Well hello there. 4:00 AM here and you know what that usually means......Bad night:( I need to get my detective hat on and start itemizing all my food again. I might of been glutened. What I ate for dinner had no gluten. But what was different is that Bailey made dinner for her dad and Rett last night. Pasta alfredo with garlic bread. Looked and smelled great and no I did not eat any. But I made my dinner afterwards while there was crumbs and glutened food all around. But I was careful.
So the other choice is that something I ate yesterday, I am allergic to. I have two suspected foods, so I am going to have to journal my foods for a while and test things out.
So here I am a bit worried. Dr. L's office called a couple days ago and moved up my appointment. Which means I go to Portland tomorrow for my exam. This isn't fun under the best of circumstances. But because of my bad week or so, I have open sores. So the enema prep and the scope exam will bring more than a little discomfort.:(
So I have had little sleep but after tossing and turning a couple hours, I decided I might as well get up, write a post and watch a bit of news.
Something you might notice in the next few days, I am starting to revamp my blog a bit. Take some things off, add some other things. Not getting rid of any posts, just changing it up a little.
Showing posts with label elimination diet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label elimination diet. Show all posts
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Real "Issues", Real Food
Last month, I did the Real Food Challenge. Doing this, along with an Elimination diet, I have made huge progress on figuring out how to eat so that my digestion allows me to have some sort of life. Let me update you a bit on this.
I have blogged in detail about not having a rectum, what use the rectum serves for people, how my body works with out a rectum, the problems, challenges, etc. I have been trying to find a way to eat and live so that I do not have to put back in an ostomy. People live very well with ostomies. If I had to, I would have one again. But I had some pretty serious issues that are unique to me with the ostomies. Because of the cancer, surgeries and radiation, my intestines that I have left do not work normally. So with the ostomies, (I have had both kinds,) I was easily dehydrated, easily had blockages, and because I have very sensitive skin, I would regularly have painful wounds. So, figuring out my food issues is extremely important to me. But even if I eat perfectly, I will always have "issues" because of the lack of rectum.
But I am getting to a point where I think there is a good possibility that I will avoid getting an ostomy. Yes! This is what I have figured out so far. I am very gluten intolerant, also have allergies to nuts (maybe some are OK, but have not figured it out yet), can eat fish, but only a little chicken and beef. I can eat eggs, dairy (small amount), almost all fruits and vegetables. Grains without gluten.
What surprises me, is how sensitive my system is to processed food. Foods with preservatives, hormones, dyes, etc. Through research, I have a theory on this. It takes a lot to digest these ingredients. Lots of time, lots of healthy intestinal tissue. I have neither. Because some of my small intestines have been removed, the remaining is radiation damaged, a good part of my large intestines are gone, no rectum, my intestinal tract is much shorter and food goes through me much faster than the average person. And what digestive tract I have left is so sensitive that it can not handle any junk, and very little hard to digest meat. So if I have processed foods or too much meat, my body rebels.
This means I need to eat clean, pure foods as much as possible. So I have been developing a little routine to help keep clean foods available. Once a week, I buy a package with two boneless, skinless, hormone free, free ranged, fresh chicken breast. Because LL and I eat so little meat. These two chicken breasts are plenty for us all week. I use the meat as an ingredient, not as an entree. I poach them in water and what ever old vegetables I need to use.
This gives me two breast for meat and also a couple cups of clean broth to use in my stir-frys and other dishes.
When cooking rice and roasting vegetables for a meal, I make enough extra for my lunches for the week.
When baking a potato for dinner, I bake a couple extra to make hashbrowns for breakfast.
When making fish for dinner, I will make one extra for my lunch the next day.
I will make deviled eggs for a quick snack of protein.
And I am learning to have just a small piece of fruit to quelch my sweet craving. (this is not quite working yet, but my taste buds are changing).
I must admit, I still get in the mood for something fast and junky. I just don't have that luxury to give in to that craving. I would pay for days.
I have blogged in detail about not having a rectum, what use the rectum serves for people, how my body works with out a rectum, the problems, challenges, etc. I have been trying to find a way to eat and live so that I do not have to put back in an ostomy. People live very well with ostomies. If I had to, I would have one again. But I had some pretty serious issues that are unique to me with the ostomies. Because of the cancer, surgeries and radiation, my intestines that I have left do not work normally. So with the ostomies, (I have had both kinds,) I was easily dehydrated, easily had blockages, and because I have very sensitive skin, I would regularly have painful wounds. So, figuring out my food issues is extremely important to me. But even if I eat perfectly, I will always have "issues" because of the lack of rectum.
But I am getting to a point where I think there is a good possibility that I will avoid getting an ostomy. Yes! This is what I have figured out so far. I am very gluten intolerant, also have allergies to nuts (maybe some are OK, but have not figured it out yet), can eat fish, but only a little chicken and beef. I can eat eggs, dairy (small amount), almost all fruits and vegetables. Grains without gluten.
What surprises me, is how sensitive my system is to processed food. Foods with preservatives, hormones, dyes, etc. Through research, I have a theory on this. It takes a lot to digest these ingredients. Lots of time, lots of healthy intestinal tissue. I have neither. Because some of my small intestines have been removed, the remaining is radiation damaged, a good part of my large intestines are gone, no rectum, my intestinal tract is much shorter and food goes through me much faster than the average person. And what digestive tract I have left is so sensitive that it can not handle any junk, and very little hard to digest meat. So if I have processed foods or too much meat, my body rebels.
This means I need to eat clean, pure foods as much as possible. So I have been developing a little routine to help keep clean foods available. Once a week, I buy a package with two boneless, skinless, hormone free, free ranged, fresh chicken breast. Because LL and I eat so little meat. These two chicken breasts are plenty for us all week. I use the meat as an ingredient, not as an entree. I poach them in water and what ever old vegetables I need to use.
