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A heartfelt welcome to visitors wishing to follow my Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels. For your convenience, you can follow my trips chronologically by clicking The Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina. ~~ More trailer info. ~~ The overall contents of this blog are a mix of health & nutrition, and comments about my activities. Enjoy!!
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Showing posts with label Vegan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vegan. Show all posts

Sunday, August 23, 2009

A Grocery Star is Born

Copied from e-mail, from Ideal Bite

Are your fruits and veggies blessed with good genes? Peel your eyes off the silver screen and check the number on the little label on your apple or squash. It'll help you make sure what you're buying is organic and nongenetically modified. Kind of a big deal.

World-famous health benefits. Genetically modified (GM) foods have been in stores only since the 1990s, so we don't know the long-term health risks, and in a recent study by the Austrian government, GM corn was found to affect fertility in mice.

Mainstream scientists are concerned that GM organisms will reduce biodiversity.

No prominent pesticides. Although farmers can use some naturally occurring pesticides on organic foods, they're way less harmful than the synthetic kind.

A-List tastes. Foodies everywhere agree that the range of possible flavors is greater when we just let Mother Nature do her thing.

Once we heard about this trick, it made those little stickers a little less annoying to peel off.

GM-free and organic produce isn't available everywhere, but this trick helps you know what's what when navigating the fruit and veggie aisles.

Look for the PLU codes on the labels stuck on your fruits and veggies.
A four-digit number means it's conventionally grown.
A five-digit number beginning with 9 means it's organic.
A five-digit number beginning with 8 means it's genetically modified.

Friday, August 14, 2009

The Best Diet for Life

(You need to ignore the date [above] and time stamp [below] for the next several messages. I opened a new post [on those days], and saved it for later use. I was busy editing the blogs from my recent trip, doing laundry, attending a couple of meetings, etc., and did not publish.... All week without publishing!! Now I am "filling in the blanks.")

From Parade, p. 11, in the Gaston Gazette, 8/16/09: The Best Diet for Life, by Dr. Ramit Misbori


"The Mediterranean diet is among the most highly recommended eating plans. But which of its components brings the biggest benefits? In a recent study in the British Medical Journal, researchers tracked 23,000 adults in Greece. They found that eating a lot of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and legumes (like beans and peas) had the greatest impact on increasing longevity. Also associated with a longer lifespan: consuming moderate amounts of alcohol and less meat. Surprisingly, a high intake of cereals and seafood had little to no positive effect.

"In related research, a study in the Archives of Neurology showed that the Mediterranean diet reduced people's risk of experiencing dementia or of its progressing. In a group of adults with no dementia symptoms at the study's start, those who most closely adhered to the Mediterranean diet had a 28% lower risk of developing cognitive impairment. In a group that already had impairment, the people who best followed the plan had a 48% lower risk of getting full-blown Alzheimer's disease."


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Lorraine here to comment that my "vegan" diet is (in my humble opinion) a first-cousin to the Mediterranean Diet. Today (8/16/09), at Sam's Club, I bought a fresh pineapple, bananas, Fuji apples, grapes, bell peppers, organic mixed baby salad greens and organic baby spinach. I use quality cold pressed virgin olive oil, and quality balsamic vinegar, for my salad dressing (never a commercial product). I'd like to believe that my diet has reduced my risk of experiencing dementia!!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--Folk Art Center

Indubitably, I was hopelessly lost in--and around--Asheville!! I was overly confident when I left Lake Powhatan camp-grounds, thinking I knew the way to Panera by heart. There is a spiderweb of highways, and Interstates, through Asheville and I have no sense of direction whether I want to go East or West (which may actually be North or South with a compass).

Looking for an exit where I could turn around, I discovered I was near the
Folk Art Center (on the Blue Ridge Parkway, milepost 382). Good!! I wanted to visit it!! I arrived at 8:15 and had to wait until 9:00 to enter and view the exhibits. Beautiful--but could not afford any of the crafts for sale in the Craft Shop. Read about Craft Revival.

A left turn (over the Interstate) at exit 55 takes you to the
Folk Art Center. A right turn at exit 55, Interstate 40, takes you to Billy Graham's Training Center, "The Cove." This reminds me of a story I heard last week at the Southern Gospel Singing. A man visited all the historic old Missions in California. In every one he saw a beautiful gold phone and the sign: "Telephone to God. $5,000.00; credit card only." As he traveled across the United States, he visited many interesting churches. In every one, the same sign: "Telephone to God. $5,000.00; credit card only." Eventually he arrived in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. In a rustic old church he saw a simple black phone and the sign: "Telephone to God, 50 cents." Amazed, he asked why only 50 cents. The reply: "Because it's a local call!!"

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1:30 PM and I'm back after one-and-one-half hours delay. At 12 noon I was automatically disconnected from Panera's WiFi because "peek time" for customers. Apparently they don't want people monopolizing the tables.

Doing a little arithmetic: I could have continued down the Blue Ridge Parkway for about seven miles and exited near Panera. Unfortunately I forgot to jot down mileage at Folk Art Center but maybe 15 miles around--and through downtown--Asheville!! Furthermore, it cost me a precious hour of time on the Internet!! Actually, I would have been at Panera at 8 if things went as planned (from camp).

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I was up at 6:45 this morning. It was 64 degrees inside Little Guy, 61 degrees outside. It had dropped to 60 degrees when I left camp at 7:45. It's a beautiful sunny day and no hint of rain. Perhaps my lawn chair and cushion will dry out today?!?!

For lunch, I enjoyed Panera's delicious Black Bean soup (vegan) and whole grain baguette. It's 2 o'clock at this moment and I've been able to enter data from the narrative that I wrote long-hand while waiting to use WiFi again.

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Tomorrow: the Quilt Show at the Arboretum (within walking distance of camp so I may not come to Panera tomorrow).

