Morning gang. Gorgeous day here. Hope everyone else is having the same sort of lovely summer morning…

Live simple, clean and ignore all the marketing hype.

I’m off to the boat for some wind and sea.

Enjoy.

I’ve been eating pretty well since I started cooking last autumn, but I fell off the wagon yesterday. Bought a fried chicken when I was in the supermarket. Pollan sez you can eat all the fried foods you cook for yourself. *g*

Good morning Christy. Be well, even when you cave to temptation. We are human, after all.

Morning Christy, gorgeous day in the Great Lakes State. Just back from 4 weeks in France and Italy and after a flare up of gout in my foot making it extremely difficult to walk am now on a regimen to loose weight and stay away from foods that trigger the condition.

Sounds like a lovely day. Enjoy it.

I just got back in from tying up a couple of my cucumber plants on the trellis. They are growing like crazy, and we have a few little cukes budding out along the vines. We are having way too much fun watching nature progress this summer…The Peanut is mesmerized. So glad I put the little garden in this year. It’s the perfect summer project for us.

I share your knowldge/actions disconnect Christy.

I have lots of healthy options, but I still gravitate toward sweets.

Sadly, I have been all too human on the food end of things the last year or so. But this weekend is my “come to Jesus” planning phase. I’ve been working on a menu plan for next week and am going to take the whole thing by the horns.

Nothing drastic, just more healthy choices. But I figure carpe diem on this would make a huge difference on so many other things at once that I can’t afford not to do it. Plus, I want The Peanut to learn better eating and exercise habits while she’s young. Learning by example is important, and I need to be a better one for her sake as well as mine.

It sort of feels like emerging from a long sleep, if that makes any sense. But since it’s summer and I’m craving fresh garden food anyway, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of it.

Good morning Christy et al.

We’ve got two new members of the family.

Marcy has orange back paws—like our Marcy’s orange tennis shoes, but not. When playing with a cat toy on the end of a stick, she prefers the string while Molly (for Molly Ivins) goes right for the kill.

Their favorite toys are two stuffed rats that my brother gave me that have W’s face.

They are starting to interact with our Toby though he’s not too happy about it all.

They are both mainly legs, and ears. They were bony but we’re fattening them up a bit. Pretty big appetites for such little things.

Marcy’s got quite a motor—purrs when you come near her. Molly takes a bit longer but it’s there.

Right now they both have the sneezies.

Owie — sorry about the gout pain. That doesn’t sound fun at all. Hope you feel better soon.

We have been under an excessive heat warning for five or six days here in Lawrence, KS. I went for my walk out in the country at 5:45 this morning. The clouds were gentle and curling, like mother of pearl in the sky. Then came sunrise and the horizon turned to a blistering gold, truly a fire in the sky. The reflection in one of the ponds I passed was so glaring I thought I had looked into the sun itself.

A great walk (about an hour) full of resolve for healthy living. Then I walked into the house and began to clean up all the sugary stuff in sight.

Sigh.

I try to remember that looking for things to be grateful about is a better stress reliever than eating, but I often remember when my hand is full of the wrong food.

One activity that helps is to take the camera and try to take a few slow pictures of sunlight and shadow, or a flower, or the way the sun glances off a favorite bowl or piece of fruit. The camera forces me to slow down and really look.

It’s really funny, isn’t it? All the knowledge in the world does you no good if you don’t act on it.

And how often can the issues we deal with every damned day boil down to that? *g*

Oh, how adorable! What a coupla cutie patooties!

My outdoor project for the past several springs is planting trees. This week I got a few more at the nursery, to replace some that died. But my yard guy showed me a picture of a tricolor beech in his yard, and I couldn’t resist. They are really gorgeous. It’s too wet to plant today, but maybe I’ll give it a try anyhow.

That sounds like such a lovely walk. Beautiful imagery there — thank you so much for sharing it.

they are sisters and we couldn’t take one without the other—they need to be together.

Molly is the one that pays most attention to our 6 1/2 year old Toby. Marcy, not so much.

Hoping the sneezies pass quickly.

We still have to take Marcy back to be spayed—she wasn’t up to 2 lbs. yet but should be now.

I have to say, as kittens go they are not the most adorable I’ve seen or even seen at the shelter. But they have the best personalities! That’s so much more important. Who they are now is who they will be grown up.

One little whine to sully the morning: the company shipping my goods to New Zealand said to expect it to take four to six months. Fine with me, as that would give me a good hot summer in KS to warm up after a long Montana winter. Just got word that the goods are arriving in Auckland July 14. And I have to be in country within 20 days or the nice people in Customs are not so nice. I am not ready for winter yet.

Now, to put the whine in perspective, I’m the daughter of an immigrant who came here with nothing. I think of the refugees in Pakistan. So, the whine needs to go back into the immaturity that started it.

And, to really trump things, I sold my KS house in three days! So I have just one small little whine that is now about to die from lack of nutrition (I think sugar fuels whining, another reason to eat healthy….

