Praying For...Gayle, whose 11th birthday is this week. It's so hard to believe she is in her last year of childhood...I pray that she will choose to grow her faith in Jesus Christ, stay close to her family, find friends that support her values, and turn from sinful, rebellious wolves in sheep's clothing, which is my prayer for all my grands and children all over the world...that the enemies of truth and right and more specifically the enemies of Christianity will be stifled in their efforts but blessed as they soften their hearts...that the servants of God will be blessed and preserved in their efforts to expand the kingdom and save souls.
Ponderizations..."And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?" Mark 4:40. I fear for this and worry about that. Does it every help? No...This statement of Jesus gives me pause. Where is my faith that He can bind up wounds and heal hurts?
Doctor Ginger, Medicine Woman...I feel so great, a state of being that has eluded me for a couple months. My pain is under control except for the frozen shoulder. I forgot all about taking turmeric and black pepper capsules for inflammation, which I began again. Also, my order of chickpea miso arrived a week or so ago. Miso and rice veggie soup each morning does something wonderful to my allergy problem. Gut swelling is totally gone, when I eat this each day. The large amount of vegetables satiates my need to eat and eat and eat without excess consumption. It takes a long time to chew up a large bowl of veggies. Some sort of mental need is filled that doesn't go away with a full stomach. Like a puppy, I must chew. Weird! We added cayenne to hubby's ginger/honey shots with even greater success.
Cucina Fresca...Around here we really love Mexican food. Because we lived away from the Southwest and its great Mexican restaurants for most of our 34 year marriage, I learned to make most of my favorites at home. After I got ill, I further tweaked my recipes to exclude oils and animal products. Now we are hard pressed to find Mexican restaurants we like. Hubby asked for quinoa tacos, which I haven't made for ages. I wanted change up the recipe to add my shamburger, but found I was out of nearly all the ingredients. That's when the best new recipes are born.
Shamburger Tacos (soft or crunchy)
serves 3 or 4
6 medium mushrooms, minced
3-4 cauliflower flowerets, minced
1/4 t each garlic and onion powders
1 T water
1/2 c quinoa
3/4 c cooked black beans
8 oz can El Pato Jalapeno Salsa
4 oz water
lettuce
tomato
orange bell peppers
avocado (if you are at your best weight and have no heart disease)
cilantro
salsa
2 limes
unfried refritos (mashed seasoned pintos)
12 corn tortillas
2-4 mangos
Cook quinoa, el pato, black beans, and water in a rice cooker. Meanwhile, mince mushrooms and cauliflower. (I've found this quite easy with a regular chef's knife and enjoy it over the food processor of blender method of mincing mushrooms.) Put the mince in a small dry frying pan over high heat with a pinch of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. When they start to sizzle, turn it down to low. Add a Tablespoon of water if they are sticking. When all liquid has evaporated and it is browned, remove from heat and set aside. Shred lettuce, dice avocado, tomatoes and peppers, and mince cilantro; toss this together like a salad. Cut up mangos and quarter limes. When quinoa is finished, stir in the mushroom/cauliflower mixture. Heat tortillas to soften or crisp them in oven. Serve as fajitas with small dishes of shamburger, unfried refritos, salsa, mango, lime, and salad on each plate with the tortillas on a common covered platter. This is a fun meal to eat as each person assembles their tacos as they go.
Showing posts with label What's On The Menu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label What's On The Menu. Show all posts
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Sunday, December 20, 2015
good better best
Praying For...love and joy for children all over the world...also received an answer to a private prayer that was different than I wanted; it changes everything. I must choose best over good and better...although it is sometimes hard, it is vital to listen to Heavenly counsel and follow the will of God. Years ago I rationalized away inspired counsel with devastating results, so have learned the hard way to always listen, go, and do the things which the Lord commands.
Ponderization..."The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him," Psalm 28:7.
Sermon of the Week...Behold Thy Mother by Jeffrey R. Holland, is a inspiring comparison between the love of the Savior and the love of a mother. Maybe if I had come to this world perfect like my dear Savior, I could have been a better mother. But I am not perfect; my failures had disastrous consequences. With my experiences in mind, I wish I could open the eyes of young parents. We have such a short time with them and no second chances. We simply must put aside selfish pursuits and selfish reactions in favor of devotion and charity if we are to build a strong family and lead children into the arms of Jesus Christ.
Cucina Fresca...I think I inherited my Dad's noodle addiction. At my favorite Thai restaurant, I always order steamed vegetables, steamed noodles, chili sauce, and peanut sauce. I found it extremely easy to duplicate with Annie Chun's Brown Rice Pad Thai noodles and plenty of yummy veg. Peanut sauce recipes abound so I won't post one here. It's also a good meal with brown/red rice.
Garden Gate...because of the three nighttime freezes this week, I had to cover my mango trees. I plan to get the big mango in the ground during the coming weeks, because I almost fell off the ladder covering that potted monster.
Doctor Ginger, Medicine Woman...nope not a real doc but a student of natural and nutritional healing. After decades of obsessing with food and weight, I am throwing out my scale. Eating plant foods all these years, I've learned a great lesson. The scale is not a true measure of one's fatness or lack thereof, but it can exacerbate eating disorders. When I exercise and drink plenty of water, I gain muscle weight in proper places and the wrinkles on my face fill out...but belly fat melts away. When I eat fatty foods, I gain chub and belly weight. When I count calories, a deprivation mindset for sure, I lose muscle mass and water well before any fat comes off...so I look wrinkly, old, stooped, and pudgy before the skeletal look kicks in. Excluding added fats and animal products in favor of beans, grains, starchy veggies, greens, other veggies, and fruits, weight is distributed correctly. So....the conclusion of my one person study is this...Eat a diet of totally satisfying starches such as grains, beans, and starchy veggies with plenty of greens, other veggies, and fruits but devoid of added oils and animal products. Drink lots of water and exercise gently 30-60 minutes six days a week. Oh wait! Didn't Dr. John McDougall say the same thing? “The list of health problems I think it would very hard to live with is SO much longer than the list of foods I previously thought I couldn’t live without” Merrill Alley.
This week I read Dr. Gregor's new book, How Not to Die. While I think the title is silly, the material inside is interesting, important, and backed up by scientific studies. One little tidbit that is helping my family is the use of ginger root for migraines. One family member suffers constantly. According the the research he found, ginger root powder in water works as well as expensive migraine medications. Even though I only had fresh ginger root, I made a concoction with a bit of honey and water in the magic bullet. My guinea pig skeptically sucked it down. Within 15 minutes or so, he felt a marked reduction of the pain. I gave him a second dose, which ended the headache for a time with zero side effects. We repeated this procedure again and again over the last week with similar results. Dry powder didn't work as well for him. At first he didn't like it much, because it is a pretty strong concoction. After the a couple doses, he now loves it. While this doesn't address the cause, it allows him to function better; the cause is being addressed, too.
Teaching Little Children...this week I presented Language Works independent phonogram work to 12 of my readers at school (three are either not past the first pink work or were on vacation). Amazed at their excitement and success, I watched them patiently wait for a turn to do another set (there is only one set of each work in a Montessori classroom to teach the children patience). In effect, I took myself out of their learning picture, as they only need to show the booklet to any teacher or aid to discover the sound of the phonogram. With that information in place, the self-teaching materials give them plenty of practice reading and writing words with the particular phonogram. One little boy didn't do so well, because he didn't pay attention during initial instruction. After a reminder lesson, he accomplished the work with accuracy and joy. They are especially proud of the little booklets they make for each phonogram but a little frustrated that they must leave the learning journal at school. These kindergarteners can complete the whole program by the end of the year if they complete three phonograms per week. If this happens, reading will be solidly in place before look-say, pseudo-phonics can stifle their reading abilities. What this program accomplishes used to be the first semester of first grade, I know because I have my old first-grade, 100% phonetic reading program on my library shelf. Today, this is considered third-grade level. Isn't that horrendous! Plus, 4 and 5 year olds have been using this work in some American Montessori schools for 27 years. Anyway, our next group of four-year-olds, will be ready to begin this work in a couple weeks but at a much slower pace. If they attend the school during their kindergarten year, they will leave with a complete phonetic toolbelt.
I had a serendipitous teaching moment during cubs this week. The outgoing leader took the us to a gingerbread house display, which was enjoyed by all. In the car on the way home, we all talked about our various Christmas traditions. One little boy grew from quiet to sullen until he finally said. 'I hate it when people talk about things I don't know about. I get so jealous.' I explained the jealousy was a form of the sin envy, which Heavenly Father commanded us against. Further I pointed out that everyone has some cool stuff in their lives, and we shouldn't get angry and jealous because others have different cool stuff from us. 'Be happy for them, and be happy for yourself.' After this brief soapbox, I asked him to tell us the cool stuff his family did at Christmas. Visibly happier, he told us of traveling to snow country each year to play and pajamas on Christmas Eve and several other things.
Puppy Prattle...our favorite game to play with Dash is hide and seek. One of us runs off to hides in a part of the house, while the other one keeps her attention. Then the hider whistles. She looks and looks until she finds us. Usually it's within seconds, but sometimes she has a little trouble. Anyway, we all love this.
Ponderization..."The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him," Psalm 28:7.
Sermon of the Week...Behold Thy Mother by Jeffrey R. Holland, is a inspiring comparison between the love of the Savior and the love of a mother. Maybe if I had come to this world perfect like my dear Savior, I could have been a better mother. But I am not perfect; my failures had disastrous consequences. With my experiences in mind, I wish I could open the eyes of young parents. We have such a short time with them and no second chances. We simply must put aside selfish pursuits and selfish reactions in favor of devotion and charity if we are to build a strong family and lead children into the arms of Jesus Christ.
Cucina Fresca...I think I inherited my Dad's noodle addiction. At my favorite Thai restaurant, I always order steamed vegetables, steamed noodles, chili sauce, and peanut sauce. I found it extremely easy to duplicate with Annie Chun's Brown Rice Pad Thai noodles and plenty of yummy veg. Peanut sauce recipes abound so I won't post one here. It's also a good meal with brown/red rice.
Garden Gate...because of the three nighttime freezes this week, I had to cover my mango trees. I plan to get the big mango in the ground during the coming weeks, because I almost fell off the ladder covering that potted monster.
Doctor Ginger, Medicine Woman...nope not a real doc but a student of natural and nutritional healing. After decades of obsessing with food and weight, I am throwing out my scale. Eating plant foods all these years, I've learned a great lesson. The scale is not a true measure of one's fatness or lack thereof, but it can exacerbate eating disorders. When I exercise and drink plenty of water, I gain muscle weight in proper places and the wrinkles on my face fill out...but belly fat melts away. When I eat fatty foods, I gain chub and belly weight. When I count calories, a deprivation mindset for sure, I lose muscle mass and water well before any fat comes off...so I look wrinkly, old, stooped, and pudgy before the skeletal look kicks in. Excluding added fats and animal products in favor of beans, grains, starchy veggies, greens, other veggies, and fruits, weight is distributed correctly. So....the conclusion of my one person study is this...Eat a diet of totally satisfying starches such as grains, beans, and starchy veggies with plenty of greens, other veggies, and fruits but devoid of added oils and animal products. Drink lots of water and exercise gently 30-60 minutes six days a week. Oh wait! Didn't Dr. John McDougall say the same thing? “The list of health problems I think it would very hard to live with is SO much longer than the list of foods I previously thought I couldn’t live without” Merrill Alley.
This week I read Dr. Gregor's new book, How Not to Die. While I think the title is silly, the material inside is interesting, important, and backed up by scientific studies. One little tidbit that is helping my family is the use of ginger root for migraines. One family member suffers constantly. According the the research he found, ginger root powder in water works as well as expensive migraine medications. Even though I only had fresh ginger root, I made a concoction with a bit of honey and water in the magic bullet. My guinea pig skeptically sucked it down. Within 15 minutes or so, he felt a marked reduction of the pain. I gave him a second dose, which ended the headache for a time with zero side effects. We repeated this procedure again and again over the last week with similar results. Dry powder didn't work as well for him. At first he didn't like it much, because it is a pretty strong concoction. After the a couple doses, he now loves it. While this doesn't address the cause, it allows him to function better; the cause is being addressed, too.
Teaching Little Children...this week I presented Language Works independent phonogram work to 12 of my readers at school (three are either not past the first pink work or were on vacation). Amazed at their excitement and success, I watched them patiently wait for a turn to do another set (there is only one set of each work in a Montessori classroom to teach the children patience). In effect, I took myself out of their learning picture, as they only need to show the booklet to any teacher or aid to discover the sound of the phonogram. With that information in place, the self-teaching materials give them plenty of practice reading and writing words with the particular phonogram. One little boy didn't do so well, because he didn't pay attention during initial instruction. After a reminder lesson, he accomplished the work with accuracy and joy. They are especially proud of the little booklets they make for each phonogram but a little frustrated that they must leave the learning journal at school. These kindergarteners can complete the whole program by the end of the year if they complete three phonograms per week. If this happens, reading will be solidly in place before look-say, pseudo-phonics can stifle their reading abilities. What this program accomplishes used to be the first semester of first grade, I know because I have my old first-grade, 100% phonetic reading program on my library shelf. Today, this is considered third-grade level. Isn't that horrendous! Plus, 4 and 5 year olds have been using this work in some American Montessori schools for 27 years. Anyway, our next group of four-year-olds, will be ready to begin this work in a couple weeks but at a much slower pace. If they attend the school during their kindergarten year, they will leave with a complete phonetic toolbelt.
I had a serendipitous teaching moment during cubs this week. The outgoing leader took the us to a gingerbread house display, which was enjoyed by all. In the car on the way home, we all talked about our various Christmas traditions. One little boy grew from quiet to sullen until he finally said. 'I hate it when people talk about things I don't know about. I get so jealous.' I explained the jealousy was a form of the sin envy, which Heavenly Father commanded us against. Further I pointed out that everyone has some cool stuff in their lives, and we shouldn't get angry and jealous because others have different cool stuff from us. 'Be happy for them, and be happy for yourself.' After this brief soapbox, I asked him to tell us the cool stuff his family did at Christmas. Visibly happier, he told us of traveling to snow country each year to play and pajamas on Christmas Eve and several other things.
Puppy Prattle...our favorite game to play with Dash is hide and seek. One of us runs off to hides in a part of the house, while the other one keeps her attention. Then the hider whistles. She looks and looks until she finds us. Usually it's within seconds, but sometimes she has a little trouble. Anyway, we all love this.
Sunday, December 6, 2015
vision
Praying For...citizens of the US and the Western World to embrace Christian worship and virtues, because it is the only way we can save law, order, and liberty in this country. God will not stand by us, as we travel the road to hell. We can't have decadence and His blessings. If we choose to retrench, we must be more charitable and unoppressive, learning from past mistakes.
Ponderizations..."Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him," Acts 10:33-34. Fear doesn't mean to be afraid, tremble, and shrink but to respect and revere. There is no room in God's kingdom for persecutors or racists. Jesus taught us through example and Paul (and other prophets) exhorted us to treat ALL others with Charity, the pure love of Jesus Christ. Charity is patient, dignified, serene, kind, strong while meek, and forbearing, is not jealous, boastful, angry, selfish, resentful, or proud, and strongly but uncontentiously stands as a witness of Christ's truth and righteousness. Boy, do I have a long way to go, but the point is I will make it WITH the atoning grace of Jesus Christ.
Garden Gate...Who decided that crushed granite makes a beautiful yard? Yuck! I've been shoveling this stuff up a bucket full at a time. It might take a year, but eventually it will be gone from the back yard and replaced with cool and kind to the feet wood chips. Even tiny food forests need pollinator attractors, so I am slowly digging holes for two brilliant, red hibiscus. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are supposed be attracted to them, plus they are on my list of favorite flowers. I plan to alternate them with grapes and kiwi against the wall behind the moringa, pole bean, acerola, asparagus, calendula, snapdragon, lupine, strawberry, and comfrey guilds. My imagination makes this a glorious sight, when in fact it looks very bare with only six tiny moringa and a very old, scraggly jasmine plant at present. Nevertheless, without vision a gardener fails.
