Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Yes, you guessed it, we slept almost 12 hours! We woke early Tuesday morning, making our way downstairs for our first real Italian cappuccino and pastries. An hour later we were in a taxi trying to explain to our cabbie, in Spanish, where we were to meet our fellow Sierra Club hikers.  Finally we found them near the Spanish Steps and we all boarded the bus.  By noon we were in the picturesque town of Orvieto in the region of Umbria, often referred to as "the green heart of Italy."  We checked into our room and we were thrilled! Nancy immediately threw open the shutters (without screens) and inhaled the crisp, clean Italian atmosphere.



Orvieto is known for its white wines, which tend to be lean and floral.  Most appreciated are Trebbiano and Grechetto. Right behind are Canaiolo Bianca and Malvasia Bianca.  We soon learned wine is consumed at both lunch and dinner, daily.  After lunch we were hoping for a bit of shopping before the hike (yes you eat, drink and then hike here) but lunch hour throughout Italy is from noon to 2:00 or 3:00, depending upon the merchant's mood.  Instead we walked amid the cobbled stone streets then changed into our hiking gear. Our guide took us through the Etruscan caves and burial site.
Nancy and I walked 19,393 steps that day. 

After 2 days in Orvieto our group traveled by bus to Gubbio, where we remain as of today. We have toured our guide's palace, she is a countess, viewed the Feste dei Ceri, from one of the many balconies of the palace. This festival commemorates the town's Patron Saint, Ublado, who is joined in the race by Saint Giorgio and Saint Antonio. You must Google details of this centuries old celebration.
Everyone in the village comes out to celebrate! 

The following day included a morning hike, along a regularly traveled trail of Saint Francis, a most moving hike, done in complete silence, lunch (not so silent) and a tour of the Basilicas of Saint Francis of Assisi.

Nancy, the others and I have hiked through wind, rain, hail and a bit of sunshine (I didn't pack appropriately - though my suitcase is so heavy with clothes I've been asked if I'm hauling gold bouillon. While Nancy, of course packed lighter and smarter).  We have consumed the Italian's gracious offerings of pasta, meat, cheese, salad, grilled vegetables, dessert and wine 


amid long days that start at 8:30 a.m. and end at 9:00 p.m.  We've made our way through meadows, wooded areas, delicately balanced our poles over slippery, loose rocks, traversed up and down steps and hillsides reaching elevations of 1500 feet or more. 

As of today Nancy and I have taken a total of 104,254 steps for Alzheimer's (Alz). Leaving our Alz calling cards wherever we can and giving purple ribbons to those who ask.


Together we are sharing Nancy's story, in an effort to de-mystify this strange memory-robbing disease. Unsure as to whether or not all this walking is enough to off-set all this eating and drinking, we are beginning to see cracks in the reticence associated with Alz.  People are asking questions and we're doing our best to provide answers. Giving hope to those living with their diagnosis, instead of hiding it.

We hope you haven't forgotten to visit our funding site, established to add dollars to the pennies currently awarded to Alz research and support.  Please go to j.mp/FFALZ.

Ciao!! 


Saturday, May 21, 2016

Our Journey to Italy

When we said "follow us as we walk along the Franciscan Trail," I had every intention of keeping you informed.  While I can access our Blog site from Italy, I can't exactly read it. It comes through in Italian! So I'll do my best to catch you up via our friend Suzy, who is state-side.

We took the "red eye" from Vegas to New Jersey Saturday night, arriving in Jersey around 7:30 a.m.  With an eight hour lay over, Nancy was gracious enough to patiently answer my, "what time is it?" (The adult version of "are we there yet?,") about every two hours.  Nancy busied herself with writing while I people (and bird) watched and fought with Samsung over the phone.  Trying to pass time wisely we utilized airport charging stations and ate American pizza for lunch, or was it dinner? Actually it was breakfast, but as far as our stomachs knew it was "linner." 

As I munched on the dry crust and under-seasoned slice of pizza I envisioned real Italian pizza. When we finally boarded the plane for Rome, we were exhausted.  Alas, sleeping in coach isn't any more comfortable than sleeping in airport chairs. Perhaps it's even worse. At least I can drape my legs over the arms of the chairs and watch free t.v at the airport.  It was 8:00 a.m. Monday when we landed in Rome.

After checking in to the Marriott Courtyard in Rome, we did our best to stay up instead of sleeping.  We both really wanted to sleep. But adhering to the oodles of advice given, we grabbed a cab and headed for Vatican City. What a zoo!! We didn't buy tickets as the lines stretched around the block. More waiting was not something either of us was interested in.  Food, that's what was on our minds.  While we didn't locate the best restaurant in town, we were somewhat satisfied with our meal, ravioli. After a few hours we decided it was okay to return to the hotel. After standing in the designated location to catch our ride back, it was Nancy who remembered the hotel shuttle does not run from 1:00-4:00.  Yup, that's the lunch "hour" in Italy, for those who don't know. 

