Weekend Baking... Cream Tea Scones

 

"One cup of flour," I say quietly.

"Are you seriously whispering?" he asks.

I look away from my cup of cream just long enough to glare at him.

"Does volume of someone's voice also affect how a recipe turns out?' he says/

I keep glaring at him.

"Should I sing to the cream?"

~Katie Cicatelli-Kuc

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice

Scones for Sunday breakfast... a classic! Several years ago, I was really into making scones. I made every kind you can imagine, and a few of the recipes came from this site, King Arthur Flour. I just came across this recipe recently, so I downloaded it and added it to the new personal cookbook I am making for myself, because sometimes I just want something light for breakfast. I love regular breakfast faire, but I don't need meat at every meal. I am at that fun age, where blood pressure and body swelling is now my main hobbies. I am kidding, of course, but I do want to take better care of myself. Life is short, especially when you are officially elderly. Lordy I hate that word, but if the word fits, eat a scone for breakfast, with a bowl of fruit salad, and a glass of nonfat milk!

Try This awesome recipe, and tell me what you think!

Cream Tea Scones

King Arthur Flour

An Apple A Day...

"Seasons of mists and mellow fruitlessness! Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; Conspiring with him how to load and bless with fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run; To bend with apples the moss'd cottage trees, and fill all fruit with ripeness to the core."

~John Keats

Is there anything better, on a cold autumn night, like some freshly made apple cider? Add a little spice, and it's just the thing to soothe a weary soul. And it's pretty healthy too, which is just what I need after a month of fast food on road trips, and several bags of Trick or Treat candy! Ugg, I am eating the very last piece of the fun sized Milky Way bars we bought! Sometimes, it feels really good to know that vacation is over, and it's time for reality, and schedules, and normal hours for sleep and eating! All good things for any age, but especially for me right now. 

Late autumn, while beautiful and definitely my favorite season, when it turns from warm with a slight chill, to cold with little sun, my Fibromyalgia begins to scream at me. That's why it's good to get back to a more normal schedule, because getting out with the camera will probably be cut back, now to the weekends only. But with a little planning, I can make it work! And who knows, if a special opportunity presents itself, I might be able to fit in a photo jaunt on a weekday or two!

 #13 Leaf Of The Day

October 28th, 2017

Truckee, California

 

Mood: Happy

 ~Me :)

My New Lunch Horizons

'When engaged in eating, 

the brain should be the servant of the stomach."

~Agatha Christie

Mmmmm... lunch! I used to say, Mmmm, Mmmm good, but that is yet another part of my life which changed because of Trump. You see, he used to have a business advisory committee, made up of different companies. GM, Campbell's, General Electric, you get the idea. Well, it lasted about 6 months before Trump opened his mouth, and stupid, once again, came drooling out. Profoundly stupid. If you're not particularly into politics, you can read all about it here. 

Suffice it to say, Trump took a tragety, made it about himself and completely alienated those around him. It was Trump being Trump. So why do I have a can of Progresso Soup in the photo? Well, to be honest, most of the advisory board resigned in protest to Trump's actions and words early in the weekend, and it felt to me that Campbell's resigned because they saw the ship sinking, rather than because it the situation didn't represent the Campbell's values as a company. Half the board resigned over the weekend, Campbell's, and a few others early the following week. I know that doesn't sound long, but it felt to me like forever.

I know it wasn't, but real time and Trump time are two vastly different times. It is surreal to think he has been in office less than a year, and he has managed to cause so much divisiveness. Some that didn't exist before he took office, but some divisions did... and he uses folks to his advantage, to further divide Americans over American ideals and values. He is a master at playing folks, and sometimes the passion just takes over, and before you know it, the breach in understanding occurs, and the wall goes up.

In some ways it was all for the best. I have switched to Progresso Soup, which is amazingly delicious, and according to their website, they are Non-GMO and contain no food coloring or MSG. The believe is sustainability, and they have a line of organic soups that look delicious, which I will be trying next! The Tomato Basil was soul hugging tasty, and I paired it with some cheese toast. OMG... it was so good, a short nap had to follow! It was happiness in a can! LOL. Progresso is a product of General Mills, and I admittedly don't know a lot about them, but I will do some research. I try to not purchase from companies that go out of their way to hurt people, (cough... Hobby Lobby) but life gets busy, and in Trump's America, you never really know where the next punch will come from. Right now, I am just crossing my fingers and hoping for the best!

