The Dream Cafe – love the name.

The Mrs. knew about The Dream Cafe in Addison, so one morning The Buds met at The Dream Cafe for breakfast.   I was impressed.  I told Ever-Lovin’ about it, and … he wanted to go.  So go we did.  .

Welcome!  The website mentions that there is a patio and a play area.  I did not see them, but what  a great place for familes to enjoy.

The decor is slightly modern and restful.  Our waitress was great.  For starters, the coffee was better than average.

Ever-Lovin’ had the Farmer’s Omelette.  It was filled with pork sausage, cheddar cheese, and caramelized  onions and peppers.  The cheese grits were so good!  They were smooth and creamy and full of flavor.  Notice the strawberry butter that was served with his wheat toast.  Yummy!

This was called the 2X3.  It was to have two eggs with three mini buttermilk wheat banana pecan pancakes.  I asked for bacon instead of eggs.  Look how much bacon I got, and the pancakes were not “mini”.  That was okay because Ever=Lovin’ and I really enjoyed these delicious pancakes.  They are filled with bananas and pecans, and then there are more bananas and pecans on the top.

As I looked over the menu, I saw so many other things that I would like to try.  The chicken and milk served are locally sourced and hormone-free.  Many vegan and vegetarian dishes on the menu also.  The website mentioned they have been serving “healthy wholesome meals in Dallas for more than twenty years”.  Where have I been?

The Dream Cafe is located  in the Village on the Parkway (Belt Line and the North Dallas Tollway).  If you can get around the construction, it is there.  I promise.  It is not far from Blue Mesa.  This is another Uptown restaurant that has expanded to North Dallas.  Fantastic!

“Enjoy a Dreamy Experience”

Blessings to you and yours,

The Uptown location is at 2800 Routh Street in the Quadrangle.

For Mother’s Day, Ever-Lovin’ smoked ribs in my honor.  They were fantastic.  I was happy, appreciative, and full.

Ever-Lovin’s recipe is based on a recipe from John McLemore’s “Dadgum That’s Good!”  cookbook.

The store did not have “baby-back ribs” which is what he usually uses.  These ribs were a little meatier.

Ever-Lovin’ cooked three slabs of ribs.  He took advantage of heating up the smoker.  You can freeze the smoked ribs if there are left-overs.  The boys have been known to kindly relieve us of extra ribs.

This is the creativity element to the ribs.  Sometimes Ever-Lovin’ will simply generously salt and pepper the ribs before smoking.  Other times he will use a rub.  You can buy rubs at the store or do as he does and mix spices from the pantry.  Make the ribs as spicy or as mild as you like.  On this day he used a combination of two Penzeys’ spice mixes – 33rd and Galene (a chicken and pork rub) and Mitchell Street (a steak seasoning).  The spices were not chili hot, but they were flavorful.  Be generous with the spices.

There is a little tray for the hickory chips.

The ribs were put in the pre-heated 225 degree smoker.

Then you basically forget about them for three hours while they cook and get delicious.  So easy.

NO PICTURE – sorry!

Remove the ribs and wrap in foil.  We like dry ribs because that is the way Ever-Lovin’s father made ribs, BUT if you like “wet” ribs, this is the time to slather on the BBQ sauce of your choice.

Return the ribs to the smoker and cook for another 1 to 1 1/2 hours.  Test the internal temperature of the ribs with a meat thermometer, and it should register 160 degrees F. when the ribs are done.  

Slice and enjoy.

“Dadgum, they were good!”  They were so tender and delicious.  Made me happy.  Thank you Ever-Lovin’!