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To follow my trip chronologically--to see the next blog--click Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--Quilt Show.
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Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--Biltmore Estate

The Interstate is a blessing--and a headache!! Yesterday I think it took me 45 minutes to get to Panera on surface streets. Twenty minutes today--using the Interstate part way. Thirteen miles today; sixteen miles yesterday. If you have been following my travels on the Blue Ridge Parkway, you know I L-O-V-E the back roads and I don't mind driving 25 miles per hour!! I really get nervous on the Interstate when cars and trucks are on my back bumper and I'm driving 60. No thanks, I don't want to drive any faster!!

So I'm back at Panera for free WiFi and the Manager recognized me from yesterday. I've checked my e-mail and appreciate messages from Nancy, and Michael. They were responding to the link in
Teardrop Tribune.

It was 61 degrees (outside) when I got up at 6:30 this morning. I was in the shower shortly thereafter--and no heat in that building!! The block walls are about seven feet tall with screen up to the roof. The water was an ideal temperature but I had to keep pushing the button every twenty seconds to continue having a flow of water. (I'm not complaining!!)

Yesterday, I left Panera at 12 noon. First stop a nearby "Batteries Plus" (that I saw from Panera's front window). I needed a new cell phone battery and had not been able to get at Walmart or Radio Shack. Then across the street to Earth Fare for some organics and nutritional supplements. (I don't have the luxury of this kind of market near Shelby.)

I made a wrong turn en route to Biltmore Estate and ended up driving through "Town of Biltmore Forest." The homes were breathtakingly beautiful!!

It was 2 o'clock when I purchased my ticket ($55.00) at the outskirts of the property... with 2:30 reservation to enter Biltmore house. After a long winding drive, arrived in the parking lot at 2:12. I could have ridden a shuttle bus to the entrance but chose to walk from the parking lot. It was really impressive to come out of the woods and see that massive structure. After I took a picture, a very nice gentleman asked if I'd like him to take my picture with the house in the background. "Yes!! How thoughtful of you!!"


This was the first day in many weeks that I did not wear my pedometer (simply "forgot"). I am not exaggerating; I think I walked two miles in the house!! I purchased the "audio" description ($10.00) so I heard all the interesting information as I walked through the rooms. I loved it!! Finally, after two years in North Carolina.... In fact, I loved it so much I purchased the "365 Day Pass" for another $40.00. There is so much more to see and I don't want to pay a single-day fee again!! I especially want to see the decorations, and lights, for about six weeks before-and-after Christmas. (Last week I sold the
Blue Ox bike rack; yesterday I spent the money.)

Admission includes a tour of the Winery (very impressive) and samples of their wine. Confession: Yes, I had about two tablespoons of "Festival of Flowers" rose' wine. That was in remembrance of the Festival of Flowers that I intended to see--and didn't. (With my 365 day pass, I can return next Spring for the annual event.) ~~ There is a restaurant, and "The Grill" at the Winery. It looked so inviting to sit and eat under the arbor, in the totally charming setting BUT I deemed it "too expensive." Two items that would have qualified for my vegan lifestyle: A garden salad $6., and a garden burger $13. I returned to the car and ate a few whole grain Wheat Thins to get rid of the "buzz" from the wine (LOL). ~~ Back in camp at 8 PM.

Much more that I could write. When I return to Shelby, I'll write in more detail and upload the pictures. ~~ It's almost 11 o'clock; I'm heading back to Biltmore Estate.

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To follow my trip chronologically--to see the next blog--click Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels--Biltmore Estate Revisited.
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Friday, July 24, 2009

Billy Graham Library


4:44 PM: I've been home less than an hour. Before I got out of bed this morning a still small voice said "Go to the Billy Graham Library." So I did!! It was a marvelous experience and really encouraged my own faith as I read information in the various displays. There were also many motion picture and video presentations. It was also so uplifting to see so MANY visitors!! I don't know if a bus load came from a Senior-living facility but a large number of folks with walkers, wheelchairs, and canes. ~~ The Billy Graham Library, in Charlotte, is just 46 miles from my apartment.

En route... I stopped at Sam's Club to return the electric "throw" (purchased day before yesterday) because it would not heat up. I didn't really need it because (as I said in an earlier blog) I'm traveling with one heater, two sleeping bags, and three blankets!! And I seldom park the trailer any place with electricity!!

I found a new restaurant today. It is called
Qdoba Mexican Grill and they have "vegetarian" items on the menu. I had a Tostada Salad. Yum, yum!!

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10:10 PM: I've just returned from the Senior Center where I was a volunteer cashier at the snack bar. There was a dance--Hawaiian theme--and well attended. I was dressed in a bright-colors muu-muu with orange-color flip-flops.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Greetings from Shelby

At this very hour (8:30) Tuesday morning I was in an Internet Cafe in Front Royal, Virginia. Seventy-two hours later and I've enjoyed a good night's sleep in my bed, in Shelby, North Carolina!! As a point of comparison: Front Royal is not far from Washington D.C.!! Shelby is almost on the South Carolina line. I've driven 543 miles from the Walmart parking lot (where I spent Monday night) via the Skyline Drive, in Virginia, and Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina. I've taken a number of pictures, and I've written notes, so I'll publish some interesting "blogs" soon. I won't accomplish the task in one day because I am recovering from diverticulitis. Yes, Tuesday morning I woke up with a very sharp pain on my lower left front. It might have been caused by something as small as a seed in the fresh Blueberries purchased at the Farmer's Market on Saturday?! I was in a lot of pain both Tuesday and Wednesday. No sharp pain yesterday (Thursday) but my entire abdominal area is tender and sore. ~~ Before I do anything else, before I unhook the Little Guy teardrop trailer, I must take the vehicles to a self-service car wash!! ~~ Thanks for your interest in my trip!!
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At the bottom of the "Welcome" sign, it says "Home of Earl Scruggs." Well, being a West Coast resident most of my life, I did not know who Earl Scruggs is. I did a little research, and bought a CD of his music. Perhaps his most famous... was the theme for the TV show "Beverly Hillbillies." ~~ The sign also says "City of Pleasant Living" and I totally agree!!
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3:30 PM and the trailer has had a shower, and is unhooked. I've been at the computer for a couple of hours working on several "blogs" that I will publish as soon as they are perfected in every detail. It is 91 degrees and very, very humid!! (Weatherman says "feels like 104.")
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4:30 PM and 92 degrees!! I finally turned on the air conditioning. I prefer to have windows and door wide open to let air flow through. ~~ I'm looking forward to cold watermelon for supper. I bought the watermelon, and homegrown tomatoes, from a Farmer's Market at the Junk in a Trunk (Flea Market) sale. My vendor space was paid for but I was just too tired to load things last night, or this morning, and set up early. However, on my way to the car wash I stopped by to see vendor friends. I was greeted with "We were just talking about you--and wondering where you were."


