Back To Natural Health

 For the past few days, I have been experimenting with some of the  natural health remedies.  Part of the change has been with diet.  Over the past year or so, I have developed a hacking cough.  It doesn't occur when I'm up in the mountains, but when I am down at the cottage it returns like clockwork.  I realized that it's my body's way of expelling mucous.  I sound like an eighty year old man who has smoked for decades.   Why?  I remember how I stopped having aches and pains when I eliminated lattes.  Hmmm...

I analyzed how my diet has changed.  I never used to eat ice cream.  My ballet teacher, Rosemary Valaire taught me that Dr. Bieler, (who wrote, Food is Your Best Medicine,) believed that it was the cause of disease in many children.  He said that eating a frozen protein is completely unnatural.  If I remember correctly, he linked it to the  polio outbreak.   Anyway, I had been treating myself to a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream each night topped with fudge sauce.  Why not?  Such a nice treat before bedtime...

I also realized that I started having a small glass of wine each evening during the pandemic.  Although I enjoy it, I'm not sure it's the wisest decision.  I am going to experiment and  see if I feel better without it.  

The naturopaths teach the importance of daily sunlight, fresh air, hydrotherapy, exercise, and eating mostly fruits and vegetables.  How many of us have rewarded ourselves for staying home by stocking up on all kinds of packaged treats from the grocery store?  I realized something else: I had started adding mozzarella cheese to my daily salads that I've eaten without it for decades.  That could also be connected to the hacking cough.  It wouldn't hurt to use less cheese.  That's easy to do.  

Have you developed any weaknesses with age that you could change through your diet and  habits?  

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.  

Doctor Explains Form Of PREVENTION & TREATMENT of Viruses | Roger Seheul...

Cooking Delicious Food

 Yesterday I made another batch of seasoned chicken wings and small drumsticks.   My mom used to prepare them as appetizers for her fancy dinner parties.  I don't know if women entertain the way she did anymore.  That was a different era.  People would get dressed up, and go to each others houses for drinks and supper.  She would cook the poultry with butter, salt, and white pepper.  It tasted amazing!  The flavor was perfect, and the chicken parts developed a lovely brown color on theirskin.  

I basted this batch in olive oil, and seasoned the meat with garlic salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, chili powder, and white pepper.  I used the spicy olive oil that was left in the pan as a sauce on a few baked potatoes.  Yum!  Absolutely delicious!  It really makes a difference to cook food that you love, and to choose the spices and flavorings that excite you.  It also feels good not to waste.  Normally, I would have poured the chicken drippings into a grease pan, eventually freezing it, and dumping it in the trash.  Using them on the spuds gave them an entirely new and a delightful  flavor.  My family has a long history of heart disease, so I felt better about substituting the olive oil for the butter.  

This morning I made my mother's tuna and noodle casserole recipe.  I wanted to get my cooking done early, so that I didn't heat up the cottage.  We are expecting a heat wave.  I even prepared my dinner salad before noon.  I ate half of it for lunch, with the leftover chicken from last night's dinner.  Cold chicken is one of my favorites.  

Have you been cooking or baking lately?  What's happening in your kitchen?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.

More on Anacapa

 After climbing up the steep, steel ladder to the dock, I peeled off my wet bathing suit in the changing room and hung it out to dry.  I walked up the steps that rose straight two stories straight in the air to the hiking trail.  Once up there, all you could see were birds.  The island is a nesting sight for the seagulls.  They are EVERYWHERE!  It's unbelievable.  They had their babies with then, who were juvenile sized, speckled, grey, and downy.  

There are no trees on Anacapa.  I was worried that it would be intensely hot, but the temperature was very pleasant.  I hiked up to a spot with a gorgeous view of the ocean.  You could hear the sea lions bellowing, but it was hard for me to  see them.  One older woman standing near me described them as "looking like rocks, but moving." I spotted the four kayakers, paddling eagerly around the perimeter of the island.  I secretly wished that  I could have gone with them.  

I decided to return to the cove for one more swim.  When I got back, there were a couple of families in the water.  I had recommended taking a dip to one woman who was now there with her kids,  We had talked on the trail, and she told me that they were wearing their suits.  Treading water, she had a huge smile on her face.  Our eyes met and I nodded, happy to see her submerged in the salt water.  

The ocean felt amazing and powerful.  I am convinced that being in lakes and the sea is fantastic for our health, on many levels.  I sat and chatted with a woman who was staying there with her teen age daughter and husband.  They were camping in tents for a few nights.  She told me that they brought their own water with them, and packed some instant meals and lots of snacks.  They have a camper stove.  She explained that has a lot of backpacking experience.  (a foreign and interesting world to me.)  I just go for day hikes with a backpack.  It's totally different.  