Movement...I forgot how wonderful I feel, when I use gardening as my main form of exercise. Where I live, I can comfortably use this favored activity for six to eight months each year. Digging, carrying heavy buckets, dragging hoses, raking compost, laying wood chips, etc, I bend, lift, and squat out in the fresh air and sunshine. However, I've learned not to over do things and keep my little garden jobs to an hour or so. I still enjoy Essentrics because it sort of sucks pain out of the body, improves posture, and increases mobility. Uuuugh! I sound like some old lady doing a arthritis relief commercial...but it really does work so much better than Mobisyl and aspirin. Another week went by, and I still didn't take a bike ride. This week is THE week for sure.
Teaching Little Children...Although they are making good progress with sandpaper letters, Bob Books, slates, and rainbow letters, I've been working on a couple projects to help me do a better job of teaching reading and writing. Because I need things organized, complete, and systematic, I'm printing, tweaking, cutting, gluing, laminating new reading and grammar work. Along with Language Works Spelling, this should help me help my lovely children become strong, solid readers before other schools can stifle their intellects with look/say pseudo-phonics without a stitch of grammar. Plus, I want to help the children become more self-directed. Bob requires me to sit right there and listen to every word read. It takes too long and progress isn't what it could be with a more self-directed, systematic approach. Each little drawer is a lesson to give in small groups, which they practice individually until ready for the next lesson. The Montessori way is ingenious!
Cucina Fresca...My husband says I'm aptly named, because I love spicy food! AND I love bread. It's been a frustrating journey to discover good breads that don't trigger reactions, but one great discovery is idli. I waited for my new idli cooker for some time; the wait wasn't in vain. These are the best I've eaten anywhere. Sambar and Idli are traditional breakfast foods in Southern India but can be eaten for any meal.
Hotel Style Rice Cooker Sambar
1/2 c moong dal (rice maker cup not standard cup)
3 c water (on the white rice marker)
1 T curry powder
2 T sambar powder
dash pumpkin pie spice
dash mustard powder
garlic powder
onion powder
8-10 torn curry leaves
2 tomatoes, diced
2 wedges winter squash (eliminates need for tamarind and jaggery)
1 c moringa leaves or chopped spinach (reserved)
1 c cut, very thin asparagus, green beans, drumsticks, or cauliflower (reserved)
1/4 c minced cilantro
Mix dal, lentils, water, curry, sambar, garlic, onion, curry leaves, and tomatoes in a rice cooker. Place squash wedges on top. Cook on timed white rice or quick setting. At the completion of the cycle, stir in moringa and green beans. Close rice cooker and let steam while you cook idli. Place several idli in a shallow pasta bowl, ladle sambar over top, place a wedge of winter squash along side, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve. Sambar is a spicy vegetarian answer to carnivor dumpling soup. It can also be served with idli along side instead of in the soup...or a scoop of rice. All are delicious. BTW-Hubby gave this meal a 100% absolute redo; it's going to be our new after church luncheon, utilizing the timer on the rice cooker.
Ponderizations..."Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him," Acts 10:33-34. Fear doesn't mean to be afraid, tremble, and shrink but to respect and revere. There is no room in God's kingdom for persecutors or racists. Jesus taught us through example and Paul (and other prophets) exhorted us to treat ALL others with Charity, the pure love of Jesus Christ. Charity is patient, dignified, serene, kind, strong while meek, and forbearing, is not jealous, boastful, angry, selfish, resentful, or proud, and strongly but uncontentiously stands as a witness of Christ's truth and righteousness. Boy, do I have a long way to go, but the point is I will make it WITH the atoning grace of Jesus Christ.
Garden Gate...Who decided that crushed granite makes a beautiful yard? Yuck! I've been shoveling this stuff up a bucket full at a time. It might take a year, but eventually it will be gone from the back yard and replaced with cool and kind to the feet wood chips. Even tiny food forests need pollinator attractors, so I am slowly digging holes for two brilliant, red hibiscus. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are supposed be attracted to them, plus they are on my list of favorite flowers. I plan to alternate them with grapes and kiwi against the wall behind the moringa, pole bean, acerola, asparagus, calendula, snapdragon, lupine, strawberry, and comfrey guilds. My imagination makes this a glorious sight, when in fact it looks very bare with only six tiny moringa and a very old, scraggly jasmine plant at present. Nevertheless, without vision a gardener fails.
Movement...I forgot how wonderful I feel, when I use gardening as my main form of exercise. Where I live, I can comfortably use this favored activity for six to eight months each year. Digging, carrying heavy buckets, dragging hoses, raking compost, laying wood chips, etc, I bend, lift, and squat out in the fresh air and sunshine. However, I've learned not to over do things and keep my little garden jobs to an hour or so. I still enjoy Essentrics because it sort of sucks pain out of the body, improves posture, and increases mobility. Uuuugh! I sound like some old lady doing a arthritis relief commercial...but it really does work so much better than Mobisyl and aspirin. Another week went by, and I still didn't take a bike ride. This week is THE week for sure.
Teaching Little Children...Although they are making good progress with sandpaper letters, Bob Books, slates, and rainbow letters, I've been working on a couple projects to help me do a better job of teaching reading and writing. Because I need things organized, complete, and systematic, I'm printing, tweaking, cutting, gluing, laminating new reading and grammar work. Along with Language Works Spelling, this should help me help my lovely children become strong, solid readers before other schools can stifle their intellects with look/say pseudo-phonics without a stitch of grammar. Plus, I want to help the children become more self-directed. Bob requires me to sit right there and listen to every word read. It takes too long and progress isn't what it could be with a more self-directed, systematic approach. Each little drawer is a lesson to give in small groups, which they practice individually until ready for the next lesson. The Montessori way is ingenious!
 |
| Montessori Print Shop pink, blue, green, and grammar series. |
Cucina Fresca...My husband says I'm aptly named, because I love spicy food! AND I love bread. It's been a frustrating journey to discover good breads that don't trigger reactions, but one great discovery is idli. I waited for my new idli cooker for some time; the wait wasn't in vain. These are the best I've eaten anywhere. Sambar and Idli are traditional breakfast foods in Southern India but can be eaten for any meal.
Hotel Style Rice Cooker Sambar
1/2 c moong dal (rice maker cup not standard cup)
3 c water (on the white rice marker)
1 T curry powder
2 T sambar powder
dash pumpkin pie spice
dash mustard powder
garlic powder
onion powder
8-10 torn curry leaves
2 tomatoes, diced
2 wedges winter squash (eliminates need for tamarind and jaggery)
1 c moringa leaves or chopped spinach (reserved)
1 c cut, very thin asparagus, green beans, drumsticks, or cauliflower (reserved)
1/4 c minced cilantro
Mix dal, lentils, water, curry, sambar, garlic, onion, curry leaves, and tomatoes in a rice cooker. Place squash wedges on top. Cook on timed white rice or quick setting. At the completion of the cycle, stir in moringa and green beans. Close rice cooker and let steam while you cook idli. Place several idli in a shallow pasta bowl, ladle sambar over top, place a wedge of winter squash along side, sprinkle with cilantro, and serve. Sambar is a spicy vegetarian answer to carnivor dumpling soup. It can also be served with idli along side instead of in the soup...or a scoop of rice. All are delicious. BTW-Hubby gave this meal a 100% absolute redo; it's going to be our new after church luncheon, utilizing the timer on the rice cooker.
 |
| Idli Maker |
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| Rice Cooker |
Thursday, December 3, 2015
joyful noise
Praying For...all me dear ones and children all around the world, may they have peace, plenty, health, hope, safety, security, and faith.
Ponderizations..."Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms," Psalm 95:2.
Garden Gate...I purchased two hibiscus, which I'll plant Friday. Ever since I was a little girl, hibiscus has been a favorite. All along the south wall of my school cafeteria where we stood in line for food, hibiscus bloomed beautifully and enticed little girls to put them behind the ear. Of course we were forbidden to pick the flowers. After all if every little girl in the 1200 student, 1-4 school picked a flower, it would have been stripped.
Movement...digging dirt is excellent physical exercise and medicine for the soul. Walking the dog is a real pleasure. The new Essentrics videos for posture, pain, mobility, and bone strength are helping me get back into movement, too. In fact, I feel so good, I want to ride my bike again. However, I don't think I'll ever walk the dog far from home again after being stalked by coyotes in the wee smalls. They don't bother me on my bike.
Sound of Music...with the new Essentrics videos, my stiffness is lessening. I hope I can pick up my violin and uke again soon. If not, I can still sing hymns in the mornings.
Teaching Little Children...When I was at my worst physically, this volunteer project is what kept me going. I love, love, love teaching and watching these babies blossom into capable, competent, peaceful creatures.
Doctor Ginger, Medicine Woman...I am neither a trained doctor nor medicine woman; I am simply a student of natural, nutritional healing. As many who read my blog know, I adopted this way of eating under my doctor's advice because of multiple allergies that led to auto-immune issues. When others eat wheat, soy, oils, animal excretions, or dead animals, they don't have immediate, violent reactions similar to ingesting poison. Mostly, oil and animal products do their damage silently; the person suddenly presents with arthritis, vascular or kidney disease, cancer, or acne out of the blue so they think. I suppose one could argue that I'm lucky my reactions are so violent, because following a plant-perfect lifestyle isn't a hard choice. In my family, one particular individual with many health maladies insists on making unkind comments about my diet whenever we eat together. You can just bet if I were a diabetic, he would be very supportive of a special diet; his mother died of complications from diabetes. Why do people insist on rudeness, when gatherings might be so pleasant otherwise? I try to avoid and ignore this constipated, obese, arthritic, diabetic person with heart disease, hemorrhoids, and diverticulitis, when on these rude kicks, secretly reciting my mantra: "Eat like that, look like that, feel like that, die like that." This mantra is kryptonite for my resolves not to eat what amounts to poison.
So, if the above person wants to understand why my current doctor speak on the diet he prescribes for those with autoimmune problems, watch this:
Cucina Fresca...In the winter, I drink green smoothies for lunch, because I just get too cold drinking them for breakfast. Instead I make all sorts of hot breakfasts from savory or fruity polenta to various oat dishes to fajita sweet potatoes to veggie miso soup with rice to this savory low-calorie, oil-free, cholesterol-free, stick to your ribs lentil dal with or without idli.
Rice Cooker Curry Dal with Rice
1/4 c each brown lentils, brown rice, and red rice (this is the cup that comes with the rice cooker and not a standard US cup)
water to the 2 line in the cooker
1/2 chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1/2 inch chunk ginger root, minced or grated
1/2 inch chunk turmeric root, minced or grated (optional)
2 tomatoes, diced
1/2 serrano pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
1/2 t onion powder
1/4 t garlic powder
1 T curry powder *
1/8 t pumpkin pie spice (it's pretty close to garam masala but usually fresher in the store)
6-8 curry leaves, chopped (use twice as much if dried)
2 wedges of un-peeled Kabocha or other sweet winter squash
1/4 c moringa or spinach
1/4 fresh, minced cilantro
Put lentils, rice, onion, garlic, ginger, pepper, water, and spices in cooker. Top with squash wedges skin side down. Cook on brown rice setting. Stir in moringa or spinach and let steam with lid closed for a couple minutes. Put into two bowls. Garnish with cilantro and coarsely ground salt. *-I've tried lots of varieties and even mixed my own, Spice Hunter is the best one I've tasted by far.
Ponderizations..."Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms," Psalm 95:2.
Garden Gate...I purchased two hibiscus, which I'll plant Friday. Ever since I was a little girl, hibiscus has been a favorite. All along the south wall of my school cafeteria where we stood in line for food, hibiscus bloomed beautifully and enticed little girls to put them behind the ear. Of course we were forbidden to pick the flowers. After all if every little girl in the 1200 student, 1-4 school picked a flower, it would have been stripped.
Movement...digging dirt is excellent physical exercise and medicine for the soul. Walking the dog is a real pleasure. The new Essentrics videos for posture, pain, mobility, and bone strength are helping me get back into movement, too. In fact, I feel so good, I want to ride my bike again. However, I don't think I'll ever walk the dog far from home again after being stalked by coyotes in the wee smalls. They don't bother me on my bike.
Sound of Music...with the new Essentrics videos, my stiffness is lessening. I hope I can pick up my violin and uke again soon. If not, I can still sing hymns in the mornings.
Teaching Little Children...When I was at my worst physically, this volunteer project is what kept me going. I love, love, love teaching and watching these babies blossom into capable, competent, peaceful creatures.
Doctor Ginger, Medicine Woman...I am neither a trained doctor nor medicine woman; I am simply a student of natural, nutritional healing. As many who read my blog know, I adopted this way of eating under my doctor's advice because of multiple allergies that led to auto-immune issues. When others eat wheat, soy, oils, animal excretions, or dead animals, they don't have immediate, violent reactions similar to ingesting poison. Mostly, oil and animal products do their damage silently; the person suddenly presents with arthritis, vascular or kidney disease, cancer, or acne out of the blue so they think. I suppose one could argue that I'm lucky my reactions are so violent, because following a plant-perfect lifestyle isn't a hard choice. In my family, one particular individual with many health maladies insists on making unkind comments about my diet whenever we eat together. You can just bet if I were a diabetic, he would be very supportive of a special diet; his mother died of complications from diabetes. Why do people insist on rudeness, when gatherings might be so pleasant otherwise? I try to avoid and ignore this constipated, obese, arthritic, diabetic person with heart disease, hemorrhoids, and diverticulitis, when on these rude kicks, secretly reciting my mantra: "Eat like that, look like that, feel like that, die like that." This mantra is kryptonite for my resolves not to eat what amounts to poison.
So, if the above person wants to understand why my current doctor speak on the diet he prescribes for those with autoimmune problems, watch this:
Cucina Fresca...In the winter, I drink green smoothies for lunch, because I just get too cold drinking them for breakfast. Instead I make all sorts of hot breakfasts from savory or fruity polenta to various oat dishes to fajita sweet potatoes to veggie miso soup with rice to this savory low-calorie, oil-free, cholesterol-free, stick to your ribs lentil dal with or without idli.
Rice Cooker Curry Dal with Rice
1/4 c each brown lentils, brown rice, and red rice (this is the cup that comes with the rice cooker and not a standard US cup)
water to the 2 line in the cooker
1/2 chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, pressed
1/2 inch chunk ginger root, minced or grated
1/2 inch chunk turmeric root, minced or grated (optional)
2 tomatoes, diced
1/2 serrano pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
1/2 t onion powder
1/4 t garlic powder
1 T curry powder *
1/8 t pumpkin pie spice (it's pretty close to garam masala but usually fresher in the store)
6-8 curry leaves, chopped (use twice as much if dried)
2 wedges of un-peeled Kabocha or other sweet winter squash
1/4 c moringa or spinach
1/4 fresh, minced cilantro
Put lentils, rice, onion, garlic, ginger, pepper, water, and spices in cooker. Top with squash wedges skin side down. Cook on brown rice setting. Stir in moringa or spinach and let steam with lid closed for a couple minutes. Put into two bowls. Garnish with cilantro and coarsely ground salt. *-I've tried lots of varieties and even mixed my own, Spice Hunter is the best one I've tasted by far.
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
sigh to excitement
Here are Dr. McDougal's teachings in a nut shell, which even a child can understand.
I had a heart breaking experience a week or so ago. My sweet great aunt invited me over for lunch. We've been out to dinner and lunch a few times over the last year or so. She is always so upset when I order a baked potato and broccoli or a salad. She tries to push all sorts of unhealthy foods on me, some of which I'm allergic. So...she invited me and my mother over for a luncheon of vegetable soup made especially so I could eat it and to meet her visiting cousin. My mother explained my dietary issues (no wheat, soy, dairy, oil, eggs, or animal products of any kind), so I didn't think to worry about it. Luckily, I felt impressed to eat before I went. The cousin, who is quite nice but also quite obese, prepared the food without heeding my mother at all. The onions in the soup were sautéed in butter before being cooked in beef broth with meat balls. She also prepared deviled eggs, celery with peanut butter, cornbread with butter, a huge dish of nuts, cheese and crackers, pumpkin dump cake made with four eggs and half a pound of butter, and raw carrots with ranch dip. I ate carrots sans dip.
