Ten on Tuesday!!!! 7-26-2011

I AM HOT!!!  If you have not gotten that with the last post, I guess you have now, and I will say it again, I AM HOT!!!!.  The major issue is, most of the medicine I am on, has a small print disclaimer, avoid sun exposure or extended heat.  So my best friend is my air conditioner.  However, there are times when even that is not enough. What else is there to help you cool down, well of course, today is Ten on Tuesday and here are my top ten ways to help cool down on an extra hot day.

1.  Cool Shower--- remember, cool, not cold.   Shocking your body is going to do nothing for you other than make it work to get it back up to it's "normal" temperature, so it will end up making you hotter.
2.  Ice/cold compresses--- On the back of your neck or your forehead, especially if you tend to get headaches, it will help tremendously.
3.  Dip in the pool---  I used to be a fish to water.  I love to swim.  I would be in the water constantly if I could, however it incredibly wears me out, but man just sitting in the pool, in the shade or under and umbrella is awesome.
4.  A hammock under a tree---  Take a nap, read a book, or simply relax.  It is awesome.
5.  A snow cone--- brings back memories of going to a local open air market with my grandfather as a kid.  I always got blue raspberry, always made a mess, but it always helped me cool off.  I love it
6.  Ice cream---  who does not love ice cream, have it for dinner on a hot day.  The kids will think you lost your mind, but once in a while, it is ok, and you know what it is going to help cool everyone off and have fun!!!
7.  Run through a hose---  ok, you can walk, or crawl or what ever you need to get through it.  But remember as a kid how great it was to run through a hose shower, or get sprayed while mom or dad were washing the car. take a few minutes and throw yourself back in time, recruit your kids or friends and have a blast. Maybe even get your car washed in the process.
8.  Drink Cold Water--- I drink all the time, side effect of the diabetes.  However, when you are hot, drinking cold water will help cool you down.  Make sure you are drinking more than you normally do.  When it is hot, keeping yourself hydration is very important, might not keep you cool, but will keep you out of the hospital.
9.  Have a cold dinner---  When it is hot, I hate to eat hot food.  Here is a couple of ideas I use for dinner.  One, a salad, summer is awesome for this.  All the fresh veggies at less expensive prices a salad is quick, filling and good for you.  Another option, a salad plate.  Pick up a couple different salads at your local deli such as macaroni salad, potato salad, ham salad, egg salad, tuna salad, or you can make them yourself.  Place 3 lettuce leafs on a plate, use a ice cream scoop and place a scoop of 3 different salads on each lettuce leaf and slice some tomatoes and serve on the plate with crackers.
10.  Soak your feet in peppermint water.  Mint is cooling and soothing.  Your feet can really help regulate your body temperature.  Place cool water in a old dish pan or container big enough for your feet, add a few drops of peppermint oil and relax.

There are many people that would say there are other ways to cool down.  I can also think of many others, but since I am limited in my ability to do a lot of things that are taxing on the body, I have to do the easy stuff. Now if I was not dealing with the fibro and hemicrania continua I would definitely do some of the following:
1.  Waterpark
2.  Water Skiing
3   Swim in the Ocean
4.  Tubing
5.  Kayaking
I am sure I am missing some stuff, but you get the idea.
What do you do to stay cool?
What summer food brings back childhood memories?
Well, I hope you can find something to help cool you off.  Take it easy and take care of yourself.  Until the next time, Gentle hugs.

Ten on Tuesday!!!! 7-5-2011

Ok, I am running just a few minutes late on getting this on the page, but I am still going to do it.  I am still having a bit of a crazy time with all the medicine changes and the headaches/migraines have been out of control since the doctor has decided to now take away the new medicine and not replace it.  So let me tell you it has been quite a crazy couple of weeks.  Throw in there, the July 4th holiday and visitors at my house from out of town for the last 13 days straight, I am totally wiped out and in need of a massive break.  Don't get me wrong, I loved having friends here, and can't wait til more get here, but we all know, with the exhaustion and pain, you wear out easy and extra people, simply means extra exhaustion.  So today, I have decided to try and make it simple.  I am going to simply show you 10 pictures of my favorite people, that have visited me so far this year!!!

1. My GRANDSON , oh yeah and my son

2. My nieces and nephew

3. My Cousin and her family

this is an older picture, not while they were at my house, but they were not all down at the same time, so I wanted a group picture of them, lol.

4.  My son Donovan's friends Jesse and Christian, both are just like another one of my kids!

5. Will and Mandy, Shaun and Helena  

   my adopted kids.....

6. Ronnie and Damien Finch 

friends of my boys from way back!

