Cool Beans!

Visitas de las Hermanas - Amado Peña

Today, Gene and I saw part of a fascinating episode of the show, Modern Marvels, entitled “Beans”, featured on the History Channel.  The topic is always one of interest, since Gene and I like eating beans so much.

The most popular bean worldwide is the garbanzo bean, also known as the chickpea. Cooked, mashed garbanzo beans are the primary ingredient of hummus, a wonderful, creamy dip originating in the Middle East. Rich in vitamin C, iron and vitamin B6, hummus is an excellent source of fiber and protein, and is traditionally served with pita bread. You can find hummus in your local grocery store, and for a healthy snack, try it with baked pita chips, celery and carrots. Yum!

Below are links to a couple of delicious-sounding recipes using chickpeas that I’m going to try soon:

·          Curried Brown Rice Chickpea Salad

·          North African Chickpea and Kale Soup

·          Roasted Butternut Squash and Chickpea Wheatberry Salad

The second most popular bean in the world is the Pinto Bean, and most of us have tasted this wonderful bean in Mexican cuisine as refried beans. Interestingly, refried beans aren’t fried at all! Check out this interesting Food Tech video on the making of refried beans:

One of my most favorite pinto bean recipes comes from my friend, Drew, in Gatesville, Texas:

Miss Drew’s Beans

Ingredients

3 lbs. pinto beans

1 lb. bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces (I use maple-flavored bacon)

2 onions, chopped

3 cans Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles

1 or 2 bunches cilantro, chopped

Salt to taste

Directions

1. Wash and rinse the amount of beans you want to cook.

2. Using 1 quart of water for each cup of beans, cook up a big pot of pinto beans according to the package.

3. Do not add seasoning while cooking the beans.

4. If you pre-soaked the beans, cooking time will be 1 to 1 ½ hours. If you did not pre-soak the beans, cooking time will be 2 to 2 ½ hours. Stir occasionally, making sure beans don’t stick to the bottom of the pot, and add additional water if necessary.

5. Fry bacon and onion until cooked (bacon will not be crispy). Do not burn onions.

6. Add bacon and onion mixture (including bacon grease) to beans.

7. Add 3 cans Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chiles.

8. Add chopped cilantro.

9. Salt to taste.

10. Cook 30 more minutes and serve hot. Enjoy!

Amado Peña

Amado Peña, renowned Southwest artist, created a painting, entitled Tres Hermanas, which depicts the Three Sisters – maize, beans and squash. These were the staples of the Ancient Pueblo People, as well as some of the later tribes, such as the Zuni, Hopi and Navaho.

Tres Hermanas - Amado Peña

The Native Americans used companion planting. First, they buried rotten fish, which acted as a fertilizer, in a mound with maize seeds. Once the stalks reached a certain height, they planted beans, which wrapped around the maize stalk. The beans provided nitrogen to the soil, and the stalk served as a pole up which the beans would grow. Squash plants encircled the base of the maize and beans to retain moisture in the ground, to provide ground cover, preventing sunlight from encouraging weed growth, and as a deterrent to pests due to the prickly hairs of the vine.

One cannot write about beans without mentioning the oh-so-dreaded side effect, flatulence. So, how can we prevent flatulence from beans? Try this tip while cooking your beans. Or, try Beano®, an enzyme-based, dietary supplement, used to reduce gas in the intestinal tract, thereby reducing flatulence. Beano® was developed by Alan Kligerman of AkPharma in 1990. He created this formula while researching lactates in an effort to provide a solution for people, who are lactose-intolerant. The man was a genius!

And, speaking of geniuses, Benjamin Franklin outlined the easiest of all solutions in the eloquent essay he wrote around 1781 entitled, “A Letter To A Royal Academy”:

“It is universally well known, That in digesting our common Food, there is created or produced in the Bowels of human Creatures, a great Quantity of Wind. That the permitting this Air to escape and mix with the Atmosphere, is usually offensive to the Company, from the fetid Smell that accompanies it. That all well-bred People therefore, to avoid giving such Offence, forcibly restrain the Efforts of Nature to discharge that Wind.”

Eat Beans & Hold Your Wind, Y’all!

Don't Let 'Em Get Your Goat!

Last week, I paid a long overdue visit to my friend, Paula Tarver, who raises goats and chickens in her backyard. I’ve wanted to see the animals for some time now. Coincidentally, it was milking time for the nanny goat, and she was udderly ready!

Paula Tarver milking Eve

The goats were amazingly tame and friendly, enjoying a good scratch on the head and back (just like dogs). This up-close exposure to these very interesting animals caused me to ponder more upon goats.

