Green Chicken Chili...

I was going to put pea soup on last night and I got sidetracked watching a movie - so I think I'll use up the leftover chicken and make chili.

And I'll share my recipe...

Green Chicken Chili

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

¼ cup olive oil

4 large garlic cloves, minced

1 small onion, diced

1 whole rotisserie chicken, pulled

¾ cup all-purpose flour

8 cups chicken broth

1 can diced tomatoes, drained

2 cans white kidney beans

1 can green chiles, drained

½ tsp black pepper

Kosher salt to taste

Garnish:

Sliced green onions

Fresh chopped cilantro

Shredded monterey jack or queso fresco

Tortilla strips

Instructions:

Pour chicken broth into a large saucepan and heat on medium heat.  In a large pot, add olive oil and heat on low.  Add the diced onion and cook until translucent.  Add the fresh minced garlic and cook just until you can smell the nice garlic aroma.  Add pulled chicken and still until the chicken is coated with oil.   Add the flour and still until it appears brown and has absorbed all of the olive oil.  Add heated chicken broth, diced tomatoes, beans and stir while the mixture comes to a boil.  Add chiles, black pepper and salt as desired.  Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 30 minutes.  Serve garnished with green onions, cilantro, cheese and tortilla strips.

This is so silly...

but did anyone every give you a sweet little present that was just too cute to even use?  My friend, Dorene, sent me this adorable little note pad - it's about three inches by four inches - and as you can see, it has the prettiest design on the cover and a little turquoise jewel on the magnetic flap.  When you open it up...

the inside is even pretty.  The paper is edged with the same design.  I keep taking it out of my desk drawer and looking at it, contemplating using it.  Then I put it back to save.  Save for what, I don't know.  Today I took it out and thought about putting it in my purse.  No, I thought to myself, it will get messed up in there.  Silly, I know, but there you have it.  Oh, and I put it back in the drawer.

10 Reasons to watch Tooth Fairy...

1.  The Rock

2.  Julie Andrews as the Head Tooth Fairy

3.  Hockey

4.  Billy Crystal's hilarious self

5.  It's a wholesome family movie

6.  Cool special effects

7. More hockey

8.  The Rock - did I already say that?

9.  Tracy the Training Fairy

10.  Hockey

More on the whole hockey thing tomorrow...

ME Monday...

Today I am sharing my most prized ME-inspired possession:  Aggie, my cairn terrier.  Yep - that's right.  I always wanted a little dog like Toto and Mary's illustrations of this little dog are what I am positive made me choose the little brindle cairn on that fateful day in 1998 when Tim took me to buy a dog for Christmas.  Sure, the poodle was cute and I loved the corgi - but I kept going back to the feisty little cairn.  At first, I was going to name her Dorothy but she wouldn't even look at me.  Then Tim called her Agatha - I had just made him read The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie - and she looked right at him, as if to say, "You talkin' to me?"  That settled it.

Aggie is my ME item for ME Monday!

She was such a cute puppy!

Her first collar was pink plaid to match her pink leash.

Any excuse to run around outdoors!

She had her own boogie board - and could hang 20!

Aggie was gracious enough to give me permission to share her photos for today.  She says that she may be famous someday and doesn't want just any photo out there on the internet.  Diva!

Check out more ME Monday over at Cherry Chick!

 

Oh - and if you like to bicycle, click here to enter to win a free bike!  Aggie thinks it would be really cool to ride around in the basket on this bike.  I don't know where I'd put it if I won, but what the heck.

Here's what you need...

when you are installing new software to your computer: extra strength pain reliever for your headache (oh, believe me, you're going to have one), scrap paper to write all of the error messages on, a pen to write the error messages down with, a red pen to correct your errors when writing down the error messages, and most importantly, a phone to call Microsoft.  Oh, and the software.  I was surprised - Tim got me the whole Home & Business version of Office 2010: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook.  So I'm up to date for another ten years or so - after a fashion.  I didn't even get to take advantage of my extra hour of sleep; I was up until three - no, wait - two (but it was really three, wasn't it?) installing the software and trying once again to import my old Outlook pst file.  All I really cared about at this point was the Contacts file - it had too much information in it that I didn't have written down anywhere.  Sound familiar?  Anyhow, I re-ran the utility program again this morning in another vain attempt to fix the old file and managed to salvage the contacts and move them into the new format.  Whew!  Enter the e-mail problem.  That one really had me stumped because my internet connection was working - but Outlook wouldn't connect to the internet so I could get e-mail.  After three hours of futile attempts to fix it myself, I gave in and went to the Microsoft support site and started a chat window for support.  I waited patiently for a couple of minutes and then up popped a reply:  Good afternoon, my name is Pradeep.  How may I help you?  I was seriously glad that this was chat and not a phone call because I am sure Pradeep would have been sorely offended at the snort and hoot of laughter that burst forth.  I am normally quite polite, but this was too much.  Icing on the cake.  A cherry on the whipped cream of my software sundae.  I managed to type Hello.  He asked me some questions about the problem and I replied.  When we ran into a snag setting up a direct connection to his computer, he asked if it would be all right to call me.  My Outsourced-related mirth had subsided by then and I agreed.  Let me tell you, this guy was extremely helpful and he logged into my computer remotely and fixed the whole problem in about fifteen minutes, thank you very much.  I will have to say, without a doubt, that he is the most helpful tech support person I have ever dealt with.  Even better than the Japanese tech support at IBM in Texas - where grep is whole other story for another day.  Now I need a nap.

