It's the Salt

I'm still standing after the week-end family siege!  Looking back it felt like one of my favorite Sponge Bob's episode where thousands of sardines visit the Krustry Krab to eat and Sponge Bob comes to the rescue by preparing hundreds of burgers.  As soon as the fish eat, they all rush out into the buses.  I think my family members would agree that the trip was fun, but too short. 

Speaking of, I had stated that I would pick my uncle's brain during the visit to find out his secrets of making a killer Argentinian Churrasco.  Ready with pen and paper to take notes, I was humbled to find out that the only ingredient one needs is salt; preferably sea salt.  Now, the sauce known as Chimichurri is a personal addition to the recipe.  He was kind of enough to make me a huge stash, which is patiently waiting inside the fridge for Waldo's home visit in the next couple of weeks.

Here it goes...

Use flank steaks and add salt to each side prior to placing them on the barbecue or inside cooking iron.  Then, let it cook.

If you are interested in eating the Churrasco with the sauce, here are the ingredients. 

Cut up fresh parsley and garlic, and add oregano and oil to the mixture.  The sauce is then cooked at very low heat for about 10 minutes or so. 

Below are pictures of how the Chimichurri sauce is made.  If you decide to prepare this popular dish, please let me know your thoughts!  Stay tuned for my aunt's famous Arroz con Leche recipe!

Chopped parsley.



Chopped garlic added to parsley.



A success.

Words in Action

Many of you have noticed the section titled "Words to Live By" where I regularly rotate some of the many favorite quotes made by people I admire.  We know that actions speak louder than words so I decided to practice what I support or preach.  Imagine how different the world would be if each of us did something good as part of living our lives.  We often get caught up in our own world and easily forget how hard life is for the majority of the population.

Its obvious that some quotes are more practical than others allowing the person to do exactly as stated.  This led me to use one I use on Facebook made by Mother Theresa, which states that "If you can't feed a hundred people, then just feed one." 

Initially, it wasn't my intent to act on the quote.  I did what brought peace of mind.  Some of you know that feeling that comes over when you are in a car and notice a woman/man out of luck begging for money.  Well, this time it was an older man sitting on a lawn chair next to his two dogs near the parking lot of Walmart.  My mind was set on providing something for him, but also for his dogs.  I am a softy for animals. 

Although I knew what Waldo's response would be after I alerted him to my plans, he supported me.  I believe deep inside human beings want to help, but often don't for personal reasons. 

The moment came when I jumped out of the car and walked up to the man.  He was very grateful for what he received, but even more thankful for what his companions were getting.  I challenge you do something positive for whatever cause you feel strongest in your heart.  As for me, this is just the beginning of something I plan to write about often. 

It's Good to be a Kid

As a child, growing up in the northeast allowed for a few snow days and the usual holiday breaks throughout the school year.  In Florida, the schools not only close one day for the Florida State Fair (FSF), but they also provide students with a free entry ticket.  More about the Florida State Fair.

The day was not ideal; the weather was considered "cold" for residents of FL.  I realize some of my family members have been battling blizzard conditions and what we are experiencing would be considered a "warm" and welcomed day.  Nonetheless, my cold hardy bones, which were put to the test while living in Canada where the fleuve St. Laurent freezes over, are days long gone.    

The FSF has the usual rides, food (unhealthy but good!) as well as animal exhibits and petting zones, etc...  The girls rode the kid rides, but with an agreement that they had to be "fast"; they were some rides that were slow and were over in the blink of an eye.  Once I ran out of tickets, which signaled the end of rides, it was corn dogs and watching a bear exhibit about brown bears.  I have never seen bears so close in the past, so it was nice to admire their strength, size, and intelligence as they performed.

In all, the couple of hours we spent at the Fair was a nice change of scenary.  I don't think that I would attend if given the opportunity, but maybe that is part of the reason why free tickets are provided to the kids?
Now that we've checked off having done the FSF, the Strawberry Festival is just around the corner.  Stay tuned for an update. 

Girls Having Fun

Riding Cars

More Rides

Pushing Cart



Dunking Ball



Ah, Technology

I remember before there was a thing called the Internet and also when it was a new means of communication.  How did we manage without it?!  As with everything, there are positives and negatives, but I believe there are many more positives associated with having the Internet like being able to speak with family/friends that live on the other side of the world, performing your own research on topics, and even getting an education. 

Most of you have noticed that I haven't written recently and that is due to the Internet.  I've had connectivity issues and intermittent access.  Since Waldo is the computer wiz and is away, I've just accepted the situation.  However, I bit the bullet and decided to call the service provider.  The issue was resolved in less than 5 minutes.  So, now that I am back, there's a lot of catching up I need to do.  

For starters, I wanted to share a neat photo Waldo forwarded during the protests that took place in Yemen.  Most of you saw the one of the grandma in the blog titled Who's Your Granny?  This, my friends, is by far the best photo so far.  What the h***!  You can't make this stuff up!  Enjoy. 

Yemeni Protester