Clean Up Day...Country Style

We have been itchin' to get outside and do some spring cleaning.  But the weather has not been cooperating.  It's just been too dang cold for me to work outside  take pictures of my husband working outside.  heh! 

Unfortunately, part of the
clean up involves cutting down trees.  In our part of the world, cutting down a tree is serious business...we usually have a funeral when a tree dies.

We love and treasure each and every tree on the ranch.  And before any one of our trees is cut down it has to be dead.  Not just dead, but double dead.  Sometimes we even wait a year or more, just hoping it might magically come back to life.  That line of thinking is mine.  Not my husband's.  He wanted me to make that clear to you, because he doesn't really go for the magic and fairy dust stuff, like me.  He's such a stick-in-the-mud.

Ok, back to the tree business...sorry, you all know how easily I get distracted.

Do to the severe drought our area has suffered over the last few years, more and more trees are lost.

This particular tree was smack dab in the middle of our back yard.  It was an old elm, and we hated to see it go....but it's time had come.

My husband is a one-man-show, so he tackled this on his own.


He started off on the ladder, cutting off some of the lower branches.

My job was to stand back with my hand on my cell phone....you know, in case I needed to call 911. Also, I  needed take pictures, and stuff.



So, here we go!

 Look out belowwwww!

Hmmmm.  I think he may be wishing he hadn't started this little project.

I assured him he was doing a good job and we would have this job done in no time at all.

 TIMMMBBBEERRR!!

Now it's time for the clean-up crew.

 I was helping with this part.  Really, trust me...ahem.


How about a before and after?


Before...

After....

                                     
                                                                       THE END.

The Last Few Weeks.....

The last few weeks have been strange in our little corner of the world. 

I'm mostly referring to the weather.

Keep in mind, Colorado does not play by the rules pertaining to Spring.

One Saturday, we were playing  golf...in our shorts.

The following Saturday, we were stranded at home by a dang blizzard.

Then, there was this.

 

 

 

 

As this dirt storm moved through our area, the whole community was reminded of the

"dust bowl" stories we have all heard from our parents and and grandparents.  This dirt storm was really not even comparable to the ones known to roll through here in the 30's, however, it definitely made most of us stop and think about that horrible time in our local history.

 

Have any of you seen the Dust Bowl on PBS?  Our area is mentioned on the program numerous times, but it is a little more centered around the Boise City, Oklahoma area, which is forty seven miles from here. 

 

Also, for a good read, you should check out The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan.





Don't Tell My Family I Said That

So, once again, my REAL job has been interfering with blogging.  I hate it when that happens...but don't tell my family I said that.  You know, since it's a family business and stuff.

Well, I said "job", but it's really "jobs".

Our Napa store is crazy busy, for which I am always grateful.  Our farmers and ranchers are preparing for spring, which means our business steps it up a notch.  Everyone is ready to rock and roll...now, all we need is some precious moisture.

AND, my tuxedo business is in high gear with prom season.  Remember, if you need parts for your truck, you can also rent a tux at Napa.  hehe  That's how we roll in a small town!

On a side note, my beautiful daughter came home for a visit....and, she brought her sweet boyfriend.

We all had a great time!  The weather was gorgeous, so we played some golf.  We didn't keep score, but I'm pretty sure I won....but don't tell my family I said that.

On another side note, right after that wonderful sunny weekend, my in-laws came from Oklahoma.  And we had a blizzard.  I mean a total white-out blizzard with zero visibility.  We were officially stuck in the house, but that's never a problem with them...we had several very "hot" games of poker.  I'm pretty sure I won....but don't tell my family I said that.

So now, I consider myself a pro-golfer, AND a pro-poker player.  Oh, and you know the drill...don't tell my family I said that.

A Little Pickle Secret

Do you remember when my husband and I canned forty-seven thousand pounds of dill pickles?  (okay, that might be a little on the dramatic side)  You can read about that  adventure here.

I love our homemade pickles.  They are delicious.  And pretty. 
And they give me a sense of accomplishment...even though my husband is required to help me.

However....I have a little secret.  Sometimes I....uhhhh.....well, I buy pickles....at the store.  GASP!

