08/05/18,. Sunday

Another trip back to the VA "home away from home" today. Last time it was primary care and retina issues. This time it is urology and the end of the month, NYC for Ortho (potential hip replacement). My DV (dear Vet) has body parts showing their wear and tear, in addition to the PTSD. I feel uneasy about the baked goods pushers but will be armed with my own options. I will look for an opportunity to do a little education, pointing out that some patients and their families may have medical reasons (diabetes, intolerances, obesity) that preclude sugary simple carbs and give them some ideas for healthier options for grab and go food / snacks. Tuna packets, hard boiled eggs, some fresh fruit/veggies would be a great start.

An early start to your day! Good luck at the VA.

Weight 119.4, calories 1733.

It is time to stop entertaining and going out to eat as if we are on vacation! Too many days of that in a row. I need some days of eating on plan for many reasons. I have the potential for that this week (other than Friday when I am meeting friends for lunch). We have no company next weekend and aren't doing anything else out of the ordinary until a week from Thursday when we leave to visit friends in New Hampshire for a few days. After that it will be busy again almost every day with company, a wedding, our anniversary, and travel to Europe. There will be essentially a month of unusual activity. I'm tired just thinking about it.

I made cottage cheese in my Instant Pot yesterday. It was very easy to make but it is very different than what I am used to. I need to tweak it I think. It is almost more like ricotta than cottage cheese.

Enjoy your day all: Have a stupefying Sunday!

Oh, homemade cottage cheese--I have looked at many a recipe for the stuff, but balk at the ratio of end product to milk required. Does not seem economical. Am I wrong-or-as I imagine and would like to hope - is the end resulting yumminess worth the investment? Several recipes suggest adding in a bit of milk into the cheese after it is done. If it is the size of the curd being too small (like ricotta), you might try taking it straight from the IP into the fridge for a good, cooling set (without disturbing it) to form a larger curd. Just musing.

Company, like food and other good things, taken in over large portions or over too long a stretch seem to produce just the opposite of what you think they would--the joy turns into what you describe well--stressed out tired-ness. I think it is the economics of opportunity costs and the law of diminishing returns. A little goes a long way.

Do find a quiet closet rest, refresh, and percolate a bit.

I think I stirred more than I should have which made the too small curd. Also, I used 2% milk but should have used skim with cream added afterwards. From a cost standpoint I don't think it is too bad, depending on the cost of the milk of course. I can get a gallon of milk here for 1.99 which makes the result cheaper than store brand cottage cheese. Anyway, I think it may take a few batches to perfect it, but at least I have a starting point, and I do like it (but it is quite different).

Good for you. Education is just the word for it--I bet those good hearted soothers might just be delighted to discover the ease of tuna packs, HB eggs, etc. Good nutrition that feeds a persons body helps relieve stress and gives energy to cope with all that must go on with folks at your VA"home away..."

144.6 Scale work these days is dealing with the attitude adjustment needed at seeing numbers bounce around- especially when they jog, albeit temporarily, up a tad or two. I am so used to going into pull it back mode. Trying to live peacefully in my mind inside of a 143-148 range with 145 the sweet spot.

DS#1-soon to be DDIL-and DS#2 over today for the afternoon.

Smiles all the way around. Have a peaceful Sunday.

Good morning

Paula thinking of you. And Devon, and Diane with dogs, and all of you.

Visitors leave on Tuesday. Tomorrow is a P.H. here so will go up to Farmers Market and enjoy ethnic treats.

More sun in the forecast.

Have a happy Sunday.

Weight 159.2

It's going to be a warm one today. My air conditioning is half installed. Can't wait until it's done! I need to pick up the dogs from boarding at 5, but otherwise no plans other than exercise, grocery store, and maybe a car wash.

Happy Sundays all around!

We had a long day at the Apple Store but now have an iPad that works. Yay! It's all a little confusing to me still how all of it works. I know I'm not using technology to its fullest but oh, wel...I get by. We had a nice dinner. I am sure tired today. I forget I'm still recovering from major surgery!

I used to love cottage cheese. I have not been able to stomach it since VSG. I have tried to eat it but for some reason it makes me gag!

DianeO, I hope you make a healthy impression on the folks in VA. I'm guessing there are others like you who would appreciate the healthier choices.

Today has been church. Laundry started and going to,pick up groceries from Walmart. I absolutely love the pick-up option.

Have a sunshine day!!

I eat tons of cottage cheese which is why I am going to keep working on perfecting it.

Hello all!

I hope you have all had a great day. Tesla! I am thinking about you! DianeO, I'm glad you found a way to manage the baked goods. I totally agree about having healthier options around. Cecily, do you get out and enjoy nature or do you exercise indoors?

Lesa, I had to look back to see what your major surgery was, and wow you have been thru the wringer this year! Well wishes to you!

I hiked both yesterday (which was fun cuz with other people but the hike was just so-so) and today (fabulous but a bit long and strenuous considering it was the 2nd hike of the weekend.)

A couple of pics of today's Lake Blanca below. Glacier fed and it must have some sort of mineral in it that gives it that milky appearance. This lake is in the middle of nowhere in a national forest. Plus it is a pain to get to because there is a road wash out so you have to hike a few miles before you even start on the real trail. Still, plenty of other people there....I even ran into someone from work! Can you see the haze? It is from far away wild fires. We could smell it, too.

Shel