Once back at the hotel we showered, changed into our Jammie's with the intention of ordering another glass of wine and perhaps some dessert.  But first, "let's just lay down and rest our eyes," I said.  I suspect you know what happened next . . .





Friday, April 29, 2016

Green The Colour Of Love

The beauty of Green.  As found at the Springs Preserve Butterfly exhibit. 

Exactly what’s so great about eating Green?  While it has almost become a bit of a cliché, evidently, there are a lot of great things about Green.  Not only is Green the colour of the 4th Chakra, the Anahata, meaning “unstuck,” it is designated as our Heart Chakra or Anahata responsible for moving love through our lives.  If you think about it, we Tree-Huggers and Naturalists are lovers of Nature, and when I conjure up images of nature in my head, I tend to think trees, green trees.  Ever wonder why someone is referred to as “green with envy,” when their heart experiences jealousy? 
But that’s another Blog for another day. 

The definition of eating Green continues to hold up in the realm of good nutrition, healthy lifestyles and smart food choices.  Though, to be honest, those murky green smoothies I subsisted on for several months a couple years back, didn’t really do much for me.  Remember Cheryl and Megan?  I was sick with colds and flu more that particular year than any other in recent past.  Obviously, the ingredients I used weren’t exactly the right ones.  Likely too much banana and peanut butter.  Those tend to be my smoothie staples.

However, Green eating isn’t limited to just thick algae-like beverages and the salad bar.  A plant-based diet offer us an abundance of positive outcomes and is offered to us in a variety of styles.  I don’t want to imply that eating Green is inclusive of only shades of green.  We would all be better served thinking in terms of rainbows.  And I don’t mean Fruit Loops or Fruity Pebbles.  More like, Red – apples, strawberries, cherries, and turnips.  Yellow – of course, my bananas, pattypan and summer squash, grapefruit (Ugli fruit), and those stunning little yellow tomatoes.  Blue – blueberries, blue-purple fingerling potatoes and bluemilk mushrooms (look them up, they’re beautiful), Orange – oranges, butternut squash, carrots, and mangos. 

Because most of us eat with our eyes first, creating a masterpiece of colour and texture on a platter or in a vibrant serving bowl has the potential to draw in even the most loyal of fast-food eaters. 
A Bursting Rainbow of Flavor in a Garden Pot. Forget those itty-bitty offerings, Go Big!

While some of us can jump right in and make drastic changes in our eating behaviors, I certainly am not one of them.  And for those of you, who like me, can subsist on bread and wine or wine and M & M’s, easing into a wholesome diet is a bit of a process.  The benefits of plant-based eating has so many benefits, many of which you already know, but they bear repeating.  With a weekly menu primarily rooted (pun intended) in plant-based foods we will see our blood pressure go down, our cholesterol go down, improve our blood sugar levels, and even lose a little weigh and those excess pounds related maladies. 

One of my recent endeavors has been involved playing around with hummus and pesto.  I love traditional pesto prepared with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts and good olive oil (uncooked by the way, when it is best for your body), and hummus.  Hummus while not green offers a healthy dose of protein and fiber.  When prepared with some forethought can be lower in fat than commercially prepared brands. 

To get started with that first small step I prepared some garden sweet pea pesto, which can be consumed like pesto or hummus.  Meaning you can eat it as is by simply dipping in some fresh crudités.  Or you can use it traditional pesto, as a condiment on top of a poached chicken breast or other protein. 
Here’s how:
Here I garnished with lemon zest, fresh mint and a bit more grated Gruyere. 

Garden Sweet Pea Pesto

Ingredients
4 cups fresh (or frozen-thawed) garden peas                     ½ cup grated Gruyere cheese
4 tablespoons toasted pine nuts                                             2-3 cloves fresh garlic – peeled
1 teaspoon salt + pepper to taste                                           1 teaspoon fresh mint + leaves for garnish
1/3 – ½ cup good olive oil                                                         zest of one lemon

Process
Using your food processor or a good blender, place peas, grated cheese, pine nuts, garlic, salt, pepper 1 teaspoon of the mint leaves and half the zest of the lemon.  Blend ingredients until partially combined.  With machine running on low, drizzle olive oil through top or feed tube until desired consistency is reached.  Some people like their pesto thicker than others.  But don’t over-blend mixture to a state of runniness.  You may need to stop the machine (especially if you’re using a blender) to scrape down sides of bowl/container.  Taste for additional seasoning. 
Using a rubber spatula, scoop pesto into a large serving bowl and garnish with remaining lemon zest and a few mint leaves.  Use as a dip for your fresh crudités or some veggie chips or even a condiment on chicken or other proteins of your choosing.  

