No news......

..........is good news !!       Just to let you all know that we are still out here in blog land.    At this age, you just never know !    But, now that we are enjoying our plants, we plan to be around a bit longer.   I got my labs back the other day.    My lipids are better and heading in the right direction.  The scale is showing very positive results as well as my clothes.     AND, the golf ball is cooperating !

Jeff and Jennifer arrive tomorrow for a week.   It's always fun to have a bit of youth around "The Bubble".   We have tee times and excursions planned.

And now I must continue my eradication of geckos.....one managed to escape INTO the house.   I had a dream that it was on my pillow !  

Spring has sprung.......

So, we are giving golf one more chance to see if we really want to continue to beat up our egos.   I guess the key is playing more than once a month as the game seems to be coming back a bit.   But, at this age, it ain't going to come back very far......

 We had to pause while the residents of this  golf course strolled by on his way to someplace important.     Haven't seen too many wood storks before .....Welcome !!

The pool is finally warm and refreshing.   We are doing the spring clean up and power washing the winter dust off and also eradicating the tiny pesky anoles once again.    Another golf ball punched it's way thru the top of the screening again yesterday and bounced around making a lot of noise.   The Tee boxes are located past those palms but normally, we just get a few rolling into the yard.   The owner must have had an idea where it went as he did not drive over to look for it.    Because we live on a golf course, the law says it's just a hazard of living here and we have no recourse.....not that I would do anything anyhow.   But he could have said "Sorry " !!

Blog alert:    Time for my next lecture  on plant based eating for your learning pleasure.   

I am not a cook and fortunately live with the right man who isn't fussy.    Transitioning to this way of eating has been a challenge.   Some people try and duplicate familiar foods and that is not always successful.    I don't get the need to make fake meat or buy fake meat.     Initially, it might make the transition easier but the taste buds do change and the way you look at food changes and soon, you eat what looks and tastes good.     I'm spending a lot more time and effort to try and come up with healthy and tasty items.    I'm thankful for the web and Facebook groups and several cookbooks that I've studied.   Here are pictures of a couple of successes.  

 Corn bread.    Oil and sugar free.   It has  maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.  No eggs.   The cornmeal is kind of rustic and coarse which I like.    Great warm with honey.
 

 OK, so this is a copycat....called Fettucini alfredo but that's not what it tastes like so I wouldn't name it that.    It's whole wheat fettuccine , broccoli, and a sauce made with cauliflower.    No egg, cheese, dairy or oil.     Very good and even better the next day.

 Every day for lunch we have a delicious green smoothie.    Lots of kale, chard and spinach with an apple, banana and blueberries and cashew milk.   We top it with flax for our omega 3's.  

So then I made rice and beans.....and added corn.    It is delicious.    We eat it as a snack with corn tortilla chips that I bake.   Or add it to burritos made with refried beans, ww tortillas and sometimes onions and red peppers.  

We eat oatmeal every morning, lots of potatoes and veggies and beans and salads.    I made oatmeal, walnut raisin cookies that are a sweet treat ( again, no oil, no dairy, no eggs, no flour etc ).    We eat until we are satisfied.....no counting calories.    We are losing weight but the main thing is that we feel  SO MUCH BETTER....  I want to ask why everyone doesn't eat this way!!    I regret the way I ate for years altho I have never eaten or liked much meat.  
I encourage everyone to watch the CNN special that Dr Sanja Gupta did this fall called "The Last Heart attack".   It's available on youtube and should be required watching.  

OK, enough already........

BUT, if you want any info............................I'm available.  

Florida finally feels like Florida.........

 I'm sorry  all you Northerners but it really is nice down here these days.    In fact, it's a bit too warm for the morning walks and I'm doing some serious brow wiping.    But as the day winds down, sitting out  on the lanai is  delightful and relaxing.

 Lately, we have seen very large flocks of white pelicans.    This is the first year I have noticed them here at all.    Normally, they are over on the coasts, both the brown ones and the white ones.    But this year there are many many flocks.    Watching them come in for a landing, with their substantial wing span, it's hard not to imagine them as airplanes as they hover over the surface right before they settle gently into the water.   This picture does not capture the number of them on the pond.    And straight behind and across the golf course is our house....the one in the middle covered over by palm trees.   I wanted to get closer but couldn't walk on the course so just used the trusty phone from the side walk.  ( You definitely want to keep your golf ball  on this fairway as there is a lot of trouble if you don't ! )