Mornin’, gang -

Just dug the second batch of new potatoes out of one of the potato sacks I bought this year. Not the quantity potential advertised but the taste of the first ones was absolutely deeeeeeeevine. These are some white variety; the second batch I planted later are reds but think it is probably too early to try rooting around for any of those. There are quite a few things of the veggie variety I’ll not try in future years but the Cherokee Purple tomatoes and potatoes are definitely worthy of repeat performances. Altho’ battling the birdies for the Cherokees has been a royal pain…..score thus far: birdies – 5, Waccamaw – 2. :-(

Off to the corner store for an onion to add to the spuds; bbl.

It’s been the coolest June in a long time (ever?) in the mid-Hudson, and one of the wettest. The former is fine with me, and the latter, while a pain in the butt, is OK because all the trees (except two) that I’ve planted are growing like weeds.

I have an historic house and want black locusts for the look, but you can’t buy them anymore because they have thorns and people don’t want them. I managed to get several from a local nursery several years ago. They propagate by sending off runners underground. My yard guy noticed that there’s a new black locust tree growing in my grass. Normally he would cut them before they got big enough to notice, but this year everything’s growing so fast that it got big enough to see in just a one-week span. I’m gonna dig it up & transplant it across the road where I hope it will grow & prosper & send up more new trees, as that piece gets cut only once/year.

Good morning Christy,
I think the answer is back to the garden for body and soul.
There was an article in the paper about a 90 year old and his garden and some highlights were;
40′ X 180′, works it every day from 6 to 9 ,100 tomatoes alone and he’s always eating fresh wholesome food.
He gives much away creating a social network.

I remember my Grand Pa’s garden maybe twice that size and the fresh cantaloupe taste to this day.
The garden takes more attention than I can give but returns many things other than food.
Peace now, time to bring in the horses.

We’re trying out a couple of different tomato varieties this year, too. It’s too early to know how they will do, frankly, because it’s been such a cool early June that things are still a little behind the curve here.

But all the rain has meant everything rooted in really well, so there’s that. *g*

Off to Spain for meetings this week. Everyone says to eat the ham.

I don’t like to eat salt. I swell up in the heat even when I don’t use salt. It will be a challenge to deal with the long days, the conference food, the flights, the salt, the heat.

I need to find healthy options in Barcelona.

G’morning, everyone.

Christy, I’m so there with you. Last couple of years have been…well, they’ve been mostly hellish. Sweets? Sometimes. But never met a carb I didn’t love. Especially if it’s a little bit salty and greasy.

Friend and I launched a nutrition campaign on Solstice, which we’re gonna try to continue at least to Equinox. South Beach? No. Weight Watchers? No. Good old portion and calorie control.

Now that I’ve pontificated, must confess that yesterday, took granddaughter to my favorite breakfast place and pigged out on Swedish pancakes (see? that carb thingie), eggs, sausage. And after we went to an outdoor production of “Taming of the Shrew” last night (fun, btw, because they did it in wild west dress rather than a traditional period piece), and then stopped for an ice cream cone.

Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa (said the fallen-away Presbyterian).

Exercise? What’s that???

My granny raised a garden every summer without fail until a couple of years before she passed away at the age of 98. And she would have kept gardening to the end had she not broken a hip and found it impossible to get out and work in the yard.

Even so, cousins of mine put in a garden for her and worked it so she could have fresh veggies because it was so important to her. I come from a long line of “raise it yourself” folks. *g*

Well Goddess bless you , Christy, I know that you have your own health stuff to deal with.
I hope the you, too, have someone strong to lean on.

My front yard is a gift to my neighbors with it’s flowers and plants. For me, looking out at my back yard, which is a prayer, is always part of my morning meditation.
Now, I’ve got veggies growing back there and that is such a satisfaction. The corn is already tasseling and tomatoes coming in. I plan many barbecues next month.

A good night’s sleep always fills me with gratitude, for some reason, and I’ve found that thinking of all that’s right in my life really offsets the blues. I can get into some very subliminal pity parties, I’ll tell ya.

A wise person once said to me, “If we don’t take care of ourselves, what do we have to give to others?” Putting ourselves first most of the time isn’t selfish, it’s practical, as long as we don’t become martinets!!!

Love, on this gorgeous morning to you all.

Wow!! You’ve got some serious arrangements to make. My little move pales by comparison. Yikes. Please do stay in touch with us. Your wisdom and way-of-being is a real gift!

My favorite breakfast would be thinly sliced cholesterol, sauted in butter, with plenty of salt. *g*

I have often heard that tapas selections can be found that are incredibly yummy and healthy in Barcelona. Little plates of veggies with some olive oil and spices…that sort of thing. I bet you find a lot of great food while you are there.

