Saturday, February 18, 2012

this paint stinks!

we had to wear respirators while painting, and even after an hour, taking off the tape.  Note the pile of discarded green tape on the pool table.

game room floor: no tape

west side of pool table, no tape!

Game room floor: squares painted

Debbie and Kim painted the first layers.  Waiting a couple hours before we remove the tape.  3 days to cure, then we'll paint the rectangle around and under the pool table and "veins" to resemble marble.  Watch this space.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Game Room Remake

The plan is to paint the plain industrial gray floor in the game room.  Black, red and gray marble.  This is the start.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Chili Champ!


We had a chili cook off at work last week. And I killed it! There were 12 entries and my "Hoppin Hominy Chili Verde" took home the trophy and $50 in cash! Here is a pic of me and my winnings and last years winner handing over the trophy! I put the recipe below if you're interested in trying it out.


1 roasting chicken (store bought, meat picked from bones)
1 qt chicken broth
3 tbsps vegetable oil
3 tsps ground cumin
2 tsps dried oregano (I like to use the whole dried oregano I buy in the Mexican food section at the store, I do think it makes a big difference)
2 tsps cayenne pepper
1 onions (cut into medium dice)
4 ozs green chile (diced mild)
2 tbsp jalapenos diced (I just use canned)
1 34oz can hominy
1 14oz can white beans
3 garlic cloves (minced)
3 tomatillos diced
sour cream

cilantro (scallions)
12 wedge lime
hot sauce (green)

1. Bring skin and bones, chicken broth and 1 quart of water to boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer about 30 minutes. Strain and discard skin and bones.

2. Heat oil over medium-low heat in a soup kettle. Add cumin, oregano and cayenne and cook until spices are fragrant, about 1 minute. Add onion; increase heat to medium; saute until soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in chicken and chills. Add 4 cups hominy and all but 1 cup of the broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, 25 to 30 minutes.

3. Process remaining 2 cups hominy and 1 cup broth until silky smooth; add to soup. Stir garlic and tomatillos into soup. Simmer for a minute or so longer, then cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

4. Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream, cilantro or scallions. Pass separately the lime wedges and green hot pepper sauce.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Just wondering if there's anyone out there? Where's the posts?!

Everythings coming up Amaryllis!!!

The last of my three bulbs has bloomed and I must say this one is my favorite! The red was beautiful and showy, but this little shorty has so many layers! It kind of reminds me of the talking flowers in Alice and Wonderland. Just in case you're wondering, yes I do talk to it...sometimes.