Have you ever tried Wickles Pickles?  Oh my gosh, they are so good!  Just the right amount of sweet and spicey.  And perfectly crunchy.

They have other products, too.  You can see them here...Wickles Pickles Products.  My mom loves their Wicked Pepper Rings, so I'll be trying those soon.

This is NOT a paid review or sponsered post.  In fact, the folks over at Wickles Pickles don't even know I exist.  When I find something I like, I just feel it's my duty to share it with everyone I know!

Mini Cheesecakes!

When I saw this recipe in Family Circle Magazine, I knew I had to try it.  They turned out so cute and yummy, I just had to share them with you.

I started out topping them all with fruit...to keep them on the healthy side.

Then, I just couldn't help myself...I had to do one with chocolate.  And caramel.

These were so easy, and fun to make!  Let's face it...the possibilities are endless with toppings.  Just get creative and add whatever you love.


The recipe is actually from Philadelphia Cream Cheese, here is my version.

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. sugar, divided
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
3 pkg. (8 oz. each) Philadelphia  Cream Cheese, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
1 cup whipping cream
Toppings:  fruit, chocolate, caramel...etc.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Mix graham crumbs, 2 Tbsp. sugar and butter until blended; press onto bottoms of 18 paper-lined muffin pan cups.

Beat cream cheese, remaining sugar and vanilla with mixer until blended.  Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each one just until blended.  Pour or spoon over crusts.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until centers are almost set.  Cool completely.  Refrigerate 2 hours.

Beat whipping cream with mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form; spread onto cheesecakes.  Top with blueberries or your favorite fruit.   Or...chocolate and caramel!

Makes 18 servings

Spring Forward....Into The Snow!

Happy Spring Forward Day! 

As I shuffled my way into the kitchen, it was still dark outside.  Wasn't sure if it was 4:30 or 5:30...it always takes me a little bit to adjust to a time change.  Either way....it was EARLY. 

Here are a few shots of what it looks like around here this morning.

Took this first picture while it was still dark outside....see... I told you it was EARLY.



After the sun came up I ventured out on the porch.

Now, my hiney is parked in front a blazing fire...

Have a great day!

Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches...Country Style

I know it doesn't take a rocket scientist to make a good Philly Steak Sandwich, but my crew LOVES these.  And, it's so easy, I wanted to share.

Before we start, let's get one thing straight...I'm NOT a food blogger.  I leave that to the professionals.
So,  just hang in there with me, and know you will love the end result.  Oh, and if you don't cook...you, too, can do this.  Yes, it's that easy.

First, get a chuck roast.  In my opinion, it MUST be a chuck.  A chuck cooks perfectly every single time, and is fall-apart delicious.

I use a frozen chuck roast, because I can put it in the oven on my lunch hour.

Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees.

Place frozen roast in roaster pan or dutch oven.
Add 1/2 cup of water.
Season with whatever turns your crank. (sorry, shop talk...it's hard to leave it at work)
I like garlic salt, pepper, and onion powder.

Cover and place in pre-heated 250 degree oven.  I realize you don't need this picture of my oven, but what the heck!

The roast should be perfectly fall-apart done in about 5 hours.  Remove from oven.  With two  forks, roughly shredd.

Slice one meduim onion and one large green pepper.  Saute in olive oil until tender.

For those of you who like mushrooms, by all means, please slice some up and saute in butter.  I do this in a separate pan, because my husband doesn't want them touching any of the other stuff which will eventually make it to his plate.  He calls it "mushroom contamination".

I don't have a picture of my lovely mushrooms.  See, this is exactly why I am NOT a food blogger.  Really, I have no business sharing this post.  I might just keep it as a draft.  You know... to remind myself, why I am NOT a food blogger.

However, if you are reading this, then you know in a moment of insanity...I hit the "publish" button.  I apologize in advance for that.

Pre-heat the broiler.
While the veggies are cooking, spread some butter on both halves of a subway roll.

Place on a cookie sheet and broil.  Watch these babies like a hawk, because when you broil, things can run amuck very, very quickly.  This is not the time to check your e-mail, send a tweet, or call your mom.  I know this from experience.  Another reason I am NOT a food blogger.

