Lessons Learned, I hope

On March 11, I will celebrate my two-year anniversary of eating a vegan/vegetarian diet.  Predominately vegan, I have slipped here and there into vegetarianism in order to not offend anyone sharing baked goods, and also to include some cheese alternatives that are not completely dairy free (unknown to me until very recently).  I honestly believe I have been paying the price physically for this.  I have allowed some items into my diet that I believe are adversely affecting me and it’s got to stop.  I’ve been a little tired, not really motivated to exercise as a few weeks ago and my stomach just won’t stop gurgling (sorry…TMI?).  One of the main reasons for changing my diet two years ago was due to my reaction to dairy, so the resurgence of the gurgling is bothering me and really causing me to wonder what it’s all about.

I’ve been investigating, as best as I can, the ingredient lists of some of the items that I use that could be questionable; ones that could have dairy or dairy derivatives in their ingredients. Tons of thoughts are going through my head about this: are they just being sneaky when they say its dairy free and it’s not? Or am I uninformed and don’t really know what I’m looking for? Do I not read the ingredient lists thoroughly? Am I lazy thinking others know what they mean when they say dairy free, when the ingredients in their products are derivatives of dairy? I guess I need to remember that what is vegetarian is not vegan. 

I still need to find out about my soy protein powder from Trader Joe’s but I am fully convinced that I am going to have to be very vigilant about my stance on no dairy (no baked goods that I know are not dairy free/vegan, for example).  I am going to have to not have any cheese-like ‘dairy free’ products at all (despite what they say they aren’t true dairy free products) and stick to my loyal almond parmesan cheese (which isn’t really cheese, just ground up almonds, nutritional yeast, garlic powder and some coarse salt blended into a fine dust) or realize that I can only use the one dairy free cheese that I do like. 

I’ve checked out a few cheese alternatives and found that while they claim to be dairy free or lactose free, they actually include an ingredient called casein which is a milk protein that helps cheese spread as it melts, and is used in other non-food products like glue.  Follow these links for more info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Casein and http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-casein.htm

Alternative cheeses include: almond, soy and rice…and they all have casein in them.  For info: Almond Cheese/Soy Cheese/Rice Cheese by Lisanatti http://www.lisanatti.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&Itemid=15

And another product called Veggie Shreds, found in most stores (I’ve found it in Vons, Winco, and Albertsons) and also has casein in the ingredients list.  (They do carry dairy free, soy based vegan cheese and it does not list casein in the ingredients, and is found at Whole Foods and other health food stores.  I have not tried this version.)  http://www.galaxyfoods.com/galaxy-products/soy-cheese/veggie/veggie-shreds/

I’ve tried both the Almond Cheese and the Veggie Shreds.  And, they are not vegan…vegetarian,yes, but not vegan.  I’m particularly sad as I consider two restaurants that I like that offer cheese alternatives (soy cheese), and knowing what I know now, that is no longer an alternative for me.  So sad…how is that Tempeh Reuben going to taste without the cheese alternative?

But all is not lost…another restaurant in town is vegan and they serve Daiya cheese!  Daiya is the only cheese right now out there who can make the claim that they are dairy free.  Here’s what their website says about their products: “Daiya products are free of dairy (casein, whey and lactose), soy, gluten, eggs, rice, peanuts and tree nuts (except coconut oil). We have our own production facility which eliminates the chance of cross-contamination with other pesky allergens, making our products 100% vegan.”  http://www.daiyafoods.com/

I have used Daiya and have been really pleased with it because it melts beautifully.  I’ve used it for my cheese for our Christmas Day Raclette dinner and it was great!  The one reason why I’ve tried other brands is attempting to not spend so much on something not that entirely essential in my diet, so I wanted to try alternatives–price wise, and I’ve learned my lesson here.  I have until most recently only found it at Whole Foods or at health food stores, but I learned on Daiya’s website that the Ralphs in my area carry it!  And there’s a Ralph’s not too far from State Street, so the next time I’m in town, I’ll pay them a visit!  Not to be the annoying customer, but I think I am going to ask the other restaurants if they would consider offering or investigating Daiya for a better alternative.  It can’t hurt to try!

