I haven't found time to blog -- or write anything I would want to make public -- for ages, but the current situation with Food Maven Paula Dean makes me so mad!
I can understand why she didn't want to change her style of cooking. I used to get many of my positive strokes from cooking as well. It was my thing. I'm not crafty, don't sew or paint or sculpt. I can't dance or sing or play a musical instrument. I just cooked. It was instinctive for me (a talent encouraged and enhanced by my father, who was the cook at our house). I rarely followed recipes, although I was often asked for the recipe when people ate things I had prepared. I haven't had flour or sugar for nearly three years and I miss the attention far more than I miss the food. Paula Dean gets not only positive strokes, but a good deal of money because she is a good cook.
However, her fame and fortune make her the perfect person to affect change in our society. When she was diagnosed I feel she should have announced her diagnosis immediately and perhaps started to modify her recipes to meet a healthier lifestyle. With obesity one of the greatest health problems in our country today and the major contributor to our high health care costs, she might have made a difference. She could have been a role model. She could have made a sincere effort to influence people to adopt a healthier lifestyle. She could have said that fresh fruit makes a great dessert and you don't really have to eat deep fried chocolate chip brownies topped with caramel and whipped cream. She could have said that there are healthier ways to add flavor to mashed potatoes than with butter and cream.
Instead she chose to keep her mouth shut until offered even more money to act as a spokeswoman for a drug firm offering a diabetes control pill. My husband is a diabetic who elects to control his disease with drugs. His blood sugar is controlled with the medication, but he has had heart bypass surgery, carotid artery stents, and a renal artery stent. Several of my friends made radical changes to their diets and have been able to give up diabetic medications. It doesn't work for everyone, but it is certainly worth a try.
I still believe that along with the perks attendant to wealth and fame, one has an obligation to the greater good of society. I'm very disappointed in Paula Dean.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
A Heartless Scam
Our youngest daughter and her husband are trying to adopt. They can offer their child a loving family, supportive extended family, and a settled and secure lifestyle. They both adore children and children are drawn to them. The baby will have a little cousin just his or her age to grow up with. Nevertheless, they have yet to be chosen by a birth mother. It has been a difficult process.
Recently they have been talking to a woman named Stephanie Murray who lives in Indianapolis and gave them information about a baby she is due to have in May. Nancy and Ryan had sent her a check for rent and were getting set to go back to meet her this weekend. Our two families were letting themselves start to get excited. The agency had supposedly vetted the young woman and all was going to be just fine.
Today they found out that the woman has been far less than truthful with them and that she has engaged in very questionable behavior before. The cashier's check they had sent to help with rent has been stopped and the trip plans cancelled. They now have an airline credit.
They will be fine, but it will be hard for them to trust the next birth mother who contacts them. Two very trusting young people are that much closer to becoming cynics. I just hope the next person they talk to is perfect for them and realizes what a treasure they are.
Recently they have been talking to a woman named Stephanie Murray who lives in Indianapolis and gave them information about a baby she is due to have in May. Nancy and Ryan had sent her a check for rent and were getting set to go back to meet her this weekend. Our two families were letting themselves start to get excited. The agency had supposedly vetted the young woman and all was going to be just fine.
Today they found out that the woman has been far less than truthful with them and that she has engaged in very questionable behavior before. The cashier's check they had sent to help with rent has been stopped and the trip plans cancelled. They now have an airline credit.
They will be fine, but it will be hard for them to trust the next birth mother who contacts them. Two very trusting young people are that much closer to becoming cynics. I just hope the next person they talk to is perfect for them and realizes what a treasure they are.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Directions
Last year I blogged daily for Lent, hoping that the writing would become a habit. It didn't and I'm still rarely at Blogspot. Today I needed to write and, in checking in, got to read a few things from favorite bloggers I would have missed. I really do need to take time to do this for me.
We have rain outside and that gives me a perfect excuse to hole up and put together picture boards (I had planned on one and find that I will need three) for the reception we are hosting in my Mother's memory. She looks so impossibly young in the pictures from high school and early in her marriage. This is a very bittersweet task.