And if you do, bring back a good recipe or two to share, would you? Let the rest of us savor vicariously. *g*

I have been on the South Beach Diet for about 5 weeks and I heartily recommend it for anyone looking to make healthful eating choices. I don’t have a lot of weight to lose but when I got out summer things a lot of waistbands wouldn’t close. This is not an extreme diet – lots of veggies, whole grains, lean meat, poultry and fish. You are never hungry. I’m down about 10 lbs. But hoping to see lower BP, ugar and cholesterol numbers at my August physical.

I am temporarily toobzless at home while AT&T fes my DSL and am having to join you all via the iPhone.

I am totally with you on this. What’s that about, do you suppose? Why couldn’t we have been born craving crispy cool salads for breakfast?

Right back atcha, hon. The way I see it, if I can just get myself to make better, healthier choices, one choice at a time? I’m already way ahead of where I’ve been on auto-pilot the last few months.

And that will be a good thing for everyone around me, too.

Mr. ReddHedd and I are in this together. And that helps me tremendously. But I have to make these choices for me, first and foremost. I’ve been really bad about it up to now. And that’s where I need to do my own work first. The Peanut needs to see that putting herself first is a good thing — and I need to show her that by my example. It’s not just important for me, it’s also for her, ya know?

I will see what I can do, Christy.

My hunch is that new ideas for academic papers and heavy critique of my existing papers is where I am going.

The things that pass for fun…

That would be while AT&T FIXES my DSL. 5 hours on the phone with tech support yesterday…

It’s very much the oxygen mask analogy, isn’t it? If you are in an emergency on a plane, you have to put your own mask on first so you can be of good assistance and strong enough to help others, too.

I tend to forget to put mine on first and, instead, run around putting everyone else’s on, leaving mine to the side. Part of the making better choices thing for me, I think, is being more conscious of that. But that’s a whole other level of discussion. *G*

I’m peasant stock. My hypothesis is that we live in evolutionary bodies in nonevolutionary times, i.e., the way we’re wired to survive in a hostile world become negatives for survival in a world that humans have tamed.

Wow — sounds very paper-heavy. Do hope you can find some time to just explore at some point.

Coffee’s gone, and so am I. Gonna see if I can plant my tricolor beech.

Morning All, Been scorching here….Expecting 104. Now the news…Joe Scarbrough will be commenting on NPR. Why is that?

I went to a lecture/got the book about veggies and fruits being the ticket for strong bones…better than all the dairy and calcium (and sugar). Very interesting.

Sounds very healthy to me — will be interested to hear about your numbers when you see how they go. :)

I’m pulling up a chair at your breakfast table.

I do know! My daughter is all grown up, and it’s so interesting to watch what was imprinted on her as a child. Some good stuff for sure, but I see shadows of my modeling. Even so, with the kind of parenting you’re doing, Peanut will have a lovely, firm foundation and the freedom to make her own choices. Of course, sometimes that means choosing to reach for the chocolate truffle and then smacking self. (sigh) Where did we get that self-care = selfish? My mom didn’t tell me that, and actually (until her lifelong battle with the bottle took hold in a big way), she took pretty good care of herself.

Yes.

That’s profound, ma’am. Very. I need to think about this.

All right, dammit. Edamame for breakfast! Pass the blueberries.

Good morning all. My eating habits aren’t so bad but my stationary lifestyle is what I need to change (I type as I sit here).

barbara
#40

Sometimes, reaching for the “chocolate truffle” IS self care! As long as we don’t cram the whole box in our mouths, I think a treat now and then, perks me right up!

Good morning, Christy and pups.

We are extremely fortunate here at casa Cbl in that we are all thin and relatively healthy. I do all the cooking here (except for cakes and pies which Cbl does with extraordinary results) and have long tried to give us balanced, healthy meals. Decent ingredients lovingly prepared seems to have served us well.

Our Farmers Market is up and running in high gear right now and is a treasure trove of locally grown, just picked goodness. Tonight will be a beautiful big butternut squash, split, seaded and stuffed with fresh from the farm sausage, peppers, celery, rosmary, tyme and onions, roasted with some new potatos.

I find that 2 or 3 exceptional meals a week from the Farmers Market can be done for less than $20.00 and the benefits are immeasurable

Aye, there’s the rub. One chocolate truffle? Even for one who is allergic to chocolate? Well, now you see the problem. Self-care and self-control (in a good way). The eternal conflict.

Christy, you wrote:

“I’m a stress eater. Pure and simple: life throws a clunker at me, and I reach for something sweet…or salty…or whatever else might be handy. And I’m horrible about it, too.”

From the well known department of unsolicited advice:

There is a bit of time between the arrival of the clunker and the reach for something sweet. It may be only a nanosecond. If you can stretch that time, put something, anything, in between it helps to break the chain. A little phrase that highlights whats happening, ie, “uh oh, another clunker – bad feeling – I want something sweet”, repeat, rinse, repeat.