This gives me two breast for meat and also a couple cups of clean broth to use in my stir-frys and other dishes.
When cooking rice and roasting vegetables for a meal, I make enough extra for my lunches for the week.
Above is roasted vegetables and rice. Rice? Yes, organic black rice.
Very flavorful, and packed with nutrients and anti-oxidents.
Try it sometime.
When baking a potato for dinner, I bake a couple extra to make hashbrowns for breakfast.
When making fish for dinner, I will make one extra for my lunch the next day.
I eat on a small 6 inch plate now to keep my portions small.
If I eat too much food at once, this also triggers "issues".
I will make deviled eggs for a quick snack of protein.
And I am learning to have just a small piece of fruit to quelch my sweet craving. (this is not quite working yet, but my taste buds are changing).
I must admit, I still get in the mood for something fast and junky. I just don't have that luxury to give in to that craving. I would pay for days.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Camping Spot
My, I have a lot of friends and family happy for LL and I. Many of you have e-mailed or face booked me about our new camping spots. Lots of congrats, and a few questions.
We do not have a view of the river, but there is a view point near by where you can take lawn chairs. I really don't know this for a fact, but the map did say this. The river is a short walking distance and if we have a guest who can't make the walk, there are places to park your car by the river.
But back to our camping spot. The cool part about this being a private park is that with in reason, you can do what ever you want with your spot. Build a deck, a storage shed, make tent sites, put up natural material fence, gravel drive, RV spot etc. LL and I are planning on clearing off a drive way and RV spot which will be graveled. Put some paver stones for a kind of "deck". LL is going to build a new picnic table, but there is an old sturdy one there that when it drys out I will sand and paint. We don't like where the fire pit is and the type, so we will put a new one in a different location. We will put some sort of storage up, but we do not want to spend lots of money right now so we will watch Craig's list or LL will build something but we will not be in any hurry. Basically, we will groom and improve the drive, RV parking, and a middle "living" area for eating and fire pit, clear out a couple spots for tents, but we really want to keep the perimeter as natural as possible.
Our camping spot is in a private park. It is our spot every year, as long as we obey the rules and pay the yearly fees. We can pick out a different spot next year if we want, or get on a long list to get a spot on the river, or a full hook-up spot. These lists have a 8 to 10 year wait. Frankly, if we are not on the river, I don't think we will likely want to move for a long time. Our spot will take a bit of work to get into shape and once we do get it into shape, well, who wants to give it up after that? Also, the location of it is really good. Although Marlin has a bathroom and water, our spot is close to bathrooms and water. Also, with no one behind or in front of us, it gives us more room and privacy. Max will be able to be...........Max.
We do not have a view of the river, but there is a view point near by where you can take lawn chairs. I really don't know this for a fact, but the map did say this. The river is a short walking distance and if we have a guest who can't make the walk, there are places to park your car by the river.
But back to our camping spot. The cool part about this being a private park is that with in reason, you can do what ever you want with your spot. Build a deck, a storage shed, make tent sites, put up natural material fence, gravel drive, RV spot etc. LL and I are planning on clearing off a drive way and RV spot which will be graveled. Put some paver stones for a kind of "deck". LL is going to build a new picnic table, but there is an old sturdy one there that when it drys out I will sand and paint. We don't like where the fire pit is and the type, so we will put a new one in a different location. We will put some sort of storage up, but we do not want to spend lots of money right now so we will watch Craig's list or LL will build something but we will not be in any hurry. Basically, we will groom and improve the drive, RV parking, and a middle "living" area for eating and fire pit, clear out a couple spots for tents, but we really want to keep the perimeter as natural as possible.
Now, moving on. I really had a rough evening and night last night. I am sure I did not eat gluten. But, retracing all my eating, there can only be one culprit. Jelly Belly Beans. I have been eating clean foods for quite a while. No processed foods, mainly one ingredient foods, like rice, potatoes, vegetables stir fried or roasted, raw fruits, and fish with occasional chicken and beef in small amounts, and Very rarely. My body seems to be doing well eating like this. But this requires much planning and preparing. Sometimes a person just wants something to snack on. Well a couple days ago, I was looking at the Easter candy at the store and noticed Jelly Belly brand of jelly beans are gluten free, so I bought some. I really did not think it through. I ate them. Boy Oh Boy,..........Bad "issues". What was I thinking. Tons of ingredients and many, many dyes. It is official. I am now a fish loving, grass eating, organic eating, fresh natural food eater for the rest of my life. I really don't think I can go back and eat any other way. That means very few restaurants, no fast foods, absolutely no processed foods. No gluten, no nuts, no dyes, no preservatives, no hormones, etc. The difference of days and days of relief, (still have "issues" but tolerable issues), versus pain, accidents, embarrassment, and loss of freedom. Well there really is no choice.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Delight Gluten Free
I have good friends who have been very patient with me. Because of my "issues" and being homebound, I have not had much of a social life with friends. It is much easier to have an embarrassing accident and "issues" in front of family rather than friends. But I have friends who occasionally I have lunch with. One of my best friends is Pam. She is a special educational teacher who happens to be the mother of Bailey's best friend. Actually, we use to go to the same church, our kids were in the same preschool and we just have loved each other and been the biggest supporter of each other when we are hurting. Pam, more than any of my friends, when I was at my sickest over the last two years, called, asked "is she able to come to the phone" (best thing to ask when wanting to talk to someone going through chemo and radiation) and accepted when I couldn't, kept calling and came over on my good days. I love her dearly.
Pam and I have not visited for many months. She had this spring break week off and wanted to do lunch. Well if you have read my blog, you know my luck in restaurants are not so good. But when in Salem the other day, I bought a magazine for people that need a gluten free diet. It is called Delight Gluten Free. I love it. I then looked up past issues and found a good article on how to eat out in restaurants.
