|
Welcome to The Morning Star Update!
|
Greetings!
May is often a bittersweet month. On the one hand, it is Spring and the flowers are blooming, and everyone is excited about graduation. On the other hand, it is often a time of saying goodbye to graduates and their families, though we always hope that they aren't really goodbyes but rather see-you-laters. This year is no exception. So to our favorite graduates and their families ... Congratulations! We hope our paths cross again! On a different note, please note that we have had to change the date for the Wellness Retreat to mid-July. More info, right column.
|
 Welcome Peachy! We have a new member of our household. In March, Peachy's previous owner surrendered her to a shelter because she needed to have a toe amputated. Bill and I adopted her in early April through Mid America Boston Terrier Rescue. We believe that Peachy is about 10 years old. She is very sweet and affectionate, loves to play and go for walks, enjoys a good nap, and has adjusted well to her new "sisters". We're all pretty keen on Peachy. Oh, yes, and did I mention snacks? Peachy loves snacks. But who doesn't? Welcome to our home Peachy! |
 Shrimp Tacos
(makes 4 servings)
1/2 c. cooked fresh corn kernels
1/2 c. chopped cherry tomatoes
1/3 c. orange bell pepper (or other sweet pepper)
1/4 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (optional)
1 T. fresh lime juice
1 T. olive oil
1 lb. raw shrimp, peeled & cleaned
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 t. ground cumin
1/4 t. ground chipotle
8 fresh corn tortillas
shredded cheese
(1) Toss together corn, tomatoes, orange bell pepper, jalapeno pepper (optional) and lime juice. Salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. (2) Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, shrimp, garlic, cumin and chipotle. Cook, stirring occasionally, just until the shrimp are about two thirds of the way cooked. Add reserved corn mixture to the skillet. Stir to combine ingredients. Continue cooking until the shrimp are fully cooked. (3) Meanwhile, warm the tortillas. Once the shrimp are cooked, place 2 tortillas on each plate. Top with shrimp mixture and then cheese. Serve right away. |
 The Virgin of Small Plains
by Nancy Pickard
The Virgin of Small Plains was recommended by Bob from Kansas. This novel is set in the Flint Hills of Kansas just south of Manhattan.
After the body of an unidentified young woman is found frozen in a local cow pasture, Small Plains is never the same. A mystery of sorts, but not a detective story, The Virgin of Small Plains is about how the lives of the townspeople, especially the lives of those close to the circumstances of "the virgin's" discovery, are changed forever even as memories fade and a mythology of sorts takes their place. The Virgin of Small Plains is worth reading both for the story and the setting. Its author, Nancy Pickard, lives in Prairie Village, Kansas.
|
 Kansas Gayfeather
(Liatris pycnostachya)
Kansas Gayfeather (pictured foreground) is one of the tried and true perennials that form part of my midsummer garden. Hardy zones 3 - 8, liatris is tolerant of a wide range of weather and soil conditions and even of a bit of neglect once it is established. Liatris produces spiky flowers on tall stems and makes for an interesting accent plant in areas where a little extra height and texture are welcome. The purple varieties, of course, are perfect for a K-State themed garden, though the blue, pink, and white varieties are also attractive. Liatris can be planted or divided in the Spring. I'm considering transplanting some of mine any day now - if I find a good sunny spot for it. As happens, a tree that was just a bit of a thing when I planted the Gayfeather in this photo from a few years ago has grown shading the once sunny garden in which these flowers reside.
|
|
As always, I hope that you enjoyed this issue of The Morning Star Update. Happy May!
Laurie Pieper
|
|
|
 | |
Wellness Retreat
Change of Date
|
The dates for "Replenish Yourself in the Heartland" have been changed to July 13th - 16th, 2012. But it will still be the same 3 great days of yoga, tai chi, fun and relaxation. For more information contact Laurie.
|
 | |
Mother's Day Gift Certificates
|
Making it easy for you to treat Mom to something special, we are offering 10% off gift certificates purchased by Mother's Day - that's May 13th! To purchase your gift certificates, just call or send us an e-mail.
|
 | |
Call for Recipes
|
Inspired by Annie's recipe for Maple Leaf cocktails in last month's newsletter, I've decided to put out a call for recipes. If I use one of your recipes in our newsletter or blog, I'll send you a copy of Confectionately Yours: Cookies, Candies & Yummy Confections. So, send us your easy to make recipes, along with permission to use and reprint. This offer is good through June 1, 2013. Send to info@morningstarbandb.com
I look forward to trying out your recipes!
|
 | |
Taco Lucha
|
It's been a while since I've featured an Aggieville hotspot. Taco Lucha certainly qualifies. Specializing in - you guessed it - tacos and margaritas, its a really fun place with good food. In terms of decor, think a little loud and over the top as the restaurant's theme is Mexican wrestling. Our favorite dishes - fish tacos, tinga tacos, grilled ensalada, and blackbean raspberry chipotle dip.
|
 | |
Dates to Remember
|
May 3rd - 6th: Funny Girl, Manhattan Arts Center
May 5th: Big Brothers Big Sisters Cattle Drive May 6th: Iris Day, KSU Gardens May 11th - 12th: KSU Graduation Ceremonies May 11th -13th, 18th - 20th: May 13th: Mother's Day May 22nd: Stop & Smell the Roses, KSU Gardens May 28th: Memorial Day
|
|
|