Blessings to you and yours,

This post has been approved by Ever-Lovin’

Now, Carolyn once lived in New Hampshire, and she knows and loves sea food.  When she read that Sea Breeze lobster rolls were “the best in Dallas”, she had to try them.  She liked them.  She loved them, and she has been coming to Sea Breeze for lobster rolls for some time now.  Carolyn thought Lanabird.com should know about Sea Breeze, and she planned the outing for us.  I jumped at the chance.  Yes, I like to eat at new to me restaurants, and I like seafood.   But… Another important factor in my excitement over our excursion was – I never want to miss a chance to be with Minetta and Carolyn.  We always have so much fun.  As former educators, we have many interest in common.  They are intelligent down-to-earth women.  I am blessed to have them as friends.

The decor inside Sea Breeze is casual and reminds me of a sea coast eatery.  It was comfortable.

The lobster roll is considered their signature dish, and it was delicious. The main ingredient was lobster.  Even though the menu called the filling “lobster salad”, I was amazed at how much fresh tasting buttery lobster filled this roll.  Yummy!  I think the roll is imported from New England.  It reminded me of white bread.  The outside of the bun was grilled in butter and spices, and it was wonderful.  I would certainly buy a Sea Breeze lobster roll again.

A choice of two sides was included with the lobster roll.  We all took Carolyn’s recommendation and ordered coleslaw and grilled potato salad.  The dressing on the coleslaw was light and the flavor was not strong.  I liked it.  For some reason, I expected the grilled potato salad to be a hot potato salad.  This potato salad was cold and also had very little dressing on it.  It was good, but maybe it would not be my favorite.  A couple of hush puppies garnished the plate, and they were very good.

Perhaps it is telling that “Fish Market” is listed first in the title of the restaurant.  One side of the restaurant is devoted to a fish market that sells fresh seafood.  The claim is that the seafood is flown in daily, and is never frozen.

Since my knowledge of seafood is limited, I was intrigued by the different types of fish offered for sale.

Look at the different types of clams, and the large shrimp.

Not only can you buy fresh seafood at Sea Breeze, they also sell take out items.

I would like to try the smoked salmon deviled eggs.]

Tortillia coated tilapia would make a good dinner.

Smoked salmon is also for sale.

One reviewer gave the smoked salmon dip high praise.  It is also on my must try list.

It is hard to believe that I have gone to Weir’s in Lakeside Marketplace many many times, and I did not know about Sea Breeze Fish Market and Grill.  The lobster roll was so delicious, it might be hard to order anything else.

Blessings to you and yours,

The restaurant and market did not smell fishy.  From what I hear, that is a sign of a good seafood market.

Thank you Carolyn for introducing me to this gem.  I will go back.

Friend BB has a dear friend Carolyn that she has known and loved for most of her life.  Through the years, The Buds  have enjoyed getting to know Carolyn also.  Carolyn is witty, full of life, and loads of fun.  She lives in Longview, and while we were in East Texas, we could not miss the opportunity to go to Longview to visit her.  I am glad we did.  Carolyn let us tour her home, and I get to share it with you.

Be still my heart.  How gorgeous is this?  Driving up to Carolyn’s home made my heart go pitty-pat.

Carolyn’s home is in the Historic Mobberly Place area of Longview, and it was  built in 1934.  I call it an official home.

As we entered Carolyn’s home, I felt we were entering a movie set.   Her home is opulent, full of treasures, and has touches of whimsey.

In the living room, fantastic crowns adorn the top of the draperies.  Molding throughout the home is beautiful.

Faux painted walls are throughout the house.   Carolyn’s home is so interesting because she mixes elements.  There is so much eye candy.

Many of Carolyn’s displays are what I would call “over-the-top”.  Carolyn has such flair, and this flair is evident in her home.  Just look at the size of that flower arrangement.

Wow!

I loved this setting.  Around every corner, there are treats to see.

Perhaps this candelabra once graced a castle.

Carolyn can tell you the backstory of each Limoges box in her collection.  They are beautiful.  The monkeys make me laugh.

The dining room is dramatic.  Red walls and drapes set the stage.  Crystal rose bowls with red roses are on the table

Sweet Mother of Pearl.  A gorgeous crystal chandelier graces this room.