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Brainberries and More

An excellent book to help children cope with unexpected changes in a loved one. 
   There’s a children’s book written by the talented and compassionate author Tomie dePaola, entitled One Foot Now The Other.  If you’re not already familiar, it tells the story of the unusually close relationship between a boy and his grandfather.  When he was a toddler, it was Grandpa Bob who taught little Bobby to walk.  Growing up, Bobby and Bob played blocks together, coloured, set up army guys, you know, all the things very young and the rather old boys enjoy doing. 
An image from inside Tomi dePaola's book.
   In this story, Bob lives with Bobby and Bobby’s parents, allowing the bond between child and grandparent to only deepen.  One day when Bobby gets home from school, his grandfather is not sitting in the chair where he often sits reading.  Bobby’s parents sit down to explain to Bobby his grandfather was taken unexpectedly ill and needs to stay in the hospital, for a very long time.  Bobby, is of course, quite upset.  The story only saddens from here.

   When Grandpa Bob returns home, Bobby is shocked to see his best friend, now feeble, can not speak, walk or eat on his own.  Bob suffered a stroke. Tomi dePaola, takes us on a journey of giving back and supporting people you love in whatever means you have.  Bobby is able to slowly get over his fear and discomfort with his grandfather’s condition and becomes the focal point of healing for Bob.  Helping his grandfather to eat by actually feeding him as Grandpa Bob had done for him when he was a baby.  Entertaining Bob by building those blocks into the tall, tall tower and then joyfully knocking it down, just as he and Bob did when they played together. 

   Seeing small indications of response in Bob, that no one else in the family can see, Bobby doesn’t give up.  Finally he is able to coax his grandfather to take a walk with him.  Carefully removing the blanket from his grandfather’s lap and helping him to stand, Bobby instructs Bob to take one step, now another.  As you can probably detect the story does indeed have a happy ending with a picture of Bobby and Grandpa Bob holding hands and walking down the block together.
No explanation needed here, right? 

   I used to read this book to the children in my Pre-k and kindergarten classes.  It was a wonderful way to show children that unexpected changes in our loved ones is not something to be feared.  My own children were introduced to this story at very young ages, as my youngest brother was a paraplegics.  They grew up understanding the subtleties of when to offer help and when not to intervene, to respect independent effort when they encountered someone with an obvious physical disability. 

   Until one is written specific to the changes that occur with Alzheimer’s disease, this book is an excellent tool for us to use when explaining feelings of fear, discomfort with our children.  Showing them how to transforming unease and discomfort  into feelings of hope and creative helpfulness. 

   Of course there are no discussions regarding medications, doctors or nutrition in this little story,  it is my hope that while Bobby was busy taking Grandpa Bob for walks and dazzling him with displays of block towers and army men brigades, Bobby’s mom and or dad were in the kitchen preparing healing foods.  I certainly would be. And to maintain my status as helpful, healing chef here are a couple of good brain foods both Grandpa Bob and Bobby would benefit from and enjoy eating.
YUM!!
   Blueberries are a potent antioxidant.  Considered one of nature’s SuperFoods. Some refer to them as “Brainberries.”  Vitamin E is another Brain Booster and is naturally found in most seeds and nuts. 

Fresh Blueberry and Kale Salad

Ingredients
1 cup quinoa or wheat berries – rinsed, cooked according to package directions and cooled
1 cup sweet peas-fresh or frozen or peeled edamame                       2 cups fresh kale – rough chopped
1 ½ cup fresh blueberries                                                                 ½ cup pine nuts - toasted                      ½ cup crumbled feta                                                                       ¼ cup red wine vinegar                          1 tablespoon Dijon mustard                                                             ½ tablespoon honey                              1 small shallot - minced                                                                  salt and pepper to taste

Process
In a large mixing or serving bowl, combine cooked grain of choice, peas, kale, blueberries, pine nuts and feta.
In a small mixing bowl whisk vinegar, mustard and honey until well blended.  Slowly drizzle in olive oil, while continuously whisking, creating an emulsion.  When oil and vinegar are completely combined, whisk in shallot and season vinaigrette to taste with salt and pepper.   Drizzle over salad.     
                                                                                                                Serves 4
OR

For a wonderfully tasting and energizing snack try this open-faced sandwich.