Even though the visiting cousin prepared all the food, poor Aunty was beside herself. I told her how happy I was to be there to visit, and I always eat something ahead of time just in case. I asked her not to worry, but she couldn't rest. Finally, I told her in great detail what happens to me if I eat offending foods--including swelling of everything under my rib cage, abdomen, face, and throat leading to pain, vomiting, and SOB followed by digestive issues, acne, and joint pain as allergens travel through my body. I told her I remember eating and enjoying many things on her table, but now must I view them as non-foods. I simply cannot eat things to spare a person's feelings; they are poison to me. She settled down a bit, but I fear she has been offended beyond forgiveness. One would think a diabetic would understand dietary restrictions, but it hasn't been the reality in this case. Come to think of it, meals like the one she served are probably the reason for her diabetes and other health issues.
I'll stick with potatoes, rice, beans, fruits, greens, and vegetables, which make me feel great and keep my weight in check.
Sunday, November 22, 2015
going to love it
Praying For...Claire and children all over the world to be blessed with peace, plenty, happiness, health, and love...to be honest, slow to anger, quick to listen, and love the truth...to enjoy school and work diligently...to find and love Jesus and always strive to follow Him and be like Him...to enjoy life and try to find joy (or at least the point of learning) in all the experiences...to enjoy doing hard things, because learning from hard things make one wise and smart...
Ponderizations..."Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman walketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep," Psalm 127:1-2. This prophecy sure is telling for our time. If we don't turn back to God, we won't be able to keep anything safe; we won't have peace.
GC Sermon of the Week...Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ by Dallin H. Oaks reminds us that we are not alone, because Jesus suffered all our pains, heart ache, and more. He understands and wishes to lift us; He stands waiting for our invitation.
Garden Gate to Movement...Yesterday, I talked to a wonderful gardener, who gave me a great, though not original, idea. He told me about his mother, who used gardening to regain lost strength. I go up and down with my ability to exercise with my Adrenal issues. Anyway, his mother is 78, and over the last two years has planted 200 trees on her property. Nearly every day, she digs a bit for an hour. It might take three days or a week, but eventually her 3X3 hole is dug. Then she builds a one foot deep compost pile in the bottom, covers it up, and waits for spring or fall planting season. After planting a tree in excellent compost and covering it with mulch, she plants herbs, flowers, and vegetables around it. Two years ago, she had one of those horrible, sterile dirt 'pastures' so famous around here. Now she has a veritable oasis, which provides all her fruit and vegetable needs plus an abundance to share. I don't have acreage, but I still have some room to put in more trees, herbs, flowers, and so forth. Being outdoors and playing in the dirt in good weather, I can heal my body and lighten my spirit, God willing.
Teaching Little Children...this week I made Rainbow Letter work, so the youngest children can practice penmanship in a new way. I made handwriting work for those who have mastered penmanship. My oldest daughter loved botany and zoology booklets between ages 4-5. To make these, we print pages of the same black outlined bird, flower, leaf, tree, fish, child, and so forth. Then we make and laminate a booklet with the specific part colored in red and its nomenclature written underneath: eye, head, wing, breast, feet, beak, tail. The parts of flowers and leaves get a bit more technical than this. The child will take a couple sheets that has four of the same subject to be studied. Next they cut it into quarters, color and label the specific part, then staple it together between two pieces of construction paper. Because children usually learn to write before they learn to read, this gives them practice with the former and eases them into the latter. I can't wait to share these with the children; they're going to love the work.
Cucina Fresca...I'm trying to perfect my stuffing recipe today. Everything has to be home cooked. I can't stand veggie broth in a can, so I'm making my own with onions, celery, mushrooms, herbs, pepper, and other vegetables. That's how I've always been about broth.
If it turns out the way I hope, the big day of thanks will find me preparing gluten-free cornbread (not the sweet kind). I'll cube, dry, and toss it with poultry spice. I like to use this as everything is ground to a powder for optimum flavor without little dried bits, and no it has no poultry in it. They I dry saute a mushrooms and onions until they are very soft adding in celery for the last few minutes. Next I mix this all together with diced water chestnuts, put it in a round souffle dish (or medium pumpkin), and bake it for 60 to 90 minutes at 350F. It should make a lovely centerpiece on a platter, surrounded by roasted portabellas and frilly kale for our all-plant Thanksgiving dinner. The rest of the broth will be thickened to make gravy for our mashed Yukon Gold potatoes. Roasted savory garnet yams, steamed baby green beans, 3-sisters stew, green salad, cranberries, and various pies will complete our table. I will make a few things before hand like the stew and gravy. I'll buy the pies from a little vegan bakery down town. Without the turkey mess, it really isn't a huge job to cook or clean up.
Ponderizations..."Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman walketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep," Psalm 127:1-2. This prophecy sure is telling for our time. If we don't turn back to God, we won't be able to keep anything safe; we won't have peace.
GC Sermon of the Week...Strengthened by the Atonement of Jesus Christ by Dallin H. Oaks reminds us that we are not alone, because Jesus suffered all our pains, heart ache, and more. He understands and wishes to lift us; He stands waiting for our invitation.
Garden Gate to Movement...Yesterday, I talked to a wonderful gardener, who gave me a great, though not original, idea. He told me about his mother, who used gardening to regain lost strength. I go up and down with my ability to exercise with my Adrenal issues. Anyway, his mother is 78, and over the last two years has planted 200 trees on her property. Nearly every day, she digs a bit for an hour. It might take three days or a week, but eventually her 3X3 hole is dug. Then she builds a one foot deep compost pile in the bottom, covers it up, and waits for spring or fall planting season. After planting a tree in excellent compost and covering it with mulch, she plants herbs, flowers, and vegetables around it. Two years ago, she had one of those horrible, sterile dirt 'pastures' so famous around here. Now she has a veritable oasis, which provides all her fruit and vegetable needs plus an abundance to share. I don't have acreage, but I still have some room to put in more trees, herbs, flowers, and so forth. Being outdoors and playing in the dirt in good weather, I can heal my body and lighten my spirit, God willing.
Teaching Little Children...this week I made Rainbow Letter work, so the youngest children can practice penmanship in a new way. I made handwriting work for those who have mastered penmanship. My oldest daughter loved botany and zoology booklets between ages 4-5. To make these, we print pages of the same black outlined bird, flower, leaf, tree, fish, child, and so forth. Then we make and laminate a booklet with the specific part colored in red and its nomenclature written underneath: eye, head, wing, breast, feet, beak, tail. The parts of flowers and leaves get a bit more technical than this. The child will take a couple sheets that has four of the same subject to be studied. Next they cut it into quarters, color and label the specific part, then staple it together between two pieces of construction paper. Because children usually learn to write before they learn to read, this gives them practice with the former and eases them into the latter. I can't wait to share these with the children; they're going to love the work.
Cucina Fresca...I'm trying to perfect my stuffing recipe today. Everything has to be home cooked. I can't stand veggie broth in a can, so I'm making my own with onions, celery, mushrooms, herbs, pepper, and other vegetables. That's how I've always been about broth.
If it turns out the way I hope, the big day of thanks will find me preparing gluten-free cornbread (not the sweet kind). I'll cube, dry, and toss it with poultry spice. I like to use this as everything is ground to a powder for optimum flavor without little dried bits, and no it has no poultry in it. They I dry saute a mushrooms and onions until they are very soft adding in celery for the last few minutes. Next I mix this all together with diced water chestnuts, put it in a round souffle dish (or medium pumpkin), and bake it for 60 to 90 minutes at 350F. It should make a lovely centerpiece on a platter, surrounded by roasted portabellas and frilly kale for our all-plant Thanksgiving dinner. The rest of the broth will be thickened to make gravy for our mashed Yukon Gold potatoes. Roasted savory garnet yams, steamed baby green beans, 3-sisters stew, green salad, cranberries, and various pies will complete our table. I will make a few things before hand like the stew and gravy. I'll buy the pies from a little vegan bakery down town. Without the turkey mess, it really isn't a huge job to cook or clean up.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
great week
Praying For...Quinn and children all over the world to be blessed with peace, plenty, happiness, health, and love...that he will learn to be honest, slow to anger, quick to listen, and love the truth...that he will enjoy school and work diligently to do his very best work...that he will love Jesus and always strive to be like Him...that he will enjoy life and try to find joy in all the experiences that come his way...that he will come to enjoy doing hard things, because learning from hard things make one wise and smart...that all God's children will recognize Him and strive to follow Him.
Ponderizations..."And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus," Philippians 4:7. Peace is a joyful thing.
GC Sermon of the Week...A Plea to My Sisters By Russell Nelson spoke deeply to my soul. It is ok with God just as it is with my husband that I am a strong woman with an opinion who loves to serve others. I never did fit the doormat role. It is good that I am happy, that I am anxiously engaged in a good cause, that I spend a good portion of time researching my ancestors, that I love my family, my husband, and God.
Genealogy Gifts...over the last few years but especially this year, there has been a huge effort by millions of volunteers to digitize and make accessible vital and other valuable records of the past. Because of this, I have found hundreds of people that fit into my ancestral lines, mostly spouse (maiden names) and children. A relative of mine, notorious for contention, questioned my actions and called them foolish; he stated that there are some verses in the Bible that say we shouldn't worry about genealogy. Timothy 1:4 and Titus 3:9 both speak of this, but not in the way said relative imagines. Paul warns Titus of foolish genealogies, which signifies those that puff one up or take one away from worshipping God. Paul warns Timothy not to give heed to genealogies which don't edify God. My whole reason for keeping these records is to edify God and tie these loved ones to our family. All through out the Old and New Testaments, genealogies are recited to teach principles and confirm prophecy. With these ideas in mind, I know God wants me to spend part of my time engaged in this work. All of His children are important to Him; all of my family is important to me--not because being a decedent of royalty or rapscallion brings me any notoriety or puffs me up. Keeping genealogies out of love is not foolishness.
Teaching Little Children...I've been praying about a little problem with the hodgepodge reading instruction materials at my school. They does a fantastic job of teaching phonics for short vowels and some consonant blends, but it leaves too much undone; they are so disorderly. The other day, while searching for metal inset extension ideas, I came across a self-correcting, Montessori-inspired, complete phonics program and rainbow letters I'm so jazzed to get it up and running. My readers at the second grade level just can't continue to progress until they know all the vowel spellings and consonant blends. All of them need more cursive and manuscript practice. My goal for them by the time they get to first grade is excellence in spelling, penmanship, and reading. I could write volumes about teaching language in a Montessori environment. I think my favorite part of this volunteer experience is helping children become independent readers, as I have with dozens of others. It always amazes me to witness this miracle.
Garden Gate...We got a Lemon Meringue mango which is supposed to taste slightly lemony. We also got two elderberry bushes, so I can make my own elderberry syrup eventually. Finally, we got a tree called loquat, which is supposed to be sort of like an orange flavored peach. Next, we hope to acquire star fruit, more berries, more comfrey, more tree collards, more garlic, marigolds, and lupine, runner beans--permaculture by design.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman..."Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food...Walking is man's best medicine...Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease...Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity...A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings, and learn how by his own thought to derive benefit from his illnesses...Everything in excess is opposed to nature...," Hippocrates. His ideas have taken on great meaning in my life.
I read a testimonial of plant based healing this week. I could relate to one of her statements. “Just to live without nausea from day to day is such an incredible blessing.” I only get sick now if I eat one of my triggers. People say my WOE is such a sacrifice. While I do miss bread, pizza, tamales, flour tortillas, and pastries from time to time, I don’t miss super nausea, vomiting, or wishing I could vomit after eating. I feel so free and happy and vibrant, which isn’t a sacrifice at all. Plus, I love inventing new recipes using legumes, whole grains, veggies, greens, and fruits. My food is still delicious without the health debilitating side effects.
Cucina Fresca...lentils are extremely high in iron, a nutrient I have struggled to get enough of since age 12 whether eating meat or not. I have oodles of recipes to make them delicious. This week I decided to try cooking them in the rice cooker and came up with this recipe; it reminds me of rice a roni which I used to eat at least weekly. Next I'm going to change up the spices to make this into tacos or enchiladas. My husband finally told me he hates quinoa, so I've been looking for an alternative for enchiladas and tacos.
Lentil and Brown Rice Pilaf
1/2 c brown rice
1/2 c red rice (or more brown rice)
1/2 c brown lentils
1 portabello mushroom, small dice
1 tomato, diced
1 carrot, small dice
1 green onion, minced
1 stalk celery with tops, minced
1 t garlic powder
1 t onion powder
1/4 t cumin
1/4 t italian herb
1/2 t salt
bay leaf
1-2 c minced spinach or moringa leaves (reserved)
In the morning, put rices and lentils in the rice cooker pot with the proper amount of water for 1 1/2 c brown rice. Stir in all other ingredients except reserved. Set the timer to be ready for dinner on brown rice setting. Now dinner or lunch will be an after thought. When it is done, put the reserved spinach in the rice cooker to steam and close the lid while you prepare a salad and/or non-starchy vegetable. Open rice cooker, remove bay leaf, dump into a serving dish, fluff, and garnish with coarse salt and black pepper. This makes large portions for two or side dish for four. It is easily doubled multiplied.
Ponderizations..."And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus," Philippians 4:7. Peace is a joyful thing.
GC Sermon of the Week...A Plea to My Sisters By Russell Nelson spoke deeply to my soul. It is ok with God just as it is with my husband that I am a strong woman with an opinion who loves to serve others. I never did fit the doormat role. It is good that I am happy, that I am anxiously engaged in a good cause, that I spend a good portion of time researching my ancestors, that I love my family, my husband, and God.
Genealogy Gifts...over the last few years but especially this year, there has been a huge effort by millions of volunteers to digitize and make accessible vital and other valuable records of the past. Because of this, I have found hundreds of people that fit into my ancestral lines, mostly spouse (maiden names) and children. A relative of mine, notorious for contention, questioned my actions and called them foolish; he stated that there are some verses in the Bible that say we shouldn't worry about genealogy. Timothy 1:4 and Titus 3:9 both speak of this, but not in the way said relative imagines. Paul warns Titus of foolish genealogies, which signifies those that puff one up or take one away from worshipping God. Paul warns Timothy not to give heed to genealogies which don't edify God. My whole reason for keeping these records is to edify God and tie these loved ones to our family. All through out the Old and New Testaments, genealogies are recited to teach principles and confirm prophecy. With these ideas in mind, I know God wants me to spend part of my time engaged in this work. All of His children are important to Him; all of my family is important to me--not because being a decedent of royalty or rapscallion brings me any notoriety or puffs me up. Keeping genealogies out of love is not foolishness.
Teaching Little Children...I've been praying about a little problem with the hodgepodge reading instruction materials at my school. They does a fantastic job of teaching phonics for short vowels and some consonant blends, but it leaves too much undone; they are so disorderly. The other day, while searching for metal inset extension ideas, I came across a self-correcting, Montessori-inspired, complete phonics program and rainbow letters I'm so jazzed to get it up and running. My readers at the second grade level just can't continue to progress until they know all the vowel spellings and consonant blends. All of them need more cursive and manuscript practice. My goal for them by the time they get to first grade is excellence in spelling, penmanship, and reading. I could write volumes about teaching language in a Montessori environment. I think my favorite part of this volunteer experience is helping children become independent readers, as I have with dozens of others. It always amazes me to witness this miracle.
Garden Gate...We got a Lemon Meringue mango which is supposed to taste slightly lemony. We also got two elderberry bushes, so I can make my own elderberry syrup eventually. Finally, we got a tree called loquat, which is supposed to be sort of like an orange flavored peach. Next, we hope to acquire star fruit, more berries, more comfrey, more tree collards, more garlic, marigolds, and lupine, runner beans--permaculture by design.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman..."Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food...Walking is man's best medicine...Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease...Healing is a matter of time, but it is sometimes also a matter of opportunity...A wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings, and learn how by his own thought to derive benefit from his illnesses...Everything in excess is opposed to nature...," Hippocrates. His ideas have taken on great meaning in my life.
I read a testimonial of plant based healing this week. I could relate to one of her statements. “Just to live without nausea from day to day is such an incredible blessing.” I only get sick now if I eat one of my triggers. People say my WOE is such a sacrifice. While I do miss bread, pizza, tamales, flour tortillas, and pastries from time to time, I don’t miss super nausea, vomiting, or wishing I could vomit after eating. I feel so free and happy and vibrant, which isn’t a sacrifice at all. Plus, I love inventing new recipes using legumes, whole grains, veggies, greens, and fruits. My food is still delicious without the health debilitating side effects.