Basically choosing the restaurant is the most important thing. When lunching with friends, we usually choose a ethnic (Mexican or Asian) or a bar and grill. It was recommended to choose a restaurant with a "real" chef who has a lot of fresh food at their disposal, that you can ask a lot of questions and order specifically to your needs. If they are well trained, they already understand gluten free and the issue of contamination. So when Pam called me and told me to pick a place.... My brain when to The Glockenspiel in Mt. Angel. It is right around the corner from my mom's house, so if I had problems, I had an exit plan. Here is their web site.
http://www.glockenspielrestaurant.net/
When I got there, I first looked at the menu to choose something I thought maybe safe. Then when the waitress came, I told her of my issues, asked what the fish dish was, and asked her to find out from the chef how it was prepared. She came back with the info. He said he could prepare the fish lunch special without the sauce and breading, give me extra veggies to replace the side dishes which had gluten, and they could fresh make the salad without the house dressing and croutons. It was ordinary for him. That was what the magazine said. You may have to go somewhere a little more expensive, but if you have a good chef with fresh prepared food, they can make a very safe meal for you.
It has been almost 4 hours since I ate. No "issues" So I am thinking I have Delight Gluten Free magazine to thank for giving me the right questions to ask and guidance. Yes!! Really love occasionally going out with friend for lunch.
Pam and I have not visited for many months. She had this spring break week off and wanted to do lunch. Well if you have read my blog, you know my luck in restaurants are not so good. But when in Salem the other day, I bought a magazine for people that need a gluten free diet. It is called Delight Gluten Free. I love it. I then looked up past issues and found a good article on how to eat out in restaurants.
Basically choosing the restaurant is the most important thing. When lunching with friends, we usually choose a ethnic (Mexican or Asian) or a bar and grill. It was recommended to choose a restaurant with a "real" chef who has a lot of fresh food at their disposal, that you can ask a lot of questions and order specifically to your needs. If they are well trained, they already understand gluten free and the issue of contamination. So when Pam called me and told me to pick a place.... My brain when to The Glockenspiel in Mt. Angel. It is right around the corner from my mom's house, so if I had problems, I had an exit plan. Here is their web site.
http://www.glockenspielrestaurant.net/
When I got there, I first looked at the menu to choose something I thought maybe safe. Then when the waitress came, I told her of my issues, asked what the fish dish was, and asked her to find out from the chef how it was prepared. She came back with the info. He said he could prepare the fish lunch special without the sauce and breading, give me extra veggies to replace the side dishes which had gluten, and they could fresh make the salad without the house dressing and croutons. It was ordinary for him. That was what the magazine said. You may have to go somewhere a little more expensive, but if you have a good chef with fresh prepared food, they can make a very safe meal for you.
It has been almost 4 hours since I ate. No "issues" So I am thinking I have Delight Gluten Free magazine to thank for giving me the right questions to ask and guidance. Yes!! Really love occasionally going out with friend for lunch.
Real Food, Making Ahead
Instead of working outside yesterday,(rained off and on), I decided I to do a cooking marathon to get some gluten free meals in the freezer. When I am cooking something for myself that LL will eat, things go great. But I am having a harder time keeping my food from getting contaminated when cooking a gluten free and gluten meal at the same time. Using the wrong spoon to stir can cause contamination. So I wanted several meals in the freezer when I am making something with bread, regular pasta, etc. for the rest of the family.
I found a pasta which has only one ingredient. Brown rice. And it tastes good. Now I just have to remember which store I bought it. Was it Whole Foods, Roths, or Lifesource. When I find it again, I will buy many packages.
I made a Mac and Cheese that the only thickening is eggs, rather then flour. We had this for dinner last night and I froze two large dinner portions for me to eat later.
After I got back from Kathy's meeting, I continued with my cooking. I wanted to use up most of my vegetables before they go bad. So I browned two free range, hormone free, fresh chicken breasts, diced. Then put in some of the chicken in a soup that had potatoes, sweet potato, carrots, celery, onion and mushrooms. Sent a large serving for LL's lunch and froze two large portions for my meal. At the same time, I used the rest of my veggies and made a stir-fry and put the rest of the chicken. Made some rice. So now I have 6 meals of real food without gluten in my freezer.
I hope to make a habit of making an extra portion of gluten free meals to put in freezer so I always have something on hand.
I made a Mac and Cheese that the only thickening is eggs, rather then flour. We had this for dinner last night and I froze two large dinner portions for me to eat later.
After I got back from Kathy's meeting, I continued with my cooking. I wanted to use up most of my vegetables before they go bad. So I browned two free range, hormone free, fresh chicken breasts, diced. Then put in some of the chicken in a soup that had potatoes, sweet potato, carrots, celery, onion and mushrooms. Sent a large serving for LL's lunch and froze two large portions for my meal. At the same time, I used the rest of my veggies and made a stir-fry and put the rest of the chicken. Made some rice. So now I have 6 meals of real food without gluten in my freezer.
I hope to make a habit of making an extra portion of gluten free meals to put in freezer so I always have something on hand.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Rough
Rough. After my doctor's appointment, I had a light dinner on Tuesday and went outside to work a bit, I was feeling pretty good. But by bedtime, things went bad and I was up most the night with "issues". Luckily, Kris ended up taking Mom to her eye appointment Wednesday morning. I was thinking the soup I ate was safe so it must of been a fall out from the doctor's exam. So silly me, I ate left over soup for lunch yesterday. About an hour later, my day was done and had problems until I fell asleep around 8:00 last night. Need to figure out what ingredient in the soup is not good for me. These bouts exhaust me. I slept for 10 hrs, which is very rare for me.
