Time does fly...

The end of 2015 is fast approaching, where has the time gone. (Not really a question.)

I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas.

If that's not your bent, then Happy Holidays.

I've been lying low on all fronts. In fact, other than this blog, I've closed shop on all other fronts except Twitter.

I tweet, it's short and sweet, so it's easy.

Time is at a premium so I've had to pick and choose what gets my time, rambling here was shortlisted. (It's brutal, but that's life.)

The latter half of 2015 has been a whirlwind of activity bringing wonderful opportunities my way. Some exciting times await me in 2016 and for that I am doing a little happy dance.

On a side note, my bread baking has taken on a life of its own. I'm quite the little bread baker if I do say so myself. (Still as modest as ever too.)

Okay, that's all for now.

Except this.

Here's what keeps me smiling...

"I don't think she can see me."

"Just a few minutes more, please."

"Right after I stretch, I promise I'll go back to..."

"... my own little beddy."

Little Miss Lucyfur is a small slice of heaven in my otherwise hellishly crazy existence. That's good hellish, in case you were wondering. She makes me laugh. I love watching her sleep, she's so peaceful.

And with that... I wish you all a peaceful exit out of 2015.

Cheers,  Jenny

BAKING BREAD

Not just any old bread, but GRAIN FREE bread.

I'm baking with COCONUT FLOUR. 

I discovered an awesome recipe for Grain and Nut Free Sandwich Bread over at Colorful Eats, a wonderful blog by Caroline Potter, NTP. (Nutritional Therapy Practitioner)

I found her while searching for grain free bread recipes. After experimenting with a few others, I found Caroline's recipe to be the best of the lot. Please visit Colorful Eats and check out Caroline's offerings. 

As I mentioned in my last post, I made Caroline's Grain Free Bread following her recipe to the tee - and it was fabulous. Light, fluffy, tasty and very much a "bread".

HOWEVER…

There was a rather lengthly process to making this bread which I then experimented with the next time I attempted it. 

To my surprise I discovered one could easily make this bread without a lot of separating, whipping, and worrying over the whole blend-it-all-together-correctly business.

Without further ado, here is my version of Caroline's amazing Grain Free Bread.

Oven: 350 F

Time: 50 minutes (give or take 2)

Makes one loaf (about 8.5 x 4.5 size)  Line the bottom with parchment paper. Don't line the wide sides, butter them. Let the parchment go up on the narrow ends. So the bread only actually touches the side parts. This makes it easy to remove.

Ingredients:

6 eggs  (Large or Med, doesn't seem to matter. The last loaf I used 3 of each)

1/2 cup whole fat, plain yogurt (the fatter, the better)

5 tbsp Butter (melted - do this at the start so it's not hot when using it)

1/2 cup coconut flour (Not necessary to sift it)

1/4 cup psyllium husk powder (Easily found in Health Food stores)

**Measure these two ingredients, and put them together in a small bowl.

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

**Measure these two ingredients into something small.

1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

Okay… note I've sectioned these ingredients into 4 sections.

I like to prep all my ingredients first - like painting a room. It's the prep that takes a moment.

1. Beat the eggs till blended and airy. I used a hand mixer, about 30-40 sec on Low to break the yokes and then on High for a good minute and a half. This will look fluffy, airy, foamy - definitely well blended.

2. Add the yogurt to the eggs - beat again.

3. Add the melted butter to the egg mixture and beat again.

4. Add the coconut flour and psyllium husk powder. Again with the beating. You will see the consistency starting to thicken. Take a moment to clean the sides of your bowl.

5. Add baking soda and salt - more beating, on med, then on high. Just to blend.

6. Now… add the lemon juice and give this whole mixture some love. Beat, gently on a lower speed, then work up to High. You will see the reaction of adding the lemon juice last - it fluffs up quite a bit.

7. Pour into your loaf pan. Try not to press down on the ingredients too much. Be gentle. 

There you have it. A grain free loaf of bread just waiting to be enjoyed.

See how the parchment paper goes up at the end of the loaf.

Fresh out of the oven - a few slices to tempt you.