Give a little space to actually feel the distress and talk to it, have a conversation with it. “I feel awful at the moment, something sweet might fix it- oh, do you think so?”.”Did that work before? Am I an evidence based person? Look, my arm is starting to reach, I’ll try to hold it down like Peter Sellers in “Strangelove”

And, good morning to you. Yeah, Dr OZ thinks those BBs are great….

Now that is some useful thought process advice. Thank you.

Oh, that’s for sure. We’re only supposed to feel anxiety for a minuet. Just long enough to flee, then settle down. Not supposed to be freaking out all the time.
PS I loved the thinly sliced cholesteral comment.

Whoa, that squash, pepper and sausage saute sounds amazing.

You have to love a good farmer’s market, don’t you? The piles of fresh veggies and fruit, all the colors and smells? Love it. Just love it.

OT: How weird is it that the Dr.-Cardiologist had left M. Jackson as the para-medics were coming? Now that’s a housecall…

Here is attendant image.

They’re precious. Nothing like little tigers to start the day. Good on ya. I’ve a feeling they’ll be spoiled in no time.

I’ve lost track of the number of different varieties I’ve got planted in pots tho’ the total quantity isn’t as large as it sounds. Am trying to now make notes as to which I like taste-wise so as not buy the same next year. There are three different grape size varieties and two of them definitely won’t be repeats. Am very disappointed with the Amish Paste heirloom – very granular, insufficient quantity to do anything with except eat out of hand and quite tasteless.

And I’ve found squash (yellow and green) definitely NO NOT like to be grown in pots. *sigh* Live, learn and plant.

Left me manners in the other room.

Mornin’, Christy, pups.

Good morning pups! When this time of year rolls around I eat fruit, fruit, fruit! I love fresh peaches, cherries, plums. Organic of course, because I also have gone back to juicing. That always helps me lose weight and I packed it on pretty good this past year. (Thanks to those evil guys – Ben and Jerry!)

G’morning, Sister RB. Been bonbonless for more than a week now. Next step: Move the body. (Mine.)

ROFL — now THAT is an image that says “no thank you, food.”

And their evil sister, Edy (she of the butter pecan ice cream).

The whole thing stinks to high heaven if you ask me.

Ted Kennedy, eulagizing his brother Robert, said “he need not be made larger in death than he was in life”. I do wish our MSM had heeded those words wrt michael jackson.

That’s quite a start, good for you….and to note. I do believe I have not heard a word from your highest court…Of course, I guess, Franken could already been in the Senate by now, but the word would not have gotten past Jackson ;) Are you feeling sort of settled?

I am hoping that now that the House has passed the climate change bill that the weather gods will smile kindly on us and bring some rain and lower temperatures. We hit 107 this week, with routine highs being 102. And I do not live in Phoenix! We are in severe drought.

(My little “kitten” is trying to help with this post. It must be a cat’s morning)

It is a pleasure reading this blog. Take of yourself and family first!

Oh, thanks dragon, for the reminder. I did the same thing.
Good Morning Christy and everyone.
We’ve got some beautious weather her in the Southland, finally.
My tomatoes are just sitting there on the vines, not turning yellow yet even. The grapes loved the misty, rainy gloom so much they riped right away, but, and now here’s my Wine about them: the possums and birds are eating them up. Kind of makes me not want to eat them.

Hey — good to see you! It’s been a while. How are things?

I’m thinkin’ Michael had already left the building when the call to 911 was made.

How are things going with you? Seems like it’s been ages since I’ve had time to really catch up with everyone…

Our neighborhood has been reeling this week from a terrible tragedy. We will now be planning how we can help 4 children and their Daddy get along without the bright light that was their Mama. It is so so sad and an incomprehensible loss to our community and their family.

SD: I had the pre-adoption visit, so a very large “tiger” will move in on Tuesday. She comes from a very privileged background, so she will be crowded here. But she also comes with a credit for a vet who makes housecalls….to which she is accustomed. At least that will save me a screaming cat-carrier vet visit….where I always got scratched before…I will look to you for advice.

I do not understand why we have no decision on the Franken/Coleman election. This is way beyond ridiculous.

On Thursday, MN Supreme Court handed down reprimand of a county attorney. So they are alive (though, like bin Laden, have not actually been seen). It is a peepless time, and every “leak” has been sheer fantasy.

It’s beginning to feel like home. It’s a lovely, cozy place. All will feel better once I have legally disconnected from The Others.

Oh, so sorry to hear it. Poor kids.

My oldest, Gigi, has developed a habit of laying on the mouse when I’m on the machine.

I’m so sorry for your loss, their loss. Tragic.

