koko's corner

Spicy Bean Thread Salad

 

A few simple ingredients tossed with a spicy sesame vinaigrette

 

 

Grab any of your favorite salad ingredients, it'll be great. 

 

 

Here's what I did...

Scooter's in trouble...again

In the early morning and at dusk we have rabbits come visit us. Scooter *loves* chasing rabbits, and he's fast, really fast.

To get away from Scooter, the rabbits squeeze through the pig wire fence that runs down one side of our fenced 3 acres, and successfully escape onto the the adjoining 36 unfenced wild acres. 

Before you know it, Scooter is on the other side of the fence happily chasing rabbits and picking up every sticker imaginable, I mean an infestation of stickers and weeds. I've walked the fence several times looking for the spot he's getting through, and try as I may, I can't find it.

My biggest worry though, is that a wild animal or a rattlesnake will get him. He's not a very big guy, he weighs only 12 pounds and doesn't even come up to my knees.

Did I mention he's my precious baby. 

Last Saturday morning, not seeing any rabbits, I let Scooter out to do his business, before I even had my first cup of coffee, he was off chasing rabbits and ended up on the other side of the fence.

Sleepily I go out to get him and I have to climb halfway over the wire fence (in my mismatched p.j's and my favorite and only pair of Crocs, that by the way, are taking on all matter of sand, dirt and pebbles,) to pick up his sticker ridden self. 

 

So he was on restriction. His only view of the world that morning was from a stool by the front door. 

Then I got the brilliant idea! the next rabbit I see come on the property, I'd let him out to chase it then I'd find where he's getting out. 

Yeah right

Great co-worker & great food, what's not to like

At work most of us don't have a lot of time to visit with each other, so during the little snippets of time we do have with each other, we talk fast, share information fast, but can't get into the "juicy" details that we girls like to do. 

That's why being able to meet with a co-worker after work, to visit over some wonderful food and drink is a such a treat for me. 

We met at Cafe Mediterraneo in Alpine. for appetizers, wine and lots of visiting. 

 

We started by ordering a bottle of Laird Pinot Grigio. What does it taste like besides wonderful?

Here's what I snagged off the Artisan Wine Depot website. 

"Made without oak, it is has exotic aromas of lemon zest, pineapple and orange blossom lead to a juicy, complex palate of honeysuckle, tangerine, lime and kiwi fruit and wet stone minerality in the pleasingly long finish. Featuring the sleek and elegant new "Wak" twist-off closure from Italy."

I am definately getting some of this. 

Come see the goodies the wine accompanied. 

 

Work day at church

Last Saturday was a work day at church. A day to catch up on some neglected chores and spruce up the place a little.

 I volunteered to be one of the workers, I mean, how hard can it be? The only thing I didn't want to do was clean any ovens, I despise cleaning ovens. I would have if it was needed, and would have done it with a cheerful heart, not overflowing-ly cheerful, but cheerful.

Thankfully that was not on the list. I should have known none of the chores would have included any kitchen duties; because after potlucks, you can't get into the kitchen for all the clean up volunteers. 

This is what I saw as I arrived at church. Holy Moly a couple of pallets of brick. Dang, someones going to be sore tomorrow. 

 

Cleaning ovens was beginning to look better all the time. 

Balsamic Glazed Beets and Greens

This and roasting are my two favorite ways to fix beets.

The balsamic vinegar lends a tangy sweetness to this earthy vegetable. 

And it's easy to do.

Is it a side? a soup?

It started out to be a soup, but as things progressed, it turned into wonderful side dish. 

 

Just add more chicken or vegetable broth and you will have a delicious soup. 

Tonight, it will be served sans broth with roast beef.