So you are probably wondering about my lessons learned this week.  It is all my fault, not anyone else’s, that food items contain dairy, especially the products I mentioned (they don’t claim to be dairy free, except Daiya (free of dairy, soy, nuts, etc)).  I just need to remind myself that I need stay away from dairy in all forms and to not bend to pressure (internal) thinking that small amounts won’t cause your body to react, because that small amount DOES cause problems.  And, sadly, I won’t be able to try co-workers home-baked items that aren’t dairy free.  I need to stay strong!

(Besides cheese alternatives, I’ve checked my ‘butter’ and my coffee creamer (coconut), and they do not have any dairy/dairy derivatives in them, whew!)

Now, all I need to do is go to Trader Joe’s to read the ingredients for the soy protein powder (tossed out the container it came in as I merged it into another container)…oh, please be dairy free, please, pretty please!!

Disclaimer:  I have not been asked to write a review of these products or received compensation of any kind.  This is all from research taken on my own initiative to figure out the maze of misconceptions of what would be considered vegan cheese.

There are other things I’m learning as well that I’ve decided not to go into…but lecithin is another product that is hidden in products…it is originally derived from eggs but is also being produced through plant sources, such as soy.  But this is for another time…just a reminder to read the ingredients list and learn about the items in your food…just reading about lecithin was a little scary.

One Year!

A couple of Saturday’s ago, after being busy getting groceries, I realized that it was January 21st.  And exactly one year ago on that day, I returned to the US after living in Scotland for almost 3.5 years.  I can hardly believe that it went by so quickly.

Looking over the last year, I realize that I’ve experienced a lot.  Here’s just a few things I’ve experienced and my musings about them…

1) Waded in the Pacific Ocean immediately upon re-entry (kind of).  It was a January day…sunny warm…I had to get my feet on the sand immediately!

2) Ate my fill and some more of Mexican food.  When asked what I wanted to eat it was always Chipotle, Chipotle, Chipotle.

3) Visited my sister in Washington State (twice).

4) Applied for a gazillion jobs over a six month period…before getting my current job here at WC, I had a one shift a week job at Bath and Body Works, promising other opportunities that didn’t really happen…but then August 1st I started my current job at WC.

5) With time on my hands I had the best tan I’ve ever had in years!!! I believe that my skin was and is more receptive to tanning due to the 3.5 years of sun detox program I was on (aka Scotland).

6) Took a small break from knitting, but have since completed my first adult sweater for me, now working on my second, and planning my third. 

First Adult Sweater Finished

 

Second Adult Sweater Started!

7) Started jogging/walking twice a week around WC’s track. It’s not about speed or how many miles I’m planning to tackle, it’s about consistency and stamina and getting stronger legs (so that I can actually do more riding up the hills than pushing the bike up the hill…).

8) Biking down to church each Sunday and enjoying the ride along the beach…it’s like all the walking I did in Aberdeen, if I don’t do it, I miss it…so I just love  my Sunday AM bike rides down to the beach and along the beach.

9) Realized how much I love living on the coast and how appreciative I am for living and working here.

10) Taking the train is actually an enjoyable way to get away!

11) Loving all the vegan options in restaurants and vegan restaurants themselves…and Whole Foods!

12) Making new friends, but missing my friends in Scotland. So looking forward to H & C coming to visit in June.  Can’t wait to show them California! 

It’s been an interesting year…I wonder what this next year be like.

Have a great weekend!

Small Goals=Instant Gratification

For those who know me, I’m not an athlete, in fact I dislike exercise that doesn’t consist of walking on the beach or biking along the beach or a yoga routine.  And so, I’m sure many of you would be surprised to learn that I’ve decided to take things slow, with absolutely no pressure, to jog/walk around the track here at WC for at least 2-3 times a week, in addition to my weekly Sunday bike ride to SBCC for church and some AM & PM yoga (from a DVD).

The only fitness goal I have, a small one, is to complete a certain number of laps around the track…jogging for some and walking for some (based on specific track markers I’ve chosen).  Each week increasing a lap or two.  Last night, I completed 8 laps around the track!  That’s two miles! 

I know this seems like small steps…but small goals provide instant gratification.  And, since I’m not really interested in running a 5K, 10K or a marathon, this is something for me, to help me achieve something, no matter how small it seems, and feel successful.