Cucina Fresca...lentils are extremely high in iron, a nutrient I have struggled to get enough of since age 12 whether eating meat or not. I have oodles of recipes to make them delicious. This week I decided to try cooking them in the rice cooker and came up with this recipe; it reminds me of rice a roni which I used to eat at least weekly. Next I'm going to change up the spices to make this into tacos or enchiladas. My husband finally told me he hates quinoa, so I've been looking for an alternative for enchiladas and tacos.
Lentil and Brown Rice Pilaf
1/2 c brown rice
1/2 c red rice (or more brown rice)
1/2 c brown lentils
1 portabello mushroom, small dice
1 tomato, diced
1 carrot, small dice
1 green onion, minced
1 stalk celery with tops, minced
1 t garlic powder
1 t onion powder
1/4 t cumin
1/4 t italian herb
1/2 t salt
bay leaf
1-2 c minced spinach or moringa leaves (reserved)
In the morning, put rices and lentils in the rice cooker pot with the proper amount of water for 1 1/2 c brown rice. Stir in all other ingredients except reserved. Set the timer to be ready for dinner on brown rice setting. Now dinner or lunch will be an after thought. When it is done, put the reserved spinach in the rice cooker to steam and close the lid while you prepare a salad and/or non-starchy vegetable. Open rice cooker, remove bay leaf, dump into a serving dish, fluff, and garnish with coarse salt and black pepper. This makes large portions for two or side dish for four. It is easily doubled multiplied.
Monday, November 2, 2015
the stress is gone
Praying For...Oakley...that she will be inspired to make choices that lead her to great faith, meaningful relationships, lifelong learning, excellent health, and true joy...for peace, health, and well-being for the children of the world...
Bibliophilia...sent Oakley the first Bobbsey Twins book, which Emily loved at her age. Sadly, like most children's books, I didn't read it until I read it along with my daughter. Books weren't a big part of my life until around age 13.
Garden Gate...we got 13 new moringas to provide shade, drumsticks, and greens. Most of them are planted along the fence on the north of our yard. Moringa is very tasty and nutritious as well as easy to grow in my zone 9. I believe it is the answer to malnutrition around the world, as most malnutrition occurs in places were this plant will grow with little care. Our yard crew dug the holes, since I can no longer do that sort of work.
Cucina Fresca...Pintos with Moringa
1 c dried pintos, soaked and cooked until tender
1 c morninga leaves
1 c minced cilantro
1 small onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 roma tomatoes, minced
1 portabella mushroom, minced
1 serrano pepper, minced
2 yellow potatoes, diced
salt and pepper to taste
In a small frying pan, dry-fry onions on high heat until they sizzle and begin to turn brown. Add mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic, and serrano pepper. Keep cooking until everything releases juice. Turn down and cook over medium, adding water now and then to keep it from sticking. When onions are broken down and mushrooms are brown, deglaze pan with more water. Add this and potatoes to beans and simmer until potatoes are soft. Stir in moringa and cilantro. Adjust seasonings. Serve when moringa is just wilted.
Teaching Little Children...I am so glad the head teacher is back. It was way too stressful to be in charge of sooo many children in that environment. The peace and self-direction I'm used to seeing in that a Montessori environment is a bit lacking; the children bicker and need more direction than they should. Since I'm not the director, I'll just sit back and hope they figure out how to make some changes. It really wouldn't take much to guide this crowd of little people to peace. Examples of grace, quiet, courtesy, and so forth always work in a Montessori environment. Hopefully, they will get the message I sent along with a link for this song.
Bibliophilia...sent Oakley the first Bobbsey Twins book, which Emily loved at her age. Sadly, like most children's books, I didn't read it until I read it along with my daughter. Books weren't a big part of my life until around age 13.
Garden Gate...we got 13 new moringas to provide shade, drumsticks, and greens. Most of them are planted along the fence on the north of our yard. Moringa is very tasty and nutritious as well as easy to grow in my zone 9. I believe it is the answer to malnutrition around the world, as most malnutrition occurs in places were this plant will grow with little care. Our yard crew dug the holes, since I can no longer do that sort of work.
Cucina Fresca...Pintos with Moringa
1 c dried pintos, soaked and cooked until tender
1 c morninga leaves
1 c minced cilantro
1 small onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 roma tomatoes, minced
1 portabella mushroom, minced
1 serrano pepper, minced
2 yellow potatoes, diced
salt and pepper to taste
In a small frying pan, dry-fry onions on high heat until they sizzle and begin to turn brown. Add mushrooms, tomatoes, garlic, and serrano pepper. Keep cooking until everything releases juice. Turn down and cook over medium, adding water now and then to keep it from sticking. When onions are broken down and mushrooms are brown, deglaze pan with more water. Add this and potatoes to beans and simmer until potatoes are soft. Stir in moringa and cilantro. Adjust seasonings. Serve when moringa is just wilted.
Teaching Little Children...I am so glad the head teacher is back. It was way too stressful to be in charge of sooo many children in that environment. The peace and self-direction I'm used to seeing in that a Montessori environment is a bit lacking; the children bicker and need more direction than they should. Since I'm not the director, I'll just sit back and hope they figure out how to make some changes. It really wouldn't take much to guide this crowd of little people to peace. Examples of grace, quiet, courtesy, and so forth always work in a Montessori environment. Hopefully, they will get the message I sent along with a link for this song.
Sunday, October 25, 2015
and now hawks
Praying For...Sammy, all my dear ones, and children around the world...Lord, help parents protect and provide for their children. Make people everywhere more concerned with the next generation than their own power, prestige, popularity, etc.
Ponderization..."And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly," Isaiah 5:26.
Bibliophilia...Because I teach a little boy with midline issues, I re-explored Brain Gym. He's already showing a bit of improvement with coordination. This put my on a search for an abridgment of the whole thing to give to his mother. I found it in The Learning Gym. I bought several used copies to give to a few parents of children with similar issues. I've been buying used picture books (Mrs. Rumphius, My Shadow, Clipper, The Story of Little Babaji, A Tree Is Nice, etc, for my students. A few of the children are past Bob Books; they need real beauty and real literature. Sure, easy reading non-fiction is interesting, but the beauty of language isn't found there. Additionally, I re-read Marva Collin's Way, who used the old Open Court readers as soon as the children could read at all. Because I teach reading to preschool/kindergarteners, I bought the set in anticipation (used for pennies on the dollar of course). A couple 5-year-old girls in my class read at the second grade level. Last week, I began using Reading is Fun along with Merrill Get Set with these two. Classic and other good literature/poetry in these old Open Court Readers makes listening a pleasure. Knowing the children will soon graduate to these lovely books and classic picture books, eases the tedium of two or three hours of listening to children sound out Bob Books each and every morning. Really, though...watching a child unfold as a reader is a joyous adventure each and every time. So far all these resources have been a boon.
Teaching Little Children...Two of my little pets (actually I love them all as teacher's pets, but that's another story) had difficulties this week. Because the head teacher is out of town leaving me on my own to teach, both were a bit weepy. A few hugs repaired one little soul, but the other needed a big dose of tlc. Because I couldn't stop teaching the child at my desk to attend to her issue, I sat her down by my chair and handed her a few picture books from my bag. (They all want the books from my bag.) After looking at books for ten minutes, she was completely restored. She asked if I had anymore books, which I didn't. So, she tootled over and got out a dressing frame. I love how Montessori principles inspire peace in children.
Yorkie Yarns...when we got home from church, I opened Dash's doggie door. She loves to run, chase quail, and jump over large rocks in the backyard. Occasionally, she barks like a crazy dog, so I call her in. I don't like yappy dogs and don't intend to let her become one. So, she was barking like crazy. I opened the door to call her in and saw a red shouldered hawk staring at her from the fence. After she bolted inside, I grabbed my phone to document the bird. Apparently, it's pretty rare. Anyway, after clicking a few pics, I heard another hawk scream as hawks do from the mesquite tree behind the fence. They both lifted off and flew away. Needless to say, with owls, coyotes, and now hawks stalking my little dog, Dash won't be allowed outside without supervision. It's a shame, because she loves cavorting and dancing out there. Still, I'm removing the dog door today.
Cucina Fresca...We both absolutely loved this dish as a main course with a side of crispy, steamed cabbage.
Herbed Potato Bake with Tomatoes
Adapted from a Forks Over Knives recipe by Lucy Fairweather
8 small Yukon gold potatoes, washed
8 campari tomatoes
dried Italian herbs
salt
pepper
coconut aminos or tamari
1/2 cup water
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Arrange potatoes and tomatoes in a baking dish so they are very crowded but still in one layer. Sprinkle lightly with aminos or tamari, herbs, pepper, and salt. Bake for 30 minutes. Add water and cook for another 30 minutes or so until potatoes are sort of crisp, golden and very tender. To serve, place half of the potatoes and tomatoes on two plates. Cut each potato in half and spoon a bit of the sauce from the bottom of the baking dish over each potato.
Ponderization..."And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly," Isaiah 5:26.
Bibliophilia...Because I teach a little boy with midline issues, I re-explored Brain Gym. He's already showing a bit of improvement with coordination. This put my on a search for an abridgment of the whole thing to give to his mother. I found it in The Learning Gym. I bought several used copies to give to a few parents of children with similar issues. I've been buying used picture books (Mrs. Rumphius, My Shadow, Clipper, The Story of Little Babaji, A Tree Is Nice, etc, for my students. A few of the children are past Bob Books; they need real beauty and real literature. Sure, easy reading non-fiction is interesting, but the beauty of language isn't found there. Additionally, I re-read Marva Collin's Way, who used the old Open Court readers as soon as the children could read at all. Because I teach reading to preschool/kindergarteners, I bought the set in anticipation (used for pennies on the dollar of course). A couple 5-year-old girls in my class read at the second grade level. Last week, I began using Reading is Fun along with Merrill Get Set with these two. Classic and other good literature/poetry in these old Open Court Readers makes listening a pleasure. Knowing the children will soon graduate to these lovely books and classic picture books, eases the tedium of two or three hours of listening to children sound out Bob Books each and every morning. Really, though...watching a child unfold as a reader is a joyous adventure each and every time. So far all these resources have been a boon.
Teaching Little Children...Two of my little pets (actually I love them all as teacher's pets, but that's another story) had difficulties this week. Because the head teacher is out of town leaving me on my own to teach, both were a bit weepy. A few hugs repaired one little soul, but the other needed a big dose of tlc. Because I couldn't stop teaching the child at my desk to attend to her issue, I sat her down by my chair and handed her a few picture books from my bag. (They all want the books from my bag.) After looking at books for ten minutes, she was completely restored. She asked if I had anymore books, which I didn't. So, she tootled over and got out a dressing frame. I love how Montessori principles inspire peace in children.
Yorkie Yarns...when we got home from church, I opened Dash's doggie door. She loves to run, chase quail, and jump over large rocks in the backyard. Occasionally, she barks like a crazy dog, so I call her in. I don't like yappy dogs and don't intend to let her become one. So, she was barking like crazy. I opened the door to call her in and saw a red shouldered hawk staring at her from the fence. After she bolted inside, I grabbed my phone to document the bird. Apparently, it's pretty rare. Anyway, after clicking a few pics, I heard another hawk scream as hawks do from the mesquite tree behind the fence. They both lifted off and flew away. Needless to say, with owls, coyotes, and now hawks stalking my little dog, Dash won't be allowed outside without supervision. It's a shame, because she loves cavorting and dancing out there. Still, I'm removing the dog door today.
 |
| It's hard to see, but this is the rare Red Shouldered Hawk I caught drooling over my yorkie, Dash, this afternoon. |
Cucina Fresca...We both absolutely loved this dish as a main course with a side of crispy, steamed cabbage.
Herbed Potato Bake with Tomatoes
Adapted from a Forks Over Knives recipe by Lucy Fairweather
8 small Yukon gold potatoes, washed
8 campari tomatoes
dried Italian herbs
salt
pepper
coconut aminos or tamari
1/2 cup water
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Arrange potatoes and tomatoes in a baking dish so they are very crowded but still in one layer. Sprinkle lightly with aminos or tamari, herbs, pepper, and salt. Bake for 30 minutes. Add water and cook for another 30 minutes or so until potatoes are sort of crisp, golden and very tender. To serve, place half of the potatoes and tomatoes on two plates. Cut each potato in half and spoon a bit of the sauce from the bottom of the baking dish over each potato.
Monday, October 5, 2015
so I sing
Praying For...Claire, a sweet six-year-old granddaughter, that she will have a wonderful childhood and grow into a faithful, happy woman. That people around the world will retrench, going back to virtue and values we are loosing so fast it makes my head spin.
Ponderizations...This is a new word and idea taught by Devin G. Durrant, which I want to incorporate into my life for the next 20 years if I live that long. "Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven," Doctrine and Covenants 121:45 will be my first attempt to ponderize.
Cucina Fresca...I made a wonderful discovery. Polenta is easy and quick when cooked in a microwave. It's deliciousness no longer requires long cooking or spatter burns. I put 1/4 c polenta and 1 c water in a bowl, microwave for 6 minutes, and enjoy with maple syrup and fruit for breakfast. In the evening I eat it with Marinara or mushrooms and greens. 1/4 c dry polenta has 120ish, very filling calories and no wheat contamination. Last week I ate a bean burro at my favorite restaurant. Because I've been a customer for 45 years, I rationalized the medical no-no. They are moving from the decades long location near my grandmother's old home to a nicer part of town. Because an era has ended, my party mood got the better of my good judgement. After all it was just a flour tortilla. Anyway, every joint in my body is inflamed and screaming. Sure wish I had been more sensible. Anyway, corn is a safer bet than oats for my breakfast, since wheat doesn't usually invade corn fields as it does oat fields.
Bibliophilia...Sent Claire B is for Betsy, story of a little girl named Betsy and her experiences in first grade. Written in 1939, it's nothing flashy but a fun and happy story for a sweet little girl about a sweet little girl. I'm not reading anything new at present.
Sound of Music...I so love to make music. Right now I can't play, so I sing hymns to myself and God.
God's Word...General Conference this weekend was a spiritual feast. I can't get enough of the Good Word. Listening to the sermons, I heard many prayer questions answered.
Ponderizations...This is a new word and idea taught by Devin G. Durrant, which I want to incorporate into my life for the next 20 years if I live that long. "Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven," Doctrine and Covenants 121:45 will be my first attempt to ponderize.
Cucina Fresca...I made a wonderful discovery. Polenta is easy and quick when cooked in a microwave. It's deliciousness no longer requires long cooking or spatter burns. I put 1/4 c polenta and 1 c water in a bowl, microwave for 6 minutes, and enjoy with maple syrup and fruit for breakfast. In the evening I eat it with Marinara or mushrooms and greens. 1/4 c dry polenta has 120ish, very filling calories and no wheat contamination. Last week I ate a bean burro at my favorite restaurant. Because I've been a customer for 45 years, I rationalized the medical no-no. They are moving from the decades long location near my grandmother's old home to a nicer part of town. Because an era has ended, my party mood got the better of my good judgement. After all it was just a flour tortilla. Anyway, every joint in my body is inflamed and screaming. Sure wish I had been more sensible. Anyway, corn is a safer bet than oats for my breakfast, since wheat doesn't usually invade corn fields as it does oat fields.
Bibliophilia...Sent Claire B is for Betsy, story of a little girl named Betsy and her experiences in first grade. Written in 1939, it's nothing flashy but a fun and happy story for a sweet little girl about a sweet little girl. I'm not reading anything new at present.
Sound of Music...I so love to make music. Right now I can't play, so I sing hymns to myself and God.
God's Word...General Conference this weekend was a spiritual feast. I can't get enough of the Good Word. Listening to the sermons, I heard many prayer questions answered.
Sunday, September 20, 2015
mad for pad
Praying For...Tyson...that he will gain the gift of eloquence and not be slow of speech or tongue...that he may become comfortable with people...that he may become a great witness for Jesus Christ...it's not that he is slow or awkward but that I feel inspired to ask this blessing for him.
Bibliophilia...in addition to reading scriptures, I'm re-reading Plato's Republic as part of a Hillsdale course I'm taking. I find it amazing that they offer these great courses for free to anybody willing to spend the time. They started with Constitution 101 years ago and have been building their offerings little by little. Re-reading Words of Delight, a Bible as Literature textbook that isn't textbook-y. Also found a wonderful old phonics program, Professor Phonics, that I wish I had known about when Quinn was here this summer (and when I tried to teach my dyslexic son to read). Quinn and I worked hard but didn't get as far as I would have liked to have done. It's so concise and intensive and sensible. I may offer free tutoring again in the evenings, since I love watching the miracle of people learning to read.
