I Am (The Documentary)

LL and I did make it to Portland today to see the film I Am.  It is a documentary made by Tom Shadyac, the director of movies like Bruce Almighty and Ace Ventura. 

This is an excellent film about Human nature, the world, materialism, science and spirituality.  I can not even begin to go into everything I learned and how much I enjoyed the documentary.  It featured the now passed away, Howard Zinn, Desmond Tutu, Thom Hartmann, and many others.  It was beautifully filmed, edited, and written. 

I hope if you get the chance to go see it, or rent it when it comes out on dvd, you will take the time to do so.  It truly starts out asking the question "what is wrong with our world?", and finishes with "what is right with our world?".  And the answer to both questions is..........I AM!

I Think I Need An Intervention

It has been awhile since I have blogged about plastic.  And even longer since I blogged about my great weakness for containers.  First off, in my defense, quite a few months ago, I made a commitment to no longer buy plastic if I can help it.  Although, I did not get rid of what I had, I stuck to my commitment. (except with a momentary weakness at Cosco for cereal containers....my bad!)  So while going through my plastics, I tried to give the same diligence I give the rest of the house and items.  I really have no problem with getting rid of things we don't use.  I will give them to someone I know, Goodwill, or recycle.  And I do use the plastic I already have for LL's lunch.  Where he works, because it is a secured facility, does not allow glass.  I figure, better to use and reuse what I have, rather then it end up in the landfill.

So I got my plastics in order.  Made sure any residue of gluten is off.  But then comes my real weakness.  I can not seem to get rid of any plastic lid.  This is my way of thinking.  What if I just misplaced the container and it shows up..........what if it is a lid to someone elses container that they accidently left.........what if I can use this lid for some other purpose!  I can't do it.  A normal person would match their containers with the lids and throw the rest out or recycle.  Well I never said I was normal.  Just can not do it.  So, Calling all out to anyone who has ever been to my house bearing food........come see if I have your lid.  You might just find Pay Dirt.

Real Soup

I have always enjoyed making homemade split pea soup.  I never make it the same twice.  I usually add a lot more stock than I had.  Usually use some canned, but that is not within my perimeters of the Real Food Challenge.  I had some homemade turkey stock in the freezer.

It was not enough stock to make a whole pot of soup.  Usually, if I am low on stock, I will throw more water in with bullion cubes.  But again, didn't want to use bullion cubes.  So I decided to add the water and throw in more vegetables than usual.  I added a couple vegetables that I never had before.  Sweet potato, and asparagus.  Along with that I added onion, carrots, potato and split pea.

Now, I also usually use spices, but I have not researched the brands yet to find out if they are gluten free.  So I used salt and pepper, and grated up fresh garlic, and grated up fresh ginger. 

Decided to blend half of it smooth, and keep the rest in lumps.

And here it is.  Delicious.  I must say, I liked it better this way with the fresh ginger instead of spices.  I added a pat of butter and julienned fresh basil.

So in keeping with my Real Food Challenge, a total made from scratch, (even the stock) Split Pea Soup. 
Was able to freeze enough for another dinner for LL and I.

Real Food Challenge starts today!

Kris and I went up north to Whole Foods.  I am torn about this.  I like to frequent my local grocer, but I have never been to Whole Foods and our local grocer has a very small and somewhat expensive organic produce section and very few bulk foods.  Only occasionally will I make a special trip up there to buy, but must say, when driving home from a doctor's appointment, I will be going in again to buy items I can't get in Silverton.  Afterwards, we stopped and ate lunch.  I kept it whole foods and "safe" for my digestion.  I had a baked potato and roasted vegetables.

Now, the first thing I saw when I walked into the store was mesh produce bags.  I have been using these over a year now.  They cut down on plastic and last forever.  Unless you lose them, like I did with about half of them.  So I bought a package of 6.  If you ever see these.  Pick them up.  They are kind of hard to find in my area.

