Missing Sodus
By Melissa White
mgoodcooke@yahoo.com  

The birds are singing, the flowers are up, looks like spring is really here to stay this time. The kids' week of vacation is almost over, but it looked like they were all enjoying the time off. It's nice to see the kids all out playing, people going for walks with their dogs and walking along the beach. People look like they are enjoying spring more this year for some reason (or maybe I'm just noticing more).

A note from Ralph Everdyke in Florida:

Hi Melissa: It was a nice sunny day out today and this fellow rang the door bell, but when I opened the door he didn't want to come in. I don't know - maybe it was a female and was scared of me. Whatever. It is a beautiful bird and hangs around our complex all the time. First time that he has been in front of our door though.

Recipes from Betty Crocker: (I'm still wondering was there really such a person?)

Grilled Taco-Barbecue Chicken

2 tablespoons Old El Paso taco seasoning mix (from 1.25-oz envelope)
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/4 lb.)
1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 cup chili sauce
1 teaspoon ground cumin

1. Heat closed medium-size contact grill for 5 minutes. In shallow bowl, mix taco seasoning mix and oregano. Brush chicken with oil; coat with taco seasoning mixture. Place chicken on grill. Close grill. Grill 4 to 6 minutes or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (170F).

2. Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, heat barbecue sauce, chili sauce and cumin to boiling over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Serve sauce with chicken.

Oven Directions: Heat oven to 375F. Line shallow baking pan with foil or spray with cooking spray. Place coated chicken in pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (170F).

The fundraiser dinner for the Cracker Box Palace farm is this Sunday, April 23. Stop by Papa Joe's at the Point if you don't have your tickets yet. Tickets are advance-sale only and there are only 100 available. It's a Deluxe Pasta Dinner and plenty of fun. Dinner donation is $20 for adults / $12 for kids under age 10. Proceeds will go toward the on-going support of the 200+ animals that reside at the farm, most of whom have been rescued from abuse and neglect. Call 315.904.4005 for more info.

Just for your information, I was told last night at a Pet Smart store that the way to get rid of the dark red circle shape algae in your aquarium is to use aquarium salt or the un-iodized salt from the grocery store. Also, did you know you do not have to have an algae eater in your fresh water tank? You can use a solution called algae fixer and, within days I am told, your algae problem will have disappeared. I am working on this so I will let you know how it all works out. On the l0 gallon tank, I kept getting the red algae and, since the tanks are only $l0, every once in a while, I take the tank apart and start all over. Probably traumatic for the fish, but I didn't know what else to do. Finally, after talking to many people in the pet stores, I think I might have the answer to the problem.

Enjoy the wonderful warmer weather. Go for a walk and enjoy the neighbors' spring flowers and take a lot of deep breaths of that fresh air we haven't had for so long. Have a great week and enjoy each other's company.

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