I thought about what it would be like to camp there.  She seemed very relaxed and grounded.  Her daughter had long black hair that was practically down to her ankles.  She was leaning to the side, combing it, as I got out of the water for the last time.

On the boat trip back, we saw a whale.  It was a magnificent being.  We all gasped and cheered as it put on a show for us.  Once again, a pod of dolphins swam alongside our boat, and behind us, in the wake.  I sighed with contentment.  It was a rewarding and satisfying  trip.  

Once we arrived in the parking lot, I drove back on the 126 East,  heading home.  It was 7:00 p.m. when I pulled into the driveway, and I felt sleepy from the salt water and air.   I forced myself to fry a turkey burger and made a salad.  After doing the dishes, and washing out my swimsuit, I fell into bed, and slept deeply and soundly.  My  mind remembered the frolicking dolphins and that majestic whale.  Ah...

  The ocean is so healing.  I plan to spend much more time there in retirement.  (even if it's  just for the day.)

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Posts may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.

Was COVID-19 made inside a Chinese lab? | Under Investigation

A Visit to Anacapa, in the Channel Islands

 Last Tuesday I took the ferry from Ventura Harbor to Anacapa, one of the five Channel Islands.  I have always wanted to visit this part of California, and was excited to have booked a seat on one of Island Packers' daily boats to make the trip.

I left my cottage at 7:30 a.m.  There wasn't any traffic on the 126, it was a gorgeous day.  There were some light sprinkles on the windshield as I drove the forty miles to Ventura Harbor.  I parked in Lot 4, and checked in at the front desk.  All I had to do was give the woman  my confirmation number, which they had emailed to me.  You call in the morning to be sure that the weather is suitable for sailing.  If not, the trips are canceled.  Ours was a go.  

I waited in line for our boat, The Explorer.  Things were very well organized.  There looked to be about one hundred people on board.  I sat outside, and wore my mask.  I was glad that I had packed my handknit wool sweater, hat, and gloves, because it got cold and windy on the way to the island.  To our delight, over a hundred dolphins began swimming alongside us on our journey.  They were also diving up and down through the wake behind us.  We were all enchanted with their beauty, sleekness, and buoyancy.  The rhythm and show they put on was so uplifting.  

Once we had debarked, I watched  four kayakers who had brought their own kayaks.  They had to lower them from the dock with ropes.  I listened to the ranger's speech and  advice, and decided to kayak from Santa Cruz island next time.  They rent out sit on top kayaks, and they offer group tours.  It looks to me like you need two people to lift the kayaks and set them up in the water, which is quite a ways down from the dock.  He told me this group were all experienced with ocean kayaking.  My Oru Beach model is designed for still waters and lakes.  

Instead, I stepped into the simple changing stall, put on my bathing suit, and went for a swim.  I climbed down the steep ladder, into the 60 degree water.  Like the dolphins, I felt a sense of lightness in the salt water.  I was in a cove, and swam into one of the small caves.  The water was calm, and I was the only still there.  Everyone else had gone hiking.  The kayakers were out in the ocean.   It was such a healing experience.  I found it so easy to float.  The water seemed to make my body bounce, just like the dolphins.  

More on this adventure in my next post...the video below captures the beauty of the area.  It's near Santa Barbara, Califoria.  

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.  

Kayaking at Channel Islands National Park + cute Island Foxes (17 of 419)

Replacing the 1950's Carpet and Flooring

 I just ordered new carpet for the cabin.  There will be oak hard wood floors downstairs, and  sage green high quality carpet upstairs.  What I currently have is nearly seventy years old, I think.  This was a vacation home that was just used on the weekends.   They spent money on quality, and bought materials that would last.  It's definitely time to update.

I was fortunate to find the gorgeous wood for the floors on close-out.  It would have been extremely expensive, but because of the timing, I got an incredible deal.  I think it will look fabulous with a fire in the fireplace.  The flooring I have now is laminate.  It's those marbled squares that are fake wood.  I think having the real thing will make all the difference.  

When they got older, my parents pulled up the carpeting in their home and replaced it with dark hardwood floors.  It really gave the house a rich, upscale look.   I loved how the brown stain matched their antiques.  

The carpet I currently have is pale yellow, and is very old fashioned.  It might even be that indoor/outdoor carpeting that they used to sell.  It doesn't have any stains or tears, but it's very thin and faded.  I am so excited to see how the new, plush carpet looks.  One man will carpet the upstairs, while the other two install the flooring downstairs.  It's going to be exciting!

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated. 

