
Memorials: CASI Scholarship Fund or Charity of your Choice
Home Information:
Darlene Smith
1904 Gamble Rd
Little Rock, AR 72211
Please continue to keep Bruce's family in your thoughts and prayers.
We're going to have to board the babies this weekend and because of the holiday, we won't be able to pick them up until Tuesday. Gary was very sad. I think he's trying to think of a way to take them with us. I'd really prefer that they stay at the kennel after last weekend. They were pretty much out of control little bastards. But look at them.....they're impossible to stay angry with :)
Still no candidates for the Board, that I'm aware of at least. Sure wish we could get some quality people to run and help CASI right the ship. Lots of suggestions and concerns were shared at TOT over the weekend, but nothing we haven't all heard or said before. Oh well.....
Don't forget - 15% off all things peachy at Mild Bills.com through the end of May! You know you need some Habanero Peach Preserves to puree and brush over a slab of ribs! And since you'll be saving money on the Peach Preserves, pick up a few jars of Jalapeno Jelly and a few packages of Jalapeno Ranch Dip. You need these things for your Memorial Day menus!!! I tell you...I am in love with the Santa Cruz paste from Mild Bill's. I like it better than tomato paste because it also adds a little zing to your chili. I am also a lover of the El Toro. It's so much like Cowtown, but with a little more kick and salt. If you use Cowtown, try out the El Toro and cut back on your salt in your chili. It just gives it a really nice flavor to your chili.
I better finish up the lease. Gary is picking up the Juicy and I'll head to Ennis and meet w/ our prospective landlord :) Tonight is the final episode of DWTS....did everyone vote?? I did!!! I voted for Hines and Kym! Gary called me a "Terrible Towel Lover".....LOL!!! Paige has 3 days of school left and she can hardly wait. I'm also looking forward to waking up a little bit later and not having to haul ass down 879 every morning! Each school year I make a resolution to be more organized, more prompt and less inept. People, Paige is entering the second grade next year and I have yet to make good on any of those endeavors. I kind of suck, I guess!
Enjoy your day....and spread some kindness while you're at it!
K
Monday, May 23, 2011
Sea Bass, Monica's Aca y Alla, Fried Green Tomatoes Are Supposed To Be Fried and Other Keen Observations....
Good Morning - oh wait, it's afternoon. Good Afternoon.
First off, condolences to the Smith and Herrin families this morning. Bruce Smith died from a massive heart attack Saturday morning and Barbara Herrin's grandson passed away as well. Prayers are going out to both of these families while they deal with the loss of their loved ones. I hope God will comfort them during this difficult time. It was such a sad and surreal weekend - hearing this news. On top of that, a schoolmate of Paige's fell from her top bunk and suffered a skull fracture. She's still in the hospital, but the C-Collar has been removed and she's walking. Our hope is that she will make a full recovery. Lots of worrying and praying this weekend for all who needed it.
I prepared Sea Bass Saturday night. I don't like to do a lot to it. It's a rich, delicious fish on it's own and doesn't need a bunch of crap on it. HEB sells the seafood splash that's good for marinating shrimp and fish. I bought the roasted garlic and poured it over the Sea Bass and let it marinate for about 20 minutes. I then roasted it in the oven at 400 degrees for 35 minutes. Sea Bass is a very oily fish and never really loses a lot of the moisture - no matter how long you cook it. It's not going to necessarily flake with a fork, but it's going to turn opaque and that's when you know it's done. I also like to broil it on high for a few minutes at the end to get the top kind of crispy.
We had a ton of veggies from my garden and from Central Market, so I made a veggie dinner last night. Braised turnip greens, new potatoes and green beans and cream peas. Dinner was simple and yummy :) I've got fresh corn, squash and zucchini to make this week. My garden is KICKING ASS!!!! I'm going to have so many tomatoes and peppers....I can't wait!
Speaking of tomatoes....I was trying to be healthy last night a bake my "fried" green tomatoes. Uh no. They're called fried green tomatoes for a reason. Fry those babies and don't worry about whether or not it's healthy. They're going to be good and the way God intended them to taste - battered and fried in oil. Amen.
TOT was this weekend. Damn that Gary Brignon. He had crappy chili and beat me. Hell, Bob Coats got robbed by the computer. He was tied for first with Gary and his chili was better than Mr. B's. AND SO WAS MINE.....LOL!!!!! I was SO PISSED. PISSED, PISSED, PISSED. I'm sick of that lucky bastard beating me all the time. I told him no more - he's mixing his spices from now on. Same with Ray. Gary can mix his, too. I had delicious chili on Saturday.....I should have beat him and Ray. Grrrggggrrrrrrr......damnit!! DAMNIT!! Oh well....I'll be mixing Lord Brignon's spices this week for SW Open domination.....LOL!!!!!!
