Wacky Wednesday- 12.15.10

Be the first to email us (walkersranch@cwsapartments.com) the correct answer to the day's trivia question and you'll win $25.00 toward your next month's rent!

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer was orginally created as a promotion for what department store?

Tasty Tuesday: White Chocolate Holiday Bark

Ingredients:

1 pound finely chopped white chocolate
1 1/2 teaspoons nut or plain oil
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 1/4 cups shelled pistachio nuts, toasted and papery coating peeled

Equipment: Chocolate thermometer

Directions:

Tempering the chocolate for the bark requires a double boiler. If you don't have a double boiler, improvise one by using a saucepan and a stainless steel bowl: Nestle the bowl into the saucepan, allowing a few inches of space to remain between the bottom of the bowl and the bottom of the saucepan. Keep an extra bowl of a similar size on hand to transfer the chocolate for cooling. Rest the chocolate thermometer on a towel. Line a baking sheet with foil.

Pour a couple inches of water into the bottom half of the double boiler and heat over medium-low to just below a simmer. Put the chocolate in the top half of the double boiler and set over the hot water. Slowly melt the chocolate, stirring with a heat-resistant rubber spatula. As the chocolate melts, check the temperature periodically to make sure it stays between 82 and 86 degrees F. If it starts to rise above this temperature, quickly transfer the chocolate to the bowl on reserve and stir briskly to reduce heat. Return bowl to double boiler to maintain heat between 82and 86 degrees F.

Remove bowl from over the hot water just before all the chocolate melts. Stir vigorously until the chocolate melts completely. Check temperature again. Stir in the oil until evenly blended. Chocolate is now tempered and ready to use. Keep within the 82 to 86 degree F range, returning bowl briefly to the double boiler if necessary.

Quickly stir the fruit and nuts into the chocolate. Spread chocolate mixture out on the prepared baking sheet so it's about 1/2-inch thick and the fruit and nuts are coated. Set bark aside at room temperature to harden. Break into angled pieces. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Motivational Monday

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. - Thomas Jefferson

Wacky Wednesday

Be the first to email us (walkersranch@cwsapartments.com) the correct answer to the day's trivia question and you'll win $25.00 toward your next month's rent!

Where is the world's largest Christmas tree?

Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies

Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients
3/4 cup Jif® Creamy Peanut Butter
1/2 stick Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening Sticks OR 1/2 cup Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening
1 1/4 cups firmly packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups Pillsbury BEST® All Purpose Flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt

Directions
HEAT oven to 375 degrees F. Combine peanut butter, shortening, brown sugar, milk and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Add egg. Beat just until blended.

COMBINE flour, baking soda and salt. Add to creamed mixture at low speed. Mix just until blended. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2-inches apart onto greased baking sheet. Flatten slightly in a crisscross pattern with tines of fork.

BAKE one baking sheet at a time 7 to 8 minutes, or until set and just beginning to brown. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet. Remove cookies to cooling racks to cool completely

Motivational Monday

Live in your hopes and not in your fears.
-Johnny Majors, Football Coach

Wacky Wednesday- 12.01.10

Be the first to email us (walkersranch@cwsapartments.com) the correct answer to the day's trivia question and you'll win $25.00 toward your next month's rent!

It occurs once in a minute, twice in a week, and once in a year- what is it?

Tasty Tuesday

This recipe is one of my favorites from back home. I love making this on cold days like today! I hope you all enjoy!

-Rachel

Jaxson's Potato Chile Soup

Ingredients:
1/2 cup fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
1/4 cup fresh long green chilies, roasted, peeled, seeded and finally chopped (about 3 medium)
1 cup of finely chopped onion
2 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
3 cups milk (May use 1-1/2 cups milk and 1-1/2 cups half and half)
cheddar cheese or monterey jack cheese, shredded

Directions:

Prep Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 1 hr

1 Combine the first 6 ingredients.
2 Bring to a boil and reduce heat, simmer 20 minutes.
3 In a separate pan, melt the butter over low heat, add flour and blend until smooth.
4 Cook the roux over low heat for 3 minutes, constantly moving it so it will not scorch.
5 Strain liquid from potato/chile mixture and reserve 3 cups of the liquid.
6 Mash half the potato/chile mixture, reserving the other half.
7 Stir the reserved cooking liquid into the roux, raise the heat and whisk with a wire whip until thickened.
8 Add milk to thickened liquid and continue to stir until it comes to a simmer.
9 Turn off the heat, add mashed and unmashed potato/chile mixture.
10 Serve topped with shredded cheese on top.

Motivational Monday

We each have a choice: to approach life as a creator or critic, a lover or a hater , a giver or taker.

-Author Unknown

Wacky Wednesday

Be the first to email us (walkersranch@cwsapartments.com) the correct answer to the day's trivia question and you'll win $25.00 toward your next month's rent!

When Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin sat down to eat their first meal on the moon, their foil food packets contained what meal?

Tasty Tuesday: Champagne Punch

Champagne Punch

Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups fresh lemon juice
1 cup superfine sugar
1/2 cup orange liqueur (recommended: Grand Marnier)
1/2 cup Triple Sec
1/2 cup cognac
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
2 bottles chilled dry Champagne or sparkling wine
Orange or lemon slices
Fresh strawberries, optional

Directions:
Combine the lemon juice, sugar, orange liqueur, Triple Sec, cognac, and orange juice in a non-reactive bowl and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the Champagne and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

Pour into a decorative bowl or pitcher. Garnish with orange or lemon slices and fresh strawberries, if desired. Serve in Champagne flutes, wine glasses, or punch cups.

CEL Thank You!

Dear Residents,

We wanted to take a quick minute to thank each & every one of you for your participation in this year’s CEL Survey. We know your time is very valuable, and we have the deepest appreciation for you carving a few minutes to complete the survey and enclosed comment card. As always, the surveys are anonymous, and the comment cards are the only items that CEL & Associates will send back to each participating company’s corporate office. For those of you who requested personal contact, you will be receiving a follow-up call once we receive the comment cards back from the company. Your opinion truly does matter and we sincerely welcome it – it is part of what helps guide us each year as we work to improve your community and enhance your overall experience with us. On Friday (11/19) we placed a small token of our gratitude on each of your doors – a “CEL Thank You” treat – to help make your upcoming Holiday a little bit sweeter. If you haven’t checked your front door yet, make sure you grab it today!

