Hi all,
Hope everyone is doing well.
As for me, if my calculations are correct, I am at 24.5 kilos lost. If not, you'll never know. If you go from my all-time high, it's even more than that.
In August, I went to California, and Kevin and I went to Yosemite for a couple of days. Awesome! I would like to go back sometime in the Spring when the snowmelt is making the falls flow. Once again, I found how hard it is to travel under the eating restrictions I have imposed on myself. We took a cooler of fruits and veggies and were able to pick and choose at a buffet breakfast where we stayed.
Unfortunately, I seem to have hit a plateau mentally. I'm getting tired (or bored) with being so careful as well as trying to walk every single day for an hour. Have not been able, really, to pull that off since starting teaching at Ancilla. Tuesdays are virtually impossible due to lack of time and motivation--not to mention class preparation or grading. Thursdays aren't a lot better, but since I don't have to be mentally alert until 9:00PM, it's a little better. Last Thursday, I did manage to walk for 30 minutes after my morning class. The issue there is that it's a pain due to the body cooling mechanism (sweating). I haven't reached the point where I feel okay about walking around in the building in my walking clothes (trying to cool down--I can only sit outside twiddling my thumbs for so long before getting antsy. Still have to ask about the lockerroom. I do take my lunch on those two days because the salad bar offered was okay but not sterling.
So...If anyone has any words of advice or is willing to offer me a million dollars for dropping an additional 24.5 kilos, please feel free. I'm sure this is just a temporary glitch so I will probably get over the moaning and groaning.
My CSA is going to offer a double season of fruits and vegetables (for double the price), but it will start earlier. And I will get things like strawberries and asparagus (not bad steamed) in season. By that time, I hope to be in a position to be doing some recipes with fruits and veggies so this will give me additional new ones to try.
Jenny has made sweet potatoes (mashed and tasting good)--actually an excellent vegetable according to the nutrition letter--and squash (also good). She also used the quinoa Valerie and Aunt Linda sent-- in green peppers. It's the top healthy wheat, etc. category. Thank you, Jenny, for being an excellent cook and for being adventurous. Quinoa is actually good if you add a little cheese.
Tune in next month for the continuing saga. Thank you for all your love and support!!! It's appreciated more than you know!!!!!!!
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
My apologies for not writing the follow-up blog on August 12, 2009. I was in the process of leaving for California and Yosemite National Park and ran out of time.
At any rate, as of last Wednesday, August 12, 2009, I have lost 45 pounds. As I told Kevin, there is no way I could have or would have lost that 45 pounds without going to India and experiencing Ayurveda treatment. So, I thank you all for that and for all the support you have given me around this endeavor.
Things I have learned since returning to the States: It is very difficult to travel without including my own food provisions in my planning. When I went to the family reunion in West Virginia, I stopped several places for breaks or gas. I was able to walk into a plaza which had Cinnebonn and Pizza Hut without any problem at all. (I was just thinking that in my most recent trip through airports that I didn't even notice Cinnebonn. Amazing!) Stopping at Starvin' Marvin or any other convenience store looking for something healthy turned out to be an exercise in futility. Usually I can find apples or bananas, but no such luck on the West Virginia trip. No wonder there are so many of us overweight folks. Not only is our food supply pretty much deficient in nutrition, but so much of it is pure junk. Even the 'natural' stuff is full of sugar, fats and additives. I have been following the "If it has more than 5 ingredients, don't buy it." rule. (If you've heard this stuff before, the blog says I posted on 7/28, but I can't find it. Indulge me and read this stuff, too, please.)
This past weekend I went to see Kevin, and we stocked up on fruits and veggies to take with us to Yosemite. There was a breakfast buffet where we stayed, but we still had to pick and choose. I had a great time with Kevin and at Yosemite. Yosemite itself is absolutely awesome. I would like to go back sometime in the Spring. BTW: On the return flight, there was still snow on some of the Rocky peaks. When my batteries recharge, I will put pictures on Picasa. Probably tomorrow.
Almost forgot to mention that I still haven't had any chocolate except the one piece in Dubai and three chocolate-covered almonds. Absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!!! My weight is where I hoped to be by Christmas so I am still keepin' on.
Thanks again for all the caring and support.
Love,
Mom/Granny/Peggy
My apologies for not writing the follow-up blog on August 12, 2009. I was in the process of leaving for California and Yosemite National Park and ran out of time.
At any rate, as of last Wednesday, August 12, 2009, I have lost 45 pounds. As I told Kevin, there is no way I could have or would have lost that 45 pounds without going to India and experiencing Ayurveda treatment. So, I thank you all for that and for all the support you have given me around this endeavor.