I use my Breville Toaster Oven to bake my bread.
Works like a charm.

SOME FOOTNOTES:

I was wondering what makes a bread rise when not using gluten, which is found in wheat. I found the answer on the website of Dr. William Davis. He wrote this great article titled, Secrets of making wheat-free bread rise, so if you're curious he will explain the chemical reaction needed to make bread rise.

With my adjustments to the recipe I found on Caroline's excellent site, which truly I'm grateful to have found, you will see I have added the lemon juice last. By doing so it seems to trigger the action of the baking soda, which in turn adds volume.

Today, I made this loaf again… following the instructions above. The bread was amazing. It had a fluffy texture, yet it seems dense at the same time. But, most importantly, it's quick - and for me, that's gold.

When I used apple cider vinegar, instead of the lemon juice, the baking soda taste was noticeable. Not with the lemon juice. I have also added 1 more tsp of lemon juice to my version.

Regarding the butter. Caroline's original recipe calls for 4 tbsp. I have chosen to add 1 more tbsp to my recipe. Not sure why, but it seems to give it a better flavour. You can play with this and see what works for you.

FINALLY, the beauty about recipes is they are meant to be tweaked and adjusted to meet our own personal tastes. I have done so and have really been happy with the outcome.

I hope you have a chance to make this for yourself - if you do, please share your results.

HAPPY BAKING.

Do you tweak recipes?

Cheers, Jenny

SUMMER reading CONTINUES

If you read my last post you will have gleaned the CAPS tell it like it is.

Therefore SUMMER CONTINUES is the theme of today's post. 

It's HOT OUTSIDE.

It's HOT INSIDE. 

But that's mostly because I'm BAKING up a storm. (yummy details below)

WHILE I'M BAKING…

I'm enjoying the writings of KATE WILHELM, and in particular, The PRICE of SILENCE.

Audiobook Cover

Book Cover

As per my recent readings, this is an audiobook, by Blackstone Audio, narrated by Anna Fields. I'm very impressed with the range of voices Ms. Fields brings to this story.

Out of 32 Chapters, I'm at the Chapter 7 mark and thoroughly gripped as the suspense builds. Click on this LINK if you're interested in reading the writeup by Booklist.

The book that got me hooked on Kate Wilhelm's writing is called The Deepest Water - now, that was a very good book. Again, I listened to it, but it can be had as a "real" book.

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As my SUMMER CONTINUES I have been experimenting in my kitchen… with GRAIN FREE baking. (I listen to my book while I bake - clever use of time, eh!)


I'm baking with COCONUT FLOUR and I must say - IT IS AMAZING - TASTES GREAT TOO.

Here's the recipe for GRAIN AND NUT FREE BREAD that I have be using.

STOP RIGHT THERE - BEFORE YOU CLICK THE LINK… 
READ THIS…

I tried this recipe as outlined - lots of steps - but it turned out fantastic.

The second time, I was rushed for time, and DID NOT whip the egg whites. Instead I beat (with electric hand beater) the eggs, white and yoke, as one.
I then added all the ingredients, EXCEPT the psyllium husk powder and apple cider vinegar, and again beat the mixture on high for about a minute.
I added the psyllium and apple cider vinegar last and beat again.
Tossed it all in my glass loaf pan, lined on the bottom with parchment paper and baked it.

IT WAS WICKEDLY AWESOME AND EVEN FLUFFIER THAN THE FIRST. (I shared this info with the author of the recipe in her comment area.)

Since then I've made about six loaves my way - they've all turned out perfect. 

Today, I played around and added 1 extra tbsp. butter, and 1 extra 1/2 tsp of lemon juice. 

Oh, today, but the way, was the first time I tried the lemon juice instead of the cider vinegar. 

LOVED IT!

BEFORE BAKING 

AFTER BAKING - yummy.

So… there you have it. A great recipe for a GRAIN AND NUT FREE BREAD.


What have you been doing as this SUMMER CONTINUES?

BAKING or READING… or BOTH?

Or SOMETHING ELSE - say FISHING perhaps? 

Cheers, Jenny

Summer READING list, and other NONSENSE...

