Healthy Choices 07/16/08

Have a truck load of stuff for DD garage sale must take over today as sale is Thursday and Friday but still not getting rid of hardcover or community cookbooks will go through them and sell on eBay I think. Will make a list of ones I think you all might be interested in at that time.

Good morning viny and those to follow.  I am really envious of your fresh veggies.  I have plenty of room in the back yard for a nice garden but just cannot do it myself.  How I miss the garden we had when we lived in central Texas.  It was 50'x75'.  We grew corn, cabbage, chard, lettuces, radishes, onions, potatoes (red, white and sweet ones), green beans, okra, spinach, yellow and zucchini squash, jalapeños, bell peppers, horseradish, tomatoes, cucumbers etc.  We had a berry patch as well as a watermelon and cantaloupe patch.  Sure miss the fresh stuff.  We are getting pretty good tomatoes at the farmers' markets and some nice pickling cucumbers...love those!

I think we all need to get back to WW but I hate spending the money and hate having to get out with the price of gas so high.  Plus, the place locally where they meet is marginally accessible.  The ramp is way too steep.  Plus it's very crowded.  And I'm not sure I'd do well doing it on line.  It's a crying shame...we all know what to do, we have the support of this group....and yet we do not do it.  Makes me so darn mad at myself.

I hope to hear from Marti later today.  I've got to be out for an appt here soon and likely won't be back until about 2-230.  If I haven't heard by then, I'll give her a call.  I think she and Shirley both appreciate our calls.  By the way, PatA and Maureen, I got your checks.

The contractor is out there working on the fence and the gates.  We decided that the steel posts would be better...only needed three there.  And he will reinforce the gates so that we have better closure.  Miss Molly definitely does not like being confined to the house!  Have to take her out for potty breaks on a leash while the gates are down or open.

OK...time's awastin'....got to leave in about 45 minutes so hope to accomplish some little something in that amount of time.  Perhaps I'll peruse the grocery ads.  More later...hope more folks stop by today.  I think this is the day Jo Lynn comes back from visiting her DD and family.

Y'all take care!

vammie

Good morning Viny, Vammie and all who come by later.

Viny, I want to come over for dinner tonight.  I love fresh veggies. 

Our garden is very small but when it ripens, we'll have enough tomatoes and zukes for the neighborhood.  Also put in green beans which are probably my favorites.  Cooked with new potatoes, Yummm.

Verna, I don't want to pay to go to WW either.  And I am mad at myself that I even have to consider it when I have all of you WW right here to check in with on a daily basis.

As far as gas prices go, I'm thinking the reason Viny knows it's 4.5 miles from his house is because he plans to walk to and from the meeting each week. 

I don't know what I will be doing today except that my Sis and I are going to Walmart.  The kids will be here today too. 

DD has the day off so she will come to visit the company.

She signed the papers on the condo so I guess it's a go.  It will be nice to have them on this side of the river.   With gas so high and toll bridge to pay, it will be cheaper for them to be here too.

Well gang, I'm outta here till later.

Good morning, everyone.

I never made it back here, yeasterday.  Lusi, you and I must be running in the same circles.  I was still running till 10 PM last night.  Today should be a little slower till this evening, then we're meeting DS's brother and his wife at the concert again.  The Wednesday night concerts are really nice and relaxing and it's nice to see John and Cathy too. I hope I win a door prize this time.  LOL  I always say that and never win. That's why I'm not a gambler.

Viny, your garden is way ahead of ours. I don't think we get enough sun anymore.  It was nice and sunny there 20 years ago, but the trees all around that area are so big now, they block out most of the sun.  DH doesn't want to cut down the trees and doesn't want to move the garden because he put so much work into the 6 ft fence that keeps the deer out.  I think it's a lost cause and tell him every year not to plant it again.  He still puts in the vegie plants and we do get some, but late. 

Vammie, thanks so much for the recipe.  I'll make that cake next week for DH's birthday.  I agree with all of you about WW, but it does work better when I attend the meetings.  It's just finding the time to do it, or I should say fitting it into a Thursday schedule.  Speaking of gardens, your garden sounds like it was just wonderful, Vammie.  No wonder you miss all of the fresh fruit and vegetables. 

Barb, enjoy your company while thery're there.  Congratulations to DD on the purchase of the condo.  It will be so nice for you to have them so much closer. 

I watered the flowers first thing this morning since it's reaching the 90s to day.  That's too hot for me.  I'm glad the evenings cool down.  I can find a lot of things to do inside today, now just to get myself to do them.  lol   Of course, another load of laundry, then I should tackle sorting the junk mail and do some bills.  I get so mad at myself when I don't sort and get rid of the junk mail each day when it comes.  I usually do, then there are those weeks when I just pile it and do it all in one day.  Not my favorite thing to do.

Keeping Joe and Marti in my prayers.