Almost everything I bought was Organic.  Most local, but not all.  I bought apples, lemons, bananas, lettuce, sweet potatoes, onions, carrots, ginger root, bulk green split peas, basmati brown rice, jasmine rice, quinoa, extra virgin olive oil, cage free organic brown eggs (because my girls are not producing fast enough for me).

So I got my grains all organized so hopefully I can use them with my digestion.

I picked up some nori.  Yes it is prepackaged but has only one ingredient.  Seaweed.  I guess it is processed but we don't actually eat it.  Why did I buy it then?  To make cute little decorations on LL's bentos.:)

Now before you get too impressed with me, I did have a mental lapse and bought three items that are more than one ingredient and processed.

Rice cakes with nori, giving those to Bailey to take to work.  Sparkling water with lemon juice.  And an all natural salad dressing.  The water and dressing will be put away till I think what to do with them. 

So what's for dinner?  Fish, mashed sweet potatoes with a touch of maple syrup and salad with evoo and lemon.  All yummy and within my perimeters.  So I am ready.  Ready for a month of eating healthier and putting more thought into where my food comes from. 

Sometimes Waiting For Something Is Worth It!!

                                              First thing first.  As you all know, I have no visual pride, so I am showing my before picture that would even make Beau, who is the pro with before pictures proud.

Note the sad wrinkled look.  Stay with me here.  I was really trying to grow my hair out.  But just couldn't do it.  Could do it when I was younger, but not so much anymore.

And here is the after.  Thank you Kris.  Must say, when I style it, it is a bit more spiky and wild then this picture shows.  Ya, that's how I roll.

Still I feel I am channeling Sharon Stone and Phyllis Diller here:)

Now, Some things are worth waiting for.  My Max, who most of you know has Autism, is creative and a dear,  has for a long time been wanting his own Laptop Computer that has the media capability to do his films.  LL and I have been willing to contribute, but only if he can get serious and save for it himself.  Like most people at his emotional level, he will take care of it better and appreciate it more if he earns it.  Well, he saved his Christmas and Birthday money, along with a little of his spending money every week.  We found one that went on sale but only had a few available.  So the saint, my LL, and Max at midnight last night, went and bought it.  He is sooooo happy and he deserves it.  It is a VERY big deal that he saved most of the money himself, and LL and I had no qualms about giving him the rest of the money.  He showed determination and maturity. 

Now for my waiting and worth it moment....For at least two years, LL and I have been saving and watching Craig's list, Ads, Sales, and distributors for a deal we could afford.  We bought a used one years ago, and had nothing but headaches.  So we were frugal and patient.  This is for mostly me, I am the green girl, and love the outdoors, but LL wanted something powerful enough so he could ride it when we are RVing.  Can you guess, I am sure you can. 

Here is my moped, scooter, or whatever you want to call it!!

It is a Brand New, never ridden 2009 Honda Metropolitan.  The reason we could afford it is because the 2011 models are coming soon and they had to get rid of about 15 of them.  So we got it for about half off and the full warranty to boot.  Yes we are that good!!

First thing LL did this morning is reinforce the platform in back of Marlin.

Oh yes, we are soooo ready to go somewhere.

Isn't it cute.  I am not sure where we will be headed, but I am so ready.

I am such a lucky and blessed girl and I know it!!

I must say, I already drove it to Mt.Angel this morning.  Going there was great!  Oh I was feeling good.  Cold, a little, but fun.  After going to Mom's, Kris's, and Karen's, I started back home for the 5 miles.  Oh my gosh, I guess the wind was going with me on the way to Mt.Angel.  On the way back to Silverton, the wind was against me and blowing hard.  It was cold and hard to even keep the scooter upright.  And also, on the highway there is a lot of loose gravel.  LL and my friend Ernie both think I need to buy a visor attachment for my helmet rather than goggles.  To use when I go out of town..I am all for that.