Have you ever noticed the words I put in capitals are actually the REAL title?

So this post is really about READING NONSENSE.

Back in May I installed a FREE app to my phone called OVERDRIVE - it's free, so that was a huge incentive. I installed it, followed the onscreen instructions, then ADDED my local library to its My Libraries List.

This app is available for iOS, Android, Laptops, iPods, etc. Here's their HELP page, which explains everything you might have questions about.

Then, I logged into my local library and started selecting books to listen to, which I download directly to my phone. I do this over my Wi-Fi so as not to use my phone's data plan.

Oh… did I mention OVERDRIVE is great for audiobooks? 


Having someone read to me is way more interesting, and a better use of my time, than being spoon fed the drivel that's on the telly, or radio, these days. (News and music are included in this statement.)

Since mid May, when I installed OVERDRIVE, I have listened to 32 books.

You read that right! I have listened to 32 books, and counting. 

Before using OVERDRIVE, I would go to my local library and take out CD books and play them in my car. That was great, but rather annoying when a disk needed to be changed. Also, it was less convenient once I got home and headed in the house as I couldn't be bothered to take the CDs in with me.

NOW, things are different. Other than when I'm showering, or working on my book, I am plugged into a story, and really great stories at that, whether I'm at home, or on the road.

WHAT ARE YOU READING? I HEAR YOU ASKING. 

**FYI: all the links are active and will take you to a site called Order of Books which will give you info on the author and the books they've written. I find this helpful when looking for books in a series. You can add an author of your choice in the search bar as well.

Let me start by pointing out a few things about how I read first.

1. I still pick up books, the real thing, with pages and all. My current read is: The Light of Day, by Eric Ambler. I'm halfway through it. It's good. I highly recommend it.

2. When I'm not in the mood for turning pages, I have several books on my Kindle. I'm still making my way through The Game of Thrones - just rounding the bend and heading for home on Book 4.

I have Open Season for Murder (A Mac Faraday Mystery) by Lauren Carr. Her writing is light, but full of punch. Unlike the drag-it-out-for-way-longer-than-necessary approach of George R. R. Martin's work, Carr's writing is sharp, and to the point. Only available in e-book form so hence reading it on my Kindle.

I read about two "real" books, and several e-books per month. Of which, I've read several books from some of you out there! Yes, YOU!

With the addition of audiobooks it is amazing how many more books I get to which might otherwise never make it to the list of "hold and read" books.

WHY IS THE OVERDRIVE AUDIOBOOK OPTION WORTH LOOKING INTO?

If you're on the road, to and from work/school, to the gym and back, grocery shopping, or any of the million other reasons we find ourselves in our cars, or on the bus, this OVERDRIVE app is for you. It is way more entertaining than listening to the car radio, that's for sure. Ask Stephen King, it's because of him I'm doing this. He recommended it in his book, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft.

Some recommendations: (If I could be so bold… me, bold, no...)

David Rosenfelt - writes the Andy Carpenter Series. The reader of these audiobooks is amazing, and the stories are really plausible, they make you think too. I love whodunits… and these are definitely good. The Andy Carpenter Series has 13 books - I've read 5 so far, and enjoyed each one. David also writes stand alone books, of which Don't Tell a Soul, and Down to the Wire are brilliant.

I just finished The Deepest Water, by Kate Wilhelm, and have already put Holds on several of her other works. She's worth checking out. In fact, this was such a gripping story that I listened until 3am last night - yup, I sacrificed my beauty sleep for this book and it was worth the one new wrinkle I acquired. 

Diane Chamberlain, who wrote The Escape Artist, The Good Father and The Silent Sister, which I read one after the other as I was so captivated by her writing, is another "good" read. The person reading her stories is talented with voices, easy to listen to and understand.

Which brings me to one thing about audiobooks… the voice of the reader. You either like it, or you don't. These, that I'm recommending, have been quite good, easy to understand, and some, like those that are part of a series, where the same voice reads them all, really get you into the story's character(s).

