Gwennaford's Journal

[turkkm]

Oh Gwennaford, I am so happy you have light in the kitchen!  The kitchen is the most important room of the home, the heatbeat that keeps it all healthy and running!  Praise God for miracles and little angels in disguise.  I had a kitchen miracle yesterday too. My sister and brother in law came into town to visit yesterday.  My kitchen sink had been leaking for a week and a half and I was doing dishes in the bathroom.  He got it fixed in a jiffy, no cost to me, whew.  Thank you God for both of our kitchen miracles!

[cm in tn]

Gwen was just cruising your street and seen you not home.Just wanted to stop by and say howdy.Well howdy hope things are going well for you and Neil.God sends us Angel's in many forms.

Going to have lunch with ms Jeanne and Mr Jim they are coming back through tn and will tour the cave in my area and the bestest news they are going to have lunch with me in my home.I'm real excited bout seeing those two of my favorite people.I'm excited!!!

They will be here on the 28Th!!!!Counting the days, this will be out 3rd reunion to meet for lunch>
We are getting thunder storms we.vie had so much rain will need a goat to mow yard lol,
its suppose to turn cooler after this front which i welcome.

Hope to finish the canning tonite.have few tomatoes so will can them for chili,soup or just plain eating.Then i will take pleasure in kicking MR Mason to the curb!!!!I'm taking back my kitchen.

TODAY IS THE TOMORROW YOU WORRIED BOUT YESTERDAY!!!!!!!!!

[Gwennaford]

AWWW -- Please tell Jeanne and Jim we have REALLY missed them on the boards & encourage them to drop in soon.  I don't know why Jeanne stopped posting, but her spirituality, wit and wisdom were welcome additions to EVERYONE's days!

Mr. Mason -- HA HA  good one!  I was GLAD to see that storm front is going to be pushing "Ben" ("Bill"?) back out to sea instead of into Florida.

God DOES send us angels in many forms.  Yesterday I had two annoyingly helpful people that dropped in on me at the same time - a nurse here at the house & an insurance case worker on the phone.  Both asking a thousand questions, not waiting for the answers, and demanding for detailed information about Neil's condition.  I know they were doing their job & trying to be helpful - but it is stressful having those unexpected visits, catching me flat-footed right in the middle of something else.  SO -- I must have been inspired by the Lord to do this, 'cause I'm not that smart -- I handed the phone to the nurse so she could talk to the case worker and they happily chattered away together for fifteen minutes while I finished what I was doing.  They were both satisfied and I was relieved.

[mom]

Gwen, I just stopped by to say hello, and to apologize on behalf of nurses everywhere who wash their hands until they bleed, trying to protect your loved ones skin and alll

[Gwennaford]

Oh, Mom - I didn't mean to sound so ungrateful.  I DO appreciate what everyone does for Neil.  I'm sorry I crabbed about the nurses yesterday. 

Neil's case is so incredibly complicated it truly "takes a village" to care for him.  I just get overwhelmed on the days that all the villagers unexpectedly come to me all at once for all the answers!  I loved it that I could put two of them together yesterday to answer each other's questions. 

I can personally vouch for the hand washing until they bleed since I've been cleaning him, dressing him, changing him & cleaning up after him six to eight times a day for the past two years.  I do it for many reasons, which I'm sure I don't have to list here.  Truthfully, I must admit, for every grumpy nurse who treats me like I'm trying to take away her job, there are at least ten wonderful nurses who express their appreciation that this frees them up to take care of people with MEDICAL issues rather than just hygiene.

HATS OFF TO NURSES WHO LAY THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE EVERY DAY

[Gwennaford]

Due to time constraints, I cheated & copied this from Jaz's journal in order to have a post in MY journal.

I would love to stay & play but I just cooked 8 pounds of different dry beans & I've gotta get them all cooled down & put away before I leave for my appointment with Mike the Therapist at 3:15.  My darling husband invited the plumber to stay for dinner tonight after he installs the new water heater (still having trouble with that thing).  I'm ashamed to say it didn't occur to me to invite him but I'm thrilled to have him.  I just didn't expect guests tonight after my appointment so I gotta hustle.  So I guess I'll make a big pot of Pizza Soup to put in the crockpot for dinner tonight.  It's kinda hot for Pizza Soup, but I can serve frozen smoothies for dessert to even everything out!  I have two gigantor bags of Dole frozen fruit from Sam's.

I told Mike I want to make bracelets saying, "WWMD" (for What Would Mike Do?) When people ask me what it means, I'll hand them his card.  LOL.  I believe the Lord put him in my path the same way He did Roger Troy.  Mike is largely responsible for helping me remember to keep my sense of humor & enjoy God's grace during my trials.