Last week was full of doctor appointments for Alex, and I joined him when he visited his not-one-but-two neurologists. There are specialists even within specialties. The new guy handles only "movement disorders". We had hoped that he would tell Alex (whose tremors are so bad that he often can't write checks and has a great deal of trouble eating) that he would be doing deep brain stimulation surgery soon and that this would seriously lessen the problem. Instead, he told us that he thinks Alex may have Parkinson's along with the Essential Tremor (a hard to diagnose situation). There are treatments and we are starting with a change in medication. It will take experimentation, observation, and patience to tell.
In the midst of all this, we are looking forward to welcoming a grandson in July. Lesley has reached the point where little Ignatz is moving around (just wait until the sparring matches start) and she cannot deny that pregnancy. As if this project were not riches enough, Nancy and Ryan are moving closer to adoption. They go to Indianapolis to meet with a prospective Birth Mom next week. We could possibly have two beautiful babies in our family before the end of this year. Now, when I look out my office window and see young children enjoying themselves at the playground I know that our own grandchildren will be out there with them before you know it.
We have rain outside and that gives me a perfect excuse to hole up and put together picture boards (I had planned on one and find that I will need three) for the reception we are hosting in my Mother's memory. She looks so impossibly young in the pictures from high school and early in her marriage. This is a very bittersweet task.
Last week was full of doctor appointments for Alex, and I joined him when he visited his not-one-but-two neurologists. There are specialists even within specialties. The new guy handles only "movement disorders". We had hoped that he would tell Alex (whose tremors are so bad that he often can't write checks and has a great deal of trouble eating) that he would be doing deep brain stimulation surgery soon and that this would seriously lessen the problem. Instead, he told us that he thinks Alex may have Parkinson's along with the Essential Tremor (a hard to diagnose situation). There are treatments and we are starting with a change in medication. It will take experimentation, observation, and patience to tell.
In the midst of all this, we are looking forward to welcoming a grandson in July. Lesley has reached the point where little Ignatz is moving around (just wait until the sparring matches start) and she cannot deny that pregnancy. As if this project were not riches enough, Nancy and Ryan are moving closer to adoption. They go to Indianapolis to meet with a prospective Birth Mom next week. We could possibly have two beautiful babies in our family before the end of this year. Now, when I look out my office window and see young children enjoying themselves at the playground I know that our own grandchildren will be out there with them before you know it.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Back to Writing
I haven't even checked my dashboard for ages, much less taken the time to write anything myself. I logged on and missed some of my favorites. I'm ready to get back to checking and putting some of my own thoughts down for public consumption.
My Mother died in January. She began to die some months ago, got serious about the process January 1 (start the New Year by making it your last) and finished on January 17. I'm glad she is gone. Her life had lost all of its joy this past year and I really do believe that she is somewhere better now. New Year's Day she found herself completely unable to stand. We hired a round-the-clock caregiver to assist the staff at Merrill Gardens and supplement the Hospice people. Lifting her from her chair to the wheelchair to handle various personal needs became a challenge and, about a week after her legs failed, she began to stay in bed almost full time. Within days she was on constant pain medication, then oxygen, then she simply left us. I was there much of the time, even spending the night at one point. My sister was also here the last week.
After her death the apartment had to be cleared, donations made, some items boxed and stored for later consideration, and various things cancelled and discontinued. I will get to those boxes eventually. Most of the business is now completed (Pam took care of the financial stuff) and I just have to get her tax materials ready for the last filing.
The memorial reception will be in early April in San Diego. After that it will truly be over and I will get to figure out how I feel about it all. I think I am fine. I had seen her decline over the past year -- very sharply since last summer -- and I did any mourning I may need long before she actually died. I'm grateful that we had one last lunch out in late December and that she saw Les and Tim and knew that another great grandchild is on the way. I wish she had been able to meet and know all of her great grandchildren, but that just wasn't in the cards.