I just deleted a paragraph from my blog. I sent it to Gary for proof reading and when he answered the phone, he said, "Kelly Sharee". That greeting spoke volumes...so I'm not going to put my rant on here. My inner bitch is trying to get out and I have to keep pushing her back in....just like the Seether. Sucks ass, let me tell you. Bite Tongue. Slap Hands. Repeat. Over and over and over and ovah......
Thank you Doris for the tips on tweaking the Mild Bill's Bean Seasoning! I'll be sure and load you up with beans and samples as soon as I remix a batch!!!
Monica's Aca y Alla is a Mexican restaurant in Deep Ellum. It has been around for over 20 years....and used to be known as Eduardo's Aca y Alla. Eduardo decided he wanted to be Monica....so he went from boy to girl and still has a fantastic restaurant. Courtney and I went there for the first time ever yesterday and had brunch. It was pretty good. I'd like to go back again and try a few more dishes. The shrimp cocktail was especially good. I was reading the D Magazine article on the Top 20 Steakhouses in Dallas and of course, Pappas Steakhouse was ranked #1. But what really surprised me was the distance between Pappas and all of the other Dallas Steakhouses. It's like there is Pappas....and then there is everyone else. I kind of feel that way myself. If you've never been, go. Request John Balduf, or sit at the bar and have dinner. Order the bacon wrapped scallops, lobster bisque, ribeye (medium rare for God's sake), the crab mac and cheese and the skillet potatoes. Finish your meal with a glass of Brachetto D' Aqui and a piece of flourless chocolate cake. Order wine with your meal and just waller in the fabulousness of the experience.
The above is what I describe as Food Porn.
My girls also placed this weekend....Zoe got 3rd and Paige got 2nd. Woo hoo....way to go my little chili chicks!!!!!!
Paige informed me today that she prefers short shorts and tank tops. Pray for us, please.
I hope everyone has a good day. Remember to keep Bruce Smith and Barbara Herrin's families in your prayers.
Kelly
First off, condolences to the Smith and Herrin families this morning. Bruce Smith died from a massive heart attack Saturday morning and Barbara Herrin's grandson passed away as well. Prayers are going out to both of these families while they deal with the loss of their loved ones. I hope God will comfort them during this difficult time. It was such a sad and surreal weekend - hearing this news. On top of that, a schoolmate of Paige's fell from her top bunk and suffered a skull fracture. She's still in the hospital, but the C-Collar has been removed and she's walking. Our hope is that she will make a full recovery. Lots of worrying and praying this weekend for all who needed it.
I prepared Sea Bass Saturday night. I don't like to do a lot to it. It's a rich, delicious fish on it's own and doesn't need a bunch of crap on it. HEB sells the seafood splash that's good for marinating shrimp and fish. I bought the roasted garlic and poured it over the Sea Bass and let it marinate for about 20 minutes. I then roasted it in the oven at 400 degrees for 35 minutes. Sea Bass is a very oily fish and never really loses a lot of the moisture - no matter how long you cook it. It's not going to necessarily flake with a fork, but it's going to turn opaque and that's when you know it's done. I also like to broil it on high for a few minutes at the end to get the top kind of crispy.
We had a ton of veggies from my garden and from Central Market, so I made a veggie dinner last night. Braised turnip greens, new potatoes and green beans and cream peas. Dinner was simple and yummy :) I've got fresh corn, squash and zucchini to make this week. My garden is KICKING ASS!!!! I'm going to have so many tomatoes and peppers....I can't wait!
Speaking of tomatoes....I was trying to be healthy last night a bake my "fried" green tomatoes. Uh no. They're called fried green tomatoes for a reason. Fry those babies and don't worry about whether or not it's healthy. They're going to be good and the way God intended them to taste - battered and fried in oil. Amen.
TOT was this weekend. Damn that Gary Brignon. He had crappy chili and beat me. Hell, Bob Coats got robbed by the computer. He was tied for first with Gary and his chili was better than Mr. B's. AND SO WAS MINE.....LOL!!!!! I was SO PISSED. PISSED, PISSED, PISSED. I'm sick of that lucky bastard beating me all the time. I told him no more - he's mixing his spices from now on. Same with Ray. Gary can mix his, too. I had delicious chili on Saturday.....I should have beat him and Ray. Grrrggggrrrrrrr......damnit!! DAMNIT!! Oh well....I'll be mixing Lord Brignon's spices this week for SW Open domination.....LOL!!!!!!