In the kitchen, many of the displays remind me of still life paintings.  Carolyn loves Mexican pottery and folk art.

I love this carved St. Francis Santos.

These heads are fun.   (I know they have a real name, but I do no know the real names, so please forgive me for only referring to them as heads.)

Carolyn collects Day-of-the-Dead figurines.  They are fascinating.  What a good idea to line the steps with crosses.

Just look at this large ornate cross.  It has Day-of-the-Dead ornamentation.  Very unique.

What a beautiful Santos.  I like it.  I love it.

I really, really, really like this piece.  It is a carved panel.  It takes my breath away.  I did not ask who or what is carved on this beauty.  At first I thought they were monks, then I thought it might be Andrew, Peter, James and John, or perhaps, Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John.  No matter what.  I like it.

The kitchen work area is decorated with a bold black and white wallpaper with MacKenzie Childs accent pieces.

Upstairs the bedrooms are also lavish.  This pink and lime green room is fresh and lively.

I told you her home was opulent.

What soothing colors are on this bed.

Carolyn has several painted chests that are oh so pretty.

The upstairs study has wagon wheel furniture.  Carolyn rescued it and had it restored.  You do not see this every day.

In the upstairs hall, is this demi-moon table topped with a Venetian glass mirror.

Outside the patio is like an oasis.

The drapes remind me of a cabana.  Carolyn has attended to so much detail.  Fantastic.

I could sit and look at this view forever.

We had a wonderful time.  Carolyn is as much fun as her home.  Thank you Carolyn for sharing your home.  It is amazing and so interesting.

Blessings to you and yours,

We went to Talouse Cafe and Bar on our way home from tip-toeing through the bluebonnets in Ennis.  We stopped on Knox Street to shop a bit, and it was supper time. (Okay, dinner time since we went to a French restaurant.)  I remembered that The Mrs. had mentioned Toulouse was a good restaurant, and perhaps we should dine there sometime.

Since we were “in the neighborhood” – Knox Street by the Katy Trail – we took advantage of the opportunity.  Toulouse is like eating at a little cafe in France.  The front of the restaurant is a large covered patio area draped in red.

Toulouse’s decor is charming.  I loved the buttery yellow walls with red accents.

French bread – Sometimes the simple things at a restaurant make a big impression.  The bread was very good – crusty with a chewy center.  I liked it.  I loved it.

Ever-Lovin’ and I shared the Toulouse Salad – Lettuce, endive, poached pears, toasted walnuts, Roquefort cheese, and a raspberry-walnut vinaigrette.  Fresh tasting and flavorful.  We appreciated their splitting the salad for us.

The Citrus Crusted Salmon was good, but … Be still my heart.  The bed of sautéed artichokes, grape tomatoes, braised fennel, black olives, fresh herb, and Champagne Beurre Blanc was amazing.  True confession.  I do not have a very sophisticated palette.  What I eat and cook would probable be called home cooking.  But I do like artichokes, and many times a deciding factor when selecting what to order is the inclusion of artichokes in a dish.  I was not too sure about the fennel.  Let it be known.  This dish was beyond delicious.  Champagne Beurre Blanc is a classic French white butter sauce.  What is not to like? – Champagne and butter – yummy.  There are recipes online for Champagne Beurre Blanc, and it does not appear difficult to make.  This Champagne Beurre Blanc sauce had a lemony or citrus flavor that complimented the Citrus Crusted Salmon.  I did feel that I had been to France.  By the way – I loved the fennel.  I would seriously like to know how to recreate this dish.  Maybe I will work on it.

Ever-Lovin ordered Petit Entrecôte Pommes Frites – steak and French fries.  His steak was fantastic – cooked to order and flavorful.  Again, you know you are in a French restaurant when the sauce steals the limelight.  Ever-Lovin’s steak came with a Béarnaise sauce.  Bearnaise sauce is made with “clarified butter, emulsified in egg yolks, white wine vinegar, and flavored with herbs.” (Wikipedia)  It was excellent.

