Fred

My first week in my new place, I met Fred. He enjoys fake tanning under the lamp post near my house. We met, because I almost squashed him as I was walking home. We were friends instantaneously. Fred lets me pet him, talk with him and is always out at night weather permitting. I have explained to him the problems with tanning in fake light, but he continues to ignore my care for his skin. As fall approaches I see less of Fred, but last night we caught up after a cold spell that kept Fred at home.

Abortion & Women's Health

This latest news on abortion is very disturbing. I find it hard to believe that there are as many abortions happening in countries where it is illegal as legal. The article however didn't address the issue of trying to prevent abortions, but only that abortions should be offered everywhere. I think it is sad that women's health is assumed okay if she has a correct abortion. I hope that the countries have abortion as illegal hold steady under this new report and remember that it is a child inside the women.

The delema of Illegal Imigration

I find illegal immigration a huge problem. On one hand I don't think our country should accept illegal immigrants, but on a personal level, I find it difficult to send them home. What are we to do with all the illegals in this country? Because we accepted them for so long, they now think they have equal rights with citizens. In Prince William County, which is next door to the county I live in, they recently passed a resolution to deny services to illegals. Many of the illegals aliens were upset, because they have lived in the area for quite a while and believe they have every right of a citizen. Up to this point, they have been given every right as a citizen. I dearly hope that I can have a gracious and loving attitude towards those who are here illegally while still allowing my government to protect the interests of the citizens and legal aliens.

Enchanted Forest

My drive to work was absolutely beautiful this morning. A fog rolled in early this morning and had still not lifted when I drove to work. It caused the most of the road to be covered and just the trees stood out as the randomly appeared out of nowhere. It also hid most the morning traffic and made me feel I was driving to a lovely lake and then going to be able to read all day. Unfortunately, my arrival at work broke the beautiful thought.

Shecky's Girls Night Out

I love shopping, not as much as Mrs. Miller, but that would be difficult to beat. Last night my friend Lisa and I drove down to DARS (Daughters of the American Revolution) Constitution Hall for a night of splurging and fashion watching. The event was filled with different styles, some very fashion forward thinkers, classic looks, casual, chic, etc. I was very classic in brown tweed pants with a orange tailored shirt. Lisa went the more femine route and wore a black dress with a splash of fun found in a polka dot sash belt. We did a quick walk through to see a glimpse of all the designers and decide which ones needed a further, extensive visit. Lisa was caught by bright beautiful purses, an elegant cape, and antique looking jewelry. I favored fun purses and non-work related clothing. Sadly most of the clothes did not fit. I did however make one purchase of a tailored tan and orange jacket. Lisa scored big time on wonderful finds. She bought the three things that caught her eye all of which were designed by locals. We both left jazzed about new fashions.

Tagged for recipes

I am very honored that my sis tagged me. Why she tagged me I am not exactly sure. I am not an amazing cook and I only cook out of necessity. I like quike and fun recipes. Since moving closer to the coast, I have experimented with fish. Three recipes are for fish and one is just a favorite breakfast/lunch/dinner/dessert recipe. For those that don't live near the coast do not worry. Most frozen fish is actually fresher, because it is packaged at the wharf.

Puff Pastry Salmon
(serves 6)

Ingredients:
2 (12 ounce) skinless, boneless salmon fillets
seasoned salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 (17.25 ounce) package frozen puff pastry, thawed
1/3 cup pesto
1 (6 ounce) package spinach leaves


Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Season the salmon fillets with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Divide 1/2 of the spinach between two sheets of puff pastry, and mound in the center. Place a salmon fillet on top of each mound of spinach. Spread the pesto on the salmon fillets, and top with remaining spinach. Moisten the edges of the puff pastry with water, fold to the center, and seal the seams.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the pastry is puffed and golden, and the salmon has cooked all the way through. (EJL Note: to check if salmon is done, insert cooking thermometer and the fish should be around 145 degrees F)

Italian Fish
(serves 2)

Ingredients:
1 pound fish fillets (tilapia, flounder, etc)
3/4 teaspoon butter
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoons lemon juice
1/4 cup diced fresh tomato
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Arrange fish in a medium baking dish. Dot with butter, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with lemon juice. Top with tomato, basil, and garlic powder. (EJL Note: if in a pinch use italian seasoning instead of other spices)
3. Cover, and bake 30 minutes in the preheated oven, or until fish is easily flaked with a fork.

Fish Tacos
(serves 5)

Ingredients:

1 lb white fish fillets, such as tilapia or catfish
2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
3 tablespoons ranch dressing
4 cups coleslaw mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)
1 small jalapeno chile, seeded, finely chopped
10 corn tortillas (6 inch)
1 1/4 cups sliced radishes (about 10)
red pepper sauce to taste
Tomatillo salsa

Directions:

1. Heat gas or charcoal grill. Cut 1 (18x12-inch) sheet of heavy-duty foil; spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle both sides of fish fillets with 2 teaspoons of the seasoning mix. Place fish on center of foil sheet. Bring up 2 sides of foil so edges meet. Seal edges, making tight 1/2-inch fold; folt again, allowing space for heat circulation and expansion. Fold other sides to seal.

2. Place packet on grill over high heat. Cover grill; cook about 10 minutes, rotating packet 1/2 turn after 5 minutes, until fish flakes easily with fork. Let cool slightly; cut into bite-size chunks.

3. Meanwhile, in large bowl, mix dressing and remaining 4 teaspoons seasoning mix. Add coleslaw mix and chile; toss to coat. Let stand 10 minutes. Meanwhile, wrap stack of tortillas in sheet of foil; place on coolest part of grill 5 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until steaming.

4. To serve, spoon about 1/4 cup fish chunks and 1/4 cup coleslaw mixture onto each tortilla; top with 2 tablespoons radishes. Fold tortillas around filling. Serve with pepper sauce and tomatillo salsa.

Crepes

(makes 4 approx.)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup milk
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon melted butter
cinnamon to flavor


Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, mix together the milk, egg yolks and vanilla. Stir in the flour, sugar, salt and melted butter until well blended. (EJL note: You may need to add more milk to get a smooth more cake batter consistency, should not be as thick as pancakes.)
2. Heat a 8"-10" skillet over medium heat until hot. Coat with vegetable oil or cooking spray. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and tip to spread the batter to the edges (EJL note: the whole bottom of the skillet should be coated with batter). When bubbles form on the top and the edges are dry, flip over and cook until lightly browned on the other side and edges are golden. Repeat with remaining batter.
3. My favorite fillings for crepes are honey, nutella, bananas, strawberries. For lunch/dinner leave out the cinammon and vanilla and fill with chicken, vegtables, etc.

Thinking

I love igoogle, especially the quotes of the day.

"The third-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking with the majority. The second-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking with the minority. The first-rate mind is only happy when it is thinking." -A.A. Milne

This one is particularly humorous, I hope that my mind is first-rate.