 Today, I met my BFF at the big Mall in Orlando.    This is Susan from Montrose.....just a few doors down from us.    She sent me the snow pics and is my happy hour friend.     She's visiting her kids and I was thrilled that we could meet for lunch and catch up.    I'm getting excited to be heading back there later in April or early May.  ( Yes, I noticed the sign above our heads and it is not an indication of anything !!!!  )

Speaking of food.......this was dinner tonight.   I forgot to rotate the picture so just turn your head.  We  always have a large green salad with everything  imaginable on it .... well, not cucumbers,......Then I cut up these veggies, splashed them with some balsamic and ground pepper and roasted them in a hot oven.    The cauliflower and the brussel sprouts and the onion get very sweet.   There are sweet potato  and purple potatoes and sometimes I add chunks of red, yellow and orange peppers.   I  forgot to  take a picture after they were done.   I'm not a fan of roasted broccoli...prefer it steamed.   My Silpat mat doesn't quite fit the baking sheet.   

And because I can't quit my proselytizing , here's another view of plant based eating. 

We're enjoying the new season of House of Cards.   I want her hair..... 

WFPB

Whole Food Plant Based now describes ME !   A few years ago I thought I was but I was wrong.    I am not a Vegan or a Vegetarian.    I eat whole foods, not processed look- alike foods, but greens, nuts, seeds, beans, fruit, veggies, grains all put together in delicious combinations that result in allowing my body ( in these, my golden years .... ??... why golden? ) to be the best it can be.  
The only downside is that I wish I was smarter many years ago.   I have been wary of meat for a long time but I can't say that the rest of my diet was so healthy.    And the proof has been the growing out of clothes, the achy joints and the need for BP meds and statins ( I can't take them but should).  
We all assume that this is a natural part of growing older and there is always a drug that will manage the next condition.   I see changes in our family as they add on the years and friends who have debilitating chronic conditions and I want to get on the soapbox and share some tools and ideas that might just turn things around.    But I won't................Instead I'll just say that I feel great.    I am walking farther and faster every day.      I have no achy joints.   I sleep soundly.    I have more energy.   I'm happy.    And, in less than 6 weeks, I am down 11 pounds.    We eat very well.....we fill up fast on roasted veggies, delicious chili, huge salads filled with assorted veggies, seeds and nuts and green ( kale, chard, spinach ) smoothies sweetened with a banana, blueberries and an apple.     We use soy or cashew or almond milk.   We eat whole wheat breads and pastas.    We have hummus with flour free crackers or carrots.     One of us has an occasional bite of baked fish.     We are in the infancy stage of learning but it is energizing to see what our bodies will do at this age.    And, we drink wine.     What's not to like about all of this.  
I certainly don't expect my readers to jump on the bandwagon.   Depending on how and what you eat, it is a big change and a commitment but after a week or two, you'll look at food in an entirely different way.    And, by doing your own research, you will see the role of politics, drug companies,  the meat industry and the corn industry in manipulating what we eat.  
Yes, there is nothing worse than a convert..... sorry about that but maybe I've piqued your interest.  

Enjoying the view from afar........

This might be one reason why we spend our days in the land of palm trees and golf and pickle ball....!

Montrose was buried in beautiful snow last night.    The mountains of Colorado and Utah have been lacking in snow and with the depth's measuring in feet, I'm sure everyone is rejoicing.      That house with the high overhang is our house, the tables are at our dear neighbors, Susan and Gary Gray.   I often walked across the golf course with my wine glass for a happy hour.    Susan will be in the area visiting with her children in a week and I sure hope we can chat awhile.  

Weather has finally warmed up and yesterday I got a bit of a glow on the golf course....and it wasn't from playing well.   Hopefully, the cold days are gone for the year and we invite you all down to savor the warmth and thaw out.  

We are very fortunate to be living healthy, active lives but we are frequently faced with friends dealing with declining health, deaths and debilitation.    Intellectually, I knew this would happen some day but  when the reality of it has a name and a face and a history with us, it becomes much too real and difficult.     I remember when Paul was down and out and how vital the calls and notes and encouragement were to me and I try and offer what I can.  

Speaking of health.....I won't preach (even tho I really really want to ) but do watch "Forks Over Knives"....  Netflix or youtube.      I wasn't going to mention this AGAIN, but then decided that it's my blog and I can do what I want.  

Happy Valentine's Day

 We did the southern drive in our usual 2 days.    We couldn't wait to see the temperatures go over 30 degrees and watch the snow slowly fade.       We could tell we had reached Florida when we

saw this sign at a rest stop...... !

