Can we have a forum for "older" people with bc?
Comments
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An excellent way to practice love is to set your intention on seeing
beyond someone’s behavior or personality. Try to realize that
beneath the surface insecurity, negative thinking, and poor
behavior, everyone is connected to God. Just as you wouldn’t
get angry at someone simply because he or she is in a wheelchair,
you need not be angry because a person hasn’t yet opened his or
her heart to the nourishment of his or her Soul. When people act
in unloving ways, it only means that they are out of touch with
their Souls and aren’t feeling spiritually nourished.Richard Carlson
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Ah Blondie and Joan,
You are putting a little mist behind my eyes. The reason behind putting in a quote daily is that we all need a lift of some kind. I could get very wordy about it all, but I'll just say that since every second we live ( while a tiny part of the one just before and having a small tiny part of the one coming just after ) is totally unique. We are not likely able ( it would be so boring anyway ) ever to feel quite the same about anything including things that are almost always totally alike for us. Because it is happening over again in a totally new and as yet, un-lived moment in time.
Sensations about things will be different and needs will be different and reactions will be different. So, one day something will really touch you because that part of your soul is what is un-covered and open at that very moment. I feel very alive and worth something if I'm able to make you feel your own perfection -- the part of you that is special and wonderful and meaningful -- the part of you that I know will make me a better person too.
We are not in the world alone -- and doing what you can --- even if just a smile for a stranger, lifts us all a little higher.
Joan,
I did want to say too ---sometimes, if we don't have pre-conceived notions about how something will go --- it goes in the most amazing ways. We are covered in warmth and unity having a really magnificent time because we are all of ONE mind more so than at other times. The time together is full of love and joy because we have left behind all differences so that we can simply just BE.
Teka,
As always, you put in such neat graphics and I love Dr. Seuss wisdom. He and Mr. Rodgers, and a few others like that are great teachers for us, aren't they !!!
Mimi,
I'll be anxious to see your un-fuzzy picture. You are such a great traveler. Loved the statement of "having" a real computer to be on at home. Just reminds me that the few times that there is reason ( I sure try my best to avoid it too ) for me to be on Dh's lap-top just drives me up the wall. I do feel like a fish out of water. My hands don't fit the key-board and I have to look for the keys ( like esc ) that do things. I am definitely a creature of habit.
Carole,
Sounds like you are almost getting 'great' weather for golf. Just a touch on the cooler side. I consider any time there is no humidity as a fantastic time.
I'll be checking in later today. I'll see you then.
Blessings
Jackie
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Good morning, ladies!
Oh teacher...I wish I lived closer. I'd camp out on your doorstep because I love cookies but hate to make them! :-) Our church has a cookie walk coming up on Saturday. I will be standing in line when they open in the morning to let all the fantastic bakers from the church do my holiday cookie baking. They also have homemade candies and other goodies, too. I buy enough for the mailman, the newspaper carrier, and my hairdresser.
Carole, we have discussed changing our decorative wood-burning stove for a gas model but since we live in the woods, we have an abundance of firewood yet to use up! I just don't like the mess but I do love the smell of some of the burning logs.
It is raining here this morning and very dreary. I am hoping that it clears up so that I feel motivated enough to get out and get some errands done. I am so much more energetic when the sun is shining!
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Hi everyone
Blondie- so sorryabout the shingles- my friend had them once and the pain was unbearable. It was incredible hard to watch her in so much pain and be unable to help.
Teacher- I will be second in line behind Rita for some cookies. Being a "good" mom, we always baked and decorated Christmas cookies at our house. It was a great avtivity that all enjoyed. Unfortunately, they were inedible. Every year! One year I was invited to a cookie exchange and panicked, until a friend gave me a "recipe". It was more like a science project where I just had to put already made stuff together. It ended up being really cute- looked like a McDonalds hamburger.
Joan- isn't Radio City Music Hall's Christmas show the best? Being an usher there was my older brothers first job. We really benefited from that- even though we had to pay full price for the tickets, we went straight to the head of the line, which in those days went 4 deep al the way around the block. Great memories!
