Ingredients:
- 2 or 3 Ears of Corn
- 2 Tbsp Natures Balance Butter
- 3 Scallions - chopped
- 1 Poblano Pepper – seeded and chopped
- 6 Sprigs Cilantro – leaves only, chopped
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/4 Lime
Friday, July 16, 2010
Chili-Lime Corn saute
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Lyme thought for today.....
Yesterday I had to go for my bi-monthly blood draw. While I was checking in the person answering the phone had multiple calls and every single one was regarding Lyme tests….so obviously my little antennas shot up and my curiosity got the best of me. I asked if they have seen an increase in Lyme tests. The response I got was…”You have no idea…I think that’s all we are testing for anymore.”
The door then opened and I was greeted by a man who has done my blood draws a number of times over the course of the last 3 years. He is a person who stands out in my memory of my worst moments because of his kindness and understanding. He held my hand through some rough moments. His face lit up and he said “Well look at you!! You look so strong and healthy and amazing!”….and I couldn’t help but beam with pride. It felt so good to have someone acknowledge how far I had come.
As we went through the process of finding a vein that would cooperate (easier said than done anymore) we chatted about Lyme and he mentioned he no longer goes outside. He has seen too much and while he is not a doctor he has been deeply affected by many of us that have been affected by this awful disease. He looked me in the eyes and said “You are lucky…You are alive…not everyone has been so fortunate.” His friend died last year. They diagnosed him with ALS but was later diagnosed with Lyme…at that point it was too late and treatment wasn’t an option because insurance wouldn’t pay for it and the family ran out of funds. His friend was 37 years old and left behind a wife and a his young daughter.
I couldn’t help but cry sitting in that chair with him…because you see…that man was my IV buddy for several months. We had identical symptoms and almost identical treatments….so every week we would sit together at the doctors office for hours on end receiving our medications and IV. I held his baby daughter…my mother bonded with his wife…they would take turns getting us our lunches and taking care of us while at the doctors so the other could get something done. He became my friend in that moment in time….when we were both trapped and couldn’t verbalize what was happening to us. He was someone I could sit next to and look at and know….He understood my pain and fear.
I am still struggling with this…I have thought of him often. Why did I respond to treatment? Why didn’t he? I hate that money is what makes treatment available…why should only those with a large bank account survive this nightmare? I feel guilty…and often wonder why me?? How do I make this into a positive change in my life? How do I honor my IV buddy?? Was his cause of death really ALS or was it really Lyme??
Last night I said a prayer for him and his family…and the only comfort I take from this is knowing he is no longer in pain and no longer suffering. If there is a God…I pray that he was accepted with warm loving arms on the other side. He deserves nothing less.
The door then opened and I was greeted by a man who has done my blood draws a number of times over the course of the last 3 years. He is a person who stands out in my memory of my worst moments because of his kindness and understanding. He held my hand through some rough moments. His face lit up and he said “Well look at you!! You look so strong and healthy and amazing!”….and I couldn’t help but beam with pride. It felt so good to have someone acknowledge how far I had come.
As we went through the process of finding a vein that would cooperate (easier said than done anymore) we chatted about Lyme and he mentioned he no longer goes outside. He has seen too much and while he is not a doctor he has been deeply affected by many of us that have been affected by this awful disease. He looked me in the eyes and said “You are lucky…You are alive…not everyone has been so fortunate.” His friend died last year. They diagnosed him with ALS but was later diagnosed with Lyme…at that point it was too late and treatment wasn’t an option because insurance wouldn’t pay for it and the family ran out of funds. His friend was 37 years old and left behind a wife and a his young daughter.
I couldn’t help but cry sitting in that chair with him…because you see…that man was my IV buddy for several months. We had identical symptoms and almost identical treatments….so every week we would sit together at the doctors office for hours on end receiving our medications and IV. I held his baby daughter…my mother bonded with his wife…they would take turns getting us our lunches and taking care of us while at the doctors so the other could get something done. He became my friend in that moment in time….when we were both trapped and couldn’t verbalize what was happening to us. He was someone I could sit next to and look at and know….He understood my pain and fear.