I haven't figured out the specifics but I want to do a contest for naming my scooter.  I need to find a gift, and need to figure out if I pick a name from one of my friends out of country like New Zealand, how do you get the gift to them?  I am thinking of picking out a bento that can be sent directly to the winner.  If any of my fellow bloggers can tell how to do this the best way, comment or e-mail me.  As most of you know,  I name my favorite Material items.  For example, Baby is my camera, and Marlin is my RV.  I have a couple ideas for my scooter, and if anyone is clever enough to come up with the same names..they will have the advantage.  I will not pick my own name, but one of yours.  Stay tuned for when I start my contest.

BTW- can you get any better than Boston's more than a feeling.  I don't think so:)

Getting Ready

A few days ago, I announced I was taking on the Real Food Challenge like hundreds of other fellow bloggers.  I have taken a few days to think about the perimeters I will use, rules that will make the month "challenging" but doable.  So the first thing I needed to decide on is really why I am doing this and what is my goal.  The whys are dealing with my "digestion", Clean foods have no preservatives and additives that are not good for my cancer.  Eating real food is better for the environment because of less packaging, less processing, less travel, etc.  So for these reasons, I am taking on the challenge and very excited to be doing so.  The goal is a little more convoluted.  For the month, I am not going to make it easy on myself, but afterwards, I will want to continue most of the perimeters but know I may not remain as restrictive.  The goal for the month is to jump start my already commitment of eating healthy, more local, and greener.  But in the past, I have been very wishy washy, and know myself well enough that the very strict month of March will force me to find creative ways to cook and eat.

So with the whys and goals answered, I have also been thinking on what MY rules and perimeters will be and what I need to do to prepare for them.  I am still fleshing this out.  But here is what I am thinking so far.....In keeping with my elimination diet, the foods I will eat will be foods without any preservatives and additives.  This is a no brainer but harder to do than you may imagine.  This means if something is prepackaged, I will read the labels and for the most part it will need to be one ingredient only.  For example, Oatmeal is prepackaged but has only one ingredient.  Canned foods will be home canned only, because I know every ingredient in it.  Like my spaghetti sauce.  Meat, if I even decide to eat any, will be fresh without salt etc. injected in them.  Uncle Leo's ground beef I know isn't hormone filled so if I do eat ground beef, it will be his.  I will choose fruits and vegetables that are as local and organic as I can find.  So I need to decide if bananas and citrus are off limits, I am still deciding on that one. 

So here is where I think I will be the most challenged.  Pasta, because even the healthiest premade pasta is not really clean of processed crud.  Condiments!  While being on the elimination diet for the last several days, I have diagnosed myself of having a real weakness and love for premade condiments.  They are convenient and tasty, but are filled with things like sugar, corn syrup, colorings, preservatives.  So I am needing to figure out how to live without premade mayo, ketchup, sauces, creamers, etc.  Already I have replaced my normal premade salad dressing with cold-pressed olive oil, and fresh squeezed lemon juice.  I really love oil and vinegar but have yet to investigate the labels on my vinegars. 

So that's where I am at with my preparing for the challenge.  This will be an interesting month.  But my body and digestion will thank me I think.

O Christmas Tree

I know.  If I am trying to live more green, how can I get a cut Christmas tree?  Well, living here in Oregon, I consider it like buying produce at a farmers market.  Oregon is the worlds largest producers of Christmas trees, and in the valley where I live, we are surrounded by Christmas tree farms.  So I feel little or no guilt buying a cut tree.  I know!  Food is a necessity, a Christmas tree is not, but this is one concession I am  willing to make.  If I lived somewhere where the trees are shipped hundreds of miles, I might skip this tradition.  But as a blessed Oregonian, the tradition of Bailey and I driving LL nuts will continue.

"This one? NO?  How about this one?  NO? Crymanitly! they all look the same to me, will you just pick one!!"  LL says. 

Was he kidding?  You can see the problem with this tree.  Not meaning to be offensive here but even Stevie Wonder could see the problem with this tree.

How about this one? 

THAT'S IT!!!

Our Saturday afternoon was spent watching the Civil War.