Ingredients
2 slices whole grain bread, such as Ezekiel                                    4 tablespoon almond butter
 ½ fresh papaya - sliced                                                                a handful of fresh, cleaned blueberries

Process
Lightly toast two slices of whole grain bread, such as Ezekiel.  Spread a generous amount of almond butter on each slice and top each slice of bread with sliced papaya and a few blueberries. 
                                                                                                                 Serves 2   
      
Please don't forget to visit our Funding Site to help raise money for Alz. Awareness and Support at:
 <http://j.mp/FFALZj.mp/FFALZ

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Ciao

Can you do this?  

How about this?

Certainly you can do this!

So, while Nancy has been up in D.C. learning and talking more about Alzheimer’s (ALZ) with her fellow National Alzheimer’s peers and professionals and I’ve been waiting for the sores on my feet to heal, Brenda, as you can see, has been busy working to build strength and mobility in that leg of hers.  Brenda’s slow progression may sometimes frustrate her, but her walking, stretching, bending and extending are indeed making a difference.  She may not see big changes occurring each day, but it's happening just the same.  I, on the other hand, had to allow time, along with some ointment, for the healing to begin on my feet.  And I can assure you, Nancy is making all kinds of differences in D.C.

They say, in order to make a difference, you must start by taking small steps.  I chuckled when I read that, because that is literally what Nancy and I will be doing in Italy.  Taking small steps along the Franciscan Trail, in order to make a difference in how Alz. is so ignored, underfunded and well, scary.  It has always been important to me live a purposeful life and most of the people I surround myself with adhere to this same principle.  True, we can’t always make what some would consider a big difference, leading them to ask “so why bother?” 

There's a story about hundreds of sea stars that washed up on a beach somewhere.  Well, a couple was walking along the beach and the woman (maybe it was the guy) began picking them up one at a time and throwing them back into the ocean.  Her companion asked why bother throwing them back into the water since most had already died or were close to it, plus there were just so many.  The woman calmly replied, “it will make a difference to one of them, and isn’t that good enough?”  (The story goes something like that.)  Point being, if we can make a positive impact on even one person’s life isn’t that something wonderful to aspire to?  Isn’t that what makes you smile as you walk or drive away after helping someone?  Or being helped by someone?  Even observing one person helping another brings a smile to my face. Especially those random acts of kindness!  Wouldn’t you agree, when you do something kind, be it extraordinary or quite simple, those good feelings can last for days?  And when you share the story, be it hours or years later, whether you were the helper or the helpee, those same feelings of goodness and happiness begin to bubble up like sweet, sticky, popping bubbles of melting caramel?  Yum.  Someone get me a spoon.  
Or at least an apple

So here we are in early April, just five weeks away from our adventure, one that may impact hundreds of sea stars or just a few.  Either way, there will be lessons learned, experiences had and stories to share.  It is our  hope this adventure will in some way touch you, even if you haven’t had any direct contact or interaction with Alzheimer’s disease.  Memory loss isn’t a fun topic to discuss, neither is cancer, mental illness, nor whatever other malady you may have dodged or have been a direct target of; there is something you can do to help.   

Please join us in giving support to the Alzheimer’s Association, to those who have been diagnosed, or work with people diagnosed.  Those caregivers who spend long hours working, lifting, stretching, bending and extending to care for their loved one or charge.  You never know, you may end up giving just one person exactly what they need, right when they need it most.  Trust me, you’ll be remembered.  Please donate by visiting our Generosity Funding Site (a subsidiary of Indiegogo): <http://j.mp/FFALZ>  Log on and donate at the link. (Be careful though, you may want to click on the button of the page, allowing you to change the fee to donate from $10.00 to $0.00)

Meanwhile, here's something that will serve Brenda, or anyone else out there trying to expedite healing an injury. 

 Since vitamin A promotes the production of white blood cells, known as the "keeper (in this case, the caregiver) of the injury" as they help our bodies to fight off infection while increasing the rate of healing, a recipe rich in vitamin A is called for.  I thought using those tasty Sweet Potatoes (yams and sweet potatoes are not the same thing) would work well today.  Sweet Potatoes are chock full of vitamin A, besides, both Nancy and my daughter Sharon love them. Here's a simple dish you can cook up for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  

Notice the discrepancies between the photos?  The bottom one indicates the white interior is the Sweet Potato while the picture above that one, leads you to believe the white interior is the Yam.  Hmmmm.  According to what I learned while in culinary school and what is explained in one of my cooking text books Yams have that brownish colored skin with white flesh inside.  They tend to be sweeter and more moist than Sweet Potatoes but alas, carry less sugar and vitamins A and C than the Sweet Potato.  Sweet Potatoes have that pinkish skin with yellowish flesh while the Dark Sweet Potato has a darker, more reddish color with a true orange interior.  The Darker Sweet Potato (Garnet) also cooks up to be a bit sweeter and more moist than it's lighter kin.  But it's that vitamin A I'm after here.  

