Marty and I used to be depressed on the first day of summer because it meant the days were slowly headed back to shorter days.
What a bunch of negative bullshit!!!! I can’t even fathom that logic now. What a difference a year makes!
I’ve been in the pool almost every day. I have a nice tan. My veggie garden is like a jungle bursting with small tomatoes and tons of those glorious yellow flowers.
We have sugar snap peas and shelling peas on the vines, and the pepper plants all have flowers on them.
The root veggies are growing bigger above ground in the same bed as green beans.
The arugula and spinach are nearing the end of their lives but will be planted again in the early fall.
Next year, we plan to build a shallower bed dedicated to only greens so we can plant more.
The perennials out front are blooming, the flowers on the terrace with the veggies are beautiful.
Finally, the wildflowers are growing every day, and the morning glories I planted to hide all the crap next door are climbing.
I love bunnies, but not when they nibble on a few of my morning glories. To keep them away, I ordered a non-toxic spray that is safe for children, pets, and animals.
I give them whatever I cut back from the greens but the little fuckers don’t touch them.
We are getting up at 5 ish in the morning and out in the production kitchen by 6 at the latest to beat the summer heat.
Today, I am celebrating the first day of summer without a bit of negativity for the first time in my adulthood.
Since the end of April, Marty and I have been eating clean. What is eating clean, you may ask? Eating clean is following these basic principles. It’s been easy to adapt to, especially since it’s almost summer. I started feeling better immediately.
Eat breakfast every day within an hour of getting up.
Eat lean protein and complex carbohydrates at every meal.
Have two or three servings of healthy fats every day.
Get fiber, vitamins, nutrients, and enzymes from fresh fruits and vegetables.
Control your portions.
Drink 2 to 3 liters of water (about 13 8-ounce cups) daily.
The foods to avoid:
Overprocessed foods, especially white flour and sugar
Artificial sweeteners
Sugary beverages, such as soda and juice
Alcohol
Foods with chemical additives like food dyes and sodium nitrite
Foods with preservatives
Artificial foods, such as processed cheese slices
Saturated fats and trans fats
Anti-foods — foods with no nutritional value, such as Cool Whip.
Eating clean isn’t a diet; it’s a lifestyle choice. Since I stopped drinking alcohol and eating clean, I have lost 16 lbs and have no symptoms of lung disease. For me, clean eating equals feeling healthy and active without restrictions due to lung disease!
I realized we weren’t eating enough fruits and veggies because of laziness. Yup, it’s true. I would prep food for meals for hours, but I didn’t want to cut up fruit and veggies to eat uncooked. Ugh.
After speaking with my pulmonologist a month ago, I learned that to stay feeling this good, I needed to continue losing weight to fall into my BMI (Body Mass Index) range of 117 lbs—129 lbs.
Right now, I am at 130 lbs and motivated as hell. My weight before I had pneumonia was 158 lbs. No wonder why I felt like shit and didn’t feel comfortable in that body. I was miserable at that weight.
My first real love of summertime fruit has been cherries. How could I not love cherries? George Washington loved them!
“The cherry tree myth is one of the oldest and best-known legends about George Washington. In the original story, when Washington was six years old, he received a hatchet as a gift and damaged his father’s cherry tree with it. When his father discovered what George had done, he became angry. Young George bravely said, “I cannot tell a lie…I did cut it with my hatchet.” Washington’s father embraced him and declared that his son’s honesty was worth more than a thousand trees.” The Washington Library.
I love American history, especially the Revolutionary War era. Archeologists found 35 bottles of preserved cherries on Mount Vernon’s property. I guess Washington did love cherries!
I bought a small bag at Aldi for $7.99 and gulped at that price, but I bought them anyway. I washed and removed the stones as soon as I got home. I knew if I didn’t do it right away, they would sit until they rotted in the bag.
Boy, was I surprised by how easy it went and how incredibly delicious they were! I used a large round cake piping tip, a trick I was on a cooking show years ago.
I ate vanilla Greek yogurt with cherries while I was still removing the pits; sometimes, I used the same ingredients and made a parfait topped with granola.
We ate them by the handful, and I made a beautiful salad with them: fresh peaches, lettuce, arugula from my garden, burrata cheese, and a simple vinaigrette. Holy shit, was this good!
The good news after we ran out, Marty picked up a pint at the Troy Farmers Market on Saturday! Yum! I will be searching for more ideas for cherries. I can’t tell you that I am kicking myself for being such a lazy ass for so long.
My 40th high school reunion was fantastic! I had no expectations except having fun, but yesterday, after I got home from a whirlwind 25-hour trip, the experience settled in.