Cucina Fresca...I made a sort of unsweetened Pad Thai. When I drove by myself from Seattle to Phoenix last spring, I stopped at a Thai place on I-10. They had the most delicious, un-sweetened mango juice AND unsweetened Pad Thai. Now that I'm eating so many salads and vegetables again (LOVE IT), I wanted something that fit that category but was still low in salt without sugar similar to that memory. This is pretty good but not quite Pad Thai.
Mushroom Mad Thai For One
1/2 lb. asparagus, cut in one inch pieces 45 calories
5 oz shitaki mushrooms, sliced 79 calories
1/4 yellow onion, thinly sliced 17 calories
1 clove garlic, pressed 4 calories
1 tomato, small dice 16 calories
1 T coconut aminos 15 calories
1 T white miso (non-soy) 40 calories
1/2 t minced ginger 1 calorie
1/2 t sambal oelek 0 calories
2 oz Tinkyada brown rice Pad Thai noodles 210 calories
427 total calories
Prepare vegetables. Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, put onions in a large frying pan on high heat. When they begin to sizzle, turn down to low, add tomato, and cover. Mix coconut aminos, miso, ginger, and sambal oelek and set aside. When water boils, put noodles in and set timer for 8 minutes. Remove cover from onions, add garlic and mushrooms. Turn up heat to medium high. Add some water if the onions or tomato stuck to deglaze pan. Cover and turn down heat to medium low. Open and stir occasionally. Add asparagus one minute before noodles are done and cover. Drain noodles, reserving 1/4 c water. Add sauce and water to veggies, stirring to combine. Stir in noodles and serve. This is very oil-free, plant perfect, filling, and delicious if not quite what I was going for.
Sound of Music...I so enjoy playing my violin these days. Although I can read music just fine, I prefer to play by ear. My problem is that I can't remember the names of the songs, so I made a list of the hymns I like to play to jog my memory during my playing sessions. If I can hear the first line in my head, I can play it. All the days of my life and throughout all eternity, I'll be grateful to Mrs. Jean Davis for instilling the love of music in me and to my parents for funding the adventure.
Bibliophilia...in addition to reading scriptures, I'm re-reading Plato's Republic as part of a Hillsdale course I'm taking. I find it amazing that they offer these great courses for free to anybody willing to spend the time. They started with Constitution 101 years ago and have been building their offerings little by little. Re-reading Words of Delight, a Bible as Literature textbook that isn't textbook-y. Also found a wonderful old phonics program, Professor Phonics, that I wish I had known about when Quinn was here this summer (and when I tried to teach my dyslexic son to read). Quinn and I worked hard but didn't get as far as I would have liked to have done. It's so concise and intensive and sensible. I may offer free tutoring again in the evenings, since I love watching the miracle of people learning to read.
Cucina Fresca...I made a sort of unsweetened Pad Thai. When I drove by myself from Seattle to Phoenix last spring, I stopped at a Thai place on I-10. They had the most delicious, un-sweetened mango juice AND unsweetened Pad Thai. Now that I'm eating so many salads and vegetables again (LOVE IT), I wanted something that fit that category but was still low in salt without sugar similar to that memory. This is pretty good but not quite Pad Thai.
Mushroom Mad Thai For One
1/2 lb. asparagus, cut in one inch pieces 45 calories
5 oz shitaki mushrooms, sliced 79 calories
1/4 yellow onion, thinly sliced 17 calories
1 clove garlic, pressed 4 calories
1 tomato, small dice 16 calories
1 T coconut aminos 15 calories
1 T white miso (non-soy) 40 calories
1/2 t minced ginger 1 calorie
1/2 t sambal oelek 0 calories
2 oz Tinkyada brown rice Pad Thai noodles 210 calories
427 total calories
Prepare vegetables. Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, put onions in a large frying pan on high heat. When they begin to sizzle, turn down to low, add tomato, and cover. Mix coconut aminos, miso, ginger, and sambal oelek and set aside. When water boils, put noodles in and set timer for 8 minutes. Remove cover from onions, add garlic and mushrooms. Turn up heat to medium high. Add some water if the onions or tomato stuck to deglaze pan. Cover and turn down heat to medium low. Open and stir occasionally. Add asparagus one minute before noodles are done and cover. Drain noodles, reserving 1/4 c water. Add sauce and water to veggies, stirring to combine. Stir in noodles and serve. This is very oil-free, plant perfect, filling, and delicious if not quite what I was going for.
Sound of Music...I so enjoy playing my violin these days. Although I can read music just fine, I prefer to play by ear. My problem is that I can't remember the names of the songs, so I made a list of the hymns I like to play to jog my memory during my playing sessions. If I can hear the first line in my head, I can play it. All the days of my life and throughout all eternity, I'll be grateful to Mrs. Jean Davis for instilling the love of music in me and to my parents for funding the adventure.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
good week
Praying for...Sammy and Tyson, whose birthdays are both this week. Also praying for all my loved ones and gentle souls around the world to find joy, peace, comfort, sustenance, shelter, and safety.
Jesus' Word..."Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass," Psalm 37:3-5.
Movement...Dash and I love our early morning walks of about 2 miles. Watching the sun come up, I feel so in tune with God. Afterward, we usually go for a bike ride with Dash sitting in her doggy basket. Rolling, stretching, and yoga in the evenings helps me iron out the kinks after a morning of sitting on preschool chairs and squatting next to floor work.
Sound of Music...trying to learn the new Disney song, Someone to Lava, which is a big hit with the children at school. They loved hearing me play violin, so I know they will get a real charge out of a real ukulele.
Teaching Little Children...Last Friday, a little girl named Charlotte said while reading tiny, Montessori flip books, 'Reading is so fun. I could do this all day.' I replied, 'Sometimes I DO read all day.' Then we smiled at each other conspiratorially. I've watched and assisted more than one child of three to learn all their sounds and move on to sounding out words, since I started teaching in June. Little children keep one young and lift the spirit. Trying hard to model gentle, smiling, non-verbal correction, as one aide get a bit harsh without realizing the tone of her voice
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...found a good and inexpensive chiropractor and message therapist quite by accident. My axis has been stuck since a pile of folders fell off the shelf at WM in July. Now I can hold my head up. I really enjoyed a lecture by Dr. Klaper about the science of fat vs glycogen and their fat burning relationship with the first meal of the day.
Cucina Fresca...I'm just tired of chili beans. Most every week I make a pot of pintos or blacks for tostadas or rice and beans. With the left overs, I usually make chili beans. Well, my taste buds went on strike. The soup invented as a desperate replacement turned out to be quite tasty but lacks any sort of fancy name.
Vegetable and Soup
1 c dried beans, soaked, rinsed, and slow cooked until very tender OR left over beans and broth of the equivalent
2 tomatoes, diced
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 stalks celery with leaves, sliced
1 carrot sliced
1 potato, diced
a handful of green beans chopped
3/4 inch piece of serrano pepper, minced
about a cup of minced parsley
bay leaf
big pinch of dried thyme
Dump it in the crock pot and cook for about 4 hours. This makes 4 hearty bowls of delicious soup. I'm going to try the same sort of thing with cannellini or limas beans and different herbs next.
I also roasted a bag of baby yellow potatoes (coated in a bit of balsamic vinegar, cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powders) and drizzled them with a few tablespoons of my world peace pesto for a yummy, light dinner. Of course the pesto was a third moringa, the most nutritious, easy to grow, super food on the planet.
Jesus' Word..."Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass," Psalm 37:3-5.
Dearest Children, God Is Near You
by Charles L. Walker
Dearest children, God is near you,
Watching o'er you day and night,
And delights to own and bless you,
If you strive to do what's right.
He will bless you, He will bless you,
If you put your trust in him.
Dearest children, holy angels
Watch your actions night and day,
And they keep a faithful record
Of the good and bad you say.
Cherish virtue! Cherish virtue!
God will bless the pure in heart.
Children, God delights to teach you
By his Holy Spirit's voice.
Quickly heed its holy promptings.
Day by day you'll then rejoice.
Oh, prove faithful, Oh, prove faithful
To your God and Zion's cause.
Movement...Dash and I love our early morning walks of about 2 miles. Watching the sun come up, I feel so in tune with God. Afterward, we usually go for a bike ride with Dash sitting in her doggy basket. Rolling, stretching, and yoga in the evenings helps me iron out the kinks after a morning of sitting on preschool chairs and squatting next to floor work.
Sound of Music...trying to learn the new Disney song, Someone to Lava, which is a big hit with the children at school. They loved hearing me play violin, so I know they will get a real charge out of a real ukulele.
Teaching Little Children...Last Friday, a little girl named Charlotte said while reading tiny, Montessori flip books, 'Reading is so fun. I could do this all day.' I replied, 'Sometimes I DO read all day.' Then we smiled at each other conspiratorially. I've watched and assisted more than one child of three to learn all their sounds and move on to sounding out words, since I started teaching in June. Little children keep one young and lift the spirit. Trying hard to model gentle, smiling, non-verbal correction, as one aide get a bit harsh without realizing the tone of her voice
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...found a good and inexpensive chiropractor and message therapist quite by accident. My axis has been stuck since a pile of folders fell off the shelf at WM in July. Now I can hold my head up. I really enjoyed a lecture by Dr. Klaper about the science of fat vs glycogen and their fat burning relationship with the first meal of the day.
Cucina Fresca...I'm just tired of chili beans. Most every week I make a pot of pintos or blacks for tostadas or rice and beans. With the left overs, I usually make chili beans. Well, my taste buds went on strike. The soup invented as a desperate replacement turned out to be quite tasty but lacks any sort of fancy name.
Vegetable and Soup
1 c dried beans, soaked, rinsed, and slow cooked until very tender OR left over beans and broth of the equivalent
2 tomatoes, diced
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 stalks celery with leaves, sliced
1 carrot sliced
1 potato, diced
a handful of green beans chopped
3/4 inch piece of serrano pepper, minced
about a cup of minced parsley
bay leaf
big pinch of dried thyme
Dump it in the crock pot and cook for about 4 hours. This makes 4 hearty bowls of delicious soup. I'm going to try the same sort of thing with cannellini or limas beans and different herbs next.
I also roasted a bag of baby yellow potatoes (coated in a bit of balsamic vinegar, cayenne, smoked paprika, garlic and onion powders) and drizzled them with a few tablespoons of my world peace pesto for a yummy, light dinner. Of course the pesto was a third moringa, the most nutritious, easy to grow, super food on the planet.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
success
Praying For...Tyson...that he will learn to love and serve his neighbor and Jesus Christ with joy...that his neighbors will soften and allow them to celebrate childhood, guarding the innocence and safety children in each their own sphere of influence.
Cucina Fresca...I made a huge discovery with my green smoothies, which has taken them up a few notches in taste. I juice and zest a couple lemons, adding this and a bit of stevia. Now, my smoothies taste like frozen berry lemonade. Wow! My grands can't get enough and even beg me to make more. Have you ever heard of a child begging for spinach or kale? It's a first for me.
Pen and Brush...the grands also love drawing lessons from some of Mark Kistler's books. We enjoy drawing together morning and night.
Bibliophilia...we also discovered a wonderful read aloud, A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home by Henry Cole. They like it so much; they asked me to send it to Tyson for his Grandchild of the Week. I'm previewing The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane for Sammy this week. Sure hope it's good.
Grand Gossip...we stopped a couple fun places on our journey. I wasn't sure how they would like a two day journey broken up by monuments and points of interest. This was my answer as we pulled up to the hotel the first night. 'This is the best vacation, EVAH!!!' Six-year-olds are easy to please and tell it like it is. Saturday, at Mom's cake and ice cream birthday celebration, he said. 'Even though this isn't fun, it's sort of fun.' I can't win them all.
Garden Gate...sadly, I lost some more plants in the high heat last week. Well, I don't want to have plants that need babying anyway.
For Your Viewing Pleasure...I took the grands to see the movie, Max, which was enjoyed by all. The six-year-old thought it was a bit scary though. We talked about the wonderful way the main character aired disagreements with a meek, gentle, but confident voice. We talked about loyalty of friends two and four legged, too. It is a great movie, IMHO.
Puppy Prattle...it is a lot slower to train dogs without a prong collar, but it also doesn't break the spirit. Dash has learned to heel quite easily without jerking or pinching of the neck. If she begins to pull, I simply turn in the opposite direction and back again, as I quietly say 'heel.' It breaks her concentration and puts her focus back on me without pain. I love this method, however I'm not sure how to teach a down stay to a dog that is not food or toy driven. When I figure out what motivates her, I'll find success. I've also house broken her to the tile portions of the house again without force or violence of any type. She tells me, when she needs to go out. Hurray! We take a walk around the block 3-4 times a day. I praise her highly for her deposits, which seems to be motivating for her. I still don't want to try her out on the carpet though. I'm not ready to watch her leave a mess on my nearly white carpet.
Cucina Fresca...I made a huge discovery with my green smoothies, which has taken them up a few notches in taste. I juice and zest a couple lemons, adding this and a bit of stevia. Now, my smoothies taste like frozen berry lemonade. Wow! My grands can't get enough and even beg me to make more. Have you ever heard of a child begging for spinach or kale? It's a first for me.
Pen and Brush...the grands also love drawing lessons from some of Mark Kistler's books. We enjoy drawing together morning and night.
Bibliophilia...we also discovered a wonderful read aloud, A Nest for Celeste: A Story About Art, Inspiration, and the Meaning of Home by Henry Cole. They like it so much; they asked me to send it to Tyson for his Grandchild of the Week. I'm previewing The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane for Sammy this week. Sure hope it's good.
Grand Gossip...we stopped a couple fun places on our journey. I wasn't sure how they would like a two day journey broken up by monuments and points of interest. This was my answer as we pulled up to the hotel the first night. 'This is the best vacation, EVAH!!!' Six-year-olds are easy to please and tell it like it is. Saturday, at Mom's cake and ice cream birthday celebration, he said. 'Even though this isn't fun, it's sort of fun.' I can't win them all.
Garden Gate...sadly, I lost some more plants in the high heat last week. Well, I don't want to have plants that need babying anyway.
For Your Viewing Pleasure...I took the grands to see the movie, Max, which was enjoyed by all. The six-year-old thought it was a bit scary though. We talked about the wonderful way the main character aired disagreements with a meek, gentle, but confident voice. We talked about loyalty of friends two and four legged, too. It is a great movie, IMHO.
Puppy Prattle...it is a lot slower to train dogs without a prong collar, but it also doesn't break the spirit. Dash has learned to heel quite easily without jerking or pinching of the neck. If she begins to pull, I simply turn in the opposite direction and back again, as I quietly say 'heel.' It breaks her concentration and puts her focus back on me without pain. I love this method, however I'm not sure how to teach a down stay to a dog that is not food or toy driven. When I figure out what motivates her, I'll find success. I've also house broken her to the tile portions of the house again without force or violence of any type. She tells me, when she needs to go out. Hurray! We take a walk around the block 3-4 times a day. I praise her highly for her deposits, which seems to be motivating for her. I still don't want to try her out on the carpet though. I'm not ready to watch her leave a mess on my nearly white carpet.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
confidence and competence
Praying For...Gayle that she will have a safe, innocent, and delightful childhood...that she will know and follow Jesus Christ...that her neighbors, in the Biblical sense, will love her and inspire goodness...that leaders of nations will soften their hearts toward the God-given rights and liberties of their citizens, the sanctity of the family, and the fragile beauty of childhood...
Teaching Little Children...I absolutely adore little children. Right now I volunteer at a local Montessori preschool. This age child is so charming especially in an environment that builds confidence and competence. One little girl is barely higher than my knee, but she speaks intelligently and clearly about interesting things. She's a tiny but encouraged person instead of a helpless little child. Anyway, I work in the sound area, listening to children practice letter sounds or read little books if they already read. When Sammy and Quinn visit, I won't work at the school though.
Cucina Fresca...We've been eating a lot of light meals, since the heat sort of saps the appetite. Veggie sushi is easy on the tummy and delightful on the taste buds. I came up with a new name for my oil-free, plant-based pesto. It is now known as World Peace Pesto...get it? Whirled Peas--World Peace!!