The Tarver Milking Setup


Goats will eat just about anything in their path and I know a number of families in the country that raise goats to manage the brush levels on their ranches. When I was young, we sang songs during road trips, and one of our favorites was “Bill Grogan’s Goat”. To jar your memory about this infamous goat, click on the video below:

Ever heard the phrase, “get your goat”? It’s an idiom that originated in the early 1900s in American literature, which means to make annoyed or angry. According to The Phrase Finder, an alternate explanation of the phrase's origin stated that goats were placed with racehorses in order to keep them calm. When an evildoer wanted the racehorse to run badly, they would “get your goat”. However, there’s no evidence to support this latter theory.

Allergic to cow’s milk? Try goat's milk! Many individuals who are allergic to cow’s milk may be able to tolerate goat's milk and goat cheese. (However, people with lactose intolerance may still be unable to drink goat milk.) Although research studies have not been able to prove exactly why goat milk may be more easily digested by people allergic to cow’s milk, some studies indicate that cow’s milk contains certain alpha-casein proteins, lacking in goat's milk that can cause allergies.

Goat's milk has also been found to contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may benefit individuals suffering from asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic ear infections and eczema. Goat's milk is also an excellent source of calcium, riboflavin (Vitamin B2), potassium and protein!

Photo by Melissa Schneider

One of my most favorite cheeses is goat cheese. I love to crumble goat cheese in my salads. The tangy, interesting flavor of goat cheese is not as overpowering and sharp as blue cheese can be, and has just as many uses.

Photo by Melissa Schneider

The first time I ever tried goat cheese was on a gourmet pizza! Knowing all the benefits, we should all eat more goat cheese. Try sprinkling it on your soup or bake it on top of a sliced tomato. Yum!

For those meat eaters, there’s always goat meat, also known as cabrito or chevron. The Onion Creek Ranch, near Buda, TX, specializes in raising meat goats, the Tennessee Meat Goat™ in fact. Although I haven’t personally indulged, I am always “game” for new meats and foods. Click here to read about a great-sounding Cabrito Guisado recipe!

“Don’t approach a goat from the front, a horse from the back, or a fool from any side.” –Yiddish Proverb

“He who lets the goat be laid on his shoulders is soon after forced to carry the cow” –Italian Proverb

“If you put a silk dress on a goat he is a goat still.” --Irish Proverb

No Goats, No Glory, Y’all!

Simmering Summer Cold Remedies

On Friday just after leaving the Austin TX Chapter IIBA (International Institute of Business Analysis) monthly meeting, (which was very informative and interesting), I stopped off at Marshalls for a bargain-hunting shopping fix. I needed another set of workout togs and a new pair of tennis shoes.

Just as I spied a spectacular pair of Saucony athletic shoes, which I bought for $20 less than the last place I saw them, I began to sneeze...and sneeze...and sneeze.  I was gettin' blessed by all kinds of people. 

"Hachooooo!"
"Bless you!"

Well, it's time to cash in all those blessings, because I have definitely caught something crummy!  My head feels like somebody stuffed it full of cotton. My chest is cinched tight. I can't lay down without the sensation of drowning in my own sinus pools.  And, today, this crud has moved down to my throat and is threatening to invade my lungs. 

So, I've pulled out all the stops.  This morning began with a dose of nose spray, Listerine, Alka-Seltzer Cold & Flu Daytime, Loratadine (for allergies), Mucinex (the miracle mucus pill), a workout at Planet Fitness followed by a protein and "greens" shake, krill oil, and last, but not least - NeilMed Sinus Rinse.  You may recognize the name NeilMed® as the maker of the infamous Neti Pot.  (I, however, could never allow myself to use anything called a "neti pot".  That just sounds wrong to me.)

With all the medication I have doused down my throat today, it's a wonder I'm not comatose.  And, at the end of Day 2, I'm still sick.  The best I felt today was at the funeral we attended (R.I.P. Tony & Sussie Herrera), and even then I was having hot flashes throughout the entire service, which was beautiful and uplifting.

The odd thing is that I'm happy as a clam! (Are clams really happy? Click here to find out.)

Sniffling, snuffling, snorting, sick and smiling.  Weird, huh?  Yeah, I know.  I could win the Weird Woman Award and wear the ribbon with pride stuck to my forehead. 

I welcome any of your granny's or your own homegrown remedies for a summer sinus cold.  However, with 100+ temperatures here in Austin, chicken noodle soup is definitely out of the question. 