I’m a big fan of small goals and instant gratification.  For years, I knitted scarves…tons of them…mainly because they are easy and they were quick and I could get instant gratification…instant success from them.  Not too long ago I realized that knitting scarves was boring, so I took a class and graduated into sweaters.  Since then, I’ve knitted a handful of pint size sweaters (for babies).  Right now, I’m knitting a sweater for me and my goals for success for this project isn’t how quickly I get it done, they are learning a new skill using 5 pointed needles (not there yet but mildly concerned about this) and that the sweater fits.   Of course, I’ve given myself some room to allow for mistakes.  I’ve actually had to take a portion of the sweater out to fix a mistake I’ve made. I’ve also told myself that if it doesn’t fit I can take it out and knit it again in the next size.  No worries.

So I’m excited about my small goals and feeling of accomplishment when I complete those laps. I know I will feel a sense of accomplishment when I finish that sweater. 

Have you made some goals for yourself?  Let me know and I’ll encourage you!  We all need encouragement when we set goals!

Great Minds Think A Like!

Little did I know that a trip to Washington State for Thanksgiving would cause me to crave Cuban Black Beans, but it did!  The day before my flight back to SB, we took a drive to Columbia City (south of Seattle, north of Renton) and ate at this Caribbean restaurant.  My sister raved about their beans and their collard greens, so of course I had to order those with my meal.  I was so impressed…they served tofu as an option for meatless folks like me!  So awesome.

Well, since Thanksgiving I’ve been thinking about those beans…they were a little salty…probably a little error in the kitchen (they apologized for the salty-ness but we didn’t care…I just drank a ton of water)…but everything that was served tasted just right all around.  Last Friday (December 30th), I decided to make some from a recipe I found on the internet.  The recipe I used was okay but I was a little shocked to learn to add red wine vinegar…and I really think this is where the recipe failed…something with that vinegar changed the flavor and it wasn’t at all like the beans I’ve been dreaming about.

The next day (December 31st), my sister told me she had soaked some black beans overnight and was slow cooking her own Cuban Black Beans…I was so amazed because I didn’t even tell her I was planning on doing the same…and in fact did the day before!  Great minds think a like!

She told me later that her Cuban Black Beans were so good, and she provided me the recipe to share with all of you.  You’ll need a slow cooker (crockpot) to cook these.  Since I don’t have a slow cooker, I may try this recipe using canned black beans (drained and rinsed well).  If you do this, I recommend reducing the cooking time.

Kristal’s Cuban Style Black Beans

1# Dry Black Beans, soaked and drained

3 cloves Garlic, pressed

1 Medium Yellow Onion, chopped

1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped

1 Jalapeño pepper, minced

1 Bay leaf

2 t. Thyme

1 t. Cumin

½ t. Marjoram

4 c. Water

1 Lime, zest and juice

¼ c. Cilantro, chopped

Salt, to taste

Soak beans over night. Drain and combine rest of the ingredients in a slow cooker, except lime, cilantro and salt. Add enough water to just cover beans. Cook on low 6 hours, until beans are tender. Stir in lime, cilantro and salt to taste.  Serve as a side dish with rice and a salad or maybe even some collard greens! 

Enjoy!

My Knitting Projects for 2012

I recently found a new knitting book in my local knit shop (Knit and Pearl Boutique) called Coastal Knits with designs by Alana Dakos and Hannah Fettig.  The designers are from opposite coasts (California and Maine, respectively) and the book is styled to showcase designs alternating from each coast. 

The California coast sections in the book hit close to home.  After Christmas, my mom, sister, grandma and I stayed a few days in Cayucos and we actually visited several of the California places mentioned book.

For my projects, I’ve chosen two of sweaters from the Maine coast.  It’s kind of funny… I’ve always has a thing for Maine…never been but since purchasing this book and deciding on what to knit, my thing for Maine has popped up again.  However, I may have to rethink my thing for Maine because the other other day while I was at the beach here in SB exclaiming how summer-like it was and getting my tan refreshed, I checked the weather for Portland, Maine and it was freezing cold…

Anyways, one of the sweaters I’ve chosen is called Rocky Coast Cardigan.  I’m making it with a blue yarn I purchased while living in Aberdeen, Scotland.

The other sweater I’ve chosen is called Water’s Edge.  I’m making it in a light green (with cream flecks) yarn purchased in Cambria.

