Superbowl Sunday Sundry might be an alternate title for this post, but I really don't follow football all that much, the fourth quarter of any Green Bay Packers game excepted. I'm pretty consistent about catching at least the final quarter if the Pack is playing. But I actually had to ask someone who was playing in the Superbowl, that's how much I (don't) know. So "GO _______!" [insert your team of choice], and enjoy the game today. I might catch a few commercials and most definitely the halftime show! I've been a little scattered this past month. My dad slipped on some ice outside his house in the middle of January and shattered his ankle. He's had one surgery to put an external fixation contraption on the left lower leg. This coming week he'll have a second surgery for internal fixation, involving the installation of other hardware. This has meant quite the change in lifestyle, as you can imagine, but he manages to maintain a positive attitude. I really admire that.
Still keeping up with the Solstice Challenge quilt-along, making one block per week. Here are weeks 4, 5, and 6. Later today, I'll tackle Block 7. Football pun, anyone?
Right now I've got some low-FODMAP chicken stock simmering away in the slow cooker. The other thing I've been dealing with is my persnickety gut. If you've been reading this blog for a while, you'll know that I already eat gluten-free and mostly dairy-free, and have done that for 10 years now. Things got out of whack somehow this past year, and especially after the holidays, which had me searching for other dietary culprits.
Enter FODMAPs. If you don't know what a FODMAP is, well, neither did my primary care physician. But she did hook me up with a gastroenterologist that I'll be seeing in a couple weeks. Meanwhile, I've delved into the subject online, and just looking at the list of high FODMAP foods had me muttering, "Yep, yep, uh-huh, oh yes..." to the list of gastric offenders. So now I'm journaling my food intake and reactions, and what fun that is, lemme tell ya. But I am seeing a definite improvement by cutting back on the FODs and other changes I've made. Bummer that the onions and garlic have had to go (and apples and asparagus and avocados...oh my), but there are work-arounds for flavor (chives, the green leafy of green onions, garlic-infused oil). And the chicken stock does smell wonderful! Speaking of reactions, I put my usual tinted moisturizer on yesterday and yowza! Instead of giving me an overall even skin tone, my face went bright red, hot, and tingly. Not exactly the effect I was looking for. So off came the makeup, on went a fragrance-free moisturizer with aloe, and in went an antihistamine tablet. I think it's one of the sunscreen ingredients that I reacted to. Why now, all of a sudden, I don't know. I've used that Olay product for years. Now it's been tossed and I'll be going commando, facially speaking, for a while. Please don't tell me I look tired.
In the sewing room, I've got a quilt basted and ready to go, a kennel quilt made from old scrubs.
Not fancy but functional. Kind of like I feel lately.
P.S. - Is it spring yet? I'm dreaming of an herb garden...
I'm with you - COME ON SPRING! Enough, already, is my new motto, lol! Winter has made its impression on me. Now on to other things! Glad you're getting caught up with the Solstice Challenge. And sorry about your dad's accident. Come on spring!
I am sorry to hear about your Dad and your gut. I give you credit for tackling the gut issues with dietary changes. Many of us would just look for an elixir because dietary restrictions are hard! I'm glad you're having some success with it. I have a cousin who eats mostly grilled chicken and salad for the same reason.
Ugh - a shattered ankle. Glad to hear your dad is managing it with good humor. And sorry to hear about your tummy troubles and new and improved allergies. I wonder if they might somehow be related?
At least you have kept up with quilting projects. Lovely blocks all, but my favorite is the little basket. (My quilting has again been put aside - but only temporarily. This last accounting class is a doozie, and it sucks every bit of creativeness out of my brain. Just 4 more weeks though and I am completely done. Whew!)
P.....P.....P......for Punny! As USUAL! I hate you are going through what you are going through. I surely hope your father rehabilitates well after the procedures. You are a good daughter. I am dreaming of a Potager myself!
Oh yes, roll on spring. Sorry to hear about your dad and about your various troubles. Funnily enough I had a similar reaction to a moisturizer(same brand). Wonder if they've tweaked the ingredients?
I'm with you - COME ON SPRING! Enough, already, is my new motto, lol! Winter has made its impression on me. Now on to other things! Glad you're getting caught up with the Solstice Challenge. And sorry about your dad's accident. Come on spring!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear about your Dad and your gut. I give you credit for tackling the gut issues with dietary changes. Many of us would just look for an elixir because dietary restrictions are hard! I'm glad you're having some success with it. I have a cousin who eats mostly grilled chicken and salad for the same reason.
ReplyDeleteUgh - a shattered ankle. Glad to hear your dad is managing it with good humor. And sorry to hear about your tummy troubles and new and improved allergies. I wonder if they might somehow be related?
ReplyDeleteAt least you have kept up with quilting projects. Lovely blocks all, but my favorite is the little basket. (My quilting has again been put aside - but only temporarily. This last accounting class is a doozie, and it sucks every bit of creativeness out of my brain. Just 4 more weeks though and I am completely done. Whew!)
P.....P.....P......for Punny! As USUAL! I hate you are going through what you are going through. I surely hope your father rehabilitates well after the procedures. You are a good daughter. I am dreaming of a Potager myself!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, roll on spring. Sorry to hear about your dad and about your various troubles. Funnily enough I had a similar reaction to a moisturizer(same brand). Wonder if they've tweaked the ingredients?
ReplyDelete