7.  Denise Zimmerman and Friends ( Denise is coming down with her kids in less than a week, I can't wait)

8. My Parents!  Ok now this is scary, but this picture is of my parents at my wedding almost 16 years ago.  It is the only one I have.  They hate having their picture taken, lol.

9.  My brother-in-law, his girlfriend and my niece and nephew.  

10. Dan and his family.  I have known Dan since 4th grade.  Pretty funny huh!

Well, that is the top 10, or first 10 visitors to my new house here at the Beach.  I am excited about having more visitors.    The summer is getting booked.  It is nice to be able to have people come down and for the most part, they are awesome about my ability or inability to do things.  I simply tell them use what ever you want and clean up after yourself, lol.  It is cheaper for them, and I get to see people I miss very much!

  

Just a side note, friends still to come!!!

Holly and family.....I started working with Holly at the 911 center about 10 years ago.  I was talking about my husband's sick uncle one day and she overheard.  His nickname was Uncle Fuzz.  She found it quite strange because her half brothers and sisters had a sick uncle as well, they called him Uncle Fuzz.  Turns out, her half siblings were my husbands cousins,  very small world!!!!  Now we are the best friends, and well in a strange sort of way, family!!!

Linda and family,  Linda was my best friend in kindergarten and all through elementary school and on through school.  She lived right around the corner from me, up until she got married.  So let me see, friends for 35 years  in September.  Pretty Darn amazing.

Well, I am sure there will be more, but for now, this is the list.  Christian will be coming back, as well as my son and grandson.  Will, Mandy, Shaun and Helena also want to come again, hopefully Helena will know then if the baby she is carrying will be a boy or a girl, then I can go shopping!  I know my cousin will be back and hope my mom and dad get down.  Well, such is life at a beach house I guess.  It sure could be a whole lot worse.  I try and remember that when my pain levels are high and I hurt a whole lot.  I just try and remember, it is good that I am in pain, I know I am alive!!!  Gentle hugs to all.  

Ten on Tuesday!!!! 6-21-2011

.Today is the First day of Summer!!!!!!


So today is the first day of Summer, and what reminds us of summer more than the heat, the sun, and the idea of having to cook in the heat, let alone eat something hot.  Here are 10 of the Coolest Summer Foods and a recipe for each of them.


1. Snow Cones or Hawaiian Ice ----shaved ice with a syrup on it.  Fun to eat, satisfying crunch and great for any age.  You can make them at home by picking up a snow cone maker or take out your frustrations and put the ice in a bag and smash it with a hammer.   
                           Snow Cone Syrup Recipe
                          2 cups sugar

                   1 cup water

                   1 .22 ounce unsweetened powder drink mix

                    Mix all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and then immediately remove from heat. 

                    Allow to cool. Used a funnel to put syrup into a recycled bottle, refrigerate until use.

2. Gazpacho--- a chilled summer soup, a great pairing for a sandwich.  

                   Homemade Cucumber Gazpacho   recipe found on Bay Area Bites Blog

                   2-3 English Cucumbers or 10 small Persian cucumbers (about 3 cups)

                   1/4 cup Olive oil
                   1/4 cup Ice cold water
                   1/2 small clove Garlic
                   1 Tbsp White wine vinegar
                   2 tsp Fresh lemon juice
                   dash of Salt
                   dash of Black pepper

                   a minute sprinkle of Cayenne  

                    Instructions

                     1. Peel cucumbers and rough chop. Place all the ingredients in a large bow.

                     2. In small batches puree mixture in a blender.
                     3. Garnish with cucumber and a smattering of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

                     4. Serve with a fresh baguette.      

3. Ice Cream---- to be honest you can do just about anything to ice cream and it would be awesome, or nothing and it would still be fine.  My favorite summer treat with ice cream is as follows.         

                       1 Cantaloupe 
                       1 Carton Vanilla Ice Cream
                        ---cut the cantaloupe in half and scoop out the seeds.  If the lope is really large you can cut it into                                                  4 but I try and purchase smaller ones for this purpose.  Place each peace of cantaloupe in a bowl.  Place a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream in the hollowed out area of the fruit and eat.  


4. Grilled Burgers, Brats or Ribs---- nothing is better than something cooked on the grill and it won't heat up the kitchen, which is a huge plus.  
                         Chicken Burgers                
                      1 pound ground chicken breast
                      1/4 cup finely grated sharp cheddar cheese
                      1 teaspoon smoked paprika
                      1/2 teaspoon onion powder
                      1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
                      1/4 teaspoon black pepper
                      1/4 teaspoon salt  
                      1/4 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
                       
                      1.In a large bowl, combine chicken, BBQ sauce, paprika, onion and garlic powder, salt, pepper and   
                        cheddar cheese.
                      2.Mix until just combined, then form 4 patties.
                      3. Place on grill and cook until cooked through, approx 8 mins on each side.  (can be cooked in a   
                         skillet too.)
                      4.Top burgers with grilled onions, cheese of your choice and additional BBQ sauce.  
                      5. Serve.   For added treat, brush roll with a light coating of olive oil or butter and toast.


