Vegmom Moments

Scolded about the Bananas

Hubby froze me some banana slices last week which is a huge help.  I always have frozen bananas for things like making my own "ice Cream" and other Raw Desserts.  But taking time to slice and freeze them is sometimes difficult.

Lately, this week, I had to dip in to the frozen stash because our fresh stash had been depleted.  As in Gone...  We use A LOT of bananas in our house. 

So I came home after working a 10 hr day, then grocery shopping, and the first thing I hear is "Have you been using the frozen bananas?"

Why Yes, Yes I have...  "Those are for desserts" he scolded me... "Not for Smoothies"....    Ahem... Excuse me... There are more.. The store had more...  "But those were the frozen ones" .....  Yes, Yes they were...

And I needed them for my smoothies, because bananas are great for cramps and muscle aches...  Did I mention that I haven't a single pain from the Marathon on day two.  I feel GREAT as if I never even participated... 

I thank my Green Smoothie Goodness for the quick recovery... And those bananas......  Oh but he was not happy with me for using them up!!

And then we both started laughing... as in really really laughing.....  What has become of us, that the worse thing we argue about these days, is who ate the last of the frozen bananas....

Ah well, it could certainly be worse!  *smile*

1/2 Marathon Complete 2010 2:57

Last Year my finish time was 3:17...and the story was very different... See the whole thing here!!  My goal last year was to finish and not die... I succeeded with both.

This year, My Finish time was 2:57 (I think)  All I know, it was before 3 hrs..And I finished at least 20 minutes before my time last year. I finished BEFORE 3hrs, with mostly walking, and only running the down hills.  I was Cruising!  ha ha

Didn't have to stop at a Single porta-potty  (Thank you Bladder), Only hit one water stop, Only needed two little Luna moons from my secret pocket, and didn't touch any of the sports drink or gel that they offered....  I never stopped moving...

Was hydrated and full of energy, all thanks to my Green Smoothie morning start.

My walking Buddy showed up at the finish line to cheer me on with her family, And drive me back to the car, which was extra super cool..  I saw a few people I knew from work along the trail that were cheering others on, that was fun..  And even went without my music for 1/2 because the buds were hurting my ears.

When it was over... I felt GOOD!  I mean really really good!!  My feet a little sore and glad it was over, but NOTHING like last year.  I had NO PAIN!   I stopped to get my self a Coffee Treat, and drove my self home... Took a Wonderful LONG LONG HOT shower with some minty soaps to help my muscles... 

And then a LONG LONG NAP!!!...  With which I woke, and stood, and sat back down! ha ha... OK, I'm more then a little sore right now!  A little part of every bone/muscle in my body is angry with me at this moment.  But ONLY if I move... So I just won't move... That's easy!

Heading back upstairs (slowly) to fix me some green-ness... by tomorrow, all my aches will be history!!

What a GREAT DAY! 

Its Raining

Its Pouring, the old man is snoring.....  Race Day morn, and it is storming outside....  Hmmm? 

And I quickly realized that I DON'T HAVE A RAIN JACKET!!    Prepared?  I think NOT!

Off I go on a very wet adventure!

1/2 Marathon - Lets Roll

Another Mama over at Letsrollmama is also running a 1/2 Marathon tomorrow... For some reason I can't ever leave comments on her blog as much as I try, they don't go through...

So I wanted to send a shout out to another Running Mama and wish her ALL THE Best on her big day!!!

As for our house... I'm as ready as I can be...... I think.....  We ran a Mile with the Vegman tonight and he did great.  Hubby actually ran with us, and did great too *wink*  But then Hubby got us lost going back to the car and I'm pretty sure we walked another 2-3 miles.  So much for Resting before the race!  HA!  Why do I bother?  I dunno!

I've already got my Smoothie made for morning, my iPod charged, cell phone charged, clothes almost laid out (still washing a couple bits), Kleenex, Identification, Insurance card, car snacks, water bottle, parking money (just in case), and my race bib all next to the door.... 

I think that's everything?  I hope that's everything....  If not?  Oh Stinkin' Well, it will have to do!! *smile*

Happy Saturday Night!!!  Hope your having a great one wherever you are!!

