Over It

Happy Monday!

I'm feeling a bit like Margo this morning...  REALLY SNOW????

White Dog for Sale

She sheds like crazy, has a crooked nose, and a wicked underbite. 

She also eats everything that crosses her mouth.

Things like this... magazines, a slipper, and yep you see it...

Yep, that's an entire remote...

She obviously came back to finish what she started.

I had a horrible day on Wednesday and came home to see this... I just started crying.  Huh?  I was crying over an eaten remote.  Emotional much?  At least I remembered to grab my camera for the sake of the blog.

So, any takers???

Funny thing is, I could never sell this love bug...

Even with all of her specialness craziness. 

Update

Well, we just lost for the 3rd time in one season to Colorado.  Who does that??? 

I'm totally bummed. 

I guess my weekend just cleared up...

Big 12 Tourney

Here's a fun little email I received and thought I would share in the spirit of the Big 12 Tourney.  I will be watching the game at work.  In the conference room.  Alone.  Think anyone would mind if I wheeled in a cooler??

GO CATS!

Fact #1: Follow Iowa State fans around on Wednesday. Ultimately, after they lose, you'll be able to pick up cheap tickets. Also, they'll most likely buy you a beer because they're unbelievably nice. They're like Canadians. They may actually be Canadians; I have no idea. I've never actually seen Iowa State in person, so I can't verify that it exists inside the continental United States. Regardless, they usually come down in sizable numbers and leave early because they don't want to be reminded about how far they've fallen as a program, and the fact that they hired the guy from "Thank You For Smoking" as their basketball coach.


Fact #2: Every single KU fan you run into actually went to Washburn or Johnson County Community College. None of them actually went to KU. The only real KU alumni in the building are actually working at the concession stands.

Fact #3: If you encounter a Nebraska fan, kindly point them towards Municipal Auditorium. They are lost and looking for the Women's tournament. Point them in the right direction and do your good deed for the day.

Fact #4: Colorado will bring more people to Kansas City on their team bus than fans who will actually make the trip. If you encounter a Colorado fan, take a picture and send it to the Missing Persons hotline in the greater Denver area because someone is obviously looking for them.

Fact #5: If you see a KSU fan with tags still on their clothes, they were borrowed from Pullen. :)

Fact #6: If you're wondering how a bunch of Target employees got bench seats, they didn't. It's actually the Texas Tech coaching staff. I know; I was confused too.

Fact #7: Texas fans in attendance could give a rat's ass about how the games actually go. They just flew up to Kansas City to have some real barbecue for a change.

Fact #8: If you talk shit to Baylor fans, they will start talking women's basketball smack. If you watch women's basketball, feel free to fire back. I have nothing to offer in that exchange, so I can't help you. Be careful you don't get stabbed.

Fact #9: Be nice to Missouri fans. They're your best ally in the Power and Light district against the crimson and blue onslaught. They're also most likely to lie to the cops on your behalf after you punch that KU fan in the face outside of Pizza Bar.

Fact #10: I literally have nothing to say about Oklahoma. I just think about their basketball program, and it makes me sad.

Fact #11: Oklahoma State fans will show up thinking they have a chance to win this thing. It's really, really cute.

Fact #12: Most Texas A&M fans will actually be Wichita State fans that haven't quite let go of Turgeon yet. If you see someone in a Wichita State shirt, you can probably bet money that they're rooting for A&M.

Fact #13: Should KSU and KU win on Thursday, John Higgins will call the KSU vs. KU game on Friday. KU will then shoot twice as many free throws as KSU and win by at least ten points.

(I obviously disagree on the last one, I have faith...)

WestChase Grille

Wow, I've had a little hiatus from blogging lately.  We had a full weekend, filled with fun of coarse.  Friday night was a late dinner with friends and Saturday we had the KSU game, followed by volunteer bartending at a Duck's Unlimited event like last year (more to come on this, evidently I forgot I had a camera, so I need pics from Biggs).   