There is one more project I have in mind, a wrap…no pattern because it’s something my sister, mom and I saw in a shop in Morro Bay.  And, we all want to make it.  I have some yarn I’ve been attempting to use for a scarf  but I have so many scarves that I would love to use this yarn for the wrap.  Just hope I have enough yarn (purchased just before I left Aberdeen, Scotland).

There you have it!  My knitting projects for 2012!

I’ve already started on the Rocky Coast Cardigan and so far very pleased with how it looks…soon to be knitting the sleeves…I’ve never used double pointed needles so this should be exciting!

 

My Sister’s Pumpkin Pie

With the New Year fast approaching (tomorrow), I didn’t want this year to go by without mentioning my sister’s pumpkin pie.  She made it for Thanksgiving and also for Christmas.  She’s diabetic and I’m vegan so she created a pie we could both eat using coconut milk.  She came up with this pie after I told her about a trick I learned from the blogs I follow about whipping coconut milk to the consistancy of whipped cream…for whipped cream!

As a “new-ish” vegan (it will be two years this coming March), you often think that there are so many things you have to give up, but I’m learning that is totally not true!  And if you are thinking about trying a meat and dairy free plant based diet, I want to encourage you. It may seem like a ton of work trying to figure everything out but there are so many great resources out there AND great products popping up in local stores, so don’t worry.  I must say that the resource that helped me out so much is Alicia Silverstone’s The Kind Life.  This book helps you dive into this life style change in steps by giving you ideas to help you in the transition. I totally recommend this book.  Also, there are my favorite blogs, the ones I mention frequently (Oh She Glows and Daily Garnish). They have helped me in such practical ways and their recipes are also so good! 

Right…the pie!  It is not a baked pie…it is a chilled pie. 

My Sister’s Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin

1 (13.6 oz) can coconut milk (full fat)

3/4 cup sugar or sweetener equivalent

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp cloves

1 package unflavored Gelatin (this may not be vegan, but you can substitute a vegan option like Agar found in health food stores and Whole Foods)

1/4 cup warm water

1 graham cracker crust pie shell (you can make your own using graham cracker crumbs and Earth Balance or butter or buy a pre-made one)

Directions

1. Put can of coconut milk in the freezer!  It needs to be well chilled.

2. Once coconut milk is well chilled, remove from freezer, open can and remove contents into a mixer bowl to be whipped. Whip until resembles whipped cream.

3.  While the coconut milk is whipping, mix one package of gelatin with the warm water.  Set aside.

4. Add all remaining ingredients (not the gelatin yet) and whip.  Once combined and whipped, slowly add the softened gelatin to the pumpkin mixture.  Whip.

5.  Pour contents into the pre-made graham cracker crust.  Place a lid or plastic wrap over the pie and chill until ready to serve.

Serve chilled.

Enjoy!

Wishing you a wonderful New Year! 

Any big plans and dreams for the new year?

Wow! It’s been way too long! Merry Christmas!

Honestly, I can’t believe it’s been almost two months since I posted something.  I apologize…it’s not that I have been so busy that I have no time to post…just the opposite…tons of time, just nothing really to share. 

I can’t believe how time has just flown by.  It almost seems like yesterday (the last weekend in July) that I moved down to SB, and suddenly it was Thanksgiving.  And, here we are with Christmas Eve just a few days away!

Last year at this time, I was knee deep in snow or expecting tons of snow on top of the old snow and ice and impatiently awaiting my shipping boxes to pack and ship my things back to the US.

I’ve been in SB now for almost 4.5 months, and it’s just now starting to feel like home.  Given that I’m living in someone else’s house and it’s not really my home, I’m finding some great places in SB and am amazed at the beauty of the sunsets, the city itself and of course the beach.

My church is meeting at the City College which looks out on Ledbetter Beach…my bike ride to church is 6.1 miles one way (and I dread the return which is up hill, and thankful when the college shuttle is running), and I truly feel blessed to be able to bike along the beach and harbor front and sit on the beach before church.  This past Sunday, as I was getting up to get back on my bike to ride over to City College, 3 dolphins swam by.  Such a great sight to see.