Speaking of my trials, Neil is feeling a little better.    Sorry Neil, but you are a lot of trouble!  But if it wasn't for you I would not have the life I now enjoy -- so THANK YOU for being you.

Loves to all,
Gwennaford

[aaa]

Dear Ms. Gwennaford, Just popped in for a quick "Hi"!!! How have you been?!  How is Neal?!  I continue to pray for both of you.  I hope this short note finds him healing and feeling so much better.  Do you have your surgery scheduled yet?  Please let me know the date so I can pray specifically... Gotta' run... a busy day planned...  Just wanted you to know I have been thinking about you both...  Love and prayers,  Annamaria  P. S.  As my "Precious Mother" use to say: "Have a Blessed day in the Lord"...  Love, A.

[Gwennaford]

The City of Clearwater and Lakeview Baptist Church teamed up to throw a spaghetti dinner benefit for Neil.  There were SO MANY lovely, wonderful people there.  I heard that the parking lot overflowed and people had to park in the street.  It was a nonstop "tears of joy" experience for all of us. When Neil went up to say a few words, there was not a dry eye in the house. Hope to be able to get more pics to share.





Notice I'm the one with the small bowl of SALAD and a black coffee.  HA    That's Michelle (DD#2) in the foreground.  Poor Neil was so tired after working all day, then going to the church for dinner.  Please pray for him to get his strength back.  His poor little fingers are not doing well.  

[mrsj]

Gwen, thanks for sharing these pictures.  I really enjoyed seeing you, Neil, and your daughter.  It's good of all of you.  But my how great that the people of your church outpoured their love for your family in this way.  I will pray regarding Neil getting his strength back.  You guys have been through so much but you look the picture of health, except for Neil's bandage.  In fact Gwen, you are just glowing beautifully.  There's no doubt the Lord is your strength.
I will be sending you a PM.
Hugs,
mrsj

PS:  Look at you go girl with your salad and coffee!

[Gwennaford]

AW, MrsJ you are too good to me.  That glow you see comes from the Lord, who sent Roger Troy and Let's Do Lunch to me.

I want to acknowledge that is was not just Lakeview Baptist Church, but also Neil's co-workers at the City of Clearwater who threw the benefit.  Also the City-County Employees Credit Union opened a special account in Neil's name for anyone who wanted to make contributions but couldn't make it to the dinner.  Many of the credit union staff members were the first to make personal deposits into that account.  Just in case any of those incredibly generous people reads this, I don't want to minimize anyone's efforts on our behalf.

About that glow, I feel SOOO good compared to the way I used to feel when I was SOOOO fat and miserable.  After every meal I would sweat and have hot flashes.  I would have to sit in front of a fan until all that heavy disgusting food digested.  I caught myself feeling that way just the other day after a big meal and it raised all kinds of alarm bells for me.  I don't THINK I had eaten anything bad.  Maybe I just ate it badly, or too much at the wrong time.  But whatever it was, it was a wake-up call for me to pay attention and get strictly back on board the Skinnytown Express.

Oh, how I wish, hope & pray that Neil & Michelle would get on board the LDL train with me.  Michelle has been complaining about hot flashes, irregular periods, and is suffering sleeplessness from constant joint pain (and damage, I'm sure).  I know it is from her weight.  I don't nag her, but I did quietly give her this information a few days ago.  I told her I am in NO position to judge ANYONE, as I've always been fat and HAD always managed to be generally healthy despite my overweight.  But my lifelong denial aside, I am certain that my body suffered irreparable harm from carrying all that extra weight.  I pray that something ELSE doesn't manifest for me in the future.  Or for her.  She has seen what havoc diabetes has wreaked in her father.

She and Joe live on a diet of sugary caffeine drinks and fried foods.  They both occasionally enjoy eating something healthy, but always follow it up with the bad stuff.  I believe Neil would recover his health if he would begin trying a few of the LDL foods he is allowed to eat on his renal diet.  Roger Troy is constantly after me to get him on the program, but Neil won't hear of it.  

Welll. . . the sun's coming up and my second wind wore off.  I should catch a nap before my services are required . . .

Loves to all,
Gwennaford

OH -- I came on here to post a viniagrette recipe I made for dinner.  It was pretty good.

Raspberry Mojo Viniagrette -- Serve as a salad dressing, marinade, or sauce for meat or steamed veggies.

Basic Mojo Viniagrette:

1 part Mojo Marinade (Just fruit juices, veg, herbs & spices - no sugar.  It's on the marinade & condiment aisle)
1 part Olive Oil
1 part Cider Vinegar
1 part Water (optional, but this is VERY tart without it)

For every cup of viniagrette, add:
2 Tbsp. Whole Grain Mustard
1/4 tsp. Dried (or 1/2 tsp. fresh) Italian Herb Blend
1/4 tsp. Onion Powder
1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
1/8 tsp. Seasoned Salt
1 gram pkt. Splenda or Stevia (optional)
Several grinds Coarse Ground Black Pepper

Whiz all ingredients with an immersion or regular blender to emulsify.  Refrigerate in a clean glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid.  