Today I'm reviewing the West Chase Grille located in Leawood.  Friday night Tony and I went to eat with our friends the Freytag's, we got there around 6:45 and ordered a couple of drinks.  They had a live jazz band playing which was a nice touch, however, we were by far the youngest people in there.  Except for this 4 year old that I'm pretty sure was with his grandparents. 
We decided on a couple of apps because they looked too good to pass up.  We had the Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps and the Calamari.  Both were wonderful!!  The calamari was the freshest I've had in KC.  Then we had a few more drinks since our waiter didn't come back for like an hour.  We didn't mind since our drinks were full and we were chatting.  Well, Larissa might have minded, she's preggo so no drinks for her.  No matter how hard the waiter kept trying.  I swear he asked her like 3 times if she wanted anything besides water.  Get the clue, buddy. 
I ordered the Ahi Tuna - with kalamata olives, lemon, garlic, and capers over herbed orzo pasta and sauted spinach.  It was so so so good!  I'm a sucker for ahi tuna.  Every time I see it on the menu, I just stop reading the rest.  Sold.
Tony had the Chilian Sea Bass and it was awesome as well.  He let me try a bite.  Only a bite though.  He cleaned his plate.   So did Eric, and then he got dessert :)

After dinner we went to see a friend that was working behind the bar.  He whipped us up some after dinner martini's.  I had the berry pomatini (or something like that).  It was delish and included fresh berry infused vodka.  I'm pretty sure I saw the huge jar of it and said 'I want something with that in it.'  The jar had a spout and I thought about jumping over the bar and putting my head under it after I tasted the first drink.  It was that good.  Tony and Eric had an espresso martini which was made with Italian coffee beans and a shot of espresso.  And vodka.  It was to die for.  Larissa had water.  Poor girl :) 

I highly recommend this place for a night out and a nice dinner.  We would definitely go back!

After dinner Tony and I decided that since we were in the area we should stop by LaBodega and have one last drink before we headed home.  I love that place.  I had a Cab and Tony had Sangria.  (chuckle).  Hey, I don't blame him, their sangria is SOOO freaking good! 

Then I remembered I had a camera in my purse.  Out of the 7 pictures we took of each other only these 2 made the cut...

I'm sure you can imagine how the rest of them looked... and how cool we looked sitting at the bar taking pictures of each other.

Blue Chair Update

Are you wondering what ever happened to the blue chair????



I went to Gina's last night and...





Well, it's still there.

Gina says to not pay attention to the bright blue house across the street, (her neighbor went crazy and started that project last summer), but actually I'm thinking that he should come pick it up.  It matches really well.

He better make a move quick for that beaut though, before it ends up in Emily and Dave's economy sized dumpster* next door...

*Emily and Dave live right next to Gina (crazy right?), well they are doing some remodeling.  Hince the huge ass dumpster in their driveway. 

**Gina would like me to make sure you all know that their neighborhood does not normally look this ghetto with the recliners, dumpsters, and such.  That bright blue house however, is always there. :)

Dear Spring,

We're feeling a little roly poly, pear shaped, heavy around the Line house lately, waiting for you. 

Please come soon.  I'm about to lose my mind. 

And Margo is getting pissed at me taking pictures of her back side.

Or just pictures in general.

Queserdillers

Here's a little somethin' somethin' I had for lunch most of last week. 

I made them for lunch for 2 reasons:

1. I was tired of salads and grilled cheesies.

2. They contain mushrooms and spinach and Tony would not have touched them with a 10 ft. pole.  

You start out with some white wine...

Keep in mind this was at lunch.  Dangerous territory opening a bottle of wine at lunch.  I resisted the urge to pour myself a glass and instead poured some into the pan to saute the shrooms.

Remove shrooms and add spinach leaves.  Cook until wilted (about 1-2 minutes)

Layer the wheat tortilla with cheese, shrooms, and spinach.  I used Munster and Provolone cheese (i heart cheese), but I'm sure you could use any kind.  I think Gina used mozz. 