But as good as the steak and sauce were, (and they were good) the Pommes Frites really got our attention.  We declared them some of the best fries we have ever eaten.  They were crispy on the outside and soft inside.  A week or so after we ate at Toulouse, Eater Dallas had a list of the 13 best restaurants for fries in Dallas.  Guess what restaurant was on the list?  Toulouse!  I do understand why.

We did not order dessert, but Excellent Cook Nancy says we must try their beignets.  That alone is reason to return to Toulouse.

Blessings to you and yours,

For more information, click HERE to view the Toulouse Cafe web site.  There is a weekend brunch that begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.  That would be fun, and it would be the perfect time to order beignets.

When the gang from the Living Stones and Albers Men’s Bible Study Fellowship Classes gathered at Buckner International to sort shoes in May, I realized it had been well over a month since Lanabird had shared about Buckner.

As we stood in front of this poster for the April group picture, it was a reminder of the importance of volunteering at Buckner International’s Shoes for Orphan Souls.  ”Our volunteers are the most important step to get the shoes to the orphans.”  Wow!  And we do so little.

As we entered Buckner International, an interactive display greeted us.  Many youth groups come to volunteer during spring break and the weekends.  These displays attempt to duplicate what life without shoes would be.  Imagine walking barefoot on these stones.

It would seem nearly impossible for us to try to walk on this rocky ground.

As you can see, they tried to duplicate the ground in the pictures.  The displays made an impression on me.

Not only do we sort shoes by gender and size, but the shoes are also sorted into categories.  The poster behind this group picture serves as a guide to all the different categories.  (This is the May gang.)

In April we were sorting boots.

Look at these blurry pink boots.  I can only imagine how happy a little girl will be when she gets these boots.  We enjoy being with Judy.  She is so much fun, and a hard worker.

As usual, we write notes to send with each pair of shoes.

Sometimes children will send notes with the shoes they donate.  I love this.  ”God will walk with you.”  What a perfect note to put with a pair of shoes.

-

What a dear sweet child Hannah is.  Can you imagine an eight year old giving to others rather than wanting to get gifts?  My precious great-niece Aubrey wants to have a birthday party and have her friends bring shoes.  We have no idea where Aubrey got the idea for her party.  We were all so touched.  Click HERE to find out more about the Buckner Birthday Club.

Friends BB and Carolyn got the memo to wear green.  Look.  They even found a green pair of boots.  Little things amuse us.

In May, we sorted flip-flop sandals.  All types of shoes can be used, he athletic shoes are the most needed.

Could The Mr. be looking at his watch for a reason?  I have to admit that the fellowship over lunch after our morning of volunteering is wonderful fun.  Thanks to Foodie Amy (The Mr. and Mrs. daughter) we have discovered blog worthy eating establishments.

Blessings to you and yours,

Matthew 25: 35-40

35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37 ”Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?’ 40 And the King will tell them, ‘I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

Cafe 43 (In case you missed it.  President George W. Bush was the 43rd  President of the United States of America.) is the new restaurant at  the George W. Bush Presidential Center.

There is an outside entrance to Cafe 43, and it is open to the public for lunch (11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) Monday thru Friday.  On Saturday and Sunday, brunch is served from 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

FYI:  The kind volunteers will be quick to tell you that if you decide to eat after you have gone through security, you will have to re-enter through security to return to the museum.  This is also true of the Museum Store.  Since the restaurant and gift shop are open to the public, (You do not have to pay to go into the museum if you are only wanting to eat or shop.) it makes sense.  You do have to pay for parking though.

Cafe 43 is gorgeous.  Tall windows that are framed with thick dark wood are on three walls.  Beyond the windows is the prairie.  The room is light and bright and very calming.  I liked it.  I loved it.

The red goblets sparkled in the light, and were impressive.  They certainly got my attention.