 Besides listening to an Audible.com book , we also kept our eyes on WAZE the FREE app that tells you about traffic and hazards and police and slow traffic.    All those little pink blobs are Wazers who can quickly enter traffic info and we are alerted by an icon and a voice alert.   We can then acknowledge it or delete if it's no longer there.    You get points for each time you comment and then get upgraded to a better looking icon or something.    It was even featured on the news the other night.   It was very helpful going thru the NY traffic.   It also acts as a GPS.

It's great to be back home and in the sun but it is coolish and breezy so the sweaters and jeans still feel good.  

This is what I'll be accessorizing with on Valentine's Day, compliments of my DIL Jennifer who said it was a very early BD gift.....It's not something I would splurge on for  myself but aren't those the best gifts.    I'm loving the color and it goes perfectly with my grey hair !!      Thank you Jen !!  

I was going to put a funny ecard at the end of this but the ones I thought were hilarious weren't G rated or even PG ..... I'll have to send them to my favorite Valentine !      Have a fun day with someone you care about !  

Grandparenting is a special privilege.............

It certainly is white and cold and snowy up here.     We got in on Wed night after easy driving.   The next day it was 2 degrees with a wind chill below zero.   We bundled up in thick sox and extra layers and turned up the heat.    Furry throws wrapped around our legs and electric blankets at night have kept us toasty and comfortable.     We are wimps......!

 The COACH never rests !!    Lessons in the basement commenced with drills and a few chairs became a net.

 After dire warnings of the pending THIRD storm, we waited for the white stuff knowing school would be cancelled and the Mall would be crowded.     Freezing rain came during the night and then the fluffy snow finally began falling this morning.     It is so pretty.  And irresistible  to active boys who took advantage of the deep snow and the long hill out back.   So far, P says there is about 4 new inches on top of the previous accumulations.    They came in,  had  hot chocolate and left their wet clothes all over the entry...........some things never change.

Tomorrow we'll pack up and head quickly south............

......providing the parents decide to come home.

Deja vu all over again...................(yes, it's fuzzy but it's as if the scene is right out of the 70's..)

Meandering thoughts.............

Just look at that cute face.......actually cute faces !     Meet Alex's new friend, Aspen, a portuguese water dog, 10 weeks old alongside Roxie, the Princess of the house and 9 years old.     

The Colorado house has always been happy and alive with kids and cats and dogs and birds and fish, and even a bearded dragon and a turtle at one time.    Aspen comes from outstanding stock and may get a chance to show off  all her talent and breeding  as she grows.     It's a fun hobby and I'm sure Alex is up to the task.   I went that route with one of our dog many years ago.   It was fun but also very political once you get into the serious shows.   But they will have the support of the breeders to show them the way.     It sounds like a lot of fun and what a cute ball of fluff (until she grows).   

Otherwise, the days are rolling along and we are gearing up for heading North.....probably between snowfalls.    

FITBIT sent me a new badge for walking the length of Italy !!    I guess if I'd been more diligent when I first got the thing, ( april last year ) I might have  walked  thru Europe by now.    But I'll take the accolades.      The other day I managed to do 6 miles without too much discomfort.    And then today, I struggled getting 3 miles in.    

I received a subpoena a few weeks to go for a deposition yesterday.     Annoying at best.    Drove 45 min to the designated office. Had an appt for 10 am along with about 8 others who all had the same time.    By 11 we were still waiting !.    Finally, I got called in first and answered questions from the Prosecutor and Defense attorney re: an attempted break-in at a neighbor's house.   I happened to see the suspect on the golf course and gave a statement to the police ( I wrote about it last March).  
No one else in the group had seen anything.    The accused is also wanted on other robberies.    I'm really hoping this doesn't go to trial as I suspect I would be called as a witness for the Prosecution.....even tho I can't really identify him, I saw identifying features.

I finished listening to The Martian on my walks.    It's to be movie coming out late in the year with Matt Damon as the astronaut.   It was good.    I'm reading a couple more books.    If you like to explore new books and authors, Amazon has a blog called Omnivoracious which leads me to some interesting choices.
  I'm also delving deeper and deeper into  plant based eating.....again.    When I did it a couple years ago, I felt great.    I'm not sure why I slipped back into old habits but probably just lazy and the lure of Mexican food (altho leave out the meat/cheese and it's a great vegan food )        The weight is coming off , I'm more energetic and sleeping better.    And, I'm noticing that it is going more mainstream with articles on plant based eating in major publications and more and more athletes embracing the lifestyle.    And yes, I get plenty of protein and calcium from what I eat.   One of the best books is "The Forks over Knives Plan".    The movie Forks over Knives on Netflix is impressive.   So, enough of my proselytizing.