I am so glad…the disconnect just takes time….and there’s a way one’s body begins to feel more free and healthy. So glad for you and the cozy…

A wee bit off kilter is quite the understatement. I won’t bore everyone with my laundry list of stress inducing events. It’s really a breath of fresh air to just have this discussion. Sometimes knowing that someone else has it worse than I, or it could always be worse, etc. is just not enough to get “out of the ditch”. It seems that to some extent we foster our own misery. Garbage in, garbage out!
My daughter works at a local health food store, and I scoffed at the notion of trying to sustain an organically correct diet, mostly because of the cost. Summertime is here and with it comes the opportunity to load up on fresh local produce on the cheap. Growing your own is also very satisfying on many levels.
I had a discussion with a dear friend of mine last February, who is hopelessly upside down in a mortgage. When I suggested that the flowers will continue to bloom, and all of the elements of nature would still be ours to enjoy, she was noticeably uplifted. Nature and each other are absolute gifts, and for that I am extremely grateful. Thanks Christy. Thanks Pups.

So sorry it’s been so rough on you the last few months. I will never understand why families do this sort of thing at the very times when pulling together would have been so much more beneficial for everyone involved. I used to get stuck in the middle of idiocy with clients and could never reconcile it — with their families or with my own when similar stuff happened.

It’s just beyond me to understand why a pile of “stuff” or “property” means more than the human beings themselves, but there you are. People are infuriatingly stupid and short-sighted about the really important things sometimes…and you deserve far better than that after everything you and David went through together.

But then, I might be a little biased on your behalf. *g*

Speaking of weather, my son in CT called last night to say he was sort of trapped at a convenience store on his way home and was in the middle of a very violent storm. Golf ball sized hail, wind tossing grocery carts around etc. Turns out there was a tornado.

I just found out that there is late blight in our area. Just checked the tomatoes and they are OK. I worry about the commercial growers and the potato crops!
We have had so much rain and very little sun.
I don’t know about any other state, but our Extension(Cornell, NY) website has a section that lets people evaluate vegetables and report what they like and do not like about growing them. From seeds to harvest, freezing and canning.
It’s great because you can see what may or may not grow well in your area.
I really like the Amish paste tomatoes for salsa and sauce.
Here is a list of all the Extension websites in the US. See if yours has the same feature. It may save you work!
stevens.wsu.edu/Agriculture/coopext_sites.htm

Pretty well. I’ve been at the bookstore for three weeks now. The last two, I’ve worked 10 – 2, so I’ve had to run to the gym at 7 or 7:30 if I’m going to get my morning stuff done around the house before work. Then, in the afternoon, I’ve been spending time with my teen son, either working in the garden or going down to the swimming pool. Hasn’t left a lot of time for blogging.

Large as in size or weight? If overweight that would be my first priority. Diabetes in felines is nasty and almost a given in overweight tigers when they get older, 7 or 8.

The metal door on carriers does me more damage than the animule.

So glad this hit you at the right time, too. Just seemed like everyone has been building up a static charge this week — a wee bit more friction than usual, and I thought we could all use a deep breath and a pause this morning. I know I needed one. *g*

Isn’t everyone feeling a wee bit more hopeful now that the climate bill passed one hurdle? Like maybe things will get done?

Oh wow! How useful! Thanks mucho…

I think both….I had had a large one several years ago…She’s a large lady and a bit overweight, I’d say.

Has anyone seen Piffle recently? She quite frequently showed up for PUAC but I’ve not seen her for the longest time.

Oh, Christy, thank you so very much. It is mind-boggling. And a couple of them are unstable enough that I now have a security system and no small amount of paranoia. That part sucks. I know you understand, especially from a legal perspective. Rabid responders. Uffdah.

Oh, honey. Persiflage passed away a little while ago. It was a bit of a shock when it happened, because I hadn’t even known she was ill.

I’m so sorry to have to tell you this way, too, because it was a shock when I found out.

I’m so sorry you’ve had to go to the extent of getting a security system. Huge hug to you. That’s just awful.

mgardener @ 81 -

I really like the Amish paste tomatoes for salsa and sauce.

I can see where they might work quite nicely for that purpose but unfortunately I only have two bushes which are definitely not bearing heavily enough to use for that purpose. I bought the plants on the spur of the moment at an herb/garden fair simply because they were heirloom and I’d never seen them available before.

O Barbara, Take care..I amvery sorry. Sounds like you are on your way to being free. I had not realized it had that more than family drama stuff. Be wary, as you are. As Christy notes, it is so hard that one’s grief gets such an extra burden. I have really had the same thing in a way that compounds the grief and lost….it seems wildly unfair, but I guess we learn. Hugs, my dear sis

Some of you may remember when I joined the gym I’m going to. This is to encourage anyone here who feels that a bit of exercise could be a good thing in their life right now. Each time I swipe my key card when I arrive, the machine shows me how many times I’ve shown up. Last night it said “50″! That little goal reaching made me feel extra good. I’m telling you, the working out first thing in the morning really gets me going. I feel so energizes and loosened up after a half hour on the circuit. Last evening, my son left early to go spend the weekend with his dad and my husband was working late, so I went back to the gym, even though I had gone in the morning.
I absolutely hate scales, so I’m avoiding the how much have I lost deally-bob, I’m going to tell you this. (Men here, skip this part, please) My bra used to be fastened on the outside hook and now I’m on the inside one! Okay? Enough said? *g*

I didn’t realize it was that bad. I knew there were problems but I didn’t know you were afraid of them. So sorry.