I am still struggling with this…I have thought of him often. Why did I respond to treatment? Why didn’t he? I hate that money is what makes treatment available…why should only those with a large bank account survive this nightmare? I feel guilty…and often wonder why me?? How do I make this into a positive change in my life? How do I honor my IV buddy?? Was his cause of death really ALS or was it really Lyme??
Last night I said a prayer for him and his family…and the only comfort I take from this is knowing he is no longer in pain and no longer suffering. If there is a God…I pray that he was accepted with warm loving arms on the other side. He deserves nothing less.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Farmer's Market tips
If you are new to visiting your local Farmer’s Market….I have a few tips and ideas that will make your trip a little smoother….
1. Try to go early. It usually means less crowds and more options. If you opt to go later in the day you may find that farmer’s have either run out of items or the produce has already been picked over.
2. BYOB - Please remember to bring your own bags! Most of the farmers do have some on hand but bringing your own is easier for everyone and is the most eco-friendly way to go!
3. Be adventurous. Of course you should buy your staple items but don’t be afraid to try something new. In season fruits and veggies are the way to go…so take advantage of the new and unusual. If you are unsure of what something is or how to prepare, just ask. The folks who grow usually have tons of ideas for cooking!
4. Bring Cash. I have never been to a farmers market that has accepts check or credit cards…so make sure to hit up the ATM machine prior to you market visit. It will make your life much easier in the long run!
5 .Buy your eggs, fish, milk, cheese and meat products. When you purchase the items from local markets you are cutting down on environmental impact. Plus…these items taste so much better when they go from farm to table.
6. Leave your pets home. Most markets have laws they need to follow to maintain operation. This includes no animals. As much fun as it is to bring your dog out for the morning…they usually are not allowed into markets which leaves the poor pooches sitting in very hot and uncomfortable cars.
7. Don’t haggle. I know it’s fun to go to a market and haggle over prices but leave it for the flea markets. The farmers set their prices for a reason…they have costs and overhead and not a lot of room left to negotiate. Sorry hagglers!
8. Samples. Everyone loves samples…so don’t be afraid to try them. You never know what sort of item may inspire you…so try the samples. If you like it…buy it!
9. Shop around first. I always do a lap of the market before making my purchase. I see what’s there…what looks the best….who has the best prices…..then go back and make my purchase. I’m usually on some kind of budget so and in the past have spent my budget to only get to the end of the market and realize I am out of cash but desperately want something. What a disappointment!!
1. Try to go early. It usually means less crowds and more options. If you opt to go later in the day you may find that farmer’s have either run out of items or the produce has already been picked over.
2. BYOB - Please remember to bring your own bags! Most of the farmers do have some on hand but bringing your own is easier for everyone and is the most eco-friendly way to go!
3. Be adventurous. Of course you should buy your staple items but don’t be afraid to try something new. In season fruits and veggies are the way to go…so take advantage of the new and unusual. If you are unsure of what something is or how to prepare, just ask. The folks who grow usually have tons of ideas for cooking!
4. Bring Cash. I have never been to a farmers market that has accepts check or credit cards…so make sure to hit up the ATM machine prior to you market visit. It will make your life much easier in the long run!
5 .Buy your eggs, fish, milk, cheese and meat products. When you purchase the items from local markets you are cutting down on environmental impact. Plus…these items taste so much better when they go from farm to table.
6. Leave your pets home. Most markets have laws they need to follow to maintain operation. This includes no animals. As much fun as it is to bring your dog out for the morning…they usually are not allowed into markets which leaves the poor pooches sitting in very hot and uncomfortable cars.
7. Don’t haggle. I know it’s fun to go to a market and haggle over prices but leave it for the flea markets. The farmers set their prices for a reason…they have costs and overhead and not a lot of room left to negotiate. Sorry hagglers!
8. Samples. Everyone loves samples…so don’t be afraid to try them. You never know what sort of item may inspire you…so try the samples. If you like it…buy it!
9. Shop around first. I always do a lap of the market before making my purchase. I see what’s there…what looks the best….who has the best prices…..then go back and make my purchase. I’m usually on some kind of budget so and in the past have spent my budget to only get to the end of the market and realize I am out of cash but desperately want something. What a disappointment!!
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