I just deleted a paragraph from my blog. I sent it to Gary for proof reading and when he answered the phone, he said, "Kelly Sharee". That greeting spoke volumes...so I'm not going to put my rant on here. My inner bitch is trying to get out and I have to keep pushing her back in....just like the Seether. Sucks ass, let me tell you. Bite Tongue. Slap Hands. Repeat. Over and over and over and ovah......
Thank you Doris for the tips on tweaking the Mild Bill's Bean Seasoning! I'll be sure and load you up with beans and samples as soon as I remix a batch!!!
Monica's Aca y Alla is a Mexican restaurant in Deep Ellum. It has been around for over 20 years....and used to be known as Eduardo's Aca y Alla. Eduardo decided he wanted to be Monica....so he went from boy to girl and still has a fantastic restaurant. Courtney and I went there for the first time ever yesterday and had brunch. It was pretty good. I'd like to go back again and try a few more dishes. The shrimp cocktail was especially good. I was reading the D Magazine article on the Top 20 Steakhouses in Dallas and of course, Pappas Steakhouse was ranked #1. But what really surprised me was the distance between Pappas and all of the other Dallas Steakhouses. It's like there is Pappas....and then there is everyone else. I kind of feel that way myself. If you've never been, go. Request John Balduf, or sit at the bar and have dinner. Order the bacon wrapped scallops, lobster bisque, ribeye (medium rare for God's sake), the crab mac and cheese and the skillet potatoes. Finish your meal with a glass of Brachetto D' Aqui and a piece of flourless chocolate cake. Order wine with your meal and just waller in the fabulousness of the experience.
The above is what I describe as Food Porn.
My girls also placed this weekend....Zoe got 3rd and Paige got 2nd. Woo hoo....way to go my little chili chicks!!!!!!
Paige informed me today that she prefers short shorts and tank tops. Pray for us, please.
I hope everyone has a good day. Remember to keep Bruce Smith and Barbara Herrin's families in your prayers.
Kelly
Friday, May 20, 2011
Stop the Insanity......
I want this day to hurry, hurry, hurry the hell up and not let the door hit it on the way out :) In the meantime, I have been making my already superior iPod even more superior by downloading additional 70's/80's MONSTER hits!!! No iPod is complete without Joe Walsh....or Lynyrd Skynyrd, Steppenwolf, and Foghat. Hell Yeah....
Even better...the new Hank III is on my iPod as well. I love him.
TOT Cook Off is tomorrow and Sunday. Juniors and Beans turn in at noon and CASI chili turn in time is 2pm. Turn in time on Sunday will be at noon. There are a ton off cook offs this weekend...Cleburne, Amarillo, Salado, Quinlan and some others I can't quite remember. After SW Open next weekend, we'll take a break...thank God!!! I'm so excited - we're going to come back early from SW Open and go to Polka Festival. I've never been, so I'm really looking forward to it.
Has anyone read the latest Trails that came out? I believe it's the June edition. I noticed a comment in there and I've tried and tried to keep my mouf (as Paige would say) shut, but it's hard. Something about if there are no CASI directors, then there will be no TICC. Really? Is that what CASI has been reduced to? Running and paying for TICC alone? I would hope that TICC, while it does have to be facilitated by the Board (and COUNTLESS COOKS WHO VOLUNTEER AS WELL), is sort of down on the list of priorities when it comes to the things CASI Directors need to handle. If we don't get on the ball and start advertising, promoting, and recruiting, it won't matter if there are directors to run TICC - there will be no need for it. Have any of you ever heard the phrase "stepping on ants while elephants are running wild"? It's one of my favorites....and kind of applies to CASI sometimes. I know I'm not the only one who sees things this way, either. I'm just not going to share private emails in order to bolster my position. Besides, I'm not saying anything that is ugly, or even untrue. I just wonder how there can be so many people on either side of the field with absolutely no clue as to how to meet in the middle and make things better. I can offer opinions, views and suggestions all day long - we all can. Until the membership elects effective and strong leadership to navigate our organization through this rough patch, then we can really only blame ourselves. Once we take this seriously and demand that CASI be run so that it will grow and thrive, then maybe things will improve - I seriously hope so! Our sponsors do so much for us to have such a blase attitude about the state of CASI and I feel our BOD should be held most accountable for the organization we present to the sponsors. And I don't mean keeping it clean at TICC, either. I'm talking about actively seeking new members, spending sponsor money on advertising and promoting CASI with sponsor money - not just having a week long party in the desert every November. Woodbridge, Bruce Foods and McCormick Distillery do a lot for CASI throughout the year - not just during TICC and we need to show them that we are making the effort to be a true, nationally known charitable organization.