Wow, 50! That’s awesome, demi!!

(((barbara)))

((Barbara)) Well, that really sucks. They’re lucky I don’t live near you, ’cause I’d be on your front porch with a baseball bat.
(sorry for the fantasy violence.)

Christy @ 90 -

We are talking about two different people. I did see the announcement about Persiflage…….did not get to interact with her at the Lake but based on the responses of other pups, she must have been quite a lovely person and it is my loss not to have known her.

Piffle is my shorthand for her longer name (which I forget at the moment) and she lives in Germany iirc. She is very heavy into the needle arts so she and I have quite a lot in common.

Look for “Republican Lotion” on your super market shelves soon.

I see a big market, those suffering from the liberal dis-ease, the overwhelming feeling of responsibility for the earth and its critters and lack of selfishness.

Just rub a a little on those sore spots and be happy.

It doesn’t work but that’s the beauty of it, the marketing is the thing.

Persi’s passing was a shock to everyone – even her family, because she evidently didn’t present with a serious history of heart problems. She was about my age, so every pitter patter that I get I think of her. I still miss her over at the Beach House. She taught us all about cricket. Or tried to. *smile through tears*

Ahhhhh — okay, yeah I haven’t seen that piffle for a little while either. It’s always kind of interesting to see the ebb and flow of how people’s lives and topics intersect within the comments — you get busy, drift away, come back and check in, etc.

Know exactly who you mean now as you mention Germany. :)

I got a reminder nutrition lesson yesterday. Co-worker went to Mickey D’s and came back with burgers and fries. Been a long time since I’ve eaten any beef but cut a small piece out of a Big Mac and had a couple fries. Big Mac tasted like cardboard with a sugar sauce. Fries were almost raw and tasteless. Came home for lunch and made my famous tuna salad to get the nasty ass taste out of my mouth.

Christy, Thank you for getting us together…..I know you kept working hard on the posts, election, trial, etc, all while you had a lot going on. The outrages of the Bush years made so many things harder, as well. Just Thanks…..And, for including the Muppets. Cheers, B

This is way OT but I’m still excited and need to share (and give a tip to you all).
I live for vacation. If I could afford it, I’d travel the world. But, alas, that is not to be so I settle for whatever little breaks I can afford. Well, as you can imagine, money is tighter this year than I would like so finding an affordable vacation has been a challenge. I’ve been on priceline looking at Newport, RI where the waterfront rooms go for about $200/night. I tried their ‘name your own price’ option and requested a 3 1/2 star hotel for $60/night. It was accepted. I’ll be at the Newport Marriott the week after the 4th of July.
I’ll never pay full price again.

It’s really funny, isn’t it? All the knowledge in the world does you no good if you don’t act on it.

Amen.

Also in development, Republican Clipons, enable you to see clearly you and yours but blocks out those ‘others’.

She seemed to lurk more than comment and once or twice when I asked after her, there she would pop up. Thought it was worth a try this morning. :-)

OK, I am off to help repot and reorganize the greenhouse of a dear elderly friend. See you pups later.

Oh, wizard! Will make the view of the water even more enjoyable knowing it’s a wonderful “deal”. Have a great holiday!

Documentary on the Stonewall Riot on my radio station.

Yes, Bev. Thanks Christy for being a truly fabulous hostess for these little Saturday morning parties. And, such nice guests, too!
(PUAC)
And, Bev…two blocks from my bookstore there is a seminary college. I’m thinking of checking out their website and maybe taking a nite class. Going to seminary has always been on my wish list. Call me crazy. The other two items are being a bass player in an all girl rock band and being a stand up comic.

Good morning all. I’m leaving the drama to the NJ Housewives…

It seems like Seymour, the 63″ echinacea who volunteered to grow in my garden this year if unfolding its bloom in the most anticipated reveal of the year here. I’m still not sure Seymour is white or pink because the petals right now show both.

I’m a little disappointed it’s not a body snatcher because frankly I could use to get to the heck out of here.

amen.

Good morning Christy, pups.

-and way to go solai, send us e-postcards!

Seymour. Isn’t that the name of the man-eating plant in Little Shop of Horrors?

Yes it is as a matter of fact.

I’ve been doing low-carb for nearly a year. Lost 20 pounds, lost 50 points of my cholesterol level – it’s still high, and that’s something that won’t really change – but I feel better. Mostly I dropped starches, those complex carbs.

I need to find a home for my garden soon. Demi, do you know anyone who wants an instant garden? Potted plants? That I can visit?