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To follow my trip chronologically--to see the next blog--click Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels-Repair.
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Thursday, July 16, 2009

Little Guy Teardrop Trailer Travels # 11--Counting the Cost

When I drove North on July 8th, I encountered two detours on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock, and Boone. In my humble opinion, 5:30 PM was too early to stop and camp at Doughton Park (milepost 239), and if I continued to Julian Price Memorial Park (milepost 297) or Linville Falls (milepost 316.3) for camping I'd have to travel through the detours again. At a moment's notice, I decided to leave the Parkway at State Route 18 (milepost 217). That was a friendly reminder of "home" because it goes within a quarter mile of my apartment!!

I pulled into my driveway at 8:14 PM. I had traveled 304 miles since 9 AM. Over 180 miles were at 25 and 30 miles per hour!! Judging from the number of miles, and the number of pictures, you can see that I was feeling much better (Praise the Lord!!). I had traveled a total of 1193 miles in nine days.

The major expense for this trip was (understandably) gasoline at $135.70 (and I still have half a tank). If I'm figuring this correctly, that's less than twelve cents a mile!! Next was the luxury of three nights camping at Shenandoah Valley Campground--for the Teardrop trailer owners rally--totalling $99.23. Traditionally, I stay in Walmart parking lots so the RV Park was a BIG expense. On this trip, two nights (free) at Walmart and two nights in National Park campgrounds at $8.00 each (because I have a Golden Age Pass). One night, free camping, in a campground in Buena Vista, Virginia. Dividing the $115. by 8 equals approximately $14.40 per night. (I'm quick to tell people that traveling with the Teardrop trailer sure saves on hotel/motel expense!!) I left home with fruit and veggies; purchased more at a Farmer's Market in Staunton, Virginia, and (later) from a Food Lion. Add in three restaurant meals, some postcards, and a DVD of the Skyline Drive, Blue Ridge Parkway, and Great Smoky Mountains and incidental expenses totaled $135. A grand total of $385.14 for eight days!!

A very reasonably-priced vacation--and it lifted my spirits from depression to abundant joy!! On a little-traveled highway, I was admiring God's beautiful handiwork; I was listening to traditional old hymns of faith (on CD)!! Truly a "mountaintop experience"!! The weather was lovely; the food was good!!

Speaking of "little-traveled": Frequently I drove for twenty miles without seeing another vehicle. This is my private, non-scientific, survey but I believe I saw ten motorcycles to one car, and five or six bicycles to one car. People aren't traveling!! There were three recreation vehicles in Otter Creek Campground. The Host said "Isn't this terrible?" and gestured to the acres of empty campsites. I was told that they were not full for the 4th of July weekend.

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A hymn I listened to, and sang frequently on this trip:

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith on Heaven's tableland.
A higher plain than I have found,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.



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To read the next blog of the narrative about my trip, click Greetings from Shelby.
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Thursday, July 2, 2009

The Michael Jackson Diet That Could Have Saved Him from Death by Western Medicine

http://free-stock-photos.com/


(NaturalNews) There's no question that Michael Jackson was killed by western medicine. Autopsies reveal a devastating pattern of drug injections, bone mineral loss (he suffered rib fractures when ad-ministered CPR) and hair loss. When he died, his stomach contained not food, but half-digested pharmaceuticals(http://www.s2smagazine.com/node/1206).

As stated in a previous NaturalNews article (http://www.naturalnews.com/026517_Michael_Jackson_drugs_pharmas.html), I believe Michael Jackson was chemically abused by his handlers in some sort of twisted, pharmaceutically-powered profit motive. But what, if anything, could Jackson have done differently with his health to have avoided this tragic death while pursuing many more decades of healthy songwriting and public performance?

For starters, let's state the obvious: Performing in public is excruciatingly stressful, especially if done on a regular basis. Dancing and singing on stage takes its toll on anyone, and for it to be pursued, it must be accompanied by a serious commitment to a healthy diet.

Here's the diet Michael Jackson could have pursued to keep himself alive and vibrant while continuing to share his musical gifts with the world.

The Michael Jackson diet that could have been
• 90% plants, 10% meats (if desired)

A healthy diet must be based on plants to begin with. I don't know if Michael Jackson was a vegetarian, but he would have done well to pursue a primarily plant-based diet. If he wished to eat meats, adding a small amount of omega-3 rich fish to his diet could have been helpful. At least half of his plant intake should have consisted of raw, living plants (sprouts, for example).

• Fresh raw superfood smoothie every day

To keep up with his performance schedule, Jackson would have needed at least one major infusion each day of high-density nutrients in the form of a superfood smoothie. There are many recipes he could have followed, and here are some elements he could have included in the recipes: Raw avocados, raw cacao powder, high-end superfood powders (like Pure Synergy, Boku Superfood or LivingFuel), organic celery, raw cruciferous vegetables, fresh wheatgrass juice and much more.

• For sustained energy during the day (coupled with healthy sleep at night), Jackson could have consumed bee pollen, cordyceps (and other medicinal mushrooms like Chaga), rhodiola and even raw buckwheat granola with homemade, raw almond milk.

