Tarantula

John is a Webelo leader and has had a good time in this calling. Recently they had a guest speaker who talked about insects. I'm not sure I'd hold it...

How to Train Your Dragon

This was a cute movie and a fun, relaxing way to spend a Saturday with the family.

Mount St. Helens Anniversary

Where were you on May 18, 1980?

"Mount St. Helens: Within 15 to 20 seconds of a magnitude 5.1 earthquake at 8:32 a.m., the volcano's bulge and summit slid away in a huge landslide - the largest on Earth in recorded history. The lateral blast produced a column of ash and gas that rose more than 15 miles into the atmosphere in only 15 minutes. Over the course of the day, prevailing winds blew 520 million tons of ash eastward across the United States and caused complete darkness in Spokane, Washington, 250 miles from the volcano."

It was a Sunday and I remember sticking my head out the window in the Sunday school classroom upstairs (above the Bishop's office) at the old Argonne building and wondering why it was so dark outside ... And then I remember mowing later that summer and still getting puffs of ash. I also remember shoveling ash.

Cinderella Tea & Fashion Show

Kathy & Sarah Thompson accompanied me to a fundraising event held downtown in the Spokane Club. "Because There is Hope" offers women temporary housing while they receive cancer treatments in Spokane. This is especially helpful for those that live more than 50 miles away from treatment not to have to worry about where to stay (or how they will pay) or even attempt to drive home after each of the treatments. The Spokane Club was a pretty location for this event. They served quiche, croissants, fruit and some desserts while they had prize drawings, speakers and my favorite - a fashion show by Chico's. Thanks for going with me Sarah and Kathy!!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day was great this year. Audrey & John made me crepes for breakfast and then I got to open my gifts. A new can opener (pink), a bamboo cutting board (as I ruined our old one by putting it in the dishwasher for the first time in 20 years. It disintegrated!), three necklaces (very cute - one is a muffin tin and one is a fry pan) and a pencil holder welded by Audrey. Bet your kid did not give you anything welded - I'm pretty proud of her. We went to church and the speakers were excellent - great job Erickson's! After church we had Cafe Rio Chicken Salad (yummy) and then relaxed. Wonderful day!

Cafe Rio Salad

CAFE RIO CHICKEN
1 - 16oz bottle Italian dressing
1 T. chili powder (Mexican)
1 T. cumin
2 tsp. chicken bouillon
3 cloves garlic - minced
5 lb. chicken breast
Place all in crock pot and cook for 4 hours, shred meat and cook 1 additional hour.

CILANTRO LIME RICE
In a saucepan, saute:
2 T. butter
1 onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
Saute until onion is soft and then add to a large pot along with the remaining ingredients below. Bring to a boil:
6 & 2/3 cups water
8 tsp. chicken bouillon
1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
2 tsp. cumin
2 small cans diced green chilies
1 T. Lime juice
1/2 tsp. pepper
3 & 1/2 cups rice
Reduce heat to low, cover with lid and simmer for about 20 minutes.

BLACK BEANS
4 T. olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. cumin
2 cans black beans, rinsed and rained
2 & 2/3 cups tomato juice
4 T. chopped cilantro
In a nonstick skillet, cook garlic and cumin in olive oil over medium heat. Add beans and tomato juice. Continually stir until heated through. Just before serving stir in the cilantro.

CREAMY TOMATILLO SALAD DRESSING
1 cup sour cream
1 envelope Ranch salad dressing
1 envelope Fiesta Ranch salad dressing
6 tomatillos, husked an cut in half
1 clove garlic, minced
Juice from 2 limes, freshly squeezed
1 & 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro
Combine all ingredients in a blender (put the liquids in first) and blend until smooth. Store in refrigerator.

TO SERVE - layer in a deep dish/pie tin
Soft tortilla shell
Lettuce
Chicken
Rice
Black beans
Tomatoes / olives
Cheese
Tortilla chips/strips
Dressing
Chopped cilantro
Squeeze lime juice

Administrative Assistant Day - Take 2

During the scheduled Administrative Assistant day, both my district managers were out of town. I certainly don't mind celebrating twice so had no issue when they wanted to take me out to lunch in May instead. We went to Clinkerdagger's (love that restaurant). I don't know if I've told you, but I have the best bosses ever! They are so kind to me. Very complimentary of my skills and abilities. Nice place to work!