But what would be a CEL Survey season without a little bit of fun, right? We had such a great time seeing so many of you at both our CEL Happy Hour and our 3rd Annual Fall Ball! And for some of you, our CEL Survey season brought a nice extra treat! Here’s a list of our CEL contest winners:

Patio Decorating Contest: Gaby & Denise
Paper Dragon Winner: Joan
CEL $500 Grand Prize Winner: Michelle & Francois
CEL 2nd Chance Drawing Winners:
• 1st Place - $75 Off Dec. ’10 Rent: Karen
• 2nd Place - $50 AMEX Card: Sandra
• 3rd Place - $25 VISA Card: Jose

Thanks again to all of you for your help & participation this year and congratulations to all of our winners! We look forward to a wonderful CEL Survey season again in 2011!

Sincerely,

Leslie, Rachel, Brad, Jeannine,
George, Rich, Tam & Andy

Wacky Wednesday- 11.17.10

Be the first to email us (walkersranch@cwsapartments.com) the correct answer to the day's trivia question and you'll win $25.00 toward your next month's rent!

What do these 3 movies have in common: “Do the Right Thing”, “Jungle Fever” and “School Daze”?

Tasty Tuesday- Southern Cornbread Stuffing

Southern Cornbread Stuffing

Ingredients
Cornbread, recipe follows
7 slices oven-dried white bread
1 sleeve saltine crackers
8 tablespoons butter
2 cups celery, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
7 cups chicken stock
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sage (optional)
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning (optional)
5 eggs, beaten
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine crumbled cornbread, dried white bread slices, and saltines; set aside.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the celery and onion and cook until transparent, approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Pour the vegetable mixture over cornbread mixture. Add the stock, mix well, taste, and add salt, pepper to taste, sage, and poultry seasoning. Add beaten eggs and mix well. Reserve 2 heaping tablespoons of this mixture for the giblet gravy. Pour mixture into a greased pan and bake until dressing is cooked through, about 45 minutes. Serve with turkey as a side dish.

Cornbread:
1 cup self-rising cornmeal
1/2 cup self-rising flour
3/4 cup buttermilk
2 eggs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into a greased shallow baking dish. Bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

To serve, cut into desired squares and serve with butter.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Motivational Monday

If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you'll never enjoy the sunshine.

Weekend Movie Releases for 11.12.10

Morning Glory (2010)
When hard-working TV producer Becky Fuller is fired from a local news program, her career begins to look as bleak as her hapless love life. Stumbling into a job at "Daybreak" (the last-place national morning news show), Becky decides to revitalize the show by bringing on legendary TV anchor Mike Pomeroy. Unfortunately, Pomeroy refuses to cover morning show staples like celebrity gossip, weather, fashion and crafts - let alone work with his new co-host, Colleen Peck, a former beauty queen and longtime morning show personality who is more than happy covering morning "news." As Mike and Colleen clash, first behind the scenes and then on the air, Becky's blossoming love affair with fellow producer, Adam Bennett begins to unravel - and soon Becky is struggling to save her relationship, her reputation, her job and ultimately, the show itself.

Skyline (2010)
Strange lights descend on the city of Los Angeles, drawing people outside like moths to a flame where an extraterrestrial force threatens to swallow the entire human population off the face of the Earth.

Unstoppable (2010)
A veteran engineer and a young conductor try frantically to stop a half-mile-long freight train carrying enough combustible liquids and poisonous gas to wipe out a nearby city.

Wacky Wednesday

Be the first to email us (walkersranch@cwsapartments.com) the correct answer to the day's trivia question and you'll win $25.00 toward your next month's rent!

What decade was nicknamed Mauve decade, Golden Age, and Gilded Age?

Tasty Tuesday: Bacon Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Kicked Up Bacon Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients
4 baking potatoes such as russets, about 3 pounds, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 3/4 teaspoons salt, plus more for seasoning
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled
1/2 pound sharp Cheddar, grated
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives

Directions
Place the potatoes and 1 teaspoon salt in a heavy 4-quart saucepan and cover with water by 1 inch. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 20 minutes. Drain in a colander and return to the cooking pot. Add the cream, butter, remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Place the pan over medium- low heat and mash with a potato masher to incorporate the ingredients and achieve a light texture, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the bacon, grated cheese, sour cream, and chopped chives and stir until thoroughly combined. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Motivational Monday 11.08.10

Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are. - John Wooden, Basketball Coach

Weekend Movie Releases for 11.05.10

Due Date (2010)- Peter Highman is an expectant first-time father whose wife's due date is a mere five days away. As Peter hurries to catch a flight home from Atlanta to be at her side for the birth, his best intentions go completely awry when a chance encounter with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay forces Peter to hitch a ride with Ethan--on what turns out to be a cross-country road trip that will ultimately destroy several cars, numerous friendships and Peter's last nerve.

Fair Game (2010)- As a covert officer in the CIA's Counter-Proliferation Division, Valerie Plame leads an investigation into the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. Valerie's husband, diplomat Joe Wilson, is drawn into the investigation to substantiate an alleged sale of enriched uranium from Niger. But when the administration ignores his findings and uses the issue to support the call to war, Joe writes a New York Times editorial outlining his conclusions and ignites a firestorm of controversy.

Megamind (2010)- Megamind is the most brilliant super-villain the world has ever known... and the least successful. Over the years, he has tried to conquer Metro City in every imaginable way -- Each attempt, a colossal failure thanks to the caped superhero known as "Metro Man," until the day Megamind actually defeats him in the throes of one of his botched evil plans. Suddenly, the fate of Metro City is threatened when a new villain arrives and chaos runs rampant, leaving everyone to wonder: Can the world's biggest "mind" actually be the one to save the day?

Wacky Wednesday 11.03.10

Be the first to email us (walkersranch@cwsapartments.com) the correct answer to the day's trivia question and you'll win $25.00 toward your next month's rent!

What country did the following people rule: Louis the German, Charles the Fat, and Arnulf of Carinthia?

Tasty Tuesday: Chicken and Dumplings

What a better way then to enjoy this cool breezy day with a warm plate of Chicken and Dumplings!

Ingredients
1 whole store-bought roast chicken (about 2 pounds)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 container (7 ounces) chopped onions
6 cans (14 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1 container (14 ounces) pre-cut carrot sticks, chopped
1 container (14 ounces) pre-cut celery sticks, chopped
1 roll (16.3 ounces) golden buttermilk biscuit dough
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed chicken gravy
Directions
Remove skin from chicken and shred meat into large pieces. Set aside.

In a small frying pan, add vegetable oil and heat over medium heat. When oil is hot, add chopped onions and saute until soft.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, add broth, poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, carrots, celery, and sauteed onions. Bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer for about 10 minutes to soften vegetables, and then add shredded chicken. Continue to simmer while making dumplings.

While stew is simmering, prepare dumplings. Open can and remove biscuits. On a lightly floured surface, roll each biscuit to 1/4-inch thick. With a knife, cut each biscuit into 4 pie-pieces. Set aside.

Skim surface for any scum that has risen to top. Stir in chicken gravy.