Raw Ravioli

Last week I was shopping and saw this funny looking thing:

Then saw the sign... "Celery Root"  Hmmm?  The root of a celery?  May be tasty in a Smoothie.  May be my new try of the week...

So I purchased the funny looking root and brought it home....

Then, This week, I got this book from Amazon:

 

Also find download version Here!.. And there was a recipe for Raw Ravioli.. easy enough and called for Celery root.... OH BOY, I have celery root!!

And so I pulled out Mr. Food Processor and tried to slice me some Ravioli Noodles... Didn't work, still too thick... Tried a knife... Didn't work so good.. I'm thinking I need a fancy noodle cutter thing-a-majig... BUT I made do, and they turned in to little taco's instead of Ravioli's...

I also was missing some ingredients... but continuously made alternatives to work....  Now, at the beginning of the Book, Kristen Suzanne suggests going light on the garlic and salt, etc.  Because it is raw after all and the taste isn't cooked out...  Do I listen to this wise tid bit of advice??? Noooooo! 

Because I like garlic.... what can it hurt??  OH MY!!  I can say that it will clear out your sinus's if you don't head this advice, and will also keep people away from you for miles...

Anyway... back to my concoction... Since Mr. Food Processor was already on the counter, I decided to use him and not dirty Mr. Vita-mix for the 3rd time in one day... 

Hello Old Friend:

 

So that is the ravioli filling with a Macadamia Nut and Hemp Seed Base...  OH MY YUM!!  Garlicky YES!  But soooo good!!  We could have just eatin' this by the spoon full....  Hubby said.. this would taste great with real noodles... (Um, defeats the purpose of Raw foods my dear)

And then we tried the Marinated Celery Root Noodles/Tacos with the filling inside:

(ignore the nails in photo, yes they need cut)

OOOOH So Good.......  Veg ate 4 of them, Garlic and all....  I had a couple and Hubby kept asking for more...

Next time we will try thinner "noodles", not so much garlic, and the Raw "marinara" sauce on top for an extra special treat.  But I ran out of time and ingredients... That said, they were good, just this way too!!

I even tried some Celery root plain, and its not so bad.  Kind of good actually.  I think I liked it better then Celery.  I could use it in Smoothies, chunks in salad, or cut thin with other fillings.

I actually want some of this goodness right now, except, I'm afraid the Garlic won't do me good at the Marathon in the morning...  Wouldn't be very nice to the people around me...

BUT after the marathon, OH YEAH!!  This is all mine!

---------------------------------------------

By the way... Kristen Suzanne has an awesome Raw Foods Blog, which I've posted about before.  BUT she also has a new Mommy Blog... With lots of tips to share.  From health, to home, to foods... The list goes on!!  Check out the Green Mommy Blog! 

Next on my list is something from the Dessert Book.... Ooh la la!!

A rest day... Maybe

So today was supposed to be a rest day for me... that means no exercise... Rest.. Lay off the legs, give the Toesies a break!

I added up how much I've walked/ran in the past 2.5-3 months and it came to approximately 180 miles.. And after all that, I think my Toesies do deserve a little break before their big day!

BUT then my crafty friend asked to go for a walk.. I couldn't say no!  I mean it was a walk with my Crafty Friend.. and it was outside...  So I agreed, but only slowly, because I didn't have the right shoes and I was supposed to be resting... And slow I did walk... poor crafty friend, she is a Speed walker... She should be doing this marathon, not me!  But alas...  we walked and it was Sooo nice. 

THEN after a late work day, Hubby calls to meet him at Home Depot.. He got a Screen door.. And we need my car to get it home...  Screen front door makes me happy...  So I oblige... Upon getting home, I realize HIS car is filled with Organic Top Soil bags that he purchased from a local nursery earlier in the day... 7 big bags to be exact.

This soil has to get out of the car, around the house and in to our garden before dark.... Hubby is determined..and guess who offers to help????  YUP ME!!  But I'm supposed to be resting!!

Hmmmmm... Why do I bother making plans with myself... they never really work out!

Alas, by next week, I will have a screen door... My garden is about to become a Gigantic raised bed?? Sorta.. hubby decided to build a box around it...  And in two days I will be done with the 1/2 marathon for another year...

