On Thursday nights we play in a pool league. They are doing it different this year whereby you draw for your partner as you enter thus playing with a new partner each week. The new format seems to be very popular. My partner, Jerry Walker and I won 3 out of 5. I think Butch and his partner won 4. Not sure on that. It is more about the fun than the score. At least it is for me.
Yesterday was a hot one. The weather has been unseasonably warm and gives indications of staying that way. So after pool it seemed a good idea to soak my feet in the hot tub/swimming pool. And indeed it was. Peggy joined me and we enjoyed the warm pleasant evening and the warm pleasant water while looking up at the star-filled Texas night. Butch also stopped by for a bit of a soak and conversation before heading off to watch "Person of Interest".
Friday, February 8
Tuesday, February 5
Sunday, February 3
Saturday's South Padre Kite Festival adventure
You can read about the kite festival and what it took to get there on the magnolia blog. I will post the walk on the beach photo's here.
 |
| They met at the beach... |
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| ...It did not work out. |
 |
| Shade |
 |
| Portuguese Man-of -war |
 |
| A girls day at the beach |
South Beach Phase one recipe-a keeper
This one is a keeper! We enjoyed it for supper and since there are 8 servings we will be enjoying it again. Butch gave it a thumbs up.
Spicy Green Chile Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef, Black Beans, and Tomatoes
(Makes 8 servings; recipe created by Kalyn and Jake with inspiration from Layered Mexican Casserole
with Chicken, Green Chiles, Pinto Beans, and Cheese.)
Ingredients:
1 can (26 or 27 oz.) whole green chiles, drained (be careful not to buy whole jalapenos, which look
similar)
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed well with cold water and drained
1 onion, chopped
2 tsp. + 1 tsp. olive oil
1 lb. extra-lean ground beef (less than 10% fat)
1 T taco seasoning (I use my homemade Taco Seasoning, but a purchased seasoning will work.)
1 can (14.5 oz.) petite dice tomatoes with juice
3 eggs, beaten well
1 cup Green Chile Enchilada Sauce (from a 15 oz. can, freeze the rest for another use.)
1 1/2 cups Low-Fat Mexican Four Cheese Blend (I use the blend from Costco which has 6 grams of fat in
1/4 cup)
low-fat sour cream for serving (optional)
Equipment:
I used my favorite Anchor Hocking 12 Cup Bake-and-Store Glass Casserole Dish for this recipe, but you
can use any dish that's 8"x8" or 9"x9" with high sides. (If you don't have a dish that size, I think a
rectangular glass casserole dish would work to make a flatter casserole, although you might not be able
to make an extra layer of green chiles in the middle.)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375F/190C. Dump the whole green chiles into a colander placed in the sink and let
them drain while you prep the filling. When the green chiles are drained, move them to a cutting board
and then put the black beans in the colander, rinse with cold water, and let drain.
Heat 2 tsp. olive oil in a large heavy non-stick pan, add the onions, and saute over medium-high heat
until onions are browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove onions to a small bowl. Add the other teaspoon
of olive oil and the ground beef and cook 6-8 minutes, or until the beef is well browned, breaking it
apart with the turner as it cooks. Add the taco seasoning and cook 1-2 minutes more.
Add the diced tomatoes and juice, drained black beans, and onions and turn heat to medium low. Cook
until the liquid from the tomatoes has evaporated. (When you use the turner to push the mixture aside,
the bottom of the pan should look nearly dry.)
While the meat mixture cooks use your fingers to open each of the whole chiles and then use a paper
towel to wipe away the seeds and blot each chile as dry as you can get it. (You will need 6-8 paper
towels to do all the chiles, but don't skip this step. If you don't remove the seeds, this dish will be extra
spicy.) Divide the chiles into 3 piles as you dry them.
Spray the casserole dish with non-stick spray and make a layer of 1/3 of the chiles in the bottom of the
dish. Top with 1/2 the meat mixture. Make another layer of chiles on top of the meat mixture, and top
with the other 1/2 of the meat mixture. Finish with a top layer of the last 1/3 of the chiles.