With the stew still simmering over low heat, stir in dumplings a few at a time. Once all dumplings are in to pot, cover with a tight fitting lid and cook for 10 minutes.

Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot.

Motivational Monday

We each have a choice: to approach life as a creator or a critic, a lover or a hater, a giver or a taker. - Author Unknown

CEL Survey: 2nd Chance Drawing

For anyone who has not had a chance to turn in the CEL Survey, you are in luck! We will be having a 2nd Chance Drawing on November 10th. Please bring your sealed survey to the office by November 9th to be entered in to the drawing. Please make sure to fill out your survey with a black ballpoint pen. If you did not receive the survey, or have lost your copy, please contact the office.
1st place- $75.00 off rent
2nd Place- $50.00 gift card
3rd Place- $25.00 gift card
YOUR OPINION MATTERS!

Wacky Wednesday- 10.27.10

Be the first to email us (walkersranch@cwsapartments.com) the correct answer to the day's trivia question and you'll win $25.00 toward your next month's rent!

What 3 T.V. shows were spinoffs of the Happy Days T.V. Show?

Emmitt Smith's Texas BBQ Pork Tortilla Wrap

Ingredients
4 6-ounce natural boneless pork loin chops, non-marinated, 3/4-inch thick
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup beer
1-2 canned chipotle chiles, finely chopped
8 flour tortillas
1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese, if desired
Deli cole slaw or lettuce leaves, if desired

Cooking Directions
Combine barbecue sauce, beer and chiles in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside 1/4 cup for pork chops.

Prepare a medium-hot fire in grill. Sprinkle both sides of chops with salt and pepper. Grill chops, uncovered, over direct heat for 3-4 minutes until nicely browned on one side; turn and brush liberally with sauce. Grill 3-4 minutes until second side is browned. Turn and brush with sauce. Grill a few minutes more, brushing with sauce, until the internal temperature reaches 155 degree F. Transfer chops to cutting board. Loosely cover with foil; let rest for 5-10 minutes.

Meanwhile, reheat remaining sauce and warm tortillas. Thinly slice pork and serve with sauce and warm tortillas. Place pork slices in warm tortilla and sprinkle with cheese. Serve with sauce and deli cole slaw or lettuce leaves.

Top the warm slices of pork with extra sauce and fold inside a tortilla. The pork chops and sauce can be prepared ahead. Slice and reheat pork chops in the barbecue sauce before serving. Serve with deli cole slaw or lettuce leaves on the side or place some over the pork in the tortilla.

Motivational Monday

As long as you're going to think anyway - you might as well think BIG! - Donald Trump

Thank you!

We want to thank everyone who came and enjoyed the 3rd Annual Fall Ball. We hope everyone had a great time and is looking forward to next years’ Fall Ball. For anyone that was not able to attend the Fall Ball or still has not turned in their survey you still have time. We will be having a Last Chance drawing on November 10th for anyone who has still not turned in their survey. Please bring by your survey completed and sealed to the office to be entered in to a drawing for a VISA GIFT CARD! Please make sure to fill out your survey in black pen and bring in your drawing card separate from your sealed survey. YOUR OPINION MATTERS!

Wacky Wednesday- 10.20.10

Be the first to email us (walkersranch@cwsapartments.com) the correct answer to the day's trivia question and you'll win $25.00 toward your next month's rent!

Who was wounded by John Hinckley, Jr.? (We are looking for 3 names)

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL!

Don’t forget to turn in your CEL survey to the office by October 20th to be entered in to the drawing TWICE for $500 off your rent!

***PLEASE LEAVE YOUR DRAWING CARD SEPERATE FROM YOUR SEALED ENVELOPE***

YOUR OPINION MATTERS!

Motivational Monday

There are two types of people: those that live and the ones that watch them live. Attitude is everything.
-Author Unknown

Don't Forget!
CEL Cocktail Party
Friday, Oct. 15th
5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Clubhouse

Bring your completed CEL Survey with you to be entered TWICE into the drawing for $500 OFF your rent!

Come enjoy some fun, beer,
wine & hors d'oeuvres!
You WON'T want to miss this -
see you there!

Wacky Wednesday

Be the first to email us (walkersranch@cwsapartments.com) the correct answer to the day's trivia question and you'll win $25.00 toward your next month's rent!

What 3 famous people had the nickname “The Boss” ?

CEL Cocktail Party!

This free invitation made with Smilebox

Tuscan Carbonara



Ingredients
1 pound spaghetti
Salt
1/2 pound pancetta or bacon, diced
1 medium onion, finely diced
5 large egg yolks
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Cook the spaghetti al dente (firm but not hard), in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions.

Meanwhile, fry the pancetta and onion over medium-low heat in a large, straight sided skillet until the pancetta is crispy and the onion has softened. Turn the heat off.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the yolks, cream and grated cheese. When the spaghetti is ready drain and toss it into the skillet with the pancetta and onion. Quickly pour the egg mixture over the spaghetti and toss everything together well to combine. The residual heat from the skillet, onions and spaghetti will be enough to cook the eggs and make a creamy sauce. Direct heat from the stovetop will make an overcooked, scrambled egg, lumpy mess. Season the spaghetti with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Cook's Note: You can also make this dish using any pasta shape you like. Try penne, fusilli, shells or cavatappi for a twist on the classic.

Motivational Monday 10.11.10

The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change, the realist adjusts the sails. -Unknown

It's Survey Time!

We hope everyone is enjoying their weekend and this BEAUTIFUL weather! CEL Survey's will be delievered to your door on Friday, October 15 in the morning. Don't forget to fill it out and return it at the CEL Cocktail Party Friday night to be entered into the $500 off your rent drawing. The drawing will be held on Friday, October 22nd at the 3rd Annual Fall Ball!

WINNER!

We have a winner! Thank you for participating :)

Wacky Wednesday- 10.06.10

Be the first to email us (walkersranch@cwsapartments.com) the correct answer to the day's trivia question and you'll win $25.00 toward your next month's rent!

What do Penguin, Kiwi, and Ostriches have in common?

Tasty Tuesday

Baked Shells Casserole

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

•5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), divided
•6 cloves garlic, finely chopped, divided
•1 large or 2 small to medium onions, finely chopped, divided
•1 small carrot, finely chopped or grated
•Salt and pepper
•1 1/2 teaspoons oregano or marjoram (half a palmful)
•1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (1/3 palmful)
•1 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed by pressing under the flat of your knife
•2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme (5-6 sprigs)
•1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, finely chopped
•1/2 cup dry white or red wine
•2 cups chicken stock
•2 cans Italian crushed tomatoes (28 ounces each)
•1 pound medium or large shell pasta (not extra-large stuffing shells)
•2 boxes frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and wrung dry in clean towel
•Freshly grated nutmeg (about 1/4 teaspoon)
•2 cups fresh ricotta cheese
•1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, plus some to pass at the table
•2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten

Preparation
In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons EVOO, three turns of the pan, over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of chopped garlic, three-quarters of the finely chopped onion and the carrot. Season with salt, pepper, oregano or marjoram, red pepper flakes, fennel seeds and the thyme and gently sauté for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add in the parsley, stir, then add the wine and reduce for a minute. Add the stock and tomatoes, then bring the sauce up to a bubble and reduce the heat to simmer. Simmer the sauce for 45 minutes.