• To increase his bone density and greatly improve his emotional state, Jackson could have pursued a daily dose of sunlight exposure, even in the privacy of a courtyard in his own mansion. The sunlight would have radically improved his bone health while helping eliminate the need for all the dangerous psychiatric medications he had been taking.

• Instead of taking pharmaceuticals to manage his sleep cycles, Jackson could have used sunlight exposure combined with natural dietary supplements to get him on the right track: Chamomile, melatonin or even Kava Kava (once his liver function had improved).

• Jackson should have adamantly refused to consume any sodas or caffeine (due to their bone-wasting effects), and he no doubt needed to greatly increase the alkalinity of his diet through the consumption of greens, spring water and fresh vegetable juices ("Juice Feasting").

• Because of the huge pharmaceutical burden that had been placed upon him, Jackson no doubt needed a huge liver cleanse, which could have been accomplished with the help of the cleansing products from Dr. Ed Group (http://www.ghchealth.com/) or Jon Barron (http://www.baselinenutritionals.com/), or many other cleansing experts.

This list, of course, could go on for days. With the amount of money Jackson had at his command, the natural world could have been his medicine chest. Unlike many consumers, Jackson could easily afford to eat a 100% organic, custom-prepared meal three times a day, even if it included expensive wildcrafted ingredients.

And yet, sadly, it appears Jackson's medical advisors offered him no such advice. While we can't know what conversations went on between Jackson and his doctors, from the autopsy report we can certainly gather than his doctors were all too eager to pursue the pharmaceutical injection route rather than insist that Jackson try something more natural to resolve his underlying health issues.

Choose your medical advice carefully
We can't blame Jackson for all this, in other words. He may have been surrounded by precisely the wrong people -- those who kept pumping him full of chemicals rather than recommending real food. The fact that Jackson died with half-digested pills in his stomach rather than real food is a strong indication of the way he lived his life for the past few years. His doctors gave him chemicals, not food. And he paid the ultimate price for following their dangerous advice.

Jackson's death teaches us all a hugely important lesson: When it comes to health, be careful of whose advice you choose to follow. If you follow the advice of a conventional medical doctor, you, too, may die with a stomach full of half-digested pills. You may live your final years in excruciating pain, watching your body waste away in the mirror, a victim to the chemical agenda of the pharmaceutical industry (or the cancer industry).

Or, should you choose a different path, you can live a life of astounding longevity, much like Peter Ragnar (http://www.roaringlionpublishing.com/). You can reclaim your health from the chemical pushers, ultimately living a far higher quality of life than even one of the most famous celebrities in the world.

Health is more important than wealth
Jackson, you see, had fame and fortune. But without his health, all the rest was virtually meaningless. YOU can achieve a degree of health that exceeds what Michael Jackson experienced, and you don't have to be a super-famous celebrity to pull it off. Good health, in fact, is ridiculously simple and affordable. It requires no doctors, no pharmaceuticals and no suffering. It's based on the natural principles of human biology and Mother Nature, and it is within the reach of every single person living today (including celebrities).

Michael Jackson was apparently never taught these principles, and he was no doubt "protected" by his handlers in an attempt to isolate him from many outside influences. But you, on the other hand, have no such barriers.

Consider your lack of celebrity status a blessing. It gives you the freedom of not being hounded by the media or pressured by your handlers. It allows you to go shopping in a health food store in a state of relative anonymity, where you can buy your foods in private, without a gang of tabloid photographers assaulting your senses with camera flashes. YOU, in other words, have opportunities to live your life in a healthy way that Michael Jackson could never have accomplished. He was too famous, too wealthy and too valuable to his handlers. Jackson had neither his privacy nor his health. But you can have both.

And I beg each of you, please take every opportunity you have to be healthy and long-lived, regardless of whatever level of economic abundance or personal fame you may have achieved. There's a lot more to life than money and fame, and even if you manage to become the most famous person in the world, dying at age fifty is a life cut far too short. [Bold emphasis by Lorraine.]


Here at NaturalNews, we wish Michael Jackson's soul a safe journey to whatever the universe holds for him next, and we hope that his fans might learn from his health mistakes and pursue healthier lifestyles based on food and natural medicine instead of destructive chemicals. By learning from Jackson's mistakes, we can honor him one more time, even when his physical body is no longer with us.



Prayer for Michael Jackson and the Jackson Family

Oprah's Health Claims: Good or Bad?

Medical Experts Weigh In

By Winnie Yu, Special to Lifescript
Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D.

Oprah Winfrey

She’s America’s best girlfriend, offering warmth and straight talk with every show. But should you listen to Oprah Winfrey’s medical advice? We asked leading experts for their take on Oprah’s recent Rx for good health…

When Oprah speaks, people listen. We read the books she touts, heed her guidance on self-improvement and manage our money as she suggests. Even the advice from her guests carries her stamp of approval.

However, following health advice from the "Oprah Winfrey Show" is another matter – one that’s come under increasing scrutiny. Some call it celebrity medicine and worry about its possibly unhealthy influence.

“Celebrities have tremendous impact on consumer choices and beliefs,” says Marie Savard, M.D., author of Ask Dr. Marie: Straight Talk and Reassuring Answers to Your Most Private Questions (Globe Pequot Press) and a medical contributor to ABC News.

“We want to believe them because they’re really successful. But they’re often doing more harm than good,” she says. Not only is some information unscientific and potentially harmful, but those “neat little sound bites don’t take into account the individual’s personal medical history or the family history.”

Please take the time to read the entire article. On some points, I disagree with the author of this article. 1) I believe there is proof that MMR vaccine causes autism. 2) I oppose forcing young women to be vaccinated with Gardasil. ~~ I encourage you to be proactive with your health. Do research. Go back through my blogs and learn from advocates of holistic health.


God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.






Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Eating By the Season


You know eating local cuts your food miles and saves thousands of pounds of carbon from entering the atmosphere, but take it a step further and create a diet that hinges on seasonal foods: produce being grown and harvested in the current season. Seasonal diets help save the planet and boost your own health. Studies show a diet heavy on seasonal fruits and vegetables is more nutrient-rich than the standard grocery store diet. Food is at its peak nutritional value when it's ripened on the vine. Foods picked early and ripened during the shipping process aren't able to absorb many nutrients that are transferred from the vine late in the ripening stage. Add locally grown foods from this seasonal food guide to your diet during the appropriate months and reap the environmental and health benefits.

Summer: Beans, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cantaloupe, Corn, Eggplant, Okra, Peaches, Peanuts, Peppers, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Zucchini.

Fall: Apples, Broccoli Cabbage, Cucumbers, Grapes, Leafy Greens, Potatoes, Pumpkins, Raspberries, Squash.

Winter: Carrots, Honey, Leafy Greens, Mushrooms, Sweet Potatoes, Syrup.

Spring: Broccoli, Collards, Herbs, Leafy Greens, Onions, Peanuts, Spinach, Strawberries.

Copied from Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine, Charlottesville, VA 22902, July 2009, p. 8.


God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.





Monday, June 29, 2009

Weekend at Grandfather Mountain

12 noon Monday, 6/29/09, and Little Guy is unhitched from the KIA, at the apart-ment complex. "Little John" has been emptied and ready for another trip. Soiled clothing is in the hamper; trash is in the dumpster. With the exception of some laundry, we are ready for another trip.

Be it ever so humble---and cluttered---there's no place like home. I agree---and I disagree!! I sleep much better in my bed, in my apartment!! The mattress is comfortable in Little Guy but, each night, I always hear unique sounds and have unusual neighbors. Wherever I travel, I make new friends with fellow campers. ~~ It was so beautiful "on the mountain," I hated to leave. ~~

I was en route to Grandfather Mountain at 10 o'clock Friday morning, 6/26/09. It was a beautiful eighty mile drive. My only lament: I forgot my food!! When I walked out of the apartment, my arms were full. I set down the cooler full of salad, apples, bananas, and water, when I locked the door. I did all my last-minute check of lights, turn signals, etc.--and drove away. One-and-one-half hours later I suddenly realized my blunder!! I decided it was not worthwhile to retrace my route to retrieve my food. ~~ I parked the trailer on a free camp site across the highway from the meadow where the "singing" would take place. Then six miles into the tiny Grandfather Village for a few groceries. (A small prepackaged salad cost me almost $5.; by comparison my homemade salad was worth $15.!!)

Each day, I walked the meadow, and the campgrounds, and visited with fellow travelers. Good exercise; entertaining conversation!!

Saturday morning, 6/27/09, 8:51, I paid $13. admission and drove slowly up a narrow winding highway, around hairpin curves, to the Visitor's Center. I spent hours viewing the displays and watching two excellent films. I visited the large variety of animals in their natural environment. Later I traversed the remainder of the route to the top of Grandfather Mountain. The view is spectacular!! However, I remained on the parking lot side, I did not walk across the swinging bridge!!

After hours on Grandfather Mountain, I turned left when I exited the Park and slowly drove 23 miles, on highway 221, to the quaint community of Blowing Rock. Then 32 miles via highway 221/321 to Boone, and highway 105 for the return to Grandfather Village. Fifty-five miles total and a beautiful drive!! Back to my campsite at 5 PM. The evening spent near a fire circle with new acquaintances. My RVing neighbors had been coming to "Singing on the Mountain" for many years!! Campers were sharing information with one another since they had seen one another in 2008.

Sunday morning, 6/28/09, about 7:30, I positioned my folding chair at a good location on the meadow. Again, Praise the Lord, I met a new friend!! Throughout the day, a wonderful variety of gospel musicians and beautiful music!! Part of the morning I was bundled in a small blanket, wearing a sweatshirt and jeans because the wind was chilling. I don't know the temperature but mention this because later (5:00 PM) it was about 90 degrees, and very humid, when I stopped for a Subway sandwich in Morganton (off the mountain). FYI: I didn't shed my sweatshirt until late afternoon when I hitched the KIA and Little Guy for the return trip to Shelby (via highway 181 and 18). Home at 6:50 PM; total trip miles: 223. Three days: No computer, no television, no radio, no CD music; precious time for communion with my Lord. On the mountain, I felt so close to heaven!! I descended from the meadow elevation of 4300 to 869 in Shelby.




Thursday, June 25, 2009

Square Peg in a Round Hole

In my humble opinion, I have always been upbeat in my messages. (What do you think?) Today I am feeling depressed and plan to explain why I feel like a "square peg in a round hole."

I've put a lot of time into preparing these blogs!! I want them to sound good, look good, error-free, etc. Hopefully the reader has a sense of who I am and what my values are. But family, friends and acquaintances never access my blog!! (At the bottom of my site, there is a feature called StatCounter. That program documents [elsewhere] my visitors.) ~~ My family, friends and acquaintances profusely forward messages; I read them before I delete them. I hate forwarded messages!! (I read theirs, why don't they read mine?)

I'm prompt replying to the e-mail messages of family, friends and acquaintances. They have a health problem..., I offer suggestions and tell them I will pray for them. My blog address is a live link in every message but they don't use it. ~~ Via the U.S. Post Office, I mail greeting cards and gifts but rarely receive acknowledgement.

I beg your indulgence because the following comment is not my usual vocabulary: Life "sucks" when we get old!! I bring so many talents to a job!! I'm a hard worker; I'm loyal; I'm honest!! But two employers rejected me in the last sixteen months. I wasn't working for the paycheck; I was at the location to serve!! Square peg??

I'm generous with my time, money and my possessions. How quickly a friend forgets who supplied the computer, printer, office supplies--and many hours of physical labor to open a health business. Love abused!! ~~ I "house sit" and "pet sit" (free).