Good morning all! We have some nasty financial wave cresting here, but I have a strong board and am determined to ride them out. I also need to lose about 10 lbs, it seems like since I hit 40 that the weight doesn’t go away the way it used to. I have actually starting eating breakfast every day (which I have NEVER done, just a cuppa black please) and it helps me not eat such a huge monster lunch. But the exercise is not happening at least yet. Only 6 months until my wife is an RN and life will become easier!

Remember “The Day of the Triffids?” Sounds as if you might have one. :)

Oh my goodness, yes, probably. Are you moving? Inside or outside pots? You would most definitely have visitation rights.

A bit late to the party today — thanks Christy as always. You have handled this period in your life with such grace — at least from what I can read here, it sounds like you’ve found a good balance in a tough situation.

One thing that has helped me on the nutrition front is belonging to a CSA. I get a big box of veggies every week from April through November and it’s a good motivator to eat well. I absolutely hate throwing out good food, so if I have 4 days worth of greens I get 4 days worth of greens in my diet! I’m sure the garden will help as your plants are ready for harvest. I have a tip on the greens — rinse and whirl them in the food processor for storage and they are ready to add to anything from pasta to eggs to stir fries at a moments notice.

Feeeeeeed me!

I liked the original much more than the remake.

That was one of my favorite movies as a kid. Howard Keel!

No I don’t recall every hearing about that. I did google it though and maybe it is. Who knows? It’s a very string plant, that I finally spiked yesterday. With the abundance of flowers on the stem I was concerned about it tipping over..

Also, it’s right next to a high traffic area and some people like to cut the corner so to speak.

I first saw the that version. Was a stumble-upon Late Late Show. I was mesmerized. And slack-jawed when Nicholson showed up.

I’ve never seen any adaptation of the story. The theater group I work with is putting it up in September. I’m really looking forward to seeing it for the first time.

I have got to go to the market to buy some fresh fruit for breakfast. Now. Or, I will break out the sausage and eggs.
So….PJ…here’s my email addy: tellblondieatcadotrrdotcom. Hoping to hear from you.
Have van. Will travel.

Fun flick. Filmed in less than a day in a storefront on Sepulveda Blvd iirc. Nicholson was fabulous.

I’ll have to look for that. I’m sure I would enjoy that version. The original is usually the best from my experience.

i’m a bit late this morning. g’morning to anyone still here.

i’d love some potted plants if demi doesn’t want them all. and you can visit them anytime you want. is texas too far?

Here ’tis.

I hope you check it out….someday I will try to write you a note after some of my early seminary readings…..In brief, after we read Exodus, I had a feeling that this is all I ever want to read…..a few posts back there was discussion about violence in the Bible. True enough. Exodus is the seminal liberation/Let my people go epic.

Let us know what you find on the website, etc. Maybe there is a Psalms course…Just wow

Ho, Seymour is the name of the store clerk, not the plant. Must be a memory leak in here somewhere.

Thanks SD a true independent film it seems.

Corman was an independent known for his Grade B flix.

Just got back. Plant had a female name, didn’t it?

Audrey!!

Had to go look it up. Audrey Jr was the plant’s name.

Owe ya a beverage.

I will let you know. And, dearheart, your were on my mind as I was fantacizing about this. At 57, I’d be too old to get ordained to serve a church or such like that, but then, I was (fondly) thinking of you and seeing that there are many ways to serve.
Unfortunately, the seminary I speak of is not the most Liberal. That would be Clairmont, where the High Theologians teach. Still, my MIL lives there and I could crash on her couch if needed. One step at a time. I’ll start with the website, looking at the professors. There’s a video-based study called Living The Questions, where I saw some really incredible thinker/preacher/philosopheres (shit, I can’t spell this morning) like Marcus Borg, cool chick Catholic nuns, John Cobb….lots more. We’ll see. Won’t we? One Day At A Time…Sweet Jesus. That’s all I’m asking.

California-reader here, late to the thread…
I am doing a modified South beach way-of-eating and I feel like a new person.
I’ve always eaten healthily but after having continued problems which the doctor diagnosed as IBS I decided to cut out gluten for 2 weeks to see if I might have gluten intolerance. And it worked!
I have lost about 8 lbs in two weeks, I have tons more energy and no more digestive issues. Wow.
Basically I eat lean protein, mostly fish and chicken, occasionally meat but less and less of that, fruits and that’s it. And I’m a pasta/bread lover. It’s really amazed me that my cravings are gone.
The hardest part was cutting out wine for 2 weeks (and since I “cheated” I guess I did alright :)

I started jogging again (which I couldn’t do with my stomach issues) and swimming and I have tons of energy.
Going forward I’m going to try and stick to wine on weekends only (that will be tough, I’m Spanish!)
I would definitely recommend a trial test of gluten-free living. There are lots of resources and lots of gluten-free items available now…Good luck!

also, vegetables! i left out the most important part! :)

Demi, Can you say name of the one with the video? I was not alot younger than you when started, and I was not the oldest one in class…(not far behind, I’ll say). Lot of 2nd career folks. Good luck….the “feeling it out” is very interesting and important.