Back a little later.  Take care and God bless. Jo Ann

Good Afternoon everyone.  We are home, for now,  I'm trying so hard to be positive. They reduced the mg on his medication that was causing the kidney problem.  Very few medications on the market to help atrial defribrilation and this is the second one he has been on, first one elevated his thyroid, this one affects the kidneys and doctor said yesterday there was possibly one more they could try if the reduced amt of this one did not help.  We've had many blessings since the heart problems started 30 years ago so I do have so things to be thankful.  He felt better this morning, in fact, he said better than many weeks,  of course, I know the stress of all that was going on with SM didn't help him.  Now I need to get settled down so I can get a closure with all her things.  We still have the house hanging out there and i would say forget it, but he wants to go ahead so I'll take from day to day.
I scanned the past post, Sue, think long and hard about that second home.   We sold one in Fl. because of distance of traveling and keeping it up.  We are now in a travel club that you may be interested in, gives you a variety of where you go and out annual fee is only $99.00 annually and we can use it as many times a year as we want to,  it has worked well for us and didn't cost us much to get into the club.  If you are interested, let me know and I'll send you information.   Now, if you think you may be going to to the vacation home as a permanent home later on, it may be different.  My sis has a home in N.C. and one in  Steamboat Spgs. they use each about 6 months a year but she has just said they should have purchased a condo in N.C. because of the upkeep, etc. They did build it before they purchased in Co., and their kids are in N.C. so I know they will keep something there.  I guess it is a matter of preference.  With the economy like it is now, I'm almost afaird if we build we will have problems selling out house, plus we have some land in town that we would like to get rid of,  with Joe's health, I don't want to have all this to keep up with.
Verna, when you get all the little things done at your house, I'm sure you will be happy that you have moved into the new house.
So sorry Shirley is not feeling well, I know these next weeks will be critical to getting her back on her feet.  It was nice of the girls to have the painting done while she was in rehab. What a wonderful surprise.
I've lots to get caught up on today, ironing is behind and with the headache I've had over a week it will be a slow go, but I must start it.
Verna, thanks for all the call and to all of you, thanks for your prayers and caring.  You are all such special "family"

Hello everyone.  Wouldn't you all like to come over and have a coffee in my sparkling clean kitchen? Well at least the surfaces are clean.  Still have to go through the cupboards.   I started with the ceiling today and then the windows, then behind the applicances and the floors.   I even got down on my hands and knees for the wax.   Tomorrow or Friday it is the living room's turn.   I'm going to have to wax that floor, too, as it is the same wood as the kitchen.  Can't have one looking dull, can we?   I washed my curtains, but I don't think I am going to put them back up.  They are quite faded, and maybe it is time fo rnew ones.  Think I will go have a look at some fabric tomorrow.

I had an e-mail from DH today.  He was leaving for the bush and won't be back until Friday or Saturday to his e-mail connection.   He is scheduled to return next week.  Today's message was rather cryptic that the office may send him on a project evaluation to Ethiopia.  So I don't know if he will come home and then go back or what.   Not too happy about this if it means I have to harvest all of the currants myself!!!!!   If that's the case, i think i will leave them for bird food!

Glad to hear that Joe is getting the care he needs. And I hope Shirley is doing better.   

WW - let's just do it together.   If we just start being committed, we can do it wtihout the meetings!   No excuses!

I have to organize a few more things in the kitchen....will try to check in later!  lusi

Hi everyone.

Marti, I was hoping there would be a post from you.  I'm glad they are finding the right medication for DH. I'm sure they reminded him, to drink lots of water with the meds, especially if they are known to be a little hard on his kidneys. 

 I hope your headache will be better soon.  Maybe if you can just take some time tonight for some relaxation.......warm bath, candles and soft music and no interruptions.  Hope you can find about 20 minutes for something like that to relax you every day with everything you have to deal with. I know you go to lots of health seminars, have you ever been to one on relaxation technique?  It's amazing what those 15-20 minutes can do for you.  My doctor said they are more important than the medications I have to take every day, and no, I don't do them as I should, but mentioning them to you, is a reminder for me too.  I have a tape that starts you off with deep breathing, then relaxes each muscle group in your body. It's supposed to be better for you than anything else you can do. It would be so good for Joe too, but I know I can't get Frank to do it at all and I can only attempt it when he's not at home.  God bless and take care.

Lusi, I'll be right over and I'll bring a low point WW snack to go with the coffee.     :)      I can just see your kitchen all sparkling and clean.  Wish I couild say the same for mine right now, but I can't.  I hope Leo will be okay in the bush and can come home before his next assignment.  You must miss him.  He'll be so please to see everything you've done in the house, especially the new window treatment and sofa cushion covers.  What a difference all that must have made.

I hope Shirley is doing a little better today.  Healing can be such a long process and  PT is  such a vital part of that.

I had a call from my friend that fell in her garage and had to have surgery to repair her broken knee.  She's out of rehab now and sounds very good. The heavy metal brace she has to wear goes from her hip to her ankle and, needless to say, if it wasn't for that she would be so much more comfortable, but she is in good spirits and looking forward to that being removed in about 5-6 more weeks.