--------------

To make the raspberry dressing:

1/2 cup of the above Basic Mojo Viniagrette
2 Tbsp. No Added Sugar raspberry jam or preserves

Whiz together to combine and break up any raspberry seeds.  You really don't want to strain this because you'll lose the little bits of veg & spices from the mojo.

Variations:  Substitute No Added Sugar Blackberry Jam or Preserves, or Frozen Orange Juice Concentrate for the raspberry.

Enjoy!  Gwen

[Gwennaford]

I was just reading Mary's Moussaka recipe and remembering this picture of me WAAAAAAYYYY before Let's Do Lunch.  During one of our first dates we went to the Tarpon Springs sponge docks (it's a Greek village) and Neil bought this Greek dress for me.  The picture is all scratched up from being carried in his wallet for 23 years!  AWWW!

[mrsj]

Wow!!  No wonder your dh carried this picture in his wallet.  It's a great picture of you!
This reminds me of the picture my Dad carried in his wallet of my Mom.  My Mom may have known about it but none of the rest of the family had ever seen the picture before.  My Mom was a knockout in that picture as you are in yours.

Btw, I was just recently in Tarpon Springs with some dear friends.  I had listed in my journal that day that I ate at a Greek restaurant.  I also bought some olive oil soap that I wasn't sure about it at first, but now I am enjoying using it.

Thanks for sharing your picture Gwen!
mrsj

[mrsj]

"I was just thinking that there are so many of us in Florida it's got to be one of our meeting venues in the future.....)"

I love the way you think Mary!
mrsj

[Gwennaford]

HEAR HEAR ! ! !  There are so many nice hotels up & down US 19 now, it wouldn't be a problem finding a place to stay.  I just wonder about activities in that area.  After you've done the sponge docks, what else is there without driving 20 miles?  I'll have to research some nice beaches between Clearwater & Tarpon.  Honeymoon Island & Caladesi Island Ferry in Dunedin might be options, but Honeymoon is pretty washed out.  The barrier islands from St. Pete to Clearwater are still the best for activities.  We could get some good deals during the off season (Summer).

MrsJ - Why didn't I know you were in Sarasota? ? ?  I guess I wasn't paying attention.  I'm so excited I can barely breathe.  Michelle & Joe are planning to take me to an art show there soon.  Will you & your DH PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE plan to meet us?

Neil's being impatient with me taking time for myself - gotta go.

Loves to all.
Gwennaford

P.S.  That pic was taken during the five minutes I was skinny between the weight loss class where we met (ha ha) and our wedding.  I still weighed 186 and thought I was a cow, even though I only wore a size 14.  (WISH I WAS THERE NOW)  I persuaded the photographer to let me change clothes midway through the session, because I had this really classy (I thought) green satiny Linda Evans Dynasty wrap dress with giant shoulder pads that I though was SO glamourous (it WAS 1986).  Now the green dress looks ridiculous and the classic country girl look endured.  Go figure.

So what do you think Niki?  Can I pass for a Greek sistah?

Pray for us.  Neil's losing it.  As you can see from the church picture, he has aged 20 years since Christmas when the photo gallery family pics were taken.  Now I gotta go.  He's getting mad. 

[Gwennaford]

Gwennaford’s Vegetarian Vegetable & Kidney Bean Soup - Inspired by Tina K's All in the Pot Veggie Soup!, Quita's Caldo, Savannah’s “salad” and my mama’s old fashioned vegetable beef stew.  This makes a massive pot of soup, so get out your big stockpot!

1. In a very large soup pot, sauté the following in 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil until starting to caramelize:

1 Yellow Onion, diced
2 stalks Celery with leaves, diced
3 Carrots, scrubbed & diced
6 cloves Garlic, minced
1 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

2. Add the following and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer while preparing remaining ingredients:

2 quarts Water or Low Sodium Vegetable Stock
3-4 cups (2 cans) Kidney Beans, drained
1 can Ro-Tel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies
1 can Green Beans, no added salt, drained (Walmart has all kinds of n.a.s. veggies)
1 can Hominy
1 Tbsp. Vegetable Bouillon Granules
1 Tbsp. Dried Italian Herbs
1 Tbsp. Smoked Paprika
Zest & Juice of 1 Lemon
Fresh ground Black Pepper

3. Cut the following into one-inch chunks:

1 Red Bell Pepper
2 Portobello Mushroom Caps
1/2 Lg. very tight head Green Cabbage, separate the leaves as little as possible
3-4 Lg. Kale leaves, washed & trimmed
2 ears Corn on the Cob cut into coins (may substitute canned or frozen)

4. In a large VERY HOT skillet add 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil and the mushrooms.  Sauté over medium-high heat until thoroughly dark brown on all sides.  If they start to exude liquid, turn up the heat slightly.  Add Red Bell Pepper and continue stirring until peppers start to brown.  

