Lentil Sloppy Joes

This is what we are having for supper tonight. We aren't vegetarians, but try to do meatless meals a few times a week for the sake of the environment and our health. Lentils work well for this because they can be made to almost look like ground beef. 

Enjoy!

Serves 6

• 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed
• 2 to 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup white or yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green or red bell pepper, chopped (about 3/4 to 1 cup)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup tomatoes, diced
• 1 tablespoon organic brown sugar or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon  vinegar
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons salt (adjust according to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or more as needed)
• 6  buns
• Toppings of choice (Tabasco sauce, sriracha, pickles, onions, sauerkraut, coleslaw, avocado slices, etc.)

1. Place lentils in a large pot, and cover with water (enough so that there's at least a full inch or two of water above the lentils). Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, or until the lentils are chewable, but still have some firmness to them. Drain them and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and pepper, and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the onion is soft and clear, stirring frequently. Add the garlic, chili powder, and paprika,  and continue cooking for another minute or two, until the garlic is quite fragrant.
3. Add the lentils, tomatoes, brown sugar or maple syrup, vinegar, salt, pepper, and broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add more broth as needed. Simmer until the mixture has thickened to your liking, about 15 to 20 minute, until as thick as preferred
4. Remove mixture from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes. Divide sloppy joes onto the buns and top with toppings of choice, including some Tabasco or sriracha for heat, if desired. Serve. 

What are you having for supper?  

I am participating on the October 2017 Ultimate Blog Challenge. A blog post every day in October. #blogboost

Eco-Challenge Part 9: Rinsing Plastic Down the Drain

Do you wash your face with plastic?


Although some companies are phasing them out, and New Jersey has banned them, there are still plastic microbeads in many beauty products. They make a cheap and effective exfoliant. However, when you rinse them off and they go down the drain, the end up in the ocean. These beads are too small to be filtered out.


There are options.


Microbeads are not the only effective exfoliant. there are natural ones that are safer for you and the environment.




Ava Anderson Non-Toxic sells products without plastic ingredients. Other companies do, too. I happen to  be hosting an online Ava Anderson Party right now, so if you are interested and you know me in person send me a Facebook message or an email.




Otherwise, just look for "microbeads" or "polyethylene" in the ingredients list of your products and, if you find them there, consider switching.




Here's more info:

 

http://www.newbeauty.com/blog/dailybeauty/7519-should-micro-beads-be-outlawed/

 http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/11/nyregion/ban-sought-on-microbeads-in-beauty-items.html?_r=0

http://grist.org/news/new-york-california-move-to-ban-beauty-products-containing-microbeads/

Why Forgive?

For Christians, the answer to "why forgive?" is easy. At least easy to recite.  We forgive (or should) because God forgave us. We forgive (or should) because God will forgive us in the same way we forgive others. We forgive (or should) because we are commanded to.


But there are other reasons to forgive that apply to those of any religion or none.


It is good for our mental health.

It helps us to be more rational and calm.

 Source: Forgiveness from Psychology and It's Practice.

It's good for our physical health.

Apparently, those who forgive have lower incidents of high blood pressure, stroke, cardiovascular disease and cancer.

The Healing Power of Forgiveness from IDEA Health and Wellness

It makes us happier.

Forgiving gives us peace of mind, makes it easier to relax and lets us enjoy life more. 

Source: Forgive and... Feel Happier from  Greater Good.

It allows for better relationships.

It helps us to love each other well and allows for strong friendships, marriages and fellowships.

Source: Forgiveness and Relationships by Rodney Buchanan

For all these reasons and more, forgiveness is important.


What are your reasons for forgiving?

Song for Sunday: The Long Run

On Monday I posted that I had set a goal to run half a mile without stopping. Well, I did it!!

So to celebrate, today's "Song for Sunday" is The Long Run by the Eagles.

I know, I know. A half mile isn't a long run, but I feel like I have accomplished something … and onto one mile by the end of this week!!