World Peace Pesto
1 1/2 c tightly packed fresh basil leaves (can use part curry leaves, spinach, morninga, and/or parsley)
1 1/2 c frozen peas, thawed
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 T chickpea miso (or other white pesto if you aren't sensitive to soy)
1 T nutritional yeast
zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 t Mrs. Dash Table Blend
celtic sea salt or not
dash cayenne
Add all ingredients and process until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. Stir into half a pound of hot, cooked brown rice pasta. Garnish with minced red bell pepper, additional basil leaves, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Correction: This revised version tastes amazingly like traditional pesto, but without the heavy, oily aftertaste. Plus, peas and greens (basil is a green) are good sources of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Pen and Brush...I've got an idea for a sort of life map drawing/painting that I want to work on. Usually, I draw or paint in a journal. Afterwards, I shut the cover, never looking at it again. My life map might just stay in my journal too, but it's a piece that will take more time. The problem is that I don't have enough skill yet to make my pictures look, as I see them in my head.
Canine Capers...I'm thrilled with our tiny Yorkie, Dash. At first she was so upset to leave her little doggie family, she ate and drank very little. She was also quite timid. She was 4.5 lbs on the 9th. Thursday, the 26th, found her 4.1 lbs. Kinda scary but something clicked to make her start eating yesterday. After nearly three weeks, she eats and thinks we are pretty wonderful. It is fun to watch her play and run. Plus, she's a great little snuggler.
Teaching Little Children...I absolutely adore little children. Right now I volunteer at a local Montessori preschool. This age child is so charming especially in an environment that builds confidence and competence. One little girl is barely higher than my knee, but she speaks intelligently and clearly about interesting things. She's a tiny but encouraged person instead of a helpless little child. Anyway, I work in the sound area, listening to children practice letter sounds or read little books if they already read. When Sammy and Quinn visit, I won't work at the school though.
Cucina Fresca...We've been eating a lot of light meals, since the heat sort of saps the appetite. Veggie sushi is easy on the tummy and delightful on the taste buds. I came up with a new name for my oil-free, plant-based pesto. It is now known as World Peace Pesto...get it? Whirled Peas--World Peace!!
World Peace Pesto
1 1/2 c tightly packed fresh basil leaves (can use part curry leaves, spinach, morninga, and/or parsley)
1 1/2 c frozen peas, thawed
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 T chickpea miso (or other white pesto if you aren't sensitive to soy)
1 T nutritional yeast
zest and juice of 1 lemon
1/2 t Mrs. Dash Table Blend
celtic sea salt or not
dash cayenne
Add all ingredients and process until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. Stir into half a pound of hot, cooked brown rice pasta. Garnish with minced red bell pepper, additional basil leaves, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Correction: This revised version tastes amazingly like traditional pesto, but without the heavy, oily aftertaste. Plus, peas and greens (basil is a green) are good sources of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Pen and Brush...I've got an idea for a sort of life map drawing/painting that I want to work on. Usually, I draw or paint in a journal. Afterwards, I shut the cover, never looking at it again. My life map might just stay in my journal too, but it's a piece that will take more time. The problem is that I don't have enough skill yet to make my pictures look, as I see them in my head.
Canine Capers...I'm thrilled with our tiny Yorkie, Dash. At first she was so upset to leave her little doggie family, she ate and drank very little. She was also quite timid. She was 4.5 lbs on the 9th. Thursday, the 26th, found her 4.1 lbs. Kinda scary but something clicked to make her start eating yesterday. After nearly three weeks, she eats and thinks we are pretty wonderful. It is fun to watch her play and run. Plus, she's a great little snuggler.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
blessings of a happy life
Praying For...Cole, who is growing into a fine young man...he resembles Spencer very much. Their baby pics were almost identical. Anyway, I pray that he stays on the straight and narrow way....that he will be blessed with peace, safety, security, plenty, and other such blessings of a happy life.
Bibliophilia...sending Mozart's Magnificent Voyage by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham, and Duncan Yo Yo Trick Book by Steve Brown to Cole. The Classical Kids CDs are a favorite of the grands. Carry On, Mr. Bowditch is a wonderful read. AND to show Cole that he can learn anything he wants to know about anything he's interested in, I'm sending him the Yo Yo Trick Book. I'm so happy I can contribute the education of my grands, while showing them how much I love them.
Cucina Fresca...In March I sprinkled herb seeds under all my newly planted trees and bushes. Around one gogi bush, the basil is growing like gang-busters. While searching for fat-free pesto recipes, I found plenty oil-free one's with a boat load of nuts but none without added fat. So, I made this one to begin utilizing my basil crop. Yummy!
Summer Fresh Pasta with Pesto
1 to 1 1/2 c tightly packed fresh basil leaves (can use part curry leaves, spinach, morninga, and/or parsley)
1 1/2 c frozen peas, thawed
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 T chickpea miso
1 T nutritional yeast
2-4 T veggie broth or water
3 T fresh lemon juice (Wah! I used my last homegrown lemon of the year.)
1 t lemon zest
celtic sea salt or not
dash cayenne
Add all ingredients to taste and process until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. Stir into a pound of hot, cooked brown rice linguini. Garnish with additional basil leaves, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This doesn't taste traditional, but I think it's better without the heavy, oily aftertaste. Plus, peas are a good source of protein.
Roasted Tomato Basil Pasta with Moringa
Tomatoes and basil are classic cousins for a reason. Morninga is an easy, mild addition. Morninga is a delicious spinach substitute with amazing amounts of many nutrients. It's peasant superfood that nearly anyone can grow in their yard or living room. It is widely used in Asia and Africa lately to combat several forms of malnutrition with huge success.
2 lbs. tomatoes quartered
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 t Mrs. Dash
1/2 t dried Italian herbs
pinch red pepper flakes
dash salt
Roast in oven or sun oven for an hour or more. Everything should look roasted with a bit of browning. Puree, adding a tablespoon or two of tomato paste if it is too thin. Stir into brown rice rotini pasta with a handful each of torn basil and moringa leaves. Garnish with more basil and cracked black pepper.
For Your Viewing Pleasure...watched If I Had Wings and thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes, it was a bit predictable and all that, but I loved the message. I loved that the handicapped kid refused to accept the label, refused to be pampered, and refused to let anyone get the best of him. He stood up for himself by being the best person he could be.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...so...I spoke too soon...I am still sensitive to wheat...wah...my belly swelled to pregnancy size for a few days. It's on its way back to normal, but I am bummed. Oh, well...I continue to ingest vitamin C rich foods and several forms of iron including: molasses, moringa, kale, spinach, black beans, floridex, furmarate, and citrate. Slowly, things are getting back to normal again.
Bibliophilia...sending Mozart's Magnificent Voyage by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham, and Duncan Yo Yo Trick Book by Steve Brown to Cole. The Classical Kids CDs are a favorite of the grands. Carry On, Mr. Bowditch is a wonderful read. AND to show Cole that he can learn anything he wants to know about anything he's interested in, I'm sending him the Yo Yo Trick Book. I'm so happy I can contribute the education of my grands, while showing them how much I love them.
Cucina Fresca...In March I sprinkled herb seeds under all my newly planted trees and bushes. Around one gogi bush, the basil is growing like gang-busters. While searching for fat-free pesto recipes, I found plenty oil-free one's with a boat load of nuts but none without added fat. So, I made this one to begin utilizing my basil crop. Yummy!
Summer Fresh Pasta with Pesto
1 to 1 1/2 c tightly packed fresh basil leaves (can use part curry leaves, spinach, morninga, and/or parsley)
1 1/2 c frozen peas, thawed
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 T chickpea miso
1 T nutritional yeast
2-4 T veggie broth or water
3 T fresh lemon juice (Wah! I used my last homegrown lemon of the year.)
1 t lemon zest
celtic sea salt or not
dash cayenne
Add all ingredients to taste and process until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. Stir into a pound of hot, cooked brown rice linguini. Garnish with additional basil leaves, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This doesn't taste traditional, but I think it's better without the heavy, oily aftertaste. Plus, peas are a good source of protein.
Roasted Tomato Basil Pasta with Moringa
Tomatoes and basil are classic cousins for a reason. Morninga is an easy, mild addition. Morninga is a delicious spinach substitute with amazing amounts of many nutrients. It's peasant superfood that nearly anyone can grow in their yard or living room. It is widely used in Asia and Africa lately to combat several forms of malnutrition with huge success.
2 lbs. tomatoes quartered
3 cloves garlic, peeled
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1/2 t Mrs. Dash
1/2 t dried Italian herbs
pinch red pepper flakes
dash salt
Roast in oven or sun oven for an hour or more. Everything should look roasted with a bit of browning. Puree, adding a tablespoon or two of tomato paste if it is too thin. Stir into brown rice rotini pasta with a handful each of torn basil and moringa leaves. Garnish with more basil and cracked black pepper.
For Your Viewing Pleasure...watched If I Had Wings and thoroughly enjoyed it. Yes, it was a bit predictable and all that, but I loved the message. I loved that the handicapped kid refused to accept the label, refused to be pampered, and refused to let anyone get the best of him. He stood up for himself by being the best person he could be.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...so...I spoke too soon...I am still sensitive to wheat...wah...my belly swelled to pregnancy size for a few days. It's on its way back to normal, but I am bummed. Oh, well...I continue to ingest vitamin C rich foods and several forms of iron including: molasses, moringa, kale, spinach, black beans, floridex, furmarate, and citrate. Slowly, things are getting back to normal again.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
the mirror
Praying For...Quinn that he will learn patience, gentleness, and civility in his childhood, making him a builder of the Kingdom...a return to civility in Western Culture...family gardens so that neighbors around the world can grow food, serenity, and beauty instead of engaging in violence...
Bibliophilia...sent If I Ran the Horse Show: All About Horses by Worth, Robert the Rose Horse by Joan Heilbroner, and Spooky Riddles by Brown to Quinn. He enjoys the Suess early reader books quite a bit, as they are not as daunting as Magic Tree House. Suess early readers and MTH are about the same reading level, but our soon to be first grader likes shorter books for personal reading. I'm screening a few that might be good for Gayle, Sammy, and Oakley. Re-reading Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond by Brad Lancaster. It has a greater impact now that it's relevant to my experience.
Movement...biked most days this week with one ride being 11.5 miles...still going strong with essentrics...not sure though if all this exercise is so good, while I'm trying to recover from that horrible flu. Well, I guess I'd rather spend what little energy I have improving my health than something of less value.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...I thought I would never get a message, but all the sickness last month left me with a very stiff neck and numb arms. I was quite surprised how professional message therapy is. It felt every bit as businesslike as any doctor's office, except the staff went out of their way to be pleasant and friendly. And it feels like I get more for my money than a 10 minute chiro adjustment. I'll make this a regular thing; I think.
Cucina Fresca...I've been experimenting for some time and came up with a popcorn snack for Joseph that works. I put 1/4 c popcorn in a brown lunch bag and microwave for 2.5 minutes. Then I sprinkle on a bit of salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. At only 131 calories, it is idea to stave off my hubby's snack attacks without damaging his health. I'm so glad I discovered sun dried tomatoes. They are great cooked into my quinoa salad and in my herbed polenta.
Garden Gate...In hot, dry environments, raised beds dry out quickly and may damage tender plant roots. So I dug new sunken bed in the garden, where I planted garlic cloves, garlic chive seeds, bee balm seeds, daikon radish seeds, and boking 14 comfrey roots. Or rather I completed the bed next to the house on the north side, since it encompasses my espalier apples. Daikon's long tap roots (which are mostly not going to get harvested) are wonderful for breaking up heavy clay soil sort of like implanting compost three feet into the ground. Comfrey also has taproots that can get 10 feet long. Not only does the root bring up minerals from deep in the earth, it brings up moisture. When we chop and drop the plant, in essence we compost without the hassle of composting. Comfrey mulch/compost holds moisture in the ground, encourages earthworm proliferation, and enriches soil humus and fertility. When used as a mulch, it has nearly the same composition as barn yard manure with a slightly higher level of potassium. It can be used as animal fodder for chickens, goats, and rabbits, which we don't have and don't intend to acquire. It is an excellent medicine to heal wounds and broken bones of all sorts. (Many people are afraid to plant comfrey, because it's invasive reputation. Russian comfrey or Boking 14 isn’t invasive with sterile seed. It stays were you plant it.) Comfrey should be used in all stages of soil building and in every part of a permaculture garden. Rabbits hate the smell of garlic, so the chives repel the little pests. Tomorrow or some time this week, I'll go get a bucket of earthworms from the bait shop for this bed.
Grandma's Girls...we had our first girl's luncheon or hen part without Grandma and Aunt Kathy. At first it was a bit awkward until I mentioned it felt a bit awkward. Everyone acknowledged that truth and then settled down to the business at hand--the grand gab fest. I love these daughters, step-daughters, and daughters-in-law of my dear, little grandma. Aunt Kathy's memorial was yesterday. Since she was adamant that she wanted a party instead of a funeral, we celebrated with a pot luck luncheon memorial. It was wonderful to visit and eat and look at pictures of Kathy. There were even a few taken in Japan, where she spent the first three or four years of her life. The last time we visited, she told me she didn't consider herself Japanese. How could she, when she was an beloved, intrenched member of our family? Only the mirror told said differently. Kathy was similar to my grandma in that everyone loved her. She was pretty outspoken, in contrast with Grandma, but somehow it was never offensive. She was so happy and positive. Cancer is a horrible enemy.
Bibliophilia...sent If I Ran the Horse Show: All About Horses by Worth, Robert the Rose Horse by Joan Heilbroner, and Spooky Riddles by Brown to Quinn. He enjoys the Suess early reader books quite a bit, as they are not as daunting as Magic Tree House. Suess early readers and MTH are about the same reading level, but our soon to be first grader likes shorter books for personal reading. I'm screening a few that might be good for Gayle, Sammy, and Oakley. Re-reading Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond by Brad Lancaster. It has a greater impact now that it's relevant to my experience.
Movement...biked most days this week with one ride being 11.5 miles...still going strong with essentrics...not sure though if all this exercise is so good, while I'm trying to recover from that horrible flu. Well, I guess I'd rather spend what little energy I have improving my health than something of less value.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...I thought I would never get a message, but all the sickness last month left me with a very stiff neck and numb arms. I was quite surprised how professional message therapy is. It felt every bit as businesslike as any doctor's office, except the staff went out of their way to be pleasant and friendly. And it feels like I get more for my money than a 10 minute chiro adjustment. I'll make this a regular thing; I think.
Cucina Fresca...I've been experimenting for some time and came up with a popcorn snack for Joseph that works. I put 1/4 c popcorn in a brown lunch bag and microwave for 2.5 minutes. Then I sprinkle on a bit of salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. At only 131 calories, it is idea to stave off my hubby's snack attacks without damaging his health. I'm so glad I discovered sun dried tomatoes. They are great cooked into my quinoa salad and in my herbed polenta.
Garden Gate...In hot, dry environments, raised beds dry out quickly and may damage tender plant roots. So I dug new sunken bed in the garden, where I planted garlic cloves, garlic chive seeds, bee balm seeds, daikon radish seeds, and boking 14 comfrey roots. Or rather I completed the bed next to the house on the north side, since it encompasses my espalier apples. Daikon's long tap roots (which are mostly not going to get harvested) are wonderful for breaking up heavy clay soil sort of like implanting compost three feet into the ground. Comfrey also has taproots that can get 10 feet long. Not only does the root bring up minerals from deep in the earth, it brings up moisture. When we chop and drop the plant, in essence we compost without the hassle of composting. Comfrey mulch/compost holds moisture in the ground, encourages earthworm proliferation, and enriches soil humus and fertility. When used as a mulch, it has nearly the same composition as barn yard manure with a slightly higher level of potassium. It can be used as animal fodder for chickens, goats, and rabbits, which we don't have and don't intend to acquire. It is an excellent medicine to heal wounds and broken bones of all sorts. (Many people are afraid to plant comfrey, because it's invasive reputation. Russian comfrey or Boking 14 isn’t invasive with sterile seed. It stays were you plant it.) Comfrey should be used in all stages of soil building and in every part of a permaculture garden. Rabbits hate the smell of garlic, so the chives repel the little pests. Tomorrow or some time this week, I'll go get a bucket of earthworms from the bait shop for this bed.