I am still amazed at how tired and worn out I can get almost 7 months after finishing treatment. I had a busy weekend, but nothing strenuous. Fri night, my GD sang in the chorus during the town's annual "light up" ceremony. We went straight to the performance, and I was even able to get a seat on the small bleachers area. We took some pictures afterward, then headed home- didn't even walk thru the lights and booths. Then Sat, I went to my son's basketball fund raiser. Again, I sat in the bleachers and cheered him on. Even with a former NBA player, as well as another guy who played professionally overseas, plus some other really great players, they lost. Last year, they took top prize. Good lesson for them- they thought they were so good, they didn't need to practice- individually, they are each way above average, but they had no clue how to play as a team. I then brought 2GC home for the night. I had to run to Walmart for underwear and PJ's for them, but they are old enough to take care of themselves with some supervision, so I didn't have to bathe them or fix snacks etc.Then yesterday, I went to a beautiful park on a gorgeous day to celebrate GS's bday. Sat in a chair visiting with his other grandmother.
I was so exhausted that I slept till noon today. Will I ever get my energy back? And although I did nothing physical , I ached all over, especially my upper chest area.
Really glad I had to go buy the GC's stuff Sat night, though. I always have a few outfits for them here for many reasons. But, being in Ga for so long, they have outgrown what I have here. I asked my daughter what sizes they are now, and bought some clothes for them last week, some for Kayden for his birthday, some for both for Christmas. None of it would have fit. I bought Kayen size 6 underwear and he couldn't keep them up they were so big. And I had bought Victoria some size 10 leggings - they were more like tights- they covered her whole foot and were still baggy at the knees. I know my daughter likes to buy ahead in sizes, but I need to shop "real-time" because they are to be worn now, not next year.
So my job for today, if I choose to accept it, is to return all the clothes I have already bought. Thank Goodness, nothing had been wrapped yet.
Till later,
Anne
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Yay anne, grandchildren r the best
Jackie i have no idea what u said but it sounded good
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Anne, My DM never bought anything in my kids' current sizes. During the years, she bought many rubber rain boots for the kids. They rarely if ever wore them but I didn't get rid of them. Then one day it snowed in Houston for the first time since they were born. I put all the boots out on the front porch and told the kids that anyone could take a pair if they fit. So at least 8 kids had dry feet that day. Snow was so rare that even offices made snowmen.
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Blondie! That was funny! What Jackie said, is something like if we are happy and peaceful within ourselves, we can somehow pass that on to every person in our lives..... They will mirror what they see within us... Even when things seem the worst for us.... We can still find something in our lives to reach out for, to hold to.... and help us get back on our feet....
Have you ever wished so hard for something, and finally gave up,only to find it handed to you at another time? Or walking somewhere, where it is peaceful, and something reminds you of someone or something you have lost? I think it is then that "they" are watching over us.... We have to believe in something.... whether it is your religion, or a higher power, or just someone to be connected with...
Okay.... at least if I know Jackie, I think that is what she is saying.... And Jackie, if it isn't.... well never mind...
NOW, I am slightly miffed, because for the last 15 years, or longer, I am the one that drives out to Coors trailer sales to get BEER for my DH and his Brother.... Dh USED to do it with his car, but he doesn't like to drive the highway that much.... so of course it was me that drove out there...
See, we get it for cost... And he sells it to his Brother... but THIS time, they think they need 4 cases apiece. Okay fine! But I am a little miffed, that I am expected to get it with MY NEW CAR! I mean is it ME just being a little possesive with my car? And don't want to be hauling 8 cases of BEER for those two?
I just answered an email to my SIL, and told her "Yes I LOVE my car.... guess we are going out Wednesday to get their beer..... I told DH that NEXT time he wanted that much BEER, he could drive his OWN car out there... or even ask his BROTHER to go out with him and put it in his TRUCK! " Does that sound a little bitchy? Or does it sound reasonable to you.... ??
Like I'm out there yesterday, cleaning my windows, polishing the dash, and I gotta go get BEER? 8 CASES? Take your OWN car Mister.... Ha! Just because mine is "new" and yours is an 89' Topaz, if you want BEER, go GET it.... ! I sound tough I know.... I don't actually say that to DH, but I would like to....
