Ladies, Let's Take a Leap!

from SadWonderland

Look out, Boys!  Ladies all over the world may be leaping ...
... for YOU!

As soon as 2012 began, my mother was already talking about how this is a leap year.

"Oh, Angel, this is our year.  Have you made special Valentine's plans for your hubby yet?  It is leap year, you know." 

"No. I had no idea that it was leap year.  And, I had no idea that I was to do anything out of the norm."  "It is Sadie Hawkins!  You have to make the plans for your Valentine this yea-ear-ear." 

"Well, yes.  I usually do make the plans for my Valentine.  I am the planner here." 

So, no worries.  In this Angellic house, not much has changed for this Leap Year.  BUT....

if you live in Ireland....  WATCH OUT BOYS!


Long ago, and even into my mother's generation, ladies would NEVER be caught asking a gentleman for a date.  And, even more so, they would certainly NEVER EVER be caught proposing marriage. Much has changed for women.  In today's world, women can casually invite men for coffee.  They may ask them to dinner.  And, although many still prefer not to, women may propose marriage.  But, this is the age of the modern woman.  A time in history where women may choose to work or stay home.  Wives may choose to supplement their husbands wages or they may choose to be the primary family income.  And they may earn enough to do that comfortably.

ACatholicView.blogspot.com

This is the modern way of women.  However, in history, this was not the way.  In the days of dear St Patrick, a lady whose man could not find it in himself to propose marriage, well... that lady was... well... just stuck, waiting.  She had no means by which to suggest otherwise.  It was not virtuous.  And for the ladies of Ireland, this plight was so troublesome that a woman by the name of St Bridget complained.  She complained to St Patrick and so, although it was not recognized by the courts, on February 29th, a woman could ask for a man's hand in marriage. 

Can you imagine the pressure that St. Bridget must have on on poor St. Patrick?  Legend says that it was declared, that every four years on that one special day, a woman could ask for her man's hand in marriage.  And, if the man were to refuse, then he would pay a fine!  A man's refusal to accept a marriage proposal on February 29th meant that he must buy her a pair of gloves, silken dress or some other... well... other token of apology.  (Wikinut.com and About.com)

In the United States, Leap Day became known as Sadie Hawkins.  It was a day when the ladies could invite the men.  But, did you know that Sadie Hawkins was actually a fictitious holidy some time in November? 

Sadie Hawkins, is a fictious character in Al Capp's 1930's "Lil Abner" cartoon.   Sadie was quite the spinster and not able to get a date.  So, her powerful father arranged a day for a race, a race to marriage.  One day, each November, the men would start running and the one that Sadie caught had to marry her.  Many sequences evolved around this fictitious holiday and many men were caught by many women and pulled across the finish line to marriage. (Wikipedia.com)

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Throughout US culture, though, things changed.  Women became bold and empowered.  And, as the culture evolved, so did traditions.  Leap Day, slowly became Sadie Hawkins day.  Many social events were held where the women would invite the men and the two would arrive in matching hillbilly attire.  Men could not refuse the invitation and ladies were given control.

Many Leap Years have passed since I thought about the traditions of Sadie Hawkins and St Bridget.  But, today is Leap Day 2012.  Perhaps, this year, we do things a little different at our house.  Maybe we will do something a little less romantic and a little more .... Sadie!

Happy Leap Day, Ya'll!

I'm sick of it.... and I'm back!

I'm not sure if it is the steroids, the lack of sleep,

or the oxygen that is finally able to reach my lungs but I am full of stuff to share!

We have been sick here.  Actually, sick is a bit of an understatement.  Just in the last week alone, I found myself mentally preparing for a trip to the ER, the potential of hospital admission, and all for my sick little angel.  Uncountable times, I thought through the plan and questioned whether we should wait through the night to see our pediatrician or head down to the hospital, STAT.

The worst is finally over.  Our health is improving.  And... we have the meds, tissue boxes and home remedies to prove it!  With a little extra congestion here and an extended nap there, we are slowly getting back to our routines. 

And, for me, that includes YOU! 

I am sick of being sick and ready to write.  My mind is full of ideas that I want to tell you about.  I have some crazy new recipes including a fish for our Firday fasters.  Then, for St. Paddy's Day, I am going to "corn", or cure, my own allergy-friendly, nitrate-free beef brisket!  What?!  Oooohhh, yes I am!  That means one half hour to prep the meat and more than 240 hours to "corn" it.  But, it is going to be easy and fun!

All of this excitement begins tomorrow!  We'll kick it off with our "Going Green for St. Patrick" plan. I will let you know what we are planning for Saturday, March 17th.  I will tell you what's on the menu, what we are doing for fun, and even share my angel's favorite craft!  Then, back by popular demand is our "Lenten Fish on Friday".  Each Friday, I will post either an old, a new, or a found recipe for fish.  As many of you fast your way through the holiday, I want to encourage you with some delicious recipes like "Sweet Molasses! Salmon" or "Fried Popcorn Scallops", to name only a few.  I have great stuff coming and I just can't wait!

I hope that you will join in the fun..... beginning............ TOMORROW!

In the Thick of It!

We have had a rough start to this year. From environmental allergies and asthma to the flu and, now, pneumonia, we have had it all. And, because we just love each other so much in this family, we have "shared"it all. Yes, we surely are in the thick of it!

But, despite all of that, I have so much that I want to share with you! From new recipes like my shredded pork to medical news like the Epi-pen that is on its way this November, I have so much to share. But, for now, we are all still sick and it seems that I will be the next grateful recipient of the gunk that we are now passing around. So, I will just be content to let you know that The Allergic Angel is still here, in the thick of it, struggling through the new challenges of a new year with Honey Tea and Chicken Noodle Soup in hand.

I can't wait to get back to my computer but until then, you are on my mind and in my prayers. Stay healthy and keep your eyes open for some Fish on Friday recipes when I am able.

Happy Mardi Gras!

Love my Sushi!

Not enough green?  Toss some sprouts with a dash of oil, salt, sugar, and lemon then serve under or on the side of the sushi.  Feel the need for a sauce?  Drizzle with honey to bring ou the natural sweetness of the fish and beets.



Love My Sushi!

cooked sushi rice
rice vinegar
sugar
salt
steamed beets
sliced smoked salmon (lox)
heart-shaped cookie cutter

Mix sushi rice.
Cut whole beet into heart shape using a paring knife.
Using a mandoline, cut the heart-shaped beet into thin heart slices.
Using a heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut pieces of lox into hearts.
Place a spoon of prepared sushi rice in the palm of your hand.
Form the rice into a small log.
Place a thin slice of beet and a heart-shaped piece of lox on top of the rice.