Broil until lightly toasted.

Remove the top half of bun from pan, and set aside.

Assemble sandwich with an even layer of meat, then an even layer of veggies.

I am sorry for the photos you are about to see.   They are the most unappealing, unappetizing photos you will ever be forced to look at.  That reminds me...I need one of those fancy schmancy cameras that food bloggers use.  Well, actually most bloggers use them...unless you're me. 

 

 

 

 

One slice of swiss cheese, cut in half.

 

 

 

 

 

Put back under broiler for a a few minutes.  Once again, watch it like a hawk.  I mean it, people.

 

 

 

Taaddaa!!

Put the top half of roll on and serve while hot. 

 

My guys love for me to add their favorite classy side... of...ahem...tator tots.

 

Love,

 

Me (Not a food blogger)

Blast From The Past....Telephone Booth

Hello....hello?...helloooo?

Can you hear me now?

This little jewel is located in a community a few miles north of us.  Actually, all of us country folks in this small corner of the world consider ourselves "one" community.

And speaking of "little", this might possibly be the world's smallest United States Post Office.

This post office may be small, but it gets the job done for this community!


So tell me, are phone booths extinct in your area?  Inquiring minds want to know.

FFA Week Finale

The final activity for our FFA Chapter, is a dinner and a "hired hand sale".

It's not just any dinner. 

It's a dinner most of our community waits for...all year long.

It's a Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry.  Otherwise known as a big shindig, in these parts.

If you don't know what Rocky Mountain Oysters are....well...you probably don't want to know.

The kids do all the prep work, cooking, frying, baking, serving, and then the clean up.  All the parents have to do is...show up hungry!

This is the outdoor fry shack.

Inside, the boys are busy fryin' up the goods.

They take this responsibilty very serious...no adults allowed!

When it was all said and done, 130 pounds of calf fries Rocky Mountain Oysters, were served.  And devoured.  In addition, 115 pounds of slow cooked beef, was also served.

Hey, I know these people. 

My brother, my mom, and my precious great-nephew.

Actually, I know everyone here.  It's a small community, and everyone knows everyone....and their business.



Hey, I know this handsome man, too.

Yes, it's my beloved.  See the quilt hanging in the background?  That's the "brand quilt".

Local ranchers can buy a square on the quilt for their individual "brand".

Then, several very talented women lovingly donate many hours putting the quilt together.  Each year it turns out absolutely beautiful!  At the end of the evening there is a drawing, and the quilt is given away to one of the brand owners.  The money raised from the quilt is used for FFA scholarships, to be given to our qualifying seniors.

Once the quilt is given away, the auctioneer takes his place, front and center.  Then 33 of the FFA members are auctioned off in exchange for 8 hours of labor.

Currently with the auction plus donations, the chapter has raised over $16,000.00!

What a wonderful, supportive community we live in. 

On the flip side, everyone here witnesses first hand, these FFA members involved in numerous community projects, all year long.  If someone needs something done, who do they call?  Yep, the FFA!

Drive A Tractor To School?

Last week was National FFA Week.  If you are not familiar with FFA, you really should check out your local chapter.  You won't be disappointed.  I promise. 

In the United States there are over five hundred thousand members.  That's a lot of kids.

Our small high school has a total of ninety-five students.    Of those students, seventy-two are members of my husband's FFA program.

They kicked off the week with Tractor Day.  On this day, it is perfectly acceptable to drive a tractor, a semi-truck, a combine, (or whatever piece of ag equipment floats your boat), to school.

 

 

 

The kids love this!  Even if it takes some of them an hour to make the drive from their farms.
And the best part....blocking the Principal's parking space before he gets to school.  It's a tradition, and he's a good sport.

Then on Tuesday, my husband and his loyal FFA members, have a petting zoo.  The elementary teachers bring all of their classes, as well as, the pre-school and daycare children.  It's another tradition my husband has established, and everyone (big or small) looks forward to it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roping lessons!

Oh and there's more FFA Week.... to be continued!