Making a late lunch/early dinner for DH and myself, so should be moving along now. 

Hope everyone has a nice evening.  Jo Ann

Hello! I was only going to make a quick run over to the Sunflower Farmers Market, but I found too many good things. I was checking out the website www.sfmarkets.com  and it looks like one is coming to Dallas. We are the Murray store. We are sure overcast today, with humidity and 84 degrees. If the sun makes it get any hotter, think we might be in for some rain. I got the garlic under cover. One bulb got stabbed by my shovel a few weeks ago so I took it apart and put the cloves in the frig. Thought I’d try just a tiny taste and not only was it garlicky, but spicy. These are special ones from the Garlic Store in CO and a little pricey, but DH doesn’t know. I have to cure them properly so hopefully they will last. Viny, I want all those veggies from the garden – how are you so far ahead of me? Maybe your soil is superior and your water table is probably pretty high. I have harvested beets but my cukes are only just forming and onions would have been ready, but that space went to 24 garlic plants. The scallions are good – I put some chopped on my tomato, garbanzo, feta salad. I do have kale and chard that is ready for picking. Oh, I did pick the first yellow zucchinis last night. I got more of the shrimp today (3 lbs) since it was so good when we had it. I marinate it in olive oil, lemon juice and pico de gallo and grill it in a grilling pan. Very spicy and addictive. I liked Barb’s suggestion for walking the 4 miles to WW – wouldn’t that be enough and then you could eat what you wanted?

Verna, you grew such a variety – Wow! I have never grown horseradish, did you know what to do with it to use it. Once I grew peanuts just to see what they would do – fun experiment and they were good.

Barb, I’m happy for your DD – sounds like she’s doing well after the divorce. I’m glad they are getting married, though, with buying a condo. You have to be careful how papers are drawn up if you’re not married.

Jo Ann, I would be excited to go to the concerts too. Have a good evening. That is the perfect siggy for you.

Marti, it sounds like you and Joe can move forward now. Hopefully this health problem is behind him. I can understand him wanting the new house, it will keep his mind off of his problems.

Lusi, wouldn’t I love to have you here to help motivate me to deep clean my kitchen? I do have to go in there in a minute and get something done. I hope Leo can come home before going out again. Otherwise, I guess the birds will get a fancy feast.

On the WW, I just wish I was inspired to count the points of dishes I make. That part is so time-consuming. Luckily, summer eating is pretty simple for me. I do log in what I eat and mainly do it to see how many fruits and veggies I can get in. I’ve had grapes and cherries and carrots and tomato so far today. I’ll get in more later with some plain yogurt. I can write down my menu if that would help anyone. Gee, that would really put me on the spot, wouldn’t it? I was telling DH that going to meetings and having to answer to someone weighing you in seems to be what helps people. If you only have yourself, it is too easy to make excuses. But isn’t it sad we can’t be accountable to ourselves? Where’s our willpower? Believe me, I’ve thought about this quite a bit lately. I have to get some things done before peeling shrimp. Ava and Kim are coming for dinner. Got some more fresh corn since it was so good the other day.

Maureen...I didn't really know what to do with the horseradish either!  We grew it to repel squash bugs.  Those darn things can decimate a whole garden in no time...but they did not like horseradish.  I guess ti sort of flavored the soil too!

It was a great garden we had.  We had planned to build a retirement home out there but DH was transferred back to this area.  Now I'm very grateful that we didn't stay out there...no industry, no hospital any more, no decent doctors, no water...just lots of reasons to be where I am now.

So good to see Marti posting.  And so glad they are home.  Hope they both can get some rest now.

Off to clean the kitchen!

vammie

Thought I'd report that I got to talk to Shirley today.   She is in such good spirits, I couldn't believe it.   She said part of her upbeat attitude is due to the fact that she got a very good report from her doctor visit today.   She was outside deadheading some flowers and doing a little watering.   It sounds like she is doing so well.   The stairs are no problem for her either, so she is on her way to recovery.

 Verna, had to laugh about your horseradish.   Somehow I just couldn't imagine you grinding it and putting it up.   At least I think that's what's done, who knows, I could be all wrong.   We get a few squash bugs but not enough to do much harm.   My biggest problem is those earwigs - they like my Swiss chard and it looks like Swiss cheese.   I was going to sprinkle some Sevin powder around there tonight but forgot.

Between the 4 of us tonight, we just about devoured 3 lbs of shrimp.   Even Ava liked it - we weren't quite sure what the little steak eater would think of something with a different feel in the mouth.   She ate her half of corn on the cob and some watermelon.   And her Dad stopped on the way up and got her a quesadilla.

For tomorrow I've already got a roast cooked, so this is a pretty easy week.   I also bought some lemon and garlic chicken shish kebabs, so my meal planning is looking up.

 I sit till noon and then I'm not sure if we're going for a pedicure or not.   Kim took Ava last time and it's only $5 extra for her.   Pretty cute, huh?   I could really use some foot help, that's one thing this ole gal does not take care of.

See you sometime tomorrow.....