Before we ordered, tasty crackers were brought to our table in a wire basket.  The crackers were beyond good.  Really!  Who could have imagined that humble crackers could be so delicious.

I read that all of the bread used at Cafe 43 is from La Spiga.  I looked up La Spiga, and it is located at 4203 Lindbergh Drive in Addison.  It is north of Belt Line and off Midway on Lindbergh.  The cracker bread is called Lavosh and sells for $2.95 a bag.  (Note to self:  Go to La Spiga soon.  I shared this information because I thought you might need/want to know.)

The menu is designed to offer fresh ingredients, and it will change with the seasons.  It is another restaurant with the farm to table concept.  Fresh food, well prepared is always a winner, and Cafe 43‘s food was delicious.

Ever-Lovin’ ordered the Crab Cake on a bed of melon slaw with a smoked red pepper remoulade from the appetizer menu.  Excellent choice.  The crab cake was basically large lumps of crab with very little filler. (That’s the way I like it.)  The melons in the slaw added a touch of sweetness.  Yummy!  (On this day, I was so happy we shared our dishes.)

My choice was the Slow Cooked Pulled BBQ Pork Sandwich on a jalapeño cheddar bun.  Again the bread was fantastic.  The bun wasn’t spicy, but it still had flavor.  The pulled pork was very tasty, but not peppery hot or drowning in sauce.  The Kennebec Fries were … not bad – just different.  Okay, I did a little research, and the Kennebec potato is now the “It” potato.  I am sure you already knew this, but…  Our waiter told us the Kennebec potatoes are more consistent during the entire growing season.  Due to this fact, it is easier to serve consistently good fries using Kennebec potatoes.  The fries were good.  They were firmer than many fries.  Live and learn.

For dessert, we tried the Grilled Carrot Cake.  After we ordered, the waiter mentioned this was his favorite dessert on the menu.  We knew this was going to be good when we could smell the dessert before it was placed on the table.  Here is the how to:  The carrot cake was sliced, buttered, and sprinkled with finishing sugar.  Then the cake slices were grilled in a panini press.  There was a nice crunchiness surrounding the sweet moist cake.  On top of the cake was very sweet cardamom cream cheese.

Cafe 43 was a wonderful ending to our visit to the museum.  I feel like we have been on a vacation.

Blessings to you and yours,

You are encouraged to make reservations for dining at Cafe 43.

As they say, I was “choppin’ at the bit” to go to the new George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.  All the who’s who’s had come and gone.  Now it was our turn.

The day did not begin well.  After we left the house, I realized my pants were blue and my shirt was black stripes.  I prayed I did not see Excellent Cook Nancy who is a volunteer at the museum.  To be honest, I prayed I would not see anyone I knew.

The SMU campus – home to the President George W. Bush Library and Museum – is beautiful.

Parking was a challenge.  The first lot was full.  If you drive an electric car you are in luck.  There are plenty of spaces for electric cars in the main lot.  We were directed to the SMU garage.  At the SMU garage the machine was cantankerous. (To put it mildly.)  We waited and waited for white car to be admitted.  Finally (Maybe we waited 5 minutes.) the gate lifted.  Yea!  Then red pick-up tried to enter.  The machine would not take his card.  He tried and tried.  Then he got out of the pick-up and came to explain the problem.  He went back and tried again and again.  No luck.  Again he got out of red pick-up and came to explain.  Then he asked if we could loan him a dollar.  Maybe green-backs would work.  Yea!  The arm lifted and he entered.  Now it was our turn.  Since we thought the credit card feature was not working, we tried a five dollar bill.  No luck.  The machine would not accept it.  What were we to do?  We tried a credit card.  It did not work.  I started trying to call the help number listed on the machine.  Ever-Lovin’ tried the card again and… low and behold it worked. (Do you think the threat of being told on did the trick?)  Yea!  Miracles of miracles.  I relate all of this to let you know to take cash as well as your credit card.  First lot cost $7.00 and only takes credit cards.  SMU garage cost $5.00 and should take paper money, coins, and credit cards.