I hope there are people within our membership who will make the commitment to run for the CASI Board and if elected, do what's right for CASI as a whole. I know that these are volunteer positions and so many of us work full time. Still, it must be said that running CASI can no longer be a part time job. We need to make the future of CASI the most important priority for our Directors and hold them accountable for the state of our organization. As long as we have a strong board with a unified leadership willing to do what's right for CASI, and spend money during the year to advertise, promote and bring in new members, then running TICC is going to be the least of our problems.
Now that I've pissed of a certain demographic (I aim to please), I'm going to go back to work. Crazy week at T & B Demo. Busy, but crazy. Things are also going well with the building that we've decided to lease for Mild Bill's. I'm excited to report that things are moving along and your spices will soon be shipped from Ellis County. Hell Yeah!!!!
Spreading joy, kindness and my opinion...warranted or not.......
The Cadillac Cowgirl
Even better...the new Hank III is on my iPod as well. I love him.
TOT Cook Off is tomorrow and Sunday. Juniors and Beans turn in at noon and CASI chili turn in time is 2pm. Turn in time on Sunday will be at noon. There are a ton off cook offs this weekend...Cleburne, Amarillo, Salado, Quinlan and some others I can't quite remember. After SW Open next weekend, we'll take a break...thank God!!! I'm so excited - we're going to come back early from SW Open and go to Polka Festival. I've never been, so I'm really looking forward to it.
Has anyone read the latest Trails that came out? I believe it's the June edition. I noticed a comment in there and I've tried and tried to keep my mouf (as Paige would say) shut, but it's hard. Something about if there are no CASI directors, then there will be no TICC. Really? Is that what CASI has been reduced to? Running and paying for TICC alone? I would hope that TICC, while it does have to be facilitated by the Board (and COUNTLESS COOKS WHO VOLUNTEER AS WELL), is sort of down on the list of priorities when it comes to the things CASI Directors need to handle. If we don't get on the ball and start advertising, promoting, and recruiting, it won't matter if there are directors to run TICC - there will be no need for it. Have any of you ever heard the phrase "stepping on ants while elephants are running wild"? It's one of my favorites....and kind of applies to CASI sometimes. I know I'm not the only one who sees things this way, either. I'm just not going to share private emails in order to bolster my position. Besides, I'm not saying anything that is ugly, or even untrue. I just wonder how there can be so many people on either side of the field with absolutely no clue as to how to meet in the middle and make things better. I can offer opinions, views and suggestions all day long - we all can. Until the membership elects effective and strong leadership to navigate our organization through this rough patch, then we can really only blame ourselves. Once we take this seriously and demand that CASI be run so that it will grow and thrive, then maybe things will improve - I seriously hope so! Our sponsors do so much for us to have such a blase attitude about the state of CASI and I feel our BOD should be held most accountable for the organization we present to the sponsors. And I don't mean keeping it clean at TICC, either. I'm talking about actively seeking new members, spending sponsor money on advertising and promoting CASI with sponsor money - not just having a week long party in the desert every November. Woodbridge, Bruce Foods and McCormick Distillery do a lot for CASI throughout the year - not just during TICC and we need to show them that we are making the effort to be a true, nationally known charitable organization.
I hope there are people within our membership who will make the commitment to run for the CASI Board and if elected, do what's right for CASI as a whole. I know that these are volunteer positions and so many of us work full time. Still, it must be said that running CASI can no longer be a part time job. We need to make the future of CASI the most important priority for our Directors and hold them accountable for the state of our organization. As long as we have a strong board with a unified leadership willing to do what's right for CASI, and spend money during the year to advertise, promote and bring in new members, then running TICC is going to be the least of our problems.
Now that I've pissed of a certain demographic (I aim to please), I'm going to go back to work. Crazy week at T & B Demo. Busy, but crazy. Things are also going well with the building that we've decided to lease for Mild Bill's. I'm excited to report that things are moving along and your spices will soon be shipped from Ellis County. Hell Yeah!!!!
Spreading joy, kindness and my opinion...warranted or not.......
