Grapevine by Rosalyn Queen Alonso
If you remember last fall, I had an abundance of mushrooms. The last batch that we cleaned I par boiled them, then I put them in quart jar, added hot water, a teaspoon of salt and a couple cloves of garlic. I put the lids and rings on them and put them in the oven for about 15 minutes. The jars sealed well. Last week I opened up two quarts and they tasted great. I rinsed them off and then placed them in the crock with fresh garlic, peppers and mint, and I hope that I will have fresh saliata for Easter. I will let you know how they turned out. It will be great for our family to have fresh saliata for spring; the remaining two quarts I hope to bread them and fry them for dinner. I cannot imagine having another bumper crop this year, but I will be ready.
We are now at the end of the Lenten season and should be prepared for Easter Sunday. Last Sunday was Palm Sunday and as I have told you before, I always look forward to my palm crosses made by Zeke Lopez. This year as I entered church for the 7:00 A.M. Mass, there Zeke was with three crosses he had made for me. Thanks Zeke … it has now become a tradition for you and me. He told me he was having Easter dinner on Palm Sunday and that his mother would be with him and that he was making fresh frittis for her. This is what family is all about. Hope you all plan on spending the holiday with your family. I also encourage you to spend some time in church this week and to attend an Easter service at your church.
We are planning on celebrating the 100th anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima. Our church has the Pilgrim statue of the Virgin Mother and you can make arrangements for it to visit your home. If you would like to have her visit, contact Carla Iaquinta to make arrangements. Her number is 304-623-9344. She visited my house last fall and I enjoyed her so much I purchased my own statue; now she has a permanent residence with me. When I speak of our church, I mean the Immaculate Conception in Clarksburg.
This past week there has been a lot of news about the defibrillator in public places. The PWA is looking into securing one for the Uptown Event Center and having trained individuals to use it. It is very important and could be a life saver if everyone knows just where the defibrillator is placed.
There is a lot of activity at the PWA as we get ready for the Celebrate America Women of Distinction luncheon. Call for more information and to make reservations. If you are planning a party for graduation or a wedding, be sure to check into renting the Uptown Event Center. Call 304-624-6881 for more information.
What happened to spring? With these hot temperatures it seems that we are in the middle of summer, but remember I am not complaining. I do not think that we should get in a hurry for the gardens; I am sure there will be some more cold weather and frosts. Everyone in our neighborhood has been busy cutting their grass, at least several times, and there is an abundance of dandelions. My yard if full of violets, which as a little girl, I called Johnny Jump Ups… so many memories and they are all good.
Have a blessed Easter and until next Week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”