Now the Vegman... HE Is ready for his big run too.... he's been getting on the treadmill this week to practice while it was raining. 

Last night he did  1 1/2 miles...totally his own idea.  

(yes, he really wears his socks like that, no matter WHAT I say)

Isn't it fun to see kids taking on the good habits we parents have...  So much better then the bad ones *smile*

Green Smoothie - New Try Show Down

I have a friend that is now making green smoothies... Even if her family won't indulge in the goodness (yet) she is doing so with the intention of making her self feel better.  Which I think is pretty darn Cool.

On top of that, she takes her Green Goodness to work and shares with her co-workers.  Which is doubly cool.  And her plan is to continue trying new things.  This part, I already posted about...

Funny enough, some of her things that she loves, I have never tried... some things I use, SHE has never tried!  So it has sort of become a show down... She tries, I try..... IT works!

Until she tried beets...  That went on her BAD list....  So yesterday I tried Rutabaga per her suggestion..  My Vegman was NOT a fan of the Rutabaga Smoothie... Hubby and I thought it was kind of strong but both liked it. 

Then I took some to work, brought cups for the crew, and let everyone try....  Hey Mikey... They liked it!!! 
Even if after I told them what was in it!

Now today, I went with Celery for my "extra" item, as my friend uses it.... And I was SHOCKED how much taste a single stalk of celery has... 

Coconut Water, ice, Apple, Banana, Grapes, Spinach, Yellow Squash, and One stalk of celery.

THE ONLY THING I TASTED WAS THE CELERY!!!   Not so sure, I liked it?  I'll have to give that one another go another day. 

My friend however has some dates and Goji berries waiting for her next smoothie... We shall see what she thinks *smile*

And the New Try Showdown Continues!!

Do you make smoothies?  Tried anything new lately?

1/2 Marathon Countdown

I had a 3.5 mile trek today as I continue to taper down from the 12 miler a couple weeks ago, and decided to see how far I could run without stopping... **Reminder, I haven't been running, I'd been walking during my training...... So I really hadn't run more then a mile at a time off the treadmill since last year.   Now I'm running bits, because I have to stay on pace since my Walking buddy is out.

But today, I made it two miles and still felt good...

Maybe this had something to do with Hubby saying before I left...... "You know, you ain't no spring chicken anymore" ....  He is so full of support I tell ya... Good motivation, I'll show him... ha ha... This spring Chicken Booked it! 

Then walked as fast as I could back home for 1.5 miles.... to keep ahead of the pace I need to be at.  Tomorrow I have 2 miles, and then I'm supposed to be done until race day!

EXCEPT... my Vegman has HIS Mile run on Saturday and of course I will go with him... So at least Friday will be an OFF day!  Or that is the plan...

You know what is so great about the whole thing this year?  I am healthier then I've been my whole life.... Eating a mostly Raw Vegan Diet has given my body some energy that I didn't know I had.  My bones, my muscles, they are thanking me.  I'm watching my fat go down while my strength goes up...

Exactly a year ago, this same week I was 20 pounds heavier.. TWENTY POUNDS!!!  I'm wearing a pair of shorts right now (comfortably) that I couldn't get above my knees last year...

I just completed 3.5 miles and nothing hurts... 2 of those miles running strong, and NOTHING HURTS!!  I can't say the same will be true for the 13.1 miles on Sunday.  I know I will be sore after... But going in to that day, I haven't a single ache.  And that is way different then last year!

I'll keep pumping myself full of green goodness, fruits and veggies..... I will be prepared... I WILL DO THIS!  (at least that is what I keep telling myself)

And for more good news... I just received some of Kristen's Raw "No cook" books in the mail....I can't wait to try new things..... Especially with the Farmer's Markets coming soon!

So exciting!! 

1/2 Marathon Almost Here

So its that time of year again... Last year I was getting a tad nervous and just hoping I would finish before the gate closed and that I didn't get lost.  That was actually my biggest fear, that I would get away from the pack and be lost in down town... I don't do down towns very well.... Especially those one way streets... tisk tisk...

