love2travel

Rain...what is this rain you speak of????
So I got one of the boys to turn the soil a bit at one end of the dead grass...in with the corn/beans/squash....we shall see if my newly restored greenish thumbs are up to the task!
Also the raised planters have an improved design....boys just need to haul heavy things about and then we will have some growing to do!

Rain...what is this rain you speak of????
So I got one of the boys to turn the soil a bit at one end of the dead grass...in with the corn/beans/squash....we shall see if my newly restored greenish thumbs are up to the task!
Also the raised planters have an improved design....boys just need to haul heavy things about and then we will have some growing to do!

My husband built me fantastic raised beds five years ago. There is seating all the way around so I do not have to bend. I grow intensively. It is unreal how much we harvest!

I'm lost...are we or are we not headed to Croatia to kidnap -- oh I mean recruit this most excellent chef to be L2T's sous chef at the compound?  

 

And what is this Karen's Status update -- I couldn't find what you all are chatting 'bout???

YES!  I know where he lives.  Well, not really, but I know where he cooks.  We're going back in four months - this time I'll try to sneak a photo (maybe one from the front and another from the back so you can see all the lovely roses and semi-tropical plants growing in the background   ).

Sorry, but the Olive Garden does not even serve very good food....and I found it that way long before I had to be gluten-free.  IMHO
According to people who post reviews of the gluten-free menu?---the" gluten-free options" are typically reheated, frozen, tasteless and overpriced.

You took the words right out of my mouth. Calling it "food" is a bit of a stretch.

Back from vacation (darn it!).    and  , as well as   but don't forget  ...

 

I made pasta with shrimp and roasted garlic and lemon cream sauce and steamed broccoli.  Did not have the energy to create something great.  Tomorrow, though...

 

Ummm....I just realized I posted this on the wrong thread!  I cite jet lag as my sorry excuse. 

My crockpot thinger comes in handy the odd time but not for true braising. It does free up another burner! When I use my thinger I feel as though I am cheating.

The macarons do look sorta good, do they not?

Mushroom Risotto (dried chanterelles, porcini, wood mushrooms that were reconstituted with Sherry) with mushroom powder (I also pulverized dried porcinis in my spice grinder to make it extra mushroom-y) PLUS used mushroom stock

Juniper, Bay and Vanilla Poached Shrimp over Beet Coulis (with lemon juice, horseradish, etc.), scattered with baby arugula and sprinkled with toasted pine nuts

Steamed broccoli

 

That's about it. 

My withdrawal lasted about two weeks.  When you think about it, two weeks in one's lifetime really is a blip.  You will feel better soon. 

 

My husband went mostly gluten free with me.  When I say mostly I mean in our home he is gluten free.  He does have pizza or whatever at work from time to time.  He had no withdrawal at all but as far as we know he does not have celiac (was tested). 

I poached brats in an apple cider et. al. poaching liquid then broiled
Warm German potato salad
Steamed broccoli
Fudge brownies

All I use for this type of dish is a tempura batter which is naturally gluten free, anyway.  White rice flour and club soda (beer is better if you have a gluten-free version you like).  Mix but allow some lumps.  This is best deep fried.  Don't forget to season lots!

Forgot to mention that it feels great to have been missed.  It gives me the warm fuzzies.  Now to catch up on all of you! 

Here I am!  See my "Prodigal Daughter has Returned" post to see why I have been preoccupied!  A rescue PUPPY!  My routine has gone all to pieces as I have been bonding with our fluffy son.  Whenever I look at him my heart literally swells with joy and pride.  He just makes me smile!     We named him Bingley which really fits as I LOVE English literature.  The name is from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.  Not my favourite book in the world but the name is unique just like our boy. 

 

Tonight we are having Jambalaya.  I made it yesterday so it is technically an encore meal but will do a lovely greens salad of some sort to go with it.  I used shrimp, chicken and andouille.  It is DELICIOUS. 

I found some excellent lactose-free mozzarella so am making a low-fat version of poutine.  Just poutine and only poutine.  Oh, heck.  May as well steam some broccoli.  Made superb chocolate chip cookies for my massage therapist this morning and am not having any myself (except that one I sacrified for quality control). 

 

Tomorrow's dinner is far more inspired.  Can't wait! 

Initially my diagnosis shocked and stunned me. I was really thrown for a loop as I was not expecting it. In time, however, it became my new normal which is pretty normal to me. I'm a fabulous cook and have no trouble with that end of things. I am eating better than ever before and have chosen to learn from this. I've learned about tons of kinds of flours I had not baked with before which is fun. Same with interesting grains, etc. The thing that bothers me on a daily basis is this crazy back/body pain that just does not ever give up. Much of it is from an accident five years ago (herniated discs, blah blah blah) but I'm guessing part of it is due to celiac. Am working on it! It is normal for me to lie down on the floor when we have company, it is normal for me to lie down in the vehicle when traveling (obviously not driving! ), it is normal for me to take my lumbar support to church, eating at restaurants (which I rarely do)... It is very hard to take but I make the most of my days. When I must lie down all day, I turn to my stacks of books and my fun game apps. The days I can get around I cook like mad. Distractions and doing things I love help tremendously.

So, "normal" is highly individual. I do not see myself as abnormal at all. Well, except personality wise, but that is different.

I am thankful I have legs to walk. I am thankful I have eyes to see. I am thankful I have a husband who adores me. I could go on and on. Counting my blessings really helps put things into perspective. My friend's best friend recently lost her husband and ALL her children in a car accident. Gone in an instant. Suddenly she is childless and a widow and in her late 30's. Now that is horrific.

We all have our good days and our not so good days. Attitude goes a very long way in determining how we see our days. I did not used to believe that but now I am speaking from a lot of experience and have found it to be true. In the midst of pain there is always a teeny weeny ray of sunshine in there somewhere we can cling to. We may have to dig for it like crazy but that little ray of hope is always there.

Wow, love 2 travel! Your teeth have strengthened?? That's awesome. How long did that take being gluten-free? I have had weak enamel these last few years (obviously didn't know why), and had lots of cavities etc... Be nice to know I could possibly regain some dental health back! Also have sensitive teeth!
Thanks for your story

Yes - very obviously. I used to dread dental appointments as the scaling especially hurt so badly and my gums bled like crazy when it was done. In fact, I was so chicken that my husband booked my appointments without my knowledge and took me on those days. I had no clue when it would happen until we drove up to the dental office. He even had it arranged for me just to walk right in without having to wait in the waiting room. I was THAT chicken and I generally am not a chicken person (well, except to eat it). Now I go on my own volition without thinking twice. My last few appointments have been easy peasy. I'd rate the fear 1/10 whereas it used to be about 12/10!! Anyway, my teeth and gums are definitely stronger. It took about six months eating gluten free for the difference to be noticeable.

Not me. I was diagnosed as a silent celiac and have been strictly gluten free for about 19 months now. As far as I know I have only been accidentally glutened twice. The only way I knew is that I found that one product packaging had been labelled incorrectly; the other was in a restaurant in Europe that caught my mistake after the fact. Didn't get sick or anything but I am still unwilling to ingest any gluten. Sometimes I wish I had some indication of being glutened - not very sick, obviously, but just something minor.