My plans for Christmas are as follows:

Christmas Eve Eve – Bus/Train combo from SB to Fresno

Christmas Day – Drive down to Simi Valley for a ‘small’ family dinner with a cousin and her family, my aunt and uncle, grandma, my mom and sister

Same Day – Drive to Cayucos to catch the sun (hopefully) for two days

27th – Decision time…back to SB or up to Fresno…leaning towards SB.  Thinking that I haven’t been out practicing photography…I haven’t spent long hours on the beach…and with not having to return to work until the 3rd…heading back to SB to do all those things is just the ticket!

As you know, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without making something to share…

I’m planning to make a cranberry wild rice pilaf from Oh She Glows and pumpkin upside down cake from Daily Garnish (probably 2– for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year to come!

Tiffany

P.S I’ve chosen my year verse/passage for 2012 and I’m really excited about it as it’s exactly where I want my focus to be.

My verse/passage for 2012 is Proverbs 4:20-23, 25-26 (NLT)

Pay attention, my child, to what I say. Listen carefully. Don’t lose sight of my words. Let them penetrate deep within your heart. For they bring life and radiant health to anyone who discovers their meaning.  Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do… Look straight ahead, and fix your eyes on what lies before you.  Mark out a straight path for your feet; then stick to the path and stay safe.

 

 

Craving Pumpkin…in a Spicy Peanut Soup

The weather here in SB has been interesting.  I’m sure this is typical coastal fall weather with misty and overcast skies.  And, so with the change in the weather I’ve been craving something pumpkin-y, healthy and something I’ve never made before. 

I found a recipe for Creamy Pumpkin Peanut Soup from Women’s Health magazine and I decided to use this as an inspiration for the soup I made tonight.   It was delicious, spicy and filling.  I paired this soup with coconut quinoa (from Ashley at The Edible Perspective) and lemony, crispy sautéed kale.

The first time I had a peanut soup was when I went to Mt. Vernon while on a lobbying trip to Washington, D.C. (I wasn’t doing the lobbying, just the sightseeing in between meeting board members at amazing restaurants that I organized for them.)  That soup was different and a little cafeteria-like but memorable because I had just spent time at the house lived in by George Washington!  For a history major, that was a big deal!  Tonight’s soup, on the other hand, I was hoping would be smooth, flavorful and extremely appealing.  And, it was.

Spicy Pumpkin Peanut Soup (this is not your Mt Vernon version of Peanut Soup!)

2 tsp vegetable oil

1 small yellow onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

1/4 tsp ground turmeric

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 – 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (start with 1/4 and work up depending on desired heat)

1 can pumpkin (15oz)

2 cups vegetable broth

1 jar (7oz) roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped, leaving some for garnish

1/3 cup peanut butter

1-2 tsp agave syrup (or white sugar) — also to taste

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1 T fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup lite coconut milk mixed with 3/4 cups water

Scallion greens and roasted peanuts (as desired) for garnish

1. In saucepan, heat the oil and fry the chopped onions over medium high heat for 10 minutes or until onions are golden.  Add chopped garlic, saute for 2 minutes.

2.  Add spices (turmeric, paprika, red pepper flakes).  Stir.

3.  Add pumpkin, vegetable broth, peanut butter, and chopped roasted red pepper. Whisk until incorporated and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn heat down to low and simmer for 5 minutes. 

4.  Add Agave (or sugar), salt, pepper and lemon juice. Stir and adjust seasoning.

5.  At this time, the soup is really thick.  Mix the coconut milk and water and add to the soup.  Stir.  With an immersion blender (or a blender–but be careful), blend the soup so that the soup is completely smooth.  Adjust the seasonings if necessary and allow to remain heated.

6. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped roasted red peppers and thinly sliced scallions.

Serve the soup with Lemony Crispy Kale (recipe below) and Coconut Quinoa from Ashley at The Edible Perspective.

Lemony, Crispy Kale

Add a little olive oil to a frying pan heating over medium high heat.  Add kale and squeeze some lemon juice and add a little seasoning salt (I like Johnny’s).  Put a lid on the frying pan and let it cook till softened and allow to fry a little so that the kale crisps up some.

Hope you guys give these recipes a try!  The soup was spicy and full of flavor.  The coconut quinoa creamy and lightly flavored.  The lemony crispy kale adding freshness which worked so well with the quinoa.

Enjoy!