I'm a fan of M. C. Beaton's books - the Agatha Raisin Series, and the Hamish MacBeth Series. For the most part it's the same reader for each of these series and they are both bloody good. It took me a moment or two to acclimatize to the Scottish accent in the Hamish MacBeth stories, but once I got it I was off and running. (Yes, you can listen while on your treadmill too - just sayin'.)

In the Agatha Raisin Series there are about 26 books, I've listened to 17 so far. The Hamish MacBeth Series has about 31, I've only read 7, but that's because I only found out about them recently. :)

I never thought of myself as a chick lit reader - but Sophie Kinsella rocks this category with her Shopaholic Series. Her stand alone selections are funny and witty, but have an element of reality laced within the story. I've really enjoyed her storytelling talents.


There you have it… what I do with time that would otherwise be wasted - I fill it with some pretty impressive storytelling.

HOW ABOUT YOU - DO YOU LISTEN TO AUDIOBOOKS?

If so, when, where, what, and who? The how part I think I can figure out on my own!

Cheers, Jenny

The BIRTH of a STONE… pics and gory details too.

Well, it happened.

This morning, Monday May 25th, at precisely 7 am, I passed Wilbert, my adorable baby kidney stone.

He’s a tad angular, not at all soft and cuddly, but then, what can I expect from a stone head! LOL

Here… take a look for yourself. He’s a full 5mm in length too. (About 1/6")

Not really sure what to expect on this "passing" occasion, as I’ve never actually gone through labour (C-section girl myself), I was told all kinds of horror stories about the pain.

Well, I felt nothing this morning, other than the general discomfort I have been dealing with these last seven days.

Initially, when I went to hospital, eleven days ago, my pain was out-of-this-world torture. For those that don’t know me well my pain tolerance is incredibly high.

For me to need Tylenol 3’s says something. Oh, at the hospital they wanted to give me a shot of morphine, but hey, I declined, I’m enough of a space cadet without help! 

The T3’s controlled the pain well enough. I only took them for the first three days, when the pain was at its worst.

I was on Flomax (given to men with prostate issues) to make the Urethra relax as the stone travels down it. I think it helped (a lot) as I felt minimal discomfort these past seven days. 

Here’s a picture of what it all looks like… 

Source - Mayo Clinic

I find the Mayo Clinic site to be very useful! 

I wouldn’t have known I passed the stone if I wasn’t peeing into a sieve, in a little catch basin. Oh yes, I’m not holding back on the gory bits! These I consider gory! LOL 

I guess I had expected something more painful to happen on delivery - well, it didn't (YAY) and I'm grateful too. This kind of pain is no picnic, I can tell you that.

See… the birthing gods get even with those of us that had it easy in labour! Yup, there's no cheating the system when it comes to suffering. We all get our share! (Damn!)

This afternoon I'll head off to the lab to have Wilbert analysed. Hopefully the results will tell me something about my kidney stone. What kind it is, what I need to do to prevent more, that sort of stuff. 

Okay… this saga is officially over… I hope!

HUGE THANK YOUs to everyone who dropped in and wished me well. Surprisingly enough, well wishes do work!

☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀

The almighty question - HOW’S LIFE BEEN TREATING YOU? 

Really - I want to know! Has it been as exciting as mine?

Cheers, Jenny

Better NEVER than LATE - my A to Z REFLECTIONS

Well, I outdid myself with my tardiness - epic late. But, it could not be helped. (FYI - I am the last one on the Linky List - now, isn't that just appropriate!)

Here are my thoughts about the 2015 A to Z Blogging Challenge.

My buddy, Bushman, summed up his feelings (the not so happy feelings) in his reflections post. He speaks for me with what he says so I’m not going to regurgitate it all again here.

Point is… I share his feelings.

I struggled with what I wanted to say and almost decided on giving the Reflection Post a miss.

BUT… here I am.

So...

In a nutshell I had fun participating in the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.

I met some really cool new bloggers, they can be found over there to the right in the BLOGS OF NOTE - NEW ADDITIONS list. If you made it on this list you know I’m staying in touch.

If you’re a longtime regular, you’re probably on my BLOGS OF NOTE - THE ORIGINALS list. I read you, I enjoy you, and I thank you! You are the reason I blog as much as I do. 