Here's the song:

I used to hurry a lot, I used to worry a lot 
I used to stay out till the break of day 
Oh, that didn't get it, 
It was high time I quit it 
I just couldn't carry on that way 
Oh, I did some damage, I know it's true 
Didn't know I was so lonely , till I found you 
You can go the distance 
We'll find out in the long run 
(in the long run) 
We can handle some resistance 
If our love is a strong one (is a strong one) 
People talkin' about is 
they got nothin' else to do 
When it all comes down we will 
still come through 
In the long run 
Ooh, I want to tell you, it's a long run 
You know I don't understand why you don't 
treat yourself better 
do the crazy things that you do 
'Cause all the debutantes in Houston, baby, 
couldn't hold a candle to you 
Did you do it for love? 
Did you do it for money? 
Did you do it for spite? 
Did you think you had to, honey? 
Who is gonna make it? 
We'll find out in the long run 
(in the long run) 
I know we can take it 
if our love is a strong one 
(is a strong one) 
Well, we're scared, but we ain't shakin' 
Kinda bent, but we ain't breakin' 
in the long run 
Ooh, I want to tell you, it's a long run 
in the long run 
in the long run, [etc.]

                                                                                 ~Don Henley and Glen Frey

Blessings on your day!!

Running

I have set a fitness goal -- my first in years.


I have decided that by the end of this week I will be able to run a 1/2 mile without stopping and that by January 31st I will be able to go a mile.


Why?

The impetus is that I have decided to participate in a physically demanding weekend-long activity. I figure I should be in shape. Well, as far as I can get to that point between then and now.


So I'll run slightly further each day: made it two and a half blocks today! I'll do a little weight training, too. Hopefully, I'll be more fit and that will motivate me to get even more fit and so on. Then I'll have more energy, get more done, feel better generally.


How about you?


Have you tried any new fitness regimens lately?


 Or made a goal that you're working on step by step?

Taking Risks

There are always risks in travel and more in traveling to developing nations.

We have found a few risks.

I have not, as people insisted I would, needed to watch my son every second. When he got bored at the celebrations (there were some long sessions - giving out awards, extended sermons, etc., all in Burmese) he went to other places in the compound. He could visit stalls, look at the exhibition, or use the computer in the seminary president's office. It is a very safe place, full of Baptists. The worst that happened was that he got his picture taken about 10 million times by people not used to seeing a white child. Outside the compound I have been more vigilant, although at our guest house he can go down to the lobby on his own.

Food, of course, requires care. Jordan took a calculated risk tonight and ate a club sandwich with raw vegetables. At a fine hotel that caters to westerners, though, so most likely not a problem. I'll let you know tomorrow when I post more about food.

Driving is an adventure. There aren't always seatbelts and it's a "blow & go" system. Lean on the horn and pass. Pedestrians have to get out of the way. We have a local driver; we are not crazy enough to get behind the wheel ourselves. Still, it's nowhere near as safe as driving at home.

Then, there is the fire risk. The electrical systems, including the one at our guest house, appear dodgy. There is only one way in and out and that is gated and locked at night. It's worrying.

This trip, though, is thoroughly worth the risks. We have met amazing people and seen wonderful sights. We have been blessed and hope that we have been a blessing. We are learning so much, too! We will have many things to report about ministries, needs, prayer requests, etc when we come back.

As I said, it's worth the risk and we trust that if God called us here he will bring us safely home.

We are all a bit ill, sharing a virus, but it doesn't seem to be a horrible one. Just a tough cold.

We do ask your prayers for our health and safety.

And God bless your day!!

Mosquitos vs. Sumithrin

I have an organic garden.

Or perhaps I had one.


My town contracts for truck -based aerosol spraying of Anvil, a pesticide formulation containing sumithrin, PBO, and white mineral oil (a petroleum based solvent.)

Sumithrin is considered "slightly toxic" and both PBO and white mineral oil are minor carcinogens.

For more information:

The New York State Department of Health's information sheet on Anvil

This stuff was sprayed on my street, near my garden, the night before I intended to harvest green beans. AAARRRGGGHHHH!! I had been watching the newspaper and hadn't seen an announcement of the spraying.