Okay.... going to go deal with my Asthma today.... not in my usual good mood.... xoxoxoxo
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Hi to all. Wish we could all meet in a central location for a little holiday party. I feel so close to all of you.
The white peacock with blue was gorgeous. As I've mentioned before, my daughter's neighborhood is covered in peacocks! The house at the end of the street was once a plant nursery with two peacocks roaming around. That was about thirty years ago and the house is now a private residence with a brick wall all around. Nothing is too high for the peacocks, however, who number about two dozen. There is one white female and once in awhile she has a white chick, but most are the usual colors. They fly over the wall several times a day and wander a four block radius, looking for treats. When they get tired, they just plop down where they are and rest. If they want to, they fly to the tops of the houses and call to one another. (They sound like VERY loud angry cats.) For the most part they just happily wander to the houses where they know they will get fed, my daughter's house is top of the list I think. When we are there, we sit on the porch and they come up and eat out of our hands. It's fun during "baby" season to see a whole bunch of little brown 'chickens" following a mom around. The males were in rare form when we were there in June, strutting all around displaying their plumage. They don't like to get rained on and will crowd on the front porch. Usually there are three or four sitting on the porch or on the wrought iron table eating out of the heavy terracotta dish filled with bird food. My daughter has a big picture window so the kitties are about six inches away! They also wander around the backyard and my daughter's cats are nose to nose with them on the screened in porch.
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SANDRA! They are beautiful! What a fun story. I just never knew Pea-cocks would, or could roam "free" like that! Glad all the neighbors love them too. Do the Cats ever go after them, or the dogs in the neighborhood? I would think the cats would be a little intimidated by them.... Ha!
The one sitting on your porch looks right at home.... What beautiful birds!
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Blondie, LOL at your comment about Jackie's philosophic insights! And then Chevy's recap according to her interpretation. You both made me smile. And smiling is GOOD!
Chevy, you also made me smile at your indignation over your dh expecting you to transport BEER in your new car.
Sandra, those are outstanding photographs of the peacocks. One of my sisters has peacocks. Chevy would definitely not want a peacock landing and strutting around on her new car because they have sharp claws and can scratch paint. I was on pins and needles one year when dh and I were visiting my sister and had my new Volvo parked in her yard. They make a harsh screeching sound that is much at odds with their beautiful feathers.
Rita, when we changed our fireplace over to gas, we had a huge rack of good firewood. We gave it to the people next door, whose boys sold it! I hated all the mess of the ashes and soot. Plus there was always the risk of bringing in bugs with the firewood. We use our fireplace more now that it's so easy to light it and turn it off. We already had the gas lighter in the firebox so the conversion was easy. DH did it himself.
Today was lots of fun. My two sisters and I took my mother shopping and out to lunch. I wish my middle sister (one with the peacocks) lived closer so that we could spend more time with her. My younger sister does live close and helps out with looking after my mother.
Hello to all.
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Love the peacock photos. Have never seen peacocks at a yard feeder before.
Bought the last Christmas present today. Gathered all the presents from their hiding places and got them all wrapped/bagged. Some of the bags in the recycle box still had their name tags on them, so Dad and Lew will get their gifts in the same bags as last year!
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Well i am so glad i entertained u all, thanks chevy for the interpretation. My brain doesn't work anymore
Loving the peacocks. ..
I would say yes u r being a bitch, but u can u have earned it. It is u r car....
Lol u guys make me smile.
Went to walmart again, yea i know i am quarantined but the dog needs 2 eat. Iy is still active around the front whatever
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Yes Chevy -- your recap was pretty good. If I can help lighten someone's load -- then it lightens mine at the same time. We all have some sort of struggle and when it is acknowledged -- it often starts to seem not so heavy.
I too thought the peacocks were beautiful. I guess I was the only one wondering if you would have to wash bird droppings ( maybe really large ones ) from your surroundings. As I am an animal person for the most part it would seem to be small price to pay for the pleasure of their company.
Got all my bills paid and now a few Christmas cards to finish. I don't send out many anymore. Hope you all have a wonderful evening. I've started back on my walking program. Good for me and the waistline.
See you tomorrow.
Jackie
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Jackie, I was wondering the same thing about cleaning up after the birds.