I suddenly got very emotional when I began telling Marty about the reunion since I hadn’t processed everything yet.
I started to cry when sharing the beautiful memories classmates had of me and what they thought of me now.
When my group of girl besties got together, it was as if no time had passed. Those true lifelong friends picked up where we left off 40 years ago.
The same thing happened when I saw my close guy friends, my friends from my grammar school at St. Cecelia’s, and the people who were in all my home rooms, which were always alphabetical.
Barry, who was the host and organizer, has the most school spirit of everyone. I was the cheerleading captain for most of my childhood and high school years, but when I walked out of those doors, I never looked back.
Our class of 1984 was very tight and still is today. When Barry surprised us with class t-shirts, we all yelled and laughed our asses off.
The memories classmates shared about me blew my mind. You never know other people’s perceptions or how you affect them.
My grammar school classmates from St. Cecelia’s School.
I didn’t remember any of those memories until they began each memory. I could not believe the stuff they remembered. This made me so incredibly happy!
I was really surprised to learn that some of them read my blog daily and told me how much they liked it. This made me very proud.
Other classmates have watched our spätzle business grow since the very beginning. Again, another proud moment.
When I was leaving, one of my buddies told me I was such an important person in our class, and he was so happy I finally came to a reunion.
My absence was felt at all the other reunions. Wow! That made me feel good, too.
I was the most talkative girl in our class, but I never felt like I was an important person in my class, pretty or popular, as few said.
I was a loudmouth, sure, but pretty? I never felt pretty. To me, my friends were the pretty ones.
Anyway, this reunion meant the world to me. I felt great, was in tip-top shape, and was “back to normal me” from ages ago.
The last time Jen and I were in a “Photo Booth” together was down the shore at Seaside.
I knew I was still in there, and I could feel myself becoming extremely frustrated that I had been unable to claw my way out for so many years.
I found out that some of my classmates, whom I am in contact with on Facebook, didn’t want to come to the reunion because those weren’t good years for them.
Many people held grudges or how a few cruel words they heard affected them their entire lives.
Some didn’t two shits about school or a fuck about their classmates.
This saddens me. I wish I could have gone back in time and stuck up for them or tried to smooth things out, but I never knew.
It made me and some of my classmates realize that not everyone had as great a time as we did. They had horrible times.
This and the list of our classmates who have passed away is the hardest thing to process.
I guess your school years are what you make of them. Not everyone has confidence, an outgoing personality, intelligence, athleticism, musical, or singing talent.
People had shitty home lives. No one knew I did or that I was even adopted. I hid my ulcerative colitis very well, no one except a few close friends knew how sick I was in high school.
School was my place to be “me” and forget about my troubles. I had a great time and had a lot of fun.
I wasn’t smart or dumb; I was right in the middle of our class. I tried hard at everything I did, and besides homework, which I hated, I gave it my all.
These friendships, which I made in the third grade when we moved to Iselin, have withstood the test of time, and I cherish all of them.
Everyone called me Julz, and it felt right as though my name was Julz, as I had heard them all say it all along.
I told them the truth when people asked me why I went by Julz. The response was good for you, Julz! Yay!
My friend Donna and I slugging down vodka and cranberry cocktails.
Good morning! Today I am headed down to NJ for my 40th high school reunion!
I graduated with a big class, but one of my classmates, Barry, has hosted a reunion every five years.
No other grades are lucky enough to be the class of 1984. This is my first time attending one of our reunions.
Working on Saturdays almost all of my adult life, children, schedules, and various situations have prevented me from going.
Not this one, I am going. After a horrible year of sickness, when the invite came out on FB Marty said, “ You are going!”
So, I am going! Yay!
When I initially replied yes to him, I was still in not the greatest of health but knew I needed to go.
Little did I know that major lifestyle changes such as eating a clean diet, not drinking anymore, and getting lots of activity and exercise have given me my life back!
I feel like I am in my 30s again! I am back to the size I was in my 30s. I am sleeping great.
My ulcerative colitis is in full remission and I have no symptoms of lung disease anymore. I feel amazing!
Things have changed so much in a six-week period that I feel like I am dreaming.
I am so grateful for all the blessings I have in my life, and I am married to my best friend, business partner, and biggest supporter.
Marty won’t be coming with me; I am flying solo for this trip. He is working at the Troy Farmers Market today and will be hanging out with Nelly.
So look the fuck out class of 84, I’m coming for ya! 😜
My garden dreams I imagined all winter are becoming a reality!
The garden exploded and got even bigger after last night’s much needed rain. Nothing waters gardens like Mother Nature.
The Fourth of July tomato plant already has 6 small tomatoes. It’s June 7th! Wow! The other tomato plants all have yellow flowers on them.
