The Plunge

I've known for a few years that I needed to Just Say No to sugar. I tried a couple of times, and was such an emotional wreck that I gave up. The scale has given me alarming data. The mirror, too. A couple of fellow bloggers announced that they were going sugar free, and I thought, "This is it. I must do it. Now." I discussed this with my darling husband, and he was totally on board.

*deep breath* We are doing this. Those of you who know me know that I will not put the chemistry experiment known as artificial sweeteners into my body, so this is the real thing! I will not use honey or sorghum, either, for at least the first month. After that, maybe... we'll see.

I will be consuming plenty of real food, including all the fruits and veggies I want.

Soooo Spoiled

I have this dear friend who spoils me absolutely, positively rotten. She has given me so many lovely things, I can't begin to name them all. Her latest gift, though, takes the cake!!! I had no idea she was scheming this, and last night when I got home after a particularly rough day, there was a darling package in our mailbox. The package was decorated in a valentines theme, and was in itself a thing of beauty. Inside, she'd wrapped this gift of the heart in Valentine themed tissue paper and tied it with red ribbon and a tiny card that said "hugs" for the tag. It was too pretty to open, really. But when I opened it, tears sprang into my eyes. Her thoughtfulness is incomprehensible! What did I see? An apron, made from a vintage feed sack! It is the most darling thing you can imagine! I've been wanting an apron for a couple of years now, and even bought fabric and a pattern for that perfect one, but haven't had the time to make it.

Oh, Dianna, you will never know how you've touched my heart!

What's grosser than gross?

*Warning, this post contains a disturbing image.*

Several years ago I found this delightful appliance at my local Goodwill store. I could not believe my good fortune at finding such a handy gadget for such a wonderful price. I don't remember what I paid, but I bet it wasn't over $5. I used it a lot in those first few months, but soon tired of cleaning the lovely blade component, which is more akin to a screen than a blade, and so it ended up in the back of my appliance cabinet.

Fast forward about five years.

About a month ago I was craving oranges. I bought a bag of those little flat naval oranges thinking it was a bargain. I ate a couple and the rest languished on the table. They were beginning to dry out. Rather than allow them to go to waste, on Monday night I decided to juice them! When I was almost finished I reached into the exhaust (where the pulp comes out) of my juicer to grab a piece that had not processed to put it back through. Let's just say it didn't take me long to inspect the inside if that thing! I used to think people who did this sort of thing were morons who deserved what they got. Now I'm one of 'em! It's been two days, and it still hasn't scabbed over. I almost went in for stitches, but decided they didn't have anything to work with.

(2-22-10): It's healing amazingly fast. Don't get me wrong, I still have to be exceedingly careful, and if I bump it it starts bleeding and I want to cry... but still, it's getting there. I think all those little swirls of skin are going to graft and help it heal much more quickly.
(3-1-10): I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. ~Psalm 139:14 This passage doesn't just apply to the formation of infants, but the weaving together of every aspect of us, throughout our lives. The speed with which my finger has healed is amazing to me! I am so thankful for our all-knowing Creator.
(3-8-10)Still healing beautifully. Next week is spring break, and so I won't be able to post a new pic on Monday. I might post one on Friday if I remember.

(3-26-10) Almost completely well. :-)

Wrapped Up in Love

My stepmom (who hates the whole "step-" concept, but what else am I supposed to call her?) created these beautiful quilts for us. The first one was my Christmas Gift for 2007. I got to be deeply involved in the selection of style and colors. I've always wanted a double wedding ring quilt done in shades of white. She laughed and told me if I wanted a double wedding ring quilt I'd have to do it myself! :-) I love organic, unbleached fabrics, so she made it with that for the field color and the backing. I just love it. The pieced parts are done in pastels, which I also adore! The blocks are done in trapunto, which is my favorite quilting style. When I sleep under it, I feel so peaceful and refreshed. I know every stitch was a labor of love.

This next quilt was created for Wayne. It was his gift for Christmas 2008.

It's made from plaid flannels and, I think, homespun fabric. The quilting is in the shape of oak leaves. How cool is that?!?!

Deliciousness!!!

Chicken Broccoli Lo Mein

This is one of my favorite meals. I just learned to make it last September. It's from the Fix It and Enjoy It Cookbook.

Put a pot of water to boil for the noodles.

Cube one pound of chicken into about 1" pieces. Fry them in oil. I used olive oil with a drizzle of sesame oil for flavor.

While the chicken is frying, combine 1/4 c. peanut butter, 1/4 c. soy sauce, 1 1/2 Tbsp. brown sugar, 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, 1/3 c. hot water, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced in a glass jar with a good lid. Put the lid on and shake until contents are thoroughly mixed.

Once the chicken has cooked for about 5 minutes, add one medium bunch of broccoli, cut into bite sized pieces.

Put the noodles into the boiling water. I used rice noodles, which I adore. They cook almost instantly. If you leave them in too long, they will turn into a glob. It's taken me several tries to learn how to cook them, and they are still not perfect, but much better. My technique is to salt and oil the water, stir them frequently while they are cooking, and drain them by ladling them up and letting it drip off the noodles, then piling them on a plate.