Was I born on another planet?? Why am I a square peg in a round hole world??

"Square peg in a round hole
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"A square peg in a round hole is an idiomatic expression which describes the unusual individualist who could not fit into a niche of his society."


A Prayer for Resting in God's Love
Father God, I come into your presence so aware of my human frailty and yet overwhelmed by your love for me. I thank you that there is no human experience that I might walk through where your love cannot reach me. If I climb the highest mountain you are there and yet if I find myself in the darkest valley of my life, you are there. Teach me today to love you more. Help me to rest in that love that asks nothing more than the simple trusting heart of a child. In Jesus name, Amen

Source: Written by Sheila Walsh author of "Let Go"

Weathering the Storm
Father God, Today I am afraid. I look around me at this world that is changing so fast and I feel lost like a small boat in the midst of a storm. I am not built to weather the battering waves or the howling wind. So I wait now in your presence. You spoke the oceans and the four winds into being. You threw the stars in the sky and separated the sea from dry land. You took the hand of Peter who was sinking into the depths of the water and walked him to safety. I choose now to fix my eyes on you and not on the storm. I settle my heart on your love and not on the current that threatens to pull me under. Thank you that you are my firm anchor even through the darkest night, Amen

Source: Written by Sheila Walsh author of "Let Go"


God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.






Monday, June 22, 2009

Tooth ache !!

Question: How can one tiny tooth cause so much pain?? It even hurts when I drink water!! I don't know the source of the problem but have an emergency appointment for 7:00 tomorrow morning. I don't drink sodas; I rarely have candy or sweet deserts. I hoped and prayed (with my healthy eating habits) I would never get more cavities (and need more fillings)!! ~~ Imagine the pain as I attempt to eat my large green salad--my large salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing!!





Saturday, June 20, 2009

Being well is a journey...


"Being well is a journey---of the body, mind, and soul. Each step takes us to new places of discovery about ourselves. As we exercise our freedom to make healthy choices in how we use our body, tend our soul, and enrich our mind, we draw closer to the Creator." ~~ Acquired by Lorraine, source unknown.




Saturday, June 13, 2009

Going camping with my Teardrop Trailer

11:11 AM: It feels like 100 degrees!! Perspiration was dripping off my fore-head. I have been busy unloading the Flea Market merchandise from my Little Guy Teardrop travel trailer. Perhaps I will load some items back into the trailer for a brief trip to a Thrift Shop--as a donation. I am so "ready" to visit some of the spectacular beauty of North Carolina!! (I regularly watch UNC-TV [public broadcasting] and see programs detailing sites from the coast to the mountains.) I particularly want to spend time along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

For your information: Most Teardrop Trailers have a "kitchen" when the hatch is lifted. I intentionally purchased a utility model because I preferred the space to haul things. I don't need a kitchen; my diet is primarily fruit and veggies. I have a one-burner Coleman propane stove to heat water for green tea, or an occasional can of soup. I have small ice chests to keep a few things cold. (I'm not planning long trips.) The mattress is very comfortable, and originally designed for a hospital bed (where comfort is King?).

Honestly, when I'm traveling, I rarely open the hatch. See the doors on each side of the trailer? I crawl in from one side or the other depending on where I am parked. And, to the horror of most people I tell, I park for the night in Walmart parking lots!! Of course, when I travel the Blue Ridge Parkway--or visit the Great Smokey Mountains--I'll stay in Forest Service campgrounds (because, Praise the Lord, no Walmarts).

See my little yellow dog in the foreground?? I have signs that I put in the window of each door saying "Beware of the dog." I trust that is adequate security. When someone asks, I can honestly show them one (of two) dogs that are in the trailer.

To see Teardrop trailers from the company I bought from, visit the
Little Guy web site. To see a variety of new, and vintage, Teardrops visit Teardrop Trailers Hall of Fame.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Postscript, 3:33 PM: I broke a promise!! I was not going to bring anything back into the apartment. I transferred things from the trailer to the porch. That wouldn't do, however, because another severe thunder storm is on the horizon. So, reluctantly, I brought things indoors. The KIA is still full of "for sale" items so no room for things from the trailer. With the shuffle, I found some more items that I can donate to the Senior Center for door prizes. Other stuff to a Thrift Shop for a donation. I'm making progress (cross my heart!!).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Postscript 4:44PM: Reservations made for a Teardrop campout at Shenandoah Valley Campground near Verona, Virginia. Suddenly I feel as though a great load has been lifted from my shoulders. Taking a break from my labors, and the heat, I searched for a Teardrop Trailers camping event within reasonable driving distance. Gratefully, I found one scheduled and quickly phoned to make a three-day reservation!! No more procrastination about summer travel!! To my further credit: That Friday, July 10th, is one of the days that I have paid to be a vendor at "Junk in the Trunk" Flea Market at the Senior Center. Frankly, when I started unloading the trailer early this morning, I never dreamed I'd make such progress. (Obviously, some of the suggestions about disengaging from clutter had an impact on me!!)

Postscript 2:22 PM, 7/12/09: Read about my recent travels by visiting these links: Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah Valley Campground, and In the minority?!




Saturday, June 6, 2009

Our Bodies Were Designed To Be Healthy


Dear Lorraine,

OUR BODIES WERE DESIGNED TO BE HEALTHY.

We were designed to be energetic--even slender.

We were intended to have smooth, supple skin and a quick, alert mind.

Instead we are overweight. We are tired and sluggish. Two out of three of us will die from cancer or heart disease.

WHY?

Dr. Robert O. Young's New Biology(R), most simply stated, is that the over acidification of the body is the single underlying cause of all disease.

In contrast, the old biology, based on the work of Louis Pasteur in the late 1800's, stems from the idea that disease comes from germs which invade the body from the outside. Dr. Young has found that when the body is in healthy alkaline balance, germs are unable to get a foothold.