It’s amazing watching something that I grew from seeds turn into flowers and veggie plants. They grow every day!!!
Monster crop of greens and peas.Cucumbers.Green beans, carrots, and beets.Marigolds I started indoors in March.Zinnias I started indoors as well.
I am tickled pink every morning when I go say hello to my garden. This brings me so much joy!
We will be eating very well this summer! 😎
*** Update: I know how toxic morning glory seeds are to animals and children. After someone mentioned this to me with concern for our little Nelly, I researched how to let morning glories reseed themselves while keeping things under control.
Deadheading the flowers causes more blooms, which I planned on doing anyway. Now, I know I have to deposit the deadhead somewhere safe. I am sure some seeds will fall, especially in the fall, but rest assured, Nelly is never in that section of our yard unsupervised.
I appreciate the reader who kindly reached out to me via email. Thank you! ❤️
Last Monday, I morphed into Popeye, my dad, and an old Italian man from Elizabeth, NJ.
Why?? Let me explain. Popeye was a cartoon character that I loved watching growing up.
We’ve been eating spinach every day, just like Popeye, ours is fresh and his was canned. Eww.
I could feel my anger slowly simmering Monday morning as I watered my vegetable garden and flowers.
Our property fence line along our driveway is the only part of our property that I hate. Hate is a powerful word.
Finally, I said to myself, “I’ve had all I can stands and I can’t stands no more!” Cue the Popeye music.
I decided I no longer wanted that fence along our drive to be an eyesore, so I put on my thinking cap.
I stood there in my terrace garden and the idea popped into my head. 💡
I figured out what I could do with very little money and a lot of hard work. I came inside and looked on my phone for idea.
I searched for fast-growing flowers and vines to grow on the white fence to create a privacy wall.
I had an idea of what could work, but it turned out that the one I chose was a very expensive idea with slow growth.
After visiting a local farmer, I went to Clear Brook Farms and had a very nice employee help me.
I showed her a photo of what I wanted to cover, and the bigger problem was on the other side of the fence.
Weeds grew with a vengeance under the fence and onto our driveway. This was only part of bigger issues.
The lawn on the other side of our fence was cut or I should say hayed for the first time on Saturday this year. It grew to well over 2 feet.
Not only did the high grass house millions of bugs, but it was unsightly. It’s been this way every summer for many years.
Marty regularly sweeps our driveway so that when we walk barefoot, we won’t step on sharp rocks or stray grass clippings that could stick to our feet and get into the pool.
After the haying on the other side of our fence on Saturday, I saw that our driveway was loaded with hay clippings—I mean grass. This made me see red.
This is when I may have figured out what all the old Italian men were doing when they watered their driveways every summer.
Maybe they were removing grass clippings? It was always after dinner when they did this and were possibly killing two birds with one stone.
I can see them still in their trousers with a white tank under shirt on and a cigar hanging out of their mouth.
Or, they may have been watering the driveway to escape from their wives, or for no reason at all!
😂
I got our hose and cleaned the driveway the Italian way. It was so hot outside on Monday that sweeping was not an option, and it went quickly.
My helper at Clear Brook Farm suggested growing morning glories on the fence. She told me they grow fast and would cover the fence in no time.
I found this image on Pinterest and fell in love with the look.
They were also only $5.25 for four packs, so I got five. I chose dark purple, white, and lavender ones.
Then, the hard work began. I started digging out the weeds on our side, then under the fence, ensuring I got the roots.
I was creating a trough like when I was doing the edging projects.
Let me tell you something about those weeds that have always weed whacked by Marty, I’ve never seen or tried to deal with weeds like these.
They were nasty and had sharp things that stung my fingers. Some orange weeds burned my fingers like acid. That’s when I only used a shovel and a rake.
I had to stop twice on Monday and three times on Tuesday when I felt overheated and jumped into the pool with my clothes on.
Hotter than hell then the refreshing cool off.
This was me acting out one of my favorite memories of my dad.
He worked in a machine shop and came home from work one hot day and threw himself over the side of our pool.
I squealed with laughter and jumped into the pool too. I was about 10 years old.
He had on his blue work clothes and safety shoes which he regretted in retrospect. His wallet was in his pants pocket.
It took me two days to get rid of the stubborn weeds. Bug bites cover my body, and they still itch like crazy.
Finally, I got to the fun part; planting the flowers! I staggered the dark and light morning glories along the fence.
Two bags of mulch were needed to run the length of the driveway, which is crucial for keeping the plants moist.
After three days, the plants have taken and are growing! The vines have found the fence themselves already.
Morning glories can become aggressive and will reseed themselves if you let them, and I will allow them to do both.