After the sauce has been simmering for 30 minutes, pre-heat the oven to 375˚F.

Bring a pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Salt the water and cook the pasta for 5 minutes.

While the pasta water comes to a boil, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons EVOO in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining garlic and onion and sauté to soften, 5 minutes. Add the spinach, pulling it apart and separating it as you add it to pan. Stir to combine well and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Turn off the heat.

Drain the undercooked pasta and return it to the hot pot. Add the spinach mixture to the pot along with the ricotta and grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Stir to combine and adjust the salt and pepper. Add the eggs and stir.

Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of a casserole dish. Fill the dish with pasta, then top with another thin layer of red sauce. Save the remaining sauce to pass at the table. Bake for 30 minutes, until bubbly.

Serve the casserole directly from the casserole dish, passing the extra sauce and cheese at the table.

Fall Treat

Ecard created with Smilebox

Wacky Wednesday!

Be the first to email us (walkersranch@cwsapartments.com) the correct answer to the day's trivia question and you'll win $25.00 toward your next month's rent!

Name three MAJOR characters on the T.V. show I Dream of Jeannie, besides Jeannie.



we now have a winner. Thank you for everyone who participates!

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:
•6 chicken breast halves, cooked and diced
•12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
•1 medium onion, chopped
•1 green bell pepper, chopped
•1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
•1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
•8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
•1 can diced tomatoes with green chiles
•1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
•salt
•dash cayenne pepper
•2/3 cup chicken broth

Preparation:
Pour about 1/3 cup of broth over bottom of a 13x9-inch baking pan. Layer half of the tortilla quarters on the bottom, then half of the chicken, onion, bell pepper, and dollops of about 1/2 of both soups. Sprinkle with a little garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Repeat layers. Spread tomatoes over the top and drizzle with remaining chicken broth. Cover with foil and bake at 350° for 45 to 55 minutes, until bubbly.

Cystic Fibrosis 4th Annual Fun-Run

Grab the kids & a few friends, and start your morning off with a little exercise & fun while helping children in our city! Saturday's forecast is sunny, clear skies with a high of 83 degrees - what a great way to start your day, right?! :)

4th Annual Thousand Oaks Fun-Run
Benefitting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Lone Star Chapter

Date: Saturday October 2, 2010
Location: McAllister Park, Pavilion #4
Check-in: 8:00 A.M.
Start: 9:00 A.M.

Join us for a fun, light impact 5K run, music, children’s activities, refreshments, “cutest pooch” contest, and more while raising awareness and critical funds to cure Cystic Fibrosis! Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraising team, top fundraising individual and to the first, second and third place course winners.
Register on-line at http://www.cff.org/Chapters/lonestar/GREATSTRIDES/.
$25 registration fee (includes an event T-shirt)

For more info, call the CFF Lone Star Chapter at 210-829-7267 or e-mail bbendele@cff.org.
With your help, we can make “CF” stand for “Cure Found!” Fighting for local kids to live longer, healthier lives!

Motivational Monday 9.27.10

The very first condition of lasting happiness is that a life should be full of purpose, aiming at something outside self. - Hugh Black

Wacky Wednesday- 9.22.10

Be the first to email us (walkersranch@cwsapartments.com) the correct answer to the day's trivia question and you'll win $25.00 toward your next month's rent!

Name the leaders that signed the Camp David Accords.

Tasty Tuesday- Barbecued Chicken Tortilla Pizza

2 Old El Paso® flour tortillas (8 inch) from 11.5-oz package
1 1/2 cups (from 32-oz tub) refrigerated original barbecue sauce with shredded chicken
2/3 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (8 oz)
Old El Paso® salsa (any variety)








About Concordance™

1.Heat oven to 350°F. Top each tortilla with 3/4 cup of the chicken, 1/3 cup of the bell pepper and 1 cup of the cheese. Place on ungreased cookie sheet.
2.Bake about 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly. Cut each tortilla into 4 wedges. Serve with salsa.

Motivational Monday 9.20.10

If I believe I cannot do something, it makes me incapable of doing it. When I believe I can, then I acquire the ability to do it, even if I did not have the ability in the beginning. - Mahatma Gandhi

Wacky Wednesday

Be the first to email us (walkersranch@cwsapartments.com) the correct answer to the day's trivia question and you'll win $25.00 toward your next month's rent!

What do Ivan Drago, Apollo Creed and Clubber Lang have in common?

Tasty Tuesday- Thai Peanut Chicken and Noodles

This tasty receipe will serve 5 and has an overall cook and prep time of 30 minutes.
Let us know what you think!


2 3/4 cups uncooked fine egg noodles (6 oz)
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon finely chopped gingerroot
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups small fresh broccoli florets
1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms (4 oz)
1 cup ready-to-eat baby-cut carrots, quartered lengthwise
1 medium bell pepper (any color), cut into thin bite-size strips
1 package (9 oz) frozen diced cooked chicken, thawed
1/4 cup coarsely chopped dry-roasted peanuts




Cook and drain noodles as directed on package; cover to keep warm.
Meanwhile, in small bowl, beat peanut butter, gingerroot, pepper flakes and 2 tablespoons of the soy sauce with wire whisk until blended. Gradually beat in remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce and the water until smooth. Set aside.
In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook broccoli, mushrooms, carrots and bell pepper in oil 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender. Add chicken; cook and stir until hot.
Reduce heat to medium. Stir peanut butter mixture; stir into mixture in skillet. Stir in cooked noodles until coated. Cook and stir until hot. Sprinkle with peanuts.

Motivational Monday

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain.

Weekend Movie Releases for 9/10/10

Resident Evil: Afterlife
In a world ravaged by a virus infection, turning its victims into the Undead, Alice, continues on her journey to find survivors and lead them to safety. Her deadly battle with the Umbrella Corporation reaches new heights, but Alice gets some unexpected help from an old friend. A new lead that promises a safe haven from the Undead takes them to Los Angeles, but when they arrive the city is overrun by thousands of Undead - and Alice and her comrades are about to step into a deadly trap.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
The third installment of the supernatural romance saga gets a theatrical re-release in celebration of Bella Swan's birthday.

