At-Home Sushi

I'd been eyeing these sushi kits at the grocery, and finally decided to give them a go. Each kit makes 12 pieces (although both boxes were short wraps - one only had 10and one 11, not sure what's up with that), so I got one for each of us.

It is SO easy, and as yummy as what you'll order at any restaurant! The seaweed wraps are packaged and ready to go, you pop the sticky rice in the microwave for 2 minutes, and fill with whatever you want - done!

I stuffed mine with avocado, and Rod's with a mixture of shrimp, avocado and green onion. Just use very small pieces or you won't be able to roll them up! If you really squish the edges of the wrap together, it will stick.

I rounded it out with some steamed edamame (salted, it makes a yummy treat that we love - find it in the frozen veggie section) and hot tea (TAZO's Green Ginger). Our Asian lunch was complete!

Hummus - Yummus!

Gave my first go at making hummus, and must say it turned out FANTASTIC! If you have a food processor, you can easily make this yummy snack!



These ingredients make a fairly large amount - you may want to half it, depending:
2 cans chickpeas/garbanzo beans
8 oz. Tahini (found in ethnic section of any grocery store)
juice from 1 large or 2 small lemons
4 cloves garlic
1/2 C water
salt to taste
optional: 1/2 C roasted red peppers

Process the chickpeas just enough to break them up. Add the remaining ingredients and process until smooth. Add more salt or water as needed.

Serve with crackers (I like Triscuits), pita chips, or raw veggies - MMMMM!

Creamy Cheese Capellini - A Weight Watcher's Recipe!

Made this for supper the other night - yummy! It makes 4 servings, and each has only 8 WW points!



Ingredients:
1/2 pound whole-wheat capellini or linguini
2 tsp. olive oil
3 plum tomatoes, diced
2 garlic cloves, finely crushed
6 oz. baby spinach leaves (I used half a bunch)
1 C fat free ricotta cheese
1 C shredded mozzerella cheese (you could use fat free here for even less points!)
1/2 tsp. salt
pepper to taste

1) Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and reserve 1/4 C cooking liquid.
2) While pasta is cooking, heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat, add tomatoes and garlic. Cook approximately 2 minutes, then add spinach in batches until wilted.
3) Add pasta, reserved cooking liquid, cheeses and salt. Stir until cheeses are melted. Serve with pepper if desired.

ENJOY!

Southern Nevada Getaway

Last Friday, March 12, Rod and I headed out from cold and snowy Ruby Valley to the warmth of southern Nevada. We pulled out around 5:30 pm once he was home from work, and decided to brave the southern route, which shaves one hour off of our trip, even though there were unmaintained rough dirt roads we'd have to traverse. This was unchartered territory for us thus far, but Eric and Lowell assured us we'd be okay. Well, fifteen miles south of the refuge we started to have our serious doubts. After navigating several miles of muddy slushy sloppy roads, we felt we were at the point of no return, so we gritted our teeth, said our prayers, and continued into the quagmire ahead of us, hoping to come out on the other side. Though there are several ranches north of the refuge, there was only one we knew of south, the Blue Jay Ranch. We soon happened upon it, and I made a quick glance at the mileage, so that if we became bogged down somewhere on down the road I'd know how far we had to walk back to that ranch. By now it was twilight, which added to our uncertainty. We eventually (white knuckled and hearts fluttering) popped out by the Bald Mountain mine, where the roads we were told began to be maintained again. The timing was perfect - a mine employee happened to be walking from his truck to the office, so Rod leapt out and ran through 18 inches of piled up snow and scrambled over a barbed-wire fence to pick his brain about what was to come. He assured us the roads were fine from there on out, and said he'd be leaving later, so if we had trouble he'd find us. Relief! I was worried we may be spending the weekend out there until Jeff happened by us on Monday on his way down to Vegas!

On our way, we not only encountered the infamous "black cows" on the road (imagine traveling down the road at a pretty good clip, in pitch black because you're in such isolation there are no lights of any kind, and realizing - well, hopefully you realize in time - that there is an extremely large jet black object standing before you), but I saw my first "wild horses" - five of them. Three hours before making Las Vegas, I noticed a glow off on the southern horizon. We speculated - Rod wondered it we could possibly be seeing remnants of the setting sun even after 9 pm, but it was in the wrong direction... - and decided it had to be a large city. Las Vegas? Surely not - could we really be seeing Vegas lights three hours out?!? Sure enough, we followed that glow all the way in - what. a. site. Sin City should be named "City of Lights". We'd never seen anything like it. As we crested a ridge, down in the valley was the most spectacular collection of lights we had ever seen. The dichotomy between the stark barren desert we'd been driving through for hours and this was staggering.