I am feeling better now, but I will not eat anything until after Kathy's meeting, which is in Salem at 1:00. While in bed yesterday afternoon, I had a long phone talk with Kathy's lawyer. The system is set up so that we have very few options. The department that the Attorney is trying to get the court hearing to fight, is the same department you have to go through to OK the hearing. Does that sound fair to you? Although the lawyer has several ideas and will try them, she also said the one size fits all cuts that are being implemented does not take into account very complex people like Kathy, so no one in the whole State has been successful yet in challenging the process. I asked what do we do when Kathy deteriorates, or gets hurt (or someone else). She said that's when we will have a better case. Well that is not very comforting, is it?
I am not expecting too much to come out of today's meeting. This meeting is for everyone to update each other where we are at. Monday is another meeting and I expect more definite decisions will then need to be made.
If it stops raining soon, I will be heading outside to work for a couple hours to clear my head. I think that is my form of meditation. Then, since I wont be eating lunch, I will come in just in time to bathe and get to the meeting. Kris needs to work today but will be at Monday's meeting. I think Karen is taking a couple of hours off of work to go to today's meeting with me. Have a great day.
I am feeling better now, but I will not eat anything until after Kathy's meeting, which is in Salem at 1:00. While in bed yesterday afternoon, I had a long phone talk with Kathy's lawyer. The system is set up so that we have very few options. The department that the Attorney is trying to get the court hearing to fight, is the same department you have to go through to OK the hearing. Does that sound fair to you? Although the lawyer has several ideas and will try them, she also said the one size fits all cuts that are being implemented does not take into account very complex people like Kathy, so no one in the whole State has been successful yet in challenging the process. I asked what do we do when Kathy deteriorates, or gets hurt (or someone else). She said that's when we will have a better case. Well that is not very comforting, is it?
I am not expecting too much to come out of today's meeting. This meeting is for everyone to update each other where we are at. Monday is another meeting and I expect more definite decisions will then need to be made.
If it stops raining soon, I will be heading outside to work for a couple hours to clear my head. I think that is my form of meditation. Then, since I wont be eating lunch, I will come in just in time to bathe and get to the meeting. Kris needs to work today but will be at Monday's meeting. I think Karen is taking a couple of hours off of work to go to today's meeting with me. Have a great day.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Real Food Challenge-Roasted Vegetable Napoleon
I have been very challenged trying to eat Real Food for the Challenge, while eating no gluten, and doing an elimination diet to figure out my food problems. And I have done my fair share of complaining. But I really shouldn't. Because I can eat two very versatile foods that I happen to love. Eggs, which I mostly get from my 3 ladies, and cheese, which is up there as one of my favorites. So I made a Triple Cheese omelet. Two of my girls dark golden yolked eggs, scrambled, in the middle, a little mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and topped with a touch of Parmesan.
For dinner, I have had a hankering for a steak. Well, it is way too soon to try that food out. But last night I was watching a cooking show called Naturally Delicious on the Veria channel. They had a dish called Roasted Vegetable Napoleon. I did not follow their recipe because frankly, there was a couple of unusual ingredients like pomegranate molasses. They say to get it at a Middle eastern Indian store. None of those in Silverton. They also had a couple ingredients with wheat in it. No go for this no gluten girl. So I did not follow their recipe but used their method. Because it has portabella mushroom in it, I knew it might help with my steak craving. So this is what I did.
You slice up a couple red onions and slow cook them in a skillet with a little evoo, pepper, and a touch of agave nectar. I did use the agave nectar but am thinking next time I will omit it because the onions are sweet enough on their own. Cook them slow until they become sweet and jam like. In fact they call this Onion Marmalade.
While those are cooking down, slice egg plant in large circles and take stems off mushrooms. Brush a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, a touch of rosemary and thyme on the egg plant and mushrooms and roast them at 375 degrees for about 40 minutes.
Grate a little mozzarella cheese. Slice a large tomato in circles. Then assemble the Napoleons in this order. Egg plant, onion marm., tomato, cheese, mushroom, onion marm., egg plant, onion marm., tomato, cheese, and top it off with mushroom. Put back in oven for about 20 minutes. While roasting, simmer about 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar down to about half so it is a thick syrup. Add 1/4 cup red wine, whisk and simmer for 5 minutes. Put napoleon on plate and drizzle balsamic sauce.
I would give this recipe a grade B. It would be an A if I was grading on taste, but it was a bit labor intensive which is fine for a treat but not a go to recipe.
For dinner, I have had a hankering for a steak. Well, it is way too soon to try that food out. But last night I was watching a cooking show called Naturally Delicious on the Veria channel. They had a dish called Roasted Vegetable Napoleon. I did not follow their recipe because frankly, there was a couple of unusual ingredients like pomegranate molasses. They say to get it at a Middle eastern Indian store. None of those in Silverton. They also had a couple ingredients with wheat in it. No go for this no gluten girl. So I did not follow their recipe but used their method. Because it has portabella mushroom in it, I knew it might help with my steak craving. So this is what I did.
You slice up a couple red onions and slow cook them in a skillet with a little evoo, pepper, and a touch of agave nectar. I did use the agave nectar but am thinking next time I will omit it because the onions are sweet enough on their own. Cook them slow until they become sweet and jam like. In fact they call this Onion Marmalade.
While those are cooking down, slice egg plant in large circles and take stems off mushrooms. Brush a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, garlic, a touch of rosemary and thyme on the egg plant and mushrooms and roast them at 375 degrees for about 40 minutes.
Grate a little mozzarella cheese. Slice a large tomato in circles. Then assemble the Napoleons in this order. Egg plant, onion marm., tomato, cheese, mushroom, onion marm., egg plant, onion marm., tomato, cheese, and top it off with mushroom. Put back in oven for about 20 minutes. While roasting, simmer about 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar down to about half so it is a thick syrup. Add 1/4 cup red wine, whisk and simmer for 5 minutes. Put napoleon on plate and drizzle balsamic sauce.