Soooo.. its that time of year again.  I was motivated, I was pumped, I was training to WALK with a buddy this time and KNEW we would finish... There was no doubt about finishing, we'd made it 12 miles after all... what's one more!!  And there was no fear of getting lost, because I learned last year, that is next to impossible.  Besides, my friend is a directions pro.  

Going in to this year, I had NO FEAR!!  Not even of the disgusting porta potties, because if I walked then I didn't need them.  Only when I run, does my bladder cry fowl.

And then the worst of the worst happened.... My Buddy can't go!  She won't be there!  I'm solo again!  Just me and my iPod... strutting along, trying to keep pace!!!  I have to go...

I have to represent!  But it will be soo different then our training... It will be just Me!  

And by the way.. Hubby still won't come to watch (2 years in a row, can you tell he is getting no points this week)...  he says "Its just a race, whats the big deal"...  Well phooey on him... I shall walk 13 miles and then another mile + back to my car, and I shall do so proudly!  Heck, maybe I'll walk to the "after event" and find me a banana...

Because I have to do it now... For ME, for my Friend!  And for my Vegman! 

I WILL FINISH......But no guarantees on the time!!! 

Aloe Spritz

I am about to introduce you to something so magnificent, so amazing, so mind boggling that you won't believe your own little eyeballs.... 

Aloe Spritz!!!

Oh yes!!  You see, I've been using this Wonderful Whole Leaf Aloe juice for a while now.  For sooo many things in our house..

Immune boosts, and mouth burns, Stops pink eye in its tracks,  stomach ailments, sore throat, dry or acne skin, itchy scalp, yeast on my dog.....   I've used it topically and internally for different things on every member of our house (and a NeeNee too)

But.. it wasn't until I was making a many hour drive by myself on 4hrs sleep that I realized... I LOVE LOVE LOVE this stuff even more then I thought I did...

I decided to bring some with me.  I put it in a little spritz bottle and kept it in my cooler to stay cold...  While I was driving, if my eyes started to feel strained or tired, I'd just reach for my bottle and SPRITZ right in my face...

Then Veg started to get car restless, he'd say "I want some spritz too"...  He'd say "Ah, that feels good Mom, do it again"

It doesn't burn if it gets in eyes, and feels so cool and refreshing on the face... Not to mention by the time we arrived our skin was soo soft!  *smile*

But then we used it while there, when sinuses, sneezes or itchy eyes (in-laws have cats, I am allergic to cats) I'd sneak out to the car and spritz :-)

Since being home I've brought it to work... around 3pm when my eyes are strained from the computer all day and I need a little refreshing energy kick, I just SPRITZ!  Right in my face....  eyes, lips, mouth nose, cheeks... Spriz Spritz Spritz... I don't even care....  Oh it feels so good!

I'm addicted to my Aloe Spritz!  It is a wonderful thing!!

Thank you Lakewood for your Aloe Juice!!!  I'm not sure what I would do with out it.

Vegman 1 Hubs 0

This morning I put on one of my New Sweaters with a smaller pair of jeans... Because, well, They fit!  Woohoooo!!

I walked up to Hubby and said "Do I look like a Grown Up?"  because that was my mission while shopping with friend.  And he says with a snarky tone...  "Yeah, who you trying to impress?"  Then went on with his business...  

You would think after all these years, I would learn NOT to ask questions that you may not like the answers to :-)

I'm thinking he doesn't like me looking like a grown up... *wink*

But then Veg comes around the corner and just happy as can be says...  "Wow Mom, you look like a Teenager" and gave me a great big hug... he said "I love your new sweater"

Awwww.... Thanks Bud!!   What a charmer!!  Not sure where he gets that from!  *wink*

A Pink Smoothie

I didn't make it to the store today, which means my fruit/veggie stash is down to Nothing!  Nada, Zilch, EMPTY!

Except a Lonely Avocado and a couple Sweet Potatoes

But my Freezer had a few things fruity, some spinach, and I had ONE lonely banana left.... Oh, also some lettuce from the Downstairs Garden.... A little bit of Pineapple Juice left, and a Smidgin of Coconut Water...

Oooh La La... Even with my Kitchen on Empty, I found enough stuff for 8 full cups of Pink/Green goodness!