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

2 Sweet Potatoes - baked until tender, but not mushy         2 cups shredded/grated Gruyere cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter - room temp                              1 teaspoon cinnamon
salt and pepper to taste                                        1 tablespoon ground sage or 3 tablespoons fresh chopped
4 eggs                                                                                 4 slices bacon - cooked and rough chopped

Slice each potato in half, then scoop out the flesh into a large mixing bowl, being careful not to tear the skins.  Combine the potato flesh with half the grated cheese, all the butter, cinnamon and half the sage.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  

Spoon the potato mixture evenly into each potato skin half then top each with one egg.  Divide remaining cheese on top of each potato half along with the cooked bacon then garnish with remaining sage.  

Placing potato halves on a baking sheet, cook in a preheated, 350 degree oven for about 20 minutes, or until eggs are done to your liking.  

                                                               Eat - Enjoy - Heal  
That link to donate again is: <http://j.mp/FFALZ>


Sunday, March 27, 2016

Moong Bean Soup

Pretty

Let’s talk food, specifically brain food.  I’m pretty sure it is safe to say, if it’s good for the brain likely it’s good for other parts or organs of the body.  Certainly most of us know cinnamon is a multi-tasker, in that not only is it quite tasty mixed into our oatmeal or as a star ingredient in our cinnamon rolls, it’s loaded with antioxidants.  Originating from the inner bark of the Cinnamomum tree, I learned it's the oily compound cinnamaldehyde that is responsible for cinnamon’s ability to help reduce the buildup of tau proteins, those associated with the plaque that interferes with the cells of the brain communicating with one another and for repairing tissue.  Just one gram of cinnamon can have a beneficial effect on blood markers for those dealing with type 2 diabetes.  If you can, make the effort to find Ceylon cinnamon from Sri Lanka, Madagascar or Seychelles instead of the more prevalent Cassia strain from China and Indonesia.

Turmeric,  probably sitting somewhere in the back of your spice cabinet not only gives curry and rice dishes that beautiful golden, sunburst color but is another champion boxer in the ring of antioxidants.  Best when taken or mixed with pepper, since it’s a tad difficult for our bodies to absorb. The medicinal properties of the curcmin within turmeric, give those nasty free radicals who spend their time and energy creating cancer and wreaking other havoc in our bodies, a run for their money.  Not to mention turmeric also works as an alternative aide in soothing arthritis pain and according to recent research and studies, turmeric is extremely healing for the brain in terms of memory and cognition. Bam!
In it's whole form, turmeric resembles ginger root.  But has a more golden hue. 


While turmeric is not used in American cuisine as much as say, salt and sugar, we can begin to make small changes in our diets that allow us to obtain more of the good and less bad in our weekly intake of food.  Nancy and I now sprinkle a good dash of both cinnamon and turmeric in our coffee grounds when brewing our morning pots. 

Seeing as I can feel the weather just beginning to warm with the evening hours and early mornings still carrying a chill I thought I’d sneak in one more soup recipe before I start talking cold soups and salads.    My go-to choice and Nancy’s as well, is a warm cup of soup with a few wholesome crackers and a cluster of red grapes on the side.  Keeping it light for your last meal of the day allows you to more easily digest the meal, resulting in a more restful sleep and fewer pounds to creep up onto the scale.  

Indian cuisine seems to offer a plethora of recipes incorporating ingredients that are absolutely good for the brain.  One of these is a recent discovery I found at the International Market, the Moong bean or Mung bean.  It looks similar to green lentil beans, which is what I thought I was looking at, yet is used in both sweet, as a paste in pancakes, ice cream and Popsicles and savory dishes, soups and stews.   With a delicate, slightly sweet flavor, you can find these little oval shaped, legumes at Whole Foods and other specialty markets.  You can buy them whole or split and hulled and will find them ranging in color from green to yellow to black.  While they don’t need to be soaked overnight, I did see recipes instructing me to soak them for an hour or so prior to cooking. 
A new fandangled kind of pancake.  Thinking a different type of infused syrup might be called for. 

I'm definitely going to try these!!