Nice hopeful story. We need more of this around the country.

No. Audrey is the plant. Seymour is the nerdy caretaker.

Remember,the ditzy blonde sings “Suddenly Seymour” [a great song].

Good luck, Christy! I’ve made several changes in recent months to re-set healthy habits, and two things have really helped.

First, I take a “snack pack” with me every time I go run errands, go to the gym, etc filled with cut veggies, babybel cheese and a small gatorade. If my blood sugar starts to crash I have something good to tide me over until I get home, preempting the “rush through the door and inhale half a bag of blue cornchips” routine.

Then, I realized I ate pretty healthily but was eating too much at each meal. I rooted around the cupboard holding the delicate things I acquired after closing out the family house three years ago but never use, and brought out little ramekins and tea cups. Now I put my morning granola and plain yogurt in one ramekin, fresh cut fruit in the other. My mid-morning fresh juice break in a beautiful espresso cup. It’s made a huge difference. I eat less, and enjoy the experience much more.

Read on, dear heart. *g*

Hey Dragon! You o.k.? I dreamed the weirdest thread yestidie. I feared for our sanity, lest we feed, and yet mebbe it wuzn’t real, but i checked and it be there among the tattered threads of days gone by.

Oye. Never again.

Spent the whole morning deftly slinging fill and then topsoil to make things presentable around here. (looks great, too, even if i brag just a tad too much)

Best way to describe what we’ve been thru lately: the kitties , who used to growl every time someone drove up our driveway, now don’t even flick an ear at hours of jackhammer noise right next to their porch.

I wonder if I could teach teh kitties how to deal better with trolls than I seem to.

i will not feed
i will not feed
i will not feed

Carry on. We’re off to donate our old but useful tools to Habitat for Humanity.
They seem thrilled. Goodie. I’m thrilled at what THEY do in this tight, tense old world. There are lovely candles out there if one looks… Gives me hope.

So do you guys.

P. E. A. C. E.

and a soft pillow for each and every little tiger. ;->

No more for me. The repetition has become boring and a waste of time. Ignore is the keyword now.

This is OT, but I need a little he’p. My congresscritter (Harry Teague, BlueDogette-Oilpatch) is having a public coffee in a couple of hours. I’m going to go personally whip him on health care reform. Here are my talking points, what am I missing?

1. The problem is neither health care itself nor health insurance, the problem is health care finance.

2. Single payer (HR-676, HR-1200) is preferable.
– it works (Canada, UK, Spain, etc.)
– it reduces transaction costs.
– it doesn’t result in the horror stories being disseminated now by the insurance industry. For every Canadian or UK story they tell, there are several as bad or worse here.
– it doesn’t have to be socialized medicine. Canadians don’t have socialized medicine, but they do have single payer.

3. If single payer is a bridge too far, a strong viable public program is mandatory. This means a program that is:
– Available immediately, no triggers.
– Properly funded via premiums and government budgeting.
– Nationwide at its inception.
– Comprehensive.
– Not hobbled by the law, that is, able to negotiate prices.

4. This is necessary.
– Health insurance costs played a role in the GM/Chrysler debacles.
– The rate of uninsured individuals is a disgrace nationally and here in NM.
– Our current spending is at least twice (per capita) that of other industrial economies, but our measurable health outcomes are worse.

5. Health care professionals and providers recognize the need. The AMA is no longer the voice of American medicine. Ignore them. Listen to the professional primary care specialty societies, AAP, AAIM, ACOG, AAFP.

6. The health insurance industry is lobbying you and your colleagues to protect their rents. The system is broken, it does not work. We need something that works. Please sign on as a sponsor to HR-676, please agree to oppose any bill that comes to the floor without a strong public option.

What have I left out?

demi, e-mail at pj dot evans at usa dot net.

same here. I don’t see what is accomplished with such a j********, other than raising everyone’s blood pressure to dangerous levels. But for some idiotic reason, I thought I could try. I usually don’t succumb. Last night was a firm reminder why.

Apologies for bringing it up again, and then disappearing. We just took a big load of shop and kitchen tools over to the local Habitat for Humanity headquarters. Their and our shared good thots soothed the soul. And lugging around cartloads of fill and topsoil most of the day finished off the rest of me.

Treat yourself to a great weekend, Sir. You earned it. ;->

Dang! A quick re-read proves I’m to the stage of babbling. In the interest of harmony in the world, I’m gonna hang it up for today. not makin’ sense no-how. pooped. Gonna go find a cat for the lap and grab a book. ;->

I love you christy. (In a platonic way). Your pull up a chair posts always feel comforting somehow.

@154 continued. Your posts are a dose of sanity for progressives who have been looking at the most f*cked up shit. e.g., CSRT Salem witch trials cum Spanish Inquisition courtesy of FOIA. This is the United States of america right? Or am I dreaming.