Craig Daily Press / Columns

From Pipi’s Pasture: Winter at Morapos

As I look out on Pipi’s Pasture, I’m reminded of winter days when I was a child growing up on the ranch at Morapos (south of Hamilton). Memories take me back to when I was in the elementary grades, around 7 to 9 years of age.

Over a Cup: Kickin’ Cajun Dirty Rice

This week’s recipe can be found in the “Family Mealtimes” flier produced by the Colorado Beef Council (and funded by Beef Checkoff dollars). According to the flier, the recipe provides “an excellent source of protein, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc and is a good source of fiber and iron.” Besides that, it’s easy to prepare, it’s quick and it’s delicious.

Rob Douglas: 'Top Secret America'

The United States has become a security state so large, so pervasive, and so classified, that no one — not the president or anyone else in the chain of command — has a grasp of the inherent waste resulting from our bloated national security apparatus.

Janet Sheridan: Stamped in my bones

Aunt Mary delivered me home, then settled in for a visit with Mom while my cousins played with Bob and Barbara. Unnoticed, I sneaked away to see if anything had changed during my extended absence. First, I looked for our creaky cat and found her as alive and irritable as ever. Next, I climbed a cottonwood and inched along a sturdy branch to see if anyone had defaced the initials “JB” I had gouged into the tree’s bark on my 8th birthday. They were untouched.

Tony Bohrer: It is what it is ... or is it?

I can’t stand the saying “It is what it is.” Who came up with it and why is it so popular? To me it seems like a cop out. Sounds like, “Well, I will just put up with it.”

Andy Bockelman: Oscar night know-how

Some people take these bets pretty seriously — who’s got a wager on how long it takes host Seth MacFarlane to break into the voice of Stewie Griffin? — and in case your pals have an inside line, here are some predictions and personal picks to help you fill out your Oscar ballot.

Stephanie Pearce: Give each day a new start

Not too long ago, I was having a conversation with my son about how I’ve raised him and made so many mistakes. He assured me that he has turned out OK. He also told me something that really hit home: He told me not to hold on to the past or to grudges, but to give each day a new start. I know, he’s pretty wise for being so young. This is easier said than done for most humans, but not so much for dogs. I have a dog that is really good at this.

Veteran's Hotline: New travel pay rules

Starting March 1, travel pay will be paid to your bank account on a direct deposit basis. The money will go into the same account as your compensation or pension pay. The procedure is as follows: The veteran completes the appointment, then goes to the travel clerk who processes the claim and confirms eligibility. The paperwork is then printed in the cashier cage. The cashier then inputs the information for the EFT (electronic fund transfer).

From Pipi’s Pasture: New Fair Book contest offers opportunity for 4-H youths

There are lots of talented young people in Moffat County, and this year 4-H members have a chance to use their artistic talents to vie for the cover of the 2013 Moffat County Fair Book. Each year’s book features a unique cover design. Past covers have been designed by Moffat County Extension Office personnel, but this year the Fair Board has decided to try something different. They are having a contest for the 2013 Moffat County Fair Book cover, and they’ve opened it to 4-H members. The deadline to enter is Feb. 28, so if you’re a 4-H member who’s interested in entering the contest, you’ll have to hurry.

Baxter Black: Your own worst enemy

It usually happens when you’re by yourself. You’re trying to load a bunch of cows in the 1-ton. It should hold 12 head, but with four to go, they plug up. You’re slappin’ them with the BQA-approved paddle, you chunk a piece of wood at the one in the gate. You’ve actually turned around and leaned up against the last cow in the loading chute, pushing like you were trying to jumpstart your car. You slide into that stage where cussing is mandatory.

Over a Cup: Taco casserole with green onions

Years ago I had cut out of a newspaper (I can’t remember which one) a recipe for a taco casserole. I recently found the yellowed clipping tucked into the pages of one of my cookbooks. We had never tried it — until now. We liked it, and I hope you will, too.

Lance Scranton: Innovation in eye of beholder

Ideas. They present themselves with palpable zeal when we are excited by them and can stand as roadblocks when we find them lacking. Worse than disagreeing with an idea is to disregard it, especially when it involves the potential for solving an issue or reminding us of what’s important. Ideas are made up of words and take on a personality, which is why we become so attracted to giving our concepts such earnest-sounding descriptions.

Where I come from — That's important to me

This Valentine’s Day has brought to mind to me several country music songs. One that really stands out is Brad Paisley’s “Two People Fell in Love.” It talks about how the love of two people can have an effect on so many whether it’s through their actions or through those they have brought into this world.

Over A Cup: Valentine’s Day Gelatin Salad

A couple of weeks ago this column featured a recipe for “Sausage Bean Soup”. The seasoning ingredients were a tablespoon each of dried onion and dried chopped green pepper. A few days after the recipe appeared in the column, Chuck and Ginger Osborn of Craig called to tell me that they couldn’t find any dried green pepper in the Craig stores. They looked in Steamboat, too. No luck.

From Pipi’s Pasture: Reflecting on Winter Livestock Shows

This week’s “From Pipi’s Pasture” is a reflection on the accomplishments of the young people who competed in two winter livestock competitions—the 2013 Arizona National Livestock Show and the 2013 National Western Stock Show. One evening during the last week of the Stock Show our granddaughter Megan (Prather), of Bailey, called to tell us that her registered Columbian ewe, Jolie Chose, was selected as the Supreme Ewe in the Natural Colored Sheep Category, winning over other Champions in their wool breed classes. (The Natural Colored Sheep Category places emphasis on wool production.)