Ever-Lovin’ finally had a parking space.  We were thankful, and ready to press on.  But…

Our challenges were not over.

After a short hike to the  museum, we were going through security, and Ever-Lovin’ had his little pocket knife in his pocket.  A No. No.  What to do?  Give it up or hike back to the car to secure it.  He hiked back to the car while I got tickets.  There was not a line while we were there, but you can order the tickets ( $16.00 for adults or $13.00 for seniors) online just to be sure.  I did notice two tour busses and know this will be a popular destination.  An audio tour is included in this price.

In the lobby are cases displaying gifts given to the American people by other countries.  I thought it interesting what the United States gave to other countries. The Pfaltzgraff platter got my attention.

Love the eagle.

Beyond the lobby is Freedom Hall.  The massive tall room is surrounded by large screens, and the 9 minute presentation is played regularly.  Sweet Mother of Pearl.  It is a sight to behold.

As we entered the museum, my heart skipped a beat.  They paid homage to West Texas.  They are proud to be from Midland in the Permian Basin, and I loved it.  At one point in a video, it was mentioned how they loved the big Texas skies.  Me too!

I never will forget the first time I saw a Dubya button.  I admit.  I was a little slow, and it took me a minute to understand.

President Bush’s played and important role in encouraging government agencies to work with religious charities.

Mrs. Bush was instrumental in promoting the National Book Festival.  I love the posters.

One of my favorite areas in the museum is the children’s reading area.  Mrs. Bush selected some of her favorite books to put on these shelves.  Children can sit on the padded benches and enjoy reading.

I was not prepared for my emotions as we entered the 9/11 room.  Seeing the twisted steel girders from the World Trade Center made me cry.  It is strange, but visiting the Bush Library is like reliving my history.  We have all lived through these years.

Then we moved on to happier things.  The replica of the Oval Office is filled with details.  You are encouraged to come in and sit awhile.

I am sure you have heard by now that you can have your picture taken at the President’s desk.  This is so neat.  Next time, I think we will pay to have the professional photographer take our pictures.

Be still my heart.  The Texas artwork the President Bush had in the Oval Office took my breath away.  How about a Frederick Remington bronze of a bucking bronco or an Julian Onderdonk bluebonnet painting?  There are also paintings by W.H.D Koerner, and Tom Lea.  I liked them.  I loved them.

Mrs. Bush designed the sunburst rug for the Oval Office.  From what I understand, every detail of the room is duplicated – even to the color of the roses on the coffee table.

The “Texas Rose Garden” outside the Oval Office is filled with plants that will survive our hot Texas summers.

This is the view looking toward the Oval Office.

From the Texas Rose Garden you can view the fifteen acre prairie.  It is an urban park that can be enjoyed daily from dawn to dusk.

Dresses, invitations, and menus were on display.  I enjoy seeing the “girly” things!

This is the evening wear the President and Mrs. Bush wore for the State Dinner when Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip visited America.  The First Lady chose an Oscar de la Renta gown.

The Presidential china is so beautiful.  The plate in the back has a gold eagle decoration.  Oh, my!  The more casual luncheon plate is a nice touch.  How fun it would be to mix and match these china pieces.

The letters to the President about his pet dogs were heartwarming.  The letters reminded me of my teaching days.  There are so many interactive activities for children at the museum.

What a wonderful tribute.  In the courtyard are the bronze statues of the two Bush presidents – the first father and son presidents in over 175 years.  These were commissioned by a “close family friend” and given as a housewarming gift.

This display defines President George W. Bush.  He knows his priorities.

The fact that President George W. Bush. is most honored to be a “citizen of the United States of America” speaks volumes.  I too am proud to be a citizen of the United States of America.