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Compassion is the basis of all truthful relationship: it means being present with love—for ourselves and for all life, including animals, fish, birds, and trees. Compassion is bringing our deepest truth into our actions, no matter how much the world seems to resist, because that is ultimately what we have to give this world and one another.
Ram Dass0 -
Yes Jackie I am still one of you. I just don't have much to say right now. DD saw ONC on Monday her
bone marrow is clean. They have staged the hodgkins at 4b. She will start chemo next week. It will be once every 2 weeks. She has lost 100 lbs in 6 months. She was dieting and thought nothing of it. My understanding is that they will remove some of her own blood stems before chemo and then reintroduce them later.
Have done nothing for Christmas, not even a decoration. With Kimber here I need to do something to make it special for her. I did order her a new lap top.
On Sunday DH put rustoleum deck cover on back porch, ramp & front deck. It is a cape cod white color.
I went to let our Rosie out Monday morning, it was cold, she took one look at the white and ran straight down the hall. She thought it was snow, she did the same thing this morning. Crazy little dog.
Hope all are well.
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Oh Sandra! Yes, it would be nice if we all lived close enough for a holiday party.
I loved the peacock pictures, too. I've never seen one on a roof! I especially liked the ones with the cats! :-)
Well Puffin, you have me beat with the Christmas presents. Good for you! I thought I was doing pretty good this year. I'm down to purchasing a calendar, a food saver, a book and some warm winter socks. I love to shop but I sure don't like to wrap them. I like to get done with the shopping and wrapping soon enough that I can actually enjoy the season without all that pressure.
I did make a good dent on my Christmas cards on Sunday afternoon and it won't take me long to finish them now.
Tomorrow I have to drive to Macomb (about 2 hours away) to a funeral. The husband of one of my very best friends passed away last Thursday and they had to wait until tomorrow for the funeral because he was cremated. I had taught school with this friend for 30 years and we drove 40 miles one way to school each day for 30 years. I feel so sorry for her because she will have a big adjustment. Since they retired, she and her husband did almost EVERYTHING together. They had a very close and rewarding relationship. I am hoping that it warms up a bit tomorrow because it will be very cold at the cemetery if it doesn't get a little warmer.
Well, I need to get away from this computer and get something accomplished.....but this is so much more fun that what I have to do!
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Mommarch, don't feel like the Lone Ranger with no Christmas decorations. I have a poinsettia that was a table decoration at the woodworkers' guild Christmas dinner. I won it. I also have a gilt reindeer Christmas card holder that is holding the Christmas cards that have come in the mail. I didn't send any cards so far this year, nor last year so I figure I'll get marked off the mailing lists. I just can't work up any enthusiasm for putting up a tree and then having to take it down.
One of my brothers, one of my sisters and dh and I are going together to buy my each of my niece's three children a nice bike for Christmas. DH will go with me to pick them out. He's knowledgeable about bicycles. He keeps our bikes in good shape. These kids won't take care of theirs. They've never been taught to take care of anything. This same brother, same sister and I have financed Santa Claus for most years, but this year the two older kids' father is going to have to do his part for a change. Those two kids are with him now. The youngest child is with my niece. The little girl's father is about to go to prison for vehicular homicide. He had a tragic auto accident in which the passenger, his best friend, was killed.
On a happier note, today was a beautiful day. Sunny and cold. Dh and I went to the gym early. Then he did some yard work, picking up leaves with the apparatus he bought a few years back. It's like a giant vacuum. I worked inside catching up on laundry and making a big pot of turkey veggie noodle soup out of a turkey carcass. Plus some other odds and ends of housework. Finally my feet gave out.
Hope everyone else has enjoyed the day as I have.
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Small world. A woman named Dawn that I knew from another bc.org thread noticed I was from San Antonio and sent me a PM. Turns out both our husbands are retired Air Force pilots and she goes to the big San Antonio Army hospital like I do, although we have different surgeons. We both had to be at the hospital today for clinic appointments and agreed to meet afterwards. What a lovely girl. We had lots in common and chatted like school girls. A couple sitting across from us kept looking at me, finally they asked if I had taught ballroom dance. It turns out they were former students of ours from a couple of years back. We all talked about when Mike and I taught dance on some cruise ships in addition to our weekly classes which led the discussion into cruises. My new friend Dawn and the couple from our dance class talked about European river cruises and Dawn said she had a friend who was leaving this week for one. A friend of mine is also leaving for a European river cruise and we wondered if they would meet on their boat. Dawn talked about her cruising friend who has an embroidery machine and made her the cutest scarf with a breast cancer logo. I said my friend, whom I had just seen Sunday, had made me a Christmas gift with a similar logo. Long story short, it was the SAME person! What are the chances? We've both known Lisa for years but had never met each other. Such a small world.
