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Missing Sodus It has been a week of good things and bad. The snow is melting (or trying to) and spring is coming right along. I have been taking this wonderful Qi Gong class at the Y and have really enjoyed it. The class has grown from five people to almost twenty five. While reading the Sunday paper, I was shocked to find my Qi Gong instructor, Rick Ugino had passed away. He had a heart attack while on his flight to vacation in FLorida for the week. It is a great loss. He was such a nice man and dedicated teacher, with thirty years of knowledge he took with him. The St. Patrick's day things are hanging up in the windows but have you noticed the display at the stores now seem to have taken a backseat to Easter? When you go into the stores the Easter displays are almost as elaborate as the Christmas ones. (I am Irish but must admit the bunnies are cuter then the leprechans.) Mardi Gras always seems to be such a fun and festive time that I decided to find out more about it. This year it's February 28. It would be fun to celebrate, but in a much calmer way than we have seen it done in Lousiana. I looked it and this is what I found: Carnival is the over-arching name for the holiday that can encompass the days or weeks leading to Lent. Over the years, Carnival has extended beyond the boundaries of religion and country and become universally celebrated. America's most famous celebration takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana. The streets of New Orleans are transformed into a sea of costumed revelers; there are literally people and music pouring out of every cobblestoned inch of the French Quarter (ground zero for Mardi Gras celebration). It's widely recognized that there is no better party than Mardi Gras, and people flock from all around the world to take part in the incredible festivities. If you can't make the journey to New Orleans for Mardi Gras this year, plan your own party! All you need are some indulgent Louisiana Cajun-inspired recipes, dancing music, and a crew of wacky party guests! Shrimp and Crab Gumbo
1 pound fresh or frozen large shrimp in shells Thaw shrimp, if frozen. Peel and devein shrimp, leaving tails intact if desired. Rinse shrimp; pat dry with paper towels. 2. In a medium skillet, cook flour over medium heat about 6 minutes or until brown, stirring often. Transfer to a medium bowl; set aside. 3. In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, sweet pepper, celery, and garlic; cook and stir about 5 minutes or until tender. 4. Slowly whisk broth into browned flour. Add broth mixture, water, and Cajun Spice Mix to Dutch oven. Stir in okra. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes. 5. Add shrimp; cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp is pink. Gently stir in crabmeat. 6. To serve, spoon gumbo into 8 bowls. Top each serving with rice, a shrimp, and a green onion, if desired. If desired, pass hot pepper sauce. Makes 8 (1-1/4 cups gumbo plus 1/3 cup rice) servings. Cajun Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crushed; 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; and 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper Now, I realize some people of the South love really spicy food, but this recipe can be made eliminating all the hot spices and still be really good. This recipe also makes 8 servings so you could make it smaller for your own family. It might be fun to celebrate with streamers of curling ribbon hanging from the doorways, some balloons, bake a cake, hang some inexpensive beads up, or have the kids wear a couple of strands just so they can see how it is celebrated and what it is. From the Sodus Free Library desk: 'Kisses' to all who helped with the Library's Third Annual Valentine Chocolate Sale. Thirty-five people donated chocolate goodies of all kinds, several members of the Friends of the Sodus Free Library set up, sliced and priced, and countless people shopped. At the end of the two days, we had made $501.90, more than double last year's total! Also don't forget storytime: Weekly Story Hours are held year round, every Monday from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Encouraging a love of reading at an early age will enhance a child's entire life. At the Williamson Library: Storytime Stop-Ins begin on March 6 with the Children's Specialist Michelle Byrne. LAP-SIT Stories for children 18 months to 3 years are Mondays at 10:30 and Wednesdays at 1:30. Children must be accompanied by an adult story partner. PRE-SCHOOL Stories for children 3 to 5 years are Mondays at 1:30 and Wednesdays at 10:30. No registration required - just stop in! 'Programs Sandwiched-In' are the 3rd Wednesday of the Month at noon. Call to reserve a lunch! Volunteer to help... set up, clean up or provide goodies!
Candles make the house smell so nice, especially this time of year when we can't really get any fresh air in the house without freezing. Just be careful of pets. A window sill near the kitchen sink is a good place to put a candle. (Cats and kids usually try to stay away from water.) And don't forget to blow out the candle before you leave the house. (May sound like a 'no brainer' but you get used to it being lit and the nice smell... it's easy to do. Have a good and safe week. Think spring! Do you have things you like to do to celebrate springs coming ? Please write to me at It would be fun to begin a spring tradition. Copyright
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