Beat the eggs and then whisk in the cup of Green Chile Enchilada sauce. Pour this over the casserole and
then use a fork or knife to gently push the ingredients aside so the egg/sauce mixture can run down into
the layers. Top with the grated cheese and cover the casserole dish with the lid or foil.
Bake covered for 30 minutes, or until all the cheese is melted and the casserole is starting to bubble.
Remove the lid or foil and bake 20-25 minutes more. If you want the top well-browned, switch to broil
the last few minutes and brown the top. This is easier to serve if you let it sit for about 10 minutes
before cutting. Serve hot, with a dollop of low-fat sour cream on top if desired.
This printable recipe from www.KalynsKitchen.com.
Spicy Green Chile Mexican Casserole with Ground Beef, Black Beans, and Tomatoes
(Makes 8 servings; recipe created by Kalyn and Jake with inspiration from Layered Mexican Casserole
with Chicken, Green Chiles, Pinto Beans, and Cheese.)
Ingredients:
1 can (26 or 27 oz.) whole green chiles, drained (be careful not to buy whole jalapenos, which look
similar)
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed well with cold water and drained
1 onion, chopped
2 tsp. + 1 tsp. olive oil
1 lb. extra-lean ground beef (less than 10% fat)
1 T taco seasoning (I use my homemade Taco Seasoning, but a purchased seasoning will work.)
1 can (14.5 oz.) petite dice tomatoes with juice
3 eggs, beaten well
1 cup Green Chile Enchilada Sauce (from a 15 oz. can, freeze the rest for another use.)
1 1/2 cups Low-Fat Mexican Four Cheese Blend (I use the blend from Costco which has 6 grams of fat in
1/4 cup)
low-fat sour cream for serving (optional)
Equipment:
I used my favorite Anchor Hocking 12 Cup Bake-and-Store Glass Casserole Dish for this recipe, but you
can use any dish that's 8"x8" or 9"x9" with high sides. (If you don't have a dish that size, I think a
rectangular glass casserole dish would work to make a flatter casserole, although you might not be able
to make an extra layer of green chiles in the middle.)
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375F/190C. Dump the whole green chiles into a colander placed in the sink and let
them drain while you prep the filling. When the green chiles are drained, move them to a cutting board
and then put the black beans in the colander, rinse with cold water, and let drain.
Heat 2 tsp. olive oil in a large heavy non-stick pan, add the onions, and saute over medium-high heat
until onions are browned, about 5-6 minutes. Remove onions to a small bowl. Add the other teaspoon
of olive oil and the ground beef and cook 6-8 minutes, or until the beef is well browned, breaking it
apart with the turner as it cooks. Add the taco seasoning and cook 1-2 minutes more.
Add the diced tomatoes and juice, drained black beans, and onions and turn heat to medium low. Cook
until the liquid from the tomatoes has evaporated. (When you use the turner to push the mixture aside,
the bottom of the pan should look nearly dry.)
While the meat mixture cooks use your fingers to open each of the whole chiles and then use a paper
towel to wipe away the seeds and blot each chile as dry as you can get it. (You will need 6-8 paper
towels to do all the chiles, but don't skip this step. If you don't remove the seeds, this dish will be extra
spicy.) Divide the chiles into 3 piles as you dry them.
Spray the casserole dish with non-stick spray and make a layer of 1/3 of the chiles in the bottom of the
dish. Top with 1/2 the meat mixture. Make another layer of chiles on top of the meat mixture, and top
with the other 1/2 of the meat mixture. Finish with a top layer of the last 1/3 of the chiles.
Beat the eggs and then whisk in the cup of Green Chile Enchilada sauce. Pour this over the casserole and
then use a fork or knife to gently push the ingredients aside so the egg/sauce mixture can run down into
the layers. Top with the grated cheese and cover the casserole dish with the lid or foil.
Bake covered for 30 minutes, or until all the cheese is melted and the casserole is starting to bubble.