I introduce you to my empty kitchen Totally PINK Smoothie:

And yet again, my Vegman downed a cup... make that TWO cups of the goodness.... I think he is off his hiatus.. So I shall pump him full of all the goodness that I can, while the Gettin's good!

As for myself... OH MY YUM!!  I drank a Tad too much (if that is possible), but did save enough for work tomorrow.  PLUS added water to a second cup to make a Juice in the morning...

Pink - Green Smoothies are Quite Tasty..  And I'm lovin' the extra creamy-ness that the Avocado gives.

THANKS AU Again for the suggestion, and for your guest photo in earlier post *wink*

The Garden is Back

Hubby spent several days last week volunteering on a farm.. While there, he learned lots about our own Garden and decided to give it another try.

This time we have Potatoes & Garlic from the Farm.  Then Chard and Carrots from our last year's stash.  I hope to get some Beans also. 

The farm lady said we may or may not get the Garlic but wanted us to give it a try.  The rest, has a better chance this year then last as she gave him some tips, including covering with leaves during a freeze.  We shall see. 

Random Thought Sunday

I haven't done one of these in a while... but it is time... And these are all real questions from my Vegman..  I couldn't resist...

Why are they called Ham-burgers, when they are made from cows?  Doesn't Ham come from Pigs?

Where do Squirrels go Poop?  When your walking under a tree you have to worry about Bird Poop...  But never have we been pooped on by a Squirrel.  And there is no squirrel poop on the ground.   We've seen bunny, chipmunk, bird... but no Squirrel...  He has a point!!  Where do squirrels do their business?  Do they have an "office" somewhere?

Why do the speed limits change from state to state?  Its the same road!

And last but certainly not least for the day......What animal does hot dogs come from?  And why are they called Dogs, instead of Hot Pigs or Cows?

Ah, we have fun answering questions in my house, I tell ya!  *smile*

Welcome Home Smoothie

So I learned while on our trip that Smoothies in a Vita-Mix look different then those in my Mom's blender.. Also my MIL's blender, and now my Friend's Blender...

I'm not sure what the deal is, since we use the same ingredients.... but upon arriving home, I wanted to make my own and see for sure the difference....

Here is my Green Goodness:

 

 

And here is my Friends:

Oh but they both taste soooo good!  despite the appearance!

And we both tried Avocados today in our green goodness...  We were out of everything when I got home, so I had to resort to juice and frozen fruits...

Here is what I came up with:

Pineapple/Coconut Juice, Coconut Water, Frozen organic Peaches, Frozen Organic Spinach, 1/2 an avocado, 1 whole banana, and ice!

It also required a Tsp of Turbinado Sugar, as I didn't have enough sweet fruits and put in too much Spinach.  But that Sugar did the trick! and OH MY YUM!!!

Veg even liked it and drank a whole Glass... YAY!!!!!   (he's been vetoing smoothies for a couple weeks, so this was exciting)

Thanks AU for suggesting the Avocado..... Yummy Creamy Green Goodness!

Anti - Smoking

I grew up in a Smoking Parent's House... I didn't realize back then how horrible it really was for our health, the environment, or even what we probably smelled like.  My grandparents smoked, friend's parents, my parents... Just about everyone we knew.

Eventually I met friends that did, even my Hubby did back in the day!  But me!!  NOPE, Never Ever Ever Never...

I haven't even tried it.. not one single bit..  How anyone can or willingly does, is beyond me!!  And I've done everything in my power to educate the Vegman on the dangers of Smoking.    Hoping he will follow in my foot steps.  (we shall see)

As time went on, I became more sensitive to the smell of people smoking.  But as a parent, the thought of people smoking around kids disgusts me.   People at parks smoking around the play grounds, at festivals while waiting in line..  not to mention seeing a Mom holding a newborn in one hand with a cig. in the other!  GROWL!!!

Traveling Duo and Some Raw food goodness

Sooooooo... There was a trip... to Michigan!  Just me and my Boy!  And man was it a great one!! 

My Hubby didn't make this trip but the only thing I knew he would miss was my Green Smoothies.. So I made him a "Smoothie" Card with recipe inside.... And not only did he make smoothies for himself, but he took some to friends.