But, Las Vegas wasn't our destination, not for tonight. We continued south, to one of the southern most towns in Nevada, Laughlin, near the confluence of Nevada, Arizona and California. We stayed at Don Laughlin's, for whom the town is named, Riverside Casino. We were there to enjoy the Wings and Wildlife Festival, and see a new part of our new state. Over the course of the next two days we went on two nature walks - Grapevine Canyon, where we saw some magnificent petroglyphs and I got a lifer Sage Thrasher, and a walk along the Colorado River with some very friendly birders - and took a 3 hour water taxi ride up and down the river with another group of birders. The weather was amazing - sun, sun and more sun - although we about froze to death on the boat. THIS is really what I was here for!







On Monday we leisurely slept in before heading north towards Las Vegas, where we'd spend the week. We stopped in Boulder City at Hemenway Park in an attempt to see the Bighorn Sheep which graze at times around the ball fields, but to no avail. Then headed north of Vegas to the Corn Creek Station of Desert National Wildlife Refuge (the largest refuge in the lower 48), where Rod has his first meeting at 2:30. While he worked, I played (all week, really). I birded around the station for the next 2.5 hours, seeing such birds as Phainopepla and Townsend's Solitaire. I met Becky, the wife of another FWS employee, also a birder and a botanist, who would become my companion for the week.




Once the meeting was over, we headed to the Red Rock Rescrt Hotel and Casino - WOW. I'll say it again - WOW. Hands down the most posh place we've ever stayed (of course, that's not saying much when we gravitate towards Motel 6's where we can have our dogs!). A full mini-bar, flat-screen plasma, jacuzzi with a TV over it, telephone by the toilet, leather-paneled walls, granite tiled bathroom, more pillows on the king-sized bed than we knew where to put them all... we felt like royalty! And if we chose, we'd never have to leave - several restaurants, a movie theatre, a bowling alley, and of course - slot machines. We did try our hand one night - we each got $3 from the casino, and put in $10 of our own. We walked away (well, rather, ROD walked away, I'm no good at it!) with $29. A $19 profit? Not too shabby.

Tuesday Becky and I visted Henderson Bird Preserve - a collection of 9 ponds absolutely TEEMING with birds. It was an amazing place. Wednesday we took a guided hike at Red Rock Canyon on the Moenkopi trail - more great sunshine and warmth! Wednesday night there was a retirement party at a restaurant for Marti, who we owe Rod's job to. I had the chance to meet some of the FWS employees for this region for the first time. Everyone was SUPER friendly, and I made a really good contact of someone who, oddly, used to live at Ruby Lake and knows a coauthor of mine at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. Thursday it was back to Red Rock Canyon to hike the Lost Creek and Oak Creek trails. Then yesterday it was time to call an end to our vacation - sigh. After another leisurely morning, we ambled northwards, stopping at Pahranagat NWR. Funny story - the first bite Rod ever got on a FWS job was the manager position at Pahranagat. After he interviewed, we got pretty excited, researching the area. Of course, he didn't get the job, but yesterday we got to visit the refuge that we once thought we may be at.






On our drive home, we saw our first elk - three of them - standing off the roadside. We continue to be amazed (and a little intimidated) at the sheer vastness of this state, of the west. You could really get in trouble out here! We would literally drive for HOURS - sometimes on highways, sometimes on dirt roads - and not see another soul. Not what we're used to back home!

I am pleasantly suprised today to see that most of our snow has melted while we were away, and that the high today is 52 and tomorrow is 58! Is spring really on its way???

A Day at the Circus = Supporting Animal Abuse

Disclaimer: The source for the following information is PETA. I realize this organization polarizes people, and do not condone nor condemn them. However, this is information I think people should know about.

"In the Ringling Bros. circus, elephants are beaten, hit, poked, prodded, and jabbed with sharp hooks, sometimes until bloody. Tigers are viciously struck with sticks so they'll perform difficult and confusing tricks."



Watch other videos like this, and see photos and more information here.

From this page, you can also click on "Help Stop Big Top Cruelty" to send a quick email to Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack and "demand that the agency seize the elephants whom Ringling hauls around the country in filthy boxcars and forces to perform under the constant threat of punishment".

And at the very least... steer clear of the circus!

It's Official - We've Been Nevada Residents for 1 Month!

Saturday marked the 1 month mark from the day we arrived in Ruby Valley. I would say we're feeling pretty settled in and at home, despite the huge changes in our lives! We've unpacked most of the boxes, been to Elko shopping for groceries, etc. a few times, been socializing with our new friends and neighbors, and Rod is into the routine of up and at 'em bright and early to head to work.

We've had quite a bit of snow this week in Nevada! Rod's FWS uniforms arrived, so after a big snow last Sunday we went out and took pictures (which, amazingly, Rod suggested, and those of you who know Rod know this is SO unlike him!). He looks pretty darn cute in those browns doesn't he?