I would give this recipe a grade B. It would be an A if I was grading on taste, but it was a bit labor intensive which is fine for a treat but not a go to recipe.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Bread of Life
No one has ever told me life was fair. And with the goings on in the world, I should not complain. But it is hard enough to fill your cupboards with the rising cost of food. Add to it, trying to fill your cupboards with staples that is gluten free...........outrageous!
I am a starch girl. I love bread, pasta, and so on. (No wonder I have developed gluten intolerance) And I am CRAVING a piece of toast with homemade jam. So I knew I would have to do this. Thought I should wait till I go to Whole Foods after my doctor appointment next week. But LL wants to go to the doctor with me and will have to get back to work, so I couldn't wait any longer. After taking the advice of Kayli from Sitka, I looked up recipes that are gluten free. Found some good ones that have some ingredients in common. So I made a list. Went to my local grocery store that has a good selection of health foods, but almost none in bulk like I could have bought at Whole Foods. And here is what I got.
Does this look like $70.00's worth of food? Yikes! (I hope LL doesn't read this post) The amount of certain flours are small prepackaged but at least I can now try to make my own bread, figure out what works, and then go to Whole Foods and stock up.
Now I need to take out our spare toaster and my bread machine and take a tooth brush to both and get all gluten residue off. I don't think we will be RVing (*trying not to cry*) this weekend, so tomorrow, I will attempt to make a loaf of gluten free bread. Oh don't worry. I will blog and show a picture, even if it is a horrible failure.
I am a starch girl. I love bread, pasta, and so on. (No wonder I have developed gluten intolerance) And I am CRAVING a piece of toast with homemade jam. So I knew I would have to do this. Thought I should wait till I go to Whole Foods after my doctor appointment next week. But LL wants to go to the doctor with me and will have to get back to work, so I couldn't wait any longer. After taking the advice of Kayli from Sitka, I looked up recipes that are gluten free. Found some good ones that have some ingredients in common. So I made a list. Went to my local grocery store that has a good selection of health foods, but almost none in bulk like I could have bought at Whole Foods. And here is what I got.
Now I need to take out our spare toaster and my bread machine and take a tooth brush to both and get all gluten residue off. I don't think we will be RVing (*trying not to cry*) this weekend, so tomorrow, I will attempt to make a loaf of gluten free bread. Oh don't worry. I will blog and show a picture, even if it is a horrible failure.
Top Of The Morning
Happy St. Patrick's Day! I am back from my short casino trip. I had fun but did not have the luck of the Irish on this trip. I had a few good hours health wise, but alas, things went south. I thought I was careful, but I must of had something unknowingly with gluten, and/or am allergic to shell fish. Very bad time before I left the casino, and a bad time the rest of the afternoon and evening. I was doing so good before, that I could almost forget how miserable and painful things are when it gets bad.
I think it is just too soon for me to eat something I have not prepared myself. And I have to say, I am missing my annual corned beef and cabbage dish I make this time of year. It really is delicious. So I am posting the link to last year's recipe in case someone has never made corned beef before. Corned beef is on sale everywhere this week so now is a good time to try it.
St. Patty's Cooking
Did not sleep well last night because of "issues". So I am moving slow. I was hoping to do some yard work today, but it is raining pretty hard here. Only thing I have to do today is go to the store to restock my supply of fruits and vegetables. I have been watching a lot of cable news to get updates on Japan. Really does make my life seem trivial and mundane, but will hold that nation up in prayer every chance I get. I hope everyone has a good St. Patty's day and maybe down a pint of Guinness if you are so inclined.
I think it is just too soon for me to eat something I have not prepared myself. And I have to say, I am missing my annual corned beef and cabbage dish I make this time of year. It really is delicious. So I am posting the link to last year's recipe in case someone has never made corned beef before. Corned beef is on sale everywhere this week so now is a good time to try it.
St. Patty's Cooking
Did not sleep well last night because of "issues". So I am moving slow. I was hoping to do some yard work today, but it is raining pretty hard here. Only thing I have to do today is go to the store to restock my supply of fruits and vegetables. I have been watching a lot of cable news to get updates on Japan. Really does make my life seem trivial and mundane, but will hold that nation up in prayer every chance I get. I hope everyone has a good St. Patty's day and maybe down a pint of Guinness if you are so inclined.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Bento Time-No Excuses
I need to do a better job writing on my other blog about my foods and "issues". Over the last few weeks, I have found I can eat most all fruits and vegetables,(haven't tried broccoli or cauliflower yet) and fish. In small doses I can eat lettuce, chicken, and shrimp. The thing I can not seem to tolerated even a little is gluten. Bad things happen to my body.
I am getting ready to leave and pick Mom up to take her over night to a casino. Over the last year, every time I go, I have major "issues" with my digestion. Almost takes all the fun out of it. But now that I know what some of my food triggers are, I am hoping to have a better time. One problem though, is that the choices of restaurants is a sports bar, which mostly has sandwiches, creamy soups and fries. And buffet. The buffet might have some gluten free choices, but with the mass amount of food they make, contamination might be likely. I might be able to order a baked potato or small salad at the sports bar. I am sure I will not go hungry, but I know myself. If my choices are slim, I might just say what the heck and hear myself saying to the waitress, "I'll take a Reuben sandwich with fries". That does sound good doesn't it?
So what's the plan Stan? I decided if I feel hungry after making and eating a good safe choice, I need something back in the room that is yummy and safe. So I made myself a bento.