The saga continues...

as I try once again to restore my damaged and possibly hopelessly lost Outlook pst file.  After using the utility software I got online, my Outlook calendar and email program disappeared completely.  Richard brought me his Office CD so I could re-install it, which I did, and I got Outlook back, but no files.  When I spoke to Tim about my dilemma, he offered to buy me the new Outlook 2010 software that should remedy the problem.  He was on his way to Naples this afternoon, but he has stopped at Best Buy and purchased the software - I just have to meet him at the I-75 exit tonight to pick it up since he needs to get back to Tampa as soon as possible.  I can do that - anything to resolve this computer issue!  And so I have distracted myself today by watching online episodes of NBC's new sitcom Outsourced.  It's apparently based on an independent movie with a similar plot line: Todd has to go to India to run a call center or he's out of a job.  It's pretty amusing - the characters are funny and it's hilarious watching this guy trying to explain why oddball American novelties are funny to the rather uptight call center employees.  As you might expect, Todd has fallen for the very attractive Asha who is in the beginning stages of choosing a husband for her expected arranged marriage.  Todd fills out an application - under the name of Pradeep - and slips his application into the file, in hopes that Asha will realize that Pradeep (Todd) is her soul mate.  Guaranteed to make us wish for a happy ending!  If you haven't watched it and like a good pointless sitcom, check it out - it's sweet and funny - with no redeeming social value.  My kind of TV show.

Still cooking...

my way through solving this computer debacle.  It's no longer just a problem, no sirree.  I am having a major meltdown here from which neither the computer nor I may soon recover.  Gotta keep busy - can't think on an empty stomach...

Pepper Jack Cheesy Mac

2 cups dry elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese, divided
1 12-oz can evaporated milk
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 cup broken tortilla chips
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease a casserole dish.  Cook macaroni in a large saucepan of salted water for about seven minutes.  Drain and return to saucepan.  Add cheddar cheese, 1 1/2 cups of pepper jack cheese, evaporated milk and black pepper to macaroni.  Stir until combined.  Pour into casserole dish.  Combine the remaining 1/2 cup of pepper jack cheese, tortilla chips and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.  Sprinkle over the top of the casserole and cover with foil.  Bake for 20 minutes.  Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes until lightly browned.  Fills the tummy and clears out the sinuses!

When all else fails, cook...

Chocolate Cinnamon Bread Pudding

Thanks to Pepperidge Farm!

ingredients

12 slices Cinnamon Swirl Bread, any variety, cut into cubes (about 6 cups)
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate pieces
2 1/2 cups milk
4 eggs
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
Sweetened whipped cream  (optional)

directions

Heat the oven to 350°F.  Place the bread cubes into a lightly greased 2-quart shallow baking dish. Sprinkle the chocolate pieces over the bread cubes. Beat the milk, eggs, brown sugar and vanilla extract in a small bowl with a fork or whisk. Pour the milk mixture over the bread cubes.  Stir and press the bread cubes into the milk mixture to coat.  Bake for 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Serve with the whipped cream, if desired.

That's one way to drown your sorrows and computer issues...

The terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day...

also known as Wednesday - and it's only getting worse.  If that can even possibly happen.  I feel like Alexander from the old Judith Viorst book (thank you, Judith for the blog post title!) - did you ever read it when you were a kid?  Thinking about that book is about the only thing that has kept me from bursting into tears today - and over a computer!  Honestly, I could just puke.  Something somehow ate my Outlook pst file - and now all of my calendar, contacts, tasks and emails are gone.  I have struggled mightily to even find the hidden file where all of the data is stored!  Once I did manage to find the thing - thanks to help from a client's computer nerd buddy - I am unable to repair it because my MS Office installation is lacking the file needed and I don't have the disk - Tim does.  And while I am sure he doesn't have the disk with him, he is also not patient at all with me when providing computer assistance.  He acts like I am the village idiot even though I actually possess an above-average IQ - and well, I admit that he pisses me off a little when he does that.  Consequently, computer support sessions in which both of us participate do not go well.  At all.  I am at the point where I realize that I am going to have to break down and pay for a utility program that specifically scans and repairs my pst file - which, come to find out, is a problem when your file grows to over 2 gigbytes in size, which mine apparently has.  I haven't thrown anything and my computer has not moved from its spot on my desk, so I am at least trying to remain calm.

