March is Women's History Month

This month is Women's History Month. There are a lot of amazing women whose shoulders we get to stand on. But one woman who I truly admire was my grandma, Maurine. She was a woman who grew up as the only girl in a family of boys. She was raised in a very conservative home and a very conservative town. But I think it was she who gave me the strength and the thoughts that we didn't have to be the same or always think the same as the people around us. Let me tell you about her.

Grandma loved to read. She would read almost every day. Even when her eyes and her hands couldn't do much else, she would still read. And she didn't read fluff. She was reading deep, insightful, and thought-provoking books. She was always improving her mind and, consequently, could carry on great conversations.

She had some spunk in her. There was always a little twinkle in her eye that let you know a bit of mischief was going on her mind. Don't tell her what to do and how to do it--she could figure out for herself, and have a little fun with it, too.

She was an amazing worker. Unless she was very ill, she worked out her yard almost every day. She loved flowers and plants and would spend endless hours helping things grow. She was always working inside, too. There was no excuse for wasting time.

She was creative. Her hands weren't often very still. She would make bread by hand, crochet, knit, embroider, quilt, and sew. I treasure the quilt she made for me when I got married.

And, best of all, she was independent. She made up her own mind about what to think on religion, politics, and world events--even if she was surrounded by people who thought differently. And, no, she wouldn't be swayed from something she really believed in.

I wish I could be like her, but that's a lot of to live up to. I'm just glad for her example and for her strength that I always keep in the back of my mind. She was a feminist the way I hope I am.

I think it's important to remember and know women's history, both in the world and in your own family.

Here's a fun quiz to see what you know about Women's History. Good luck!

http://encarta.msn.com/quiz_305/famous_feminists_quiz.html?GT1=43001

Ernie

Tonight's Recipe--Tilapia Fish Tacos

Fish tacos are so easy these days with the packaged, frozen tilapia filets. I got a bag for just under three dollars that had 6 individually-wrapped filets. And they take so little time to thaw. Just fill the bag with warm water and all the filets will be thawed out in minutes.Slice your filets (about 5 or 6) into about 5 strips each. Toss these strips in a small brown paper bag with this mixture: 1/3 cup flour, 1/3 cup cornmeal, 1/4 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. chili powder. Fry the strips in a little oil, over medium heat, until golden brown. As the strips are just about done. Squeeze a quarter of a lime over the top. When you're all done frying all the strips, arrange them on a plate and serve with your favorite taco toppings.

We had our fish tacos with corn tortiillas, extra lime, avocado, shredded cabbage, cheese, sour cream, and some pico de gallo salsa. Delicious!!!! (This amount serves about 5 people)

What? Me Blog?

The other day I was having brunch with some friends when one of them said her sister was trying to talk her into creating her own blog. The responses were along the lines of..."What's a blog," "Why would you want to do that?" "What would you write or post?" As I listened, I thought down (very deep), "I would do a blog." Of course, those weren't the words out of my mouth.

I've thought about creating my own blog as I've become more and more enchanted with what other people have done--fascinating, insightful, thought-provoking and fun blogs that are so exciting to read. You get an insight into a person (who you probably don't know) and what they are thinking that you would never have the chance to in real life. Plus, the comments that other people leave are as varied as people can be. I love blogs dealing with current issues and beliefs. I love blogs dealing with religion and all the associated feelings and thoughts and discussions that go along with that. And, of course, I LOVE blogs about food.

And that's what was the final impetus for this blog.

I have many interests, but have never felt I had enough knowledge or credibility to discuss much until I started reading food blogs. Now, there's an area where I do feel at least I have some experience and some passion. As I perused various food blogs, I thought, "I could do this. I'd love to share thoughts on the food I love (plus various other things)"

So...here goes....

My idea is to post about what I enjoy, what I feel, and what I love (which could be food, religion, family, music, travel), but to always have a smattering of food-related topics to entice the reader and, possibly, to share good ideas about good food.

I hope it goes well and I look forward to the adventure.

And, for the meantime, watch for "BLOG CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION" signs to pervade the sight.

Bon Apettit!!

Ernie