Our Retirement Days: James

Saturday, 24 August 2013

A Day of Blessings

What a glorious day

A day full of blessings,

surprises and friends

A day when my cup overflows

And my heart cries Amen

Grandma Snyder

Today started with a call from our most beautiful daughter Dianne and her life partner Rob with an invitation to have breakfast with them at the Redwood Restaurant in Clifford Ontario CA.

The Redwood is a family run restaurant that is a summer tradition with many of our cottagers and for the residents of Grey and Bruce Counties a great place to enjoy good home cooked meals.

Hwy 9 County Rd 10
Clifford Ontario Phone #: (519) 327-8738

And what is that I see gluten free bread and desserts. For those of us who are on gluten free or on gluten restricted diets to see this on a menu is a blessing indeed.

Garage Sales and Country Vistas

The Royal Albert Birch Bark Pattern is one of my favourite and so when I saw the cream, sugar, tray, cup, saucer and tea plate I added them to the cup and saucer that I already had. The silver tea spoon holder was also a find from today.
There is nothing more elegant and a tea party.

One of the antique stores that we came across was going out of business. I was admiring a donkey condiment holder and the owner came up and offered all the donkeys in the store for $5.00.
I have no idea what I will do with 12 china donkey figurines, eBay?

The item on the left is a vintage cherry pitter and on the left a meat grinder.

Our destination for the day was Listowel Ontario and we made it as far as
Harriston Ontario and the

Old Ford Car Show

Paul took the pictures

Our Garden

Grandma Snyder

Wednesday, 21 August 2013

Kale

An Invitation for BBQ Chicken, Pork Chops and Fresh Kale

Kale is a salad green that up until January 2013 we had no experience with. And now it is one of our favourite greens.

Last fall I was told that the cholesterol medication that I was on was causing liver damage and wanting to be proactive I did what I love doing, I researched foods and diets to improve my liver health.

So it was that on January 1, 2013 I made a life style change that has resulted in significant health improvements. No more: gallbladder attacks, Irritable bowel, and I have improved liver health, lower blood pressure, significantly improved cholesterol level and gradual weight loss. Kale is a one of the supper foods in supporting liver health and now a staple in our diet.

In my research there was consensus on the health benefits of Kale:

Antioxidant because it is part of the cruciferous plant family along with cauliflower, cabbage, cress, bok choy, broccoli and brussel sprouts
Anti-inflammatory benefits because of its omega-3 content
Cancer preventive benefits because of glucosinolate or detoxification properties
Cardiovascular Support by facilitating in the processing of cholesterol

1 cup or 130 grams of steamed Kale contains

Nutrient	% Daily Value
Fiber	10.4 %
Calcium	9.3 %
Omega- 3 fats	5.4 %
Protein	4.9%
Calories	2%

For a more detailed breakdown click on this link Kale facts

Last night Robert and James invited Grandpa and I over for supper and we brought salad from our garden. Paul went out and picked a cucumber, swiss chard and kale.

While Robert BBQ pork chops and chicken breasts, James and Grandpa made the salad. As parents Robert and Dianne have never treated James as disabled, they have focused on his abilities and he participates in all aspects of running the household.

Kale is course and somewhat bitter when eaten raw in a salad unless you knead it between 3 to 5 minutes. The kneading process breaks down the leaf’s courser fibers and results in a very edible green. You know you have knead enough when the kale turns a rich dark green.

The other way that Paul and I enjoy Kale is in a Recipe Paul created.

Kale Poached Eggs

Clean your Swiss Chard and Kale and break into medium pieces

In a pot deep enough to sweat your greens and poach the eggs add 2 tablespoons Coconut oil and 2 tablespoons ground garlic and 2 tablespoons of your favourite vinaigrette I like Balsamic. Once this has heated add your still damp greens and place the lid on the pot. In this way the green will sweat/steam.

Once the green have wilted to half their original mass and there is still moisture in the pan add your eggs on top of the greens and poach them to your liking.

This is fast and healthy meal when combined with sprouted grain bread.

It is important for Grandparents to be and appear to be healthy. In Hakoyama & MaloneBeach's March 2013 research into predictors of Grandparent-Grandchild Closeness the perception of health by Grandchildren of their Grandparents was a predictor of closeness across the life span of the relationship.

Look after your health your relationship with your Grandchildren depends on it!