If you like tomato soup, consider buying Progresso Tomato Basil. It's fabulous! And don't forget to pair it with the cheese toast, because to do otherwise, would be just silly!    :) With to cooler days of autumn, is there anything better than a big bowl of soup to chase the chills away? Well, maybe a cup of cocoa, but we will share that adventure for a different day! Mmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Leaf Of The Day

September 28th 2017

Stockton, California

Mood: Happy

~Me :) 

Doing Breakfast

"Sometimes, I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast."

-Lewis Carroll

Do you do breakfast? There was a tine when I didn't, I just wasn't a breakfast person. I try to eat healthy, eat the right portions, be good about my intake of salt and, of course, cholesterol, so it seemed to me that breakfast might be a killer. A few years ago, eggs were a no-no, now it's back to 1 egg a day is ok! LOL. The last couple years, I have learned to enjoy breakfast. I make simple souffles, or sometimes a light version of Biscuits & Gravy like you see above, and I always include fruit. I am not really sure what changed for me, maybe it's because I am toddling toward old-lady-hood, but I really kinda enjoy breakfast at this stage of my life. How about you?

Do you do breakfast?

If so, what is your favorite breakfast?

Do you do light versions of traditional breakfast fair?

1 1/2 biscuits = 270
1/8 cup Country Gravy =25
1 cup Fresh Strawberries =50
=340 calories

My after breakfast blood glucose reading was 110. Not too bad. :)

So tell me, whats your favorite breakfast? Ham & Eggs, Quiche, Fresh Fruit and Coffee?

Tell me everything!

-Carly

Autumn Sausage And Sweet Potato Soup

"The only courage that matters is the kind that gets you from one moment to the next."

-Mignon McLaughlin

It's a quiet day at our house today. There has been a lot of stress lately, and I am still finding my way around in the dark. If you haven't read my blog for a while, "the dark" is a metaphor for what has been happening in my life lately. Elvis, the state budget, blah, blah, blah. I get so tired of it all. To add to things, Elvis has a new habit, and I wish I knew where it came from. See, for several nights in a row now, Elvis has begun to panic when the lights go out. It happens the same way each night. As soon as we get in bed, and turn the lights out, Elvis comes over to my side of the bed, and sits and stares at me. If I try to ignore him, he will eventually jump up on my side of the bed and begin tapping my nose in a very insistent manner. Like he is trying to tell me something. I have checked his bowls, both are full. He doesn't need his box changed, and he has plenty of toys about. What could it be? I have started keeping a diary, so I can discuss it with Dr. B on Wednesday, when he goes in for his chemotherapy. In the meantime, I am one tired lady.

In an effort to break out of the ickiness I feel, I took a walk around Tilden this morning. It is so lovely there, and I feel like it is my second home. I will really miss my routines up there when they close South Park drive for the winter months, in November. Driving in that part of the park gets treacherous during the icy rainy months, and the only access is quite a bit further up Grizzly Peak. So, I am enjoying it as much as I can for now. It was cold this morning, and my knees where hurting, so I didn't stay long, but to my delight there were signs of autumn everywhere. It won't be long now. I love autumn so much, and I always feel my best as the leaves begin to change. But you already knew that. :)

Last night I made a new recipe I created for dinner. I have been thinking about this soup for a long time, and with the little chill in the air it was a good time to give it a try. I am not sure what I want to call it, but I had apple sausage, sweet potatoes, mixed vegetables, red onion, cinnamon, just a pinch, and chicken and tomato bouillon. It came out really good. Alan ended up eating the whole pot, lol, so I am pretty sure we will be having it again. :) How does "Waiting For Autumn Soup" sound? Nah, that's not quite right, but the flavor did have a bit of Autumn to it, with the cinnamon and the sweet potatoes. Hmmm.