I waited 24 hours before harvesting the green beans and washed them thoroughly. But I really don't want this stuff on my food. How well does it wash off?

After doing a little research, I spoke to the company contracted to do the spraying. I hear that sumithrin breaks down quickly in sunlight (but my garden doesn't get sunlight until midday.)

I learned that Sumithrin persists in soil for up to sixteen weeks. My contact agreed that to be true but said that it adheres to the soil and doesn't go anywhere for that time. Umm....except under my nails. And it's in the soil on any root vegetables or vegetables that touch the dirt in that time.

The kicker? I asked if the spraying was effective, since mosquito borne illnesses are a threat, too, after all. I got the following evasive answer. "Well, it's truck spraying. It's not aerial spraying. That would be effective, but it's politically and environmentally prohibited in [this state.]" So it sounds like these sumithrin applications aren't all that helpful.

Non-pesticide mosquito control measures include eliminating standing water on property, keeping pools clean and chlorinated, and maintaining bat houses. People can also avoid bites by staying in during peak mosquitos hours, covering up if they do go out and judiciously using repellants.

My town's board of health wanted to talk about eliminating the spraying, apparently, but the board of selectmen refused to discuss it. I guess I need to get politically active.

I have excluded my property from all mosquito spraying and town-wide pesticide applications, so by next year my garden will be fully organic again.

What are your thoughts on mosquito spraying?
Do you have any other resources on this topic?




 

Enticing Children

Many types of cereal come with a toy or children's  DVD in the box. I have noticed that it is almost exclusively the more highly-sugared varieties with artificial colors, marshmallows and/or a lack of whole grain that offer these extras. I wondered why.

It's just a guess, but I think cereal companies figure that parents will buy the healthier cereals anyway. They also will be the more likely choice of childless adults. Companies need to get the not so healthy cereals sold, so they add on the plastic goodies and bet on parents not saying "no" to a whiny child in the grocery store.

Many teen health programs also contend that  tobacco companies target teens and younger kids with their advertising methods.

I was speaking to a tobacco educator a few days ago and she was explaining how small, flavored cigars are sold for less money than candy. They are also displayed at kid-eye level if bright foil packages. I checked out a local shop and found that she was right, though the price was slightly higher than she had said. These cigars are no safer than cigarettes, but they don't carry the tax so they can be sold cheaply.

Studies show that between 80 and 90% of people who smoke begin before age 18. It is critical for the tobacco companies to hook high- schoolers if they want a future base of customers. It appears that they push by advertising on shows teens favor and in a manner that will catch their attention. For more info, try these links:

              http://www.livestrong.com/article/195520-why-do-people-start-smoking-tobacco/

 

http://suite101.com/article/tobacco-advertising-and-teens-a13273

 

http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2011-12-12/national/35284919_1_stores-check-identification-youth-cigar-teens-smoke

 

As parents, educators and youth ministers, we need to be aware of these tactics and arm our kids against them. Study after study shows that kids do listen to parents. Start telling kids young not to smoke, and keep telling them. Set the right example.

 

That goes for overly sugar, low-nutrient cereal and various other stuff that's not good for us, too.

 

 

 

How do you teach your kids to be healthy?

Pesticides, Lawns and Pride

I got into a conversation the other day and almost (thankfully only almost) violated all the principles I was encouraging people toward in my recent post on Respect.

The topic was pesticides, something I feel rather strongly about. I mean really strongly about. I think the various weed and insect killers we put on our lawns are pretty horrifying things. Unhealthy, bad for the environment, poisonous.

The man I was talking to actually applies pesticides for a living. He feels strongly, too. Sparks came near to flying, but we did both manage self-control.

Here's the thing, This guy needs to feed his family, so he treats other peoples lawns. He told me that 48 hours is a good safety margin for going back on the lawn after treatment, as long things as dry. He doesn't fertilize his lawn at home at all though. He keeps pesticides out of his truck by using a trailer, wears protective clothing and gets tested for cancer every year. Apparently, the man he bought the business from is having serious health problems related to the chemicals. But the man insisted that the lawns are safe.