After reviewing several recipes and talking to one of my savory chef friends, I decided to prepare a simple Moong and Green Chili soup.  Oooh man! ~ was this ever good!!  Here’s the recipe:

MOONG and GREEN CHILE SOUP

Ingredients
1 cup dry Moong beans                       2 cups vegetable stock                     1 cup water
½ teaspoon turmeric                            salt and pepper to taste                  3 tablespoons ghee*
1 teaspoon mustard seeds                   4 cloves fresh garlic-minced            1 half Spanish onion-minced
2-3 green chilies, seeded and rough chopped             1 fennel bulb – cleaned and thinly sliced
creme fraiche - garnish

Procedure
1)      Rinse beans and soak in clean water for about 1 hour.  Drain, rinse again then set to the side.
2)      To a heavy stock pot or Dutch, over medium heat, add ghee.  Heat until melted then add mustard seeds, cook until seeds start to sputter.
3)      Stir in sliced fennel.  Cook just until fennel begins to soften then add minced garlic, onion and green chilies.
4)      Pour  in vegetable stock and water to pot then add beans.  Bring to a boil then reduce to  simmer.
5)      Season with turmeric, salt and pepper to taste; continue simmering for another 30 minutes.
      Garnish each individual serving with a dollop of creme fraiche.


                                                                                                                     Makes 2-3 Servings



*Ghee:A form of clarified butter - you can purchase at Whole Foods or make yourself.  If you don't know how let me know, I'll include a recipe on our next post :o)

Wednesday, March 23, 2016

Attention All Slackers (I'll get to you Procrastinators later)

Hmmm . . .
It occurred to me the other day, as I was mentally reprimanding myself for not getting much accomplished the previous day, hey wait a minute! ~ I did get have a productive day!!  I began to wonder why I so frequently admonish myself for wasting precious time, when in fact I fall into bed at day's end completely exhausted.

Well I figured it out.  I have so many wonderful things going on simultaneously I can't possibly get to all of them each and every day.  It dawned on me, after beating myself up inside, that the previous day was in fact, quite eventful.  I woke early and first thing headed to the gym for a good workout.  Then I met with one of the young and most cerebral group of women educators I've ever had the pleasure to work with to pick up supplies and gather details of the upcoming Teachers In-Service sessions we are presenting in April.  I have the honor of being the food component (as always) showing teachers how to incorporate food and food preparation in their curriculum by utilizing the garden classrooms many of our local schools have on site.  I absolutely believe there are a multitude of lessons to be learned from Garden Classrooms besides science.  Math of course with all that measuring and adapting recipes to fit your group size, social studies, the foods of other cultures and of course art.  After that, I released another entry on my personal blog yourcosmicmuffin.blogspot.com, took care of some household chores and walked the dog.

After recharging myself on a grilled cheese sandwich made of mozzarella, ricotta, spinach and minced red onion I headed over to Nancy's house.  There, we finalized room accommodations for our trip, updated and clarified our Crowdfunding site and expanded our Food, Faith and Alzheimer's FaceBook page.

Why is it, almost daily, am I telling myself I'm not accomplishing anything?!  Let's be real and let's be kind to ourselves.  I'm saying "let's" since I'm sure I'm not the only one who does this to themselves. Especially if there are multiple children, family members, friends, a job or two in your life, it's not unlikely one feels like a hamster on the wheel going round and round but not going anywhere.  Let's "stop the madness!" (remember Susan Powder?) and give ourselves some credit.

So what if I took 3 days to walk the beach in Laguna, shopped until I almost dropped and ate and drank with my gal pals like a hedonistic princess with her court of ladies.  Those days were my reprieve and well deserved.
Aboard the U.S.S. Dana Point something or other

Upon closer evaluation it turns out I, and Nancy for that matter, and probably you, are not the slacker's we think we are.    And to prove it, here is some of the fruit of my and Nancy's labor.

# Alzheimer’s
Two women friends hiking a portion of the Franciscan Trail.  Turns into something far greater than just a hike... We find ourselves building Alzheimer's awareness and working to reduce the stigma attached.

Today we ask of you could please take a moment to visit our funding site at;    <http://j.mp/FFALZ>  or j.mp/FFALZ  (they’re case sensitive) and watch our short video.

**Just a note: our funding site at Generosity by Indiegogo self-attaches a fee located just below your contribution amount. You have an option to hit the "edit" button and mark the fee down to $0.00.

#blueriverapple

C’mon, don’t be shy, take a break from the everyday and get involved!  You’ll be part of a day by day travel log as Nancy and Deborah make their way along this historic trail in central Italy, by following along via FB or their blog.  The trip begins on May 14, 2016!!

 <
http://www.foodfaithalzheimers.blogspot.com/>
www.FoodFaithAlzheimers.blogspot.com

#one4-ounceserving

Our Facebook page is: Food, Faith, and Alzheimer's

                                                                     










Friday, March 4, 2016

R.E.I. and R.E.I.