I am getting ready to leave and pick Mom up to take her over night to a casino. Over the last year, every time I go, I have major "issues" with my digestion. Almost takes all the fun out of it. But now that I know what some of my food triggers are, I am hoping to have a better time. One problem though, is that the choices of restaurants is a sports bar, which mostly has sandwiches, creamy soups and fries. And buffet. The buffet might have some gluten free choices, but with the mass amount of food they make, contamination might be likely. I might be able to order a baked potato or small salad at the sports bar. I am sure I will not go hungry, but I know myself. If my choices are slim, I might just say what the heck and hear myself saying to the waitress, "I'll take a Reuben sandwich with fries". That does sound good doesn't it?
So what's the plan Stan? I decided if I feel hungry after making and eating a good safe choice, I need something back in the room that is yummy and safe. So I made myself a bento.
Rice balls with tofu,onion, and mushroom stir fry with homemade sauce and tomatoes. And carrots, grapes and hard boiled eggs.
Hopefully, this will prevent me from doing something stupid. I may still make a mistake and eat something wrong, but now I have No Excuse making a bad choice on purpose. Looking forward to an overnight trip without too bad of "issues".
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Mise En Place
What does Mise en place mean? Well if you were a restaurateur or chef, you would know. If you were a foodie, you would know. I am none of these things, but I do love food, like cooking, and when I was sick with chemo, I did nothing but watch the Food Network, and they talk a lot about getting your mise en place ready. So what does mise en place mean. Well I will let Wikepedia tell you........
Mise en place (pronounced [miz É‘̃ plas], literally "putting in place") is a French phrase defined by the Culinary Institute of America as "everything in place", as in set up. It is used in professional kitchens to refer to organizing and arranging the ingredients (e.g., cuts of meat, relishes, sauces, par-cooked items, spices, freshly chopped vegetables, and other components) that a cook will require for the menu items that he or she expects to prepare during his/her shift.[1]
Now I am not a very organized cook. Baking yes, because it is an exact science. But while cooking, I usually don't know what I am going to throw in a dish until I have actually done it. But there is one way of cooking, I am always organized and have my mise en place in order. When I stir fry.
I have to admit here, I think I made a mistake in putting tofu in my stir fry. It is not with in my own perimeters for the Real Food Challenge. It is a processed soy product with more than one ingredient. So My Bad! But now that the first week is over, I think that was my first mistake. No I did not make a mistake with the sauce. I put it together with lots on one ingredient items. And it tasted better than any premade sauce you can buy in a jar.
Mise en place (pronounced [miz É‘̃ plas], literally "putting in place") is a French phrase defined by the Culinary Institute of America as "everything in place", as in set up. It is used in professional kitchens to refer to organizing and arranging the ingredients (e.g., cuts of meat, relishes, sauces, par-cooked items, spices, freshly chopped vegetables, and other components) that a cook will require for the menu items that he or she expects to prepare during his/her shift.[1]
Now I am not a very organized cook. Baking yes, because it is an exact science. But while cooking, I usually don't know what I am going to throw in a dish until I have actually done it. But there is one way of cooking, I am always organized and have my mise en place in order. When I stir fry.
I have to admit here, I think I made a mistake in putting tofu in my stir fry. It is not with in my own perimeters for the Real Food Challenge. It is a processed soy product with more than one ingredient. So My Bad! But now that the first week is over, I think that was my first mistake. No I did not make a mistake with the sauce. I put it together with lots on one ingredient items. And it tasted better than any premade sauce you can buy in a jar.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Real Food Challenge---Mayo
I am taking the Real Food Challenge very serious. Because of it, and my elimination diet, I have been eating my fill of Rice, safe veggies, (staying away from broccoli and cauliflower for a while), Quinoa, Salmon, Tilapia, etc.... But I am missing condiments. I love dipping my food in something yummy. Since I am eating a lot of fish, and am missing tartar sauce, I was thinking that some tasty tartar sauce would be nice. But with homemade tartar sauce, you have to begin with Mayo. Well jarred Mayo is lots of ingredients and processed. So, I remembered my time in Spain that I had yummy garlicky aioli. Which is a garlic infused mayo. So, I got out my trusty cookbooks, of course I did not follow exactly........When do I ever?? But came up with the best Mayo EVER! Next time I make it, I will make it without so much garlic so LL can enjoy it too. He only can stand a touch of garlic. Me, when it comes to garlic...........Bring it on!
Here is the ingredients. One whole egg, and one egg white. You put them in the blender and let it wurl. While it is frothing and thickening add a generous pinch of sea salt. You can use any salt, but because of my health, I use only sea salt. When that starts to froth and thicken, (just a minute or so), start pouring in your 1 cup of extra virgin olive oil out of the hole of your lid while the blender is still running. Just a thin stream and only about a third of it. While still running add the juice of a half of a lemon, then slowly add the rest of the evoo. When the mayo is getting really thick, if you want garlic, AND WHO DOESN"T, add 1 to 3 minced or grated like I did and process for a few seconds.(When making it for LL, I will grate just a half a garlic). You end up with tasty homemade mayo.
Remember, homemade mayo is like the old fashion kind and can not be left out especially if mixed in salads, at a warm temperature. I ate it last night with my rice, salad and salmon. My salmon never tasted so good.
Friday, March 4, 2011
De-Glutenizing The Kitchen
Got started about 8:00 yesterday morning. Yikes, lots of crumbs everywhere. Lots of spills. Lots of items to get rid of.
Luckily, I just deep cleaned the refrigerator a few days before, so just needed to wipe out and organize.
Labeling areas for gluten free items.
Cross contamination is common if places are not designated specifically for Gluten free and certain condiment containers are easily at risk. So I tried to make it easier on the rest of the family. And put as many separate tools as possible. Like measuring cups and spoons. Definitely I need my own butter dish.
While finishing up, I put a soup together for dinner, and finished deglutenizing the kitchen around 4:30.
TaDaaaa!
Today, I am planning to work on the Laundry room and small bathroom. I'll see how far I get, because I want to go to the library, and also drop something off at Kris's.
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.
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.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
What Time Is It???