5.  Green Salad---  you simply can not go wrong with a regular green salad.  Fresh vegetables are great for those suffering from chronic pain.  It is said that a natural diet with raw foods, or unprocessed items are good for us.  So add this to any meal, as a side dish, or make it your main course.
                        Market Salad  by the Editors of Publications International, Ltd.
                       3 hard boiled eggs roughly chopped
                       4 thick slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
                       2 cups green beans, cut into 1 1/2 in pieces, cooked and drained
                       1 Tablespoon fresh basil, italian parsley or chives 
                       4 cups baby mixed salad greens, washed
                       3 Tablespoons olive oil
                       1 Tablespoon red wine vinegar
                       1 teaspoon dijon mustard
                       1/4 teaspoon salt
                       1/4 teaspoon pepper
                       
                       1. Combine bacon, green beans, basil and salad greens in large salad bowl.
                               2. Stir chopped egg into salad carefully not break up the yolk.
                               3. Combine oil, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper in small bowl; drizzle over salad.
                               4. Stir gently again to coat salad and serve immediately.


6. Chicken---- this meat is great because cooked any way, it tastes great cold.  


                                  BLT Chicken Salad with Ranch recipe found at Food.com

                                  2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (grilled or baked and chopped)

                                  8 ounces tri-color spiral pasta, cooked and drained

                                  6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

                                  1 medium tomato, chopped

                                  2 scallions, sliced

                                 1/4 cup shredded carrot

                                 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

                                 1 cup ranch dressing

                                 2 tablespoons ranch dressing mix

                                 1 romaine lettuce hearts, chopped

      

                                1. Mix all the ingredients together.

                                2 Refrigerate until ready to serve.

7. Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwiches,  BLT!---  seriously what can be better.  Farm fresh tomatos and crisp bacon and lettuce make this amazing sandwich a staple over the summer.  If you are not a bread eater, try the following recipe!

                                  BLT Cukes from TLC recipes

                                  3 slice bacon, chopped and cooked crisped/drained

                                  1/2 cup finely chopped iceburg lettuce

                                  1/2 cup finely chopped spinach or romaine lettuce

                                  1/4 cup diced tomato

                                  1 1/2 Tablespoons low fat or regular mayonnaise

                                  pinch of salt

                                  1/4 teaspoon pepper

                                  1 large cucumber

                                  minced parsley or green onion (optional)

                                             1. Combine bacon, lettuce, spinach, tomato and mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper; set 

                                   aside.

                                  2.Peel cucumber. Trim off ends and slice in half lengthwise. Use spoon to scoop out seeds; .

                                    discard seeds.

                                  3.Divide BLT mixture between cucumber halves, mounding in hollowed areas. Garnish with            

                                   parsley. Cut into 2-inch pieces
                                              4. Can be made up to 12 hours in advance and refrigerated until ready to serve


8. Fresh Fruit--- This one is simple and no recipe needed.  Eat it up, fresh fruit is abundant in the summer.  Amazing fruit that we don't  always have access to, at least fresh from the tree or the vine.   Melons, peaches, plums nectarines, berries of all kinds.   Eat them plain, on ice cream, on cereal, add them to pancakes, you name it there is a fruit that will fit the bill.

9. Fair Food, or Beach Food.----yes, I am aware that fried food and greasy food is not the best for any of us.  Especially those of us that have chronic pain and IBS or bowel issues, but you have to admit, a funnel cake or french fries from the fair or board walk are worth almost everything.  So remember when you are going out that we all deserve a treat once in a while.  Cotton Candy, a candy apple, Chocolate covered strawberries, just don't over do it and be careful.  Oh did I mention the carmel corn.  LOL!


10.  LASTLY.....------CORN ON THE COB--- you have to love it.  It says summer right there with  you.  If you are one of the lucky ones that don't get added pain from tomatoes (night shade plants), let  me tell you, sliced tomatoes and corn on the cob are dinners that take me back to my childhood.  