Which one is St. Francis of Assisi?
Recently, Nancy and I did a couple of presentations at our two local R.E.I. (Recreational Equipment Inc.) stores.  In little more than an hour we shared details of our upcoming adventure hiking a portion, approximately 60 of the 324 miles, the Franciscan Trail in Umbria Italy.  We shared our excitement with others considering taking this hike along this same trail, some of whom already refer to themselves as pilgrims, since they've walked segments of the Camino de Santiago.  We showed photos of the green vistas, historic churches and agriturismos (small farms) scattered along the Franciscan Trail that are sure to be a feast for Nancy and my eyes, ears and spirits. The feasts for our mouths and stomachs will be found in the local cafes and restaurants at day's end.  
 
We talked about the historic significance of the route we will be taking, once traveled by St. Francis of Assisi.  He was a rather interesting guy.  Born into great wealth, his father a prosperous textile merchant, his mother a beautiful French woman, Francis spent most of his youth, whooping it up and partying.  It wasn’t until battle broke out between the regions of Assisi and Perugia, that he took up arms with a new found sense of purpose and allegiance.  However, Francis was captured, and his captors knowing of his family’s great wealth, held him for ransom.  Francis waited in excess of a year for his father to pay the monies for his son’s release.  While in prison, Francis had his first of many visions and communiqués from God and Christ.  Once released, Francis took a vow of poverty and lived out the remainder of his life as a missionary, traveling along this now famed trail, rebuilding churches and ministering to others.  It was interesting to learn his reputation for kindness and compassion earned him the moniker, patron saint of ecology! 

Of course St. Francis didn’t function as the environmentalists we know today; rather he demonstrated great respect for all God’s creatures and nature by incorporating caring and concern into his practical life and instructed others to do the same.  It was St. Francis who coined the phrase: “If you have men who will exclude any of God’s creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.”
Bet he wore Berkinstocks too!

Nancy and I also shared with our audience members how this trip has morphed from a get-away-from-it-all vacation to a vacation with a purpose.  Or vacation with intention as Nancy likes to say.  As she and I train, taking our Saturday morning walks wearing hiking boots, increasing our protein intake and reducing our sugar and fats, except wine, I draw the line at wine, Nancy and I continue to spend a portion of each day preparing for this trip. Now enveloped in shades of purple, the colour signifying Alzheimer’s awareness, our trip is focused on walking to build support for Alzheimer’s research as well as enhancing support for those care givers who live with, care for and love companions, spouses or parents who have been diagnosed.  

If you don’t already know, Nancy was diagnosed with this mysterious brain dis-ease but has not allowed it to define her.  It is simply a progressive ailment she is learning to accommodate and sometimes circumnavigate in her life.  I, as her traveling companion, feel privileged to be allowed to make my own imprint along this rocky trail with Nancy. 

Since many of you were not able to attend our presentations at R.E.I., using our version of R.E.I. we ask you to Recognize our need to Engage your Involvement in this project.  Please help us to Raise, even Exceed our Ideal goal of $100,000 for the National Alzheimer’s Association as well as the local chapter of Care Givers by making a donation to our funding site on Generosity (little sister to Indiegogo):  http://j.mp/FFALZ  

With donations of $10.00 or more you can request to join our Foodfaithandalzheimers FaceBook page.  On that site you will have access to behind the scenes activity of our preparation and in depth sharing of our actual hike along the trail.  Like this one.  Gross but real.


My feet hurt.


You'll feel like you're right there with us. Who knows, maybe next year you'll be making this same sojourn.  Whether you have experienced Alzheimer's directly or know of someone who has or is currently dealing with this distressing disease help us help them.  Or you.  Donate today!

Thank You. 

Thursday, February 11, 2016

Wagons, Wheel Houses and Women

Raining in the Piazza

Red Rock Canyon 

The temperature in Rome is currently 43 degrees F. at about 8:20 in the evening.  Lots of rain expected over the next 4 days as well.  A far cry from the sunny, 66 degrees we're experiencing here in Vegas.  And NO rain in sight, we'll be sitting in the low '70's all through next Tuesday.

So what are we three women doing with ourselves amid this spring-like weather?  Well, I've been cooking up a storm, preparing healing foods and balms in anticipation of fatigue and a little muscle soreness.  As I've been diligent about my P90X videos and the 3 of us will be taking a killer Pilate's class this Saturday.  Brenda is scheduled for her second knee surgery in the upcoming month.  Getting the metal removed will hopefully diminish that "brought to her knees" pain she's been living with for so long.  And Nancy has been running from one engagement to another speaking on behalf of Alzheimer's.  Last week I attended her presentation at Aegis, donning one of the purple ribbons her daughter Michelle had made.  I watched the group of 50 or so sit on the edge of their seats as Nancy shared her story of diagnosis and the aftermath of living with such.