Taking Care of the Soil and the Trees

 Yesterday I drove down the 405 to Marina del Rey and went kayaking again.  I have figured out how to time the traffic.  I depart early, and head home before 1:00 p.m.   It is such a joy when I can fly down that 405 freeway.  It was crowded at the beach.  I have never seen so many kids in my life!  They kept arriving in school bus after school bus.   It reminded me of Disneyland.  I wasn't expecting it.  What a fun field trip for them.  

After paddling across the channel that leads to the open water, I noticed an animal sputtering by the dock.   At first I was concerned that it was a shark or dolphin.  I watched cautiously, and a sea lion poked its head through the surface of the water and  wriggled up onto the sun bleached wooden platform.  He sprawled out right next to one of the boats, nose in the air, very vocal and energetic.  I was thrilled to see him; I love seals.  They seem so awkward on land.  He or she squirmed  into a more comfortable position, like a mermaid.  Their fins fascinate me.

I have been focusing on caring for the numerous  trees at the cabin and have been religiously amending the soil.  The other day I applied composted manure to the woodland garden.  I will mulch it with straw tomorrow.  The hollyhocks are in bloom, and everyone asks me what they are.  I love the old fashioned flowers.  The dahlias look like they will flower soon.  

I'm finding that if I water the oak trees when it's cool and shady, they emanate a tremendous amount of oxygen.  You can literally feel it on your skin.  It's a relief to inhale such clean, healthy air.  I remember the days when everyone had gardens, healthy trees, and colorful flowers.  Now the focus seems to be on vehicles and possessions.  I love keeping the yard natural and comfortable for the wildlife.  There are so many birds!  I've seen quail, red tailed hawks, woodpeckers, robins, orioles, and a blue heron.  The mulch helps to keep the soil cool and moist.  When I had the trees trimmed last year, the arborist commented on how healthy the soil is.  That's where it all starts, down beneath the ground.  The forest floor is layered with nutrients.  How is your soil?

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.  

Froze My Credit Today

 Today I did some research online.  After carefully checking my credit report, I froze all three companies: TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.  It was easy to do online.  The security questions were excellent.

 I have been hearing stories of seniors having their information stolen.  One of my older dancer friends had money taken from his bank account.  Someone called him on the phone, pretending to be a bank employee helping him, and it was a fraudster.  He was so upset.   By freezing your credit, you don't run the risk of someone being able to use your social security number or  obtaining a credit card in your name. 

Another older woman I know was renting out rooms in her house on AirB&B.  She recently discovered that her trust was missing.  What a nightmare.  It's important to have working relationships with you banker, insurance agent, and brokerage firm.  Everyone should know who you are and recognize your voice.  Unfortunately, there are people out there who will try to take financial advantage of those who are elderly and who they perceive as being easy to  manipulate.

I'm continuing to pull the weeds in the front and side yards.  It seems like a never ending task, but I'm nearly finished.  There is a lot of regular watering to do, but it makes all of the difference in the health of the soil and the trees.   I am going to pull several of the small oak seedlings that have sprouted out of the ground.  There is not space for them to grow into mature trees.  

I had two close friends call me over the weekend.  It was wonderful to have a long talk with each of them and to catch up on our lives.  Lifelong friendships are such a gift.  We can talk about anything and everything.  I love hearing their voices and laughing together.

A few different small children at the lake have asked me if I'm the lifeguard.  At fifty-six, that's quite a compliment.  (Thanks to henna and yoga, I guess.)  It may be because I am wearing a red one piece bathing suit, and sunbathe near the lifeguard station,   Still, it makes me chuckle.  They want to go swimming, and have to wait until the lifeguard is on duty.  

Thank you for your comments.  They add so  much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated. 

Had Some Visitors

 

Yesterday my friend Diane and her husband Greg stopped by to see me at the cabin.  They were on their way home from Palm Springs.  I worked with them in "Hello Hollywood, Hello!" in 1984.  It's always so much fun to reconnect with old dancer friends from that show.  

I made a salad, and we enjoyed that with some whole wheat biscuits.  As you can see, we were easily able to socially distance out on the deck.  Later on, Greg and I had some ice cream.  Lula loved being near them.  In the above photo, Diane and I are having a very serious discussion about Covid and how it has affected dance studio owners. 

This afternoon I spent a couple of hours watering those trees that you see in the background, and the cherry and apple trees in the side yard that I panted.  The  blackberries  that I put in the ground are starting to ripen, and I'm thrilled!  They grow so well up here.  It's always easier to plant things that are native to the area.

As you can see, I have finally figured out how to download photos to this new laptop.  I don't know what took me so long.  Sometimes I overthink computers and how they work.

Thank you for your comments.  They add so much talent and energy to the blog.  Please comment in English.  I'm sorry, but comments with links will not be published.  If you enjoy the posts here, please share them.  Comments may take a few days to appear; they are moderated.