Oregon Ducks vs Oregon State Beavers

Practically everyone in Oregon, whether they normally watch football or not, ends up at a bar watching, a party watching, or like us, in front of our big screen TV with a pizza.

Oregon Ducks Won!  We are on our way to the National Championship in Arizona.  I think I know what we're doing one day in early January.  Whoo Hoo!  No we're not going to Arizona, we'll be sitting in front of the big screen with a pizza:)

Now, back to the Christmas tree.  Max and Bailey put up ornaments.

And a good job they did.

I busied myself with hanging stockings and putting up other decorations.

So the living room is done.  I am not sure if LL is going to put lights up outside or not.  Since I have no intention of helping, I have decided not to hound him about it.......anymore:(  Very charitable of me, isn't it?

We then went to Mom's.  Kris and Steve already had her tree up and decorated it before we got there.  The tree top will be put on later by my niece Kara.  It's a tradition.  It's her big moment so we let her have it:)

When we got there, Karen, her grandson Sam, David, Kris, Steve, Mom and Uncle Leo were all sitting around visiting.  Glad Max, LL and I came over so mom isn't lonely on a Saturday night ;-)

Today is the Purdy Christmas.  It is held in Sublimity, about 15 miles south of Silverton, in the foothills of the cascades.  I have  every intention of going.  I will make the food to take, and get ready.  But I have a feeling...........just a hunch, I might be having "issues" around that time.  Oh I hope not. 

Trying To Live, Not Judge

This morning I was reading one of my favorite blogs.  http://plainandjoyfulliving.blogspot.com/ It is written by a lady who has chose to raise her family in a very simple environment.  Yesterday she had shared while on vacation, noticing how many people lived and felt more at peace with her choice of living more simply.  She was not being judgemental.  Just making an observation.  She, today, extended an apology because some commented and defended a more "modern" lifestyle.  I felt bad for her.  She was expressing a relief that she was making the right decision for Her family.  But this has me thinking

I have written several blog posts about living simpler, more green, etc.  Do I come off sounding judgy?  I hope not.  I am trying to be more green.  Driving less, spending less, making do, reusing, and must admit, the plastic issue in the world has me getting mad at myself if I forget my canvas bag at the grocery store.  But even in my own household, I try not to say much to LL and Bailey.  I try to just model better choices.  When it comes to transportation, well I must say when I see the one Hummer that someone owns in town here, I do cringe a little, but a lot of people drive nice, new, large pickups and I choose to just think they are farmers or in construction, which would make those vehicles practical.  My brother David has a beautiful large pickup but travels very far to work and drives his small economy car.  He shares his pickup with anyone in the family who might need to haul something, so there is almost always a place and time for anything.  Including a gas guzzler.  When someone does bring a plastic bag from the grocery store into the house, well it always gets reused.  It's a great way to dispose of my soiled diaper or pack LL's lunch in.  I hope I never get them confused.  Can see me throwing his lunch away, and at noon, LL having a big surprise when he opens the sack.

LL and I live in a large house with a swimming pool.  10 yrs ago when we bought it, we got a great deal.  Now that my kids are grown, we look forward to the housing prices changing so we can afford to sell and buy a 2 bedroom small house with a yard that I can still garden and have my chickens.  Preferably on Silver creek but we'll see.  Downsizing is important to us, as living within our means is and not trying to keep up with the Jones. 

P.S. Forgot to mention Marlin, our RV.  Talk about gas guzzler, but we only use it for distances so I can get out.  Must admit, I did have to debate long and hard about buying it.  But as I said, a time and place for most anything.

But I try not to judge others on their choices.  This is just where I am at now in my life.  But I may sound preachy at times and for that I am sorry.

Addicted to Plastic

Turn Music off on the right before watching video.  Watched this movie.  It was well made and has renewed my commitment to reduce the amount of plastics in my family's life.