Grandma's Girls...we had our first girl's luncheon or hen part without Grandma and Aunt Kathy. At first it was a bit awkward until I mentioned it felt a bit awkward. Everyone acknowledged that truth and then settled down to the business at hand--the grand gab fest. I love these daughters, step-daughters, and daughters-in-law of my dear, little grandma. Aunt Kathy's memorial was yesterday. Since she was adamant that she wanted a party instead of a funeral, we celebrated with a pot luck luncheon memorial. It was wonderful to visit and eat and look at pictures of Kathy. There were even a few taken in Japan, where she spent the first three or four years of her life. The last time we visited, she told me she didn't consider herself Japanese. How could she, when she was an beloved, intrenched member of our family? Only the mirror told said differently. Kathy was similar to my grandma in that everyone loved her. She was pretty outspoken, in contrast with Grandma, but somehow it was never offensive. She was so happy and positive. Cancer is a horrible enemy.
Sunday, May 24, 2015
a new stepford
Praying For...Tyson, our nearly eight-year-old lego maniac...that he will know Jesus, the Prince of Peace, and strive to be like Him...that those in authority over him will encourage his talents, spirituality, scholarship, and so forth with gentleness and pure love...that the hearts of leaders of nations and worldwide neighbors will soften and their ears be open to the whisperings of gentle, godly inspiration...that more people will seek God and His beautiful plan.
General Conference Sermon of the Week...This week I studied We’ll Ascend Together By Linda K. Burton. I appreciated her timely instruction that we women stop deriding men in our lives and refuse to accept the new culture that wishes to eliminate fathers from families. I also accept her challenge to speak words of kindness more often to my cherished companion and about him, to lift the men in my family and express gratitude for the ways they fulfill their divine and complementary roles and seek the help of the Holy Ghost to teach us how we can better lift them. "I invite each of us to heed Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s heartfelt plea: 'Brothers and sisters, in this long eternal quest to be more like our Savior, may we try to be ‘perfect’ men and women in at least this one way now—by offending not in word, or more positively put, by speaking with a new tongue, the tongue of angels.' "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel," 2 Nephi 31:13.
Cucina Fresca...Grandma passed a few weeks ago. In the past, family events with food were an open door to mock me. This time my dear uncle made some beautiful salads for any vegans in the group. I thought I would be the only one. BUT!!!! four other people fought over (well vied for) the other three salads. I'm not the only one now AND some are now thoughtful enough to think of herbivores...Cooking in the rice cooker is lots of fun. Probably the most exciting thing is the ease of cooking polenta in it. For dinner on Saturday, we ate herbed polenta with marinara and baby greens. Strangely, even though neither of us was raised with polenta, we both consider it to be a delightful, comfort food. This week I'm going to try Vegan Rice Cooker Frittata.
2/3 c chickpea flour (aka garbanzo bean flour)
3/4 c water
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 c mushrooms, chopped
1/4 c kale, chopped
1/4 c artichoke hearts, chopped
2-3 sun dried tomatoes (not in oil), minced
1 T nutritional yeast
1/4-1/2 t dried herbs of choice
black salt
black pepper
Mix the chickpea flour with the water, scallion, and a couple twists of black pepper. Cook the mushrooms and a pinch of black salt, covered, over medium low heat for about 5-10 minutes.
Mix the veggies and chickpea batter. Pour into the rice cooker. Cook on white rice setting. Enjoy!
Doctor Ginger, Medicine Woman...Yup, just a student of herbal and nutritional alternative healing--not a doctor at all. I'm so grateful for herbs. Although recovery from this flu/cold is slow, herbs have made it more bearable. Sometimes, I just cannot breathe. This morning during and after our bike ride, I coughed and wheezed. Dr. Christopher's Lung and Bronchial got me breathing in a manner of minutes. Also, my eyes are pretty weak from the fever and such. Dr. Christopher's Herbal Eye Bright formula with cayenne wakes them up in a hurry. When he was living, he testified his preparations were divinely inspired. I believe it.
Bibliophilia...sent Tyson Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Secret Pitch by Sobol, Runaway Ralph by Cleary, and LEGO Chain Reactions by Pat Murphy.
Movement...biking the extensive trails around my home six days a week with J. We are up to 8 miles a day, which takes about an hour. This is a pretty slow pace, but we're getting stronger and faster by the day. Usually, we stop about half way through our ride for a rest. Because I get bored sitting around, I do essentrics stretches to loosen up my lower body. Even so, all this riding sort of put essentrics on the back shelf, which was not really ok with me. After this flu/cold thing dissipates, I'll have enough energy to finish my morning ride with 30 minutes of essentrics. I also found a before bed, stress reducing, essentrics workout that is fantastic. The statement 'I love movement' emanating from my lips has me wondering if I'm really a new Stepford wife.
Garden Gate...I've also discovered that gardening is very meditative for me. This week has been so fun, as I watch all the baby herbs emerge from the soil. It's funny though. I planted those seeds, when I was deliriously ill. Therefore, I don't know what any of them are and won't until they begin to put on true leaves. One gogi bush has been struggling to get over transplant shock. It seems the drainage in that spot isn't optimal. Since I don't want to kill the new plant, I dug a trench around it and filled it with a lava sand and wood chips to encourage better drainage. Plus, I gave it more shade like I did with the other gogis. I hope it works...I'm so much happier with so many meaningful things to do.
Needle News...still making lavender strawberries for my closet. Gotta love lavender. Brought Grandma's sewing machine home the other day. It's sitting in my breakfast nook.
Family History...I got a whole box of pictures and documents from Grandma that I will scan and upload to family search and ancestry. My great grandmother's hand written death certificate is likely in the lot. I sure hope it made it into the box. Thanks to mom and Uncle Paul for allowing me the privilege of keeping these precious documents and mementoes.
General Conference Sermon of the Week...This week I studied We’ll Ascend Together By Linda K. Burton. I appreciated her timely instruction that we women stop deriding men in our lives and refuse to accept the new culture that wishes to eliminate fathers from families. I also accept her challenge to speak words of kindness more often to my cherished companion and about him, to lift the men in my family and express gratitude for the ways they fulfill their divine and complementary roles and seek the help of the Holy Ghost to teach us how we can better lift them. "I invite each of us to heed Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s heartfelt plea: 'Brothers and sisters, in this long eternal quest to be more like our Savior, may we try to be ‘perfect’ men and women in at least this one way now—by offending not in word, or more positively put, by speaking with a new tongue, the tongue of angels.' "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel," 2 Nephi 31:13.
Cucina Fresca...Grandma passed a few weeks ago. In the past, family events with food were an open door to mock me. This time my dear uncle made some beautiful salads for any vegans in the group. I thought I would be the only one. BUT!!!! four other people fought over (well vied for) the other three salads. I'm not the only one now AND some are now thoughtful enough to think of herbivores...Cooking in the rice cooker is lots of fun. Probably the most exciting thing is the ease of cooking polenta in it. For dinner on Saturday, we ate herbed polenta with marinara and baby greens. Strangely, even though neither of us was raised with polenta, we both consider it to be a delightful, comfort food. This week I'm going to try Vegan Rice Cooker Frittata.
2/3 c chickpea flour (aka garbanzo bean flour)
3/4 c water
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 c mushrooms, chopped
1/4 c kale, chopped
1/4 c artichoke hearts, chopped
2-3 sun dried tomatoes (not in oil), minced
1 T nutritional yeast
1/4-1/2 t dried herbs of choice
black salt
black pepper
Mix the chickpea flour with the water, scallion, and a couple twists of black pepper. Cook the mushrooms and a pinch of black salt, covered, over medium low heat for about 5-10 minutes.
Mix the veggies and chickpea batter. Pour into the rice cooker. Cook on white rice setting. Enjoy!
Doctor Ginger, Medicine Woman...Yup, just a student of herbal and nutritional alternative healing--not a doctor at all. I'm so grateful for herbs. Although recovery from this flu/cold is slow, herbs have made it more bearable. Sometimes, I just cannot breathe. This morning during and after our bike ride, I coughed and wheezed. Dr. Christopher's Lung and Bronchial got me breathing in a manner of minutes. Also, my eyes are pretty weak from the fever and such. Dr. Christopher's Herbal Eye Bright formula with cayenne wakes them up in a hurry. When he was living, he testified his preparations were divinely inspired. I believe it.
Bibliophilia...sent Tyson Encyclopedia Brown and the Case of the Secret Pitch by Sobol, Runaway Ralph by Cleary, and LEGO Chain Reactions by Pat Murphy.
Movement...biking the extensive trails around my home six days a week with J. We are up to 8 miles a day, which takes about an hour. This is a pretty slow pace, but we're getting stronger and faster by the day. Usually, we stop about half way through our ride for a rest. Because I get bored sitting around, I do essentrics stretches to loosen up my lower body. Even so, all this riding sort of put essentrics on the back shelf, which was not really ok with me. After this flu/cold thing dissipates, I'll have enough energy to finish my morning ride with 30 minutes of essentrics. I also found a before bed, stress reducing, essentrics workout that is fantastic. The statement 'I love movement' emanating from my lips has me wondering if I'm really a new Stepford wife.
Garden Gate...I've also discovered that gardening is very meditative for me. This week has been so fun, as I watch all the baby herbs emerge from the soil. It's funny though. I planted those seeds, when I was deliriously ill. Therefore, I don't know what any of them are and won't until they begin to put on true leaves. One gogi bush has been struggling to get over transplant shock. It seems the drainage in that spot isn't optimal. Since I don't want to kill the new plant, I dug a trench around it and filled it with a lava sand and wood chips to encourage better drainage. Plus, I gave it more shade like I did with the other gogis. I hope it works...I'm so much happier with so many meaningful things to do.
Needle News...still making lavender strawberries for my closet. Gotta love lavender. Brought Grandma's sewing machine home the other day. It's sitting in my breakfast nook.
Family History...I got a whole box of pictures and documents from Grandma that I will scan and upload to family search and ancestry. My great grandmother's hand written death certificate is likely in the lot. I sure hope it made it into the box. Thanks to mom and Uncle Paul for allowing me the privilege of keeping these precious documents and mementoes.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
not the end
Praying For...Oakley...that she will be a kind, charitable, compassionate person...that she will pursue spiritual and secular scholarship for a better life on earth and in heaven...that those in authority over her will nurture and teach with gentleness and the pure love of Christ...that leaders of nations will protect the sanctity of the family and the innocence of children to their utmost ability...that her neighbors locally and internationally will stop contending and vying for power...let there be peace on earth and let it begin with...
Jesus' Word..."To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance," Ecclesiastes 3:1,4. I prayed for the peaceful passing of my dear grandmother. When she finally slipped from this life, sadness enveloped me. Both peculiar and unexpected, I threw myself into funeral preparations. With all the family in town, I enjoyed the party like atmosphere that accompanies funerals in our family. At the service, the minister was so negative and depressing; this was perplexing considering the lovely Christian life she led. I'll ever be grateful that I was asked to speak along with Aunt Dean and Cousin Brian in celebration of her beautiful example of Christian charity and kindness. I don't look on death as an enemy or curse, because I believe in the atoning gift of resurrection. Death isn't the end.
Bibliophilia...Sent both Sammy and Oakley The Doll Shop Downstairs. I don't know how I missed this one, when my girls were small, but it's a delightful read. I'm looking forward to exploring more titles from this author.
Cucina Fresca...I'm experimenting with different grains the rice cooker. So far everything I've tried tastes better than on the stove top. My homemade rice milk is easy to prepare and quite delicious. This week I'm going to try making hot cereal overnight with the timer method: steel cut oats, polenta, kashi, rice, quinoa, millet, and amaranth. Grains are so health giving and delicious. In addition to making all these grains with fruit as a sweet start, I'll make some savory breakfast grain/veggie dishes like the South Indian or Italian dishes below. With a green smoothie and a bowl of whole grains, I'm good to go for hours and hours.
1 c red or brown rice + water according to cooker
1 clove garlic, pressed
1/2 t mustard seeds
1 mild green chilie, minced
1/2 purple onion, minced
1 Yukon gold potato, small dice
1-2 c green cabbage, 1 inch dice
1/2 t turmeric
4-5 curry leaves
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced for garnish
fresh lemon, for garnish
In a hot dry skillet, pop mustard seeds. As soon as they crackle, add onion, garlic, and green chilies, cooking until onions are translucent. Add turmeric and curry leaves, cooking for a minute or two. Add everything to the rice cooker, and set for desired breakfast time. In the morning, put rice in bowls, and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and lemon juice. A mango, orange, pineapple, and moringa smoothie seems appropriate here.
Put sun dried tomatoes, kale, dry sautéed onion and garlic, parsley, rice milk, and polenta (or rice or millet) in the rice cooker. In the morning top with basil and lemon juice. Serve with spinach and berry smoothie.
Also going to explore cooking small legumes this way for breakfast.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...(no doctor of any kind, just a student of natural, nutritional herbalism) sometimes the best plans don't work...with all the fatigue and exposure to germs I had for the last few weeks, I got very ill. I'm still struggling. None of the usual players helped much at all. That's really ok, though. Sometimes, we need to slow down and enjoy the journey. I only hope I recover, since I was so enjoying the added measure of health. If not I know God has something special in store for me.
Garden Gate...even though I was sicker than a dog, I got my trees and bushes in the ground: espalier apples, mangos, mulberry bushes (not trees), gogis, guandulas, tree collard, curry, and lots of herbs. Still want to plant bay, loquat, cherry, peach, nectarine, star fruit, more moringas, fig, pear, grape, more citrus, flowers, asparagus, sweet potato, and annual veggies. With this plan, we have a mostly perennial greens, beans, and fruit subsistence garden, which we don't actually need to subsist upon. Even so, I want to produce as much of my own food as I can. Dwarf plants make this goal possible in a small area. Soooooo glad we have a yard man that doesn't mind coming by to dig the holes, which is currently way out of my fitness level.
Jesus' Word..."To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance," Ecclesiastes 3:1,4. I prayed for the peaceful passing of my dear grandmother. When she finally slipped from this life, sadness enveloped me. Both peculiar and unexpected, I threw myself into funeral preparations. With all the family in town, I enjoyed the party like atmosphere that accompanies funerals in our family. At the service, the minister was so negative and depressing; this was perplexing considering the lovely Christian life she led. I'll ever be grateful that I was asked to speak along with Aunt Dean and Cousin Brian in celebration of her beautiful example of Christian charity and kindness. I don't look on death as an enemy or curse, because I believe in the atoning gift of resurrection. Death isn't the end.
Bibliophilia...Sent both Sammy and Oakley The Doll Shop Downstairs. I don't know how I missed this one, when my girls were small, but it's a delightful read. I'm looking forward to exploring more titles from this author.
Cucina Fresca...I'm experimenting with different grains the rice cooker. So far everything I've tried tastes better than on the stove top. My homemade rice milk is easy to prepare and quite delicious. This week I'm going to try making hot cereal overnight with the timer method: steel cut oats, polenta, kashi, rice, quinoa, millet, and amaranth. Grains are so health giving and delicious. In addition to making all these grains with fruit as a sweet start, I'll make some savory breakfast grain/veggie dishes like the South Indian or Italian dishes below. With a green smoothie and a bowl of whole grains, I'm good to go for hours and hours.
1 c red or brown rice + water according to cooker
1 clove garlic, pressed
1/2 t mustard seeds
1 mild green chilie, minced
1/2 purple onion, minced
1 Yukon gold potato, small dice
1-2 c green cabbage, 1 inch dice
1/2 t turmeric
4-5 curry leaves
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, minced for garnish
fresh lemon, for garnish
In a hot dry skillet, pop mustard seeds. As soon as they crackle, add onion, garlic, and green chilies, cooking until onions are translucent. Add turmeric and curry leaves, cooking for a minute or two. Add everything to the rice cooker, and set for desired breakfast time. In the morning, put rice in bowls, and sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro and lemon juice. A mango, orange, pineapple, and moringa smoothie seems appropriate here.
Put sun dried tomatoes, kale, dry sautéed onion and garlic, parsley, rice milk, and polenta (or rice or millet) in the rice cooker. In the morning top with basil and lemon juice. Serve with spinach and berry smoothie.
