Check-In March 2008

[aklap]

We have a mixed house. I'm GF, Peg is not. The base of our meals are GF. Then any modifiers are as needed.

Pasta - Like Os, we have GF pasta for me, and NGF pasta for Peg. The sauce is GF. Lasagna we make 2 separate pans. Of course the sauce is GF.

Pizza - We have GF for me and most times Peg. If Peg does have a NGF frozen 'za - it gets placed on the bottom rack. Mine is on top. I don't want any nasties falling in to mine and polluting it.

Meatloaf - We make it GF.

Like the others said, you find so much that is naturally GF that it's not a too big of an issue. Since I've been GF, Peg as cut back on her gluten intake considerably.
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Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[forinajoy]

Well, things are going well...Ina turned 13 y/o on the 2nd...we ate at PF Changs...she ordered the GF Noodle dish...and GF Lettuce Wraps as an appetizer...and a pot of hot tea.....I took GF Pantry's Brownies as dessert....she got a baby doll and 3 stuffed animals....she was in heaven ...there were 7 of us that went....we all had a nice time

My oldest DD is getting married on April 26th....so we are in the middle of mega wedding planning....so far everything is going pretty smoothly......she will move about 5 hours away....so I am trying to mentally prepare for that.....it will be tough on Ina b/c she thinks that big sis hung the moon......and big sis spoils her ...the first wedding shower is this weekend...I have got lots of company coming in tom, so I have been doing lots of housework today and am tired...lol

we had snow yesterday, about and inch or two....not much of it stuck, but it was pretty to watch it come down....we have had a very mild winter....I am looking forward to spring and working in my garden again....my daffodils are blooming and they are pretty this year....
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Connie, mom to Ina, 13 y/o with CD

[sa2asl]

Good morning everyone!

It looks like Al's picture was taking down the street from me. sigh. I am SO waiting for spring to show up. (funny, as I type this, I can hear the shovel crew outside taking care of the latest lake effect snow) It is fun to hear about what you guys are up to, what a variety of people we have here!

So far, so good with the GF life. Things are usually fine during the week when I prepare my own foods, but social events have been tough. I'm dealing though and have made it out to eat a couple of times in the last month. My boyfriend and I realized that one of our fav places in Milwaukee, Tess, has MANY GF items on their menu. Good food too! The owner has a friend with celiac. It was great. They even have a GF bread basket, 3 gluten free beers, and their soup of the day was GF. I felt NORMAL and it was wonderful!

Speaking of beers... Sprecher has a new GF beer, Shakparo, which we did try that night. Not bad. They also have Redbridge and New Grist. I tried one of my favorite beer drinks with New Grist, a Beermosa, made by mixing beer with OJ (just try it, if you miss Sunset Wheat or Blue Moon like me, you'll love it)

I'm getting used to calling companies on a daily basis to make sure I can have certain items. If only they would include what those natural/art. flavors are... I would spend much less time on hold. smile. But I'm getting used to it and would rather know for sure than end up sick. I did find out that most of Coldstone's flavors are GF, very nice! Doesn't it seem like I'm always writing about junk food/drinks? I guess because I know I can eat all of the regular/whole foods, but it's nice to find alternatives when everyone else is having a treat. I wish there were some master list to go to. I also wonder how often you guys re-call companies? Meaning if you are told something is GF, do you just go with it until feeling sick, or do you call every so often to be sure?

Today is my GF cooking class at Whole Foods, I'll let you know more after tonight. Hope all is well with all of you!

Thanks for being my saving grace most days.

Peace,
Sarah

[Jen247]

Thanks for all the helpful info.
I treid Blue Diamond Almond milk, but noticed w/the chocolate, that I was not feeling well and actually get very short tempered after having that or anything w/caffeine or chocolate. I was drinking either Westsoy or Silk brand, but may stay away from that to see as well. I am seeing this will be a challenge with my family, I may have to go psycho and ban NGF items entirely. Unless they can clean up their crumbs! Gloves are now my friend in the kitchen.
May head out to Trader Joe's today, and will look for the closest Whole Food as well.
Enjoy the weekend!
Jen
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A life not fully lived is no life at all.

[isto]

Here in Northeast Ohio March blew in with a horrid ice storm that left us without power for a few days. As soon as the ice from the storm started melting, in blew a snow storm. So far we still have power, but we're expecting 17 inches by tonight. Goody.