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Sandra,
A really amazing story. People do come into our lives at certain times and somewhere along the way --- it may become really evident how it all fits perfectly though it only appears to be an almost random event right now. I've always been fond of gazing into my past just to see how different people affected me in different ways and then to focus on how those instances help me to grow into the person I've become and am still working on.
To me everything has a connectedness and darn good reason -- but I was fairly un-aware till the last 15 yrs. or so -- since then I've figured it all out for myself. So glad that this has come together. Seems like it is going to have good connections all the way.
Jackie
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Ritajean, it was fun for me to read about you wanting cookies. They could be from one Rita to another since that's me, too. (Teacher/Rita)
I had no idea peacocks could be like pets. It would have been cat/tv when we had our cats. They used to sit in the breakfast room window and watch the birds that nested in a bush outside. Both cats were scared to go out but loved to watch birds from the window.
Today instead of cookies, I did slow cooker chocolate candy. Tomorrow will be chocolate kiss cookies with hazelnuts, candy cane cookies, M&M cookies, and peanut butter with kisses. I'm out of apple butter or I'd make them, too. As soon as they are cooled, they will be wrapped and made ready to get out of my house!
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Someone wrote that they loved PEANUT Butter......
I found something about 3 months ago that both hubby and I love.....it is called PB2.....is is powered peanuts that by adding water you've got peanut butter.....and 85% less fat calories....for 2T of PB2 it is only 45 calories.
I make Pad Thai with PB2 and Miracle noodles (zero calories).....mmmmm noodles and peanut sauce! Groupon and Amazon both sell PB2 and PB2 with chocolate (can you say peanut butter cup!)
Hug,Di
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No snow just cold, teka hru much shingles pain
No decorations or gifts, oh well boys r 21 today, no gifts, bought them underwear, george just came in n informed me he wants choc mousse. I got a piece 4 mine, brought it home, shared, loved it now have 2 take him there 4csome, lol michael nothing
Jackie u r way 2 smart 4 m4, lol, thanks chevy
Hugs all around
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"Keep love in your heart. A life without it is like a sunless garden when the flowers are dead. The consciousness of loving and being loved brings a warmth and a richness to life that nothing else can bring."
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Totally love the graphics Teka -- as usual. All are hilarious but I really chuckled much harder at the middle one. First time I've seen it and it was reminiscent of all the times we 'looked' for "arms" when building snowmen.
The PB2 sounds really interesting. I think I spied it in the store one day and not having much time I did not investigate fully -- but I am a huge, huge fan of p-nut butter. The Nutritionist that I take classes from has said that the Almond Butter ( which you could make yourself easily she says at home ) is so much better for you than P-nut butter. Mainly the additives in most p-nut butter -- along with calories is the concern. It comes down to just about everything though. Not all the Almond butter is good -- meaning the most expensive ( and boy is it ) is generally a lot better.
Dh and I tried it and keep a jar but using it is interspersed with our regular p-nut butter due to price and also due to the fact that it has a bit of a different consistency. It is a bit more difficult to get spread over your toast etc. but for the nutritional value worth the mild aggravation. Now that I know how the PB2 works I may be adding some to the menu here. I'm all for saving calories in good ways.
Blondie I only seem smart now and then. I'm not at all sure about that adjective in relation to myself. After I arrived back home here where I was born and raised, and went through the shock and pain of losing and burying my Mother -- I started REALLY questioning life and its many different meanings. The basic result was that I spent many yrs. studying spirituality -- that is where my 'heart' questions kept leading me. I'm sure I've only barely scratched the surface in all these years. In the last few years I have not had the time, energy, or funds to continue to pursue these studies nearly as much as I'd like.