Blessings to you and yours,

I must mention the volunteers and staff.  Everyone was helpful and kind.  Made me proud.

We saw so much, but we also missed so much – especially the details.  I do look forward to a return visit, and I encourage you to go.

This is basically Pioneer Woman’s recipe.  Blessed be her name.  How can I properly express my deep appreciation?  Honestly, this is a life changing recipe.

For years I felt like a pico de gallo failure.  I had stopped trying.  Why waste perfectly good tortillia chips?  Bland tomatoes were not working for me.  I gave up and bought the jar stuff – but I was not happy.  Then one day I bought Pioneer Woman’s cookbook – The Pioneer Woman Cooks, and my life was forever changed.   Ree Drummond told of her trials and tribulations in her effort to make pico de gallo.  She had had the same problem.  She understood how I felt.  Maybe there was hope.  Ree mentioned that she met Ana Oh “who makes the most wickedly delicious Mexican food I’ve ever had, not the least of which is absolutely perfect pico de gallo”.  Sounded like a winner to me.

The secret to great pico de gallo is the balance of the ingredients.  Pico de gallo is not just about a boat load of tomatoes with a little onion, cilantro, and jalapeños.  The onions, cilantro, and jalapeños must have equal billing with the tomatoes.  This is so easy.  Here is the secret – use equal portions of onions, tomatoes, and cilantro.  That is it.  Make as little or as much pico de gallo as you want.  Just keep the proportions equal.

Begin by finely dicing the onion.  I used purple onions because I think they are pretty, but yellow onions will also work.

Dice an equal portion of Roma tomatoes.  It is good if the tomatoes are a little firm.  You want the dice to be pretty fine – fits on the chips better.

For the cilantro, discard the big stems and dice the same amount of cilantro.

Next dice the jalapeños.  Be careful when you work with jalapeños.  It is best to wear gloves because fingers have been known to feel as if they are on fire, or heaven forbid you touch your eye with the least bit of jalapeño.  If you scrape the seeds and membranes from the insides of the jalapeños (use a spoon), there will be less heat.   You decide how hot you want your pico de gallo.

Dice the jalapeños.  You do not need an equal amount of jalapeños, but do add to your own taste.

Throw the four ingredients into a bowl and stir until combined.

Add fresh lime juice and sprinkle with salt.  Stir until combined.  Taste using a tortillia chip – that way you can better tell if the saltiness is correct.  Add more salt, jalapeños, or lime juice if needed.

The pico de gallo will not keep very long – maybe 24 hours – so make it the day you plan to enjoy it.

Also the pico de gallo is wonderful in many other dishes – quesadillas, tacos, atop grilled chicken, in pinto beans….

Now this is the unbelievable part.

Guacamole:

Add the pico de gallo to chuncky mashed avocados, and you have guacamole.  You will need to add more salt and lime juice.  So easy and so yummy!

We served the guacamole in the avocado shells at the Well.  I got this idea from Minetta.  At a wedding shower in Tyler, there was a chef making fresh guacamole – a guacamole bar if you wish.  He would cut the avocado, remove the creamy flesh, mash the avocado with seasonings, and put it back in the shell.  Minetta was impressed.  She told me, and I could not wait to serve guacamole in the avocado shells.  It makes for a good presentation.  Using prepared pico de gallo with the mashed avocados is so easy.

Mango Salsa:

Sweet Mother of Pearl!  This is Ever-Lovin’s absolute favorite – mango salsa.  Every time I make this he declares it “primo stuff.” – His highest compliment.  Mango salsa is beyond delicious, and all you have to do is dice the mangos and add pico de gallo.  Enjoy!

Blessings to you and yours,

Pico de Gallo Ingredient List:

Roma tomatoes (best if they are a little firm)

Onions – red or  yellow

Cilantro

Jalapeños

Limes for juicing

Salt

All that was lacking was the mariachi band at the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta at the Well.