Without my posse (Al, Ruth, Bushman) this year would have been harder. 

I twittered up a storm, and met some awesome folks out there too. Amazing.

Now… I wanted to end this by telling you all that over the next little while I’m going to be knee deep in the final stages of getting a book ready for press.

Yes… it’s true.

Part of the struggle for me this year, with the Challenge, was doing double duty. I can safely say I’m burned out, but in a good way.

I’ll be filling you in on all the gory details in the weeks to come.

Until then, thanks for making my April go by so fast.

Okay… a question… because I know a question makes you think.

What do you think my book is about?  (hahahaha - hint… not about me!)

Cheers, Jenny

A special shout out to Arlee Bird, from Tossing It Out. He’s the Founder and Creator of the  April Blogging from A to Z Challenge, As well as being a blogging friend, he is a great motivator and an inspiring leader. Thanks Lee - you rock!

DING DONG - the WITCH is dead - well, sleeping anyway!

Looks like Monday, May 4th is the big reveal…

well, okay, not big reveal, but it will be the day of MY BIG REFLECTION POST.

This is when those of us that slogged our way through April, working into the wee hours of the night, (right Ruth), on our last minute, awesomely excellent posts, will be sharing with you exactly why it was all worth it. (Hmmm, why was that again, hey Ruth… any thoughts!)

For those needing a wee bit more info about how this Reflection Post business works, it’s like this…

On May 4th there will by a Linky List over at Blogging from A to Z Challenge.

You will FIRST write your reflection post, and publish it. 

Then, and only then, you will copy the link to that post and add it to the Linky List. 

You will be able to add your Reflection Post to the Linky List any time from May 4th to May 8th. So DO NOT PANIC if you don’t have it ready tomorrow. (This part really benefits me… chances are I’m going to be fashionably late to my own party!)

This bit is cool… the Linky List, with the Reflection Posts will be up all year long. 

Which means you have loads of time to make your way through the list. I’ve always enjoyed visiting those on the Reflection List - it’s a great way to meet other A to Z Survivors. (Makes me feel like I got a seat on one of those few Titanic Lifeboats!)

Okay… that’s all folks.

In keeping with tradition… here’s the question (Because I know you would be terribly disappointed if I didn’t have one for you - admit it!)

What will you be doing now that the A to Z Challenge is over? (Besides break open a bottle and order in a pizza.)

Just wondering… (You could always head over to Write Brain Challenge if you're short of reading material - just sayin’.)

Cheers, Jenny

Z is for ZEBRA, ZULU, ZELDA - and a MESSAGE for you.

☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀

Welcome to Pearson Report.

I am participating in the 2015 A to Z Challenge.

Yes, I will be adhering to my THEME Calendar.

☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀

Do you see what happens when you TALK BACK - you don’t even get a reply to your lovely comments! Damn… I fell in the gutter and I’ve been lying here, on my back, looking at the stars. (That are circling my head - I must have tripped or something!)

OKAY… HERE WE GO… (for the last time… boo hoo)

Today’s grand finale post will be about the meaning of life.

ZEBRA          ZULU          ZELDA

What do they have in common?

They are all part of the alphabet.

ZEBRA comes from the Military Alphabet before 1956. Click, or zoom in on it.

Source

ZULU comes from the Nato Phonetic Alphabet, after 1956, and is used pretty much world wide. Click, or zoom in on it.

Source

ZELDA comes from Early World of Learning. It was their Animal Pals Alphabet and the one I used to teach Miss CP her ABC’s. I have never forgotten them.

Annie Alligator

Barry Bear 

Carol Cat

Danny Dog

Emily Elephant

Fernando Firefly

Gary Goose

Holly Horse

Isabel Iguana

Jerry Jaguar

Karen Kangaroo

Lester Lion

Mickey Moose

Nancy Nightingale

Oliver Ostrich

Penelope Pig

Quentin Quail

Rosie Racoon

Sally Snake

Tina Turtle

Underwood Umbrella Bird  

Vicki Vulture

Willy Wolf

oXford oX

Yolanda Yak

Zelda Zebra

See… once you learn your ABC’s you're set for life. (Or not, depends on which alphabet you were taught.)