The Cadillac Cowgirl
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Hallelujah Thursday!!!!
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Those in the know know what that was all about.....LOL!!!! Sometimes I just want to open my mouth and let it all spew out but I can't anymore and man....it just goes against every fiber in my being. My core. My IDENTITY for God's sake. There's a lot of praying that goes on in my life now....LOL!!!
My baby is so worn out. This school year has kicked her juicy little ass. She couldn't get up this morning, so being a good mommy, I let her sleep in. The little toot admonished me for "making her late"! I couldn't believe the nerve of that kid. Man.....see if I'm nice the next time she's worn out and just needs to sleep!
I'm sure she's ready for summer - I know I am. I've got to get her signed up for swimming lessons and there's a few VBS/Summer Camp options that I'm going to see if she's interested in doing.
If you've never eaten at Joe T. Garcia's in Fort Worth, first of all, I'm sorry. You have no idea what you are missing out on. Second of all, they have the most delicious tacos in the world. And fantastic margaritas. But anyways, I became fixated on the tacos last night while at Paige's spring program. They are actually quite bad for you, but who cares. They're fried, just a little, and stuffed with meat, lettuce and tomatoes. The meat is tender and flavorful and they are just little morsels of heaven. Many, many years ago when they still had the cafeteria style seating, my dad poached tacos from the people next to him. He didn't know that they weren't his, so he just kept eating them :) I've literally been going there since I was a resident in my mother's womb. I can remember when you went through the kitchen to get into the dining room. I can also remember freaking out one day when I didn't have any of their corn tortillas at the beginning of my meal. I eat my food there in a very particular order. Cuckoo, cuckoo.....LOL!
Still no chicken with gnocchi....probably won't see that one till next week. I'm so busy tonight. Karate, mix spices, pedicure....there is not enough time in my day these days. Gary is still busy with work, so he's not an option for this evening.
Have a great day and an even better Friday. If you are cooking chili this weekend, do more than just watch your friends cook even though you're qualified. Get out there and support the charity by cooking and KICK SOME ASS!!! That should piss a few people off :) Who, me?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Spreading my own special brand of kindness and joy in all that I do......
Kelly
Those in the know know what that was all about.....LOL!!!! Sometimes I just want to open my mouth and let it all spew out but I can't anymore and man....it just goes against every fiber in my being. My core. My IDENTITY for God's sake. There's a lot of praying that goes on in my life now....LOL!!!
My baby is so worn out. This school year has kicked her juicy little ass. She couldn't get up this morning, so being a good mommy, I let her sleep in. The little toot admonished me for "making her late"! I couldn't believe the nerve of that kid. Man.....see if I'm nice the next time she's worn out and just needs to sleep!
I'm sure she's ready for summer - I know I am. I've got to get her signed up for swimming lessons and there's a few VBS/Summer Camp options that I'm going to see if she's interested in doing.
If you've never eaten at Joe T. Garcia's in Fort Worth, first of all, I'm sorry. You have no idea what you are missing out on. Second of all, they have the most delicious tacos in the world. And fantastic margaritas. But anyways, I became fixated on the tacos last night while at Paige's spring program. They are actually quite bad for you, but who cares. They're fried, just a little, and stuffed with meat, lettuce and tomatoes. The meat is tender and flavorful and they are just little morsels of heaven. Many, many years ago when they still had the cafeteria style seating, my dad poached tacos from the people next to him. He didn't know that they weren't his, so he just kept eating them :) I've literally been going there since I was a resident in my mother's womb. I can remember when you went through the kitchen to get into the dining room. I can also remember freaking out one day when I didn't have any of their corn tortillas at the beginning of my meal. I eat my food there in a very particular order. Cuckoo, cuckoo.....LOL!
Still no chicken with gnocchi....probably won't see that one till next week. I'm so busy tonight. Karate, mix spices, pedicure....there is not enough time in my day these days. Gary is still busy with work, so he's not an option for this evening.
Have a great day and an even better Friday. If you are cooking chili this weekend, do more than just watch your friends cook even though you're qualified. Get out there and support the charity by cooking and KICK SOME ASS!!! That should piss a few people off :) Who, me?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Spreading my own special brand of kindness and joy in all that I do......
Kelly
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Well....It Wasn't Chicken With Gnocchi Dumplings...But It Was Still Good!!!!!