Things I have learned since returning to the States: It is very difficult to travel without including my own food provisions in my planning. When I went to the family reunion in West Virginia, I stopped several places for breaks or gas. I was able to walk into a plaza which had Cinnebonn and Pizza Hut without any problem at all. (I was just thinking that in my most recent trip through airports that I didn't even notice Cinnebonn. Amazing!) Stopping at Starvin' Marvin or any other convenience store looking for something healthy turned out to be an exercise in futility. Usually I can find apples or bananas, but no such luck on the West Virginia trip. No wonder there are so many of us overweight folks. Not only is our food supply pretty much deficient in nutrition, but so much of it is pure junk. Even the 'natural' stuff is full of sugar, fats and additives. I have been following the "If it has more than 5 ingredients, don't buy it." rule. (If you've heard this stuff before, the blog says I posted on 7/28, but I can't find it. Indulge me and read this stuff, too, please.)
This past weekend I went to see Kevin, and we stocked up on fruits and veggies to take with us to Yosemite. There was a breakfast buffet where we stayed, but we still had to pick and choose. I had a great time with Kevin and at Yosemite. Yosemite itself is absolutely awesome. I would like to go back sometime in the Spring. BTW: On the return flight, there was still snow on some of the Rocky peaks. When my batteries recharge, I will put pictures on Picasa. Probably tomorrow.
Almost forgot to mention that I still haven't had any chocolate except the one piece in Dubai and three chocolate-covered almonds. Absolutely amazing!!!!!!!!!!! My weight is where I hoped to be by Christmas so I am still keepin' on.
Thanks again for all the caring and support.
Love,
Mom/Granny/Peggy
Sunday, July 12, 2009
July 12, 2009 Ayurveda follow-up
Sunday, July 12, 2009
As of today I am two months past going to India, one month past coming back to the States, and two weeks back in my own abode.
I'm doing well. I feel good, and my former piano teacher says I look very healthy. I have lost 34 pounds since May 12. (I took pity on you and didn't make you convert from kilos.) My sciatica is also doing well. I still know it's there, but it hasn't kicked up even with all the walking I do. An hour a day. Most of the time I don't even know it's there. Halleluia!!!
David and Raechel sent me a juicer and an ipod; Kevin and Michelle sent me a steamer and MANY books on my new lifestyle; and Bob and Jenny want to know why David and Kevin don't have to try the juices I make!
Thus far I have made cucumber juice--takes a lot of cucumbers but it tastes better than the cucumber juice we got in India--and beet juice--also takes a lot of beets, but it tastes good--sweet but it has a taste of what I surmise is the land it's grown on or else the outside layer of the beets.
I am going to try celery juice next--or carrot juice. Amelia says she is drinking celery juice and two other kinds so... Fortunately I discovered a brand new organic farmer's market over by Macri's which is in operation every Thursday. All three providers are Amish so even the two who admit they aren't totally organic subscribe to limited use of unhealthy stuff. The third one said the person who certifies a farm as organic has only to send them the plaque or certificate or whatever so they can put it on the table in front of their produce. This guy also said that they would eventually have 3 tents because they have 20 acres growing. They have sign up for a CSA this coming Thursday. I think those initials are correct. It's where for $255 they will provide you with a basket of fresh produce every week between next week and the end of November. $18 per week I'm told although I haven't done the math. In the signup sheet they will allow some limited choices on the purchaser's part so if I really can't stand something they will double up on it. When he told me that, I asked him if he had been talking to one of my sons. Actually, he said he was kidding. However, this will give me an opportunity to try new fruits and vegetables I've never tried before. And maybe some that my mother used to make us eat like squash and lima beans. Maybe they'll taste better if I steam them.
As to the steamer, I have steamed cauliflower--not bad either steamed or unsteamed if you dip it in Campbell's Tomato Soup. Will never become my favorite because it is bland, but it is edible. I also tried corn-on-the-cob, which was super even without margarine or butter. The skies the limit here.
At the organic market, there is also a store where I can get coconut oil. It's expensive. $55 plus 7% Indiana sales tax for a gallon. On the internet I found a sale price of 2 gallons for $99, but that no doubt didn't include shipping.