(ignore my hand cut blender please)

 

I actually left him about 15 different cards through out the house..So he wouldn't be sad that we weren't home.  (Told you I was busy last week) but he found almost all of them before we even left... Stinker!

Then it was time to Pack up the car...  and head out... 

The Mountains looked like Erupting Volcanoes with Clouds and Fog in the distance:

 

And the rain hit us on the other side of those mountains... but nothing too terrible....

We Stopped at a coffee place to rest my weary eyes along the way.   And they had this sign in the window.. So I figured I was welcome:

The rest of the trip was supposed to go along with my theme of no plans.. But then I made plans... And then none of them worked out as planned.

Day Light Savings threw me ALL off and we ended up leaving the house later then "planned"  From there, everything else just took a turn for the better!

Plans set for at least 5 people from hubby's family all shifted, and left me with extra open time to be with my Friend... Our trip ended up being 90% my family including my bestest oldest friend! 

We went shopping which was HUGE Fun.. As in shopping from lunch time through Dinner time in one day just us girls.  I discovered that my hiney fits in to a pant size that I haven't fit in since 16 years old.... Granted I'm just a "little" more jiggly then when I was 16... (just a little... really)

And my friend decided to make me dress like a grown up.  She found me the cutest tops (all cotton of course) to go with the bottoms I picked... I even found a pair of Organic Cotton Capri's.... LOVE THEM!!!  

We found a whole years worth of clothes for the Vegman at some outlets, and did a whole lot of talking! So much fun..

The food on this trip was The best...

Lots of these (thanks NeeNee):

 

Some of this:

 

Red Pepper Deli in Northville Michigan has the BEST Food... and my friend even decided to join me for some Raw Goodness.. (And she liked it!)

I had some Raw Bread and Seed Cheese for the first time!  It was quite tasty!

 

The best part was, the owner remembered me *smile*  And seeing how far they've come with Raw food Challenges, Organic food Co-ops, and classes since the last time I was there, is really exciting.  

We also tried a couple smoothies and a raw brownie for dessert!  Yum Yum Yum!!!

My Mom assisted with a Green Smoothie morning:

 

We also went to Tomato Bros. which I'd been told was the best Pizza in town:

It was pretty darn good!  My friend and I split a Veggie pizza (mine without cheese)  And a very yummy salad..

Most of my other food was either Salad, Fruit or Raw Veggies on Pita...

OH... I even got some yummy treats at this place.... I SOOOO NEED ONE OF THESE IN MY TOWN:

And was told that I couldn't leave Michigan without a coffee drink from:

The coffee drink was quite tasty, I must say!  BUT even better was the company... My friend and I sat out on the patio in the sunshine for  hours, and just talked and talked....

While Veg got some extra time with his NeeNee at an Arcade:

 

Veg spent so much time with his NeeNee this trip... and went to the park, arcade, out to eat.  They read books with Grandpa C, and played in the yard.  He also got to play putt putt and visit with our friends, and visit with another set of grand parents.  

He also got to visit the Baby Dog (that isn't a baby):

 

We went here, which the picture doesn't do justice and it was the biggest indoor playscape I've ever seen.. As you can imagine my germ-o-phobe tendencies kicked in, but I put them on the back burner so he could have fun with his grand parents.   And fun he did have!

 

To finish up the trip, we stopped off at Luna Pier on our way home, so Veg could see one of the Great Lakes from his book...  

The Sun was just beginning to come up and the air was chilly, but it was a Great moment.  He was Sooooo excited to see Lake Erie that he had read about.  And EVEN said "This is the best day ever"  :-)

 

To make this stop even more special, this Biker Guy that lived near the Pier saw us and our out of state tags.  He came out and gave Veg a toy Motorcycle to play with on his trip... (a BIG one too)

Normally I would fear a stranger walking up to us in 1/2 day light in an empty parking lot.  But there was a peace over this fella.  And normally I wouldn't take a toy from a stranger, but knowing I had many many hours ahead of us, and my Vegman was very sad to leave his grand parents, I made the executive decision to allow the toy exchange.

Thank you Mr. Biker Stranger... You really did make our day and also showed us that the kindness of people is out there, big and strong!!

Then... my Mom sent me a link to this place in Cincinnati Ohio.. I stuck the address in our Garmin and Off we went!

