Elaine Gallagher
Bio
I am an elementary educator and freelance writer. I enjoy writing about education, health and fitness and every day life issues. You can find my writing at egallagher.contently.com and my blog, Just Me, https://egallagher713.wordpress.com
Stories (61/0)
Chicken Francese
Most of us are always looking for a new way to make chicken. I have made chicken cutlets, chicken Marsala, chicken parmigiana, and grilled chicken to use in stir fry or salads. We know we want to eat more chicken and less beef but often we are bored. Recently, I have become a big fan of making chicken francese.
By Elaine Gallagher4 years ago in Feast
Creating My Garden
Although I have been living in my condo for almost four years, I never had time to plant a “real” garden. I did dabble in planting some pretty flowers but without much knowledge or even research, and my gardens were average at best. So this was my first summer in retirement and with the help of my neighbor, who is an expert gardener, I was able to come up with flowers for my little area to make it stick out and look like a real garden.
By Elaine Gallagher4 years ago in Lifehack
Fish Dinners in a Snap
I was raised eating and loving all kinds of fish dinners. We usually ate fish or pizza on a Friday during Lent. This tradition was carried on when going out to eat as well. You always wanted to try some foods you don‘t usually make at home. And, of course, we have the 7 fishes on Christmas Eve. I hope to simplify some of these recipes for you so you can whip up a fish healthy dinner whenever you want.
By Elaine Gallagher4 years ago in Feast
Sweet Sorrento
On our trip to Italy last year we decided to stay an extra day in Sorrento. Sorrento is a city that breathes the life of Italy, the Italian culture and the beauty of the coast. Lazy days walking the streets shopping, looking out into the clear blue water and eating delicacies along the way was our last taste of Italy in beautiful Sorrento. Sorrento is a coastal town on the Sorrentine Peninsula in southwestern Italy. It faces the Bay of Naples. It is known for its water view and for cafe-lined streets in the famous Piazza Tasso.
By Elaine Gallagher4 years ago in Wander
The Beautiful Bichon Frise
I have loved dogs my whole life. I do prefer smaller dogs to larger dogs because sometimes I am a little frightened although some large breeds like German Shepherds are just the most loyal, lovable friends. About seven years ago I met a beautiful Bichon Frise, named Faux Paus, and I was completely enthralled with her. So much so that her owner gave us one of her puppies, the female runt of the litter. We decided to name her Penne. She is a typical Bichon Frise. So what does that really mean?
By Elaine Gallagher4 years ago in Petlife
The Many Facets Of Ireland
One of my fondest traveling memories was my visit to Ireland. We spent ten days traveling throughout the Emerald Isle visiting as many counties and attractions as we could. We started off and ended our trip in Dublin. Dublin is a city like no other I have ever visited. The flavor of a bustling metropolis coupled with Irish brogues and friendliness beyond the realms of a city I am used to living in. The residents were always helpful and guided you through the days which were sometimes confusing when trying to find a place, driving on the other side of the road, and trying to understand how much money you were spending. After landing we spent our first day wandering the main strip and checking out some fun pubs. This is where I started collecting beer coasters of beers made in different parts of Ireland. My favorite by far was The Galway Hooker. On the first day we also decided to tour the Jameson Factory, which was very informative and where I left with my new favorite drink, Jamie and Ginger. Basically, it is Jameson, ginger ale and lime juice. I love the way they give you the tiny bottle of ginger ale on the side. I actually took a few home for a souvenir.
By Elaine Gallagher4 years ago in Wander
End of the School Year
Teachers lives turned upside down the day that Covid-19 lockdown hit the country. One day we are in school with our classes and the next day (with a blink of an eye) we are at home trying to figure out Virtual Learning. At the onset, we figured we would be out a week, maybe two. Little did we know that we would be saying goodbye to our students online three months later in June. For some teachers retiring this year it is an even harder task.
By Elaine Gallagher4 years ago in Education
The Magic of Puerto Rico
This was my third vacation to the magnificent island of Puerto Rico. I hadn’t been there in over 15 years, but always remembered the culture that made this island so very special to me. I had visited many islands but always felt Puerto Rico in my heart. It wasn’t just about sand and blue water, but it has so much more to offer. Puerto Rico has a flavor that never leaves you. Full of culture and beauty, Puerto Rico is an island to be discovered. The people, the food, the music and the history are unmatched anywhere.
By Elaine Gallagher4 years ago in Wander
Mindfulness Can Relieve Stress
Mindfulness is a moment by moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, experiences and environment without judgement. Often, we live but are not present in our living. Practicing mindfulness lets us become more aware of our everyday lives a moment at a time.
By Elaine Gallagher4 years ago in Longevity
Virtual Teaching
In the middle of March, teachers went home as if it were a regular day of work and never returned. They were informed that schools were closed due to Covid-19 and were asked to teach from home. Many of them did not have their curriculums with them and did not have their lesson plan book. Of course, they remembered what they did that last day of teaching but how do we move forward.
By Elaine Gallagher4 years ago in Education
Are You a Pizza Connoisseur?
I don’t know many people who don’t like pizza. Some people stick to their plain pie while others love an assortment of toppings. People are very picky about pizza and will discuss it at length if prompted. Conversations can sound like, “that pizza place makes it too thick, I prefer the place down the block that makes it thin and crispy.” or “well, I will only buy my pizza at the corner pizzeria because they have a wide variety of toppings and their tomato sauce is delicious”. Sometimes it’s all about the sauce, and sometimes it’s about thickness and crispiness. Pizza is a food that can create more disagreements among people who can usually eat peacefully at another kind of restaurant together. Pizza is a preferred taste.
By Elaine Gallagher4 years ago in Feast