Remove the lid or foil and bake 20-25 minutes more. If you want the top well-browned, switch to broil
the last few minutes and brown the top. This is easier to serve if you let it sit for about 10 minutes
before cutting. Serve hot, with a dollop of low-fat sour cream on top if desired.
This printable recipe from www.KalynsKitchen.com.
Princess Elise
Saturday, February 2
It is official- 25 pounds!
As of this mornings weigh-in it is an official weight loss of 25 pounds for me. I have 5-10 still to go but taking off 25 has been a semi-goal. Butch is at his goal weight and has been for a couple of weeks. He is now in the process of staying there.
Friday is when the produce cart is in the park and we loaded up once again with jicama, cauliflower, radishes both white and red and green peppers. The most time consuming part of South Beach is preparing the vegetables. I have made sure we have raw, ready to eat vegetables in the fridge at all times. Butch will eat vegetables readily if they are raw. He is not much for cooked ones except for potatoes,peas and corn none of which are on the South Beach menu.
I have discovered a new product at H.E.B. It is the Hill Country brand of 3 cheese ranch dressing.$2.00! I slice a radish and they are my "chips" and a tablespoon of 3 cheese ranch dressing is my dip. Mighty tasty combo.
Today we have plans to go to South Padre. Finally!! The kite festival is on down there and then there will be shrimp at Dirty Al's and a walk on the beach. So come back tomorrow for a picture tour of our day.
Friday is when the produce cart is in the park and we loaded up once again with jicama, cauliflower, radishes both white and red and green peppers. The most time consuming part of South Beach is preparing the vegetables. I have made sure we have raw, ready to eat vegetables in the fridge at all times. Butch will eat vegetables readily if they are raw. He is not much for cooked ones except for potatoes,peas and corn none of which are on the South Beach menu.
I have discovered a new product at H.E.B. It is the Hill Country brand of 3 cheese ranch dressing.$2.00! I slice a radish and they are my "chips" and a tablespoon of 3 cheese ranch dressing is my dip. Mighty tasty combo.
Today we have plans to go to South Padre. Finally!! The kite festival is on down there and then there will be shrimp at Dirty Al's and a walk on the beach. So come back tomorrow for a picture tour of our day.
Friday, February 1
Pictures of the day
This is my breakfast on many mornings. Scrambled egg,2 spoonfuls cottage cheese and 1 spoonful of salsa
Tonight it took me 40 minutes to slice up a $2.00 head of cauliflower. There were 28 cups of sliced cauliflower. That is a whole bunch of cauliflower!!
Thursday, January 31
What we ate..
Haven't been to the grocery store in a week so I have been in a rut for food choices.
Breakfast yesterday was a boiled egg and cottage cheese and it will be the same today.
Lunch also was the same as yesterday as I was once again on the run.
Supper was spaghetti squash with spaghetti sauce and meatballs.
I have found a quick and easy way to prepare the squash: I microwave it for 5 minutes on high so I can more easily cut it. I cut it in half and scoop out the seeds. Place in a crock pot with about a 1/4 inch of water in the bottom. I try to get them cut side up. Cook on high for 3-4 hours and then you can easily fork out the "spaghetti" strands of squash and mix with the desired sauce.
Along with the usual cut raw vegetables, supper was served.
Breakfast yesterday was a boiled egg and cottage cheese and it will be the same today.
Lunch also was the same as yesterday as I was once again on the run.
Supper was spaghetti squash with spaghetti sauce and meatballs.
I have found a quick and easy way to prepare the squash: I microwave it for 5 minutes on high so I can more easily cut it. I cut it in half and scoop out the seeds. Place in a crock pot with about a 1/4 inch of water in the bottom. I try to get them cut side up. Cook on high for 3-4 hours and then you can easily fork out the "spaghetti" strands of squash and mix with the desired sauce.
Along with the usual cut raw vegetables, supper was served.
Before the crack of...dawn
I have had some busy days here of late and by the time the end of day arrives I am one tired cookie and do not feel at all creative enough to type out a blog entry. So this morning when I was awake and looked at the clock I thought it the perfect time to do a blog entry with a fresh mind. No one needs my attention at 5:30 A M and that is a blessing.