The Well is a refuge for adults with mental illness.  It is our privilege to bring lunch to the Well on the first Monday of each month.

Since the first Monday of May fell one day after Cinco de Mayo, we decided to have a Mexican style meal.  Debbie found the cutest little pinatas that were used for table decorations.

They were colorful and just the right size.

The work in the kitchen was rather frantic, but we made it.  These ladies are amazing.

Taco salad and guacomole were on the menu.  Pico de gallo, mango salsa, picante sauce, and sour cream were on the tables along with tortilla chips.

Dessert for the Cinco de Mayo meal was a Tres Leche Cake.  Yummy!

But the real stars of the day are the people that come to the Well.  Thank you to everyone for coming.  We look forward to seeing you each month.

This sweet lady is so loving and appreciative.

Ever-Lovin’ enjoyed lunch with this fine man.

Enjoying a meal around a table is a form of worship (if you ask me).  Joshua, on the left, is the program director of the Well.  He is a fine young man who enjoyed visiting with his friend during lunch.  When I asked Joshua about their greatest needs, he mentioned funding (of course), but he also requested prayers for the staff and the people who come to the Well.  We can do that.

Donna, on the right, was looking forward to Mother’s Day.  Doesn’t the man in the middle have a wonderful smile?

Everybody needs a friend – that is what happens at the Well.  There is a new program at the Well.  The ladies are able to get their hair styled and have make-overs.  How neat is that?  This precious lady was going to get her hair cut.  I am looking forward to seeing her new hairdo.  How short will it be?

I remember this charming lady from our last visit.  She likes to have her picture taken.  The man sitting beside her is fun.  He seems to always have a smile on his face.

Everyone was kind and appreciative of the party – especially this man.  Thank you.  There are computers at the Well, and this Mavericks’ fan enjoys the computers.

This was a good thing.  The girl on the right enjoyed the Easter meal, and she invited her friend to come with her.  I like that.

Claudia (our former Bible Study teacher) and a friend seemed to enjoy the meal.  Honestly, it is so much fun to be associated with the people at the Well.

Reed ( on the left) runs Jacob’s House which is a residential home for men.   Standing with Reed is V.O. (I think I have this correct.).  V.O. and Tiffany were baptized on Sunday, and V.O. was so happy.  I hate that I missed getting Tiffany’s picture.

This is Joshua and Dan.  Dan – a Well success story –  usually cooks the meals.  He is so helpful.  I liked it that he was happy to see us.

Sometimes the men at the Well go on field trips to sports games.  This man was asking Claudia when he would get to go to a Ranger’s game.  I hope it is soon.

As we were leaving, this gentleman came.  I declare, he is a dapper man.

It was a pleasure to visit with this gentleman. He is very personable and made me laugh.

This fine man was registering people who were going to enjoy the afternoon activities.  I would feel welcome meeting him for the first time.

Max (on the left) wrote an article in the recent Well Newsletter.  He mentions in the article that the Well is a place to come to “be ourselves”.  I like it.  I love it.

Max also plays the harmonica for the Well band.  Hopefully they will entertain us sometime.

Mary (left) and Janet (right) had a wonderful visit.  Mary was also getting a make-over later that day.  A couple of beauticians from Cliff Temple Baptist Church are volunteering to do this.  How wonderful!

This was the gang – minus Ever-Lovin’ because he took the picture – along with friends from the Well.  It was a good day.  We had a fiesta with delicious food, and enjoyed each other’s company.  Life is good.

Blessings to you and yours,

Before we left, Claudia had the sanctuary of Cliff Temple Baptist Church opened for us. Be still my heart.   It is a beautiful old church.  I think Claudia mentioned that it is 106 years old.  Most churches do not last 106 years.  (That was what Pastor Ellis said in last Sunday’s sermon.)

Someone mentioned that this is what they think a church should look like.  I am impressed that this church and others are committed to helping God’s children.  They understand Christ’s commands.