Should you need convincing that this is a good way to eat, I suggest you read "In Defense of Food". I'm not home right now so I can't give you the author's name, but I'm sure it's on Amazon.com. There is also a movie--maybe a documentary--called Food, Inc. which sounds like it will fill you in on how our food is no longer FOOD thanks to our government and the quantity and dollars versus quality cadre. I heard the filmmaker on Jon Stewart's show this week, and it seemed like he and the author of "In Defense of Food" are on the same page. For all I know, they are one in the same. The film is supposed to be in theatres now. The book has rules to live by such as 'Never buy anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food' and 'Never buy anything with more than 5 ingredients' because they are additives which help us Westerners have a much higher incidence of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes than 3rd world countries.
BTW: The book does not say that you can't have meat, etc. It just says--like Dr. Baji said--that we should limit how much we eat and focus on fruits and vegetables (preferably fresh). And the Surgeon-General will love you for it. So will your body.
And so the saga continues. As I mentioned on June 17, I will try to update this around the 12th of every month so see you in August.
Take care!
Mom/Granny/Peggy
As of today I am two months past going to India, one month past coming back to the States, and two weeks back in my own abode.
I'm doing well. I feel good, and my former piano teacher says I look very healthy. I have lost 34 pounds since May 12. (I took pity on you and didn't make you convert from kilos.) My sciatica is also doing well. I still know it's there, but it hasn't kicked up even with all the walking I do. An hour a day. Most of the time I don't even know it's there. Halleluia!!!
David and Raechel sent me a juicer and an ipod; Kevin and Michelle sent me a steamer and MANY books on my new lifestyle; and Bob and Jenny want to know why David and Kevin don't have to try the juices I make!
Thus far I have made cucumber juice--takes a lot of cucumbers but it tastes better than the cucumber juice we got in India--and beet juice--also takes a lot of beets, but it tastes good--sweet but it has a taste of what I surmise is the land it's grown on or else the outside layer of the beets.
I am going to try celery juice next--or carrot juice. Amelia says she is drinking celery juice and two other kinds so... Fortunately I discovered a brand new organic farmer's market over by Macri's which is in operation every Thursday. All three providers are Amish so even the two who admit they aren't totally organic subscribe to limited use of unhealthy stuff. The third one said the person who certifies a farm as organic has only to send them the plaque or certificate or whatever so they can put it on the table in front of their produce. This guy also said that they would eventually have 3 tents because they have 20 acres growing. They have sign up for a CSA this coming Thursday. I think those initials are correct. It's where for $255 they will provide you with a basket of fresh produce every week between next week and the end of November. $18 per week I'm told although I haven't done the math. In the signup sheet they will allow some limited choices on the purchaser's part so if I really can't stand something they will double up on it. When he told me that, I asked him if he had been talking to one of my sons. Actually, he said he was kidding. However, this will give me an opportunity to try new fruits and vegetables I've never tried before. And maybe some that my mother used to make us eat like squash and lima beans. Maybe they'll taste better if I steam them.
As to the steamer, I have steamed cauliflower--not bad either steamed or unsteamed if you dip it in Campbell's Tomato Soup. Will never become my favorite because it is bland, but it is edible. I also tried corn-on-the-cob, which was super even without margarine or butter. The skies the limit here.
At the organic market, there is also a store where I can get coconut oil. It's expensive. $55 plus 7% Indiana sales tax for a gallon. On the internet I found a sale price of 2 gallons for $99, but that no doubt didn't include shipping.
Should you need convincing that this is a good way to eat, I suggest you read "In Defense of Food". I'm not home right now so I can't give you the author's name, but I'm sure it's on Amazon.com. There is also a movie--maybe a documentary--called Food, Inc. which sounds like it will fill you in on how our food is no longer FOOD thanks to our government and the quantity and dollars versus quality cadre. I heard the filmmaker on Jon Stewart's show this week, and it seemed like he and the author of "In Defense of Food" are on the same page. For all I know, they are one in the same. The film is supposed to be in theatres now. The book has rules to live by such as 'Never buy anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food' and 'Never buy anything with more than 5 ingredients' because they are additives which help us Westerners have a much higher incidence of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes than 3rd world countries.
BTW: The book does not say that you can't have meat, etc. It just says--like Dr. Baji said--that we should limit how much we eat and focus on fruits and vegetables (preferably fresh). And the Surgeon-General will love you for it. So will your body.
And so the saga continues. As I mentioned on June 17, I will try to update this around the 12th of every month so see you in August.
Take care!
Mom/Granny/Peggy
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Hi all,
I have been back in the States since Friday, June 12. Yesterday I was out running around all day and find that my stamina is definitely not back to normal yet.
