Heifer Watch

I was dragging this morning at work. Yes I had my cup or 2 of coffee, but late nights on calving watch can take it out of you. A few years ago I spent a 2 days with a friend at their place for calving. Not sure how we were so lucky with getting the heifer shift, but we did. Every few hours we were up; in the cold and snow. In that situation you leave your snuggly pjs on and pull coverall over that top. You get a few hours of sleep where ever you can: couch, recliner, floor and then up again to check. Last night really wasn't bad as we only have one more heifer to go. As I was out there watching her progression, I thought to myself how lucky I am to live this lifestyle, even if it means I look and feel tired the next morning.

Not the greatest pictures, it was pitch black last night.

 Heifers spend more time in labor and more time giving birth than mature cows.
Contractions initially occur approximately every 15 minutes. Then they progress to more frequent and longer. I could tell she was trying.
The sign of the second stage of labor is the expulsion of the water bag, as you can see in these pictures. When you see this, she should calve within a few hours.

I decided to go back into the house for 30 min, not thinking she would have it then.....but she did. I was rather disappointed that I missed the whole process, as I was hoping to "document" it for blogging sake.

Here is the little thing this morning, healthy and happy! Momma is licking and caring for her new calf.

Theme Thursday: Easter Tree

A few months back I mentioned there was a tree in my county that is decorated monthly with a theme. This month of course is Easter.

I met the "owner" and decorator this past Friday. I was with a community member headed to visit a local dairy and she said,"Right up there on the left is the dairy."  I exclaimed, "The one by the Theme Tree!?!"
 "Yep, that's the place,"  she said with a chuckle. When I met the decorator, I told her to keep it up and how I enjoyed the changing themes!

Give me a home where the buffalo roam.............

A week ago I helped host a group tour with members from across the U.S. One of the stops was a preserve that has a small herd of bison/buffalo. The herd is cared for by a local rancher and we were told that the buffalo recognize the feed truck the rancher has.  Well apparently its a Dodge. As we started to drive through the pasture the buffalo started running toward us.  

I was a little bummed that I was sitting in the middle and couldn't get as many or the quality of pictures I wanted. 

I think they would have eaten out of our hands, they came right up to the windows....very neat. 

 I mite have been more excited than some of the visitors in our group. 

This picture looks like its straight out of "Dances with Wolves" doesn't it?

The Mexican Bierock

This is like the Mexican version of a bierock. Again, what does my picture not look as good as the original one here with the recipe? Anyway, don't let the picture stop you from making these!

I will admit the filling and folding of the bun was the most difficult part but once you get the hang of it.....

Ingredients
1 package of refrigerated biscuits- I used whole wheat, but I think the corn ones would be awesome. 
1 lb ground beef
1 packet taco seasoning
1/2 cup salsa
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
(1) 8 oz package of cream cheese, room temp
4 tbsp melted butter- skipped this to save on a few calories :)

Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef and crumble.
2. Drain fat from meat.
3. Add taco seasoning and prepare as stated on the packet.
4. In a medium sized mixing bowl, add cream cheese and salsa.
5. Blend with with mixer until smooth.
6. Roll out biscuits so they are flat and somewhat thin.
7. Spread 1 tbsp cream cheese mixture onto the biscuit.
8. Add a spoon full of taco meat on top of the cream cheese mixture.
9. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
10. Seal edges and place on a greased cookie sheet.
11. Repeat with all biscuits.
12. Brush tops of biscuits with melted butter.
13. Bake at 350 degrees for 13-16 minutes, or until tops are lightly browned.
14. Enjoy!

WoW: Blessed not Stressed

So very true, this might be something I need to post at my desk as a reminder!

Enchilada Pasta-One Pan Wonder

Wow this is good. I found the original recipe here, and then did some tweeking. My picture doesn't look as good as the original picture, but it tastes amazing and that's what matters. My family wanted to keep eating and eating, but decided they didn't need to over-stuff themselves on this tasty dish.  

It is simple and quick which is great in my life. I partially cooked the pasta while I was browning the meat to speed up the process even a little more. 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 of a small onion, diced
• 1.25 pounds of taco seasoned ground  meat (beef, turkey, pork, your choice)
• 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 19oz can of red enchilada sauce
• 8oz (about 2 1/2 cups) of dried pasta (any kind works, I partially cooked this to speed up the process) 
• 1 cups of freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 4 oz cream cheese
• green onions
• black olives
• Optional add ins: corn, black beans, green chili

Instructions

1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, sauté garlic and onions in olive oil over medium low heat until softened.
2. Add ground  meat and cook, breaking meat up with a wooden spoon until browned.
3. Once  meat is cooked through, add pasta, chicken broth and enchilada sauce to pan.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduced heat to low and cover.
5. Cook on low, with pan covered for about 15 minutes.
6. Then remove lid and let simmer for additional 5 minutes until pasta is tender and sauce has reduced.
7. Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese & salsa.
8. Top pasta with additional cup of cheese and melt under broiler for a minute or tow, or place lid back on pan and let heat from the pasta melt the cheese.
9. Garnish with black olives and green onions.

Words of Wisdom: Hold on!

I have been busy with work , in a blogging slump, and trying to sort out a few things in life..... so I think this is what I needed today, and maybe some of you out there need it too!