Memorial Day Holiday

This weekend we had the opportunity to visit our family in NM. We had a lovely time there, but as you can imagine the time flew by. Before we knew it, it was time to come back home. These two are pics of my dad and his wife.











This is my Nino and Nina (Godparents) also knows as Grandpa Juan and Nana to my son.

This is the Alvarado family. She is my sista and that's her hubby and their chamacos (sons).

The youngest son is quite fond of my chamaco, and thoroughly enjoys watching his every move...even while he's eating. I know, I know... family!?!?!

Cafe con leche

All you coffee lovers out there have got to try French Press Coffee! It is the best. I first tried it at my friend Lylah's house, and absolutely loved it. Well a few weeks ago, my friend Chris gave me a French Press Coffee Maker. I KNOW....how awesome is that??? Anyhow, at first I was a bit hesitant to use it. In fact he asked me a week or so ago if I had used it, and I sheepishly admitted that I hadn't. But I am glad to report, that I finally used it. :0) And it wasn't that difficult!!! :-) AND IT IS DELICIOUS.

This Chica's Nachos

A hit with us during our teen years, was nachos. While out an about, we were usually short on cash, so we'd try to get the most bang-for-our-buck...sooooooooo...more often than not, we'd opt for the nachos. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't just because they were one of the least expensive items at the concession stand...BUT because they were good. Of course the kind we bought then were just cheese nachos with lots and lots of jalapeños.


Today, nachos are still a big hit around our house, but I enjoy them with a lot more ingredients...I try to get in all of my food groups in. :0) Here's a simple recipe for all you nacho lovers out there:

Tortilla Chips
Velveeta Cheese
Refried Beans (or hamburger if you prefer)
Black Olives - diced
Onions - diced
Tomatoes - diced
Avocado - diced
Sliced jalapeños
Sour Cream

I melt the cheese on very low heat (you could add a little bit of milk)
Pour cheese over chips
Add as much of the rest of the ingredients as you'd like
Enjoy!!!

Chile Verde

I tried a new Chile Verde recipe today that I found on this site. It is to die for...I am not kidding. I did customize it a bit and added more Hatch Chile ( that what the recipe called for because I love green chiles. Also I did not add as much fresh oregano as the recipe indicated, but kept the rest of the ingredients the same. Roasted tomatillos and garlic really add a very nice flavor. I will have to explore using them in other recipes. I also made spanish rice and refried beans to go with this tasty dish.

I highly recommend it for all you Mexican food lovers!!!

Why? Why? Why?

Why do these four-legged creatures love us so unconditionally? Why? Why? Well let me tell you why our little Chata loves us so mmm...maybe not unconditionally BUT more like conditionally. :-) It might be because she gets do lay her head down on the desk while I'm trying to work, and she also gets to hang out on the recliner. Plus she gets to lay on my lap and relax or take a nap whenever she pleases.

Oh, and not to mention she gets to hang out with her boy when he's around. He'll let her lay next to him while he's doing his homework, rubs her belly, lets her play with his stinky socks (she loves them stinky socks) and most importantly, he gives her Hot Cheetos...yep that's what I said...Hot Cheetos...she loves them Cheetos.

Oh, I'm sure the fact that we feed her occasionally also has something to do with it...and we take her on walks... she loves them walks. And I love my little chatita for the mere fact that when I walk in the door from a long hard-day at work, she greets me with a smile and a toy and doesn't yell out "what's for dinner?" like my 15 yr old!! :0)

Estrella Mountain Rainbow Valley Trails (East & West)

We hiked at a different park today. Traveled all the way to the west side to take on the Rainbow Trails. Getting there wasn't too bad since we were traveling against the traffic. The hike included both east and west Rainbow Valley Trails, part of the Toothaker trail, and part of the Gadsden Trail for a total hike of 9 miles in 4 hours....not bad...ehh! Our plan was to get started around 7:30 but we ended up starting about 7:50 and ended at 11:45. We started the hike on the west end, which was a good thing since it appeared to be the most strenuous in my opinion. But what exactly makes the hike strenuous? The book categorized the hike as moderate, but the park map included strenuous in its description. Anyhow, some of the challenges we experienced on this trail that we hadn't on the others were the rocks along the trail...tons of rocks, and the dirt was very loose, so we had put on quite the balancing act.

You will also notice the "snakes are out" caution sign, which made me feel particularly vulnerable. The last thing I wanted to see, was one of those rattlers, but thank God we didn't....WHEW!!!

It was quite hot, but occasionally there was a cool breeze to help keep us going. There were a few times that I wondered, "what was I thinking in agreeing to do this long of a trail again?" Then I realized, those thoughts came a little too late. :0)
Estrella Mountain Park is not a bad area, during our hike we experienced a few nice valleys...lots and lots of Saguaros. Oh, and lots of ants, there were ant holes all over the place. Also, how could I forget too mention...other types of holes...BIG holes (like burrows)...don't know exactly what live in them, and certainly did not want to find out. Towards the end of our trail, we came across one particular hole that looked almost like an ant hole, but had rocks around it which appeared to be wet...very strange, we weren't sure what had built it. Being curious and all, I thought it was a great opportunity for a Kodak moment. So take a look, and if you know what it's from, give me a holler.

Next weekend is Memorial Day weekend, and we're taking a break from our hikes. But we will resume the weekend after that and will let you know all about it. We've not decided where we will be hiking, but since it's getting hotter, we've tossed around the idea of driving up north for the day...dunno yet...BUT will keep you informed.

Mi Padre

Today is my father's 60th birthday. I called him bright and early to wish him the best, and told him we'd go see him very soon. So as you can see it's a very special day today, for a number of reasons. Back in the early 2000s my father was diagnosed with cancer, but thanks to the Lord, he is still with us today. I admire him for his strength not only during that difficult time, but for everything he has had to endure. He is a man of strong character, with good morals and values who helped shape me into the person I am today. My father is a jack-of-all trades, who is more than willing to lend a helping hand to anyone that may need it. He will not let an opportunity pass by to help someone in need, and will give you the shirt off his back if necessary. The man is a magnet, who has many, many friends. Whenever there is a gathering, he is the center of entertainment with his tall tales and ongoing jokes. My son and his other grandchildren absolutely adore him, and always look forward to the opportunity to visit "grandpa". So, today I celebrate my father, and am reminded of the Lord's goodness and blessings.