It's Bento Time!:)
Don't ask me how far I got when cleaning my Kitchen. Not very far. OK not at all. But today, as soon as LL leaves, I am starting in one corner and working my way around. One thing I wont do is the outside of the cupboards. Bailey and I do this together. She gets on the step ladder with the Murphy's Oil Soap and I tell her, "you missed a spot". Pointing with conviction. Then when the cupboards dry, she goes around with Almond oil, and I point with conviction and say "you missed a spot". Don't get on me about this. I do all the rest of the cleaning of the kitchen. Today, it will help that my mom is out of town and Kris is back to work. Less excuses to do something else. I don't even have to stop to make my lunch and clean the mess up because I made myself a bento in my cute bento from Japan.
Don't ask me how far I got when cleaning my Kitchen. Not very far. OK not at all. But today, as soon as LL leaves, I am starting in one corner and working my way around. One thing I wont do is the outside of the cupboards. Bailey and I do this together. She gets on the step ladder with the Murphy's Oil Soap and I tell her, "you missed a spot". Pointing with conviction. Then when the cupboards dry, she goes around with Almond oil, and I point with conviction and say "you missed a spot". Don't get on me about this. I do all the rest of the cleaning of the kitchen. Today, it will help that my mom is out of town and Kris is back to work. Less excuses to do something else. I don't even have to stop to make my lunch and clean the mess up because I made myself a bento in my cute bento from Japan.
Lettuce that I will add lemon and evoo, rice, roasted onion, roasted carrots and a one egg little omelet
Of course I made LL a bento with leftovers also. Lettuce salad, rice balls with nori face, roasted carrots, one egg omelet sliced and a ground beef patty made from Uncle Leo's beef, and a slice of cheese cut into a heart.
The cheese is processed. So I will make believe he will not eat it and throw it out. OK. I will take it off. Dang this Challenge is hard.
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
We Belong Together
Been on the move already this morning. My niece Kara's car needed to be worked on, well her windshield did. So I went to Kris's house this morning and we had breakfast together. She made oatmeal with rolled oats, milk and lemon zest soaked all night. It was so good. We took Kara's car in and now I am back home.
I am scrapping my plans to concentrate on my bathrooms this week because I and my doctor have determined I am gluten intolerant. Very intolerant. I made a wonderful gluten free dinner last night.
Salmon, baked mashed sweet potato, and salad. But I did not make sure my counter tops were free of crumbs, and I used butter that I know Bailey used to better her bagel. It only takes a crumb of gluten to give a reaction, and since I know my dinner was safe but used the butter and counter top, I had a slight reaction. Burning eyes, and throat swelling. Not enough to affect my "digestion", Thank God!
So I am going to start working on my kitchen today. This will take several days because I need to get residue off my pots and pans. I could just buy a couple pans that I solely cook gluten free food in, and maybe will eventually do this. But after depleting our savings for scooter and wanting to travel soon, I do not want to invest right now, for the expensive pans I like to use.
In a while I am making rice to take to Kris's. She is roasting vegetables and we will have lunch together. After that, we need to pick Kara's car back up. Kris returns to work tomorrow. Must admit, I have enjoyed her time off. We didn't spend all our time together, but when my "digestion" was behaving, we did a lot of little things together. I want Kris to win the lottery so she can retire and keep me company. Yes, I am that self involved:)
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Bingo
Here I am up in the middle of the night again. First rough night in days. I have determined I not only have an intolerance, but I have an all out allergy. Now I need to figure out what. Could be one of three foods, but I am guessing it is going to be bread. If I am right, I then have to figure out what part of bread I am allergic to. Two common culprits are gluten and yeast. Knowing my luck, it will be both. When researching, yeast overgrowth in the body creates the symptoms I developed spot on. Well this would be my last choice of food allergies. Common things with yeast are almost all baked goods, cheese, some chocolate, alcohol, did I mention cheese. Seriously love cheese.
So I am now up, hurting after a very bad bathroom episode. My throat still hurts from it swelling earlier. I eyes have not stopped burning yet. After going through this, I was kind of mad at myself, but LL has the right attitude. Basically he says "Good, now you are getting closer to figure this all out". and he is right. I just hope I feel well enough to go with Kris later today.
So I am now up, hurting after a very bad bathroom episode. My throat still hurts from it swelling earlier. I eyes have not stopped burning yet. After going through this, I was kind of mad at myself, but LL has the right attitude. Basically he says "Good, now you are getting closer to figure this all out". and he is right. I just hope I feel well enough to go with Kris later today.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Week 9, 2011
Oh my, did we have a wind storm last night. This time, no trees down. A year and half ago, Silverton had a freak wind storm. I was up in Portland recovering from surgery. Bailey was home alone, and a neighbor's tree fell into our kitchen. LL luckily got most of it fixed before I came home.
Today, I am staying home, catching up on laundry, cleaning, and hopefully deep cleaning one of the bathrooms. I use to do a big spring and fall cleaning 2x's a year. I would spend a solid week from sun up to bed time going through every cupboard, cleaning every corner, washing every window. Frankly, I do not have the stamina right now for that. So I am picking one or two rooms a week and deep cleaning every corner. When I am all done, I will be putting a fresh coat of sealant on my hard wood floor. I figure since my house is big, I will be done by Easter. And that's OK. So both bathrooms with get a well deserved scrubbing this week.
Tomorrow is the start of the Real Food Challenge. I hope to have a full and complete list of whole foods made today, because Kris and I might be going up north towards Portland tomorrow. I want to go to Whole Foods store to pick up a few things I can not get at our local grocery store.
Wednesday, I am keeping open. It is Kris's last day off from recuperating from surgery. If she has no plans, and my "digestion" continues to behave, I am hoping we can do something fun together. I have enjoyed having her company a lot over the last few weeks. I am going to miss not feeling quite as alone during the weekdays.