(Autumn Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup)
(Low Fat, Low Calorie)

By Carly Gordon

5 (hot dog sized) links Apple/Cheese Sausage

1 red onion, chopped

1 med. Sweet Potato, cut into medium chunks

2 cans Fat-Free Chicken broth

2 squares Knorr Chicken/Tomato Bouillon cubes

1/2 tsp. Granny Goose dry Green Onion dip mix

1 cup Barilla Orzo

1 cup Frozen mixed vegetables

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Directions

Remove the sausage casing from the sausage, and chop the sausage into small chunks, then brown the meat in a skillet. As you cook the meat, add the cinnamon and continue frying and stirring the meat to coat with the cinnamon. When the meat is cooked through, transfer to a medium sized stove top Dutch oven. Add the canned chicken broth, bouillon cubes, dry dip mix, and 8 cups water, or until the liquid reaches 3/4 to the top of the dutch oven. Bring to a boil.

Let the water come to a full rolling boil, then add the chopped onion and the sweet potato. Continue boiling about a 1/2 hour, or until the sweet potato begins to soften. The time may vary, so check after 20 minutes or so. When the potato just begins to soften, add the orzo, and continue cooking another 10 to 15 minutes. Lastly, add the frozen vegetables and cook until the soup comes back to a boil. Cook for another 15 minutes. Serve with some nice warm French bread.

Makes 6 (1 cup) servings

Note: Sweet potatoes are really good for the blood. 1 medium (4 oz) cooked with the skin, has only 103 calories!

It's so strange, when I was a little girl, and I had a good deep pout on, nothing made me feel better then a hot bowl of soup. Soup. Yeah... that's the ticket! It's funny how much has changed, and how much has stayed the same.

-OndineMonet
"Soup"
Berkeley, California
August 3, 2008
Late Afternoon

Yes, Please!

"All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt."

-Lucy Van Pelt ( Peanuts ) By Charles Schulz

I had a really good time this past week with the camera. Yesterday was nothing short of perfect! I will be sharing more about things over the next few days, but for now, this was my favorite shot from my time with the camera on Thursday. It was a good day for a lot of reasons, but starting the day off with a hot chocolate, made just the way I like it, with a shot of raspberry syrup, was more then just pleasant... it was almost sinful. :)

It was nice to sit outside, at my favorite cafe here in Berkeley, and just enjoy the cool, clear air, the sweet, hot chocolate, and then find out 2 hours later that my blood glucose level was just 108 mg/dl! I am so glad I invested a little time in myself, after my diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, to educate myself and bring things in my life under control. How else would I have found out that a little dark chocolate once a day, has so many health benefits! :)

I like this photo. I like the colors and the lighting. There is just something about how it all comes together that seems pleasing to me somehow. I was really fascinated by the shadows cast by the sun, coming through the trees on the patio of the cafe, and I spent a lot of time just snapping at as many shadows as I could find. Overall I think I am happy with what I found through the lens. It was a good day!

-OndineMonet
"Delicious"
Caffe Strada
Berkeley, California
June 5th, 2007
Late Morning

We Are Pleased To Inform You...

"Opportunities are often things you didn't notice the first time around."

-Catherine Deneuve

Slowly, but surely, I am getting my thought process and creativity back. Sigh. I am not sure why it is taking me so long, I don't know, maybe grieving gets more difficult as we get older. Anyway, don't think I am over here in a big ball of sadness, that's not the case at all, in fact, both Alan and I have found some light moments, or is it moments of light? LOL. It's just that it seems to me, like it is taking me longer this time.

It has been important to keep to a normal schedule whenever possible, but a good healthy diversion along the way helps too. Last week, Alan and I had made plans for a night out together. We still date. Can you believe it? Married 17 1/2 years, and he still asks me out on dates! LOL. He likes me a little I guess. Anyway, we had planned to go see a good friend of ours participate in a comedy competition. We love our pal, and we were really happy to support him, so we got the tickets and made the reservation, just a few days before Darryl passed away.

The day of the competition, I asked Alan if he still wanted to go, to which he replied a resounding, "YES." I was a little surprised, I wasn't in the mood to laugh, not one little bit. Nope. But there was Alan, holding me as I cried, and still looking forward to having our night out. "Carly, Darryl would be the first one to say "Go, have fun." I shook my head, and reluctantly agreed with him. "yeah, I know." So, off we went to the comedy club. Alan needed me to be there for him. He was needing this night out. It was all he was asking me to do, so how could I say "no."

