In Grassy Pastures

 

A little reminiscent of the Midwest, these grassy pastures are a stark contrast to the mesquite and cactus plants. 

The colors are soft and earthy,

And they can glimmer in the sunlight.

Makes for a nice drive, heading back to Laguna Vista from Brownsville.

From the Midwest to the Southwest

Today I took a much-needed drive to see my chiropractor. On the way home, I stopped along the road to catch a few pictures of these quiet rural scenes that make me think of Nebraska. It seems like everywhere I look, I see gnarly trees and cacti, which have their own rustic charm. But I tend to forget that once upon a time Texas was known for being cattle country - something I shouldn't be able to forget, since I am forever watching old Western TV shows. 

There's something so subtle and peaceful about seeing unmown grasses, not touched by man or machine. My favorite colors are the colors of nature - the soft golden colors, the beiges, the browns, the greens. If I wear these colors a lot (and I do), it's because I love them so - although they look much better on the vast lay of the land than they do on me. 

I also saw something not at all familiar to me, but it was so striking that I couldn't help but notice, even though I caught only a glimpse when I first passed by. As I backed up the car to see if I could get a picture, I fully expected it to have flown away as the car crept backward. I didn't get a good picture, but here it is. I knew it was some kind of an eagle, but I had to Google lens it to know what kind. I'd like you to meet the striking cara-cara Mexican eagle! I hope I seen another, when I can get a better shot. 

The Monday Morning Bleus

Lately, I can't get enough of bleu cheese, so when I had to go walking around while I was getting my power steering hose replaced on my car, I was enticed to order this bleu cheese burger from the Burger Shack, my latest restaurant try in the South Padre Island/Port Isabel area. It was well worth it. I am not a fan of French fries - I would have asked to switch them out if I had thought of it - but they were actually very, very good. This yummy meal made my wait go by much faster. 

Just a few days ago, I had a salmon salad with bleu cheese dressing and crumbles, and I still can't get enough. Mmmm . . . 

Texas Winter/Nebraska Winter

 

I haven't been painting much lately, but I decided to work on a little something - A palm tree to celebrate the last few days of winter sunshine, and a snowman to show my appreciation for the snowy Nebraska and Washington winters (from a distance). I hope my kids and grandkids are having fun in the snow. I keep pinching myself because I can't believe it's almost 80 in December. 

Making Gnocchi Out of Nothing at All

 

A while back, I made gnocchi from scratch, boiling the potatoes to mix with the egg and flour, and I did like it a lot. I had read that, in a pinch, gnocchi can also be made from leftover mashed potatoes, and since I had some, I decided to give it a go. I mixed an egg with the leftover potatoes and kneaded in some flour, and then I settled down to watch The Big Valley while sitting on the couch with several gnocchi snakes, ready to cut into little pillows. The result? Several servings of gnocchi from an egg, some flour, and leftovers. 




But did the gnocchi measure up to that I made completely from scratch - I mean, start to finish, just potatoes, egg, flour, and salt? Well, to be honest, while this was still very good, the first batch tasted better. This batch did have a mashed potato taste that the first batch didn't have. Still good, and I'm enjoying my soup - which I was in such a hurry to eat that I neglected to get a picture. But it looks just like the last batch, so if the picture looks familiar, that's why. 

Andy Bowie Park Upgrade?

 

From my post of November 15, I guess it's clear that, while I have been impressed with most things on the island and in the entire Rio Grande Valley, I wasn't very impressed with Andy Bowie "Park." Well, I thought I might see if I could dress it up a little by making my first composite photograph - basically, taking parts of two or more photos and combining them to get a new one. I'm no pro at this - not yet, anyway - but I'm fairly pleased with how it turned out. 

Bacon to Perfection!

I have been way overdoing the fruit here, thanks to all that ruby red Texas grapefruit and the mangoes and oranges and all. I'm afraid I have myself way out of whack. Too much potassium really does a number on me. Time to balance things out with a high sodium treat - bacon, cooked to perfection! And for me, nothing pairs better with bacon than some good old potato pancakes. I don't eat very early in the day, but this makes a nice lunch too. Yum. 

 I like to slow-cook the bacon to get it only slightly crispy, with the fat not crisped away, but not rubbery either. My potato pancakes (or latkes) are simple grated potatoes and salt with an egg whisked in, fried up in a little oil or bacon grease. Can't get much easier than that. My go-to meal on many sluggish days.