It’s Fall! No…It’s Still Summer.

Today is Monday, October 10th, and I’m sitting here in pain from the sunburn I got today…it’s Columbus Day and I had the day off …and spending time at the beach is the best way to celebrate (best way to celebrate anything really).  And, I guess I forgot to spray the sunscreen on the backs of my legs.  I no longer need to be a little concerned about how the front of my legs are darker than the back of my legs.  I think the back of my legs are going to catch up just fine, thank you very much.

Here in SB, Fall is slowly moving in…I’m guessing it’s the same for all the areas along the SO CAL Coast. What is so weird is how one day it’s pouring rain for 6-8 hours and the next day is sunny and warm and summer-like.  One day I’m wearing my rainboots and, the next day, I’m back to summery shoes and flip-flops.

But even with being able to wear flip-flops or get sunburn, it is getting darker earlier and there is a chill in the air in the mornings and evenings that make you think sweaters, socks, watching movies while wrapped in a cozy blanket and making and baking yummy food. 

This week whatever I made has fed my need for fall like flavors (good rich, hearty flavors).  I made a delicious tomato basil, recipe from Gwyneth Paltrow’s cookbook.  I made it without the slow roasted tomatoes.  I made Alicia Silverstone’s Rustic Pasta (from her book, The Kind Life).  I brought a leftover portion of the pasta to work one day for lunch and forgot to heat it…and it tasted great cold!  And, I have been dying to make my spinach and rice casserole.  I made it last night and it’s so good. It’s warm, delicious, comforting and very fall like.  You can find the recipe here.  (I’m eating it as I type this.)  It has many steps but don’t let that stop you from trying it!

And, this morning I finally made these cookies that I’ve been wanting to make from a blog I follow (Daily Garnish).  I made only one change…I made them with dried cranberries instead of raisins.  They. Are. So. Good!  I doubled the batch and, after baking a dozen-ish, I individually scooped and froze the remaining cookie batter.  They are just perfect! Easy, addicting and yes, they are dairy and egg free!  You’ve got to try these cookies!!

At least, if it still feels like Summer I can wait forFall to arrive by eating some great food!  Now where are those cookies…

What foods mean Fall to you?  Have you started your Thanksgiving menu planning?

(Speaking of Thanksgiving, I’m heading to Seattle area for Thanksgiving with my sister and we need to decide on whether or not to eat in or eat out…if we eat out, we need to find a vegan restuarant… any good restaurants you know of?)

I’m still here…It’s just been a while!

It’s been so long since I posted something (like a month).  I’ve been hesitating about writing…anything…everything…nothing… and for the last month, I really haven’t found anything “amazing” to write about nor do I have any great recipes to share.

Yes, I guess my life is THAT boring.  My week days are filled with work; my evenings making my dinner and getting things ready for the next day…and now that the TV season is back up and running, trying to keep up with my favorite shows (some on the night they are scheduled and others getting caught up online).  My weekends?  Bike ride to the beach and errands, relaxing and enjoying living in SB.   Oh, and in between it all…reading e-books from the library! 

Yes, I AM that boring!

My newest “thing” is to ride my bike down into SB on Sunday mornings for a church I’ve just started attending, stopping first at Starbucks.  The ride takes about 45 mins (including the stop at Starbucks).  It is such a great ride; exhilarating down hill ride (15 min) to Starbucks and a 30 minute faster-than-leisurely pace along the beach and harbor to SBCC where the church is meeting.  Quite possibly the best part of my weekend routine yet!

Two of my friends in Aberdeen, H & C, within a day of each other (one sending a card and the other sending me a long email from her Iphone) asked me the same question.  Have I found a church?   I have.  It’s the one held at SBCC on Sundays, and so far I have really enjoyed the sermons and what I’m learning in Ephesians.  They don’t have home groups up and running yet, but I’m hoping that when they do, I’ll be able to join a group.

Tomorrow we are expecting a huge storm…I can’t wait to use the wellies I bought before I came back to the US…

Glee is about to start and, from all the things I’ve read so far, it’s a good one, so I better sign off. 

I promise to write something more exciting soon, and maybe include some photos.

What shows are you getting excited about?  For me, it’s Glee, Grey’s Anatomy, The Good Wife…and I’m intrigued by Pan Am…