Spent a delightful time this morning at the Central Wyoming Counseling Center, where staff competed in the Chili Royale chili cook-off.

Ten bubbling, aromatic pots of chili were judged on appearance, flavor, texture and heat index.

It's my second time judging the event -- last year it was on a Friday during Lent so I declined.

The esteemed panel of judges, excluding me, was Paul Fritzler of the Dept. of Family Services, Bill Sexton, CEO of Wyoming Behavioral Institute; Brian Christensen from the DA's office and Bob Price.

Our oufits this year included green shiny dealer vests, visors, gigantic playing card nametags and garters.

Top three winners again received recycled trophies.

First place was Therapeutic Family Care case managers for their Jackpot Chili, a red that was really good.

Second place was Kelly Shipley for her Risky Business, a red that judges said "looks like chili should look!"

And third place went to Pat Lichliter, for her Hit Me, a red that included chunks of potatoes.

My personal favorite was a green chile that had a huge proportion of shredded pork. In fact, it was like really juicy shredded pork -- just delicious.

Staff at the CWCC gets altogether at least quarterly for a variety of different lunch events.

They've found, as have many other groups, that co-workers who eat together and get to know each other make a more effective team.

Great fun!