Trying.  Really trying.

Random musings...

Today I am thankful for:

Fall - or what feels like might become fall soon.

Instant maple brown sugar oatmeal.

Clean socks.

Intuit Online Payroll and how easy it makes helping my clients.

Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs.

Herbal tea.

Blank composition books.

Adopt a Shelter Pet postage stamps.

Mini pumpkins that last from before Halloween until Thanksgiving.

Krusteaz Banana Bread mix.

God's daily provision for my needs.

ME Monday...

Is is Monday again already?  Today we're sharing our prized ME clock - not only does the illustration look a little like me, it's something I say a lot.  "Oh, no!"  Not only has that ceramic clock survived being hung on the wall in a houseful of cats, it's had the movement replaced twice.  I love it - and I was so thrilled when I found it in the sale corner at The Persnickety Cat (in Sarasota) for only ten dollars - this was years and years ago.  I do like a bargain - especially on something I didn't really need in the first place!

And here are a couple of my favorite ME prints - in my favorite color frame!

Be sure to check out more ME Monday over at Cherry Chick.  Have a great day!

Happy Halloween...

Instead of answering the door for trick-or-treaters - of which there were none (knocks or trick-or-treaters), Aggie, Peter and I watched the pilot and first two episodes of Warehouse 13, a series from the Syfy channel.  I saw it in Netflix and it sounded good, so it went into my queue.  Since I don't have cable, I wasn't even aware that the show is still being broadcast.  Apparently it is now in season two - so I will have to catch up before season 3 starts.  I wonder if you can watch it online...  Anyhow - it was cute.  Sort of like X-Files meets the Librarian, both of which I loved.  It also has Saul Rubinek as the caretaker of the Warehouse - so that's a great reason to watch it right there.  I loved him on the Nero Wolfe mysteries with Timothy Hutton and Maury Chaykin.  If you've never seen Warehouse 13 and you like light science fiction with a bit of mystery and humor mixed in - and can suspend disbelief, as Ambrose Bierce would say, my furry associates and I highly recommend it.

End of an era...

and it appears that I have really been out of the loop.  As I have previously admitted, I am powerless over the rabbit poop ice at Sonic.  There's just something about it - and I'm not the only one who craves its icy goodness.  Since I've been working from home, I don't get out much, and I have only occasionally had a Route44 drink from Sonic since the first of July.  I was out doing my Saturday errands this morning and my planned route took me near the Sonic.  I wasn't hungry but I was really looking forward to the ice.  I ordered a drink, asked for extra ice and reminded them that I had a window sticker.  You know the one: 99 cents for a Route44 drink.  "The window stickers expired about three weeks ago," I was not very politely informed.  "Do you still want the drink?"  I said that I did indeed still want the drink, as well as the extra ice.  Well, how do you like that?  No warning, no nothing.  See, I'm officially out of the loop.  I wonder how much those rabbit poop ice machines cost...

Now here's a trained cat...

named Quidditch.  My friend Carolyn and her husband, Larry, belong to him.  They live near Atlanta.  Isn't he the cutest thing?  She says that he sits on his stool and patiently waits for his portion at every meal.  Apparently, he is a very polite and well-mannered boy.  Aggie could take a lesson - or two.  We had catfish for supper tonight and Miss Thing and her partner in crime were concerned that I would not give them their fair share.

Like just when did that ever happen?

Cat box wars...