My Mother died in January. She began to die some months ago, got serious about the process January 1 (start the New Year by making it your last) and finished on January 17. I'm glad she is gone. Her life had lost all of its joy this past year and I really do believe that she is somewhere better now. New Year's Day she found herself completely unable to stand. We hired a round-the-clock caregiver to assist the staff at Merrill Gardens and supplement the Hospice people. Lifting her from her chair to the wheelchair to handle various personal needs became a challenge and, about a week after her legs failed, she began to stay in bed almost full time. Within days she was on constant pain medication, then oxygen, then she simply left us. I was there much of the time, even spending the night at one point. My sister was also here the last week.
After her death the apartment had to be cleared, donations made, some items boxed and stored for later consideration, and various things cancelled and discontinued. I will get to those boxes eventually. Most of the business is now completed (Pam took care of the financial stuff) and I just have to get her tax materials ready for the last filing.
The memorial reception will be in early April in San Diego. After that it will truly be over and I will get to figure out how I feel about it all. I think I am fine. I had seen her decline over the past year -- very sharply since last summer -- and I did any mourning I may need long before she actually died. I'm grateful that we had one last lunch out in late December and that she saw Les and Tim and knew that another great grandchild is on the way. I wish she had been able to meet and know all of her great grandchildren, but that just wasn't in the cards.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Lunch Out
My sister, Mom, and I had lunch at Scott's Seafood on the River today. I wasn't sure about Mom's ability make it through what is always a leisurely lunch experience, but she did just fine. Mom and Pam had Cioppino and a fancy Salmon dish (respectively) and I had the grilled Sole -- just like the last couple of times I ate there. They really do a great job of preparing it and it almost melts in your mouth.
We had just had a family meeting about what the future holds for Mom. Her Lymphoma is worsening and she is starting to feel some discomfort. She has decided that she does not choose to treat it or take any action to bring it back into remission. She will accept whatever devices or medications that will help her to feel more comfortable. Merrill Gardens is going to up the level of her assistance within the next couple of weeks. She is getting a sort of corset for her leg which (we hope) will lessen the swelling she currently experiences and she will need help putting it on in the morning and taking it off at night. We aren't sure what will happen next or how quickly the disease will progress, but we are getting ready for whatever comes.
In the meantime we had a lovely lunch on the Sacramento River.
We had just had a family meeting about what the future holds for Mom. Her Lymphoma is worsening and she is starting to feel some discomfort. She has decided that she does not choose to treat it or take any action to bring it back into remission. She will accept whatever devices or medications that will help her to feel more comfortable. Merrill Gardens is going to up the level of her assistance within the next couple of weeks. She is getting a sort of corset for her leg which (we hope) will lessen the swelling she currently experiences and she will need help putting it on in the morning and taking it off at night. We aren't sure what will happen next or how quickly the disease will progress, but we are getting ready for whatever comes.
In the meantime we had a lovely lunch on the Sacramento River.
Friday, September 17, 2010
What a Day!
I'm feeling overwhelmed today. This is more journaling than blogging, I guess.
This morning we had people come to install a new floor in our master bathroom. Things have been harum skarum for the last month with the shelves, medicine cabinet etc. out while I stripped wallpaper, prepped, and painted. We took the toilet out yesterday (on the front porch looking like a very tasteless garden ornament), part of the sink is in the hallway, shelves are blocking part of our closet, and stuff is generally stacked all over the house. I was so looking forward to being able to put it all back where it belongs and where I can find things. I got home from a morning meeting to find no workmen, no nothing. Turns out when they removed the old lino and the underlayer they found severe dry rot damage. A contractor comes tomorrow to give us a bid on what is going to be a much bigger project.
As I was absorbing this I went to take lunch to somebody in my FA group who has had surgery and moved (her family did the honors) while she was in the rehab facility. We had thought to provide meals for about a week until she will be able to do for herself with some shopping help. When I saw the kitchen she shares with a roomate, I'm not sure that she will be able to prepare meals even after she settles in. This, too, is going to be a bigger project than expected.
This morning we had people come to install a new floor in our master bathroom. Things have been harum skarum for the last month with the shelves, medicine cabinet etc. out while I stripped wallpaper, prepped, and painted. We took the toilet out yesterday (on the front porch looking like a very tasteless garden ornament), part of the sink is in the hallway, shelves are blocking part of our closet, and stuff is generally stacked all over the house. I was so looking forward to being able to put it all back where it belongs and where I can find things. I got home from a morning meeting to find no workmen, no nothing. Turns out when they removed the old lino and the underlayer they found severe dry rot damage. A contractor comes tomorrow to give us a bid on what is going to be a much bigger project.
