MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'gardening'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:53:39 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096786&cid=t_106231_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fgardening-in-the-dark%2F Oh yes, it’s true. I do garden in the dark. It does sound a bit dangerous, I’ll grant you that, but it’s not exactly brain surgery or nuclear fission. The only victims might be a live yellow daisy, “dead headed” in error. I do take pity on these victims and bring them indoors and stick them in a small vase, poor things. I do have the guidance of a porch light and a couple of solar powered “rock” lights. Twilight is actually the best time because I can still enjoy the view, there is usually a cool breeze whipping up from the Columbia River and there are no dangerous UVA/UVB rays to worry about. This strange behavior became necessary, for me, many years ago when I first began to have pain in my sitter, fatigue and skin rashes on any area where the sun struck me. I was completel... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096786 Fri, 05 Aug 2011 15:03:03 +0100 5096786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008318&cid=t_106231_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2F07%2Fsinging-teh-brain-dead-workin-hard-blues-remodeling%2F Had a migraine this morning Cancelled on my shrink. Need to clean and organise But I can’t even think. Moved bedrooms three days ago O where is my daily pill box? Boxes and piles everywhere O where are my clean socks? I need to go out and garden Weeds have eaten the side yard. I [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008318 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 03:13:50 +0100 5008318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4501786&cid=t_106231_140_f&fid=35439&url=http%3A%2F%2Fbipolarsoupkitchen-stephany.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F02%2Fgood-afternoon-from-my-garden.html (Source: soulful sepulcher) soulful sepulcher blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4501786 Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:09:00 +0100 4501786 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4477821&cid=t_106231_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F15%2Fbread-and-beauty%2F “If, of thy mortal goods, thou art bereft, And from thy slender store two loaves alone to thee are left, Sell one & from the dole, Buy Hyacinths to feed the soul” - Muslihuddin Sadi, 13th Century Persian Poet (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4477821 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 05:17:58 +0100 4477821 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419183&cid=t_106231_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fsix-science-snippets.html from David Bradley What is entropy? – This property of all matter – this collapse into disorder – is given a name: entropy. Things that are disordered have greater entropy than things that are relatively more organized. A glass of water, in which the molecules of water itself can move around relatively freely, is more disorganized – has greater entropy – than a block of ice, in which the molecules of water are trapped into a rigid, organized array. Research at recess – Twenty five 8-10-year-olds, under the guidance of University College London neuroscientist Beau Lotto, found that bees can learn complex rules to solve puzzles, and that individual bees have personal preferences, suggesting the insects may possess some form of personality. As bold as tho... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419183 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:00:09 +0100 4419183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4238061&cid=t_106231_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FIP71Gcu2cwE%2F In an admirable effort to plant more trees, The Big Tree Plant campaign has a goal of erecting one million new arbors in England’s urban areas within the next four years. In the process, they’ll spend a hefty sum of £4.2 million, promising that the trees will make residents happy and increase well-being. But £4.2 million-worth happy? That’s roughly $6.6 million in funds that could go towards social service, health care, education, and a plethora of other things we can imagine that would make people happy. So is it really worth it? In fact, England’s former environment secretary, Caroline Spelman, says that in some cities, each tree is worth more than $120,000, owing to their overwhelming mental and physical health benefits for residents. Several studies indicate t... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4238061 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:19:10 +0100 4238061 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233339&cid=t_106231_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FIP71Gcu2cwE%2F In an admirable effort to plant more trees, The Big Tree Plant campaign has a goal of erecting one million new arbors in England’s urban areas within the next four years. In the process, they’ll spend a hefty sum of £4.2 million, promising that the trees will make residents happy and increase well-being. But £4.2 million-worth happy? That’s roughly $6.6 million in funds that could go towards social service, health care, education, and a plethora of other things we can imagine that would make people happy. So is it really worth it? In fact, England’s former environment secretary, Caroline Spelman, says that in some cities, each tree is worth more than $120,000, owing to their overwhelming mental and physical health benefits for residents. Several studies indicate t... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233339 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:19:10 +0100 4233339 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233291&cid=t_106231_122_f&fid=34736&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FChannelN-PodcastsPoweredByOdiogo%2F%7E3%2FY-nXh1NSE4Q%2F Alzheimer’s Disease Care and Treatment: A New Paradigm John Zeisel, author of I’m Still Here: A New Philosophy Of Alzheimer’s Care, explains how gardening, sunlight and art therapy benefit people with dementia living in a long-term care facility. (Source: Channel N) Channel N blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233291 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:30:30 +0100 4233291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3942759&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F198830%2F Garlic Garden: Find out how to grow and harvest your own garlic. (via The Daily Green) Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3942759 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 20:12:58 +0100 3942759 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3929426&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fi-need-some-time-off.html Yesterday I had the final-final cyberknife treatment, to kill the tumor in my sixth rib on the right side.    Over the past several months I have had huge doses of radiation--four separate series of treatments--and I'm beginning to understand the term "radiation sickness," usually applied to the hibakusha who survived the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  Not to get too dramatic about the whole thing, but my body has taken a major beating, and now I need to heal. Part of that will be simply doing less, every day, until my energy rebounds. As a result, I won't be online much for the next week or so, and I will be skimming through my e-mail, but not answering most of it. Sorry.  I spent several hours working in my garden this morning, with the fai... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3929426 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:15:10 +0100 3929426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3903098&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fsummer-sounds-of-seattle.html  Here are the summer sounds of Seattle:The burbling of the water garden in my front yard. (The gold fish still appears to be pregnant, and I'm watching for eggs in the pond.)The sounds of power tools echoing up and down the street from all the home remodels. The crisp snap-snap of my flip flops against the bottoms of my bare feet. Today is Day 3 of cyberknife to my sacrum. @ Jeanne Sather 2010.  (Source: The Assertive Cancer Patient) The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3903098 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 16:05:24 +0100 3903098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3902873&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fworlds-smallest-hydroponic-garden-perfect-for-growing-weed%2F photo via Inhabitat Want to grow, like, vegetables and flowers and shit? But the rents won’t let you use the backyard anymore, after that unfortunate incident with the fire pit? Well, check this out, dude: A tiny, hydroponic gardening system, called LabBox. It’s got a drip irrigation system and LED lights. Whoa, this would be perfect for growing po—uhh, peppers. Totally rad for growing peppers in our closets. And our Bob Marley posters are going to look dope with those lights. via Inhabitat Post from: BlissTree World's Smallest Hydroponic Garden Perfect for Growing Weed (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3902873 Wed, 25 Aug 2010 13:15:40 +0100 3902873 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3899601&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fthe-garden-report-anticipation.html Yesterday's dinner of homegrown zucchini, tomatoes, and onions was delicious. I ate it over rice with some deep-fried tofu. I wish I had taken a photo, because it was a really colorful meal, which I think helps my appetite, but too late for that now. It's gone. What's coming in my garden:Hot peppers, Thai and cayenne, which I am growing for Older Son, who likes his food HOT. I bought these plants at Swanson's nursery and I'm growing them in pots, which allows me to move them during the day to keep them in the sun. Bell peppers, of various colors. These I grew from seed, and they already have small bell peppers forming. It's too soon to tell what colors they will be, but I'm hoping for a variety. I eat these sliced thinly with angel-hair pasta. ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3899601 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 16:58:51 +0100 3899601 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3896056&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fthe-garden-report.html Finally, we have had a string of hot days in Seattle, and my vegetable plants are responding, with food! Delicious food. Almost-too-pretty-to-eat food. So, of course, I photographed the gorgeous collection of vegetables I picked to eat for dinner: golden-yellow and green baby zucchini, cherry tomatoes of three types and two colors, and a red onion. Unfortunately, I'm having technical difficulties uploading the images, so those will come later today (I hope). I plan to cook this combination of vegetables in the wok, quasi-Japanese style, and eat it with rice and tofu. I may offer some to Older Son, we'll see how hungry I am. Decadron AppetitesSpeaking of hunger, the major doses of decadron I've been taking over the past few weeks have given me an appetite! In t... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3896056 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:04:38 +0100 3896056 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3890573&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fsaturdays-harvest.html  I spent two hours puttering in my garden this morning, watering, pruning the berries, and weeding a bit, and along the way I ate my breakfast (berries, carrots, and one cherry tomato) and picked my lunch. Lunch will be four egg-sized potatoes from the garden, which I am going to saute with one of my own red onions, also fresh from the soil. They're cooking now, as I write this. I also picked the one and only nashi (Japanese pear-apple) that my tree produced this year. A badly timed rain storm knocked the rest of the blossoms off, just as they should have been setting. I feel like I should eat it with some ceremony, since it is the only one. (Last year, the tree produced a dozen nashi.)Looking ahead to tomorrow, I am going to&... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3890573 Sat, 21 Aug 2010 18:12:39 +0100 3890573 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3876619&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fvineyard-golf-club-natural-imperfections-dont-ruin-a-golf-game%2F photo via New York Times Golf courses can be beautiful, but they’re always unnatural looking. The complete lack of weeds on the lush green grass is a sure sign that pesticides and fertilizers are at work — and a lot of them. That’s not the case at the Vineyard Golf Club on Martha’s Vineyard, the only completely organic golf course in the country. There, no chemical or synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or herbicides are used. Weeds are killed with boiling water and natural foam, and moss is removed with dish detergent. You might find a weed or two on the greens, but the members think the organic course is worth it. Natural beauty has a price, though — the joining fee is $350,000, and the annuals dues are $12,000. Do you think the chemical-free environment is worth it?... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3876619 Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:20:09 +0100 3876619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3872713&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fwhat-im-eating-in-august.html At this time of year, I'm typically eating two servings a day of fruits and vegetables that I've grown in my own garden. Yesterday, it was homegrown, organic potatoes and cherry tomatoes. Today, it will probably be green beans, possibly with a miso sauce, and one or more of the following: carrots, lettuce, basil, cherry tomatoes, and golden zucchini. I didn't realize when I bought the zucchini plants this year that I was getting ones that would have yellow fruits, but I did, and they have so much more eye appeal than the green ones! I may never go back. Maybe I'll dig a few more potatoes. Younger Son hasn't had any yet this year, and we are cooking dinner together tonight. The berries are pretty much over, but I'm finding the odd raspberry or... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3872713 Mon, 16 Aug 2010 21:05:13 +0100 3872713 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3833538&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fmorning-glory-in-bloom.html I started my seeds in early February this year, and one I tried for the first time was a package of heirloom morning glories.  These delicate, purple morning glories--"Grandpa Ott's Heirloom Morning Glory"--are from the Renee's Garden brand, my favorite seed company.The seeds germinated well, and I had lots of starts, until our cat, Hakusei, decided that the shallow, round pot that I had started them in was the perfect place for him to curl up in on the front porch on warm spring days!That killed about half my seedlings, so i didn't get to pot them Japanese-style in handled baskets for gifts for my friends as I had been planning.The surviving seedlings went into one pot which I placed against a trellis on my front porch with heirloom sweet peas on either side. ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3833538 Sun, 08 Aug 2010 07:01:48 +0100 3833538 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3831322&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Faugust-exodus-10-things-we-want-to-do-this-weekend%2F We’re heading out for the weekend, and, man — do we have some plans. What do you have on tap before the next work week begins, which will be all too soon? Try to have a good time. Even though sometimes it’s hard, if we find ourselves in a less-than-ideal social situation, we’re going to try and suck it up. Get spicy. Whether it’s a killer guacamole or a spicy meatball, we’ve had a hankering for spicy food all week. Eat some fries. Even if they’re not traditional French fries, we feel like doing some dipping. No double dipping, though — well, only when you’re not looking. Plan next week’s meals. This is going to take some organization, but it’ll help us lose weight. And it’ll probably save us some money, too. Get a colon... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3831322 Fri, 06 Aug 2010 21:53:43 +0100 3831322 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3822884&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Feco-friendly-shopping-10-backyard-supplies-under-10%2F Your backyard is already eco-friendly. (It’s just grass.) But there are simple ways you can make your yard and garden even greener – and they needn’t cost you a fortune. (We’re not talking about installing a greywater collection system.) The best part? With help from our friends at OpenSky, you can buy some of these items directly from Blisstree. So here’s this week’s 10 under $10: photo: Thinkstock Post from: BlissTree Eco-Friendly Shopping: 10 Backyard Supplies Under $10 (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3822884 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 17:55:12 +0100 3822884 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3808819&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F08%2Fwhat-im-eating.html Despite the on-again, off-again summer weather here in Seattle, I have been eating some lovely foods from my garden. The first cherry tomatoes are starting to ripen, and I've had three in the past week. That doesn't sound like much, but many of my friends are not getting any ripe tomatoes at all. And there is something about popping one perfectly ripe, warm-from-the-sun cherry tomato into your mouth that is just bliss. Almost every day I eat a small handful of baby carrots and a few berries--blueberries, raspberries, or boysenberries. Also three or four pods of green peas. It is so hard to wait for the peas to get big, but I'm trying to be patient. And then there are the potatoes! My organic, homegrown potatoes, which I grow in large pots, are big enough to ea... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3808819 Mon, 02 Aug 2010 01:14:13 +0100 3808819 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3798751&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fquick-update.html The daily radiation therapy to my right femur continues, and I'm getting tired. I don't know if my fatigue is from the radiation itself, or from having to make the daily trip to the cancer center. I have several friends who drive me to appointments, and sometimes I drive myself. However, the last of my 20 treatments is August 3, so that's coming up pretty quickly.In the meantime, I'm waiting to hear back from the person who has to schedule me for the next steps in my cyberknife treatment to my two largest tumors. I need a consult appt. and then an appt. to have the actual procedure done. (This is the placing of little gold seeds to guide the cyberknife.)I wish we could just skip the consult and proceed directly to doing the procedure, especially since Cyberknife... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3798751 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:55:39 +0100 3798751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3787095&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fis-my-goldfish-pregnant.html  I have two goldfish in the water garden next to my front porch, and one of them is so fat that I suspect she is pregnant!Now, it would be helpful if I knew more about goldfish--I don't even know what sex these two are, let alone how to tell if you have a pregnant fish. But she certainly is fat, and she's fat in the right place. I'm keeping an eye on her, and will post updates as appropriate. It would be so cool to have baby goldfish in the pond! And I have been assured by a couple of knowledgeable friends that--unlike guppies--goldfish do not eat their young. While I'm waiting for the outcome to this little drama, I have renamed the fish. Their names are now "Fat" and "Happy." Fat is the expectant mother, and Happy is the happy father.... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3787095 Sun, 25 Jul 2010 22:18:33 +0100 3787095 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3776568&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fnibbling-my-way-through-the-garden.html Yesterday, I nibbled my way through the garden as I was watering, and this is what I found to eat:The very first ripe cherry tomato of the season. It was a rich, golden yellow. Delicious.Four baby carrots, in colors ranging from white to yellow to the traditional orange. Two or three ripe blueberries, and two pea pods with peas. I opened them and ate the peas first, then crunched on the pods.  It's hot again today, so I've just spent the past hour and a half watering, deadheading, and harvesting a few more delicacies. These included:Three more ripe blueberries. Two tiny French strawberries, the first of the year on a plant I grew from seed. These berries are so small, but I swear each one has the flavor of its much larger cousin. One red bell pepper, f... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3776568 Wed, 21 Jul 2010 21:05:15 +0100 3776568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3742377&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fwhat-im-eating.html Maybe it's the hot weather, or maybe a lot of folks are on vacation, but I didn't get nearly as much debate going on the topic of whether or not diet makes a difference to people living with metastatic disease.  (See: Metastatic Cancer: Does It Matter What You Eat?) Of course, it is possible that ALL of my readers are in agreement, but when did that ever happen?  Our recent heat wave here in Seattle (so far today, at almost noon, the temperature is in the low 70s--much, much better) killed some of my plants, including some leaf lettuce, dead and wilted, but it gave a real boost to the blueberries and raspberries, which are ripening almost faster than I can pick them.  Now, that's a nice problem to have. As I write this, I am nibbling on a bowl of hom... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3742377 Sat, 10 Jul 2010 18:50:14 +0100 3742377 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737223&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fseattle-heat-wave.html All through the month of June, while we suffered through temperatures in the low 60s and something like 20 days of rain in a row, one of my friends (yes, you, Peter), kept saying, "Summer never comes to Seattle until after the 4th of July," which I found annoying, because June of 2009 was a wonderful month ... But, in any case, here we are, on July 8, and temperatures are supposed to hit 94 today. (So Peter was right, at least about this year.) To go from low 60s to 90s in just a day or two is brutal. I'm not sure my garden can take it, and I have drafted Younger Son to help me water.  We soaked the garden this morning, and when I got home from treatment at about 3, the strawberry plants were wilting.I'm not sure I can take these temperatures either--I am wilt... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3737223 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 23:23:21 +0100 3737223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3733052&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fmail-a-garden-green-greetings%2F photo from Brooklyn5and10.com Getting a card in the mail, even if it isn’t for a certain occasion, can seriously cheer up someone’s day. Getting flowers is also a pretty exciting event (as long as they aren’t from a stalker). Brooklyn 5 and 10 combined two of life’s little pleasures to create Postgarden, a pop-up greeting card that comes with a packet of watercress seeds to grow inside the card. How awesome would this look on your best friend’s work desk? Or, ahem, in the Blisstree office? We’re now accepting Postgarden notes from friends, family, or anyone who wants to get help us get a mini-garden growing. via The Frisky Post from: BlissTree Mail-A-Garden: Green Greetings (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3733052 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 19:41:26 +0100 3733052 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3726739&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F07%2Fmetastatic-cancer-does-it-matter-what-you-eat.html This study didn't look at that. Finally, however, here is a study that seems to have addressed that question. Thank you, Ohio State University!Granted, so far the research has only looked at mice with breast cancer tumors (my kind of cancer, even!), but it showed that a substance in broccoli and brussels sprouts caused the tumors to shrink. Now, I like broccoli, and some years I even grow my own, so it is no hardship for me to add a bit more broccoli to my diet. I especially like homemade cream of broccoli soup--this requires a blender, but other than that it is really simple to make. I don't have a link to this research online, but it was published online June 29 in the journal Cancer Prevention Research. The Metastatic Cancer Patient DietSo, back to my ori... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3726739 Mon, 05 Jul 2010 19:30:29 +0100 3726739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718361&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F186699%2F Think organic farming is simple and straightforward? Think again, according to this post on today’s Grist.org: Battling the bugs – and the temptation to use chemical WMDs. Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718361 Fri, 02 Jul 2010 03:37:57 +0100 3718361 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714389&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F06%2Ftodays-harvest.html Once I finally dragged myself out of bed this morning, I did manage to spend some time in the garden--watering, dead-heading, and picking fresh produce. Here's today's harvest:About 12 peapods, just right for using in fried rice. And we have some green onions and baby carrots in the garden that would go well in fried rice, if Older Son will agree to make some for dinner. (I asked him, but he was off to the dry cleaner and to wash his car, so he didn't give me an answer yet.)Another cup of raspberries. I'm eating these for dinner. A few logan berries. These are the very first ripe ones. About six strawberries. My strawberries are not doing well with all the shifts from hot to cold again that we have experienced in June. Not to mention something like 20 days... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714389 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 01:34:38 +0100 3714389 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3714393&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fback-from-the-beach.html Let me start off by saying that the beach was wonderful--everything I had hoped it would be. (No photos, sorry.) The weather was a bit cool and cloudy, but I didn't care. That's typical for the beaches on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, which is where we were. I needed sand and salt air and the crash of the surf.  I was there two nights. Laurie and I drove out on Sunday, and then Monica joined us on Monday for the second night. Of course, all we did was walk on the beach and talk and talk and talk. Oh, and we cooked some pretty delicious meals, and I ate probably twice what I normally eat at home. That was good.  Message learned: eat with friends.  The dog started out a bit crazy with excitement, and I had to keep him from jumping all over Laurie and Monic... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3714393 Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:07:24 +0100 3714393 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695530&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Frats-eco-friendly-pest-control%2F We love talking about natural ways to do household chores, because this means our home is one less place where we need to use toxic chemicals. (It does not mean we like to do household chores, however.) And if we can extend that lack of toxins to our garden, well, even better. Check out this video for tips on natural pest control: Use Store Bought Sprays for Natural Pest Control via The Huffington Post Post from: BlissTree Rats! Eco-Friendly Pest Control (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695530 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 21:56:41 +0100 3695530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3695766&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fhaving-a-quiet-day.html When Younger Son and I were in Germany last year, we had planned to go to Berlin and meet Gudrun and her son Vince. I, unfortunately, was feeling too jet lagged and bothered by the heat to make the trip from Frankfurt to Berlin, so YS went off by himself and I stayed in Frankfurt with my friend Ute. As a result, Gudrun and I never got to meet face to face, which was a disappointment to both of us. But YS had a wonderful time, and Vince took him to see all the museums that were on his list, especially the military ones. Yesterday, I had a chance to partially return the favor, as Vince was in Seattle. He's been in Chicago for almost a year on a fellowship and now is on a trip by Amtrak to see some more of the country.Megan did the driving, and we picked Vince up at his youth ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3695766 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 21:05:31 +0100 3695766 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3687324&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fa-good-day-for-a-change.html The sun is out today--thank goodness--and it's warmer, but still not the usual Seattle temperature for June. (I think it's only in the low 60s.)Still, that, along with my getting a really good night's sleep, is enough to improve my mood tremendously. The cat continues to do well, although she keeps trying to get that cone off her neck. But she ate this morning, and I got her pill down her on the second try. Cats are sneaky, and she spit it out on the floor after my first try. Mind you, this was with her wrapped in a towel and held by Megan so she couldn't scratch. But if you can't get the pill past the cat's tongue, she can spit it out. Then Megan and I took Connie for a walk down to the park and played catch with him in the big field there. He hadn'... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3687324 Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:21:41 +0100 3687324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3676854&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F06%2Ffriday-.html Now I'm not only behind on answering e-mail, but I'm also seriously behind on blogging. The garden has been getting some attention though, with Megan's help, and I've been eating my homegrown strawberries almost every day. It's still too cool, and they are ripening slowly. Younger Son has arrived safely in Beijing, and now I find myself scanning the international news for natural disasters and other problems in China. I'm such a mother! He is thrilled to be there, but jet lagged. He was going to the Forbidden City yesterday, which would have been today on the calendar because of the date line. I'm feeling better than I probably have a right to feel. My appetite is coming back, and my energy is pretty reasonable. My only problem really is that I... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3676854 Fri, 18 Jun 2010 18:19:38 +0100 3676854 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652608&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fan-appetite-for-homegrown-food.html I've lost four pounds in the past three weeks on the cancer diet, which is not good. Even though my recent weight loss has brought me within 10 pounds of my target weight, this is not the way to do it. I've lost much too fast, and because of GI problems and a lack of appetite. I also have an aversion for most foods--pretty much nothing looks or sounds good. But then this morning I was working in the garden, transplanting my bell pepper starts and composting the potatoes--which are doing great--and while I was out there I harvested another dozen strawberries, and then I started eyeing the leaf lettuce.Long story short: I'm having a green salad (lettuce, basil, and green onions, all from my garden) topped with a hard-boiled egg. Then the strawberries with vanill... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652608 Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:03:54 +0100 3652608 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3644957&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fthe-first-strawberries-of-the-year.html Well, Megan was sick today, so she stayed home. It was all OK, though. I managed to do errands by myself, and then just a little bit of gardening--mostly picking ripe strawberries, pulling weeds in the strawberry bed, and washing spitbugs off the lavender, daisies, and poppies with the hose. I don't know why spitbugs like some plants better than others, but the preferences are very obvious. I picked a dozen or more strawberries, and I'm going to eat those for dinner. I've been picking two or three ripe berries a day for the past week or so, but this is the first day I got enough to put in a bowl. My appetite has been funky lately (as in, I don't feel like eating or drinking anything, and I don't get hungry), but the strawberries are certainly appealing... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3644957 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 22:31:52 +0100 3644957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3635723&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fsummer-garden-photo-of-the-day%2F How is your summer garden coming along? We’d love a backyard filled with these flowers: Photo from Flickr user randomisation Post from: BlissTree Summer Garden: Photo of the Day (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3635723 Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:30:13 +0100 3635723 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3632243&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F10-things-we-want-to-do-this-weekend%2F Are we the only ones who felt like that four-day week didn’t go by quite as quickly as we’d hoped? Thankfully, the weekend is upon us. Here’s what we want to do: Drink a mimosa. Skipping coffee isn’t normally something we look forward to, but if it means slowing down our immunity to the benefits of caffeine, we’re willing to take a short break. Thank god for mimosas; without it our brunches would get ugly. Eat an ice cream cone. …Instead of a high-calorie, ice cream man diet-buster. Not that we don’t love ice cream sandwiches, but the nutrition facts have convinced us that we only need a small swirly cone. Bike in the park. By now, you should know that we have a real thing for bikes. But the good news is that pretty soon you could even charge you... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3632243 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:20:24 +0100 3632243 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3629600&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Feco-friendly-living-10-things-to-green-your-garden%2F How does your garden grow? Probably not green-ly enough. So check out our gallery of 10 things we found to help you cultivate your garden into a more eco-friendly oasis: Post from: BlissTree Eco-Friendly Living: 10 Things to Green Your Garden (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3629600 Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:24:40 +0100 3629600 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3618036&cid=t_106231_133_f&fid=35130&url=http%3A%2F%2Fautisticbfh.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Froses.html When I wrote a post last month about pruning my rosebushes, Clay commented that he'd like to see another photo when they came into bloom. All the cold wet weather in the northeastern United States this year has been good for the plants, whatever else we might have to say about it. The roses are blooming quite nicely:I've been reflecting on how much our society's understanding of neurodiversity, like my rose garden, has grown over the past five years. At the end of 2004, shortly before I started blogging, typing "neurodiversity" into a search engine yielded very few results. Finding a new self-advocate website or a parent site that wasn't doom and gloom was like discovering an oasis in a vast scorching desert of intolerance.At that time Kathleen Seidel had just recently set up neurodiversit... Whose Planet Is It Anyway? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3618036 Mon, 31 May 2010 16:22:00 +0100 3618036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3614661&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fthe-first-strawberry-of-summer.html It is cold outside (low 50s) and it's been raining off and on all weekend. My poor garden looks like it is shutting down, except for the strawberries. I found two ripe ones this morning--the earliest ever!However, I didn't get to eat them. The slugs had found them first and scooped out nice, neat bites. I don't care to eat what's left, although they were so perfect and red ...So, I'll be stepping up my slug and snail patrol, and possibly putting out some beer in shallow dishes to see if I can drown the nasty little critters. I've fertilized the strawberries once, but need to do it again. Also, the potatoes--which are coming up nicely--and the peas. Carrots could use a little feeding as well. And the blueberries ... I've been using the liquid fish fer... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3614661 Sun, 30 May 2010 19:23:20 +0100 3614661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3617797&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Ffeel%2Ffitness-work-out-in-nature-and-boost-your-self-esteem%2F photo: Thinkstock Working out is easier than ever before with cardio machines, workout videos, weight lifting machines, online tutorials, and podcasts. But ditching the comfort of exercising in a controlled environment like your house or the gym could give you some extra health-related perks. A new study shows that even just five minutes of outdoor activity can improve your mental health by boosting your mood and self esteem. Data from 1,252 people (taken from 10 existing studies) was analyzed – participants were different ages, genders, and had different mental health statuses; and researchers considered outdoor activities including gardening, fishing, and jogging. The greatest increase in well-being occurred in the young and mentally ill, but everyone in the study experienced some bene... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3617797 Fri, 28 May 2010 22:03:50 +0100 3617797 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3607471&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Feco-friendly-gardens-13-organic-pest-control-methods%2F photo: Thinkstock If you have the dedication and patience to cultivate a blooming garden this summer (which not all of us do, believe me), then you definitely want to protect your garden from insects and pests. But you also don’t want to contaminate your naturally-grown vegetables with pesticides or chemicals. Planet Green compiled a helpful list of common garden predators and what you can do to get rid of them – naturally. 1. Aphids are tiny little annoying bugs that suck the juice from leaves and stems of plants – and possibly spreading disease as they do it. Spray your plants down with a hose, and that should do the trick. 2. If you see brown spots on your asparagus stalks, or if the stalks are bent, you’re probably hosting asparagus beetles. Wasps love to eat these beet... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3607471 Thu, 27 May 2010 21:09:01 +0100 3607471 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3592375&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fbooks-from-powells-1.html My trip to Portland with my friend Laurie last weekend had three goals: to visit the Chinese Garden, to meet Cheryl (one of my readers who has become a friend), and to spent lots of time at Powell's, the world's greatest bookstore.(Blowing out a tire on the freeway on the way down was NOT one of our goals, but we did that too.)I'm not quite sure what makes Powell's so great--it could be the huge selection, or the personal notes from staff on the shelves, or that new and used books are shelved together, to give buyers a broader choice on price.I bought five books, and read them all (except for one that is a gift, because it's shrink-wrapped) within the first few days that I was home. It was a reading marathon, even for me.Here's what I bought:The Orientalist, by Tom ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3592375 Sun, 23 May 2010 20:57:42 +0100 3592375 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3590489&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=39026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarolinemfr.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fnever-interfere-with-someone-elses.html I have a problem (well maybe more than one but that's another story) in that I like to garden but because of my lymphedema and back, I can't really garden. I mean I can do little things but not the extensive gardening I used to do. Carrying around planters and bags of compost, sifting dirt for pots, and digging holes, etc. are things I cant do. My husband is learning how much work gardening is. He helped earlier this week and I told him I needed more help again this weekend which I knew he would get to at some point.Yesterday morning at 7 am I was in bed, barely awake, and I heard him out in the backyard getting started. I threw on some clothes and ran outside to keep him motivated by getting my plants in and my dahlias out to be put in the garden and more. He was motivated and I wanted to... Caroline's Breast Cancer Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3590489 Sun, 23 May 2010 11:43:00 +0100 3590489 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3573655&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F178549%2F How do you make your garden grow? Check out The Back Garden Project: New Plants, New Plans an inspirational (for wanna-be gardeners, anyway) blog series by Gordon Douglas on GOOD. Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3573655 Tue, 18 May 2010 00:45:43 +0100 3573655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552505&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fwonderful-mothers-day.html If you live in the Seattle area, then you know we had wonderful weather yesterday for Mother's Day. Low 60s and bright and sunny. Perfect gardening weather, so I drafted Younger Son to do some of the heavy lifting for me in the garden. We fertilized vegetable plants in the back yard and potted a few more plants--two tomatoes this time, a yellow plum and an heirloom. We put them in a big pot and set them up on the vegetable garden in the sky. That way they will get enough sun. Masses of berries came back this year, covered with buds, so we will have plenty of raspberries and loganberries (good nutrition there). And the strawberry plants are already showing little green berries! I am determined to make a batch of jam from my own berries this year. Last year there weren&... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552505 Mon, 10 May 2010 17:33:38 +0100 3552505 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3546987&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fsunny-saturday.html  It is a beautiful sunny Saturday morning, and I spent almost two hours in the garden--potting new plants that I got last week, fertilizing the strawberries, blueberries, and apple tree (the columnar one on the front porch), and basically having a great time. I'm hoping Younger Son will come over tomorrow early enough that he can help me with the bark mulch--I need to buy about four more bags (and I can't even lift them myself, so I need help) and then spread it over the garden beds in front of the house. The mulch really does keep weeds down, and of course it also holds water. The only problem with mulch is that, in our climate, it provides a nesting spot for slugs and snails. Oh well. Here's the list of fruits and vegetables I'm growing this year:S... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3546987 Sat, 08 May 2010 18:59:34 +0100 3546987 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3546839&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fplant-a-seed-bomb-guerrilla-gardening-from-tiny-choices%2F We love this eco-friendly, guerrilla urban public gardening idea we got from our friends at Tiny Choices – Seed Bombs made of compost, clay, and wildflower seeds. You throw, they grow. Sometimes it’s good to go rogue. via Tiny Choices Post from: BlissTree Plant a Seed Bomb! Guerrilla Gardening From Tiny Choices (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3546839 Sat, 08 May 2010 17:00:29 +0100 3546839 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3542562&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fdrink-alcohol-save-wildlife-and-the-environment%2F Get this: Now our love of boozing it up can help save the planet! Our green-minded friends at The Alternative Consumer found this ingenious way to turn a harmless drinking problem into an eco-friendly solution. Thanks to our kindred spirits at DeeLuxDesigns, we get to enjoy our grown-up funny juice, recycle the bottles, AND feed the hummingbirds. Then, we can experience a good buzz (the hummingbird’s and ours) while watching the delicate creatures zip around outside – over another cocktail, of course. And the earth-friendly cycle continues. ($14 a bottle on Etsy.com) via The Alternative Consumer photo: DeeLuxDesigns Post from: BlissTree Drink Alcohol, Save Wildlife and the Environment! (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3542562 Thu, 06 May 2010 19:29:54 +0100 3542562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3542827&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fthe-first-ladybug-of-spring.html I was out puttering in the garden with my cup of coffee this morning, and it all felt so NORMAL, because I used to do this almost every morning that it wasn't raining, at least three seasons of the year.While I was out there, pulling weeds, deadheading bluebells, and murdering slugs and snails, I spotted the first ladybug of spring. Very exciting somehow. But that little bug better get busy, breeding and eating, because my garden is FULL of aphids--millions of them. On the roses, the tulips, even the pansies. If I see any ladybugs for sale at the gardening store I will buy a bag, and give my one little bug some company, but I haven't seen any yet. Today is a good energy day, so I am going to try and get some things done. I need to go to the post office, and ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3542827 Thu, 06 May 2010 17:34:55 +0100 3542827 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3538058&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2F177304%2F Remember earlier when we told you about the edible garden wall inside a house that University of Maryland students created as an energy efficient project? Seems like vertical gardens may be the new eco-friendly outdoor trend, according to today’s New York Times. Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3538058 Thu, 06 May 2010 01:46:29 +0100 3538058 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3533800&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Ftodays-eco-friendly-photo-patchwork-garden-plantings%2F Caitlin Black of Nesting blog took this photo of cool, green patchwork plantings on display at this year’s annual Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle. We like. Post from: BlissTree Today's Eco-Friendly Photo: Patchwork Garden Plantings (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3533800 Tue, 04 May 2010 23:00:01 +0100 3533800 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3529747&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Feco-friendly-home-green-photo-from-nesting%2F photo courtesy of Caitlin Black and Nesting We love this photo from Nesting, a pretty home and garden blog by Vancouver-based landscape designer Caitlin Black, who owns a landscape design-and-build shop called Aloe Designs with her husband. Aspirational and inspirational. Post from: BlissTree Eco-Friendly Home: Green Photo From Nesting (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3529747 Tue, 04 May 2010 00:30:30 +0100 3529747 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3524429&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fa-raccoon-called-connie.html When I went outside this morning and found that something had been digging in my newly planted snow peas, I of course assumed it was raccoons during the night. But no. I caught the culprit in the act later today, and it was Constant the Wonder Dog, happily digging away. Now I don't know if his goal was the sprouted peas, because he likes vegetables, or if it was the rich dirt, full of composted material. (He's eaten dirt before, especially when I have just added chicken compost.)I'm keeping Connie out of the back yard till I have a chance to cover the planter box and also check to see if he left me any peas at all. If not, I'll have to replant. @ Jeanne Sather 2010.  (Source: The Assertive Cancer Patient) The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3524429 Sat, 01 May 2010 20:11:06 +0100 3524429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3508155&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fearth-friendly-10-things-you-shouldn%25e2%2580%2599t-compost%2F There’s a lot of mixed wisdom out there about what organic material you should and shouldn’t return to the earth. If you want to stay on Mother Nature’s good side, check out this list of things the Environmental Protection Agency suggests trashing instead of composting: 1. Sick plants: Adding diseased or insect-ridden plants to your compost will just make other plants ill. (But you can compost healthy plants.) 2. Coal or charcoal ash: These can also harm plant life. (But you can compost fireplace ashes.) 3. Black walnut tree leaves or twigs: While most leaves are okay to recycle, walnut leaves contain substances that can damage plants. 4. Dairy products: These will stink up your bin and attract outdoor pests. So dump your yogurt elsewhere, but toss eggshells into the compos... Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3508155 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:34:23 +0100 3508155 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3505082&cid=t_106231_133_f&fid=35130&url=http%3A%2F%2Fautisticbfh.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fdisplacing-bit-of-aggression.html One of the tasks on my spring cleaning list was to cut back some ridiculously overgrown rosebushes behind my deck, which had sprawled out over the concrete walkway. Because I am seriously phobic about power tools, I used a small pair of hand shears to do the whole job. It took a long time, but at least it was a more productive way of dealing with feelings of frustration than getting into useless arguments with trollish types on the Internet. Here's what the bushes look like now; I didn't try to cut them evenly across the top because they grow so fast that they wouldn't stay like that anyway.The reason they needed so much pruning was because they grew to about twice the size that the catalog said they would, and I suspect that's not even their full growth. That will teach me to do independe... Whose Planet Is It Anyway? blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3505082 Mon, 26 Apr 2010 13:26:00 +0100 3505082 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3505096&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fsunday-soup.html It's 60 degrees outside and sunny, so I spent some time this morning working in the garden while playing catch with Connie. One of the neighbors threw a bunch of tennis balls over the fence for him, so now he has six or eight--his favorite toy. Of course, it's kind of hard to transplant peas when you stop every 30 seconds to throw a tennis ball, but that's how Connie and I do it. Then I went out to the bead store to get some chain and other supplies that I need to finish up a couple of things and also to the grocery store. I realized that I haven't felt well enough to go to the grocery since before London, so that's another baby step towards normal. I bought two bags of groceries--heavy on the organic produce and beverages. And now I'm making brocc... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3505096 Sun, 25 Apr 2010 21:32:07 +0100 3505096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3502956&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fgifts-from-readers.html Several readers sent me cash gifts after I got home from the hospital (thank you all), and they all told me to use the money for something that would make me happy. With that in mind, I went to Swanson's nursery the other day with a good friend, and we had lunch and bought some plants. I got some "hen and chicks" to fill in the narrow bed along the path by the front porch, and everything else was vegetable starts. So those of you who paid for these plants can think of yourselves as feeding me and my family with homegrown, organic vegetables this summer. I got onion starts, four or five different kinds of tomatoes--romas, cherry tomatoes, and heirloom. Also some yellow pear tomatoes, because I love how they look in salads and stir fries.I also got some pea pl... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3502956 Sat, 24 Apr 2010 19:34:46 +0100 3502956 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3436370&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F04%2Fsaturday-soup.html As I mentioned in an earlier post, it's dark and cold today, with gusty winds--the perfect day for soup, especially if the power goes out later. (AFTER my soup is cooked, I mean.)I started with a couple of handfuls of brown and wild rice, a mixture that I buy at Whole Foods. Then I added half a sweet potato, chopped in small cubes. I'm letting that cook for awhile, and then I'm going to add small amounts of each of the following, finely chopped: carrot, bell pepper (red and yellow), and green onions from my garden. These onions wintered over and have started to grow again in the past couple of weeks. I think I'll add some tomato paste near the end, for its cancer-fighting properties. I really don't know if these foods that are supposed to help prevent cancer... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3436370 Sat, 03 Apr 2010 18:32:22 +0100 3436370 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3429402&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fa-better-day.html  Finally, finally, after three days in bed, I'm feeling better! I figured it would take 24 hours of rest after the London trip--but I seriously underestimated. Besides being tired, I didn't want to eat and I wasn't thirsty (bad), although I tried to push fluids ... and I was in a pretty bad mood as well. Part self-pity, part fatigue. That no-energy thing just flips me out. I hate it more than anything else about living with cancer. But today was better. I spent the first half hour after I got up puttering in the garden, still cleaning up after winter. We had some storms recently, so there were lots of branches down. But so many things are blooming, way too early--lilacs are budding, strawberry plants are blooming, lots of bulbs are blooming and even the purple... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3429402 Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:08:27 +0100 3429402 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3390739&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=36050&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblisstree.com%2Flive%2Fsprings-sprouts%2F Future lunches are springing up everywhere, from the looks of Flickr. We found these shots of budding little fruits and vegetables on the You Grow Girl: Garden Show & Tell Flickr group pool: from Flickr user Life In Sugar Hollow from Flickr user Chiot's Run from Flickr user Moncita Post from: BlissTree (Source: Breastfeeding 1-2-3) Breastfeeding 1-2-3 blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3390739 Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:00:43 +0100 3390739 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3385414&cid=t_106231_111_f&fid=38037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseblogger.net%2F2010%2F03%2F19%2Fcome-spring%2F The weather today was utterly beautiful.  I sat on my terrace, gazing at my flower bed and fountain, just itching to plant something.  I have to be patient, however, as freezing weather is forecast for the weekend.  I wouldn’t want to nestle a trusting plant into the ground and have it freeze to death. A couple of weeks ago, when I was particularly tired of the cold and wind, I took my pruning scissors and went to work in the flowerbed.  It was a depressing prospect to consider the work I was about to do.  To the naked eye, every plant in the flowerbed looked dead and brown.  I set to work, thinking I could at least let the dead plants compost in the flowerbed between now and planting time. I grimly attacked the nearest fern, which was indeed in poor shape.  But guess what I f... Blog, Blah, Blah blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3385414 Sat, 20 Mar 2010 03:32:06 +0100 3385414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366387&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fdelicious-pizza.html My friend Amy, a blogger friend who lives in California, e-mailed me on Friday and asked if she could have a pizza delivered for me. Now, at first pass, it didn't sound appealing, because I haven't had much of an appetite (probably from the Tykerb), but then I thought about it and I said yes. We agreed on a garlic and artichoke pizza (with feta cheese too) to be delivered on Saturday, last night. Amy ordered it from Pagliacci, my favorite pizza place, and it arrived at the door, hot and fragrant, just before 6 p.m. I have to say, that was the most delicious pizza! Thank you, Amy. I ate two huge slices while watching a very forgettable movie on Hulu, and then moved things around in the fridge to make enough room to cram the box in--did I say she ordered me a large?... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366387 Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:26:38 +0100 3366387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3363791&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fno-more-pain.html  When I was in Hawaii last week, I noticed that I didn't have any bone pain. I figured the warm weather was responsible, because I've noticed during previous trips to Hawaii that my bone pain goes away. But then just this afternoon, I was working (slowly, mind you) and playing in the backyard with Connie--pulling weeds, scooping poop, and adding the rotting vegis from the fridge to my compost bin--and I realized that I have no pain at all. None. Zippo.So thank all the gods and goddesses for radiation therapy, which is a bitch to go through, but it works. I skimmed back through my "pain" category and I realized that I've been in pain since some time in December, pain so bad that I couldn't sleep, so bad that I had to walk with a cane. I don&... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3363791 Sat, 13 Mar 2010 23:59:03 +0100 3363791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3354530&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fhome-sweet-home.html I'm home again in Seattle and happy to be here. The trip home was uneventful--except for some pain in my right ear because of the swollen lymph nodes on that side--and the plane even landed early.I used a wheelchair all the way through both airports--from the gate to the curb--and I've got to say that except for the embarrassment factor it is the way to go. Airports are exhausting, and you have to walk miles pulling or carrying all your stuff--the wheelchair saves a lot of energy.It's raining and cool here in Seattle, and I'm waiting for Constant to arrive home, by dog taxi, for Younger Son to show up to get some papers he needs to renew his passport, and for Dr. Lee to call to discuss the problems I had during the Hawaii trip. Plus he has some test rests for me from before... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3354530 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:06:33 +0100 3354530 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3283783&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fradiation-fatigue-hits.html I am feeling really tired, and achy in my legs and joints. I'm pretty sure it's fatigue from the latest round of radiation, plus maybe a little left over from the cyberknife treatment to my skull. The grossly swollen lymph node has shrunk to just slightly swollen and a bit tender, but not the throbbing nightmare it was last weekend, so that is good. I tried to call Cyberknife Guy today, but he wasn't at the clinic, so I guess he'll get my message tomorrow that I want to talk to him.I had a disconnect with the person who answered the phone, because after she told me that Dr. Lee the Second was at a different facility today--NO offer to get in touch with him there and ask him to call me, by the way--she said maybe the nurse could help me. "No, I need to talk ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3283783 Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:32:33 +0100 3283783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3269851&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fflower-power-je.html   I was only 14 in 1968, so too young to be part of the Counter Culture. Flower power. Love beads. Hippies wearing flowers in their hair, and sticking the stems of flowers into the barrels of guns belonging to cops and soldiers ... how I wanted to be a part of that!My liking for jewelry designs incorporating simple flowers dates back to the 14-year-old me, but I'm also a gardener, and I believe in the power of flowers. I have several pieces of jewelry in my Flower Power series on Charmed Bracelets, and more are on the way. Here's the link:Flower Power Jewelry @ Jeanne Sather 2010.  (Source: The Assertive Cancer Patient) The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3269851 Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:22:00 +0100 3269851 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3248679&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F02%2Fstarting-seeds.html Seattle's weather for the past few weeks has been teetering on the brink of spring. Yes, I know it's only February and we could still have snow or freezing temperatures, but it sure doesn't seem likely. And, in any case, I've waited long enough for spring. Today, I began starting my seeds. After all, my crocuses are blooming in the front garden, and tulips and daffodils are up. I have seeds left from previous years, and I've also started buying more. One of my favorite stress relievers on a difficult day is to go to one of the great nurseries in my part of Seattle and just browse, or maybe buy a few packets of seeds. Ravenna Gardens is one of my favorites. I was in there recently and bought a package of heirloom morning glory seeds. Now, I know what yo... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3248679 Sat, 06 Feb 2010 18:22:45 +0100 3248679 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3227962&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fflower-power-je.html   I was only 14 in 1968, so too young to be part of the Counter Culture. Flower power. Love beads. Hippies wearing flowers in their hair, and sticking the stems of flowers into the barrels of guns belonging to cops and soldiers ... how I wanted to be a part of that!My liking for jewelry designs incorporating simple flowers dates back to the 14-year-old me, but I'm also a gardener, and I believe in the power of flowers. I have several pieces of jewelry in my Flower Power series on Charmed Bracelets, and more are on the way. Here's the link:Flower Power Jewelry @ Jeanne Sather 2010.  (Source: The Assertive Cancer Patient) The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3227962 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 19:22:22 +0100 3227962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3223462&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F01%2Fkeeping-my-house.html  One of my biggest challenges during the past few years has been hanging onto my house. I love my house, but it is very expensive. I bought it 11 years ago, when I was at my peak, salary-wise,  as most people do, but my income has been sliding ever since. For the past six or eight months, I haven't paid my mortgage. My mortgage company allowed this through a special forbearance program. That expires this month, however, and without intentionally burying my head in the sand, I've been slow to get to work on the next steps to keep the house. Since early November, when I was hospitalized for eight days, most of my time has been taken up by medical issues, and I haven't felt well for much of that time either, which makes it toug... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3223462 Fri, 29 Jan 2010 17:49:44 +0100 3223462 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3185576&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2010%2F01%2Falmost-didnt-make-it-back-to-the-couch.html  I had a good day today--actually, a great day--and as often happens with me when I'm on a roll, I did too much. I went to my radiation oncology appointment at the wrong time. It was totally my fault, I read the schedule wrong, so I sat in the waiting room for an hour, just waiting. Well, and talking, of course. I met two very interesting women, one in treatment plus the friend who came with her. Busy MorningIn the morning, before heading out to Swedish, I worked on jewelry for a couple of hours, dealt with e-mail, and played in the yard with Connie. I was working on the after-winter clean-up and playing catch with Connie at the same time, so we both got our needs met. Today felt like spring, which means time to uncover new bulbs and shoots that are coming... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3185576 Tue, 19 Jan 2010 00:33:49 +0100 3185576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3129548&cid=t_106231_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2F29%2Fweb-buzzing%2F Just wanted to share some cool things I found recently! INSECT-RELATED FUN Amazonian ants apparently adore Tetris – ’tis a tee from Threadless Tees. and, NPR has a short episode with guest comments by the inimitable entolomogist and highly entertaining author, May Berenbaum, There has been a worldwide proliferation of urinal flies, observed May Berenbaum, head of the department of [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3129548 Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:58:08 +0100 3129548 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2984982&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fhome-sweet-home.html I am HOME, and I can't begin to tell you how great it is!I slept in my own bed last night, with the window open for some fresh air. I was starved for fresh, real air, with oxygen in it. I made some phone calls yesterday to set up an appt. with my radiation oncologist, the doctor who has treated me three of the five times I've had radiation. We needed to discuss what to do about the new tumor in my skull. The doctor, Dr. Eulau, was able to see me this morning, and I've just come back from there. It has been two years since Dr. Eulau last treated me, so we had a bit of catching up to do. I trust him, which is why I wanted to see him, even though I already was pretty sure he wouldn't be treating me this time. That's because the better treatment for this tumor i... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2984982 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:09:50 +0100 2984982 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2950802&cid=t_106231_111_f&fid=38037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseblogger.net%2F2009%2F11%2F01%2Foverwinter%2F We had a couple of really cold days last week.  It was cold enough a couple of nights  that we built a fire in the fireplace.  We’ve always wanted a fireplace and we finally have one in our new home so, truthfully, we were just waiting for a cold snap. Last year, I had a warm little greenhouse to transfer my plants into when the weather turned cold.  I overwintered all of my favorite plants and most of them flourished. In fact, many of the plants, had I left them to their natural life cycle, would have perished before Spring warmed the ground if I hadn’t taken them under my wing and nurtured them through the winter. This year, my greenhouse sits unused in the backyard of my old house.  I was able to bring in all of my geraniums but found I didn’t really have a place ... Blog, Blah, Blah blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2950802 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:08:58 +0100 2950802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2927524&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fsaturdays-soup.html I'm not making a pot of homemade soup today, since I'm flying out to Omaha, Nebraska, tomorrow, but I did make myself just one serving of homemade tomato soup yesterday for lunch. The tomatoes were homegrown organic ones from my garden, ripened using the plastic bag trick that I wrote about the other day. See: The Plastic Bag Trick I took all the ripe tomatoes that I had, which was about four romas and six or eight cherry tomatoes. I cut them in half and then simmered them gently in about a half cup of broth made with vegetable stock. Once then were soft, I put them through a sieve to remove the skins and seeds. (You can peel the tomatoes first, but this method is easier.) Then I made a small amount of white sauce (butter, flour, milk) and stirred this into the to... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2927524 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 18:33:50 +0100 2927524 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2905068&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fthe-plastic-bag-trick.html It's been raining like crazy here in Seattle for the past few days, not good for the green tomatoes that I am hoping to ripen. A week or so ago I covered all my tomato plants--romas and cherry tomatoes--with clear garbage-bag-sized plastic bags, in effect making a small greenhouse for each plant. I am happy to report that this technique is working. I harvested four ripe romas today and about as many cherry tomatoes. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s and low 60s, so the ripening process has definitely slowed down, but until we get a weather report calling for overnight freezing, I'm going to keep this up. Once a freeze is forecast, I'll try another technique: cutting the entire tomato plant and hanging it upside down in the dark. That is supposed t... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2905068 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:10:07 +0100 2905068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2905069&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fsunday-soup.html Today's soup is vegetarian split pea. I'm continuing with my plan of making a pot of soup every Sunday during the fall and winter. That way, all week a nutritious meal is only 60 seconds away (the time it takes to microwave a cup of soup). This soup is extra-easy:One cup of split peas.Four cups of water.One or two vegetarian broth cubes. One-half cup chopped onion. One-half cup chopped carrots. Be sure to rinse and check the peas first--sometimes pea-sized rocks make it through, and they can break a tooth. Put the peas in a pot with the water and the broth cube. Heat on high till it starts to boil, then turn the heat down to low. Let it cook for awhile, then add the chopped vegetables. Cook till peas are soft, add salt and pepper to taste. ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2905069 Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:25:15 +0100 2905069 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2894725&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F10%2Flet-the-rains-begin.html Seattle's typical fall rain was late this year. Just a few days ago, I was outside watering my garden with a hose--the first time since I bought this house 10 years ago that I had to water in October. But then yesterday, the downpour began--the skies are dark, the air is dank, and there is a lovely pounding on the roof, day and night. I grew up in an even rainier place, Hoquiam, a small town southwest of Seattle that is only an hour's drive from the rainiest spot in the continental United States, so Seattle is actually dry to me ... but after many years away, I find I have to do various things to keep myself healthy and active during the dark and rainy months, which last from October to May, typically. What I'm EatingI made a fall New Year's resolution this year... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2894725 Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:10:37 +0100 2894725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2883179&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fdont-take-away-my-comfort-food.html This news headline caught my eye: Comfort food-stress link doubted in new study. So now they're saying that comfort food doesn't help? I beg to differ. OK, I just gave the article a quick read, and it's not saying that comfort foods don't work, it's saying that people don't turn to them as often as conventional wisdom would have it. Apparently, some people turn to new foods during times of stress and change. Now, that's interesting, but still not my experience. However, the lead to the story listed chips and other junk food as comfort foods, and those definitely aren't MY comfort food. I like things with cheese and carbs, but they have to be homemade. I also like things like pudding and ice cream. And potatoes in any form. Here's ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2883179 Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:04:36 +0100 2883179 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2879755&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F10%2Fwhat-im-eating-homegrown-comfort-food.html My most recent dose of irinotecan gave me a really bad stomach ache that has lasted for four days now (caused by thrush, which is also in my mouth), so I haven't felt much like eating.  But some foods are just better than others when you don't feel well, and my comfort food of choice for lunch today was a bowl of homegrown red-skinned potatoes, cubed and then boiled with a couple of cloves of garlic and then served with butter, salt, and pepper. (I smashed the garlic up in the butter.)I dug my potatoes yesterday. This actually just involved tipping over the large pot that I had grown the potatoes in and then sifting through the soil for the potatoes. Any thumbnail-sized potatoes went right back in the pot as seed potatoes for next year's crop, but I still harvested ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2879755 Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:11:12 +0100 2879755 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2855670&cid=t_106231_111_f&fid=38037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseblogger.net%2F2009%2F10%2F01%2Fpage-from-my-journal%2F Working in the garden this afternoon.  Potting my glorious asparagus fern in a tall, metal planter so it can grace my warm little breakfast nook over the winter.  On a hot, sunny day like today, however, Winter seems a million years away. I pack the bottom of the planter with packing peanuts to make it lighter and then I throw the soil into the pot in heaping double handfuls.  I nestle the fern into the middle and pack soil lovingly around the edges. I can’t help noticing how peaceful I feel when I am tending my garden.  I appreciate the fact that it needs me.  I respect it for its mystery, its industry, its fragility, its wildness.  That I am necessary for its survival from time to time mars its beauty not at all in my estimation.  It feels honest. I give and I am rewarded wh... Blog, Blah, Blah blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2855670 Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:39:17 +0100 2855670 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2834288&cid=t_106231_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Fchemistry-of-compost.html Okay…so I was kind of joking about doing a regular weekly gardening column, but having spent rather longer weeding and feeding this week than I intended to, I need to get something written for Sciencebase today that wouldn’t be too demanding. So here’s a quick guide to composting your kitchen and garden waste. These are the fast-rotting greens that should definitely be in your compost heap. These all provide moisture and the all important organic matter and nitrogen for your compost. They also quickly accumulate bacteria and fungi that start the rotting process – the aerobic decomposition process – and generate necessary heat to get the compost heap going and produce rich humus from the break down of plant cellulose and the other complex molecules in your kitc... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2834288 Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:00:27 +0100 2834288 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2814648&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fsunny-sunday.html Why is it that sunshine makes any day better?It's Day Two after my third treatment with my new chemo regimen, and I feel fine. Last night I had trouble sleeping, so I watched some old movies on Hulu until about 3 a.m., and today my plans are fairly simple: Walk my dog and work on my jewelry. I've fallen a bit behind on my jewelry-making, but I expect to get caught up this week while I'm at the beach, so look for new designs on Charmed Bracelets soon. If you haven't taken a look at my jewelry recently, here are a couple of new things: Happy Bakelite Bracelet Antique and Vintage Charms What I'm EatingI just finished eating a couple of nashi, Japanese pear-apples, from the tree in my backyard. They were so delicious, and I need to go outside and see if th... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2814648 Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:49:52 +0100 2814648 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2807641&cid=t_106231_107_f&fid=36672&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sciencebase.com%2Fscience-blog%2Forganic-gardening.html It may come as a shock to anyone thinking of taking up gardening as a hobby or as a way to beat back the credit crunch by doing a little grow-your-own that gardening is based entirely on chemistry. There is no escaping this simple truth. Chemicals grow in the garden. There is no such thing as chemical-free gardening. Now I’m not talking about the manufactured pesticides, herbicides, and fertilisers that your local garden centre stocks in abundance, whether those are labelled organic, all-natural, or otherwise, those are all chemicals, and some of them are essential for success. Incidentally, even all-natural pesticides are made from chemicals shock, horror. No, I’m talking fundamentals from the humus that brings life to soil to the best initiator you can add to your compost hea... Sciencebase Science Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2807641 Fri, 18 Sep 2009 12:00:45 +0100 2807641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782286&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fdragging-.html Yesterday I was really dragging. It wasn't obviously chemo side effects, but I had a stuffy nose and felt like I had a cold coming on and I was just dragging myself through the day. By mid-afternoon, I was on the couch and I didn't really get off it for the rest of the day except to stuff myself with powdered-sugar doughnuts. I ate almost a whole box, and I don't normally even LIKE doughnuts. So the first thing I did today was to throw the rest of the doughnuts into the compost. No more. Disgusting. And I'm trying to gently tease myself into having a better day. I've been outside already, watering in the vegetable garden in the back. I picked some fruits and vegetables to eat for breakfast. I sat outside on the front porch to enjoy the fresh air and sh... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782286 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:20:11 +0100 2782286 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2782104&cid=t_106231_111_f&fid=38037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseblogger.net%2F2009%2F09%2F10%2F1051%2F Posted quickly from my iPhone as I was rushing off to work. (Source: Blog, Blah, Blah) Blog, Blah, Blah blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2782104 Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:00:20 +0100 2782104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2770227&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fso-far-so-good.html It's Day 2 of my second round of treatment with irinotecan, and so far so good. No nausea, no GI problems, no nothing. That's the way I like it!It's a holiday weekend here in the States, but I'm staying home, as I usually do on holiday weekends. It's such a relaxing time to be in town. I've been gardening--it rained last night and has been sprinkling off and on again this morning, which is a good time to transplant. I moved some plants into the last section of my parking strip  that needed planting and then threw some bark mulch around. And I finished up two new bracelets. I need to wait for Monica to get back from her vacation to get photos up on my jewelry blog, but those, and more, will be coming soon. I've been working with that group... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2770227 Sat, 05 Sep 2009 19:31:07 +0100 2770227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2762104&cid=t_106231_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FDzwcgGUL8-M%2Ffresh-salsa.php Anyone else have more tomatoes on hand than they know what to do with?  Our garden had a late start of it, but I think it's finally turning out pretty well.  Our tomato plants are drooping with tons of tomatoes that will be ready to pick soon.  The other day, I was talking to a friend of mine and her tomato plants are keeping her busy.  She's already made tons of fresh marinara sauce and wanted to know another way she could use all the tomatoes in her garden.  I thought about it and suggested a great fresh salsa.  Salsa is very easy to make.  Once you've tried the fresh kind, you'll never buy the jarred kind again!  Fresh Tomato Salsa2 medium-large, ripe tomatoes2 scallions, minced2 cloves of garlic, minced1 jalapeno, seeded and minced1/4 cup fresh p... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2762104 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:00:00 +0100 2762104 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2725223&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fflowers-and-kittens.html I made a trip to Swanson's Nursery in NW Seattle on Monday, a day when I was feeling pretty well, and bought a lot of plants. I got more onion starts, because Older Son and I eat a lot of onions, and more lettuce, because the heat wave a few weeks back caused my lettuce to bolt, and lots of flowers. I've been gradually getting these either into the ground or into pots. It's gone slowly, because of the chemo nastiness, but I'm getting there. And being outside seems to help with nausea. TripletsI've been letting the three little foster kittens roam the first floor of the house, but they always end up on the clean laundry (which is now NOT so clean ...).Why is that? These guys are now seven or eight weeks old, and as you can see they are prett... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2725223 Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:41:47 +0100 2725223 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2699686&cid=t_106231_111_f&fid=38037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseblogger.net%2F2009%2F08%2F13%2Flow-yield%2F Since we’ve moved to our new house a few months ago, I have worked diligently on my little courtyard garden.  I wanted to give all of my old plants and flowers a happy home in the new place and I was intrigued by the challenge of growing things in a shady spot.  I’ve only had full sun in the past. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to bolster the nitrogen levels in the red dirt that fills the flowerbed.  Brad has labored over the sprinkler system so none of the fragile little plants perish in our blasting dry heat.  I’ve fertilized, procured coffee grounds by means of begging at my local Starbucks, and taken banana peels from strangers at breakfast meetings.  Anything to nurture my fledgling flowerbed. The plants that always surprise me the most are the succulen... Blog, Blah, Blah blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2699686 Thu, 13 Aug 2009 22:49:35 +0100 2699686 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2695584&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F08%2Fbeans-and-kittens.html I spent my usual hour in my garden this morning, picking a few things--zucchini and tomatoes--and fertilizing. Seattle's weather is back to our more usual summer weather, coolish and overcast. It's great for people like me who can't take heat, but not so good for my crops. The tomatoes, eggplants, and other vegetables have slowed down noticeably from a week or so ago when it was blazingly hot. These photos are of my beans, an heirloom variety called "painted lady." Note the gorgeous red flowers. I've trained these beans up and over next to one of my back doors (I have two), and they look really pretty. These beans are harvested very mature, and then shelled to keep as dried beans. I've never grown this type before --only string be... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2695584 Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:07:00 +0100 2695584 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2641475&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F07%2Ftime-for-some-garden-photos.html My garden makes me happy, it's really as simple as that. When I worry about losing my house, I almost care more about the possibility of losing the garden than the house itself ... If you look carefully at the photo, you'll see my two goldfish. The plant is a water lily, which should bloom in the next few weeks. And the water garden has a pump and a bamboo spout that circulates the water with a lovely gurgle that helps to drown out traffic noise from a busy street nearby. These goldfish are about four years old--or, I should say, I've had them for four years, so they are at least that old. In the winter they slow down and settle into the mud at the bottom of the pot and you rarely see them. When the water warms up they get active and play around and look... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2641475 Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:06:45 +0100 2641475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2641476&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fmy-garden-apples.html This apple tree lives on my front porch. It's a variety bred to grow in a container called a "columnar apple."It has only three apples on it this year, up from two last year when I bought it. I love to eat crisp sliced apples with cheese, and I also like to make applesauce and then make applesauce cake from the applesauce--although I have to act quickly: Younger Son LOVES homemade applesauce and he'll eat it all before I have time to bake a cake if I'm not careful. See also: My New Apple Tree @ Jeanne Sather 2009.  (Source: The Assertive Cancer Patient) The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2641476 Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:54:49 +0100 2641476 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2641477&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fmy-garden-parking-strip-rules.html It turns out, according to yesterday's Seattle Times, that I was breaking the law by planting this parking strip in front of my house. I knew that I couldn't plant trees there--although people do so all the time--unless they were from a city short-list of approved trees, but I thought plants were OK. However, the story by Times reporter Maureen O'Hagan, says:"It used to be that planting anything but grass in the strip between the sidewalk and the curb required a permit, even if it was just a spray of flowers or a few carrots."The story goes on to say that if you wanted to add "hardscaping" like paving stones or planter boxes to your parking strip, you had to pay a couple hundred dollars for a permit. Now, the rules have changed, because the... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2641477 Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:45:25 +0100 2641477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2641478&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fmy-garden-lilies-scent-the-yard.html As most of my readers know, I generally shy away from all things pink. I hate pink, actually, with one exception: Flowers.These pink lilies are new this year. I planted three bulbs in a pot last fall, and once they were ready to bloom I moved the pot next to my front porch so that I can smell their rich, sweet fragrance every time I walk out the door. This is just the first of the three bulbs to bloom, so I should have lilies for weeks. New to my blog? Here's the pink ribbon category: Pink Ribbons @ Jeanne Sather 2009.  (Source: The Assertive Cancer Patient) The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2641478 Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:31:59 +0100 2641478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2641479&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fmy-garden-garden-in-a-chair.html I love old wicker, and this white wicker chair sat on my front porch for years ... until the seat collapsed. I could have tried to fix it, but I decided to turn it into garden art instead. The plants in the front of the bowl are roma tomatoes, and, as you can see, they are thick with ripening tomatoes. Great for cooking. In the back, with strings to train them up the wall, are some heirloom beans that are supposed to have red flowers. The beans should grow 10 to 12 feet, and I plan to train them up this wall and then across the top of the door to the left (outside the frame of this photo). The beans are a variety that you grow for dried beans, and I've never grown them before. I plan to make soup this fall with my very own homegrown dried beans! So if you ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2641479 Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:26:13 +0100 2641479 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2641480&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fmy-garden-cherry-tomatoes.html My fingers keep wanting to type "cheery tomatoes" instead of "cherry tomatoes," but if you think about it, they are cheery. I love cherry tomatoes--for their size, for their perfectly round shape, for their intense colors and even more intense flavor. Plus, they will ripen during Seattle's (usually) cool summers. Larger varieties are usually still green on the vine when the fall frost hits. Not this summer, of course. This is going to be a great year for tomatoes of all types. I have these cherry tomatoes in pots in a spot where they get pretty much full sun. It's a platform in the backyard that used to be Younger Son's fort. I call it my "vegetable garden in the sky."In addition to the cherry tomatoes, I have Asian eggplants, zuc... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2641480 Sun, 26 Jul 2009 18:19:30 +0100 2641480 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2637968&cid=t_106231_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FoSQXEORHWzc%2Fhow-does-your-garden-grow.php Awhile back, I wrote about how I planted a vegetable garden.  My first ever attempt at growing my own vegetables.  I had the right seeds, the right location, the right sun... or so I thought.  Being a novice gardener, with a husband who is also a novice gardener, we had no idea that the soil that we ordered for our garden wasn't soil at all.  The place we ordered from mistakenly delivered organic mulch, not soil.  I noticed something was off when I went to my mom's house and noticed that her vegetable garden was dramatically larger than ours.  She's been gardening for longer than I've been alive, and I would have assumed that her's would be doing better, but the difference was huge.  Her squash plants were large and producing squash.  Mine were still... Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2637968 Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:00:00 +0100 2637968 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2626234&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F07%2Ffeeding-myself.html Seattle's recent heat wave has been great for my garden, especially the vegetables. Eggplants, peppers, and tomatoes all like heat, and they are doing just great--this is probably going to be my best year ever for these three vegetables. Also zucchini, which is more forgiving on the temperature and will even produce well during Seattle's more typical cool summers.I picked my first ripe tomato yesterday, a round, medium-sized heirloom variety. I picked the first zucchini today, and I'm planning to cook these two together for dinner. I think I'll saute them with some garlic and olive oil. Nothing fancy, but homegrown produce doesn't require dressing up. I've already dug some of the new potatoes, and now I need to be patient and let my plants make more ... ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2626234 Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:11:53 +0100 2626234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2580442&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fthe-gardening-report.html The first hour of my day is usually the best hour, especially during the summer. That's because I spend that hour outside with my first cup of coffee--and my dog--puttering in my garden. This morning I grazed a little bit for food to go with my coffee: about a dozen ripe blueberries (the first of the season) three or four pea pods, and a handful of strawberries. Yum. Now that I have replaced my digital camera, I'll be taking photos of my garden again. It's looking good. The daisies are blooming, and the crocosmia are budding. Herbs are doing well--lavender, mint, basil ... I asked my friend Susan, who has a food blog as well as a cancer blog, for some suggestions for using fresh herbs, because I grow lots of herbs but very rarely eat them, except for the basil... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2580442 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 23:10:42 +0100 2580442 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2528112&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F06%2Ffree-at-last-iii.html That's my hand in the photo, with the baby praying mantis. We decided to release them yesterday, because we were afraid that we couldn't capture enough aphids to feed 50 or so hungry praying mantises. I'm going out to the garden now to see if I can spot any of them. Jeanne Sather 2009.  (Source: The Assertive Cancer Patient) The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2528112 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:05:02 +0100 2528112 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2528113&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F06%2Ffree-at-last-ii.html Here's Younger Son, releasing the praying mantises onto one of our rose bushes in the front garden.I'm hoping they will keep the aphids and other pests under control.I discovered that Younger Son doesn't like to have insects crawling on him. @ Jeanne Sather 2009.  (Source: The Assertive Cancer Patient) The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2528113 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:06:20 +0100 2528113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2528114&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F06%2Ffree-at-last.html Yesterday, Younger Son and I released his baby praying mantises into the garden. There were at least 50 in the jar, maybe more. Never having hatched praying mantises before, we documented the whole experience. The photo at right is the jar that we put the egg case in as the babies were hatching. We added aphid-infested leaves and a bit of soil, and sprinkled it with water daily. See also:Free at Last II Free at Last III @ Jeanne Sather 2009.  (Source: The Assertive Cancer Patient) The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2528114 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 16:02:05 +0100 2528114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512890&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fbaby-photos.html Younger Son took this great shot of our baby praying mantises. They're in a vase with some aphid-infested greenery and a bit of soil. We dampen the greenery with a few drops of water every morning, and the babies are thriving. They are noticeably larger than when they hatched, only two days ago. We're planning to keep them inside until they get just a bit bigger, and then release them in the garden, to continue their pest-eating ways. Click on the photo to enlarge. There's a baby upside down on the glass to the upper left of the jar. @ Jeanne Sather 2009. (Source: The Assertive Cancer Patient) The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512890 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 19:55:17 +0100 2512890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2512897&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F06%2Fbaby-praying-mantises-all-over-the-kitchen.html I woke up this morning and headed to the kitchen to make that all-important first cup of coffee, and what did I see but teeny tiny praying mantises all over the kitchen.This necessitated shouting up the stairs to awaken Younger Son, whose praying mantises they were. We spent the next few minutes capturing the little creatures (about the size of a medium-sized ant, but more delicate) and making a home for them (a clear glass vase with a bit of dirt and some damp leaves to give them water). Then, once we were pretty sure we'd rounded up all of them, nine in total, I headed out to the garden to try to find some aphids, which is what these guys eat.No luck on the aphids, which is weird, because I almost always have a few on my roses, but not this morning. So I'm going to have to ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2512897 Sat, 20 Jun 2009 17:37:01 +0100 2512897 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2469828&cid=t_106231_133_f&fid=35124&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspergerwoman%2F%7E3%2FYZgfPsPht_4%2Fthey-make-my-day.html The peonies from my parent's garden make my day! Each day is a new adventure to see how they grow and shine all over the room. They smell delicious too!Here are some pictures of my garden. Gardening is for me a perfect way to exercise, make my head empty and to enjoy nature.Click on the title of this blogpost to be forwarded to a peonies specialist.Enjoy! (Source: The Art of Being Asperger Woman) The Art of Being Asperger Woman blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2469828 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 20:58:00 +0100 2469828 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2464351&cid=t_106231_134_f&fid=35187&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDiabetesDaily%2F%7E3%2FlLQjvj5Tri0%2Fmy-victory-garden.php In an effort to become more economically savvy and also to embrace my inner domestic goddess, I have planted my first vegetable garden.  Well, it wasn't without a lot of help from my mom, my husband, and a helpful landscaper.  But I have so far done way more gardening than I ever have in my life.  