That successful event was followed by an interview two days later, with KNPR.  I know this because a friend of mine called to ask if Nancy had written a book.  "Yes, a poetry book," I replied.  "Why?"  He explained he always listens to KNPR on his way to work and there was Nancy talking about some book and telling her story.  He told me as her words made their way into his ears, he felt as though he was meeting her for the first time.  He had forgotten I told him about Blue. River. Apple. last year and found himself touched by the interview more deeply than he was comfortable with considering he was sitting in traffic and on his way to the office.  He also said how proud he felt to know her.  So do I.

As a matter of fact, I have always said, "Nancy, I'm just going to hitch my wagon to your star and enjoy the ride."  I've always said it, now I'm living it.  Nancy is much like a big sister to me, and Brenda for that matter.  Wise, considerate and compassionate.  Always willing to give it a try.  And more recently, not allowing any kind of diagnosis to define her.  I believe, that's what I admire most about Nancy.  We all have certain traits, behaviors and in many cases diagnoses of our own.  There seems to be a fine line between accepting those aspects of ourselves and defining ourselves as such.  My little brother, Lawrence, who passed away 2 years ago after a long and ugly fight with cancer, finally reached a point in his life when he no longer defined himself as a paraplegic, or a man (one of many with superior intellect) with dyslexia.  Nope, when we were filling out the paperwork of how he wanted others to remember him, he told me to write; "A Traveler, Cyclist and Artist."  Nothing about wheelchairs, chemo treatments or making change in that definition.

Nancy is the same way.  And this trip to Umbria will add yet another layer of interest and depth to her, all of us really.   Our hike along the Franciscan Trail will most certainly incorporate into our personal stories, adventure, excitement, courage and . . .   whatever else we discover while in Italy.  By hitching my wagon to Nancy's star I find I am opening myself up to even greater opportunities to be of service to others and move closer to exposing my authentic self.  And that's what it's all about, right?

If you would like to learn more about why we have decided to embark upon such a journey, please join the 3 of us at R.E.I.  We will be hosting an interactive gathering at the Boca Park location on Tuesday the 23rd, 7:00 p.m. then we'll be at the Green Valley/The District on Thursday the 25th, also at 7:00 p.m.  Speaking from our individual Wheel Houses, I will be discussing Foods that are both body and brain friendly.  Brenda will share how her Faith has played a role in her healing and her efforts to walk with the same skip in her step she used to have, and Nancy will of course share how her diagnosis of Alzheimer's has both served and challenged her.  Her book, Blue. River. Apple will be on display, I will have some printed recipes for you to take away and Brenda will have some words of inspiration for whatever type of journey you may be traveling, in any kind of weather.




 
Words To Live By



Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Hiking Locally

Do we look ready?  Certainly we look happy. 
It was, as you can see, an absolutely beautiful day for a hike!  To be honest the threat of rain in the early morning hours put us off a bit, but we pulled up our Columbia boots and tied our laces tight, then grabbed our gear!  Armed with walking sticks, coats, hats and gloves, it is after all January, we filled our water bottles and cemented our resolve and made our way outside.

Only three miles through the rugged terrain of Cottonwood Canyon (right outside my back door).  Not much in the way of elevation, but certainly worth the effort.  Nancy and I focused on placing our feet firmly upon the ground and deeply inhaling the crisp, snappy air.  As we walked further up the trail and began to feel that warm glow we associate with a good round of exercise, we both exclaimed about the beauty of the desert and much we love Vegas in January.  More so than say, Montana or Wisconsin.
Yup, it's official, Nancy's now a "tree-hugger."

As you can see, I take my hiking seriously. 


While Nancy and I didn't overly exert ourselves, we felt the symbolism of each stride we took.  The first official training hike for our international adventure along the Franciscan Trail.  Of course, before we headed out my back door we consumed good fuel for our bodies.  For Nancy, blueberries (high in antioxidants) and bananas (lots of potassium) for Nancy, while I consumed a toasted power bagel shmeared with peanut butter (protein, something I lack) topped with some of Nancy's banana.  We both sipped on cups of piping hot coffee brewed with dark Guatemalan beans sprinkled with pinches of cinnamon and turmeric.  Our supplement for the morning? Bee pollen.  

We kept our pace rather fast, wanting to increase our heart rates and work up our endurance.  But then we had to rest.
Resting our dogs.  
Our next hike will be, I don't know . . . a full four miles?!  With more elevation to really challenge us!  So watch out Sierra Club comrades, we're getting ready for you!