Cowgirl Cuisine by Paula Disbrowe

Very smart gal-friend, Paula Disbrowe's, "Cowgirl Cuisine: Rustic Recipes and Cowgirl Adventures from a Texas Ranch" not only serves up dishes that will impress the hound-dog out of your friends, but the beautiful photos and warm stories really reminded this West Texas gal of home on the range.

Paula presents some divine twists on country cooking, like her Chili recipe, which includes ground cloves and lots of poblano peppers. This dish is one of those that makes your eyes roll back in your head and your knees weak. There's a salmon recipe served with a beet salsa that's the prettiest thing I've ever seen on a plate, and makes that common fish taste like a celebration! Another very smart gal-friend, Jordana, says Paula's stuffed jalapenos are "The best!"

So if you're feeling uninspired about what to do for dinner, run over to your favorite book vendor and pick up Cowgirl Cuisine. It's pretty enough to put out on the coffee table, but trust me, you'll keep it in the kitchen.

SueAnn

I'm Going to be a Grandmother, Again!

After nearly seven years of thinking that my son Cuatro and his wife Lovie were done having children (their crowning achievement being my wonderful grandson Quenten) they recently announced, via a very clever E-announcement, that they were making me a grandmother again, and we found out this week - it's going to be a gal - very smart gal! They were really hoping for another boy, so I consoled them, saying, "A future Rodeo Queen!"

Of course I know they will love their little buckarette as soon as she sinks her little spurs into their hearts! In fact, Lovie said that immediately after finding out the gender, they went to Academy and bought pink camo! Ha!

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

I quit running years ago when it was apparent that my knees were in serious need of new gaskets, so I wasn't sure why I should read this book, but reviews of it kept popping up, and I tend to like books about "sports," so I figured, what the heck. The author, Christopher McDougall twines a good story about the anthropological, physiological, and capitalistic history of running, set in the context of seemingly unlikely companions, ultramarathoners, and a tribe of Indians indigenous to the Copper Canyon area of Mexico, the Tarahumaras.

McDougall is a fun, funny and entertaining writer, so I found my self not really caring about the authenticity or science of his fantastical stories and flamboyant characters.