Some of my Favs.....

I thought I'd start keeping track of some of my favorite things. I'll try to add more occasionally.

• Exercising to reggae music - it really has a nice tempo and beat, makes the time pass more quickly, and makes you think about the beach.
• Biscotti - Val's xmas biscotti is all gone so I am going to try some new recipes, today....
• Getting a good deal - especially at one of my favorite stores, the ARC. Tuesday is half price for Seniors (and I qualify). Seems like they should change their name to be more politically correct (Assoc. of Retarded Citizens)...but everyone knows the ARC
• Attempting to be more green.... I started to make my own dishwasher soap and it has been working great. It's borax, baking soda, and lemonshine (or lemon koolaid can be used) - it's the citric acid that's needed. I found a blog that has a good article about homemade cleaners, etc. It's http://www.younghouselove.com/2009/19/clean-up-your-act-all-natural-homemade-cleaners/ Saves money too!
• Hiking - there's a few trails and I want to check out soon!
• Scones - I've lost my sweet tooth (a little) and love scones especially with lots of dried fruit.
• Finding blogs with great ideas - check out some of them in my 'Check These Out' area.

Lisa came to visit last week to see everyone, especially Mom. It was so fun spending time with her. We did get a chance to get out for a quick loop around Red Rocks Canyon Park even though it was windy that morning. We went to the gym as much as we could and she showed me some of her workout routines. I kind of needed a kick start. December was busy! Anyway I plan to continue with the workouts and the meal suggestions. We'll see where it goes, hopefully melting away.
Of course we always realize we didn't take enough pics when it is too late. We had a family get together on the Sun. before she left. Lisa made some great Persian food. I really need to practice making the rice. It was so good!!

Rock finally came to visit us again!! We enjoyed his visit and hope he comes again soon. Luckily the weather was great while he was here and we went on a hike out to Monument Rock with Maggie. Love ya, Trunkle Trock!

Yummy Homemade Pizza and More

Tyler has been cooking a lot the last couple of years (the girls always have) and we are finally getting to taste some of his creations. He and Miranda came down to see Grandma at rehab and while they were here Tyler made the best pizza I've ever tasted. He makes his crust from scratch and uses fresh mostly organic toppings. It was delicious. This was my fav - pesto, ricotta, tomato, and pinenuts.
Meredith recently showed me how to make chille relenos using egg roll wrappers, roasted green chiles, and cheese. I knew the Fry Daddy would come in handy some day. They can be served with green chile on top but we ate them while they were crunchy and dipped them in raspberry chipotle sauce. Mere also made Cranpinapeno Jam for Christmas which is great on cream cheese.
Valerie brought us some chokecherry jam/syrup and we used it on some great 'made from scratch' blueberry pancakes while Uncle Rock was here. I'm looking forward to trying some of her canned items once she plants her garden. She got a canning set for Christmas.
It's rewarding as a mom to know my kids can do all these things!

Grandma 12/26/09

Wow, thinking back it's been a hectic past couple of weeks. Grandma arrived on the 21st of Dec. and seemed to be feeling the altitude a little more this time. We'd give her something to eat or some Gatorade and she'd feel better. The day after Christmas she started having some stroke symptoms so we made a trip to ER. They admitted her and the MRI showed a stroke (Thalmus and Occipital). She spent 12 days at HealthSouth Rehab Hosp. and made a lot of progress. They worked her out 3 hr. a day with OT, ST, and PT. She came home on Friday , 1/8/10, and is doing quite well. She's using a walker, is able to do steps, and seems almost back to normal. Vision and short term memory seem to be the problems. She has right sided visual field cuts so won't be able to drive and reading seems to be a big problem. Anyway, we are all glad to have her home and recovering. Outpt. therapy starts on Monday and she'll probably have it 3 times a week. Stan, Bea, Stan, Jr., Bry, Mason, CB, came over last eve for a pizza party to welcome her home. Rock is here visiting for the week. Gram made the dessert! (hicory nut cake). Post about Rock's vs. coming soon.....