We had a good time. Bad nachos, YUM, great comedy, and we got to feel good about being there for our friend. After we got home, Alan started looking up other Bay Area comedy clubs. Tommy T's, Rooster T Feathers, Muggs just to mention a few. All of them sound like fun, but the Taco Tuesday at Tommy T's sounded like the most fun, so that is our next adventure. For the price of admission, you get 3 taco's, a margarita, and lots of comedy. WooHoo!! I will probably substitute a diet Coke, I have to think of my Type 2 Diabetes after all. I am pretty sure we will be going there soon, humor heals like nothing else can. :) And there is nothing like a night out on the town with the guy you have been dating for the last 20 years! Tee Hee.

Alan has been really quiet about Darryl's death. He is dealing with his grief very slowly, which is good I think. We are both kind of moving in slow motion I guess. And the time change today, really didn't help matters. Why did Bush have to move the time change up. It did nothing in the way of energy conservation. It would be nice if the next president put it back. Please. LOL. See, even in my grief, I can still find something to complain about. LOL. And something to laugh at! ;)

Mr Squishy's Profile :)

Oh yeah, about the title of this entry. I completely forgot to do a follow up entry about my mammogram. I got a little card in the mail from Kaiser which reads as follows...

We are pleased to inform you that your mammogram showed no signs of cancer. Please remember to schedule your next mammogram according to your usual screening schedule.

I knew it was probably going to be fine, because I am diligent about these things. I do self exams, and I stay current with the latest information. I love owning a computer, because I can have any health care question answered almost immediately. I am taking care of myself, and Alan, and Elvis. That feels good, and it's so much easier to do so then ever before. :) So no excuses!

Yum... my favorite lunch... salad! :)

So tell me, do you have a favorite website you use as part of your wellness routine? I would love to know about your favorite websites for living a healthy lifestyle. How about for Diabetes or Fibromyalgia management? Do you have a fun website that makes you laugh? What about one where you play online games for relaxation? How about gardening or pet care? What is your favorite "health" food? Share it with me... I am always looking to expand my horizons!

-OndineMonet
"A Moment Of Zen"
Japanese Tea Garden
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
March 3, 2008
Afternoon

National Wear Red Day

"Red is the ultimate cure for sadness."

-Bill Blass

Today is, National Wear Red Day, to bring awareness to the #1 cause of death among women, Heart Disease. I will be wearing red today, how about you? The entire month of February is about the heart, and how to live a healthy life. I celebrate every February by doing as many proactive things for my health as possible. I have already made appointments with my physician for my diabetes check, but also for my yearly mammogram. Alan is joining me in wearing red today, and for dinner tonight, he and I are having a yummy homemade Veggie Pizza, made with a Whole-Wheat Honey Crust. It feels good to take care of myself, and it feels really good when he and I take care of each other.

So tell me, have you been taking care of you lately? Do you need an appointment for your annual physical? Do you do any research into the health issues which most effect your gender and age group? Do you get regular exercise? Do you EAT YOUR VEGGIES? LOL. That last question applied to both this entry and our next Round Robin Challenge. If you would like to participate you are welcome to join in, and hey, look, it will not only be a fun way to share your photos, but it will also be a neat little way to show off how you are taking care of yourself!

Here is what I am wearing today...

Here is what I am having for lunch...

Will you consider joining me this month, in making February a more healthy month for us? Share with me a favorite website devoted to health matters, share a favorite healthy recipe or healthy eating tip. I am always looking for new great websites devoted to health matters. How about this... I am pledging to not eat out for the entire month of February, with the exception of the last day of the 25th, when I have a date with Alan. Will you join me in that pledge? Just see how much better you will feel, sleep, and function, after spending a whole month knowing exactly how many calories, sodium content and vitamins you are putting in your body. It's a little bit of work, but aren't you worth it?

Here are some websites to get you started...