Creating a wall of flowers will be lovely, and I can enjoy that view soon.
Our breakfast this morning was light & flavorful and loaded with protein. Was it a smoothie? Hell no, but it went as fast as one.
I sautéed spinach from my garden with a little garlic and olive oil. Next, I reheated some leftover grilled chicken sausage filled with spinach and feta cheese.
I fried two over-easy eggs with minimal butter, seasoned with finishing salt, black pepper, and viola! A delicious quick breakfast to eat on the front porch.
I pick up the chicken sausage with other varieties at Aldi and they also have similar ones at Trader Joe’s.
I always have some on hand in the fridge or freezer for a quick protein with a salad or pasta.
Enjoy this beautiful Sunday. I hope the weather is good wherever you are. ☀️
After I “finished” my latest drawing of Nelly I had all kinds of things I wish I did differently. I thought, “Aw shit, next one.”
Wait! What? What a complete dumbass I was to think a piece I am working on has to be “done.” Duh, Julz!
After working all morning, I got out my pencils again and are you ready for this? I erased the leg that I drew too straight and made it how I wanted it. What a concept!
The first drawing I postedThe one I touched up today.
I also added some black to Nelly’s muzzle and eyes as they have darkened up a bit over the last few months.
I am 100% happier with my piece now. I texted my friend Maria and told her this unimaginable thing I could do.
She’s is an artist so I am sure she will get a kick out of it when she reads my text.
Happy Friday, Friends! I wish you all a good weekend!
I came down with strep throat on April 24. I was pretty sick for a few days then the antibiotics kicked it.
I had no appetite when I had a fever of 102 for three days and it didn’t come back after it broke.
I was queasy for the 10 days I was taking the antibiotics and I didn’t drink a drop of alcohol. Ugh, I didn’t want to anyway.
When I was better I still had a small appetite and didn’t want to drink wine or any sort of cocktail. I drank lots and lots of water.
I could tell I lost weight so I weighed myself. I lost 5 pounds. Good I thought I could use too.
I noticed I could breathe better. I had more energy. I could dance fast at belly dance and not get winded doing anything.
I felt amazing. I began to eat healthier lighter food since the weather was warm. I became aware of what I was eating. I still wasn’t drinking alcohol.
The second week of May I had yet another colonoscopy at Dartmouth Hitchcock to see if the infusions were doing its job. They were and I am in complete remission!
The fasting was easy for me as I prepped for the colonoscopy. This was the first time I didn’t complain I was hungry or craving something.
Since then I’ve had a couple of glasses of wine at a dinner party that I didn’t really enjoy and they clobbered the hell out of me.
Could the alcohol be a contributing factor to my weight lose I started to wonder. Previously, I drank two glasses of wine or a cocktail every night.
I read up on it and yes that could be a factor for sure. I was sleeping better and woke up ready to tackle anything.
I got a call from my pulmonologist last Friday after completing a few different tests right before and the day of the colonoscopy, before I should add.
He said that nothing changed and my heart looked normal, no pulmonary hypertension which needed to be ruled out.
I told him how great I felt and how active I am again. I went on to tell him I am not winded when I am dancing fast or going up stairs anymore.
I feel 25 years younger like I did a long time ago. I also shared with him I lost 12 pounds since having strep throat.
He told me losing weight is making all those wonderful things happen and obviously why I feel so good.
If I wanted to stay asymptomatic and keep feeling like I do I need to continue to follow a healthy lifestyle.
In other words, keep doing what I’m doing. I’ve cooked some delicious and flavorful meals that are healthier for the both of us.
I started to lift weights again to tone my body and regain the muscle I lost. I’ve been swimming laps in our pool which is a lovely 87 degrees.
Will I drink again, I am sure I’ll have a drink here and there when we are with friends but maybe not since it has no appeal to me now.
I know I’ll still eat bad at Martin’s but I eat small portions anyway. I’m not on a diet, I’ve changed my lifestyle so I can breathe better and do the things I want to do again.
I feel amazing and young. I’m tan and have already been in our pool more than I did all last year, just floating around on my chaise lounge and relaxing.
My life is really great right now guys. I never in a million years I’d be here again and it feels fabulous!
This Chinese hoisin noodle stir fry was made with hearts of palm linguine, veggies and leftover steak. It was filling and so good.
I will be sharing my healthier meals and recipes as we go on from here. I know I can lighten up my cooking without sacrificing any deliciousness.
So far since having pneumonia last year I’ve lost about 26 lbs. I have 5 more pounds to go to be back into my ideal weight range.
It’s so weird that it took strep throat to completely change my life back for the better, which is where I want to stay.
