A Great Movie

I have been trying to get some yard work done. In fact, like a lot, as I am totally down sizing flower beds etc. Making more grass and less other work. In the process of trying to accomplish this task, entails a lot of work. (Thank God for those who have come to help.) I try to work outside most of the day and into the evening. When the rains come I am forced indoors, especially when the rains gets heavy. I hate quiting when I am in the middle of something. So got drenched a few times. When I do come in, I am exhausted and after cleaning the layers of mud of me, I curl up and have been watching a really good movie. In fact I have watched it three times in the last few evenings. It is a feel good movie. I hate movies that are full of blood and murder. (I am a great fan of Hallmark Movies)

If you love animal, in this case dog stories, you will love this movie. It is based on a true story, about a masters love for his dog, but even more important the love the dog has for his master.

Richard Gere , who plays the owner of the dog is full of integrity and compassion in this movie. Joan Allen who plays his wife, adds a little ficeyness (is their such a word) to the movie. I guarantee, if you watch this movie you will cry.

Watch the movie and enjoy!!! (and cry)

Recumbent Bike with Assist

This is the bike my daughter and her husband found for me when I was really sick with only 1/6 of my heart working. Dr. Kay wanted me to exercise but I was in no condition to do so. This bike was such a blessing as I could be out in the nice weather and the bike do the work for me. My daughter and her husband went with me until I started getting healthier, then I would go around the neighbourhood by myself.

I am telling you all of this because I am selling it for $400.00 I paid almost $1000.00 with goodies on it 5-6 years ago. One gentleman took it out once and then it was put into storage for a long time. The name of the bike is Re Trike.

This bike was the best thing when I was not well. As you can see it has a large seat and a nice convertible back. It has 7 gears and a big basket in the back that holds 2 batteries plus other items. Also a small bag on the back on the seat to hold what so ever.

Also has a flag for it that was not on when this picture was taken. As most of you know I have advanced to a two wheeler,asmy health is fine now thanks to God and CHIP. Yipee!!!!

If interested in this for yourself or a family member, please email me at verna.v@att.net.

Thank you so very much..

Leek Soup

This soup tasted so great on these cool damp days.

Ingredients:

1 cup leeks-the white part, chopped-wash well as there is much dirt in leeks

• 1 cup of unflavored rice or soy milk



• 2/3 cup of vegetable broth-I used my home made broth



• 1/4 cup of unflavored soy creamer



• 3 Tablespoons Earth Balance Butter



• 1 teaspoon Wylers Chicken no sodium Bullion



• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced



• Freshly ground black pepper



• chopped chives for garnish

Directions:

1. In a suitable kettle , melt the butter over medium heat.



2. Cook the leeks for 5 minutes



3. Add the broth and bullion. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat.



4. Cover and simmer for 10 minutes



5. Stir in the milk and cream



6. Add mashed sweet potato



7. Add freshly ground black pepper



8. Serve warm garnished with chives. The chive blossom is edible also if not sprayed with chemicals

Enjoy!!

Eggplant Veggie Appetizer

I had this eggplant that needed to be used up and wasn't real sure what to do with it.

I decided to roast it and through some veggies I had in the frig with it and make an appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 eggplant-roasted



• 3-4 green onions- chopped



• 2-3 garlic cloves-chopped fine



• 2 tomatoes-chopped



• 1 green pepper-chopped



• 1 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning



• Freshly ground black pepper to taste



• lemon juice-sprinkle on egg plant after you cut it in half.

Directions.

1. With a fork poke holes all around the eggplant. Roast at 375 degrees until charred. Cool down, Cut the eggplant in half Remove the peel, remove the seeds and chopped the eggplant.



2. Add to above mixture



3. Refrigerate several hours or overnight to marinate.



4. Using a high fiber Baquette, I rubbed it with a clove of garlic, then spread with a small amount of Earth Balance.



5. I then toasted it in my small oven.



6. Top with filling and a small amount of Daiya Mozzarella Cheese. (This is a Vegan Cheese that you can find at Festival Foods.)



7. Toast until cheeses is melted.

Enjoy immediately.

Comment from Verna's Kitchen:

I made this up as I went. You could put in any seasoning you like, including a touch of Siracha sauce.

Kale Cashew Salad

It was a rainy day today which we needed desperately for the gardens., I was not able to work in my yard.
I spent the afternoon trying a few new recipes. This won is a winner. If you have never tried Kale before give this recipe a chance. It was quick and easy, which is always nice.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup raw cashews- I found these at Good and Natural by Sally's, Fashion Bug, which is the strip mall down from Wall Mart, by the Mall in Appleton


• 1/2 cup water


• 3/4 cup water


• 2 clove garlic


• 1 1/2 teaspoon Wlyer's no salt Bullion


• 1 large onion


• 1 red bell pepper


• 1-2 clove garlic


• 1 15 oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained-Kerners low sodium-Woodmans- bean aisle and Festival Foods on Northland has them in aasle 4 bottom shelf on the left hand side as you go to the back of the store.


• 1 bunch kale, stems removed- kale sliced thin.


• Freshly ground black pepper


• 1 1/2 teaspoons oregano


• 4-6 Tablespoons fresh basil -diced


• Sirachas hot sauce to taste-optional

Directions:

1. Soak cashews overnight in warm water or for 1 hour in hot water. Drain.


2. Place cashews in food processor, add 3/4 cup water,2 clove garlic and chicken bullion. Process until smooth.


3. IN a large kettle cook onions until they begin to brown, about 7 minutes.


4. Add red pepper and garlic, and cook for another3-4 minutes


5. Add chickpeas, kale, and about 6 Tablespoons of the cashew mixture


6. Cover immedietly and reduce heat to medium. Cook stirring until sauce thickens 2-3 minutes


7. Add fresh basil and b lack pepper an Siracha Sauce if desired