The gluten-free eating is still going well. I've developed some intolerances that seem to be pregnancy-related. That is SO fun, because now I don't know until after I eat something that it is something I shouldn't have eaten.

Morning sickness is over, but I'm still pretty tired, as evidenced by my two-year-old's question: "Why is Mama such a grouch?" Trying to do better about that!!!

Can't wait for warm weather!

[Linda]

Hockey season is winding down. Walker's team played badly all season and only started to gel as a team in the playoffs. They managed to win 2 games, but but lost two in dramatic last minute play, so they are out. Ty's team has been playing unbelievably well. Excellent coaching, and the kids actually work together most of the time. They are too young for the playoffs, but I think they only lost 2 and tied 1, so they were 13/16 for wins. They just won the A final of their tournament last weekend, and thankfully I had some GF snacks in the car since at the trophy presentation they served sandwiches. Ty just looked at Walker and said, "Here, you can have my sandwich." Earlier in the week, Ty and some of the other players did the snack trading thing afterward. Ty managed to trade away his granola bar for Mott Fruitsation (?) gummies twice and the third time the dad handing out the snacks (provided by the host team) let Ty pick first so he chose wisely and didn't get stuck with something ngf. He has another tournament this coming weekend and they are serving pizza after the final game, so we'll bring one, and I think I may have convinced our party organizer to get a DQ ice cream cake w/o cookie crumbs for the wrap up party.

Weather here is decent, but I expect about 30cm (12") of snow in April. Exact day to be determined. Usually our first 2 or 3 soccer games are cancelled due to snow or muddy field conditions.

Ty is finally going to get more speech therapy - 4 to 8 one hour sessions at an extremely expensive rate which should be paid for afterward by Glenn's and my health care plans at work. He's stuck on his Rs. Particulary "er" at the end of a word. Walker, soccer, etc. He can say rascally rabbit no problem but soccer comes out socco. I managed to get him speech in kindergarten for his ch, th, sh problem but starting in grade one the school is no longer responsible for speech therapy, the health region is in charge and they kept saying he's on par with his age level. If that's the case, then they ALL need speech. We meet with her next Wednesday and we'll see how it goes.

I made some awesome perogies a couple of weeks ago and one of Glenn's coworkers who was diagnosed last year says she's interested in eating them, but not so much in making them, please invite her over next time. I think I posted the recipe in a thread Colleen or Os started.

That's all, I've gotta get some lunch and head up to school to volunteer for the book fair.
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Mom of Ty (he's nine) who was diagnosed by bloodwork June 2005, biopsy August 11, 2005, notified on & started GF August 18, 2005

[aklap]

I just want to say Thanks to all those that participate in this thread. I don't always have time to respond to posts here, but I sure do enjoy reading them!

While these threads may seem frivolous and not always relative at first glance, I think it helps build a sense of community and "family".
_________________
Al

“We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” Mother Teresa

[Fifi]

I love reading these threads. I ALWAYS learn something new. It also helps to know you are alone. One of these threads showed me how to read my Dr's reports to know what number said I cd. It is amazing. When I am here, I am not alone.

[rpf1007]

I wanted to post about my successful trip to New Orleans because I'm so thrilled I got through the whole weekend and wasn't sick! I ate in my friend's kitchen, and was careful. I did bring my own banana bread for breakfast and snacks in case all I could find was salad. We went out to eat 4 times...and no illness! We ate a really good (although expensive- nice treat!) restaurant in the French Quarter called Bayona. The menu said to inform them of all food allergies. The waitress was great...said she couldn't remember all the things that were safe so she would have to go and talk to the chef. In the end the chef re-arranged some things...gave me different sides but it was amazing! I had a pork chop with a great sauce! I felt like a normal person! We also went to Outback (which I had never been to) and it was good too.
Now unfortunately I'm back at work...and couldn't bear the thought of packing lunch and dinner today so we ordered from a chinese place in the city that has a GF menu...and I'm already feeling the pain. Major agony. I'm always scared when it is ordered out since you aren't there physcially talking to them...but after my great weekend I thought- why not!
But the weekend was a major success- and gave me a lot of hope for further successful trips!

[Torrey]

Hey gang!

Happy March--are you all ready for St. Patty's Day?