We used to go to a local road side stand called the Corn Wagon, along with almost the rest of Lancaster County where I grew up.  You always got a baker's dozen for their price, and when I was a kid it was about $0.75.  Last year I remember getting it for about $2.00 for 13 ears of corn, brought right to the location in huge wagons straight from the fields.  We would buy 10 or more dozen, go home and with my grandma and mom, husk all the corn, and cook it up.  What we did not eat, we would cut off the cob and freeze.  This happened at least once a week the whole time corn was available.  The corn wagon also sold tomatoes, melons and all sorts of other vegetables.  We would have a ball, get all our good for you stuff, make dinner out of the straight from the farm stuff.  Those were the great days.


Well, a little late in finishing up my Ten on Tuesday, that held over into Wednesday, but it is here in all of it's glory.  10 Coolest Summer foods.    What are your favorites?  Please share them here.  Recipes for quick easy summer meals would be great.  In the mean time, try and stay cool, remember what is best for us, unprocessed food.  So bring it, straight from the farm to your table.  Of course clean it up, but the purer the better.  Summer is the best time for it.  Have fun, stay cool, and do what you can.  Me, I think I am going to grab some blueberry cake I made from fresh blueberries.   


YES I DO LOVE SUMMER FOODS




Thanks to TLC Cooking.com for the top ten ideas, I just added my own recipess and anecdotes, plus It was an awesome idea for the first day of summer.  Besides, I have to agree completely with the list.  All my favorite stuff.  

HOT!

So it is only the beginning of June and we here in Delaware are in the beginning of our second supposed heat wave.  I am totally not cool with this, no pun intended.  I am sure you are all aware major weather changes wreck havoc on your pain levels and high heat kills me.  It wears me out so quickly, and no matter what I do, it makes recovery back to my more normal (if you can ever use that word to describe yourself,) self a long and drawn out process.  I sometimes wonder what is worse, the hot or the cold weather.  Well honestly, I have an answer.  I have to say the hot weather for me is absolutely the worst.  At least in cold weather you can continue to add on layers until you are warm, but when it is hot, being naked is as bare as you can get, and being in water to cool off helps, but only to an extent and then at some point that no longer helps.  Plus, I do think the town would very much frown at me slowly limping and waddling through completely naked dowsing myself with water stay cool.  It would definitely scare away our large summer vacationers that help keep our town running, plus it may get me in a bit of trouble and of course would definitely mean I would need a whole lot more pain meds to be unstable enough to go outside my house naked, LOL.  So what the heck do you do?  Well, first off, pray the air conditioning equipment in your home, whatever it may be, does not decide to take a crap on you.  God knows with all the money we spend on medicine and doctors we have no money for repairing that stuff.  Eat only cold and frozen stuff, I guess that  would help, but can't see my family being fine with me plopping the chicken still frozen on their plate for dinner and say ok let's eat, nor will the doctor be fine with me having Ice cream sundaes or sno cones for 3 meals a day all summer long. (now that, the kids may like.)   How about living in the bathtub or shower, well, not only will it make you very wrinkly, you won't get much done, and it could sky rocket your water bill.  So so far I am still stuck with just praying, which works, I do that alot.  I guess you can pray for rain to lower the temperature, but with that comes its own risk of pain issues.  You can use a rag to keep the back of your neck cool, that will  help some, but again, will need to be repeated and you won't be able to do it all the time.  Well it seems like we are stuck back at the fact that summer is here and we are going to have to deal with the heat.  Let me just remind you of a few very important things to remember,

1.  Drink, drink and drink some more.  Remember that your body will only show it is thirsty when it is in dire need, just because you are not thirsty, does not mean you don't need to drink.  Water is the best, but green tea with a little sugar can help too.  Green tea is known to help reduce the pain so if you are not a huge water person, go ahead and make some homemade green tea.

2.  Stay inside between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm.  This is the hottest time of the day.  If you need to be out, be in the shade as much as possible and follow the instructions in #1

3. Don't over do it people, we know what that leads to.  Take care of yourself and listen to your body, when you are tired, sit, relax, or go home and do more tomorrow.  What good are you gonna be if you are stuck in bed not being able to do anything or worse, in the hospital?

4. Heat can make you feel nauseated, eat little bits at a time.  Not eating will make you weak or cause problems for the host of other illnesses that you have.

I am not a doctor, but I have been through crazy hot summers before.  I have had to deal with this stupid illness during heat waves as well as blizzards.  I simply like to help when I can and I worry about my fellow spoonies, because we have to stick together.  I wish I could say if you do this then you will not hurt at all and you summer will be a piece of cake, but I can not.  I can tell you that you have to give yourself a break and realize that if you don't take care of yourself, then no one else will.  Enjoy the summer to the best of your ability, eat the good stuff, fresh fruits and veggies in season, make smore's and tell stories. I would also love to hear what you do to cool off or stay cool.

Me, I keep wondering, how bad can Alaska really be???????