Amy's Scotland Trip Update II

For those of you who are following Amy's trip to Scotland, there are updates on her blog.

Check it out here:

http://arromkr.blogspot.com/

PEZ, PEZ, PEZ

As many of you may already know, I am a pez collector. I have been collecting for a little over 10 years. I have over 700 in my current collection. What, you might ask, makes someone decide to become a pez collector? Well with any collection it starts with the simple statement, " I collect pez." Everything goes downhill from there. People know you collect them and start giving them to you, and when you see them you get some (hey, they are only a buck right?). The next thing you know, you have amassed a collection.



The best part about collecting is the hunt. I once went to Canada and I went on a hunt for pez while I was there. I came back with 50 different pez that I didn't already own. It was a lot of fun. I have many non-dispenser items, but I try just to collect the dispensers. Collections can get out of hand if you are not careful. I do not like the candy so, I share that with the office addicts (you know who you are!). So next time you are eating little brick candies out of a plastic head, think of me. :)

Post by M. Kuka-Marchese

Baby on the Way!

The Greenhaw family is growing again. They are expecting a boy in August. We had a baby shower yesterday in the dean's suite for Cameron and his wife Kristy. Great food and a great time was had by all.

-The expecting parents opening gifts-

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If you were hoping to get a copy of the recipe for Liz Cole's yummy Ramen Slaw, here it is...

RAMEN NOODLE SLAW

2 pkgs. Ramen Noodles (Chicken - roasted is fine)
1 c. sunflower seeds - can add more if you liek
2 packages sliced almonds
16 oz pkg. of coleslaw
3/4 c. vegetable oil
1/3 c. vinegar
1/2 c. sugar or I use 1/4 c. Splenda
Seasoning packets from noodles

Directions
Break up noodles (I use the flat side of a meat tenderizer or you can use a rolling pin - gently - while noodles are still in package) Bake noodles, sunflower seeds and almonds on a baking sheet at 250 degrees or until a little brown.

Mix oil, vinegar, sugar and packets and toss with coleslaw.

Add noodle mixture to coleslaw.

Best made the day before - will keep well in fridge.

Post by M. Kuka-Marchese

Amy's Trip to Scotland Update!

Amy has made many additions (including PICTURES!!!) to her blog.

Check it out here...

http://arromkr.blogspot.com/

All Aboard for Oklahoma!

Recently Wade and I went to Oklahoma to celebrate his mom and dad’s 50th wedding anniversary. As seen in the picture, I was able to ride a horse for the first time. (Wade on the other hand is a seasoned rider.) His parents have a dog (Border Collie) named Bonnie which I played ball with for hours. I got to meet a bunch of his family. We had a fantastic time.

Post by R. Cortes

Fiesta Flash Back! (Chipotle Rice & Guacamole Recipes)

Many of you asked for the recipes for the rice and guacamole at the Cinco de Mayo party. They are Chipotle knock offs from the web. Enjoy.

Chipotle's Basmati Rice

1 t vegetable oil or butter

2 t chopped fresh cilantro

2/3 c white basmati rice

1 c water

1/2 t salt

juice of 1 Lime

Directions

In a 2-quart heavy saucepan, heat oil or butter over low heat, stirring occasionally until melted. Add rice and lime juice, stir for 1 minute. Add water and salt, bring to a full rolling boil. At boiling, cover, turn down to simmer over low heat until rice is tender and the water is absorbed, about 25 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and mix in chopped cilantro.

Chipotle's Guacamole

1 ripe Hass avocado

2 t fresh lime juice

2 t chopped fresh cilantro

1/8 c finely chopped red onions

1 clove garlic minced

1/2 jalapeno seeded & chopped

pinch of salt

Directions

Peel and remove pit from avocado and mash up with a fork. Add lime juice. Add all other ingredients and blend well. Serve with tortilla chips.

Post by M. Kuka-Marchese

Amy Fletcher's Trip to Scotland

Dear Exceptionally Fine CVPA Staffers,

In March, I took my first trip to Europe…Scotland to be specific. It was an extraordinary adventure from the moment I purchased the plane ticket to the moment I returned. Many of you seemed to feel my excitement, and I sensed a bit of vicarious living through me.

I had thought about taking my laptop with me and blogging my adventure live, but there were baggage size constraints that made finding room for the laptop impossible. I did take my camera and a journal though, but I must confess that after the fourth day of the trip, I didn’t write as much. I was simply too tired. So when I returned, I did my best to write down notes with pictures so that I could remember the stories that I heard. Now, I’m making my first attempt at blogging using my Scotland adventure as a subject. The blog will be in parts so as not to overwhelm me or you. I hope you enjoy it.

One of the coolest things, I think, is the map that I created using google maps, on which I traced the entire route from Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands, back to Edinburgh. On the map are markers that will highlight the stops, and will soon have a little explanation and a photo, if one is available. The link to the map will appear at various times throughout the blog and hopefully all the markers will be in order of visitation.

Thanks for letting me share.

Click here to access Amy's blog.

Post by A. Fletcher

Welcome!

The CVPA Staff Advisory Council is excited to announce our new blog. The blog will give staff an opportunity to share information about themselves. Please consider contributing to the blog. Ideas for submission include: recipes, artwork, vacation journals with a link to your online photo album, short stories, poetry, etc. There really is no limitation to what you can submit. Be creative and get brainstorming about what you can share with your peers. We look forward to hearing from you. Please send all submissions to Mary Kuka-Marchese, chair of the CVPA Staff Advisory Council.