Also going to explore cooking small legumes this way for breakfast.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...(no doctor of any kind, just a student of natural, nutritional herbalism) sometimes the best plans don't work...with all the fatigue and exposure to germs I had for the last few weeks, I got very ill. I'm still struggling. None of the usual players helped much at all. That's really ok, though. Sometimes, we need to slow down and enjoy the journey. I only hope I recover, since I was so enjoying the added measure of health. If not I know God has something special in store for me.
Garden Gate...even though I was sicker than a dog, I got my trees and bushes in the ground: espalier apples, mangos, mulberry bushes (not trees), gogis, guandulas, tree collard, curry, and lots of herbs. Still want to plant bay, loquat, cherry, peach, nectarine, star fruit, more moringas, fig, pear, grape, more citrus, flowers, asparagus, sweet potato, and annual veggies. With this plan, we have a mostly perennial greens, beans, and fruit subsistence garden, which we don't actually need to subsist upon. Even so, I want to produce as much of my own food as I can. Dwarf plants make this goal possible in a small area. Soooooo glad we have a yard man that doesn't mind coming by to dig the holes, which is currently way out of my fitness level.
Sunday, April 19, 2015
really, finally gone
Praying For...Claire, who is growing to be a refined little lady at her ripe age of six. I pray that she and all of my grands and offspring will gain and keep strong testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. All other hopes and desires for them pale in comparison to this one.
Jesus' Word..."...whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction," 1 Nephi 15:24. Because I need all the help I can get, this promise calms my heart. The word of God is like a beacon through this foggy, strange world in which we live and will help us find the power or grace we need to resist temptations of the evil one.
Bibliophilia...Besides the scriptures, I've been reading Amazed by Grace. It explains this principle so well and is exactly the way I've always thought of grace. I'm so excited to read a recently acquired book about some of my Native American ancestors from my mother's line, Guardians of the Valley: Chickasaws in Colonial South Carolina and Georgia. So far my genealogy traces my mother's side through the Chickasaws and my father's side through the Powhatan found around Jamestown. Apparently, I can find out more about the Powhatan in the Shawnee Heritage book series by Don Greene. Read a cute book, which I also sent to Claire, Twig. We also sent Dover Owls coloring book.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...while taking my grands to plenty of crowded places over spring break, I contracted conjunctivitis. Yuck! Sure it will go away by itself after seven to ten days. However, I didn't want to have burning, red, goopy eyes for seven to ten days. Of course I was out of my favorite Dr. Christopher Eyebright Formula, containing eyebright herb, goldenseal root, red raspberry leaf, mullein flower, bayberry bark, fennel seed, rue flower and cayenne pepper. As any good herbalist would do, I researched some other possibilities. I made a thick infusion of fennel and flax seeds for an eye wash. Immediately, the burning was gone. After only a couple more applications the infection was gone. This is a good one to know about.
Lastest Amazing Feat...I drove 1400-ish miles in 2.5 days without incident or injury. After a bath and two hour nap, I felt perfectly fine. Is my illness really, finally gone!!!
Movement...with near zero internet access for over a week, I was getting a bit frantic about my lack of exercise. This morning before church, I spent a glorious 45 minutes stretching and sweating. It was lovely. I still can't believe this seeker of shade and rest LOVES to exercise now.
Cucina Fresca...Ingredient specific recipes can be intimidating and expensive. On the other hand, master recipes allow one to use what is on hand or in season. Plus, the cook can experiment with confidence. If you've read my posts at all, you know I've been cooking oil-free, nutrient-dense, high-fiber vegan for years now. Master Stir Fry (Steam) Recipe is no exception. Since I developed an allergy to soy and try to limit salt, I also had to experiment quite a bit to find a flavorful stir fry. This one seems to fit the bill. Because it makes such a nice flavor, I start out with a similar veg base mix to my marinara and master soup recipes.
In a large frying pan or wok, layer 1/4 red onion, sliced carrot and celery stock, 1/2 diced roma tomato, 1-2 sliced portabello (or a handful or two other) mushrooms, half a garlic clove, a bit of minced ginger, per person. Cook over high heat. As soon as it starts to sizzle, add a tablespoon or so of water, cover, and turn the heat down. Soon the mushrooms and onions will release their fluids. Remove the lid and continue to cook. This mixture is ready when everything starts to break down and brown. This makes a healthier substitute for the umami or savory salty/soy flavor everyone loves in Asian foods. Now, add a tablespoon or two more water to deglaze the pan. It is time to add two or three handfuls of body veggies, of which the possibilities are endless. Steam, covered until just tender crisp. Now, you might add the juice of lemon, lime, and/or orange or rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes for a more Chinese flavor. Red or Green curry paste, honey, or chopped peanuts lend a Thai influence. Steamed, pureed cauliflower with S&B oriental curry powder turn it into Japanese curry. Garam Masala and Madras curry powder OR curry leaves and sambar powder take you to India.
Body Veg/Fruit Suggestions:
snow peas
broccoli slaw mix
broccoli flowerets
rabe
red, green, yellow, or orange bell peppers
cilantro
thai basil
green onions
spinach
chard
collards
head or napa cabbage
bok choy or other Asian cabbages
japanese eggplant
hot peppers
baby corn
Morninga leaves or pods
summer squash
Steamed, diced pumpkin or sweet potato
julienne carrots, jicama, or turnip
plums
mango
grapes
pineapple
apricots
peaches
bean sprouts
This is filling enough to eat as a weight stabilizing meal on its own and is my go to if I find any pounds creeping on. It is delicious over brown, black, or red rice or Annie Chun's Brown Rice Pad Thai noodles. The latter is excellent to keep the heat out of the kitchen in the summer, because they only require a ten minute soak in hot water instead of boiling. If you want even more flavor, top with tabasco, sambal oelek, sriracha, or other spicy condiments OR a sprinkle of salt and black pepper.
Enjoy this creative master recipe and incorporating more nutrient-rich foods into your healthy, cruelty-free way of life.
Jesus' Word..."...whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction," 1 Nephi 15:24. Because I need all the help I can get, this promise calms my heart. The word of God is like a beacon through this foggy, strange world in which we live and will help us find the power or grace we need to resist temptations of the evil one.
Bibliophilia...Besides the scriptures, I've been reading Amazed by Grace. It explains this principle so well and is exactly the way I've always thought of grace. I'm so excited to read a recently acquired book about some of my Native American ancestors from my mother's line, Guardians of the Valley: Chickasaws in Colonial South Carolina and Georgia. So far my genealogy traces my mother's side through the Chickasaws and my father's side through the Powhatan found around Jamestown. Apparently, I can find out more about the Powhatan in the Shawnee Heritage book series by Don Greene. Read a cute book, which I also sent to Claire, Twig. We also sent Dover Owls coloring book.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...while taking my grands to plenty of crowded places over spring break, I contracted conjunctivitis. Yuck! Sure it will go away by itself after seven to ten days. However, I didn't want to have burning, red, goopy eyes for seven to ten days. Of course I was out of my favorite Dr. Christopher Eyebright Formula, containing eyebright herb, goldenseal root, red raspberry leaf, mullein flower, bayberry bark, fennel seed, rue flower and cayenne pepper. As any good herbalist would do, I researched some other possibilities. I made a thick infusion of fennel and flax seeds for an eye wash. Immediately, the burning was gone. After only a couple more applications the infection was gone. This is a good one to know about.
Lastest Amazing Feat...I drove 1400-ish miles in 2.5 days without incident or injury. After a bath and two hour nap, I felt perfectly fine. Is my illness really, finally gone!!!
Movement...with near zero internet access for over a week, I was getting a bit frantic about my lack of exercise. This morning before church, I spent a glorious 45 minutes stretching and sweating. It was lovely. I still can't believe this seeker of shade and rest LOVES to exercise now.
Cucina Fresca...Ingredient specific recipes can be intimidating and expensive. On the other hand, master recipes allow one to use what is on hand or in season. Plus, the cook can experiment with confidence. If you've read my posts at all, you know I've been cooking oil-free, nutrient-dense, high-fiber vegan for years now. Master Stir Fry (Steam) Recipe is no exception. Since I developed an allergy to soy and try to limit salt, I also had to experiment quite a bit to find a flavorful stir fry. This one seems to fit the bill. Because it makes such a nice flavor, I start out with a similar veg base mix to my marinara and master soup recipes.
In a large frying pan or wok, layer 1/4 red onion, sliced carrot and celery stock, 1/2 diced roma tomato, 1-2 sliced portabello (or a handful or two other) mushrooms, half a garlic clove, a bit of minced ginger, per person. Cook over high heat. As soon as it starts to sizzle, add a tablespoon or so of water, cover, and turn the heat down. Soon the mushrooms and onions will release their fluids. Remove the lid and continue to cook. This mixture is ready when everything starts to break down and brown. This makes a healthier substitute for the umami or savory salty/soy flavor everyone loves in Asian foods. Now, add a tablespoon or two more water to deglaze the pan. It is time to add two or three handfuls of body veggies, of which the possibilities are endless. Steam, covered until just tender crisp. Now, you might add the juice of lemon, lime, and/or orange or rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes for a more Chinese flavor. Red or Green curry paste, honey, or chopped peanuts lend a Thai influence. Steamed, pureed cauliflower with S&B oriental curry powder turn it into Japanese curry. Garam Masala and Madras curry powder OR curry leaves and sambar powder take you to India.
Body Veg/Fruit Suggestions:
snow peas
broccoli slaw mix
broccoli flowerets
rabe
red, green, yellow, or orange bell peppers
cilantro
thai basil
green onions
spinach
chard
collards
head or napa cabbage
bok choy or other Asian cabbages
japanese eggplant
hot peppers
baby corn
Morninga leaves or pods
summer squash
Steamed, diced pumpkin or sweet potato
julienne carrots, jicama, or turnip
plums
mango
grapes
pineapple
apricots
peaches
bean sprouts
This is filling enough to eat as a weight stabilizing meal on its own and is my go to if I find any pounds creeping on. It is delicious over brown, black, or red rice or Annie Chun's Brown Rice Pad Thai noodles. The latter is excellent to keep the heat out of the kitchen in the summer, because they only require a ten minute soak in hot water instead of boiling. If you want even more flavor, top with tabasco, sambal oelek, sriracha, or other spicy condiments OR a sprinkle of salt and black pepper.
Enjoy this creative master recipe and incorporating more nutrient-rich foods into your healthy, cruelty-free way of life.
Sunday, April 5, 2015
great gratitude
Praying For...Quinn, who fell off the monkey bars and busted his arm, green brake. According to Mom, he was a real trooper. It's going to kill him to be sidelined from karate. Thank goodness falling on his head didn't cause any head injury besides a little scratch. I pray that he will have many experiences in his life with good people that will encourage him along the strait and narrow way...that leaders of nations will stop usurping human rights for power and gain...that mankind will pursue charity, peace, and good will toward all--even their enemies...that all will be softened and understand the joy found in following the true Prince of Peace; it's only Charlatans who pervert the ways of the Lord and deceive others into believing their wrong ways are the way of Christ, including the Crusaders and terrorists for some supposed religious cause.
Bibliophilia...Reading Two Years Before the Mast by R. H. Dana Jr with my seniors. Arm chair gardening with The Tao of Vegetable Gardening: Cultivating Tomatoes, Greens, Peas, Beans, Squash, Joy, and Serenity by Deppe and Backyard Winter Gardening: Vegetables Fresh and Simple, in Any Climate Without Artificial Heat or Electricity the Way It's Been Done for 2,000 Years by Warnock. Sent Quinn another Magic Tree House book with its corresponding research guide.
Jesus' Word...The Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is taking place this weekend. I look forward to it and study the words of these messengers from Jesus Christ with great gratitude.
Cucina Fresca...With my new way of eating (is it really new after all these years), I rely more on simple flavors than complicated recipes. With my own sort of French-style Mother Sauce recipes, I spring into oddles of possibilities with seasonally fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Their Sauce Bechamel or Veloute is my Cauliflower Kream, used to make any sort of white or cheesy sauced greens, pasta, potato, rice, casseroles, or soup. Their Sauce Tomat is my Basic Tomato with or without garlic, used for pasta, soup, or casseroles. Their Sauce Brune is my Onion Mushroom used for brown gravy, asian dishes, or soups. I like this easy, French inspired way, because it lends itself to my creative nature. Plus, with our current gypsy status, these sauces allow me plenty of options with only a few easily obtained ingredients.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...no, I'm not a doctor of any kind but a student of natural and nutritional healing. Because I'm sensitive to most chemicals, I've searched for years to find something with which to wash my long hair without fall out or scalp reactions. Lately, I've been using a homemade, herbal shampoo with shiny, bouncy results.
Bouncing Bett Shampoo
2 c distilled water
1 T rolled oats-sooth, nourish, and heal skin, gentle condition-use every third time
1 T Bouncing Bett (soapwort root)-gentle cleansing
1 T fennel seeds-scent, strengthen hair shaft, anti-itch, skin healing, gentle condition
1 T flax seeds-nourish follicles, strengthen hair shaft, improve elasticity, stop loss, encourage growth, gentle condition
2 T lavender flower-scent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic
1 T nettle leaf-stop loss, encourage growth, balance oil, increase circulation
1 T rosemary leaf-stimulate follicles, encourage growth
1 T yarrow blossom and leaf-stop loss, encourage growth
Bring water to a boil. Turn heat down to low and add soapwort root, oats, flax, and fennel. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Turn off heat and add remaining herbs. Cover and steep until cool (over night works pretty well). Strain and squeeze through a nut-milk bag. Use immediately by messaging gently into scalp and roots. Let it flow down length of hair. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse well. Comb a couple drops camilla or apricot oil through hair ends with a wide tooth comb, gently handling hair as if it were a precious cashmere sweater.
Bibliophilia...Reading Two Years Before the Mast by R. H. Dana Jr with my seniors. Arm chair gardening with The Tao of Vegetable Gardening: Cultivating Tomatoes, Greens, Peas, Beans, Squash, Joy, and Serenity by Deppe and Backyard Winter Gardening: Vegetables Fresh and Simple, in Any Climate Without Artificial Heat or Electricity the Way It's Been Done for 2,000 Years by Warnock. Sent Quinn another Magic Tree House book with its corresponding research guide.
Jesus' Word...The Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is taking place this weekend. I look forward to it and study the words of these messengers from Jesus Christ with great gratitude.
Cucina Fresca...With my new way of eating (is it really new after all these years), I rely more on simple flavors than complicated recipes. With my own sort of French-style Mother Sauce recipes, I spring into oddles of possibilities with seasonally fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Their Sauce Bechamel or Veloute is my Cauliflower Kream, used to make any sort of white or cheesy sauced greens, pasta, potato, rice, casseroles, or soup. Their Sauce Tomat is my Basic Tomato with or without garlic, used for pasta, soup, or casseroles. Their Sauce Brune is my Onion Mushroom used for brown gravy, asian dishes, or soups. I like this easy, French inspired way, because it lends itself to my creative nature. Plus, with our current gypsy status, these sauces allow me plenty of options with only a few easily obtained ingredients.
Dr. Ginger, Medicine Woman...no, I'm not a doctor of any kind but a student of natural and nutritional healing. Because I'm sensitive to most chemicals, I've searched for years to find something with which to wash my long hair without fall out or scalp reactions. Lately, I've been using a homemade, herbal shampoo with shiny, bouncy results.
Bouncing Bett Shampoo
2 c distilled water
1 T rolled oats-sooth, nourish, and heal skin, gentle condition-use every third time
1 T Bouncing Bett (soapwort root)-gentle cleansing
1 T fennel seeds-scent, strengthen hair shaft, anti-itch, skin healing, gentle condition
1 T flax seeds-nourish follicles, strengthen hair shaft, improve elasticity, stop loss, encourage growth, gentle condition
2 T lavender flower-scent, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic
1 T nettle leaf-stop loss, encourage growth, balance oil, increase circulation
1 T rosemary leaf-stimulate follicles, encourage growth
1 T yarrow blossom and leaf-stop loss, encourage growth
Bring water to a boil. Turn heat down to low and add soapwort root, oats, flax, and fennel. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Turn off heat and add remaining herbs. Cover and steep until cool (over night works pretty well). Strain and squeeze through a nut-milk bag. Use immediately by messaging gently into scalp and roots. Let it flow down length of hair. Leave on for 20 minutes and rinse well. Comb a couple drops camilla or apricot oil through hair ends with a wide tooth comb, gently handling hair as if it were a precious cashmere sweater.
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