Wacky Wednesday

Be the first to email us (walkersranch@cwsapartments.com) the correct answer to the day's trivia question and you'll win $25.00 toward your next month's rent!

Q: What do these 3 sayings have in common: “Nothing is as easy as it looks”; “Everything takes longer than you think it will”; “If anything can go wrong it will.”

Tasty Tuesday: Buffalo-Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Buffalo-Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients
7 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the dish
Kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
2 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup hot sauce (preferably Frank's)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons dry mustard
2 1/2 cups half-and-half
1 pound yellow sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 3 1/2 cups)
8 ounces pepper jack cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
2/3 cup sour cream
1 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain.


Meanwhile, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken and garlic and cook 2 minutes, then add 1/2 cup hot sauce and simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 more minute.


Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour and mustard with a wooden spoon until smooth. Whisk in the half-and-half, then add the remaining 1/4 cup hot sauce and stir until thick, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, then whisk in the sour cream until smooth.


Spread half of the macaroni in the prepared baking dish, then top with the chicken mixture and the remaining macaroni. Pour the cheese sauce evenly on top.


Put the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl and microwave until melted. Stir in the panko, blue cheese and parsley. Sprinkle over the macaroni and bake until bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Tasty Tuesday: Flourless Chocolate Cake

Easy Flourless Chocolate Cake with Silky Chocolate Glaze Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:
•6 1-ounce squares coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate
•1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
•3/4 cup sugar
•3 large eggs
•1/2 cup cocoa
•1/4 teaspoon salt
•1 teaspoon vanilla
•For Glaze:
•2 1-ounce squares coarsely chopped semisweet chocolate squares
•1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
•1 1/2 teaspoon milk OR light coconut milk
•1 1/2 teaspoons Agave syrup OR honey
•1/8 teaspoon vanilla

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350°F

Spray a 7-inch tart pan with removable bottom with cooking spray. If you don't have a tart pan, use a 6 to 7-inch springform pan. Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper and spray the paper.


1.Melt 6 ounces of chopped chocolate and butter in a heavy saucepan over medium low heat. Stir until chocolate and butter are melted and smooth.
2.Add sugar and salt and reduce heat to low. Cook while stirring for about one minute, until sugar starts to dissolve.
3.Remove pan from heat. Whisk in eggs, one at a time. The mixture will look smooth and glossy.
4.Use a mesh hand sieve to sift cocoa into mixture. This prevents lumps. Whisk until the cake batter is smooth.
5.Pour batter into prepared pan and bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes. The center of the cake should be just firm to the touch, but be careful to not overbake the cake or it will be dry.
6.Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Invert the cake on a plate.
7.To prepare the glaze, melt 2 ounces of chopped chocolate and 1 1/2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the same saucepan you used to make the cake. When melted and smooth, remove the pan from heat. Add milk and Agave syrup OR honey and vanilla and stir until smooth and glossy. Let the glaze cool for about 3 minutes before pouring it on the cake.
8.Pour all of the glaze in the middle of the cake. Use a silicone or rubber spatula to spread the glaze evenly over the cake, allowing the glaze to evenly run down the sides of the cake.

Tasty Tuesday

Buffalo-Style Chicken Cordon "Blue"
Serves 4
By Rachael Ray

•4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
•4 slices French-style ham or other wet-cured ham
•1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
•Salt and pepper
•1 cup flour
•1/4-1/3 cup cornstarch (eyeball it)
•2 large egg whites, beaten
•1 1/2 cups breadcrumbs
•3 tablespoons butter, melted
•About 3 tablespoons hot sauce
•Canola or other high temperature oil, for shallow frying
•Carrot and celery sticks, for garnish
PreparationSplit the breasts open and cut them across horizontally. Pound the meat out a little, then stuff the breasts with the ham and cheese. Fold the chicken over and press the edges together to secure the stuffed breasts. Season with salt and pepper and coat first in the flour mixed with cornstarch, then the egg whites, then the breadcrumbs tossed with the melted butter and mixed with hot sauce.

Heat a shallow layer of oil about a quarter-inch deep in a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, cook the chicken on each side until golden and cooked through, about 6 minutes on each side. Drain the chicken briefly on paper towels and serve with carrot and celery sticks alongside.

Motivational Monday

The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.

WEEKEND MOVIE RELEASES! 08.06.10

The Other Guys
MPAA Rating: PG-13

Detective Allen Gamble is a forensic accountant who's more interested in paperwork than hitting the streets. Detective Terry Hoitz is a tough guy who has been stuck with Allen as his partner ever since an unfortunate run-in with Derek Jeter. Allen and Terry idolize the city's top cops, Danson and Highsmith, but when an opportunity arises for the Other Guys to step up, things don't quite go as planned.


Step Up 3D
MPAA Rating: PG-13

A tight-knit group of street dancers, including Luke and Natalie, team up with NYU freshman Moose, and find themselves pitted against the world's best hip hop dancers in a high-stakes showdown that will change their lives forever.

Tasty Tuesday- Fettucine Alfredo

Fettucine Alfredo

Cook Time:15 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients
1 pound dried fettucine
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 shallot, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Fresh parsley, for garnish, optional

Directions
Cook the fettucine in a pot of rapidly boiling salted water until al dente. Drain in a colander, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking liquid.

While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add shallots and saute until tender. Add heavy cream and bring to a boil. Cook until sauce has reduced slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat.

Return the pasta to the pot it was cooked in, set over medium-high heat along with the reserved cooking liquid. Add the butter-cream mixture and half of the Parmesan and toss to combine thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and garnish with parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Motivational Monday

You must keep your mind on the objective, not on the obstacle. - William Randolph Hearst

Motivational Monday

Quote of the week: There's harmony and inner peace to be found in following a moral compass that points in the same direction, regardless of fashion or trend. - Ted Koppel

Apartment Home Inspections

July 8, 2010


Dear Resident,

The management staff will be conducting an inspection of apartment residences beginning on Monday, July 12, 2010. Our teams will require access to your apartment home for a brief walk through inspection of the physical condition of the interior areas. We will be inspecting units from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on each scheduled date. Please ensure all keyless deadbolts are left unlocked and to kennel your pets on your designated inspection date:
• Monday, July 12th: Bld. 1, 2, 3
• Tuesday, July 13th: Bld. 4, 5, 6, 7
• Wednesday, July 14th: Bld. 8, 9, 10, 11
• Thursday, July 15th: Bld. 12, 13, 14, 15
• Friday, July 16th: Bld. 16, 17, 18
• Monday, July 19th: Bld. 19, 20, 21, 22
• Tuesday, July 20th: Bld. 23, 24, 25

In addition, if you have changed the front door locks of your home; please provide us with a copy of the key by Monday (July 12th). We will secure the doors immediately after the inspection. Should any changes to the schedule occur, we will make sure to communicate with you as soon as possible. We thank you in advance for your assistance. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (210) 764-0404.