Cook in a queserdiller maker and DIG IN!!

Yum Yum YUM!!!

P.S. I also added some red onion to it b/c I had some staring at me in the fridge.

Gummy Worms & Glue Sticks

I'm starting to think I should rename my blog to 'Things Margo Eats'.  Any takers?  How about 'Margo's Munchings' ?

Here's what I came home to on Friday...

Yep, that's a glue stick all right.  Completely licked clean.  That can not taste good right?  I went straight over to her and made sure that her mouth wasn't glued shut.  It wasn't, but it probably should have been after an entire glue stick was ingested.  Crazy dog.

On Saturday my friend Megan came by with her 2 adorable kiddos.  I don't have toys at my house (well, only Margo toys) but I had gummy worms to bribe them in to liking me.  I think it worked :) Right before they left I looked over and Nora was feeding Margo a gummy worm.  Funniest thing ever.  I'm pretty sure she was her bff after that.  Those are the things dogs are supposed to eat.  Candy not glue sticks. 

I'll update on any dog constipation issues we might come across at the Line house....

Black Bean Burgs

Here's another no meat recipe that I made on Tuesday.  They were tasty!  I'm not going to lie and say they were better than a good ol' juicy hamburger, but if you are looking for something different, give them a try!! 

Tony thought they were 'good' which totally means 'they are okay and I will eat them to make you happy.  I want a real burger'. 

Grediants

 Saute onion, celery, and garlic

 Mash up the beans.  This made my arm sore.  Wuss. 

 Throw all ingrediants together and mix 'em up

 Make into 4 even patties.  Notice my patties are not even.  I suck at making patties.  I even tried Rachel Ray's method of patting down everything in the bottom of the bowl and then drawing an x with my hands so each would be the same size.  It clearly didn't work. 

Bake the evenly sized patties for 10 min. on each side

 Then jazz them up with whatever you like!

Cheese (duh), spinach, tomato, onion and chipotle mayo

 Tony wanted me to take a picture of his b/c he thought it was prettier.  He opted to go the spicy mustard route.

Black Bean Burgers

1 can black beans (rinsed and drained)
1 onion - chopped
1 stalk celery - chopped
1 clove garlic - chopped (I would use more next time)
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1 Tbsp cumin

Saute onion, celery, and garlic until tender.  Mash beans into paste.  Add everything to bowl, mix, make even patties.  Or if you like to live on the wild side, make them all different sizes.

Bake @ 325 for 10 minutes, flip burgs, and bake for 10 minutes again or until firm.




P.S.   I really want an effing taco.  Day 25.  Almost there.

Wine Wednesday & A Blue Chair

Last night after work I came home and took Marg for a walk.  Surprised?  Me too.  That's Tony's job.  While I cook dinner of coarse... I'm not completely worthless.  Tony was working late and it was nice outside.  We had a good time and I even jogged a little.  Surprised again?  Me too. 

Then I grabbed a couple of bottles of wine and headed over to Gina's.  Her fiance is gone for the week and Em and I were keeping her company in the best way we know how... with wine. 
Gina had sent us an email earlier in the day asking if we would help her move Kirk's old blue recliner while he was gone.  Last year Gina left town and came home to a Red guest room... like really red.  Chief's red, if you will.  So she decided if Kirk can paint rooms without her permission, she can kick his old recliner to the curb.  Literally. 

So after some American Idol, the KSU bball game (whew, that was a close one), and this...

Don't judge, Dave helped us a little too.

We did this...

Lucy's like wth???

 And then had a little photo shoot...

Favorite

Poor little blue recliner in the front yard.

Gina says Kirk won't even know it's gone... that is, unless it's still sitting in their yard when he gets home on Friday.

Oh, and it's raining today... I think the chances of someone picking that charming looker up, just went down.  A lot.

Protective Pup

Does anyone see a trend here???

SureWest is going to love us

And as if I didn't know who the culpret was...