I disagree. Studies have shown ill effects from treated lawns. One, in 1987, showed that children who live in houses with treated lawns are 6.5 times more likely to develop leukemia than other kids.


One thing is true. This man is not the enemy.


We have a culture that values perfect lawns. Many people like theirs to look like the gorgeous pictures they see in home and garden magazines. They want to keep up with their neighbors. They want compliments. Manicured lawns are considered the epitome of outddoor beauty in many areas. I know that I am working to have a presentable, even pretty, lawn.

This drive toward maintaining beautiful lawns goes back to one thing: the deadly sin of pride. The desire to prove ourselves better than others. Many other things are rooted there, not just lawns, and it is one of the more pervasive iniquities.

But one result is pesticides, which lead to soil destruction, ill health and a host of other ills. I need to look at how my actions contribute to the overall understanding of what makes a home "beautiful." Perhaps, in order to reduce pesticide use, we as a culture need to redefine the "perfect lawn."

Somehow, we need to conquer pride. Jesus offers us a different path, if we are willing to follow.



What are your thoughts on pesticides?
How do you combat pride in your life?

Idle -- Not!!

I used to live in an apartment and my son's room had a window that faced on to the driveway. People would pull up to our entrance and idle their cars with the tail pipe right underneath that window.

This bothered me on a host of levels. I feared for my son's health. I was upset about pollution. I felt there was a waste of resources going on. All of those were legitimate concerns.

I was going to write about all the ways idling is bad and fill up this post with facts and figures. Then I discovered that there is an organization called LEAP (Lower Emissions and Particulates) dedicated to reducing the time people spend idling. It is sponsored by an auto parts manufacturer and I am sure they have more expertise in this are than I. So I figured, why reinvent the wheel? I am just going to give you the link to their website.

I found this particular page interesting, but the whole site is information rich. Hope you find it helpful!

Idling Myths & Facts



What's concerning you about the environment at the moment?

Paying Attention

I went grocery shopping the other day. Not terribly unusual, I do it every week or so. This time, though, I did it in a wheelchair, because of my broken foot. My son went in and requested one and an employee soon arrived with an electric scooter. Very helpful.

Using the scooter was an adventure in the crowded store. I frequently had to navigate around other scooters and, also, a manual wheelchair or two. There were at least six other people in wheelchairs.

There were a few people who got aggravated and pushed past either me or one of the other chairs and some who just didn't notice them. There were also several people who were very helpful. The woman ahead of me in the checkout line unloaded my basket for me.

But here's the thing. I shop regularly at that store. I can't imagine that if there were six wheelchairs there that day, there have never been any on other days, but I can't remember ever seeing one before. I must have missed them. I am an advocate for disabled children by profession, so it's pretty embarrassing to admit that.

Once my foot has healed, I am going to plan a shopping trip so that I have some extra time. I want to go a little more slowly and notice those around me. I especially want to be aware of anyone who might need an extra hand.


Will you join me in paying attention?




I am participating in the January 2013 Ultimate Blog Challenge.

Cold Toes .... Not, Anymore!! :)

I am on crutches. My left second metatarsil took exception to my sledding into a haybale and snapped. Silly thing.

 

I have a lovely blue cast which I am sure will aid my healing quite well. The only thing is that my toes are hanging out. It being January in New England they get cold. I am knitting myself a cover-up but knitting takes time.

A friend suggested that a Christmas stocking might be helpful. I tried it ….

 It looks ridiculous, especially since it is after epiphany and the Christmas season is over, but it works. It fits nicely and my toes are warm in it, even outdoors.

 I am thankful for my friend’s idea and pass it on in case it may be useful to anyone else.

What creative solutions have you found to difficulties?

Photos by Jordan Parry.

This is my fourth post for the January 2013 Ultimate Blog Challenge. Going for 31 posts in 31 days. Not doing so well thus far. You wouldn't think a broken foot would make writing difficult, would you?

Thanks for Health, Prayer for Health

Written by a Rabbi, this prayer offers thanks and asks help for our physical selves.