Today we are going to play golf !    We've had tee times a couple of times previously and cancelled them for lack of enthusiasm.    I'm giving it one more shot and if I'm not really really good , I'm going to find a new use for my clubs.    

PS:     We played golf, nice day, sun shining, coolish.....didn't play great, didn't play awful.   Will keep clubs for another day.     Had an observer .........

Snow is why old people live in Florida............

 I'm holding my breath and hoping that Jim Cantore doesn't show up in SW Connecticut.    And if he does here's hoping he brings free generators for everyone !!    

This is from the snowfall a couple of days ago.    And then the "guys"  (along with Scout troop 270 of Sandy Hook ) went on a sleep over on the carrier Intrepid in NYC and saw the space shuttle Enterprise up close and personal.    What a wonderful adventure for those kids.

Nothing new down here in the land of sun and fun.    The pickle ball paddles and my fitbit are getting good workouts.    He's moved up to the Intermediate level and I'm gradually getting more and more steps in each day.     I was out feeling proud of my increasing distance (almost 5 miles that morning) when I was passed by this woman of age with her ear buds in and  no sign of sweat or pain on her face.   I struck up a brief conversation and asked how far she walks........ " 6 miles most days but today I'm doing 8 ".....I was crushed.   I rationalized all the way home..... a bit younger, no grey hair, a tiny bit thinner, must have better shoes,  and probably is getting paid for the mileage by some advertiser.    Then I felt better and decided that we all need a challenge.

We're looking forward to heading North once again......back to Connecticut in Feb.    The grandparents will be in charge for a few days...... providing the forecast is for sun and 60 degrees and they've shoveled a path to the door.      Meanwhile back at the ranch, the golf course is OPEN at Cobble Creek and the sun is shining on the mountains.   Ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon. !!!

Potpourri

Seriously, I really need to be more aware of my responsibilities as a blogger and occasionally post something...... something catchy and witty and substantial and mysterious and meaningful and ...... oh, forget it.   This is as good as it gets in my brain.  

In my never ending quest to eat healthy, I've perfected the best 'Big Pot" of substantial fixings.     This is what I call chili but it's more than that.     I start with diced tomatoes, add canned corn, beans (lots of beans ), kale, spinach, lots of onion, and taco seasoning.     Then, depending on what I have, I throw in my zucchini or squash or sweet potato noodles, and then quinoa penne pasta....made with just quinoa and corn meal.     It doesn't stay together as it sits for a couple days but it adds a nice hearty substance to the liquid.    You can also use just the quinoa grains or small pasta or brown rice.    I used to make it with ground turkey breast but now that I'm meat-free again, I don't need it and it isn't missed.

Under the Christmas tree this year were these unique bowl/plate combos from Jeff and Jennifer.   They are perfect for just about anything that goes in a bowl.    The plate twists off and the handle on the bowl is very handy.    We use them a lot and especially for the 'chili'....

Speaking of eating and the resulting need to work it off, no matter how healthy the food..... I won this prestigious award after competing in the Workweek Hustle with my blog friend Robbie and a friend of hers.    All courtesy of FiTBIT.     I love that little device and it continues to motivate me to get out  and move.

.   

I also joined The Villages FITBIT group and out of 20 members (pretty pathetic participation considering there are over 100,000 people here) I am in 9th place after only a couple of days.    The leader averages over 20,000 steps a day !   Sounds a bit like an overachiever or else she's a rambunctious 2 year old.

While I'm out there doing my steps, I am listening to this book.    It has gotten rave reviews on Amazon and Jon and MB liked it.    They said it was pretty scientific, which is an understatement, but I can easily ignore the equation to make water from various elements that the stranded astronaut on Mars has to contend with..... It's also funny.     I enjoy audible books but they are expensive.    I'm on a trial subscription with audible.com and get 2 freebies this month and then they will charge me $14.95 / month for ONE book.    That's not going to happen as long as I remember to cancel after I get my 2nd book.

Cobble Creek came to The Villages this month.    Friends, Sue and Matt ( last seen on the  hiking trails in Capitol Reef NP ) are renting a lovely house down here for 3 months.     We caught up with them at the Square one evening enjoying the high-energy band.    Coach P is also working with all of us to improve our pickle ball game so we can go back to Colorado with enough skills to play without embarrassing ourselves.      Speaking of the Coach, he is in a league and his team is in FIRST place.
AND, absolutely, that is coffee in that Starbucks cup !!!!!

PS:    Thank you for not mentioning the words............ 18, orange, Super Bowl.