As I was absorbing this I went to take lunch to somebody in my FA group who has had surgery and moved (her family did the honors) while she was in the rehab facility. We had thought to provide meals for about a week until she will be able to do for herself with some shopping help. When I saw the kitchen she shares with a roomate, I'm not sure that she will be able to prepare meals even after she settles in. This, too, is going to be a bigger project than expected.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
RIP Wondermouse
The Boss Lady is gone.
Shortly after Lesley left for college a kitten appeared on our side gate. She was a ball of white fur with smoky lavender smudges on her her nose, tail, and two feet. She demanded to be brought in the house and quickly took over control of the older cats who lived with us at that time -- and all of the people. We named her Beatrice because she acted so like a little princess.
Through the years, as she got her grown up coloring, it became obvious that she was a Siamese and Tortie mix -- with the sassy and chatty personality that tends to go with both breeds. She was always a small cat who ruled the larger cats in our household. In the summer of 2009 I blogged about her waking me up in the middle of the night to scoop out her box.
A few months ago she decided that the trip to our bed was just too much for her and she has been sleeping in her chair in our family room. Three weeks ago she was getting on the dining table and jumping to the kitchen counter -- slowly and painfully, but managing. Just Friday she came into the kitchen as soon as she heard me opening a can of tuna (I drain the water into little bowls and the cats have their treat).
Suddenly last night she was unable to make it even to the laundry room to urinate. She used the family room rug and couldn't get back onto her chair. I cleaned up the spot (cat owners often have carpet shampoo handy) and put her back on her chair. She whimpered when I picked her up and couldn't get comfortable on the chair. When I sat down by the chair and stroked her head she failed to purr for the first time. She was simply miserable.
We knew that the time had come. Luckily our vet is open and staffed on weekends for emergency services. When we decided to take her in we learned that she has lost over a pound in the past couple of weeks despite the steroids she was taking. We knew she was in pain and was ready to give up. She lay quietly while the vet gave her an injection and simply went to sleep.
We hope that as she moves on to the next of her nine lives she will give another family as much laughter and love as she has given ours.
RIP Beatrice Jean Charlotte Wondermouse Doig We will always cherish your memory.
Shortly after Lesley left for college a kitten appeared on our side gate. She was a ball of white fur with smoky lavender smudges on her her nose, tail, and two feet. She demanded to be brought in the house and quickly took over control of the older cats who lived with us at that time -- and all of the people. We named her Beatrice because she acted so like a little princess.
Through the years, as she got her grown up coloring, it became obvious that she was a Siamese and Tortie mix -- with the sassy and chatty personality that tends to go with both breeds. She was always a small cat who ruled the larger cats in our household. In the summer of 2009 I blogged about her waking me up in the middle of the night to scoop out her box.
A few months ago she decided that the trip to our bed was just too much for her and she has been sleeping in her chair in our family room. Three weeks ago she was getting on the dining table and jumping to the kitchen counter -- slowly and painfully, but managing. Just Friday she came into the kitchen as soon as she heard me opening a can of tuna (I drain the water into little bowls and the cats have their treat).
Suddenly last night she was unable to make it even to the laundry room to urinate. She used the family room rug and couldn't get back onto her chair. I cleaned up the spot (cat owners often have carpet shampoo handy) and put her back on her chair. She whimpered when I picked her up and couldn't get comfortable on the chair. When I sat down by the chair and stroked her head she failed to purr for the first time. She was simply miserable.
We knew that the time had come. Luckily our vet is open and staffed on weekends for emergency services. When we decided to take her in we learned that she has lost over a pound in the past couple of weeks despite the steroids she was taking. We knew she was in pain and was ready to give up. She lay quietly while the vet gave her an injection and simply went to sleep.
We hope that as she moves on to the next of her nine lives she will give another family as much laughter and love as she has given ours.
RIP Beatrice Jean Charlotte Wondermouse Doig We will always cherish your memory.
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