A Prayer for the Body
Thank You, God, for the body You have given me. Most of the time I take my health for granted. I forget how fortunate I am to live without pain or disability, how blessed I am to be able to see and hear and walk and eat. I forget that this body of mine, with all its imperfections is a gift from You.

When I am critical of my appearance, remind me, God, that I am created in Your holy image. If I become jealous of someone else’s appearance, teach me to treasure my unique form.
Help me, God, to care for my body. Teach me to refrain from any action that will bring harm to me. If I fall prey to a self-destructive habit, fill me with the strength to conquer my cravings.

Lead me to use my body wisely, God. Guide my every limb, God, to perform acts of compassion and kindness.

I thank You, God, for creating me as I am. Amen.


                                       ~Rabbi Naomi Levy


Do you have a need for physical healing? A prayer request you'd like to share?

World Diabetes Day

Today is World Diabetes Day and I wore blue. That's what people were asked to do to help spread awareness and show support for patients, caregivers, medical professionals and researchers. I have put together a few links offering more information.

What's it like to live with Diabetes?

Blog post about a 16 year old patient

Blog about daily life with Diabetes

Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes

New York Times Health Guide

Five Basics of Type 1 Diabetes Management for Kids

Resources for preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Mayo Clinic

American Diabetes Association


Diabetes can be a tough thing to cope with.

Let's all pray for a cure.

God bless your day!

Nurses

There have been a number of health problems in my family over the years. Plus, I worked in special needs education and have had many students with medical conditions assigned to my classes.


Therefore, I can give meds orally, rectally, topically, by injection, and through a PICC line. I can provide bedbaths and administer tube feedings. I know how to transfer an adult from a bed or a wheelchair via stand pivot, by using a hoyer lift or by lifting them with someone else. I can take your blood pressure. I have learned what means what on a bedside monitor. I know what to do if you have a seizure or go into anaphylactic shock.


And I can't do a tenth of what nurses do everyday.

So today, on International Nurses' Day, I salute these wonderful men and women who care for us in hospitals, nursing homes, health clinics, schools and our own houses. Without them, we would be in BIG trouble. They deserve our respect. and our gratitude.


Thank you nurses!!

Diabetes Awareness Stuff

November is Diabetes Awareness Month.

Everything has a month I guess.

A friend of mine just died of complications from Type 1 Diabetes. It is treatable to a point, but it's tough to manage.

Type 2 Diabetes runs in my family and I hope to hold it off with a sensible diet and exercise. Apparently, as obesity has risen in our population so has this type of diabetes and it is now even seen in children fairly often.


Here are a few links for more information. I think they are legitimate, but use common sense.


American Diabetes Association (General Information)
http://www.diabetes.org/
About symptoms:
http://diabetes.webmd.com/guide/understanding-diabetes-symptoms
Tips and recipes:
http://www.diabeticlifestyle.com/

A dessert recipe from a website for diabetics:

Apple Pecan Upside Down Cake
Ingredients: butter (one-fourth cup), flour (one cup), baking powder (one teaspoon), cinnamon (2 teaspoons), brown sugar (half cup), vanilla (1 teaspoon), toasted pecans (half cup), thinly sliced apples (3), granulated sugar (one-fourth cup), eggs (2)

Procedure:

• Foil a baking pan and spray nonstick cooking spray onto it. Mix flour, cinnamon, baking powder, salt in a bowl.
• Beat butter in a bowl with brown sugar and granulated sugar with the help of a blender. Add egg white and vanilla and continue beating. Now add flour mixture in it. Mix properly.
• Add the sliced apples in the baking pan and add the above mixture onto them and spread evenly.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes. Cool the pan and invert onto a serving plate. Remove the foil carefully.
• Serve it warm with sliced apple pieces.

And some cool quotes:

Trying to manage diabetes is hard because if you don't, there are consequences you'll have to deal with later in life.
Bryan Adams

Diabetes is a word, not a sentence. 

T-shirt

Diabetics don't need sugar to be sweet.

T-shirt

 

Life is not over because you have diabetes. Make the most of what you have, be grateful.
Dale Evans


Have  a blessed day!