Daydreaming ...

... about a Cuban vacation.

Cauliflower Poppers

Being incapacitated for two weeks right after the holiday season is not good for the waistline. So, I'm on the hunt for healthy snacks.


This recipe bumps plain ol' cauliflower up several notches.

Lentil Soup

Yesterday, for the sports event that shall go unnamed ... I made a big pot of lentil soup.


This recipe includes spinach, which I love. I also diced the onion and carrots in the food processor, which I think improves the texture of the soup.

My Back

For the past two weeks, I've been incapacitated by severe back pain and I must say the experience has taught me a lot -- about living with pain, about appreciating my health and about the Western medical complex. I saw a physician's assistant, a chiropractor, a medical doctor and an acupuncturist.



On Day Eight, I saw physical therapist Jeanne Hauser. Believe it or not, Jeanne was the first of all these medical professionals to actually LOOK at my back. She SAW a problem and tried to fix it. What a concept!

Oh, and she's a darned good photographer as well.

Sleeping in Luxury

I'm thrilled to report that Ginger LOVES her new bed!


It's funny, though, because she only sleeps in it at night. I caught her in this picture a couple mornings ago.

Good and Good For You!

My new favorite snack: kale chips.


It couldn't be easier to make. Wash and break up the kale. I cheat and use the precleaned, precut kale in a bag. Spread on cookie sheet, spray with olive oil spray, toss with salt and bake in a 350-degree oven for 10-20 minutes or until crisp. Enjoy!

Helpful hints: the kale must be completely dry or else it will just steam. Also, the oven must be preheated. Not sure why.

Gin's New Bed

I know I've had a lot of animal-related posts lately, but I hurt my back and I haven't been venturing far from home.


Here's Ginger on her new super-duper-deluxe-postropedic foam bed. Unfortunately, she won't climb onto it without coaxing ... yet.