So… I have a message for you, using the Nato Alphabet! (But my Animal Pals Alphabet would work too. HINT - JUST READ THE FIRST LETTER! HAHAHAHAHA)

India - Hotel Alpha Delta - Alpha - Bravo Lima Alpha Sierra Tango!

India - Hotel Oscar Papa Echo - Yankee Oscar Uniform - Delta India Delta - Tango Oscar Oscar!

NOW…

I know you’re wondering what the meaning of life has to do with all this - well, that brings me to my last question…

You have one hour to live, you can make one phone call, who would you call, and what would you say? (It sounds easy upon first reading, but then… it becomes impossible. I wonder if anyone will attempt to answer!)

Cheers, Jenny

A special shout out to Arlee Bird, from Tossing It Out. He’s the Founder and Creator of the  April Blogging from A to Z Challenge, As well as being a blogging friend, he is a great motivator and an inspiring leader. Thanks Lee - you rock!  

Y is for Y NOT - TALK BACK and see what happens!

☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀

Welcome to Pearson Report.

I am participating in the 2015 A to Z Challenge.

Yes, I will be adhering to my THEME Calendar.

☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀

Woman alive (Man alive is sleeping off a late night… leaving it to Woman to step up to the plate), didn’t you just love all the Triple X action we had here - from a simple little Tic Tac Toe XXX shake down to some serious heart racing XXX action with Vin Diesel. 

I loved the variety of comments that went along with it, particularly those extra X’s and O’s sent my way. (nudge, nudge, wink, wink) LOL

And Birgit, over at BB Creations takes home the XXX prize with her Mae West quote - now that was one sexy babe, eh!

Here's Birgit's comment, in case you missed it. Click or zoom in on it!

OKAY… HERE WE GO…

Today’s post is a tribute to those that TALK BACK!

How about you… 

Do you TALK BACK when you’ve got something on your mind? 

Or do you bite your tongue? 

Cheers, Jenny

A special shout out to Arlee Bird, from Tossing It Out. He’s the Founder and Creator of the  April Blogging from A to Z Challenge, As well as being a blogging friend, he is a great motivator and an inspiring leader. Thanks Lee - you rock! 

X is for XXX - you've waited and now you'll see...

☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀

Welcome to Pearson Report.

I am participating in the 2015 A to Z Challenge.

Yes, I will be adhering to my THEME Calendar.

☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀☀

Well my sweet lovelies… the end is nigh. I wrote a chilling piece, over at Write Brain Challenge. Seems my mindset was already in the 'nigh' department. If you have time, check it out! If not, no worries - it’s all good!

In light of yesterday’s post featuring my thoughts, and your awesome comments, on WRITING I figured you could all use a little racy XXX action.

So, on with the show.

OKAY… HERE WE GO…

Today I am going to show you what “three strikes and your out” means to me.

Created by yours truly - attractive and talented!

Well, what were you expecting? 

Some sexy, erotic, pole dancer, gee, give a working girl a break. 

It’s late, this just came to me as I was scratching my nose, fondling the wart which recently sprouted at its tip. 

Then another great idea for my X post just jumped out from behind my humped back and hit me on the rounded side of my caved in head. 

The real thing that fires up my depraved mind when thinking of XXX is Vin Diesel.  

I have a copy of him in XXX, the movie, which I've watched a million times! 

Here’s a little peek… XXX at its best.

Vin has his own meaning for "three strikes and your out" in this action packed, sexy movie.

My favourite part in this movie is when Vin (Xander Cage) says, "The things I'm gonna do for my country" as he whips off his uber tight t-shirt on route to his private pole dancer who's more than happy to help raise his flag! LOL

Man… now that's triple X action. 

Well, what does XXX conjure up in your mind? (Oh… this should be so good!)

Cheers, Jenny

A special shout out to Arlee Bird, from Tossing It Out. He’s the Founder and Creator of the  April Blogging from A to Z Challenge, As well as being a blogging friend, he is a great motivator and an inspiring leader. Thanks Lee - you rock!