Park issues of various kinds have been demanding my attention and it is making me ever mindful that I have made the right decision to not run for president another term.
And there have been a rash of computer problems needing a 'magic' touch. I do not mind the computer ones at all as it keeps my brain active and often times it can be like solving puzzles.
The questions asked of me have been:
1. My computer is running slow. Is there anything that can be done about it?
2. My screen keeps going black. What might be causing that?
3.My home page is missing. It is something I have never seen before. How did that happen?(on 3 different computers)
4. Can you teach me what I need to know about my Kindle?
5. I have scanned a flyer into my computer. How do I edit the text on it?
I am not going to answer the questions here but Tuesday seemed to be a very active computer question day.
There are a group of us who get together on Wednesday afternoons to bead and visit. It feels good to get back to beading. It is a quicker fix of creative satisfaction. Within the conversation yesterday it was noted how we get wrapped up in park activities and you wake up one day realizing you have been very busy and yet not been out of the park in weeks! This weekend the kite festival is taking place on South Padre. I hope to make the trip one way or another.
So now I need to turn my attention to the Magnolia blog...
Park issues of various kinds have been demanding my attention and it is making me ever mindful that I have made the right decision to not run for president another term.
And there have been a rash of computer problems needing a 'magic' touch. I do not mind the computer ones at all as it keeps my brain active and often times it can be like solving puzzles.
The questions asked of me have been:
1. My computer is running slow. Is there anything that can be done about it?
2. My screen keeps going black. What might be causing that?
3.My home page is missing. It is something I have never seen before. How did that happen?(on 3 different computers)
4. Can you teach me what I need to know about my Kindle?
5. I have scanned a flyer into my computer. How do I edit the text on it?
I am not going to answer the questions here but Tuesday seemed to be a very active computer question day.
There are a group of us who get together on Wednesday afternoons to bead and visit. It feels good to get back to beading. It is a quicker fix of creative satisfaction. Within the conversation yesterday it was noted how we get wrapped up in park activities and you wake up one day realizing you have been very busy and yet not been out of the park in weeks! This weekend the kite festival is taking place on South Padre. I hope to make the trip one way or another.
So now I need to turn my attention to the Magnolia blog...
Tuesday, January 29
What we eat...
I have been asked on more than one occasion what we eat on South Beach. So for awhile I will bore you with a food diary among other things.
Yesterday-
Breakfast for me-Microwave scrambled egg topped with 1 spoonful of cottage cheese and a crumbled slice of bacon. (The bacon is the precooked kind and I wrap it in a paper towel and micro it for 30 seconds)
Breakfast for Butch- a toasted whole wheat English muffin with a thin coating of peanut butter.
Lunch for us- Lean turkey ham lunch meat wrapped around a thin slice of cheddar cheese and a variety of raw vegetables such as sliced radishes, cucumbers, jicama, celery, green peppers
Supper for us- Church's chicken(a cheat and indulgence) Butch had a breast and I had 2 legs, coleslaw and pinto beans
I had a bad snacking day yesterday because I ate far too many nuts. Almonds both dark chocolate ones and the wasabi and soy ones. Also snuck in too many cashews.
Today- Breakfast
Butch will have the same as yesterday and I did too but this time I skipped the bacon and added a spoonful of salsa
Very tasty!
Lunch: short on time so I grabbed 2 turkey ham slices and wrapped them around a mozzarella stick.
Do not know what Butch had because I wasn't home when he had lunch.
Supper: I had put two browned Pork tenderloins in a crockpot with cream of mushroom soup at noon. ( No plans to eat the soup part and didn't)
And then I made a new recipe of my own and the only thing I can think to call it is South Beach Skillet Casserole.
Ingredients:
1 T olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped small
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped small
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. ground cumin
salt to taste
2 cups sliced Cauliflower
1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
1cup low-fat grated cheddar cheese (I used Four Cheese Mexican Blend )
Saute onion, peppers, garlic and cumin for about 5 minutes then add cauliflower and beans and allow to cook through. I also added a handful of fresh cilantro at the end and then pressed all of it down into the skillet, sprinkled cheese on top and waited till it melted.