Peter has come a long way.  He has gone from a scared kitten I found in the street to a skittish cat who steered clear of the dogs at home.  He refused to move to Pennsylvania with the other cats and spent a couple of days in our empty house until Tim could catch him and transport him to the office.  There he made himself scarce and only came out when he thought the coast was clear.  Petey gallantly suffered the indignity of being neutered and moved home with me & Aggie - and they have become good friends.  Almost too good, I sometimes think.  You see, Peter is an enabler.  What? you ask.  Well, like most dogs, Aggie loves to eat cat poop.  That's just gross, but it's true.  Unfortunately for me, Peter is a nocturnal pooper and my two housemates seem to have a system all worked out to inflict the maximum sleep interruption on me.  Little varmints!  Just when we have all settled down for the night and Aggie is dozing nicely, Pete heads to the litter box where he makes his deposit and then digs.  And digs and digs and digs.  This is that noisy Tidy Cat Breeze pellet litter, mind you, and the racket is absolutely thunderous in a quiet apartment.  If the exaggerated digging fails to get Aggie's attention, Peter marches out of the bathroom meowing at the top of his lungs to alert his sister to the presence of a fresh tootsie roll treat.  Off Aggie trots to the box to attempt to make her nightly withdrawal - where she is most often thwarted by an thoroughly irritated and sleep-deprived person with a poop scoop in hand.  And I wondered why I was having trouble getting to sleep - or sleeping for more than an hour at a time.  It's not insomnia - it's furry creatures with nasty nocturnal habits.

Tonight I am going to try and wait them out - wish me luck!

Gotta love Etsy...

where you can browse through thousands of interesting handmade and vintage items until you find just the thing you didn't even know you were looking for.  The very thing, as my grandmother used to say.  As I have admitted on previous occasions, I am a lover of all things holiday - Valentine's, Easter, Independence Day, Halloween, Christmas - and I love holiday-themed shirts, sweaters and jewelry.  I have been wearing my old faithful Halloween shirts and while browsing on Etsy one evening when I couldn't sleep, I realized that I didn't have any really suitable autumn earrings.  Like anyone really sees me on a daily basis, or that I even needed any, but nevertheless - I had apparently found the very thing.  The best part is that you can get adorable handmade earrings with glass pumpkin beads for under $10 - a steal!  While I was at it, I bought a pair of cute, cute, cute art glass pumpkin earrings for my pumpkin-obsessed friend, Marie.  With free shipping!  I haven't spent much money frivolously over the past year, but finding these two great bargains - pumpkin earrings! - just made my day.  If you have never checked Etsy out, you should take a few minutes and have a look.  It's like eBay only less commercial - wonderful hand-crafted things!  In fact, I'm going to be listing some of my sewing projects on Etsy soon.

An annual tradition...

is back - and Aggie & I just had a free Angus Bacon Cheeseburger for dinner.  She was more impressed than I was, but hey - it was free!  Growing up, McDonald's was always considered a big treat at our house.  We very seldom went out to eat and when we did, my sister and I begged for McDonald's.  My dad tried to avoid it except on road trips because he loved the convenience of driving through and eating in the car.  We would sit in the back seat and chant, "Ronnnnn-ald," until he would stop at the next exit.  I suspect that Daddy secretly liked McDonald's too - after all, he was an early computer geek whose job often entailed installing point-of-sale systems at various fast food restaurants.  The year Tim and I got married, we took a short honeymoon road trip a couple of months later and the McDonald's Monopoly game was going on.  I think we ate at every McDonald's between here and Savannah.  Well, maybe not - but it sure seemed like we did.  Every year thereafter, we made a point of visiting the Golden Arches at least once during the game.  The most either of us ever won was a free order of fries or a sandwich until a couple of years ago when I actually won some computer game downloads.  One was Yahtzee and I think there were two others - possibly a Monopoly game.  I'm back to my comparative losing streak this year, but I did get a free cheeseburger and some Coke rewards points.  I still love their fries in my old age, so it was worth the trip.

ME Monday...

I am Queen of the Kitchen - or this one at least.  Just a quick stop on yesterday's brief kitchen tour.  Check out more ME stuff over at Cherry Chick.

Have a great Monday!

No one's in the kitchen...

so it's finally time I gave the kitchen tour - I think it's the last room I have to blog about.  The laundry closet doesn't count...  As you can see, it's small but infinitely larger than the kitchen in the first apartment.  Both kitchens have been an adjustment after having had an enormous kitchen in my house - 28 cupboards, a huge pantry, two sinks and a double wall oven.  But, downsizing is good.  I'm down to one set of dishes and only one cupboard full of baking dishes and pans - and other assorted items.

I wasn't kidding about the baking dishes and pans.

Or the one set of dishes.  Mary Engelbreit, of course!

This kitchen has more counter space than the last one, which I have managed to fill up rather quickly with all sorts of treasures and other junk...

And I have a spot for the tea kettle and tea.

It also has a much larger pantry which has come in handy for all sorts of storage.

And, last but not least, room for an actual garbage can.  When I first moved in, I was using a basket with a liner bag, but two pets who shall remain nameless kept knocking it over to investigate the contents.  This can not only closes, but it opens automatically!  I'm in love with the trash receptacle!