Well, tonsillitis aside, I am doing pretty well. This past weekend, we had some pretty nasty weather out here in Jersey, so my boyfriend cooked up a WHOLE bunch of (naturally) gluten-free soup. Needless to say, I was set for this entire week in terms of lunch! It was awesome, he made a chickpea-based soup (the hearty/spicy kind--YUM!), a Cambodian chicken/shrimp/rice soup, homemade guacamole, and homemade hummus.

We went over to his parents' house this past Sunday and his mom made cream of spinach soup (substituting cornstarch for the flour) and it was fabulous! She also made me a loaf of GF sandwich bread so that she could have GF breadcrumbs for me.

Work continues to keep me super busy during the week and I'm working on the marketing for 2 ADHD drugs right now...

Emmett (my little black cat that I still consider a kitten!) will be 2 years old on Monday--I can't believe it!

I think a friend of mine is planning on making corned beef and potatoes on Monday, so I'll probably head over there. My neighbors are doing a St. Patty's celebration on Saturday, so that should be a good time.

I'm *supposed* to get my tonsils out on March 28th...hopefully, the persistent swelling will go down enough so that can happen...

I hope everyone is doing well!
Keep smiling!
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~Torrey

August 24, 1975
GF BD July 12, 2004

[luvscowznh]

Things are going well here in MA. The snow is FINALLY starting to melt. (Although more snow is forecasted for later in the week...)

I am finally through the morning sickness phase of my pregnancy and can eat more things now. Cravings aren't too bad yet, but I am sure they will go full force soon. In the next few weeks I should feel the baby move for the first time, so I am really looking forward to that. We heard the baby's heart beat for the first time at the last prenatal appointment. Pretty cool.

I also had sad news this week. My uncle suffered a stroke on Sunday and died on Tuesday. The rest of my family has flown to Florida for the funeral this morning, but since I've been having problems with my ear, I can't fly. And there wasn't enough time to drive. (Plus, with needing GF food and being pregnant, my family decided that it would be too much stress for me to drive even if there was time) They are going to have a memorial service here at the end of the month, so at least I will get some closure then.

It's been a hard winter - my grandmother passed in December, my MIL passed a few weeks ago and now my uncle. It has been especially hard for my dad - he lost his mother and his younger brother within 3 months. Hopefully we have had our quota of death this year. I don't know how much more I can take.

--Manda
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[ostrich]

So sorry to hear about your losses. Good vibes headed to you and your family. I certainly do hope you've hit your "quota".
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Ostrich :>--O==={

I lie below, you float above
In the pretty white ships that I am dreaming of

[luvscowznh]

Thanks, Oz!
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[Long2Play]

First things first:

Colleen,

Shirley and I apologize for missing the group meeting. We had every intention of attending. We wanted to be there in person to tell you some news. We both quit our jobs, sold our condo and we are moving to the Denver Colorado area Wednesday! I know it seems sudden but this has been in the works for a long time. It was great to be with you and your family at those meetings. We will miss you guys!

We need a change. I need a fresh set of medical eyes looking at my health. We need more sunshine, a lower cost of living, fresh career opportunities, and much much more. The store I have been running for 17 years will go on. I worked with the best team of guitar dudes in this world. I am leaving a wonderful community of fellow musicians. I have spent many many tears these last two weeks getting out of there, but it is time to go. I NAMED that joint. http://www.asharpmusicco.com The outpouring of love and respect sent my way during this has been humbling. Truly.

All of this will lower my stress levels. I am hoping to work with my friend great guitar builder, Don Grosh. I am going to teach guitar privately and make some music. I also owe my lovely bride for about 1000 weekends we did not get to spend together. She is amazing.........

How's that for a check in? Whew!!

Sorry to hear about your loss, luvscowznh. My condolences!



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"When you come to a fork in the road, take it." - YOGI BERRA

[cruelshoes]

Long - I am so glad to hear about this exciting new adventure for you! It was great to get to meet you in person and spend time with you and your lovely wife. While I'm sad you won't be a part of the IRL support group anymore, you have added a lot in the last few meetings we have had. Please remember to check in here when you get settled. The internet is available in CO, and you'd better not be a stranger! Boo Hoo - We didn't get to take our pictures together in our rocker t-shirts to post here on the board! I wore my Ramones shirt last night and everything.
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-Colleen
Dx 8/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
10-YO son Dx 11/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
Daughters (12 and 2) have neg. bloodwork

A woman is like a tea bag-you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water. - Eleanor Roosevelt