Pass the Kleenex, Y'all!

Pamper Yourself!

Okay gals, let’s talk about nails. Getting a manicure or pedicure professionally is a luxury in which I have rarely chosen to indulge. However, this past year, I made a choice to pamper myself regularly, having my nails done by a salon.

Through years of nail biting and cuticle picking, I managed to damage my nail beds, which caused my nails to grow out wavy. With all the hammering on my computer keyboard during the day for work and all the hand quilting at night, I couldn’t manage to keep my nails long. They were constantly breaking and chipping.

For the first time ever, I decided to try solar nails. No, solar nails are not powered by the sun. They are the next best thing to my own nails, though – better, in fact. And, I found the most wonderful salon to get them done!

Viv Nails & Salon, located at 3115 S. 1st Street, is the third place I tried for solar nails, and it’s the last place I’ll ever need to go. Chau (pronounced “Chow”), the owner, named the salon after her young daughter, Viv. On their business card is the slogan, “Experience the Excellence”. Viv’s certainly lives up to that motto!

Chau is a lovely, gracious woman, with a radiant smile, beautiful eyes and the longest natural eyelashes I’ve ever seen on a person. Chau is always dressed beautifully, wearing lovely dresses and fashionable high heels. She is a perfectionist when it comes to nails – a quality I truly appreciate! Unlike other salons, my solar nails from Viv's were the same length, wonderfully thin and they’ve never broken off – not even after 4 weeks of washing dishes, typing, quilting and scratching the dog. When Chau gets done with my nails, they look so natural! Even my mother couldn’t tell they weren’t mine.

On one very indulgent visit I decided to also get a pedicure.

Oh, how I would love to get a pedicure done on a regular basis! Chau’s sister-in-law, Thanh (pronounced “Haun”), with her sweet spirit and friendly smile, gave me a delightfully relaxing pedicure. She was gentle with my feet, provided an addictive foot and calf massage, and expertly shaped and painted my toenails. All of this luxury while sitting in a most fabulous massage chair.

The lovely ladies at Viv’s Nails & Salon do a wonderful job of serving and pleasing their customers. I am always offered a bottle of water. And, during my last visit, Chau noticed that I was excessively hot, although the salon was perfectly comfortable for her other patrons. She excused herself for a moment, and returned with a small fan, which she plugged in and pointed at my face. It was such a thoughtful gesture to a middle-aged woman having a hot flash!

I am so grateful to have found these lovely ladies and their smartly decorated salon where I take an hour every 2-3 weeks to leave the world behind and indulge in a little “me time”.

Rejuvenate at Viv’s, Y’all!

Wish Upon A Star

When I was a little girl, I bought into all the fairy tales about that gallant, chivalrous knight on the glorious white steed, who would whisk me away from reality into a sparkling world of wonder.

  I dreamt that the glass slipper would fit.

I desperately desired the prince’s kiss to awaken me from my daily slumber.

I just knew all my dreams would come true, because Jiminy Cricket assured me they would.

But, while awaiting the arrival of my one true love, I whistled while I worked, wished upon star after star, and kissed more toads than I care to remember. All I found were bad apples, cracked mirrors, warts and evil mothers-in-law.

My heartache and despair brought me to my knees where I did my best to figuratively scrub my floors clean.

With the help of the Mistress Headshrinker of Oz (a.k.a. Pam Bailey), I removed my rose-colored glasses, clicked my ruby red cowboy boots together three times and began to see a bright, beautiful world of reality surrounding me.

And, then three years ago it happened...

My knight, albeit with dented armor from the many dragons he’d fought and slayed, magically appeared in his white Jeep Cherokee, ready to defend my honor and protect my delicate ego. But, wait! I knew this fine knave! Wasn't this my dear, kind friend from long ago?!  Indeed, it was Sir Eugene, son of Nel!

The more I stared, the brighter his armor gleamed. A year later, Sir Eugene, son of Nel, waltzed me down the aisle of Eternity and across the threshold of our Castle in the Clouds.

Happy 2nd Anniversary on June 6th, Honey!

Dreams really do come true, Y’all!

The Dreaded Day

It’s almost like I knew this day was coming. Strangely, I was feeling depressed yesterday. No reason in particular, just down in the dumps. But, given my stage of life, that mysterious and not-so-lovely phase of menopause, I didn’t think much of the mood swing. Most of the time, I feel great. When I don’t, it’s not my fault, it’s menopause. (I wonder how long I can milk this excuse.)