To finish off the trip: I left Zamorin's at 6AM on Thursday, June 11, 2009. Colonel Babu came to see me off as did Kirish and Sibeon (They sleep on the floor in the livingroom in case of medical emergencies so they didn't really have a choice.). Colonel Babu actually gave me a big hug (I first asked him if I could give him a hug not knowing whether that was kosher or not.) and told me that I will always have a home at Zamorin's. We arrived at the airport in an hour and a half. Part of the trip was on a new four-lane highway where it looked like if houses were partially in the way of the construction, they had just ripped off that part of the house and left the rest. EVERYone was very nice to me all the way back to the States and went out of their way to help me. When I went up to the Emirates Air desk, I asked the guy if he spoke English, which he did--very well, in fact. David had difficulty having his luggage sent all the way to the States and had to pick his up in Dubai. The gentleman had never processed luggage to the States (and he was in training), but his supervisor was there and helped him route it to South Bend. I still had to pick it up in Washington, DC for customs, but just walked it about 15 feet to put it on a conveyer belt to go to the next airplane. Unfortunately, it did not arrive in South Bend when I did, but it did come in yet on Friday and was delivered.
At the Cochin Airport, I couldn't find any books or bottled water, but I could have lunch at 8 AM from the one deli I saw. Nope. Not up for that. I did have a granola bar in my carryon so I had that. There were virtually no snacks except candy available.
Emirates Air is a great airline!!!! They had many attendants who were actually working for the entire 4 hour flight. First they gave everyone a small sealed cup of lemonade. And I think we had lunch. Lots of water handed out. Part of lunch was fresh fruit so that was good. Again, everyone was very nice and personable.
The Dubai airport is very modern. BTW at Cochin and at Dubai, everything and everyone goes through security twice. Once before they let you in and once before they let you on. At Dubai, the women were wanded in a curtained enclosure due to the prevailing modesty and saris and Muslim dress and such. Let me tell you that wand was right up on me. By a woman, of course.
The only airports that made me take off my shoes were in the States. Every foreign airport makes you go through immigration as did Washington, DC. In every airport EXCEPT Washington, DC, if there were a lot of people, screeners were added at Immigration--and there were already a lot of screeners. In the US there were easily 250 people in each of 2 lines--one for US citizens and one for non US folks. And 3 passport screeners. And none added.
Anyway, back to Dubai. The airport is ultra modern. We arrived 45 minutes early. I only saw two shops going out of the airport. No restaurants. I was able to get bottled water in the airport. Once I got out in the foyer so-to-speak, my cell phone wouldn't let me text because it had to be digital and, being the technologically-challenged person that I am, I didn't know how to do anything about that. So I tried to use a telephone to call Leslie, Jeff's sister. But an airport person in a suit said it took a card (probably pre-paid card) to use that phone. So he called Leslie and helped me hook up with her and even took me to her car. So helpful. See what I mean by going out of their way??????
And so I spent the rest of the day with Leslie and her family and had a great time. It was really hazy in Dubai, but Leslie drove me around so I saw the highlights. We spent some time running kids while she answered my questions about Islam. Leslie's husband is Palestinian I'm told, but I think maybe he was raised in Jordan as that is where he would like to retire when the time comes. He went to undergrad at Vincennes University here in Indiana and got his Master's at University of Dayton, which is where he met Leslie, I think. The whole family was very friendly, and I enjoyed my time with them. There are two girls-maybe 16 and 19 and two boys ages 7 and 12. There is another daughter married and living in Arizona who is a doctor looking for a residency in orthopedic surgery, I think. She was doing general surgery in Dubai. The fam has been in Dubai for 16 years. Did I mention how great the fruit is in this area of the world????
The pineapple is to die for. The orange and banana I had at Leslie's were great. There was also a fruit which has a spiny outside (which you do not eat) and a delicious inside. She also made some Arab food? which was very tasty and not spicy--chicken, rice, eggplant, and cauliflower I think. Yum! We also went to a mall which was cool. Literally. But they also had great shops and underground parking so the car didn't get hot. It was only 43 degrees centigrade which is somewhere around 105 degrees farenheit. Fortunately, very low humdity.