What's the Plan Stan

Well I made it to the party last night.  It was good to see Mary and her girls.  I didn't get a chance to talk to her sons.  Visited mostly with LL's brother Tony and his wife Debby.  Chili was served at the party but I skipped eating because Chili and I have a love/hate relationship.  So I ate after we left party.  I have already ate breakfast, so today will be a challenging day with my "digestion".  Need to run to store before things start up.

The weather has changed and no more beautiful bright sunny mornings here for a little while.  It's raining.  As a native Oregonian, the rain rarely stops me from doing anything unless it is a real down pour.  But it does change my mood.  After getting back from the store, my plan is to get chores done and get out my knitting which has been stored away for months.  I try to start knitting some Christmas gifts in October so I don't feel rushed when Thanksgiving comes around.  I am not a very good knitter, just make scarves and dish cloths mostly.  But I enjoy it and when not feeling well, I still can sit and be productive.

Staying off Face Book today.  Not wanting to read negative stuff.  I do communicate with a friend, daily on FB.  She is an Involuntary Hermit also.  Because of health issues, leaving her house has become difficult, so we talk, and encourage each other to stay active.  I wish she lived a little closer so we can be hermits together.  Can one be a Hermit with company?  I guess not.  Kind of like Herbie and Rudolph being Independent Together. 

On a positive note, I have been trying hard to decrease our use of plastics in the home.  Buying the least amount of packaging possible, refilling, using more glass storage, etc.  I haven't been on my high horse lecturing LL and Bailey about what they do.  Just going about my own business, hoping it makes a difference.  Well, LL came home last night with a DVD someone at work gave him to watch.  The name is Addicted To Plastic by Ian Connacher.  LL walked in and said to Bailey that we have a video to watch together, and that Mom (meaning me) has already been concerned about the plastic issue.  See!  Sometimes just quietly changing my own behavior does get noticed and makes a difference.  So after I watch the film, I will let you know what I think.

I have a feeling as fall and winter sets in, I will be writing more often on this blog about my thoughts.  I am using you all as a sounding board.  My dogs and chickens do get tired of my babbling from time to time.  That's why they rarely answer me back:)  OK I am joking, haven't totally lost my mind...........Yet.

The Clothes Line Poem

I found this poem on-line while reading one of my regular blogs. I enjoy drying clothes out one line. The rest of family doesn't like the stiffness of clothes and towels, but I think the freshness and smell more than makes up for the crunchiness. So here is this cute poem.

THE CLOTHES LINE POEM
A clothes line was a news forecast
To neighbors passing by.
There were no secrets you could keep
When clothes were hung to dry.
It also was a friendly link
For neighbors always knew
If company had stopped on by
To spend a night or two.
For then you'd see the 'fancy sheets'
And towels upon the line;
You'd see the 'company table cloths'
With intricate design.
The line announced a baby's birth
To folks who lived inside
As brand new infant clothes were hung
So carefully with pride.
The ages of the children could
So readily be known
By watching how the sizes changed
You'd know how much they'd grown.
It also told when illness struck,
As extra sheets were hung;
Then nightclothes, and a bathrobe, too,
Haphazardly were strung.
It said, 'Gone on vacation now'
When lines hung limp and bare.
It told, 'We're back!' when full lines sagged
With not an inch to spare.
New folks in town were scorned upon
If wash was dingy gray,
As neighbors carefully raised their brows,
And looked the other way.
But clotheslines now are of the past
For dryers make work less.
Now what goes on inside a home
Is anybody's guess.
I really miss that way of life.
It was a friendly sign
When neighbors knew each other best
By what hung on the line!
-AUTHOR UNKNOWN

A more beautiful place in the world I believe does not exist. We are back from four days of camping. I have not downloaded my pictures yet. These are from Bailey's camera.

The view of the lake from our campsite

Kris and Kara at our camp site

My kind of bridge

Bailey and Rett went for a walk up the hills and took this picture of the lake.

Bertie, Bud, and their middle child Bernice.

