Friday, April 30, 2010
Don't Let Him Fool You. He Will Cut You.
You see, we thought this bird family business would be sweet. Not so. It was in the beginning when the birds were building their nest but it went downhill quickly.
The past few weeks we have noticed that there have been no birds at our feeder. A few days later Beau called me on his day off and this was our conversation:
Beau: "I think I know why we don't have any birds at the feeder."
Me: "Why?!"
Beau: "Because I just saw the male bluebird dive bomb the doves and cardinals at the feeder."
After researching bluebirds I found out that they become very territorial when they are nesting. This was a very telling quote I found on a webiste: "The male bluebird has been known to peck at windows when he sees movement inside or his reflection. Although this is not a deadly behavior for the animal it can become stressful for the bird and homeowners."
You think????
I also found out that apparently it's a big deal for bluebirds to nest in one's bird house. Good luck or something like that. On some of the websites I found people begging for suggestions on how to get bluebirds to nest in their yard. Sheer desperation I tell you. All short of announcing they would sell their children on the black market for a chance at bluebird nesters. I can only compare it to women writing in with fertility problems. "We've tried everything! The food, millworms, painting the birdhouse, mowing less, you name it and we've tried it but still no bluebirds. Help! What do we do!" I want to respond with, "I've got a pair of bluebirds you can have."
The other day I thought I would get close to the birdhouse just to listen for baby bird chirps. BIG MISTAKE. Instead I heard a distant squawking and looked on the roof of our house. There he was, Big Daddy Bluebird and he was talking to me. He then flew from the roof to the fence about 8 feet away. I kid you not when I say my heart started pounding because I knew what was about to happen. The bird flew from the fence and came right for me, wings flailing. I took off running and screaming like I was being chased by a linebacker with a shank.
So this is where we stand: Kendall-0, Bluebird-1.
I have resorted to throwing bread over the fence for the birds that choose to no longer risk it by eating at our feeder. I am ready for these dang baby bluebirds to fly the nest so their overprotective parents will leave us. Until then, I'm staying inside.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Since It's Been A While...
The first recipe is cheesy baked pasta with spinach and artichokes. Really good and very filling.
-8 ounces of some short pasta (penne, mezzi rigatoni, etc.)
-1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, rinsed and quartered
-1 9-ounce package frozen creamed spinach, thawed
-1/4 cup grated Parmesan
-2 cups grated mozzarella
-black pepper
Directions:
-Cook the pasta and drain
-Add the artichoke hearts, spinach, Parmesan, half the mozzarella and some pepper to pasta and toss
-Transfer pasta mixture to a shallow 2-quart baking dish and sprinkle remaining mozzarella. Broil until cheese is browned in spots (2-3 minutes.)
Next we have easy chicken and cheese enchiladas. I have cooked the same enchiladas since Beau and I got married but this recipe is a little different so I thought I would give it a try and we both loved it. This makes about 4-6 servings so we ate off of it for a couple of days. It makes a great lunch heated up at work.
-1 can of cream of chicken-1/2 cup sour cream
-1 cup of Pace Picante Sauce (any salsa with the onions and peppers)
-2 tsp chili powder
-2 cups chopped cooked chicken
-1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
-6 flour tortillas (small) or 3.5 (big)
-1 small tomato, chopped
-1 green onion, sliced
Directions:
-Stir the soup, sour cream, picante sauce and chili powder in a medium bowl.
-Stir 1 cup picante sauce mixture, chicken and cheese in large bowl.
-Divide chicken mixture among tortillas. Roll up the tortillas and place in dish. Pour remaining picante over tortillas. Cover dish.
-Bake 350 for 40 minutes. Top with tomato and onion.
By the way, I cannot figure out why my first recipe is double spaced and the second is not.
As far as an update on life we don't have a whole lot going on other than work and the stomach virus. I had it two weeks ago and Beau had it yesterday. He was pretty pitiful but I will say that I enjoy taking care of him and he milks it for all it's worth.
I had a meeting from 11a.m. to 8 p.m. yesterday and from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. tonight. I ended up staying at work to prepare for several things coming up this week so I didn't get home until late tonight. And if that's not enough I have to go to Mena for a dedication ceremony tomorrow. I know, right? UGH! I hate losing my weekend; my entire weekend. I really should stop complaining because I am thankful for a job when the economy is down. However, it is hard to go, go, go without a break.
I hope my recipe offerings have offered blog-abandonment forgiveness! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Sorry I'm late for the meeting but I got caught behind a tractor.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Happy Tax Day
Yesterday I found this wreath at Michaels on sale for 50% off. Very springy, don't you think?
I have been on the hunt for new recipes and found several that I plan on cooking the rest of this week. Last night I made kielbasa and cabbage. It was pretty good but I think it lacked something but not sure what it was.
First you brown the sausage in 1 tbsp of olive oil.
Remove the meat, cut up a large white onion and put in pan with remainder of oil. Cook on medium until softened.
Leave the onions in the pan and add a 16 oz bag of the cole slaw mix (cabbage and carrots) along with another tbsp of olive oil.
The recipe called for 2 tbsp of white wine vinegar. Since I am not too fond of buying random items from the grocery store that I will never use again, I read that you can substitute with white vinegar and lemon juice.
Next pour 3/4 cup of white cooking wine and salt and pepper mixture.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Take That Walmart!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Back from Dead, Sort of
Oh the simple things in life. Happy Monday!!
Friday, April 9, 2010
The Entryway Bench That Almost Never Was
I want to make some cushions for the bench and eventually order a shelf like this...
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Beau Wants You to Know "He's Got Mad Man Skills."
I also planted some seeds for the Thornton Garden over the weekend. I am most excited about the tomatoes as I eat them until I have ulcers in my mouth. Seriously, I will cut up fresh tomatoes and eat them plain. The lettuce has already begun to sprout (forgive me if I use the wrong gardening terms since I am new at this.)
That is all I have today unless you are interested in hearing about our air conditioner NOT WORKING. No worries though, it is under our home warranty so we are letting the builder know.
For now I will leave you with this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sb9eL3ejXmE
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
It's Here!!!!
In other home-related news, we hung up some pictures in the kitchen! Baby steps. Baby steps.
I have been so hesitant to hang anything on the walls until I am positive that is where I want it, as opposed to Beau who would have loved everything to be decorated on day 3.
In other non-home-related news..........
I hate basketball but have to admit that I became enthralled (dramatic word, huh?) in last night's NCAA Championship. I don't think anyone expected the game to be that good and that close. I felt so bad for Butler afterwards. Especially when the cameras showed them walking into the locker room. Everyone from the team looked devastated, tears and all.
Don't expect any more basketball references from me again.
Happy Tuesday!!
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter
3 1/2 lbs red potatoes
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dry parsley
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp dry ranch
2 1/3 cup chives
1/2 cup green onions
1 cup bacon
2 cups sour cream
2 cups of mayo
splash of vinegar
1. Bake the potatoes
2. After they cool, cut them into cubes (skins on)
3. Mix with rest of ingredients
4. Let cool and enjoy!!
I tried to get a picture of me "slaving" in the kitchen last night but kept cutting my head off in the picture so I took my picture in the microwave. Was it necessary to capture a picture of myself making potato salad? Probably not.
My adorable nephews!