Soup's on

Here's a recipe sent in by Faithful Reader Charlotte Kennedy (OK, my mom):
Called Santa Fe Soup:

2 pounds lean ground beef (I used 1 pound)
1 large onion, chopped
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 can kidney beans
1 can pinto beans
1 can black beans
2 cans shoepeg corn
1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
2 pkgs taco seasoning

Cook beef with onions, drain, add all other ingredients in a covered soup pot and cook slowly for 2 hours. You can top with such things as corn chips, green onions, sour cream or cheese. I like to serve with tortilla chips of warm cornbread.
Then I found this recipe that doesn't seem to take as long.

If you do some testing, as we aim to do soon, lemme know.

What's 'on my mind'

We had the great fortune of hearing Willie Nelson in concert last night, because of some friends who couldn't use their tickets.
Among his many melodies, he sang this great.
Enjoy.

Hiker story

Paying attention to this story today about a missing hiker in north Georgia.
It's interesting that the dog's leash was found in the woods, but then the dog miles away south in another county. The missing woman's car was in a lot where you can park to hike an access trail.
I've hiked Blood Mountain many times, both with friends and alone. On the Appalachian Trail, the mountain always feels safe to me because there are usually lots of people out. And their four-legged companions.

It's all about corn

In honor of Thursday's Iowa Caucus, here's a recipe
for corn salsa.
Now it's on to New Hampshire, at least for the candidates.
What type of food is New Hampshire known for? Anyone? Anyone?

No resolution II

'Yesterday you said tomorrow'

That's the kick-off of a national ad campaign by Nike. The message, if it's not obvious: Yesterday you said you would work out.
Click here to read about how Nike and Coke are "helping" people get off their respective sofas and into action. There's also a nifty ad you can watch.
Speaking of, saw many new faces at the gym today. It'll be crowded for a few months then will taper off. I used to get sort of, well, bothered by that. On two counts: one, arrogance, and two, because they were taking "my" machines.
It's like some who complain about people who come to church just on Christmas and Easter; but now I figure, Hey, they're there; isn't that a good thing?

Ode to Sport

"Old dogs, like old shoes, are comfortable. They might be a bit out of shape and a little worn around the edges, but they fit well."
- Bonnie Wilcox, 'Old Dogs, Old Friends'

With heavy heart, we at the Spin Cycle (Bisquick included) pay tribute to Sport, a Jack Russell terrier who died today. He was attacked the other day by another dog and a local vet tried very hard to save him. His owners are friends of ours. He was loved very much. Sport was 9 years old. He'll be buried in our friends' backyard tomorrow.
What makes this even more sad is that Sport's "dad" (the husband of the family) is battling brain cancer; and he and his wife have two young children who are of course broken up by the loss of their little friend.
Sport, you can now eat all the dog bones you wish and run and play with reckless abandon.

PS This photo is not Sport but one I found on the Internet of a Jack Russell.