Columns

Eggplant is on sale, and a couple of women at the grocery asked me how to fix it.
I had a recipe in my purse because I was getting the ingredients for Easy Cheesy Eggplant, which was part of my monthly program at the Senior Center.
As I gave the recipe to one of the women, the other one asked me to just tell her the recipe, she would remember it.
It’s easy to make and delicious. Most of the seniors liked it and many had never tried eggplant before.

Anderson County residents include at least 70 children who are military dependents from all branches of the military.
Frequent deployments have become a way of life in the past 10 years. Returning home is not necessarily easy for the families or military personnel.
Community members can help military families by understanding that no one reacts the same to coming home. Rejoice together at reunions and give families time and space to re-integrate.

Fish is healthy but fried fish is not as good for us as fish that’s prepared without frying.
In fact, nutritionists say that frying fish negates the benefit of eating fish.  
I like a crunchy coating on the fish but I don’t like a greasy feel or taste. The best way to get crunch is to use panko bread crumbs. Corn flakes will work, but they still look like crunched corn flakes to me.
Regular bread crumbs are softer and don’t get as crunchy.

Column as I see ’em …
I was already in a sour mood when I stopped to fill my gas tank Friday night.
I had just reviewed my year-end tax documents and was doing a slow burn over how much money was confiscated from my family so it could be squandered by politicians bottom fishing for votes.
My burn grew a little hotter as the meter on the gas pump charged toward $60, so I shut it off and figured a chat with the jovial cashier inside might put me in a better mood before I went home.