Russian Traveler Returns

We had a great adventure. I wanted to post a couple of pictures.
Kaleb and Olya on their wedding day and some pictures in St Petersburg. You are all invited to the exciting and informational slide show that will be presented as soon as we can narrow our thousands of pictures down to the best 100.

THanks Roach. I found these pleated mom shorts for a ridiculously low price. Now I can be a mom in style!!

In the Kickchen

Easy Black Beans and Rice Recipe
Ingredients
 1 cup uncooked white rice (3 cups cooked rice)
 1 Tbsp olive oil
 1 small onion, chopped
 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (for added flavor you can substitute roasted red bell peppers or some chopped pimentos)
 3 cloves minced garlic
 2 16-ounce cans of black beans, rinsed and drained
 2 Tbsp white vinegar or 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or 2 2/3 Tbsp lemon juice
 A few dashes of Tabasco or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne powder
 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 heaping Tbsp chopped fresh oregano
 Salt and pepper to taste
 Optional Lime wedges and cilantro for garnish
Method
1 Cook rice according to package instructions. White rice usually takes 15 minutes to cook once the water is simmering, and 10 minutes to sit.
2 Heat oil in a large skillet on medium high. Sauté onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes, until just beginning to soften, then add garlic and sauté a minute more. Add the black beans, vinegar and Tabasco or cayenne. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.
3 Stir in rice and oregano. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serves 6.
http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/005208easy_black_beans_and_rice.php