Feeling Good

Thank you, Jennie, for your wonderful praise. I think that eating the way I do has paid off some to keep pounds off and be healthy. And best of all, I feel great and have a lot of energy. I want to accomplish great things with my life, and I need my health and energy!

I started my exercise workout this morning! I am very jazzed about it but I'm sure if you could have been a fly on the wall observing, it would seem comical. I watched a "trainer" on video do an exercise on the "Total Gym" and then I'd pause it and I'd do the same. Sometimes I'd have to go back and watch it again to make sure I got it right, then try it again. For 13 sets, I think. It took me more than an hour to get through all of them, watching the video one by one, then doing it. But it felt so awesome!!! My body felt tighter immediately. I took a mini walk today mid-day, and I have eaten sensibly. That includes an apple, a large spinach salad for lunch, a couple of small pieces of artisan pizza, and stir fry for dinner. I think twice a week on the Total Gym won't be enough for me. It's fun and I'll probably do at least SOMETHING everyday.

Do you have your menu planned for your guests? I came across a recipe in this week's Spokesman Review's food Section that caught my eye. No sugar dessert! I am going to try it, and you may want to serve it for your guests!

Spiced Plum Crisp


For the crisp topping:
1/2 teas. cinnamon
1/4 teas. ground ginger
1/4 teas. nutmeg
1/8 teas. ground cloves
1/8 teas. allspice
Pinch of salt
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 tablespoon honey
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup sliced almonds

For the yogurt topping:
5.3 oz container plain fat-free Greek yogurt
1 teas. honey
Several drops of almond extract

For the plums:
6 plums, quartered and pitted
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons water
Pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
Juice of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 orange
cornstarch

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl whisk together the spices, salt, oil, and honey. Add the oats and almonds, then toss to coat evenly. Spread the mixture evenly over the prepared baking sheet and bak for 10 minutes, or until golden brown, stirring once or twice.
     Meanwhile make the yogurt topping. In a small bowl, stir together the yogurt, honey, and almond extract. Set aside.
     In a large skillet, combine the plums, honey, water, salt, lemon zest, and orange zest. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally, until the plums are just softened, about 10 minutes.
     In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, orange juice, and cornstarch. Stir into the plums and bring up to a simmer for 1 minute, or until the juices are thickened.
     Spoon the warm plums into individual bowls, topping each with some of the crisp topping and a spoonful of the yogurt topping. Serve immediately.
     Yield: 6 servings
     (Or, just eat the fresh plums, and forget about cooking. - That's not in the newspaper!)

When I got home tonight I discovered that my wallet was not in my purse! I used it to get on the bus, and I must have become distracted, and had it on my lap the entire ride. I suspect that when I stood up, it dropped to the floor and I didn't notice. I immediately called them, a dispatcher called the driver, and he said that he saw no wallet. I am hopeful that it fell under the seat and he just didn't notice it. But in the meantime I had to call my bank and cancel my debit cards. So that was not a good end to my day. Maybe I am too naive, but I know that there ARE good people who do the right thing. I hope whoever finds it will turn it in and it will be in lost and found for me. We'll see. That is what I would do.