5. Add mushrooms and peppers to the soup pot along with the cabbage, kale and corn.  Stir gently to combine without breaking up cabbage chunks.  Taste for seasonings and add salt & pepper if needed.  Return to a boil, reduce heat and simmer gently until cabbage and kale are JUST getting tender.  You don’t want them mushy at all.

Okay – Your brain knows there are no potatoes in there, but when you get a chunk of cabbage & some kidney beans in your mouth at the same time, the texture makes you think you’re eating potatoes.  It’s a very neat thing.  I love to gnaw, so leaving the corn on the cob makes me happy, too.

[Cyndy]

HI Gwennaford! I saw you had stopped by Honeygram's. Thank you for the well wishes.  I just read your recipe and found it very yummy sounding.  I'm going to have to make it when I can get up and drive.  I cook alot and found it very interesting your combinations, especially the lemon zest and the corn on the cob. Is your soup very spicy? I do love vegetables and soup
Have a blessed and glorious day!

[Gwennaford]

Thank you Cyndy.  The recipe seems long & complicated, but it's just regular vegetable soup with whatever you like or have on hand thrown in.  I had fun experimenting with techniques I've seen on the Food Network, notably Rachael Ray's mushroom browning trick.

The small amount of red pepper flakes & the small can of Ro-Tel don't really add a lot of zing in this large quantity of soup.  It's just a nice warmth on the back of your throat.  The soup can be spicier if you like.  I like to add hot sauce or jalapeños to taste with each bowl I eat, but I don't put it in the pot in case I serve it to someone else.  

The little bit of lemon really brightens the flavor since I had to leave out the big can of tomatoes I normally would use.  (Lately my mouth is having issues with too much acidic food.)

I think the corn coins idea came from member Quita's Caldo (Mexican stew) recipe on the boards.  When eating this yesterday I noticed there was also a can of hominy in there that I forgot to write in the recipe.

Hope you are up & around soon and fully recovered from foot surgery.  I know what it's like not to be able to get to the store!  grr 

[tprouty]

Hey Gwen!

Wow, love the soup and vinaigrette recipes! These look perfect for the cooler weather. Well, you're probably still warm there in Florida, but after a cool, sometimes rainy weekend, my feet are cold as I'm sitting in my office here in North Idaho. No frost yet, but it is lurking around the corner.

And I really love the photos you posted the last couple of weeks. GREAT picture of you in the little Greek peasant dress. I can see that lovely face and sparkling eyes in the photo of you at the benefit (what a wonderful church family you have!) Mrs. J is right -- you definitely have a delightful glow about you!

I'm more sorry than I can say that things seem to be sliding downhill with Neil. Especially considering what you've been through in the last many months, I can see by your face that you have yourself firmly placed in God's hands to keep your strength, patience, and humor. That's the best (only) place to be, whatever the circumstances. My prayers continue with you!

God bless,
Terri

[Gwennaford]

Roger Troy finally heard me say I have not lost any weight since Christmas, and didn't just blow it off by telling me to stay off the scale)  I know I have faithfully eaten only LDL foods, but have not strictly adhered to all the principles as far as timing, variety, pre-preparation -- just about everything a person CAN do wrong, without actually eating the wrong food.  He pointed out that I have been eating out of habit instead of hunger and counseled me to start REALLY paying attention to what & how much I'm eating.

With that in mind, at Roger Troy's instigation, I started a food diary as a separate thread, without chatting & joking around, so I could focus on what I actually put in my mouth every day.  The first two days of posting have made me very mindful of what I'm putting in my mouth.  It feels good that the train is motivating along again, instead of idling on a side rail. 

I can tell my legs are less swollen after only a few days of eating fruit, my good cabbage soup and drinking lots of water.  So the fruit & soup flush really does work.  I'm not going to weigh until the first of the month, though.  I still refuse to be a slave to the scale, even though I will have to be careful not to get in denial.  It's obvious, after 8 months, that this was not merely a fluctuation & there was a deeper reason I was not losing weight.  Refusing to step on the scale does not excuse the fact.  Over the LONG term, the scale is still a reliable measure. 

And we are all in this for the LONG term, yes? 

Coming Soon -- Vinegar Cabbage Slaw recipe