DATELINE: GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST

As part of a contest, Gingerbread House kits were sent to the cousins in December. Once they received and built their gingerbread houses, they took a photo and send it to the McCarty Metro. On Christmas, all the houses were put on display on the Metro, and all of our readers were in charge of selecting the winner by picking their favorites. Special Thanks To Aunt Kristen For Sending Out The Houses And Sponsoring This Event! The tallies are in, and with only 1 vote separating the top 3 Gingerbread houses, congratulations go out to Emily, Chris, Scarlett & Iris on their winning submission below. Click here to see all the submissions.

DATELINE: GULL LAKE XXX3

Hope the new year finds everyone in good spirits. It is time to update the group on what will be happening this year and February is as good a time as any. Since the snow will be flying and with the temps below zero what better time to digest the 5 pages of information which are the rules.

In keeping with Mike W's progressive philosophy there have been some updates to this years outing.

1) Continued redistribution of the the entry fees so there is no top 1%. We will continue to try and make the games so everyone puts in $43 and everyone wins $43. We all walk away with participation trophies.

2) Improvement in our golf and total self esteem. We want to ensure that no one is subjected to any conversations on the course or at the bar they feel are inappropriate or debates that they do not want to hear because they disagree with the other person. To accommodate this each condo will be provide with a package that includes the following:

> Coloring book to channel their inner child
> Stuffed toy so they can be comforted by a non talking object
> A game to relieve the mental tension associated with being around me
> Directions to a safe zone which will be located in Kentucky so by time you get there and back "THE GULLER" will be over

Hope these improvements meet everyone's basic rights to free golf, free golf clubs and free alcohol. Any questions contact your attorney. Enjoy!!!!!!!

The Commissioner

APPETIZER

COWBOY CAVIAR
submitted by Karen

2 avocadoes, cut in cubes
1 tomato, diced
11 oz. can shoepeg or petite white corn drained
15 oz can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1/3 cup fresh cilantro ... leaves only, chopped
3 green onions, chopped

Combine all the above in a bowl

Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil - 1/4 cup red wine vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 tsp cumin - splash of lemon juice - 3/4 twp salt - 1/8 tsp black pepper

Combine all in separate container. Add to avocado mixture. Stir, chill, eat with tortilla chips.

APPETIZER

The are always a hit when I made them. People that don't like cucumbers like these!!

CUCUMBER SQUARES
Submitted by Kitty

1 pkg 8 oz. Cream Cheese (softened)
1 env. Italian dry dressing mix
2 tbls real mayo
dash of garlic

Mix together and spread on your choice of cocktail bread

ENTREE

This is an easy to cook recipe. Easy prep and chicken is delicious!

PARMESAN CHICKEN
Submitted by Margaret

1/2 cup Hellmann's Mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
4 tsp. Italian seasoned dry bread crumbs

Preheat oven to 425°. Combine Hellmann's mayonnaise with cheese in medium bowl. Arrange chicken on baking sheet. Evenly top with Mayonnaise mixture, then sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake until chicken is thoroughly cooked, about 20 minutes.