I ended up roasting rainbow trout for dinner last night and serving it with couscous and cucumber salad. It was absolutely delicious. I bought the couscous and salad already made from Central Market, but it could be easily duplicated at home. I normally cook trout in a cast iron skillet, or on the grill with a cedar plank. I thought about roasting it last night for kicks and it turned out AMAZINGLY well! Below is the recipe and it's not rocket science or exact measurements, either. It's simple, easy to follow and of course, easy to modify to suit your tastes :)
Cadillac Cowgirl Oven Roasted Rainbow Trout
3 Rainbow Trout filets (they're normally all about the same size and weight...usually 6-8 inches long)
Olive Oil
Salt
Lemon Pepper seasoning (I use Obie-Que)
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil, spray with non stick spray and lay the filets on top. Drizzle each filet with olive oil and then sprinkle the salt and lemon pepper seasoning over each trout filet. Roast in the oven on the top rack for 15 minutes or until the fish flakes with a fork. Adjust seasonings to taste if desired.
I have the most delicious champagne tomatoes growing on one of my tomato plants, so I drizzled olive oil, salt and pepper over them as well and roasted them alongside the trout. DELICIOUS!!!
I am a lover of the couscous and Central Market had feta and chive couscous already made and ready for me to take home :) Same with the cucumber salad. However, if you wanted to make either of these sides at home, they're super easy. Buy a box of the Near East Couscous (plain, Parmesan or garlic herb), prepare it according to the directions (literally takes 5 minutes - easiest side dish ever) and add anything to it that you want - chopped tomatoes, green onions, feta or goat cheese...you get the idea. Serve it warm or cold, like a salad. Same with the cucumber salad....chop up cukes, tomatoes and a red onion. Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over the top, season with salt and pepper and you're done! These are my favorite kind of dinners!!
My daughter was blowing kisses to the boys as we left school yesterday. Please pray for me and Lord Brignon.
Speaking of Lord Brignon, he left at 4 am this morning and the dogs would not stop barking. I'm exhausted. So is Paige. She was late for school. We just couldn't get it going this morning.
So.....the CASI board has four open spots for this year's elections. I haven't heard anyone announce that they're running....hhhmmm......
TOT is this weekend. We'll be there Saturday for sure. I see myself going home Saturday evening and sleeping in Sunday morning. That just sounds so good :)
Have a fantastic Tuesday. I pre-ordered the new Hank III CD last week and was able to enjoy it this morning via iTunes. I love him. He needs to hurry up and go back on tour so that I can properly stalk him!!!
Keepin it real....
Kelly
Cadillac Cowgirl Oven Roasted Rainbow Trout
3 Rainbow Trout filets (they're normally all about the same size and weight...usually 6-8 inches long)
Olive Oil
Salt
Lemon Pepper seasoning (I use Obie-Que)
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil, spray with non stick spray and lay the filets on top. Drizzle each filet with olive oil and then sprinkle the salt and lemon pepper seasoning over each trout filet. Roast in the oven on the top rack for 15 minutes or until the fish flakes with a fork. Adjust seasonings to taste if desired.
I have the most delicious champagne tomatoes growing on one of my tomato plants, so I drizzled olive oil, salt and pepper over them as well and roasted them alongside the trout. DELICIOUS!!!
I am a lover of the couscous and Central Market had feta and chive couscous already made and ready for me to take home :) Same with the cucumber salad. However, if you wanted to make either of these sides at home, they're super easy. Buy a box of the Near East Couscous (plain, Parmesan or garlic herb), prepare it according to the directions (literally takes 5 minutes - easiest side dish ever) and add anything to it that you want - chopped tomatoes, green onions, feta or goat cheese...you get the idea. Serve it warm or cold, like a salad. Same with the cucumber salad....chop up cukes, tomatoes and a red onion. Drizzle olive oil and red wine vinegar over the top, season with salt and pepper and you're done! These are my favorite kind of dinners!!
My daughter was blowing kisses to the boys as we left school yesterday. Please pray for me and Lord Brignon.
Speaking of Lord Brignon, he left at 4 am this morning and the dogs would not stop barking. I'm exhausted. So is Paige. She was late for school. We just couldn't get it going this morning.
So.....the CASI board has four open spots for this year's elections. I haven't heard anyone announce that they're running....hhhmmm......
TOT is this weekend. We'll be there Saturday for sure. I see myself going home Saturday evening and sleeping in Sunday morning. That just sounds so good :)
Have a fantastic Tuesday. I pre-ordered the new Hank III CD last week and was able to enjoy it this morning via iTunes. I love him. He needs to hurry up and go back on tour so that I can properly stalk him!!!
Keepin it real....
Kelly
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