I went to bed early last night and committed myself to rise early and go to the gym for some much-needed endorphins and pound shedding. I felt great after my workout! Upon my return home, as I was contemplating either an extremely early start at work or cleaning my house, my dilemma was interrupted by a text message. Oops! I’d forgotten that I was supposed to meet my girlfriend at Starbucks for a hot chocolate. She was moving our meeting place much closer to my house, so off to Dominican Joe’s I went.

I had a great cup of hot chocolate while listening to my dear friend bring me up to date on the latest chapter of her interesting personal saga. She even mentioned how she was jealous that I had such a great job – working out of my home as a business analyst, performing a job I truly enjoy with people I really like at a great company. “Yes,” I thought, “I feel so blessed.”

During my one-on-one meeting with my manager this morning (the 7th manager I’ve worked under, by the way, since my contracting stint began two years ago), I felt prompted to ask about my future with the company. I knew my contract was up in June, and although previous managers had tried to bring me on board as an employee, they’d met with a No-Remote-Employee Policy that could not seem to be negotiated. I honestly felt that if I simply did my best at my job, and developed strong relationships with the project stakeholders, I would prove my value to the company and an exception would be made. I know I’m good at what I do.

Well, that strategy didn’t pan out. My manager disclosed in answer to my question that in June the company would not be renewing my contract due to budgetary constraints. Glad I asked. The only other time this happened to me was when I got laid off by my present company’s main competitor. I was doing a great job then, too! Maybe I’m in the wrong industry.

I’m indulging in a half-day pity party, but beyond that, it’s back to my cheery self. After all, with a life as blessed as mine, I have no reason to mope.

I noticed a voice message on my cell phone after my meeting with my manager. It was a recruiter. She was just checking to see if I was still happy with my present position, or if I might be in the market for a new gig.

See, even with just a mustard seed of faith, all kinds of doors can open. And, my faith is so much greater than a mustard seed.

I’m human (and menopausal, don’t forget), so I’m going to blow up the balloons for my party as I sit on the pity pot.  I won’t be here long, though, so stay tuned for “the good stuff”.

“Employment, sir, and hardships prevent melancholy”—Samuel Johnson

“The blessing of an active mind, when it is in a good condition, is, that it not only employ itself, but is almost sure to be the means of giving wholesome employment to others.” –Unknown

“…for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” –Matthew 17:20

Time to Move a Mountain, Y’all!

And Justice For All

A picture of a dead man…why would I want to see a picture of a dead man?!

When I heard the news that Osama Bin Laden was dead, I felt relief not joy, for there is no joy in killing – no matter who it is.

Glenn Beck, on his website yesterday, discussed the release of the Bin Laden photo by President Obama. He makes some very good points. Would we have wanted to have a photo released of President John F. Kennedy after his assassination?
We have become a nation of voyeurs. I’m constantly amazed by the drivers on the freeway, who slow down near a car accident in hopes of viewing the carnage of a wreck. I’m dumbfounded by shows like Jerry Springer and Dr. Phil that promote the stupidity and infidelities of others in the name of the almighty TV ratings. And, don’t even get me started on reality TV.

My prayer to Heavenly Father the night I heard Bin Laden was dead was one of gratitude for calling this evil man Home. Here was a child of God, as we all are, who used his God-given agency and his talents and gifts for evildoings, choosing darkness over light. I prayed for the family members of his victims, all over the world, who undoubtedly still grieve because of the actions of that man.

There are consequences for all actions. The blood of Bin Laden’s victims still cries for justice. It is not enough that this man no longer walks the earth. He left, in his wake, the grief and pain of all those who lost their loved ones in the attacks on 9-11. He left children fatherless and motherless. He left behind broken hearts. He left behind destruction and fear. He left behind other weak-minded individuals, poisoned and persuaded by his evil beliefs.

I take comfort in knowing that justice will unavoidably be served. The Lord Jesus Christ will not call Osama Bin Laden one of His sheep. And, on Judgment Day, Bin Laden will have to stand before God to account for his sins, and his evil actions will stain his soul for all to see. Justice will be served, and he will have to pay the price for all he did while on the earth.

I don’t need to see a picture of Bin Laden dead. It is enough for me to know that his death is just the beginning of the sentence he will serve.

For those of us still here on the earth, let us comfort one another, be good citizens of the United States of America, beware of evildoers and stand up for liberty and justice for all!

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” –Edmond Burke.

"An evil man seeketh only rebellion: therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against him." –Proverbs 17:11

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” –Pledge of Allegiance

Choose The Right, Y’all!