Abarkalypse Now

By popular demand. Easton and my brother Chip goofing off last spring. Its all in fun, plus it gives me a chance to exercise my rudimentary video editing skills.

New pictures of Easton

Big Red and I spent almost 3 weeks in Salem, OR. It was not the happiest of times, but Easton always made sure we stayed grounded and attended to his every need! It was a welcome diversion from our grim task at hand. Thanks pal, your Golden smile and happy tail greeted us every time we walked in the door. Seeing the spring in your step and the joy in you eyes when we took our walks lightened my load. You even brought the ball back every time it was thrown. I guess you knew something important was going on. 
Honoring Jim and Jeanne

Too much vodka Bro!

This is my brother Chip. Here are my three favorite pictures. I'm sure he will agree.....or not!

Not sure what these are, but I'm positive they are dead. Thanksgiving 2010

Chip and Cosmo, 2001 - he drove all the way to Idaho to set up a 5th wheel  for our parents.

Love at first sight - literally

Cowboy Caviar

I don't fancy myself as any kind of a cook, so this is a little out of character for me. This Cowboy Caviar recipe has been sitting in the drawer for a few years. In May I pulled it out and started experimenting. It was very popular at BBQs, picnics and pot lucks during the summer (no mayonnaise - it keeps nicely). After making about 10 different versions over the summer - here is what I think worked the best.

KT’s Cowboy Caviar recipe

Marked with * means “it will still be good without this”, but even better WITH

Core ingredients

2- cans of black eyed peas

1- can of black beans

2- cans of shoe peg corn

1- bunch of green onions chopped

1- can diced/chopped tomatoes (seeded)

Dressing

½ cup apple cider vinegar

½ cup olive oil

1- Tablespoon of Agave Nectar* (light preferred, but the dark works well, just use a little less)

2- Teaspoons cumin

3-5 cloves worth of smashed garlic

2-5 pickled or plain jalapenos seeded and chopped (to taste) – Ortega makes chopped jalapenos in small cans, it’s the perfect amount

Pepper to taste

1-3 teaspoons of freeze dried Cilantro* (Litehouse makes a good one)

Optional: like it hot? Sprinkle just a touch of ground Habanero chili in the dressing – wow!

2- avocados chopped (ripe, firm, cold, add just before serving)*

Johnny’s seasoning salt to taste* (if you can't get this, rant and rave to your local grocer, 'cause you don't know what you are missing!) Especially good sprinkled after the avocados have been added.

IMPORTANT

- Drain and rinse most core ingredients before using (canned beans, corn etc.)

- Put the core ingredients in a large bowl then pour dressing on, mix and refrigerate for 2-24 hours.

- Drain any excess liquid before serving (proper size colander/strainer, leaving the good stuff)

Any chip or cracker will work, but Fritos scoops have the volume to handle this caviar.

Naturally, any of these ingredients are better if fresh and/or (maybe frozen).

Ø      You can make the dressing the day before and refrigerate.

Ø      Other creative ingredients that work: red onion, pimentos, celery (all chopped)

Ø      Experiment with different bean combinations, as long as they are firm beans.

Ø      I’ve tried it with red wine vinegar; it’s not as good as apple cider vinegar

Wasn't fast enough to run over and capture the Leprechaun - so I just took a picture!

Did somebody say "Orvis" ?

Who doesn't love a store that produces such incredible catalogs. Just ask my brother. It's like moths to the flame. Besides, it gives me an excuse to post another Golden Image.

You might be a redneck if.....

You get a birthday card for you brother like this -

I sent this card to my brother Chip on his last birthday! He is an incurable NASCAR redneck and I love to tease him about it. He grew up riding motorcycles, driving sprint cars and smelling like gasoline - so he can't help it! He lives in Salem, Oregon and met Lady a couple months after we adopted her. As you can see, it was love at first site....for both of them!

Chip's history with Goldens goes back to the original Sadie and continued with a Sunny puppy from the first Sunny-Solo litter. His name was Toby. Below is a picture of Toby, but his and Sadie's stories and additional pictures are at these links:

Toby's story

Sadie (the original) - her story

I took this picture of Toby when he was with his Dad Chip on the last special trip they would ever make (Tierra del Mar, OR). Toby just loved it here. This is our favorite picture of Toby in the winter of his life. Currently Chip doesn't have a dog. I know this weighs heavily on his heart, because he loves them so much. When the time is right, I expect there will be another Golden in the family. Until then, doses of Lady whenever we can get together usually does the trick.

A few recent pictures

Always ready to go.

Lady and her Uncle Chip on "Devo's rock", Oak Creek, AZ