Maybe it was just me and the time but this really hit the spot for me and I didn't have to turn on the oven on a 90 degree day.
Yesterday-
Breakfast for me-Microwave scrambled egg topped with 1 spoonful of cottage cheese and a crumbled slice of bacon. (The bacon is the precooked kind and I wrap it in a paper towel and micro it for 30 seconds)
Breakfast for Butch- a toasted whole wheat English muffin with a thin coating of peanut butter.
Lunch for us- Lean turkey ham lunch meat wrapped around a thin slice of cheddar cheese and a variety of raw vegetables such as sliced radishes, cucumbers, jicama, celery, green peppers
Supper for us- Church's chicken(a cheat and indulgence) Butch had a breast and I had 2 legs, coleslaw and pinto beans
I had a bad snacking day yesterday because I ate far too many nuts. Almonds both dark chocolate ones and the wasabi and soy ones. Also snuck in too many cashews.
Today- Breakfast
Butch will have the same as yesterday and I did too but this time I skipped the bacon and added a spoonful of salsa
Very tasty!
Lunch: short on time so I grabbed 2 turkey ham slices and wrapped them around a mozzarella stick.
Do not know what Butch had because I wasn't home when he had lunch.
Supper: I had put two browned Pork tenderloins in a crockpot with cream of mushroom soup at noon. ( No plans to eat the soup part and didn't)
And then I made a new recipe of my own and the only thing I can think to call it is South Beach Skillet Casserole.
Ingredients:
1 T olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped small
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped small
2 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. ground cumin
salt to taste
2 cups sliced Cauliflower
1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
1cup low-fat grated cheddar cheese (I used Four Cheese Mexican Blend )
Saute onion, peppers, garlic and cumin for about 5 minutes then add cauliflower and beans and allow to cook through. I also added a handful of fresh cilantro at the end and then pressed all of it down into the skillet, sprinkled cheese on top and waited till it melted.
Maybe it was just me and the time but this really hit the spot for me and I didn't have to turn on the oven on a 90 degree day.
Monday, January 28
Elise...
And her mother says:
Her future is so bright she has to wear shades.....inside....on a rainy day....eating breakfast!
Her future is so bright she has to wear shades.....inside....on a rainy day....eating breakfast!
Saturday, January 26
Saturday Morning
The leaves have left the trees and we are in that short period of time, about two weeks, when we have bare limbs. Most of us have picked up the leaves on our little lots. That is a dirty and stickery job. We are not allowed to burn even in the wettest of times so they must be bagged and carried to the brush pile down by the dumpster. See? It is not all fun and games here. Butch and I have that chore behind us.
The cactus has 7 blooms on it. I am thinking that may be a record.
I have finished my other unfinished afghan...that is I have finished the Swedish weaving portion of it. I must now ask my friend Mary to do some machine stitching around the edges so I can do the final hemming and fringing.
I am now back to bracelets and it feels good and right to be doing that....So now that you have caught up you can let loose a big heavy sigh and say,"Good grief they are doing nothing!!"
Oh yes...Butch is golfing and playing pool.
The cactus has 7 blooms on it. I am thinking that may be a record.
I have finished my other unfinished afghan...that is I have finished the Swedish weaving portion of it. I must now ask my friend Mary to do some machine stitching around the edges so I can do the final hemming and fringing.
I am now back to bracelets and it feels good and right to be doing that....So now that you have caught up you can let loose a big heavy sigh and say,"Good grief they are doing nothing!!"
Oh yes...Butch is golfing and playing pool.
Wednesday, January 23
Blooming Cactus of 2013
Once this cactus started blooming several years ago it has done so faithfully ever since. It has had several repottings and probably needs another. One of these days... This cactus started out as a teeny tiny little thing that son Gary gave me for a Mother's Day gift. It certainly has had a spectacular life.