At the Loving Cafe, I LOVED THE FOOD!!!  The name was quite fitting!  Not only Vegan, but to my surprise, many raw dishes too!

I decided to try a Raw Pizza, which came with a salad:

 

OH MY YUM!!!  I need a better dehydrator.  That Pizza "bread" was soooooooooo good!  And the salad dressing... Really did I say OH MY YUM!!!!!!!!

Thinking this will be our new Adventure Plan... Where we go, we shall find good Vegan and/or Raw Treats!

At this place we found both.  Veg had a Vegan Grilled Panini Sandwich and a smoothie.  While I had my Raw goodness.  Then we both split a piece of Vegan Chocolate Cake and called it a day....

That was all she wrote!  The boy slept in the car for the next 3hrs.  And I went in to an Energy zone, to get us home.. Speed limit of course *wink*...

It would be many more hours before we made it home, but Ahhhhhhhhhhh.... Home we are... There were those mountains calling me... Hello there!!

So there it is... the Adventures of a Traveling Veg duo.... Lots of fun, lots of relaxing, some GREAT food, some GREAT Shopping, the kindness of strangers and some great weather, and getting home safely...

What more could a girl ask for???  And as for the Vegman?  HE LOVED his birthday present.. But asked if we could fly next time.  HA!  Said that driving stuff is for the birds! *smile*

Back from Hiatus

The week before last seemed like a whirlwind both at work and home... Soooo much to be done in all aspects..

Something had to go, and it was this blog.. I couldn't give up the Exercising, after all I have a 1/2 Marathon to train for.  And I couldn't give up work... It pays the bills ya no?  And went in to the wee hours of the night with so much going on.

And I couldn't give up all of Veg's School Activities, because I am a Mom too...  But most importantly, I had a mini-vacation to get ready for, and was more then willing to do so!!

Ya see, when Veg had his birthday in Feb. he asked for NOTHING but a trip to Michigan to see his grandparents... And a trip to Michigan, he did get!!! 

Just so happened his spring break peaked its head around the corner, so we grabbed it!  And took off in the wee hours of the morning a few days ago.

I didn't blog from there, because well... I didn't wanna!   And its my Blog, so I can post if I wanna...  Well the real reason I didn't is because time was limited.  We stayed busy but in a good way...

More details to follow!!

WEEKEND OF EXCITEMENT

Sorry no pictures this weekend, but I do have some.  Will have to post another day... So here is a quick update before my MOM calls and says "Why haven't you posted, is everything OK?"

Friday - Veg had his first 2hr outing with a Friend's family and survived.. Should I say I SURVIVED!

They came to our house after and we made them some Frozen Banana Whip Ice Cream... The exciting part is the child hasn't EVER had ice cream because he is allergic to everything,,,, But this is only made of bananas, so he could have them.  Needless to say his Mom is looking for a Vita-Mix *smile*

Saturday - I get a call from a friend (the one who calls me a fruit loop) saying SHE went shopping and purchased Green Smoothie Fixings... So much Goodness.  I was so proud, I could cry!!  :-) 

I finished my 12 mile training walk this weekend, so now we get to "taper" off and everything will be easier for the rest of the month.  Until the "big" day!

And Veg got to go to another Birthday Party... Seems they are in abundance lately... AND, I even enjoyed myself this time because this NON-Social Butterfly of a Mom, had people to talk to that I had lots in common with.. (all food talk of course)

Oh and a friend of Hubbies came over last night and I made him Green Smoothie Goodness... He drank the whole glass and didn't choke... We sat and watched his face like the old commercials... "Hey Mikey, He likes it" ....

Also I've had the best talks with my old bestest friend.. We are realizing how old we really are, and I think a connection we'll never lose...Love that!! 

Today, I got my checkbook project done, some time with the Vegman, Quiet time with the Hubby, and two rounds of smoothies...A good day!!

The exciting part of today, is my Friend called to tell me, she made TWO green smoothies and actually liked them...

Could it be, I'm not such a fruit loop after all?  Maybe... Possibly?  Nah!!

Hope your weekend was exciting wherever you may be!!

Memory Lane

I have albums, lots of photo albums... and also scrapbook albums of non-photo momentos... I have saved an item or picture from every place I have been since I was at least 17... 