American Diabetes Association

American Heart Association

National Heart Lung and Blood Institute

Mayo Clinic Online

Cooking Light

Hungry Girl

Go Red With Campbell's

Calorie King


If you aren't ready to jump in full steam ahead, then take little steps, but move yourself forward. So many different diseases can be stopped in their tracks, if we just make the effort and comittment to lead healthier lives. I am living proof of that. I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, and with a few simple changes, I kicked it's ass and today, my blood sugar is well under control. But I would rather not see you have to be faced with diabetes. Start today. Let's get healthy, and stay healthy together. I am right here, if anyone wants to join me. :) And if not... just know, I will just keep asking, because you mean a lot to me.


-OndineMonet
"National Heart Awareness Month"
Berkeley, California
February 1st, 2008
Afternoon

Just Look At What I Went And Did!

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures."

-Thornton Wilder

I like Thanksgiving, it's usually very pleasant and quiet time in our home, although, sometimes I can be a little sad. There are people and places I miss during the holidays, and this year I have a couple more people to add to the list. Distance can never diminish the genuine love we feel for people, so I will remember them fondly, and enjoy the day, giving thanks for what is going right in my life. And this Thanksgiving, I have something extra special to be thankful for.

Yesterday, I received a very special email from my doctor. Hold onto your hats, because when I heard the news I nearly fell off my chair! On July 23rd, when I was diagnosed with Diabetes, my A1c test was 6.7, but as of Tuesday of this week it is now 5.9! I did it, I brought my A1c back down into the Prediabetes range! And I did it in less than 4 months! WoooHooo!

Now, does that mean that I am no longer a diabetic? Nope, I must keep my A1c at, or below, 5.9 or better for at least a year. My goal is to get those numbers down by the same amount before my next A1c in March. So, no slacking off is allowed. I will still be checking my blood sugar 6 times a day, and my doctor recommends that I keep doing all the things I have been doing to lower my blood sugar numbers, which includes avoiding things that stress me out, like George Bush, who I am convinced gave me diabetes in the first place! LOL. Grrrr.

I still have a lot of hard work to do, and there is still every chance in the world that I might slip back into the Type 2 Diabetes range once again. Diabetes can have a mind and will all it's own, but I won't go there without a fight. I am smarter now about age, and nutrition, and balance. It isn't enough to just modify one's diet, I know now that it is just as important to learn how to let go of the past. To say "NO" when I have to, and not fret about it. To have "ME" time, and to give myself a break once in a while. Oh and yes, I suppose Alan is right, watching the news during dinner is not such a good idea. Sorry Charlie Gibson, and Katie Couric. :)

In truth, Diabetes is the best thing that ever happened to me. It has taught me what food and stress does to the body. And believe me, it has been a profound lesson. I have always heard that Diabetes is a manageable disease, and I have found out that it really is! One day last summer, diabetes visited me, and I kicked it's ass! LOL.

Do you know if you are at risk for Type 2 Diabetes? Here are the main risk factors that can lead to the onset of Type 2 Diabetes...

**Weight (being overweight)
**Inactivity
**Family History
**Race
**Age
**Prediabetes Condition
**Gestational Diabetes

November is National Diabetes Month. Please ask your doctor about the A1c test. Diabetes doesn't have to happen. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 20.8 million children and adults living with diabetes in the United States, or about 7% of the population, and another 6.2 million who are unaware that they already have the disease. This doesn't have to be the case. Diabetes can be managed. Please talk to your doctor, this month, about what your risk factors are, and if you should have the A1c test. I was lucky, I was diagnosed early, and now I have real hope of ridding myself of this disease. Please give yourselves that same chance. :)

Type 2 Diabetes Overview (MayoClinic)

American Diabetes Association

-OndineMonet
"Happy Flowers"
Pastorino's Pumpkin Farm
Half Moon Bay, California
October 21st, 2007
Late Afternoon

My Continuing Adventures With Diabetes: Week #1 "Choices"

"My own prescription for health is less paperwork, and more running barefoot through the grass."