Sincerely,




Leslie Gonzalez White
Community Director
The Park at Walker’s Ranch

Movie Releases for the Weekend!

Predators
July 9th, 2010

A bold new chapter in the Predator universe, "Predators" was shot on location under Rodriguez's creative auspices at the filmmaker's Austin-based Troublemaker Studios, and is directed by Nimrod Antal. The film stars Adrien Brody as Royce, a mercenary who reluctantly leads a group of elite warriors who come to realize they've been brought together on an alien planet... as prey. With the exception of a disgraced physician, they are all cold-blooded killers - mercenaries, Yakuza, convicts, death squad members - human "predators" that are now being systemically hunted and eliminated by a new breed of alien Predators.


Despicable Me
July 9th, 2010

In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by a small army of minions, we discover Gru (voiced by Steve Carell), planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon (Yes, the moon!) in Universal's new 3-D CGI feature, "Despicable Me."

Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays, and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad.

The world's greatest villain has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.

Important notice

Dear Residents:

Thank you for your cooperation during the parking lot repairs. We are one Section away from being finished. Section 6 will be completed tomorrow, leaving that area closed off until Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Section 5 was a success today and will stay closed until Friday June 18, 2010 at 1:00p.m. We do understand parking has been tight, but we would like to remind you not to park in any fire lanes as it can result in fines from the city. When parking your vehicle in other spots we ask that you are cautious of any spaces that may prevent a fire truck or emergency vehicle from getting through the property. We thank you in advance for your efforts and patience in helping make your community a better place to live.


Sincerely,

Your Team
The Park at Walker’s Ranch

It's Almost Done!

It’s Almost Done! We have one more section to complete after today. Just a reminder that Section 5 (Bldg. 6, 8, and Leasing Office) is being completed today. All residents and guests will need to use Bitters Entrance/ Exit. Our last section, Section 6 (Bldg. 21, 22, 23, 24) to be completed is scheduled for tomorrow. Please join us tomorrow at the Clubhouse Pool for food, drinks & prizes! We will be kicking off the party at 5:30! Again, we want to thank everyone for their assistance and patience with this project.

See you tomorrow!

Your team The Park at Walker’s Ranch

Parking Lot Completion Schedule

Parking Lot Completion Schedule
June 12, 2010


Thank You to all of you for your wonderful patience as we work toward completing our parking lot project! We apologize for any inconvenience this project’s schedule may have caused so far. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has had her own plans, and so long as there is a high level of moisture and a chance of rain, the project cannot proceed as scheduled. The good news is next week’s weather looks promising, and so we are back on! Here’s the new schedule of completion:
• Monday, June 14th: Section 2
• Tuesday, June 15th: Section 3
• Wednesday, June 16th: Section 4
• Thursday, June 17th: Section 5
• Friday, June 18th: Section 6

Work will begin each morning at 7:30 a.m. Each section will be closed off from 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled start date until 1:00 p.m. the following day. Please ensure your vehicles are removed from the scheduled section by 7:00 a.m. each day. This means you will not have access to your garage or carport during that time. Residents whose sections are being closed-off for repair will be able to park in other temporary designated parking areas marked by orange cones. We remind you to please ensure you do not block any other garages, carports, exists or vehicles during this temporary parking time. We will not be held responsible for any vehicles requiring towing in order to complete the project, or vehicles parked in an unauthorized location. Vehicles towed will be at owner’s expense.

It will be imperative that all residents please assist us in this process. We are excited about making your community a better place to live, and we know you are, too! We know this project may present some level of inconvenience, but it will be temporary & very much worth it! We sincerely thank you for your continued help & understanding!

The Park at Walker’s Ranch Team

GARAGE SALE!

JOIN US FOR The Park at Walker's Ranch GARAGE SALE! - Saturday, May 22, 2010 - 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - Come enjoy a continental breakfast at the Clubhouse and shop for treasures! - Home and Office Furnishings Decor, Club Chairs, Leather Couches, Buffett/Console Tables, Patio Table, Lamps, Desks, Art Decor & much more! - CASH ONLY

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Here is a great recipe for lettuce wraps!

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

1 packet stir-fry seasoning powder
1/4 c. water
2 T soy sauce
2 T fresh lime juice
1 t. sugar
1 T canola oil
1 lb. ground chicken breast
1/4 c. water chestnuts, diced
2 T scallions, thinly sliced
1 head of romaine lettuce
Garnishes: bean sprouts, chopped mint, cilantro, peanuts (optional)

In a small bowl, combine seasoning, water, soy sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Set aside. Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, using a wooden spoon to break up the meat. Cook until browned, about 10 minutes. Add water chestnuts, and scallions, and cook 5 minutes. Stir in reserved seasoning mix. Cook until liquid evaporates, about 2 to 3 minutes. Garnish with herbs, sprouts, and peanuts.

Weekend Happening 5/15-5/22

The Park at
Walker’s Ranch
Weekend Happenings!

Sports:
NBA
Suns vs. Lakers Mon. May 17 at 8pm & Wed. May 19 at 8pm (TNT)
Celtics vs. Magic Tues. May 18 7:30pm and Sat. May 22 at 7:30 (ESPN)
Hockey
Montreal vs. Philly Tues. May 18 6pm (CBC)
Chicago vs. San Jose Tues. May 18 9pm (TSN)
Montreal vs. Philly Thurs. May 20 6pm (CBC) & Sat. May 22 2pm (NBC)
Chicago vs. San Jose Fri. May 21 at 7pm (TSN)
PGA
May 20th – May 23rd HP Byron Nelson Championship at TPC Four Seasons Irving Texas (NBC)

Movie Releases
Robin Hood- staring Russell Crowe & Cate Blanchett http://www.robinhoodthemovie.com/
Letters to Juliet- staring Amanda Seyfriend
http://www.lettertojuliet.com/
Shrek Forever After – staring Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy & Antonio Banderas
http://www.shrek.com/
Check out our blog or residents may join us on facebook.
http://parkatwalkersranchapartments.blogspot.com

Weekend Happenings

The Park at
Walker’s Ranch
Weekend Happenings!

Weekend Weather:

Sports:
Western Conference Semifinals
Game #3
(Friday, May 07, 2010)
San Antonio Spurs vs. Phoenix Suns
Game will be live on ESPN starting at 8:30

Movie Releases
Iron Man 2- staring Robert Downey Jr., Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson http://ironmanmovie.marvel.com/
The Back-up Plan- with Jennifer Lopez, Alex O'Loughlin, Michaela Watkins
http://www.theback-upplan.com/

Check out our blog or residents may join us on facebook.
http://parkatwalkersranchapartments.blogspot.com

Breakfast at the Gate

You're Invited!