Here is Rod's office, and his charge - Ruby Marsh:

Poor Rod - he had quite the day Wednesday. He drove 3 hours south, past the Maverick mountain range, to Ely, to obtain a government ID badge. Upon arrival, the lady couldn't login to her computer. After trying for 2+ hours, she sent him back to Ruby Lake! Sigh - what a day. He had to drive back in the snow and the dark. It was pretty white knuckle, and he was tired when he got home! I think next time he's going to try Salt Lake City. Maybe he'll have more luck there!

The Gallagher Fish Hatcher down the road got a new employee 2 weeks after we arrived, and he has a wife and son. So, on Thursday, the refuge and hatchery had a welcoming potluck for both us and them at the bunkhouse. It was so nice! We got to meet three other close neighbors of ours too.

On Saturday, Eric, Rod and I headed to Elko for the annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering. We checked out the vendors at the Red Lion Casino before heading to the Northeast Nevada Museum.

Outside the museum is the

which used to be actually located on the south end of the refuge.



From here, we headed to the Western Folklife Center, then onto the Convention Center for some Rowdy Rodeo Rhymes. We got a pretty good taste I think of the cowboy poetry before calling it a night and heading home, when we stopped by Jeff's for some refreshments and to watch "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt".

YUMMY VEGETARIAN SOUPS

It's soup season! Here are some great veggie soup recipes. If you're like me, you love to throw things in the crock pot then- wa-la! Supper's ready! ALL of the recipes' ingredients can be combined in a crock pot in the morning and slow cooked all day. ENJOY!

ARLENE'S BEANS

1 medium onion - chopped
1/2 c brown sugar
1/2 c ketchup
3 Tbsp. molasses
1 Tbsp. + 1 tsp. tobasco
16 oz. lima beans, drained
16 oz. kidney beans, drained
16 oz. black beans, drained
32 oz. vegetarian baked beans
3 Tbsp. mustard
1 tsp. chili powder
salt and pepper to taste

Mix and simmer for 1 hour in large pot.

BEAN CHILI

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 medium onions - diced
2 bell peppers
2 minced garlic cloves OR garlic powder
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
1.5 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. diced oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
32 oz. stewed tomatoes, undrained
32 oz. black beans, drained
16 oz. kidney beans, drained
16 oz. pinto beans, drained
jalapenos (optional)

Heat oil in large pot - saute onion, peppers and garlic until tender. Add remaining ingredients - bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.

Nutrition information: Makes 8 - 1 cup servings. Per serving: 257 calories, 2.7 g fat (0.3 sat), 12.8 g protein, 49 g carbs, 14 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 4.5 mg iron, 876 mg sodium, 150 mg calcium

BLACK BEAN SOUP

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 chopped onion
3 minced garlic cloves OR garlic powder
1 tsp. cumin
3 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. oregano
48 oz. black beans
1 tsp. black pepper

Combine all ingredients - simmer in pot for 1 hour. Serve with sour cream.

POTATO CHOWDER

4 c water
2 c potatoes, diced
1 medium onion, diced
16 oz. veg-all, drained
2 cans cream of celery soup
2 vegetable boullion cubes (optional)
1/2 lb. velveeta cheese

Simmer potatoes and onions until tender. Add other ingredients. Warm slowly until cheese melts. Serves 8.

PUMPKIN SOUP

1 30 oz. can pumpkin/pie filling
1 can coconut milk (can use light version)
2.5 c vegetable broth
1 Tbsp. butter
salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and simmer until steaming.

TACO SOUP

1 small onion, chopped
16 oz. can pinto beans, drained
16 oz. can kidney beans, drained
16 oz. can lima beans, drained
16 oz. can diced tomatoes
4 oz. can chopped green chilis
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1.5 oz. package taco seasoning mix
1 oz. package original ranch dressing
1.5 c water
1 small can tomato sauce

Combine all ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Top each bowl with cheese and sour cream, serve with tortilla chips. Serves 10.

MOM'S EASY VEGGIE SOUP (all from a can!)

1 drained can of any of the following you prefer:
veg-all
creamed corn
whole corn
green beans
sliced carrots
sliced potatoes
peas

1 Tbsp. salt
1/2 Tbsp. pepper
1/2 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 Tbsp. creole seasoning
1 can diced tomatoes or Rotel (undrained)

Mix ingredients in pot and simmer until steaming. If too thick, add water. Weight watchers points: whole pot = 9 points!

NANNIE'S VEGETABLE SOUP

1/2 c brown rice (not instant)
1/2 c dried lentils or butter beans
1/2 c barley
2-3 chopped carrots
2-3 stalks chopped celery
1 small diced onion
1 large potato, cubed
1 can diced tomatoes
salt, as desired

In a large pot, add rice, beans and barley to 6 cups water - bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat and simmer for 40 minutes. Add remaining ingredients, along with more water if needed, and simmer until veggies are tender. Allow to sit for a few minutes so grains may absorb some water, then add more water if needed to reach desired consistency. Serves 10.