Perfect and not so perfect moments

Not so perfect moments include chemo, aftermath from chemo and paying bills... especially medical bills!

Perfect moments (well just a few of many!): when we have just gotten out of the car and are walking away from the car. Within moments, Roger slips his hand into mine. Usually happens without fail. And every time, subconsciously and consciously I'm washed over with great joy. The same thing happens at night as I'm drifting off to sleep I hear the rustle of covers and feel Roger's hand reach out to hold mine or rest on my arm. We can't really snuggle any more because he has to sleep in a nest of pillows creating a small pillow-mountain to cushion himself and keep him sleeping at a slight angle to prevent gagging.

Roger is still in chemo recovery mode. Feeling a little less "flu-y" but now having to deal with all the intestinal challenges. This will probably go on for another 2-3 days. Hopefully he'll at least feel better by the weekend. And, as we all know...just in time to start chemo all over again next Wednesday. Roller coaster, huh? Used to like roller coasters....hate the freaking things now!

Thought I'd pass on some of the new yums I have made recently. I channel my frustration, concerns, fears, etc into cooking....kinda silly when you know Roger isn't eating. Regardless its good therapy for me even if it ends up being thrown away in the long run. I have been trying to do more organic, veggie, anti-cancer, good-for-you-food. Sounds gross, right? And when you hear this you'll probably say, um, really gross. But trust me....actually pretty yummy.

Kale crisps: you use kale (the garnish stuff used to make food look pretty), tear it into little pieces (remove the veins), put in a bowl, drizzle in some olive oil - don't soak it - just lightly coat. Spread the little bits on a covered cookie sheet. I use parchment paper. sprinkle with sea salt. Then bake at 350 degrees for about 12-15 minutes. take out and eat when cool. Little green chips FULL of nutrients and good stuff. Trust me....REALLY GOOD!!! Though I do have to admit...Roger won't even try them.

Roasted cauliflower: break cauliflower into bite size pieces, put on cookie sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with sea salt. Cook at 350 degrees for about 30-45 min until soft. YUM. We ate them like candy. The ones we didn't eat, I pureed and made into a roasted cauliflower with leeks soup. again, really good.

Sauteed Leeks (not scallions, not little green onions): I have never cooked with leeks before but have read about how good they are for you. So, I was preparing a couple recipes requiring sauteed leeks. I cut the white part into little 1/4' discs (used the green part for soups/broths). Sauteed in olive oil until golden brown. I even cooked some until the rings separated into little mini onion rings translucent and crunchy. Seriously sooooo good. Roger and I both just ate them out of the pan. Sadly they never made it to the intended recipes. The leeks I used were the size in diameter of a golf ball.

So, keep your fingers crossed that Roger continues to feel better because crappy days suck.

~ A&R