Think of your body as a fish tank. Think of the importance of maintaining the integrity of the internal fluids of the body that we "swim" in daily.

Imagine that the fish in this tank are your cells and your organ systems are bathed in fluids which transport food and remove wastes.

Now imagine we back up a car and put the tailpipe up against the air intake filter that supplies the oxygen for the water in the tank. The water becomes filled with carbon monoxide, lowering the alkaline pH, creating and acidic pH environment, and threatening the health of the "fish," your cells and organs.

What if we throw in too much food or the wrong kind of food (acid-producing food like dairy, sugar, and animal protein) and the fish are unable to consume or digest it all, and it starts to decompose and putrefy? Toxic acid waste and chemicals build up as the food breaks down, creating more acidic byproducts, altering the optimum alkaline pH.

Would you change the water or treat the fish? Our present traditional medical system says that you treat the fish!!!!! You cut on the fish. Surgery. You burn the fish. Radiation. You poison the fish. Toxic drugs and pharmaceuticals.

Basically, this fish tank example is a small example of what we may be doing to our internal fluids every day. We are fouling them with pollution, smoking, drugs, excessive intake of food, over-consumption of acid-forming foods, and any number of transgressions which compromise the delicate balance of our internal alkaline fluids.

Some of us have fish tanks (bodies) that are barely able to support life, yet we somehow manage to struggle from day to day, building more sever imbalances until there is the inevitable crash and debilitating chronic, disturbing and disorganizing symptoms to deal with.

The pH level (the acid-alkaline measurement) of our internal fluids affects every cell in our bodies. Extended acid imbalances of any kind are not well tolerated by the body. Indeed, the entire metabolic process depends on a balanced internal alkaline environment.

A chronically over-acidic pH corrodes body tissue, slowly eating into the 60,000 miles of veins and arteries like acid eating into marble. If left unchecked, it will interrupt all cellular activities and functions, from the beating of your heart to the neural firing of your brain. In summary, over-acidification interferes with life itself leading to all sickness and disease!

CONTACT INFORMATION

pH Miracle Center
16390 Dia Del Sol
Valley Center, CA 92082-6025
Phone: 760-751-8321
FAX: 760-751-8324
Web Address: http://www.phmiracleliving.com/
Science articles: http://www.articlesofhealth.blogspot.com/
Email Dr. Young's assistant: Patrick.Sobota@YoungpHorever.org

Click here to Join the 'pH Miracle Fan Club':
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?sid=f4bb98fa57e03bbaeab90117b755511e&gid=50864627953

As someone that looks to improve their health we are pleased to offer you this free audio, an excerpt of a powerful two hour interview with Dr Robert O. Young and Anthony Robbins. (It is free to listen!) Click here to listen: http://www.phmiracleliving.com/championsofhealth.mp3

I trust you'll enjoy this...

Not part of our healing alkaline community? Visit our website at: http://www.phmiracleliving.com/

To learn more about the science of Dr. Robert and Shelley Young go to:
http://www.articlesofhealth.blogspot.com/

'Miracles happen not in opposition to nature, but in opposition to what we know of nature.'
....St. Augustine

'Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic'
....Arthur C. Clarke

'There are only two ways to live your life. One, is as though there are no miracles. The other is as though everything is a miracle.'
....Albert Einstein

pH Miracle Living Center
16390 Dia Del Sol
Valley Center, California 92082 US

© Copyright 2008 - Dr. Robert O. Young
All rights are reserved. Content may be reproduced, downloaded, disseminated, or transferred, for single use, or by nonprofit organizations for educational purposes, if correct attribution is made to Dr. Robert O. Young.

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http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=691213155




Monday, June 1, 2009

A Place for Everything

A place for everything, and everything in its place. That's my goal!! It's a slow process but I'm gaining ground.

An absolutely gorgeous day: sunshine, no humidity. I plan to take a walk at 4 PM. I'm listening to (and glancing at) "The Doctors" on TV. They had advertised that a segment would be about "the raw food diet." Well, it was about "the raw meat diet" and that is a horse of a different color (in my humble opinion). They were critical--and I am too--of eating raw meat.

Earlier I did a Google search re: Coumadin. During a recent conversation about a diet rich in dark green leafy veggies, I was told she could not eat them. Today I was familiarizing myself with Coumadin and searching for a holistic health alternative. I found none!! How sad!! Domed to eat processed food the rest of her life!! So I'm counting my blessings, again, that my physical body embraces a raw food diet. (I didn't pry into her health history but poor eating habits might have led to the surgery and valve replacement that, in turn, dictates no salad now.)





Sunday, May 31, 2009

Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman

I took "Walking Down Memory Lane" to another level today. Shopping at Sam's Club, I found a four CD package of Elvis singing gospel. I was never a fan of Elvis' secular music but these recordings are very inspirational. (I love to have gospel music, or hymns, playing while I work on "projects.")

Furthermore, miraculously (!) the entire six seasons series of Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman on DVDs (total of 42). It was the last one and reduced from $125. to $87. I couldn't believe my eyes!! An extravagant purchase!! I justify my action to thrift in other areas: TracFone cell phone (so no monthly fee); WiFi (so, likewise, no monthly fee) and TV reception via "rabbit ears" (no cable or satel-lite). My spending spree with money from the President's stimulus package. (So much for "downsizing," huh?!) Speaking of "thrift": I listen to CDs on a ten year old portable combination radio, tape and CD player.

My Sam's purchases included: Organic baby spring (salad) mix, tomatoes on the vine, celery hearts..., plus top quality all natural, cold pressed, extra virgin olive oil and top quality apple cider vinegar. Yes, oil and vinegar exclusively on my salads!! (Processed salad dressing should be avoided, in my humble opinion. Most contain high fructose corn syrup--and ingredients you can't pronounce.) ~~ Because I feel so blessed (!) I also bought Kraft Mac & Cheese, Starkist tuna, and Progresso soup to donate to the Senior Center.





