1.0The News Journalhttps://qa.thenewsjournal.netrich600338<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="w4lqyaJ4Lu"><a href="https://qa.thenewsjournal.net/danced-tango-qe-2/">I danced the Tango on the QE-2</a></blockquote><iframe sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" src="https://qa.thenewsjournal.net/danced-tango-qe-2/embed/#?secret=w4lqyaJ4Lu" width="600" height="338" title="“I danced the Tango on the QE-2” — The News Journal" data-secret="w4lqyaJ4Lu" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" class="wp-embedded-content"></iframe><script type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */ /*! 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Although my late husband and I took ballroom dancing for years, I never learned the tango. I was passable with the rhumba, samba, the cha cha cha, but l failed miserably when it came to the tango. I thought about this when I watched a video recently of the president who seemed to be quite accomplished with a dance that had always eluded me. And I knew why. He had a good partner as I did several years ago on a magical night that I happily recalled. It happened during the time I sailed to England for a free two-week trip on the QE-2 some years ago. You may recall reading about it in this newspaper. A national magazine had run a decorating contest that I entered and won. It was a dream come true in more ways than one. Having been a true Anglophile for as long as I can remember, loving all things British and dreaming about the lovely countryside I had seen in magazines, and walking where historical figures, poets, and authors walked, it was almost too much to fathom. I was actually going to see the Tower of London, visit the home where William Shakespeare grew up and where William Wordsworth wrote about “wandering lonely as a cloud and seeing a host of golden daffodils,” and of course shopping at the famous department store Harrods. Moving on, it all became a reality when I boarded the great luxury-liner that was known as the Queen of the Seas. And the ship lived up to its name. It truly was luxury personified. I felt like I was “walking in tall cotton” as the saying goes. I could never have paid for the trip out of my own pocket and being surrounded by the upper c rust plus many celebrities made me feel like the country mouse. But I decided to go for it by taking in all the amenities the ship had to offer, like a proper English tea at four each day……. little cucumber sandwiches, scones, clotted cream, and tea, of course, served in delicate bone china teacups and poured from real silver teapots. Did I say “walking in tall cotton?” The ship made sure its passengers were entertained as we sailed across a rather calm ocean and on one particular night, I joined many of the other passengers in the Queen’s Lounge where a dance was held each night. A full orchestra played old standards that were easy to dance to. The ship had provided male “escorts” to dance with the ladies who didn’t have a partner. And the escorts had very strict rules that forbade them to associate with the ladies when they were off the dance floor. They were very good dancers and were “movie star” handsome. I had danced several dances and when the orchestra struck up a tango, I sat down to watch the others. When an escort invited me to dance, I vehemently shook my head and told him I couldn’t dance the tango. “I’ll show you how,” he said, taking my hand and leading me onto the dance floor. He gripped my hand and waist firmly and before I knew it I was following his lead with every step. So graceful, never a misstep. I could not believe it. I was Ginger and he was Fred. As I remember, it was a magical night and one of my happiest memories. And with no claim to fame to speak of, I may have “I Danced the Tango on the QE-2” etched on my tombstone. That oughta liven up the residents in the old cemetery. FAMILY FAVORITE SPAGHETTI PIE Ingredients 8 ounces dry spaghetti, cooked according to directions on box 1/3 cup grated Parmesan Cheese, divided 1 egg, beaten 1 pound ground chuck beef cooked, drained 1 can (15 oz ) Hunt’s Tomato Sauce 1-1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese Directions Heat oven to 350°F. Toss spaghetti with half the Parmesan and egg; press onto bottom and up side of 9-inch pie plate to form crust.Mix meat and tomato sauce; spoon into crust. Top with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan. Bake 30 minutes or until heated through. Let stand for a few minutes before eating.