Monday, January 21
Jefferson IA business destroyed
Larry's Lounge in Jefferson Iowa destroyed by fire
http://whotv.com/2013/01/20/
http://whotv.com/2013/01/20/
Java still not fixed
According to my latest inquiry it is still not fixed. One fellow suggested they fire their current programmers and find some new ones.
What is Java technology and why do I need it?
Java is a programming language and computing platform first released by Sun Microsystems in 1995. It is the underlying technology that powers state-of-the-art programs including utilities, games, and business applications. Java runs on more than 850 million personal computers worldwide, and on billions of devices worldwide, including mobile and TV devices.
Why do I need Java?
There are lots of applications and websites that won't work unless you have Java installed, and more are created every day. Java is fast, secure, and reliable. From laptops to datacenters, game consoles to scientific supercomputers, cell phones to the Internet, Java is everywhere!
Sunday, January 20
DonWes Flea Market
Butch and I wandered over to the DonWes flea market late this morning. His purpose was to look for a quality caulking gun. Mine was just to meander around and see what I could find. Hmmm I picked up a dental pick so Butch can change my O rings in my dentures when needed. I purchased some lights for my bike tires, a new pair of sterling silver earrings and several sweet peppers. Butch bought fluorescent bulbs for the RV and a bag of popcorn.
Before we went to the flea market we went to Walgreens. Butch has trouble with allergies when the leaves drop off the trees and the new leaves start budding. So he needed some heavy duty allergy meds to try to keep it from getting out of control. I have trouble with itchy eyes and some nasal irritation but not to the degree that Butch does. So now we hope it is taken care of for this year. That is called positive expectation...hmmm.
Before we went to the flea market we went to Walgreens. Butch has trouble with allergies when the leaves drop off the trees and the new leaves start budding. So he needed some heavy duty allergy meds to try to keep it from getting out of control. I have trouble with itchy eyes and some nasal irritation but not to the degree that Butch does. So now we hope it is taken care of for this year. That is called positive expectation...hmmm.
Saturday, January 19
Busiest time of the year
This is the busiest time of the year for me, Butch, the park and the Rio Grande Valley. Most everyone who is coming down have now arrived. All of the activities are in full swing. This time of year when the kids call we might be interrupted by someone at the door or another call coming in etc.
I have people who want to join me in my South Beach Diet. It has become obvious that it is working for me. I asked Butch if he was asking people to tell me I was losing weight because it is happening often. He swears he is not.
My friend Peggy is quite willing to take me to Costco anytime I want to go. One of the indulgences I have allowed myself is boiled eggs. Yes, I know I could boil them myself but it is a privilege to have them all done so I can eat one or put them in recipes anytime the urge strikes. Peeling boiled eggs can be a time consuming ordeal. I will miss being able to get them at Costco in their already boiled state.
Weekends, oddly enough are quieter than weekdays around here. Butch is going golfing and I have an appointment for computer assistance at 1:00 pm....And so goes the day!
I have people who want to join me in my South Beach Diet. It has become obvious that it is working for me. I asked Butch if he was asking people to tell me I was losing weight because it is happening often. He swears he is not.
My friend Peggy is quite willing to take me to Costco anytime I want to go. One of the indulgences I have allowed myself is boiled eggs. Yes, I know I could boil them myself but it is a privilege to have them all done so I can eat one or put them in recipes anytime the urge strikes. Peeling boiled eggs can be a time consuming ordeal. I will miss being able to get them at Costco in their already boiled state.
Weekends, oddly enough are quieter than weekdays around here. Butch is going golfing and I have an appointment for computer assistance at 1:00 pm....And so goes the day!
Thursday, January 17
Java Update
According to my geekie friends do not be quick to reinstall Java. Oracle says it is fixed but those in the know say "huh uh" "no" and "Not either". So hold off a while longer.
Kalyn's Kitchen
For those of you following South Beach or thinking of following South Beach this is a great website with easy recipes. I must give credit where it is due so I want to thank my friend Kay Stilson, a very good cook, for linking me up with this website.
kalynskitchen.com
kalynskitchen.com
Wednesday, January 16
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