Thursday, May 28, 2009

A Penny For My Thoughts??

I awakened (about 5) to the sound of rain running off the roof. We had ground fog--or a cloud touching the ground?! Birds were twittering!! This rainy weather is unseasonable. Extreme heat in the West!! And California is preparing for "The Big One." (I experienced several earthquakes while living in Los Angeles County.) Have we created our weather problems by abusing the environment?? (I'll leave that question for you, and others, to answer. I do my small part by recycling and buying earth-friendly products.)

Yesterday afternoon I tackled an apple box full of VHS cassettes. I planned to bundle them in smaller packages, for sale, at future Flea Markets. Guess what? I got side-tracked watching "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman." I loved that series!! (And "Christy," too!!) I taped them... and "Hallmark Hall of Fame" programs. Still great, and inspirational, viewing!! I'm tempted to watch them before I sell them, or give them away. Is there any market for old VHS privately taped programs (full of commercials)??

I'm such a sentimental old fool!! I believe in morality, values, integrity.... Dr. Quinn was still a virgin when she married Sully. We don't see wholesome television programming any more (in my humble opinion). Hallmark Hall of Fame is the admirable exception. What messages are indelibly printed on the minds of my grandchildren and great grandchildren??

As I process through boxes, and slowly "down-size," I walk down "Memory Lane." A picture album of my marriage to Don Edwards on May 29, 1977. We were married in the beautiful gardens of Westmont College near Santa Barbara, California. (I've wondered if the recent terrible fires damaged the campus.) Don died in 1983. I haven't dated..., I have been celibate. (Too much information?? Sorry!! Just trying to make a point about morality.) The world is moving at "
warp speed." Now we have digital TV; the old analog signal will soon be obsolete. People are so busy they don't have time to get acquainted with their neighbors. Now everyone carries a cell phone, or Black Berry (or some other name sophisticated gadget), and they text, and twitter. They listen to an I-Pod. (Do they ever hear the birds "twitter" as I did this morning??)

I confess that I use, and enjoy, my laptop computer (with WiFi). I'm grateful that I can rely on "spell check" before I post e-mail messages, or a blog. But I'm, by nature, a good speller--and I have dictionaries. I'm shocked by the misspellings, and poor grammar, in most of the messages I read. And, honestly, I don't understand the abbreviations!! Someone advised me that LOL is "laughing out loud" and not "lots of love." I understand that our words--on the Internet--will be "out there" (in cyberspace) forever. I don't want my grandchildren to read illiterate messages!!

I frequently use the Google search engine to find information (and that's a very good thing, in my humble opinion). I Googled Joe Lando yesterday because I was curious about what happened to him (I haven't seen him on TV since Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman). ~~ Thanks to Google (2/09/09) I found the answer to
my illness and I'm grateful for that "warp speed" technology.

As I said, I'm walking down "Memory Lane" (and how grateful I am that I do not have Alzheimer's or dementia). When we get old, Society puts us on the back shelf. Employers don't want Senior Citizens--although Seniors can read, write, spell, punctuate, and carry on a conversation with good grammar. Children are "too busy" with their active lives to look in on their parents. (Almost every Senior I talk to has little, or no, connection with their children and grandchildren. How tragic!!) I have an over-abundance of time to process through a lifetime collection of possessions. Better to give away while I can experience the joy...; better to spend some time at local Flea Markets where I interact with people. (I had several conversations, recently, about health and nutrition. Maybe that is why God leaves me on this earth?? I can share my thirty-plus years knowledge re: health.)

I woke up this morning with an old hymn playing over-and-over in my mind:
"Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand,
But I know Who holds the future,
and I know Who holds my hand."


I'll leave you with the link to an
inspirational message I received as an e-mail this morning.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Postscript: It's 4:15 PM and we are experiencing torrential rain, lightening and thunder!! I felt so sorry for students dashing home from their school bus. I'm sure they got thoroughly soaked!! The weatherman says a "cold mass" (from the West) perpetrated this storm. Thankfully, the air has cooled from the extreme humidity!! ~~ Earlier today, between rain showers, I walked back-and-forth to the laundry room and did two loads of laundry. Clean clothes--and recent grocery purchases--mean I could isolate myself in my apartment for an extended period of time. It seems I'm ordained to work on the downsizing project!!






Tuesday, May 26, 2009

The Joy of Giving

It has been a very good day!! First, read the postscript on Monday, May 25th blog. Since noon, 1) I've unhitched the trailer, 2) showered and dressed, 3) loaded two boxes and a large bag into the KIA; and 4) delivered the door prize items (#3) to the local Senior Center. Yes, they were delighted!! At Office Max: 5) I researched the prices of the stationary items I'll donate to the Senior Center. At the market: 6) I purchased canned goods for the Senior Center's Food Pantry (because so many people requesting groceries). Fruit and veggies for myself: grapefruit, bananas, Fuji apples, avocado, bell peppers, and cucumber. (I already had organic mixed baby salad greens, and carrots, at home.) I'm enjoying a large delicious salad as I write this blog!!

Sunshine all afternoon but on the local TV evening news, they are telling about the "heavy and relentless" rain today, and dangerous "flooding." "One to two inches [rain] per hour." According to the weatherman, I will be experiencing more hard rain within the hour--and the tropical pattern will continue through the rest of the week.

I'm grateful that I delivered my donation, and bought additional food for myself. Also, especially noteworthy: Three empty cardboard boxes went into the trash bins here at the apartment complex!!

Copied from
Care2makeadifference.
"Giving thanks can make all the difference in the world.
Gratitude raises your energy in a positive way and brings
abundance into your life and the lives of others."


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Postscript, 1:30 PM, Wednesday, May 27, 2009: Overcast, but no rain this morning. I went into town for more groceries (for the Food Pantry), and delivered lots of food, and office supplies, to the Senior Center. I barely got back home before it started raining (for fifth day in a row).