I'm back finally!!!

                                                                     Hi everyone!
   It's been way too long since I've blogged or even checked out all of your blogs.  It doesn't mean that I haven't thought about all of you!   A lot of things have happened and I just wasn't in the mood to blog.  I've thought it about it often though. So here I am, determined not to let so much time pass.  I'm also working on being more positive.  Life is too short and I'm not getting any younger.

  I realize that part of my responsibility as a vegan is not only to help others on becoming and enjoying their life as a vegan but also to help people see why adding more plant foods is so important.  So if I even have an impact on one person then I'll be happy.

  Let me start by telling you all that I moved with my family up to Northern California just this summer.

I'm still trying to adjust not living as close to the ocean but a least I'm really close to water right?  Hey nothing is permanent and I'm sure one day we'll be back .

(I miss this pout)

I had to put my Ace dog to sleep earlier in the year. He was only 3 years old.   He had some type of autoimmune disease and his body wasn't reacting well by dropping the Prednisone he was taking.  He was bruising, bleeding, very weak and then starting having seizures in the end.  I miss him so much.  He was such a sweet, gentle dog that taught me so much! I get teary eyed just thinking about him and then look at that face!   It's so different not having a dog around.

Next is my son's health.  He is 15 and had his third arthroscopic surgery on his meniscus back in the Spring and will need one more soon.  The real issue is that we found out he has TMD.  He missed the last month of school last spring because he was in so much pain.  We've been trying to figure out where his ear pain was coming from and in between going to the ENT, dentist, having oral surgery to remove wisdom teeth, back to the ENT once we moved up here and then the dentist again we found out it is his Temporomandibular joint that is causing jaw, ear pain and headaches.  Does anyone of you have TMD?  I have it but I don't have it that bad.  The night guard, soft foods, massage, hot cold compresses and pain meds don't work at all so far to relieve his pain.  I just got him into a chiropractor and have now received a referral to go see a TMJ specialist.   It's hard to watch your child be in so much pain.   If positive thoughts can be sent on over his way so he might finally get his pain under control that would be wonderful!

On that note I will exit for this post.  That way I will have to come back and post food!

May we all be thankful for our health and our pets health.

Peace out.  Unt
til next time.
 

Moving forward....

Hi ya'll!   I want to thank all of you for your kind words in regards to the loss of my father, they meant alot to me.   I'll always have some wonderful memories of him to cherish.  This whole experience has reminded me to enjoy every minute with my family/ friends and let them know how much they are appreciated and loved because life can change in an instant. 

Moving forward...we've added an addition to our family for the time being. 



Ace dog and Keaton

 When my sister said she was moving back to CA. and couldn't take her dog, I offered to take him.  I just didn't want to see another dog taken to a shelter.  The problem here is that I didn't really discuss this with Dave and on top of it when Ace was brought to us I found out he wasn't neutered or updated on his shots.  Uhhhhhhhh what was my sister thinking!  Anyways with these unforseen costs I looked around to find a place that would help with costs for neutering a pitbull and found one.  It's called DAWG and they will even update his shots.  So we are on the list and waiting for the call when we can take him in.

 He is the sweetest dog!  He instantly fit right in with Cleo and Merlin kitty.   He is a love bug, friendly and very submissive.  He loves everyone.  He's actually been so good for our dog Cleo, who is almost 8yrs old, she's getting alot more exercise now.  He wins the hearts of all upon meeting him. Can we keep him when all is said and done?  I hope so.  Dave still wasn't planning on the addition so we will see but he does dig the dog and getting attached to him as well.  If all else we want the best life for him in a happy loving home.  I'll keep you posted.




Cleo and Ace

 Where's the food?  Here's my favorite snack below

Kale Chips Cheezy style

I've posted these before and you can find the recipe here.  This time I only used
1/2 C. soaked cashews
3 T. tahini
3 T. lemon juice or more for a thinner sauce
1 Tomato
1 red bell pepper
dash of salt
Blend together in food processor.  Pour onto kale leaves.   Lay kale leaves on a baking sheet put into an oven at 200 with the door left open for about 4 hours.  I turn the baking sheet half way through and also flip the kale leaves over as well.