Before 17, I don't remember a lot, I guess its because I don't have pictures to reflect on.  But after 17, I remember EVERYTHING!!...  After Age 17 is when I met, fell in love, and married my Hubby... Those details are all very very clear!!   

And I have pictures, letters, cards, drawings to show for it... I have items from our trips and our visits, I DON'T Forget....  If its not in one of my albums, then it DID not happen!  Simple as that!!

Until today...  Friend says "Do you remember when....."  Welll No, No I don't!!

Friend says "But this and this and this happened...."  No it didn't, because it is NOT in my albums.  It could not have happened, I must not have been there!

Then I ask Hubby about what my Friend says....  "Do you remember when...."  And YES he does....

Not only does he remember the place and people, but he remembered the music playing on our ride there.  So I asked..."was I there?"..  Because I do not remember, and I do not have a picture....  He said "Yes, you were there, we have shirts from there"..... OH MY!!!  We do have shirts from there...

I had to be there... but how could I not remember... And Why don't I have a single picture or paper from being there.... I remember the shirt... Still have it actually...  But not the day.  

(and NO, I don't drink adult beverages, so not remembering is a clear memory thing)

Maybe I don't remember because it was a very long time ago, and a lot has happened since then... but I don't want to start forgetting things... Those were Good things, Good times.... I don't want to forget them... And so tonight, I've been going down memory lane... I'm soooo thankful for my albums... 

It was fun to take a trip down Memory Lane.....Even if I am starting to forget some of the little details. 

Powdered Sugar

Did you know Powdered Sugar was not Vegan?  At least not all of it???  I learned this from a fun Veggie Blogger over at  I Eat Trees...  As soon as I read her post, I ran up and looked at my Powdered sugar which does say "Vegan" on it...  Shewwww....

But who knew that little sugary sweetness in non-vegan versions was pulverized by animal bones... Learn something new Every day!  And I will definitely look if I ever buy it again.. (or make my own)

Thank you, I Eat Trees!!!!

Smoothie Deprived

Poor Hubby was stuck drinking my Green Juice the last couple days, as I ran out of Morning time to make smoothies.  That pitcher came in very handy... I had enough  for a giant glass each morn, and one for Hubs.

Well tonight he said with all his sweetness "Will you PLEASE make a fresh Smoothie in the Morning?"

Hmmmm?  I think I can do that!  *wink*

Someone Like Me

Really... its true... ..... I talked to a Mom today whose child also has Migraines, also Gut problems, and a multitude of other things which I won't say publicly.  I will say publicly that this poor child has gone through what my kiddo went through, and then multiply that by 1000!

I was shocked, I mean SHOCKED!  To hear the misdiagnosis after misdiagnosis for 9 years!!  9 YEARS!! 

And if I could tell you what these doctors/specialists diagnosed, you would be SHOCKED too!!  But his mom took matters in to her own hands.  She is his advocate, his hero, she is giving this child a normal life where they pretty much would have had him anything but normal.

She changed his diet, filtered all the water in her house, she searched for Homeopathics, Natural, Herbal remedies, probiotics, all natural cleaners.... Amazing stuff... Turns out his body sucks in things and doesn't rid it properly.  Such as Chlorine and chemicals in the standard house hold.

One day, I hope to type her story on here, as it is soo inspiring, and proves that what goes in our bodies really and truly determines how our bodies live.  And for some little boys I know, It determines IF they live...

When we shared our stories it was if a cloud had lifted.  We were meant to talk today...  We were not alone.  We could joke about what we've gone through and our quest to find solutions for our kids.   She said "no one understands, I just stopped talking about it".....  Until now... We talked for A LONG time... and I'm looking forward to talking some more.   We agreed that Doctors couldn't help us, but we could help those kids.

We each ended up at the same place, (hers more strict then mine based on need) but took different paths getting here.  She's going to check out my Dehydrator and Mr. Vita-mix.  Also my lettuce plants when she comes to visit.  I look forward to seeing her Sprout garden and learning about the raw foods she eats....  I think we may have some thing in common...

There really is someone else in the world (this town) that is like me... its odd, but it is true!!