I guess the basic thing is --- I'm personally convinced of the things that I found -- which are often hard to relate to others as if you can't FEEL it, you may not get it. That does not make me more than anyone else or for that matter less. Each unique child of God ( whether they wish to see themselves that way or not, and that is perfectly fine as well ) will come into what they NEED to focus on in this life. My focus just happened to be spiritual issues.
We are all wonderful, unique individuals who seldom do REAL wrong ( it is in the intent, not so much the action ) but do make plenty of mistakes. If you have a loving heart, and are willing to go through your journey on Earth, and love ( whomever ) created you -- you are going to be just fine. We have some of the greatest power ever felt or known but are most of the times unable to 'reach' it -- part of being here so often -- but we are all loving energy. We are great human beings.
Well, there you go -- mouthy spouting off again. I really don't feel smart -- just dedicated to finding 'answers' to my spiritual questions.
Off to do what I can before I go out to feed the ferals. A steel-cut oatmeal breakfast will be in my morning future too. See you all later.
Blessings
Jackie
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Jackie, a steel-cut oatmeal breakfast was a part of my day, too. I "doctor" my bowl of oatmeal until it's quite delicious. First, I partially cook up a batch of oatmeal, 3 or 4 cups of water to 1 cup of oatmeal, depending on the brand you use. Then each morning I spoon out a portion into a bowl, heat it up in the microwave at which time it finishes cooking. Add a tsp of real butter, a T of Splenda brown sugar blend, a splash of real half and half or fat-free. Sprinkle some roasted walnuts on top. Yum. Yum. It tastes pretty good and sticks with me a while. That's my goal for breakfast--eat or drink (smoothie) something that sticks with me so that I'm not hungry in an hour and a half.
Teka, those cartoons are really cute. They made me smile.
Today has been a gorgeous day. I played golf with two nice golfing friends. We were bundled up at first since it was in the 40's. But not windy. Before long, I had shed my jacket.
Now I'm home and feeling relaxed and lazy. There are things I could get done but I may just do the minimum.
Blondie, sure hope you get over the shingles soon if not sooner.
Hi to everyone. Hope the MIA ladies like Cammi are doing well.
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More on coincidences: Today my friend Pam friend picked me up to go to lunch and I was telling her that my friend Thelma (our clown Mimi) had come to San Antonio last week from Iowa. Pam is from Iowa too. Thelma said she was from Mt. Pleasant but I didn't know until today that Pam is also from Mt. Pleasant. Oh my goodness! Another coincidence.
Thelma, my friend Pam is a Boal. Her family has had a farm (dairy I think) that's been in the family for over 150 years. Mt. Pleasant can't be that big. Any chance you know some Boals?
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I cook my steel cut oats in a crockpot on low for 4 hours: 4 cups water, 1 cup raisins, 1 cup steel cut oats. Then I transfer it to a rubbermaid container and put it in the frig, and every morning fill my bowl, add a tablespoon of peanut butter, microwave it for 90 seconds, and then add a handful of frozen blueberries (I freeze them in the summer when they're on sale fresh) and add a little milk. The peanut butter adds a little protein and gives an awesome taste.
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The "good oatmeal" recipes sound great. I tend to put stuff in mine as well. I get the Splenda brown sugar to sweeten mine as well as putting in a dab of Smart Balance Butter. I crumble walnuts into mine as well, along with raisins. -- guess it is usually whatever is on hand here is what might go in. Carole, my Nutritionist is very 'fond' of walnuts -- feels they are as good as almonds -- in fact, a mite better she thinks. She did say to watch out for "dried" fruit -- it has a lot of sugars I think. Well, anytime I'm not sure I hold back a bit. The tbsp. of p-nut butter sounds like something I definitely should try since I am a p-nut butter lover. Puff, blueberries are very high on my Nutritionists' list as well.
I'm all about food pretty much since your body works so poorly if you don't put in any for a while. Did anyone say they used an Aldi store. We have one and I get a lot of stuff from the store. They have a lot of produce and fresh fruits and their prices for many things is quite a bit better.
Jackie
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Peanut butter in the oatmeal sounds tasty. I would never have thought of that addition. Blueberries sounds good, too.
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