Thursday, if LL and I decided to RV somewhere this weekend. I will spend Thursday making sure the RV is ready to go, and prepare what foods I can. We will not be taking any prepackaged, convenience foods because of the challenge, so my regular RV meals will not work. And because of my elimination diet, even steak can not be on the menu. My body is not ready to bring meat back into my diet. I am having doubts that I will ever be able to tolerate any meat other than fish.
Friday, if we go RVing, will have me getting the house straightened up and making sure Max is good with having Mom and Dad gone for a couple days.
LL's birthday is coming up. I need to start thinking what I would like to give him. Don't have a clue right now.
So that's the upcoming week. By the way, I watched the Today show this morning. Watched an interview with Charlie Sheen. It is even obvious to me that if indeed he is not high, than he is either going through a Manic episode, drug induced schizophrenia, or some other mental illness. I hope someone in his life can help him. Don't know why I feel the need to even comment on some Hollywood person but it was actually painful to watch him in the interview.
Have a great week everyone. It is pouring down rain here today. Bailey is house sitting for Karen this week. So every thing will be calm and quiet around here all week.
Today, I am staying home, catching up on laundry, cleaning, and hopefully deep cleaning one of the bathrooms. I use to do a big spring and fall cleaning 2x's a year. I would spend a solid week from sun up to bed time going through every cupboard, cleaning every corner, washing every window. Frankly, I do not have the stamina right now for that. So I am picking one or two rooms a week and deep cleaning every corner. When I am all done, I will be putting a fresh coat of sealant on my hard wood floor. I figure since my house is big, I will be done by Easter. And that's OK. So both bathrooms with get a well deserved scrubbing this week.
Tomorrow is the start of the Real Food Challenge. I hope to have a full and complete list of whole foods made today, because Kris and I might be going up north towards Portland tomorrow. I want to go to Whole Foods store to pick up a few things I can not get at our local grocery store.
Wednesday, I am keeping open. It is Kris's last day off from recuperating from surgery. If she has no plans, and my "digestion" continues to behave, I am hoping we can do something fun together. I have enjoyed having her company a lot over the last few weeks. I am going to miss not feeling quite as alone during the weekdays.
Thursday, if LL and I decided to RV somewhere this weekend. I will spend Thursday making sure the RV is ready to go, and prepare what foods I can. We will not be taking any prepackaged, convenience foods because of the challenge, so my regular RV meals will not work. And because of my elimination diet, even steak can not be on the menu. My body is not ready to bring meat back into my diet. I am having doubts that I will ever be able to tolerate any meat other than fish.
Friday, if we go RVing, will have me getting the house straightened up and making sure Max is good with having Mom and Dad gone for a couple days.
LL's birthday is coming up. I need to start thinking what I would like to give him. Don't have a clue right now.
So that's the upcoming week. By the way, I watched the Today show this morning. Watched an interview with Charlie Sheen. It is even obvious to me that if indeed he is not high, than he is either going through a Manic episode, drug induced schizophrenia, or some other mental illness. I hope someone in his life can help him. Don't know why I feel the need to even comment on some Hollywood person but it was actually painful to watch him in the interview.
Have a great week everyone. It is pouring down rain here today. Bailey is house sitting for Karen this week. So every thing will be calm and quiet around here all week.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
I Feel Pretty, Oh so Pretty
Got my hair done. Kris did end up weaving and making me blond. If there was a scale between Sharon Stone and Phyllis Diller, I fall somewhere in-between. Probably closer to the pre-plastic surgery of Phyllis Diller, but Kris isn't a miracle worker. But I feel so much better.
The snow is all gone, but Oregon in now as cold as an ice cube. A few days ago, it was an easy call for LL and I to decide this weekend would not be a good time to take Marlin out for the first time for the year. No plans for the weekend.
Good news for Henrietta, I was about ready to call my enabler, Aunt Leone, and switch a couple chickens but yesterday, Henrietta gave me an egg so I am going to give her more time to see if she will produce regularly. This makes me happy because Henrietta is my favorite. Hannah, you better start doing something because you have been a thorn in my side ever since I got you. Hannah is the chicken who has yet to learn to behave. Must say I admire her spunk but have never warmed up to her spunkyness like I have Harriet. Harriet is on top of the pecking order, and Henrietta is at the bottom. I am sure Hannah just fuels the discord between the other two. Darn Her!!
I am doing really well on the elimination diet. So far all the foods I have reintroduced are digesting well. I have no pain and have more energy. I even went to the grocery store yesterday around 2:30 in the afternoon. Afternoons are usually the trickiest time of the day so I rarely go out at that time. And I might add I have not wore a diaper for three days. I'm a "Big Girl Now"!
The snow is all gone, but Oregon in now as cold as an ice cube. A few days ago, it was an easy call for LL and I to decide this weekend would not be a good time to take Marlin out for the first time for the year. No plans for the weekend.
Good news for Henrietta, I was about ready to call my enabler, Aunt Leone, and switch a couple chickens but yesterday, Henrietta gave me an egg so I am going to give her more time to see if she will produce regularly. This makes me happy because Henrietta is my favorite. Hannah, you better start doing something because you have been a thorn in my side ever since I got you. Hannah is the chicken who has yet to learn to behave. Must say I admire her spunk but have never warmed up to her spunkyness like I have Harriet. Harriet is on top of the pecking order, and Henrietta is at the bottom. I am sure Hannah just fuels the discord between the other two. Darn Her!!
I am doing really well on the elimination diet. So far all the foods I have reintroduced are digesting well. I have no pain and have more energy. I even went to the grocery store yesterday around 2:30 in the afternoon. Afternoons are usually the trickiest time of the day so I rarely go out at that time. And I might add I have not wore a diaper for three days. I'm a "Big Girl Now"!
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