Whether you're coming home, or heading to work, let the Park at Walker's Ranch help start your morning off right. Join us Friday, April 30th, starting at 7AM. We'll be set up at both gates handing out FREE breakfast on your way out!

Hope to see you on Friday!!!

Tasty Tuesday!

Nutty Orange Coffee Cake
By Paula Deen


INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 teaspoons orange zest
Two 12-ounce cans refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (10 count)
One 8-ounce pkg cream cheese
1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter
1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoon fresh orange juice

DIRECTIONS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, pecans, and zest; set aside.
Separate the biscuits. Place about 3/4 teaspoon cream cheese in the center of each biscuit. Fold each biscuit in half over the cheese, pressing the edges to seal. Dip the biscuits in melted butter, then dredge in the granulated sugar mixture. Place the biscuits curved-side down, in a single layer in the hollows of a lightly greased 12-cup bundt pan, spacing them evenly (do not stack).
Place any remaining biscuits around the tube, filling in any gaps. Drizzle any remaining butter over the biscuits, and sprinkle with any remaining sugar mixture.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until golden brown. Immediately invert the cake onto a serving platter.
Combine the confectioners' sugar and orange juice, stirring well; drizzle the glaze over the warm cake. Serve warm.

TASTY TUESDAY!

Here is a delicious recipe for spinach and beef enchiladas!

1 lb lean (at least 80%) ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped (1/2 cup)
1 box (9 oz) Green Giant® frozen spinach
1 can (4.5 oz) Old El Paso® chopped green chiles, undrained
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic-pepper blend
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese blend (8 oz)
1 can (10 oz) Old El Paso® enchilada sauce
1 package (11.5 oz) Old El Paso® flour tortillas (8 tortillas)
1/2 cup Old El Paso® Thick 'n Chunky salsa

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown.
2. Stir in spinach; cook, stirring frequently, until thawed. Stir in green chiles, cumin, garlic-pepper blend, sour cream and 1 cup of the cheese.
3. Spread about 1 teaspoon enchilada sauce on each tortilla. Top each with about 1/2 cup beef mixture. Roll up tortillas; place seam sides down in baking dish. In small bowl, mix remaining enchilada sauce and the salsa; spoon over enchiladas. Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup cheese.
4. Spray sheet of foil with cooking spray; cover baking dish with foil. Bake 40 to 45 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

Fiesta San Antonio 2010 is here!

Fiesta San Antonio 2010 is here! Check out their website, http://www.fiesta-sa.org/, to see all the great events happening around the city!

We also want to thank all of our residents for your help and patience while we complete the initial repairs for our parking lot. Additional notices will follow letting all of you know when the seal coating will take place.

Motivational Monday

Motivational Monday

"You control your future, your destiny. What you think about comes about. By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands - your own."-Mark Victor Hansen

Weekend

Personalize your own digital ecard

The Park at Walker's Ranch

Good afternoon, Check out our video!
The Park at Walker's Ranch

It's Spring!

It's Spring!

The Birds are chirping, trees are blooming and the weather is beautiful thus far. We have some exciting things going on at the property and some great happenings in San Antonio.

April 2 &4 the office will be closed in observance of the holidays.

Parking lot repairs have started on 03/30/2010 and the next thing to come is resurfacing. Re-stripping and sealing will start around mid to end of April. We will send notices out giving details so you can be prepared.


03/31/2010- San Antonio Spurs VS Houston Rockets at the AT&T Center (tickets still available).
04/01/2010- The Phantom of the Opera at Bass Concert Hall Austin
04/03/2010- Easter Egg Festival & Craft Fair at Rolling Oaks Christian Church.
04/09/2010- Poteet Strawberry Festival - There is something for everyone.


Movie Releases

March 26th, 2010- Hot Tub Time Machine- staring John Cusack and Rob Corddry
How to Train Your Dragon- with Jay Baruchel and Gerard Butler

April 2nd, 2010- Clash of the Titans - staring Sam Worthington and Liam Neeson
Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married Too- starring Janet Jackson and Tyler Perry.

Check out our blog or residents may join us on facebook.
http://parkatwalkersranchapartments.blogspot.com

Happy March!

Happy March 2010!

March is optimism month so put on a happy face and check out some local happenings!

March 13th - Spurs vs. LA Clippers at the AT&T center
March 14th - Daylight savings - think spring forward
March 15th - Kick of for Spring break
Botanical gardens are offering different tours for all ages to enjoy during this time. Check it out and enjoy your vacations =).
March 17th - Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
March 20th - First Day of spring!
This is a good time to start any spring cleaning that you have been waiting to do. Remember, spring cleaning doesn’t always mean throwing away items. Find local charties, organizations or drop off sites that will help with tax credits next year.
March 27th - San Antonio has a "Houston street fair & market", free to the public. Kids can enjoy storytellers, fair rides and more. Adults, there will be food, drinks, and homemade crafts done by locals. Bring a blanket and enjoy live music while sitting in comfort.


Have a great March,

The Park at Walker's Ranch Team

San Antonio Rodeo

Hello Park at Walker's Ranch! It's supposed to be a beautiful weekend! It's time to get out and enjoy San Antonio! Get a taste of San Antonio's traditions and enjoy the sights of the rodeo! There are a number of good concerts going on this next week. Tickets can be found on ticketmaster.com

JAMES OTTO
Saturday, February 13 at 1:00pm

Born into a military family, James otto was raised all over the country, from Washington State, to his grandparents' farm in North Dakota, and in rural Alabama. Otto didn't just listen to music, he made it! The journey leading to his Warner Bros.-Raybaw Record debut album, "Sunset Man" has enabled him to incorporate and distinctly express all the hues of his musical talent. Otto wrote nine of the eleven songs on the album, revealing his depth not only as a stand out vocalist, but also a seasoned writer. Songs include, "Ain't Gonna Stop", "Just Got Started Loving You", and "Man That I Am."


RODNEY ATKINS
Saturday, February 13 at 7:30pm

Since releasing his breakthrough hit, "If You're Going Through Hell," Rodney Atkins has earned ACM "Top New Male Vocalist" and been nominated for five other ACM Awards and two CMA Awards. His singles "If You're Going Through Hell" and "Watching You" have concert audiences all over the country cheering him on and singing along. Atkins makes that connection again on his much-anticipated new album, "It's America." Recorded on this album are singles "Got It Good", Tell a Country Boy," "The River Know," and "It's America."