You see, when I was in college (who am I kidding, to this day)... (Source: Diabetes Daily) Diabetes Daily blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2464351 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:00:00 +0100 2464351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2458386&cid=t_106231_133_f&fid=35124&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspergerwoman%2F%7E3%2FFn_8_L45304%2Fd-day-thank-you-america.html Thank you again for fighting our freedom! As today D-Day marked 65 years of remembrance I watched a news special about the service held close to the D-Day beaches in France. The speech President Obama held was very impressive and personal.It was good to see Prince Charles was there as well.Thank you America and Great Briton for fighting for our freedom. So many of your people have paid for our freedom with their lives! Did not do that much today, my autism blogging inspiration might come back later after some serious cleaning has been done in both my gardens and my home. Cleaning gives room for new idea's they say.Have a good weekend. Been to the library, 4 books to read! Can't wait to start! (Source: The Art of Being Asperger Woman) The Art of Being Asperger Woman blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2458386 Sat, 06 Jun 2009 19:49:00 +0100 2458386 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2458157&cid=t_106231_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F05%2Fnews-bees%2F Our carpenter bees are happy, but the short-haired bumble became extinct in its native country several years ago.  Fortunately, immigrant populations survived in New Zealand, and are being re-introduced.  The value of native pollinators is being rediscovered as honeybee populations have dwindled. Find out how to prevent jet-lag in bees and more here in the [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2458157 Fri, 05 Jun 2009 16:18:02 +0100 2458157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2453005&cid=t_106231_133_f&fid=35124&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Faspergerwoman%2F%7E3%2FkhUtySMaaW4%2Fclouds-passing-by.html Life is a journey. Each day can be the start of a new discovery. While gardening in my front garden I remove the grass which has grown between the tiles the freedom of mind once again comes alive. It feels like my inner source has something to tell me.Being statisfied with the result (the path to my front door has never looked better since I live here) I stand and watch my garden. The birds are singing in the sky. The summer has begun. Clouds in the sky are passing by without disturbing the sunshine warmth. This is life. In the silence of a summer evening I realise I might already have all the equipment needed for the journey through life. It's all there it is just a matter of removing things that might block your way.When I enter the house I almost immediately close the curtains. Goodbye ... The Art of Being Asperger Woman blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2453005 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:04:00 +0100 2453005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447681&cid=t_106231_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F06%2F02%2Fbob%2F “Eek, a bee!” yelped the little girl as her mother paid for some flowers at the nursery register. “Oh, that’s just Bob; he can’t sting you.  He’s a carpenter bee.” I explained, holding an open hand up toward where Bob was doing loop-de-loops.  But my repeated explanations aside, most people were not buying Bob’s reported status [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447681 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:44:03 +0100 2447681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447683&cid=t_106231_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F31%2Fmulch-ado-about-nothing%2F I was schlepping plants around at the garden center when my mobile buzzed.  It was M calling to ask my opinion regarding an interaction he’d had over in the garden center at his store. “There was a customer just in who was raising a big fuss because we’re selling cocoa mulch, and how it’s poisonous to [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447683 Sun, 31 May 2009 05:09:18 +0100 2447683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2442592&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fwhen-to-buy-organic.html I buy mostly organic produce, but not always. Sometimes the price difference makes the organic produce unaffordable. But there are certain foods--like leaf lettuce, which cannot be scrubbed to remove pesticide residue--where buying organic just makes sense. And of course my home garden is completely organic. Here's a list of the 10 worst offenders, if you want to be careful about what you eat: Top 10 Worst Fruit and Vegetable Offenders for Pesticide Residues Read more: Gardening @ Jeanne Sather 2009. (Source: The Assertive Cancer Patient) The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2442592 Fri, 29 May 2009 16:14:54 +0100 2442592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441655&cid=t_106231_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F26%2Fcartfuls-of-spoons%2F They’re out.  Or, Out.  We have the exquisite “Privilege of Being Clouted By Cabbage” and are navigating the hazards of the supermarket.  When things are done the way they’re supposed to be, going to pick up a few groceries is just as boring, or as Dave discovered, lonely, for disabled people as much as it [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441655 Tue, 26 May 2009 05:06:21 +0100 2441655 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2415737&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fsunny-sunday.html Older Son and I got the smoothie maker out last week, and I've put it to good use since then, making myself fresh fruit smoothies for breakfast. My favorite is a mixture of frozen berries--strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, plus some yoghurt and milk. Sometimes a banana for the potassium. It's another gorgeous day in Seattle, and I'm planning to get out in my garden for a bit. I have pea starts to put outside, and beets. Already growing in my garden:Lettuce, tomatoes, green onions, carrots, radishes, potatoes. Oh, and basil. Plus the fruit on trees and bushes:Apples, nashi (Japanese pear-apple), blueberries, logan berries. And in my little plantation on the slope in my front yard: Lots and lots of strawberries. Those are bloo... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2415737 Sun, 17 May 2009 18:33:41 +0100 2415737 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405783&cid=t_106231_129_f&fid=36035&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.everydayhealth.com%2Fblog%2Flife-with-chronic-pain%2Fdeadheading-flowers-in-a-garden-of-chronic-pain%2F Don’t you love that word, “deadheading?” It sounds like a stoned rock band, a really obtuse individual or many other things than what it actually is. Those of us who are into gardening, know its meaning is to snip or break off the spent, old flowers which are fading to make room for new growth. In the plant world, the energy that goes into maintaining those used up, spent blossoms can be put to better use to force new growth. Just as you sometimes have to top a tree to force it to put down roots, there’s a similar action with this whole deadheading process. As a gardening chore it is time consuming, tedious at times yet necessary if you want to encourage new growth and new blooms. It can also be fun, gratifying and rewarding as you inhale fresh spring air, make yourself useful and ... Life with Chronic Pain blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405783 Thu, 14 May 2009 17:50:59 +0100 2405783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2399151&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F05%2Ffeed-me.html My friend Joanna e-mailed me over the weekend and offered a loaf of homemade bread. She even offered to drop it off, which she did yesterday. So lunch yesterday was this wonderful bread, still warm, topped with butter and my homemade strawberry jam. Lunch today was fried egg sandwiches with cheese and mustard. Yum. Thanks, Joanna. The seeds I started last week are coming up. The radishes are doing the best, and those will go outside soon. The snowpeas are also up, and I need to get a cold frame together so that I can put those outside also. It's not too cold to plant peas outside now, but I want them to get a head start, if possible.  I had one planter box of peas in the backyard, and something--bird, squirrel, or raccoon--dug in it and ate some of t... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2399151 Thu, 07 May 2009 20:38:31 +0100 2399151 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390311&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fand-a-vegetable.html When the garlic in my kitchen sprouts, I plant it. Here's one that I put in this morning, after taking this photo. I still have green onions in my front garden beds, from the ones I planted last year. I bought a bag of onion starts and just planted them a half dozen or so at a time, and left them in the ground until I needed one or two for cooking. The taste of homegrown onions and garlic is so superior to store bought ... I suppose it's because they sit around in the store and lose flavor, even the green onions. I think I'm going to make a trip to the plant nursery this Friday (a friend is driving me, thanks, Linda), and I'll get more onion starts and also some tomatoes. Maybe basil too. I could grow that from seed, but I never get it started early ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390311 Tue, 05 May 2009 23:16:50 +0100 2390311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390312&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F05%2Fflowers-in-the-rain.html It's raining in Seattle today, which is necessary to maintain our lush green landscape, but also hard on the spring flowers. Last night's heavy rain and wind blew down lots of branches off my birch trees, and beat up the tulips pretty hard, and I went out this morning to clean up the damage and snap some photos. These are for the readers who e-mailed and told me how much they enjoy my gardening photos. You know who you are. The pale pink flowers are on my tree peony. They have the sweetest fragrance. These have a single blossom, almost like a wild rose, rather than the thick head of petals that bush peonies have. (I have some of those, too, but so far they are only budding, no blooms.) I love bleeding heart, which is what this plant in a pot is. I love the w... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390312 Tue, 05 May 2009 19:05:26 +0100 2390312 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2386946&cid=t_106231_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F04%2Fa-luxury%2F Being bored is a luxury I do not have. Not the boredom that is the enforced tedium from being exhausted by illness, or from waiting and waiting for indeterminate periods of time without diversions. But rather, the boredom that comes from choosing to be disinterested at work. Sure, some jobs are seriously duller than others, such as [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2386946 Mon, 04 May 2009 04:41:36 +0100 2386946 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376200&cid=t_106231_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F29%2Fbrief-bits-of-bliss%2F (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376200 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:33:08 +0100 2376200 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376720&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fgardening-season-begins.html I putter in my garden pretty much year-round, because it gets me outside for fresh air, sunshine (vitamin D!), and a little bit of exercise, but the official start of gardening season, to me, is when I start my vegetable seeds for the coming year. Today, I'm starting seeds. I use egg cartons (been saving those for months) and potting soil, and then cover them with plastic wrap and set them on my window seat. This has the advantages of indirect sunlight from the windows and heat from the radiators. Perfect for germinating seeds. So far, I've started snow peas (lots of those!), carrots, and cantaloupe. The cantaloupe is kind of a gamble, because of Seattle's short growing season and fairly cool summers, but I keep trying. I love melons of any type. Still t... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376720 Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:08:34 +0100 2376720 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2376721&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F04%2Frewarding-myself.html One way I motivate myself to do things that aren't much fun (like yesterday's letter to my mortgage company, for example) is to offer myself a reward. (See: Ouch! One DownSo yesterday I wrote the letter to Citimortgage and found the supporting docs that I needed. Then I went to Kinko's and copied everything and went to the post office to mail it with delivery confirmation (I've learned my lesson on that one). That pretty much wrung me out, but I promised myself that all I "had" to do today was work on my jewelry for the Cattlemen's Ball and walk Connie. And that's what I did. I got a couple of bracelets done today (photos coming soon), and then took Connie for a long walk down into Ravenna Park. I took his new toy, a tennis ball on a shor... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2376721 Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:23:10 +0100 2376721 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2354070&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F04%2Fwhats-blooming.html I spent an hour puttering in the gardening this morning, pulling a few weeds, murdering a few slugs and snails, and watering a bit, and it seems like all of a sudden everything is blooming. It's lovely. In bloom:Tulips--cream, pink, and purpleBluebells--white and blueDaffodils--of all shapes and color combinations, including pink and whiteStrawberries--time to weed and fertilize the strawberry bed, and clear out the rocks that come to the surface every yearNashi (Japanese pear-apple)--I pollinated this yesterday with a Japanese ink brush that I keep just for this purposePrimrosesPansies and violasBudding:Purple irisPoppies of all sortsMy new apple tree on the front porchBerriesThe photo is of my nashi tree, which has hundreds of blooms. They won't all set, but if ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2354070 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 17:13:13 +0100 2354070 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2353877&cid=t_106231_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F21%2Fto-serve-man%2F Holy Crap. So why am I taking Crap’s name in vain?  This bang-head-here piece of news: Sen. Danny Martiny, R-Kenner, has filed Senate Bill 115 on behalf of the Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops. Conference lobbyist Danny Loar said the bill is designed to be a “pre-emptive strike” against scientists who might want to mix “human and animal [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2353877 Tue, 21 Apr 2009 04:39:45 +0100 2353877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2349557&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F04%2Frobins-nesting.html I find it pretty incredible that a pair of robins are nesting where they are--under the roof of the carport in my backyard. The spot is only 7 or 8 feet off the ground (and right above the red Corvair), so the robins ignored all sorts of soaring trees to choose this spot, and it's on a busy alley. When they swoop down out of the nest, they almost always make a brief stop on the gate before going on their way. Connie, my dog, is in the backyard a couple of hours a day, and our cat and the neighbor's cat are usually out there as well. Last year there was a robins' nest in the very same spot, and the birds abandoned it, leaving the perfect blue eggs unhatched. That's the other reason that I'm surprised they are back this year, and setting up houseke... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2349557 Mon, 20 Apr 2009 20:15:57 +0100 2349557 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2348488&cid=t_106231_109_f&fid=35088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fqw88nb88.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F04%2F12%2Fnicely-non-verbal%2F One of the things I like about garden center work is being able to help people select plants for their different needs, and discuss how to care for them.  There are few things more pleasant than being able to share information about one of your special interests with other enthused people. But the other day there [...] (Source: Andrea's Buzzing About:) Andrea's Buzzing About: blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2348488 Sun, 12 Apr 2009 04:50:38 +0100 2348488 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2299218&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fwhat-is-this.html I planted these bulbs a couple of years ago, and they are coming back nicely. But I can't remember what they are called.Does anyone know?They aren't hyacinths. I have some of those too. These are more delicate than the hyacinths, with fewer blossoms on each stem. And they come in shades of pink and blue and white. (Yes, there are shades of white--think cream, ivory, very pale beige ...)It's raining today, and I had wanted to work outside. So far, I've only been out to do my regular morning slug patrol and to play catch with Connie. The rest of the day I've been working on jewelry for the show on Thursday (yikes!).Now I'm gearing myself up to take Connie for a walk. I'm going to go by the video store and get a couple of movies to watch with Car Guy this eve... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2299218 Sat, 28 Mar 2009 23:32:57 +0100 2299218 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2284187&cid=t_106231_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F03%2F22%2Fweekly-news-round-up-3%2F Melissa at Shakesville has a great post on why the way some young girls have reacted to the Rihanna/Chris Brown situation shouldn’t be a surprise. Kate at Shapely Prose points out the evil in learning that body dissatisfaction increases girls’ suicide risk and jumping to the conclusion then that this is “cost of obesity” instead of a huge problem with how we treat people’s bodies. NPR covers an appalling story of abuse of institutionalized, mentally disabled people in one Texas institution. End Poverty 2015 has the following chat event details (visit the site for advance registration and question submission): On March 25, 2009 at 10:00 am Eastern Standard Time, Annie Raja, General Secretary of the National Federation of Indian Women, and Dr. Jemima A. Denni... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2284187 Sun, 22 Mar 2009 15:11:23 +0100 2284187 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2277227&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F03%2Fhome-again-home-again.html I'm back home in Seattle, and it is raining like crazy. First day of spring? Huh! Someone forgot to tell the weather gods!Actually, this is a pretty typical first day of spring for us. We get a lot of rain, as I'm sure everyone knows. That's what keeps Seattle and the surrounding rain forest all beautiful and lush. I'm frustrated because I need to walk Connie, the Wonder Dog, and can't quite face it in this cold, heavy rain, and because I want to get out and work in my garden. And THAT'S not much fun in the rain. I have two bags of bark mulch to spread on my beds out front, and I'll do that as soon as the rain stops. My crocuses are almost over, but the daffodils are blooming and more are coming on. I'll take some photos soon and post them.&#0160... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2277227 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 17:03:10 +0100 2277227 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2293096&cid=t_106231_122_f&fid=36582&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FSharpBrains%2F%7E3%2FsPTvxOgEPpA%2F Physical Fitness Improves Spatial Memory, Increases Size Of Brain Structure (Science Daily) - "Now researchers have found that elderly adults who are more physically fit tend to have bigger hippocampi and better spatial memory than those who are less fit." - "Certain activities are believed to modify hippocampus size in humans. For example, a study of London taxi drivers found that the posterior portion of the hippocampus was larger in experienced taxi drivers than in other subjects. And a study of German medical students found that the same region of the hippocampus increased in size as they studied for their final exams." - "Studies also have found that the hippocampus shrinks with age, a process that coincides with small but significant cognitive declines. The ... SharpBrains blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2293096 Fri, 20 Mar 2009 06:07:04 +0100 2293096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2272379&cid=t_106231_111_f&fid=38037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseblogger.net%2F2009%2F03%2F17%2Fmaturity%2F Just prior to the first freeze of Winter, I moved most of my plants into my greenhouse.  It wasn’t as easy to keep them alive and happy as I thought it would be.  The greenhouse was usually either too humid or too dry.  There were many days when it was too hot for the plants to thrive. I also planted lots of seeds over the winter.  Little rows of petunias and zinnias, marigolds and cosmos, hollyhocks and dahlias stared brightly at me from their warm shelves.  It felt good to watch the seedlings stretch up and unfold.  I felt a little like I did after I gave birth: strong, mysterious, sustaining. I spent today working with my plants and flowers.  I planted several large containers, utilizing a few newly purchased plants and some of my seedlings, but also worked on some new and ... Blog, Blah, Blah blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2272379 Wed, 18 Mar 2009 03:16:19 +0100 2272379 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2259853&cid=t_106231_127_f&fid=38262&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fblogspot%2FFfur%2F%7E3%2FbkQGlNm7Mjk%2Fgardening-on-my-mind-snow-on-ground.html Woke up to snow again this morning- according to forecasts, it is supposed to snow quite a bit this weekend.I am so ready to start gardening! I am getting such an itch I am adding more herbs to my indoor kitchen garden! All my outdoor pots broke because I did not move them in during the first big freeze, so I may pick up some more today as well- If I find a good deal on some nice pots I will post pictures!I am giving away Growing and Using Herbs Successfully by Betty Jacobs over at the Authentic Mama blog- head over and comment on the simple living challenge of the day- you just may win!Subscribe in a reader (Source: The Herbalist's Path) The Herbalist's Path blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2259853 Fri, 06 Mar 2009 19:51:00 +0100 2259853 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2222378&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F02%2Fan-early-morning-surprise-more-snow.html I woke up this morning to find two inches of fluffy snow on the fence outside my windows. And on all the trees and shrubs, including my lilac, which I planted right outside the dining room window, hoping to smell that lovely fragrance through open windows when it blooms. Well, blooming lilacs are months away, and this snow is a big surprise. I need to get outside to see what it's done to my crocuses, which ARE blooming. And maybe take a few photos. The sky is clear, bright bright blue, and the sunlight is bouncing off all that snow ... I had promised Connie the Wonder Dog a long walk today. I haven't walked him since Sunday, because it's been raining and dark the past several days, so today is the day. I'll bundle up warmly and take my camera. ... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2222378 Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:56:16 +0100 2222378 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2184909&cid=t_106231_111_f&fid=38037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseblogger.net%2F2009%2F02%2F13%2Fpersonality%2F I have four trays of seedlings sprouting in my greenhouse.  Some seedlings are peeking shyly from beneath the soil and others have thrust up boldly, but still nearly every row of every tray boasts tender newborn stems waving soft, fragile leaves. These are not the “true” leaves, usually.  The true leaves come a little later and these baby leaves will yellow and fall away.  Nearly all of the flowers, especially the annuals, have germinated.  The vegetables and some of the perennials are a bit more reserved, letting the more foolhardy annuals push ahead. I like to assign personalities to the plants, much like Maria. The annuals are enthusiastic and eager, a lot like my twelve year old son.  They don’t give any thought to what might lie above the surface of the warm see... Blog, Blah, Blah blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2184909 Sat, 14 Feb 2009 04:50:00 +0100 2184909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2182754&cid=t_106231_137_f&fid=35357&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FAlzheimersNotes%2F%7E3%2FAluerqEqEP0%2F Even though the snow is still deep here in New Hampshire, the air is warmer, ice is melting and days are getting longer. Spring is on it’s way so thoughts of gardening become frequent. In fact, you can’t find snow shovels and ice melt in most of the stores. They’re stocking their garden supplies. Gardening is a stress reliever for many people and caregivers are no exception. Also, gardens often have a calming effect and bring back memories for Alzheimer’s patients. I grew up on a farm where a large garden was necessary to feed children, hired help and other family members. Throughout the years, Jim and I’ve had gardens in several of the many places where we’ve lived. I even wrote a gardening column for a magazine for awhile. So…I’ve begun a g... Alzheimer's Notes blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2182754 Thu, 12 Feb 2009 05:00:34 +0100 2182754 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2161394&cid=t_106231_111_f&fid=38037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseblogger.net%2F2009%2F02%2F04%2Floved-to-death%2F February is not a great month for me.  I’m convinced you could hide every calendar from me and I would still know February is here when I start to feel a sad, familiar longing settle over me like a blanket. I had a miscarriage in February.  On the same date, eight years later, I had a hysterectomy.  This year, on the anniversary of both, I will be with Sharon, having girl time.  That means that finally, thank GOD, I will be doing something fun on February 19th and I am hopeful it will set a new precedent. I try to keep my Februaries busy.  February is National Heart Month so I can always count on being busy at work.  My youngest son’s birthday is February 28th so I spend part of the month planning his party and buying presents.  I often travel during this troubling month... Blog, Blah, Blah blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2161394 Thu, 05 Feb 2009 13:34:19 +0100 2161394 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2149611&cid=t_106231_87_f&fid=34872&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthbolt.net%2F2009%2F01%2F31%2Fsexbolt-saturday-gardening-as-a-natural-viagra%2F Did you know that one man in 10 will suffer from impotence, also known as erectile dysfunction, at some stage in their life? But according to a new study, all guys need to do to reduce the risk of them suffering from this infliction is to get out of the house and into the garden. Sounds pretty simple. According to the researchers at the Medical University of Vienna, who studied 674 guys aged 45 to 60, half an hour of gardening five days of week can make all the difference, reducing the risk of impotence by around 38%. Put a bit more sweat into it, burn even more calories, and the risk reduction will be even greater. Granted, it doesn’t have to be just gardening. Other forms of moderate exercise - dancing, cycling, and jogging - can also have the same effect. But what a great argume... Healthbolt blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2149611 Sat, 31 Jan 2009 22:16:40 +0100 2149611 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2121453&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2009%2F01%2Fmochi-japanese-comfort-food.html Why am I eating mochi on January 21?Because I can. There is nothing like a gooey glob of cooked mochi when you need comfort food, regardless of the date. Japanese, however, save the delicacy that I ate for lunch today (mochi in New Year's miso soup, made with white miso) for New Year's Day. And every year, a number of them die eating it. Here's the story I wrote a few years back about the mochi death toll. The Seattle Weekly called it Death by rice paste, which just doesn't have the same ring to it as "the mochi death toll."Why do I need comfort food? I'm still recovering from yesterday's marathon effort to get my health insurance reinstated, and tomorrow I have a PET/CT scan to see if my cancer is responding to the latest change in my tr... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2121453 Wed, 21 Jan 2009 21:17:41 +0100 2121453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2096242&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=37858&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdessertyears.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F01%2F11%2Fa-topiary-and-a-monster%2F to·pi·ar·y adj.  — Of or characterized by the clipping or trimming of live shrubs or trees into decorative shapes. What can I say? I get these keywords in my head and I just begin writing … It is all because of those three Hershey bars and three words! [Do.Fail.Read] Although I must admit that inspiration today comes [...] (Source: The Dessert Years . . . (the sequel)) The Dessert Years . . . (the sequel) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2096242 Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:01:20 +0100 2096242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2087913&cid=t_106231_111_f&fid=38037&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnurseblogger.net%2F2009%2F01%2F07%2Femergence%2F Much of my Winter has been spent preparing for the Spring.  I’ve been pulling out old, dead plants and planting bulbs and winter-flowering plants, like pansies.  A few days ago, I noticed the daffodils that Sharon gave me are pushing their leaves up through the soil. The early emergence troubled me.  If the daffodils sprout their tender leaves too soon, at best they will bloom too early and at worst they run the risk of freezing before Spring blows in.  I furrowed my brow as I leaned over the row of pots, “Why?” Truth be told, it’s my fault they are emerging so soon.  They were planted in pots that were too shallow.  They needed about 6 inches of soil over them and only had, maybe, four inches of soil?  Hey, I used the resources available.  Lesson learned. ... Blog, Blah, Blah blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2087913 Thu, 08 Jan 2009 04:59:45 +0100 2087913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2075151&cid=t_106231_117_f&fid=36026&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fzimney%2Fgardening-is-good-exercise%2F New research has found that gardening is an effective way to exercise. Researchers at Kansas State University determined that gardening is a form of “moderate intensity” exercise that can easily contribute to the exercise recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which advises at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week in order to maintain and improve optimal health. This recommendation is especially important for older Americans, who can be less likely to fulfill this requirement, yet are more at risk for chronic diseases associated with aging. Moderate intensity exercise is physical activity that causes an increase in breathing or heart rate and is typified by such things as walking, cycling, swimming or even ... Dr. Z's Medical Report blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2075151 Fri, 02 Jan 2009 21:45:12 +0100 2075151 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2077164&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=37858&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdessertyears.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F12%2F28%2Fpondering-my-branches%2F Seeds of inspiration fall into my pocket when I breath in the fresh country air and soak in the warmth from the sun as it shines over my gardens. These seeds — various and a sundry — take root in my heart as I tend to them with the fertilizer of commitment and sprinklings of [...] (Source: The Dessert Years . . . (the sequel)) The Dessert Years . . . (the sequel) blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2077164 Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:16:45 +0100 2077164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2005505&cid=t_106231_136_f&fid=35303&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.assertivepatient.com%2F2008%2F12%2Fthe-joys-of-winter-gardening.html I live in Seattle, where it rains about 35 inches annually in DRY years, but we have mild winters. That means--unless it is pouring down rain--I spend about an hour in my garden every day: picking up some gentle sun exposure for the vitamin D breathing in oxygen playing with Connieand slowly tackling the winter gardening tasks.These include cutting back dead and dying foliage, composting, murdering slugs and snails, raking leaves, even planting bulbs (I still don't have all my bulbs in the ground--about 30 to go). The true joys of winter gardening, however, are the unexpected ones, like this spider web, beaded with drops of moisture.  To read more, see: Gardening  Jeanne Sather 2008.  (Source: The Assertive Cancer Patie... The Assertive Cancer Patient blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2005505 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 21:41:03 +0100 2005505