Tomato, Tomahto

I could eat salsa on pretty much anything. But when it comes to eating a raw tomato, I'd rather eat dirt.

The combination of jalapeno, onion, garlic and cilantro in salsa somehow masks the taste of raw tomato and actually makes it edible. Even as someone who doesn't like tomatoes know, it takes a good tomato to make a delicious salsa.

I picked up some tips on growing tomatoes at the Elk Grove Community Garden's 5th Annual Tomato Tasting on Aug. 28.

Read my column, The Scoop and my article covering the event in the Sept. 1 edition. http://www.egcitizen.com/

Photos courtesy of Elizabeth Bailey.

Are You A Gift Wrapping Pro?

There are all types of talents in the world. Some people excell at sports... others at gift wrapping.

Scotch Brand (the company that makes tape) is calling for entries for their 14th Annual Scotch Brand Most Gifted Wrapper Contest.

Visit http://www.mostgiftedwrapper.com/ and write 100 words about you or someone you know who is a gift wrapping expert, include tips and photos (optional). Eight people- four amateurs and four professionals- will be flown in NYC for a three day, three night all expenses paid trip where they will compete againist eachother on Dec. 3 at Rockefeller Center. The winner gets $10,000!

Last year's winner wrapped a seven foot tall sailboat!

Good luck!

It's Monday and My Legs Are Still Sore

I was invited to take a Macumba class on Friday, August 6 at Dance 2d Rhythm in Elk Grove.
Wow! It kicked my #%&!
When Gillian, one of the instructors, called to invite me she asked me if I worked out regularly. These days I'm an on-and-off exerciser and right now I'm off!
"This will get you back into it!" she said.
She was correct!
Even though I was walking with the fluidity of a robot this weekend due to my sore legs, it showed me exactly how much my body lacks exercise.
I have a hard time running on a treadmill like a hamster. Macumba makes working out fun!
This is definitely a class I will be back to do again!

Seniors and Fitness

Last week I received a call from Dorothy Walker, a local resident who works out at Curves on the border of Elk Grove and Sacramento.
Walker told me that many senior citizens workout at that gym and suggested I write a story about "seniors taking charge."
While I like the concept of fitness for seniors, I needed an angle. So I called the Department of Physical Education at Cosumnes River College (CRC) and spoke with the dean, Liz Belyea.
She said today's seniors have more opportunities to develop unhealthy habits.
Which is a shame, because as Belyea reminded me of something I remember reading about in college, as we get older our bodies get weaker. Our bones become more susceptible injuries from falling. That is why strength training is so important, especially for senior citizens.
Read about senior health in this week's "The Scoop" column and stay tuned for a future story about senior citizen health and fitness.