Rett and Bailey

Gus and Gertie and their dog Gutsy

I have pictures of Kane and Max on my camera and will be posting those later. Cole and I are home for just 24 hrs and are leaving for Astoria for a few days with Max joining us later. The other two kids will be taking care of animals and house. Hopefully the motel has WiFi so I will be able to post most days.

My Walkabout

What a beautiful morning here in Oregon. High today around 86 degrees. LL has been doing a pretty good job maintaining the plants. Poor man. I get these ideas of planting more and more because I was feeling so good a couple months ago, and now he has to water and take care of most of it because I am not physically able.

Just took a walkabout around the yard. Not sure what is going on with the zucchini leaves but there is a couple zucchini's that are about ready to pick:)



All but a couple of tomato plants look good. We planted more than usual so the couple of plants that are not doing so hot is not a big deal. The ones not doing well were potted ones so I think it was a soil issue.

My basil is doing great. Good thing because I LOVE basil. My walla walla onions are looking good also. I have quite a few weeds that need to be dealt with. ((("OH Bailey"))). She has been working a lot this week but hopefully Saturday I can get her to pull weeds.

The ornamentals are doing great. With the exception of the inpatients by the driveway, all else looks good. Glad we planted less flowers this year.

**Heads up**

I am having a wound issue. I might have an infection. If so, I don't think I would be admitted to the hospital again but might need a surgical procedure as an outpatient. I go to the doctor tomorrow. I hope it is not a big deal because the annual family picnic is Sunday and I don't want to miss it.

If I do end up in hospital, I will have LL post it here. But most likely I will post a nice long post about picnic, (the people and of course the food) on Sunday evening.

I will most likely write a couple more post before I even go to doctor but just wanted to give you a heads up.

Have a great day. I feel like taking a lot more pictures today so expect a random post next:)

Blondie Shutter Fly

BEWARE

Once you know of its existence, it could show up any time or any place in your life, as long as you have a camera in your hand.

You know how moths are attracted to light. Well the Blondie Shutter Fly is attracted to whatever a camera is focused on. The horrible fall out reminds me of the slime that's left from a slug. It is that all your pictures will have the Blondie shutter fly in them. Some of the subjects are not even aware of its existence.
Look at my sister Karen here. Poor naive thing doesn't even know the shutter fly is sneaking up behind her.

Look at my brother Dave. You can tell he is trying to make the best of it. Since he is 50% responsible for the creation of this particular Blondie Shutter Fly.

Again, a closely related species to the shutter fly, my niece Nicole. She just got back from a mission in Africa. We were so proud of her, but rumor has it, the Blondie shutter fly came attached to her. So she is somewhat responsible of its infestation of my barbecue.

A friend Jeanette should know better. Do not cozy up to this pest. It might never leave.



I meant to tell Mom and Kris to run. or at least don't act like your picture is being taken. It will always show up at the last second.

Look! Look! It is actually trying to do away with its competition for camera focus. My poor Baily is being strangled. I don't know how Bailey got out of the shutter fly's grasp, but thank goodness she escaped.

Does the fly have no shame. Bailey's boyfriend had never even heard of this pest until it swooped in and sat on his lap. I think his face is still red. Poor Rett!


Max just goes with the flow. You can tell by his smirk that he is not fooled by this pest.

Yes, I hate to say the cooks even had to deal with it. LL and my Brother-in-Law Steve, minding their own business. It does look like LL is about ready to swat the shutter fly away with the spatula.

We thought Jenny was safe in water. I mean who ever heard of a shutter fly getting close to water. This was a particularly resilient specimen.

Jenny's sister Heather had to put up with the pest the most. Heather was the main Photographer. We now call her Saint Heather.


Now this is just too much. It is one thing bothering all my family and friends. It is quite another think tormenting my sweet Beau. Really Blondie Shutter Fly, what did the little doggie ever do to you.

I heard if you act like the Blondie Shutter Fly is the life of the party and really wanted, it will eventually get bored and fly off to spread it's "joy" somewhere else. And that's just what it did. For those who know me in real life, this pest might look like my niece Brittney. Don't be fooled. But isn't she cute?