A look at 2014 with thankful heart!

 

 

Watermelon Agate Cross Necklace

(Making jewelry for fine motor skills therapy)

 



 

Portabella Cheese Crust-free Quiche

(Cooking for Health) 

 



 Delicious Raspberries

 Fresh Jalapeno and Chives

 My Sacred Space

(A place for respite)

 

 End of Summer Fun

 

 



 

Beautiful Hydrangeas in July

 



 

Too Hot to Cook-Out to dinner time

 

 

Summer Fairy Garden

 



 

A SW Summer Bench

 



Yummy Crab Cakes



 

End of Summer - Crab Bisque

 

 Bathroom Valance

(Sewing helped me stay calm)

 Living Room Valance

 Kitchen Valance

                                                               Redecorated guest bath

 

 Love my exercise bike!

(The best therapy ever!)

 

 Sunsets of the NW

 Need to enjoy nature as often as possible

 

 

 Halloween Dogs

 

 

  There were 4 in the backyard - very close to the house

 And 2 more in the neighbor's yard

 

"End of fall - Beginning of Winter" Deer

 

 

 

                                                                  A 2014 Christmas

 

 

 

Two winter recipes

Here are two recipes that I just made and really enjoyed.  I hope you enjoy them too.

WINTER'S STEW

Peel and chop a sweet potato, rutabaga, turnip, red and gold potato, golden beet, carrot, celery, onion, minced garlic, (optional minced scallion, shallot, leek, jalapeno), chopped red-orange-or-yellow pepper into a crock pot slow cooker. Add enough chicken broth to cover vegetables, salt, pepper, sage, thyme, parsley, red chili pepper flakes, and bay leaves. (Meat is optional) Cook on high for about 2-3 hours. Reduce to low and simmer until ingredients are tender.

CHICKEN CASSOULET

Kielbasa (I use low fat turkey kielbasa), 1 finely chopped medium onion, 1/2 C finely chopped carrots, 1 roasted chicken off the bone, 1 tsp of minced garlic, 1 bay leaf, 1 can of black beans, chicken broth, and parsley. AND here is what you do: Saute' the onion and carrot. Add cut up kielbasa and lighty sear. Add chicken broth, seasonings, chicken, and beans. Bring to boil and then simmer for 8-10 minutes.

I added some orzo and whole grain rice with red quinoa. Pretty simple and is really yummy.

2014 - Big changes and a Time for Healing

I can't believe one year has passed since I experienced major heart attacks and open heart surgery.  I brought in the New Year of 2014 with a quad by-pass which still seems so very surreal to me.  Since that infamous day, I have learned much about my heart, health, welfare...and survival.  I am officially in the 7% of women survivors and I am ever so thankful.  Angels were certainly watching over me so I could continue to be here on this earth to take care of myself and others.  I don't really want to dwell on this subject too much but before I stop I would just like to pass on the word about women and heart attacks.  Only 7 % survive at-home heart attacks because most women don't even know they are having one!  I didn't know.  I felt fine other than I was having back pain between my shoulder blades.  If I hadn't called the doc and then 911 I might not be here today.  Also, I had decided to take some baby aspirins for the pain in my back and that also helped to keep me a survivor.  So to all you women out there - please be alert - take care of yourself and your stress - and always have baby aspirin on hand.

2014 was devoted to healing and learning and starting over.
I have learned how to use a walker, an adjustable bed, climb, get down on the floor and get up again, ride an exercise bike, do fine motor therapy, and occupational therapy on my own as well as many other things.  I have even learned how to cook heart smart.  Here is an example of that:

Penne Avocado:  Mash two avocados with two garlic cloves and lemon juice.  Salt and pepper to taste.  [I add minced jalapenos, onions, leeks, and red chili flakes]  Heat over medium heat.  Boil noodles to al dente.  Drizzle about 2 T. olive oil over drained noodles.  Pour sauce over multi grain noodles. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and cilantro.  Enjoy.
A dollop of this sauce on a turkey or vegie burger is great too!

I will try to get a few pics up later today of some of the little highlight moments of 2014.