-Leslie Grimutter

The title of this entry is a bit misleading, actually it was 7 weeks ago today, that I was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, but I want to start writing about my adventures with diabetes because I am learning new things every day, about myself, and about my condition. I hope by sharing I can help and inspire others with it to feel a little less alone, so, I have made a decision to update my blog with an entry devoted to what I learn, as I continue on, looking for knowledge and skills for living well with diabetes.

IHOP Garden Scramble Under 600 calories and 15g Fat

A dear friend asked me the other day, "How have you been doing... with your diabetes?" I had to think for a moment, and consider, what to respond. It was a perfectly legitimate question, and it felt good to have my friend ask about me, but the thing is, I am really, really OK most of the time. If it wasn't for checking my glucose readings several times a day, I wouldn't know anything was amiss. There are NO symptoms of Type 2 diabetes, especially early on in the disease. I was even told, by my health education leader, that she once worked at a health fair, in a booth devoted to educating the public on diabetes. One of the ways they did this, was to offer free finger tip testing.

On one of the days she worked the booth, a gentleman approached the booth to learn more about the disease. It seemed a friend at work had been recently diagnosed and he was interesting in finding out some statistics. She gave him some pamphlets and then offered to check his blood. Well, the man scoffed, "I am in my late 30's," he said, "and I am not overweight, and I feel fine." "Then why not see, what your random reading is?" said the health educator. He laughed, but finally said, "sure, okay." His reading was 410 mg/dl. Sigh. He found out that day, that he was also, a diabetic, and had more then likely been for quite sometime.

There are a lot of myths about diabetes that are mistaken for truths. Diabetes is an equal opportunity intruder. Skinny people get diabetes, fat people get diabetes, elderly people get diabetes, children get diabetes, and people who feel just fine, get diabetes. There are high risk lifestyles that may increase your chances, but it doesn't guarantee you will be afflicted. I am not sure why more isn't being done to educated the public about diabetes, but I know one thing, I didn't bother to educate myself on it, until I was diagnosed with it. Sigh. Why would I? I felt fine. Sigh. Truth is, even if I would have done extensive research into risk factors, and statistics, I wouldn't have been able to have stopped myself for contracting diabetes. It's just a fact. What I could have accomplished, however, was that I would have known right away that blaming myself, or trying to figure out just exactly how I had failed, would have been a waste of time, energy and emotion.



Mixed Fruit Approx 250 Calories, 0 Fat, 14 Carbs

I have good days, and some not so good days. I feel good when I get to tell someone, that the old myth about sugar being evil, simply isn't true. I don't have to give up anything, with diabetes, I just have to account for what I put into my body, and plan for certain things. I am eating pretty much what I always did, only in more reasonable. I haven't give up my love of fast food, I simply figure it into my daily intake for maintaining my weight maintenance.

So far, I am finding it to be challenging at times, but far from impossible. I am more hungry for knowledge, then a taco. LOL. It's OK, if I blow it once in a while. I keep track of what foods to do my blood, and act accordingly. As an example, if I want to go and have a meal, which might not be so good for my readings, I have it at lunch, and then take a long, moderately paced walk to help regulate my glucose numbers. Exercising after meals is good for bringing those numbers down. So far, the highest number I have had, 2 hours after a meal is 148 mg/dl. My before meal average is 117 mg/dl, After Meal is, 128 and Overall is, 121. My doctor says I am off to a good start, but there is always room to improve. I try to keep my stress level down, so Alan no longer allows me to watch the news during dinner. LOL. Yep, we are a George Bush free house during meal times. LOL. What can I say, he brings me stress. Sheesh. :)

One of the nice things about taking a long walk after a meal, is that you can discover the most amazing things. For instance, yesterday, I discovered autumn, sneaking into the woods of Tilden Park. :) I will speak more about my visit to the Botanic Garden up here in the hills of Berkeley, this weekend, for now enjoy the lovely leaves I found yesterday, and just think, we are only about a week away from autumn, the most beautiful time of the year, the season that brings every part of me to life. I would rather have a bouquet of autumn leaves, then roses any day, and yesterday, I was treated to just that, and diabetes didn't stop me, one little bit. :)

Website of the Week: Diabetes Mine

-OndineMonet
"Autumn Prelude"
Botanic Garden
Tilden Park
Berkeley, California
September 12, 2007
Afternoon