BLAKE SHELTON
Sunday, February 14 at 1:00pm

San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo is pleased to have Blake Shelton back on our stage. In 2008, Blake saw great success with his chart-topper "Home." More recently, his newest release "Startin' Fires", his fifth album, displays a wide range of Blake Shelton's talent, establishing him as one of country music's most talented and versatile song stylists. His hit singles include "Austin," "Some Beach," "The More I Drink," "She Wouldn't Be Gone" and "Good At Starting Fires."


PESADO
Sunday, February 14 at 7:30pm

In 1993 a group of young people from Monterrey NL met in order to do what they enjoy most, norteño music. Thus Beto Zapata, Pepe Elizondo, Mario Guajardo, and Popo Padilla gave life to a musical group that would eventually become a crowd favorite... PESADO. Their first album, "AYUDAME A OLVIDAR" reflects life in hometown of Monterrey and includes hits DIA TRAS DIA and BESO A BESO. The music is a different sound within the norteño style. Their second album "LLEGO EL AMOR" helped penetrate radio stations nationally and internationally when it earned PESADO's first double gold. Thus began their musical adventure, as they began to headline in dances, concerts, TV shows and radio festivals. PESADO's music touches on topics such as lost love, pain, tears and betrayal…all issues that related well to the Mexican republic, through Central and South America. Today PESADO boasts a career of more than 16 years.


DIERKS BENTLEY
Monday, February 15 at 7:00pm

Not so many years ago, Dierks Bentley was singing for tips in Second Avenue bars and soaking up country music history at his day job. Today he's among the most successful and relevant country singers in the business. Bentley's kind of country has never been straight-up-the-middle. Instead, the Arizona-native grew up on a potent hybrid of honky-tonk, bluegrass, singer/songwriters, classic country and modern rock & roll, forging his own sound along the way. This unique blend of genres can be heard in his hit singles "Feel That Fire," "Sideways," and "I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes."


TRACE ADKINS
Tuesday, February 16 at 7:00pm

Trace Adkins is a multi-faceted entertainer who has achieved unprecedented success as a performer, musician, author and actor. Since selling his multi-platinum debut album more than a decade ago, he has evolved into a bona fide country music superstar who has clearly earned his place among the most identifiable and important artists of his generation. An esteemed member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2003, Trace has built a solid career and a strong fan base by recording songs that possess insightful lyrics and cover a wide range of interests --many from his own life experiences. Twenty-six of his singles have hit the Billboard country charts, with 14 of them breaking into the Top 10. Adkins' latest single climbing the charts is "All I Ask For Anymore" from his new album, TRACE ADKINS "X" (Ten).

ALAN JACKSON
Wednesday, February 17 at 7:00pm

A San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo crowd favorite, we are pleased to have Alan Jackson back on stage! A true legend in country music, Jackson has sold more than 51 million albums and scored more than 35 no. 1 singles--27 of which he either wrote or co-wrote. Over his 20 year career in Country music, Alan Jackson has amassed 7 Platinum albums and 8 Multi-Platinum albums. His greatest hits include: "Gone Country," "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere," "Living on Love" "Good Time" and many, many more!

TOBY KEITH
Thursday, February 18 at 7:00pm

Like the hard-working fans who buy Toby Keith's music and the soldiers he visits every year on his USO Tours, Toby Keith takes his job seriously, gives it his all, gets up the next day and does it all over again. Of course, Toby Keith just happens to be doing it at the highest levels of entertainment industry success. His 1993 debut was a No. 1 Billboard Heatseeker. His next four albums all reached at least top 10 on the Country Albums chart. Every album since, starting in 2001 with Pull My Chain, has reached No. 1. Even more impressive, across 44 single releases and 20 album releases including four hits collections, he's only released six singles he didn't write. American Ride, his sixteenth studio album promises more of the same original, passionate lyrics and quality country music.

GARY ALLAN
Friday, February 19 at 7:30pm

Over the course of his career, Gary Allan has established himself as a country singer who prides himself in being authentic. What you see is what you get. No smoke, about that! The California-bred singer does a great ballad, but when it comes to a rockin' good time, he is almost impossible to top. We are glad he is making his way back to the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo with his latest CD, "Living Hard" which includes the chart topping radio hit, "Watching Airplanes". Other of his hits radio hits include: "Life Ain't Always Beautiful," "Man to Man," "Right Where I Need to Be," "Smoke Rings in the Dark," and "Nothing on but the Radio."

JAKE OWEN - XTREME BULLS
Saturday, February 20 at 1:00pm

Since releasing his debut album, Startin' With Me, RCA Nashville recording artist Jake Owen has celebrated five consecutive hit singles including Top 15 debut single, "Yee Haw," the Top 10 "Startin' With Me," the Top 15 "Something About A Woman," and his recent Top 5 smash "Don't Think I Can't Love You." His current single "Eight Second Ride" just entered the top 20 on the Country radio charts and still climbing. In the last two years, Owen made his national TV debut on ABC's "Good Morning America" and has toured non-stop with the biggest names in Country Music including Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn and Sugarland. Jake has received nominations for Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, a GRAMMY Award, and was named "Top New Male Vocalist" at the Academy of Country Music Awards this past April. His sophomore album, Easy Does It, hit stores on February 24, 2009.


ELI YOUNG BAND
Saturday, February 20 at 7:30pm

The Eli Young Band's music has all the hallmarks of youth: passion, energy, excitement. The band's story is the definition of commitment: eight years of lugging equipment to small Texas clubs, of losing day jobs because their music held priority, of saying goodbye to relationships torn by their weekend travels, only solidified their dedication. This dedication paid off with their hit "When it Rains" which got them opening for Sheryl Crow, Dave Matthews Band, Jason Aldean and John Mellencamp. Their debut album, "Jet Black & Jealous" succeeds in pushing the Eli Young Band to the next level as a musical force.

Good Morning Park at Walker's Ranch! It's supposed to be a high of 56 today but dropping down to 36 tonight. Bundle up, stay warm and have a great day!

Happy New Year!!!!!

Happy New Years Park at Walker’s Ranch!!!!!

We still have some exciting stuff going on in San antonio-

All American Bowl Jan 9th 2010- Celebrating a decade of excellence!

Winter Freeze- the weather this week is supposed to get below freezing with the wind chill so pack up plants, check on loved ones and pets. Here are some tips:
1. When turning on your heater for the first time this year don’t be alarmed if your smoke detectors go off this is normal. The heater is just simply burning off any dirt or dust in the vents.

2. When lighting up your fireplace this season make sure your flue is completely open.

3. After decking the halls and putting up your Christmas tree make sure is it properly maintained and freshly watered.

4. Make sure to keep your top key-less deadbolts unlocked to prevent lock-outs.

5. If your gate/garage remotes are starting to have problems opening your gate/garage please stop by the office so we can replace the battery in your remote.


Start the New Year in Gear!
The Park at Walker’s Ranch