Caught Ya

She treats them like her babies... chewed on babies.

I'm not sure why she likes electronics.  One time she ate Gina's phone.   No joke.  Crunched the crap out of it.  Maybe I should look for battery flavored treats...

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna - Say What??

As I've said, eating vegetarian this month has made me branch out and try new things that I probably wouldn't have before.  I mean, I'm a pretty adventurous eater, but not really an adventurous cooker.  So when I got an email with a list of recipes (thanks Emily!) and one said Spaghetti Squash Lasagna, I was intrigued to say the least.

Here are the ingrediants...please ignore that can of tomato sauce in there.  It's a good thing I looked at the recipe again before I dumped that sucker in, but of coarse not before I opened it.  I guess I bought it for another meal down the road.

Think I like HyVee brand much? 

Here's the crazy squash...

I went to the store and found the Spaghetti Squash with no problems, so I thought this was going to be super simple... until I cut it open. 

What the?? I was soooo confused.  It looked like a pumpkin on the inside.  The directions said to 'seed' it.  I know how to seed a pumpkin, you scrape all of that stuff out, but I thought maybe those strands were the 'spaghetti' part of the squash.  I literally stared at this thing for a good 3 minutes before I decided to just pick the seeds out and leave the strands.

Then you bake it for awhile like this...

Meanwhile, saute some onion and garlic...

And add the tomatoes, basil, and the vegtable boulion cube.  I also added some red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch.  Cook for about 15 minutes and let the sauce thicken. 

Here's when I removed the squash from the oven and noticed that I should have gone with my first instinct and scraped out the strings, because THIS is where the 'spaghetti' comes from...after a few curse words, I decided that I could still remove the strands so I calmed down.

Shred it up with a fork leaving the shell

Spoon some of the tomato mixture into the shells

Top it with squash spaghetti

 Top with chopped olives if you roll that way.  Tony doesn't so I left them out of his.  Hey, I'm lucky he's eating tomatoes. And for that matter, squash.

Then top with mozz cheese and repeat layers until full or until you run out of ingrediants.  Bake for 20 more minutes until cheese melts.  Mine filled up fast so I had leftover tomato sauce.  I ate it straight from the pan, that's how good it was.

I also had leftover squash and I tried to feed it to Marg.

 She looked at me like I was crazy.

Dogs hate squash

Here's what the final product looked like.

Consensus on the meal??  I'll let Tony's plate do the talking.

Talk about a happy plate!

We were both very impressed!!  I will for sure make it again.  Especially now that I know what in the hell I'm doing.  I thought it had a ton of flavor.  Tony said 'It tastes just like spaghetti', so I encorage you to try this sometime. 

Here's the recipe:
Ingredients


1 spaghetti squash, halved lengthwise and seeded (please refer to my mistake above when 'seeding')
1 onion, chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 (14 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
1 tablespoon dried basil or Italian seasoning
1 cube vegetable bouillon
black pepper to taste
red pepper flakes if you can handle it
1 (5 ounce) can black olives, chopped
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (I didn't use parm, Tony would have ran the other way)

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.  Spray a baking sheet with a thin layer of cooking spray. Place squash halves cut side down on the baking sheet. Make sure you 'seed' them first.

Bake squash 35 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife can be easily inserted. Remove from oven, and cool.

Meanwhile, spray a non-stick saucepan with cooking spray. Over medium heat, saute the onion and garlic until golden brown. Stir in tomatoes, basil, bouillon cube, and black pepper. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until you have a medium thick sauce.

Shred and remove squash strands with a fork, reserving the shells. Layer each half with a spoonful of the sauce, a layer of spaghetti squash strands, olives, and mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers until shells are full, or until all of the ingredients are used. Top with Parmesan cheese.

Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cheese melts.

Then listen to your husband rave about how good it is.  And then 3 hrs. later tell you again how much he liked it. 




On the menu for tonight?  Black Bean Burgers, I'll report back.