Leslie dropped me back at the airport about 9:30 PM for my midnight flight. And this is the part of the airport which is truly amazing. Shop after shop after shop. They are forecasting $1 billion in sales for this year. I think there were also places to eat, but I certainly wasn't hungry. I upgraded my flight to Economy Plus so I had a lot more (it's all relative) wiggle room and empty seats on both sides of me. There was a continuous map which showed the flightpath and gave vital statistics such as airspeed, altitude, outside temp, etc. Kind of cool. We definitely did not take the most direct route as we flew over Turkey, Warsaw, Poland, the Norwegian Straits (?) just south of Scandinavia, north of England, the Atlantic, just south of Iceland, and then down the interior of the East Coast. ie we were inland aways and not over water. The flight was uneventful. We had dinner in the wee small hours. A snack later. And then breakfast before flying into DC. It's really hard to be focussing on fruits and vegetables when whoever makes the food is not, but I only took one teeny bite of the chocolate brownie served with something. I just remembered that I was asleep during dinner so the brownie wasn't during dinner. Maybe I just dreamed about a brownie? I remember that there was fresh fruit with breakfast though. This flight was 14 hours long, and at one point the map said we had a headwind of 100mph which tends to slow down one's airspeed.
So then we deplane and head for immigration. Everyone was well-behaved and somewhat subdued after a 14 hour flight except for the guy from the US Embassy in Baghdad who badmouthed everyone and everything in sight. No wonder people have bad opinions of us when people from the US--not just this guy--are rude, crude and unattractive.
No problems at all until Chicago where there was a little bit of a delay due to a mechanical problem. My luggage didn't arrive in South Bend with me. BUT I had the greatest welcome in the world at the South Bend airport. Jenny and all four kids came to greet me, bringing hugs, flowers, and balloons. There's nothing like being welcomed home by your grandchildren and daughter-in-law!!!!
I haven't had a whole lot of problem readjusting although I have been in bed by 8 PM every night. I've been walking the last 4 days. And yesterday, I overdid myself running around, having lunch with Mrs. J. and going shopping with her. But I am taking it easy as recommended by Dr. Baji.
I have been asked if I would do this fabulous trip again. I would. I had a fantastic time--not withstanding the medication-- learning about another culture, meeting people, seeing things and doing things I never would have seen or done otherwise. The movie star--whom my Indian doctor here had heard of--and her friend Maya thought Amelia and I were both positively nuts for our response to the elephant so we were at least entertaining in that respect. Oh, yeah, the Ayurveda was cool, too.
Thanks for reading. I will occasionally keep you updated with regard to the aftermath of the Ayurveda. Probably not more than once a month. I will try to do that on the 12th of the month so you won't have to check everyday.
Love and blessings to all.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny etc.
I have been back in the States since Friday, June 12. Yesterday I was out running around all day and find that my stamina is definitely not back to normal yet.
To finish off the trip: I left Zamorin's at 6AM on Thursday, June 11, 2009. Colonel Babu came to see me off as did Kirish and Sibeon (They sleep on the floor in the livingroom in case of medical emergencies so they didn't really have a choice.). Colonel Babu actually gave me a big hug (I first asked him if I could give him a hug not knowing whether that was kosher or not.) and told me that I will always have a home at Zamorin's. We arrived at the airport in an hour and a half. Part of the trip was on a new four-lane highway where it looked like if houses were partially in the way of the construction, they had just ripped off that part of the house and left the rest. EVERYone was very nice to me all the way back to the States and went out of their way to help me. When I went up to the Emirates Air desk, I asked the guy if he spoke English, which he did--very well, in fact. David had difficulty having his luggage sent all the way to the States and had to pick his up in Dubai. The gentleman had never processed luggage to the States (and he was in training), but his supervisor was there and helped him route it to South Bend. I still had to pick it up in Washington, DC for customs, but just walked it about 15 feet to put it on a conveyer belt to go to the next airplane. Unfortunately, it did not arrive in South Bend when I did, but it did come in yet on Friday and was delivered.
At the Cochin Airport, I couldn't find any books or bottled water, but I could have lunch at 8 AM from the one deli I saw. Nope. Not up for that. I did have a granola bar in my carryon so I had that. There were virtually no snacks except candy available.
Emirates Air is a great airline!!!! They had many attendants who were actually working for the entire 4 hour flight. First they gave everyone a small sealed cup of lemonade. And I think we had lunch. Lots of water handed out. Part of lunch was fresh fruit so that was good. Again, everyone was very nice and personable.
The Dubai airport is very modern. BTW at Cochin and at Dubai, everything and everyone goes through security twice. Once before they let you in and once before they let you on. At Dubai, the women were wanded in a curtained enclosure due to the prevailing modesty and saris and Muslim dress and such. Let me tell you that wand was right up on me. By a woman, of course.
The only airports that made me take off my shoes were in the States. Every foreign airport makes you go through immigration as did Washington, DC. In every airport EXCEPT Washington, DC, if there were a lot of people, screeners were added at Immigration--and there were already a lot of screeners. In the US there were easily 250 people in each of 2 lines--one for US citizens and one for non US folks. And 3 passport screeners. And none added.
Anyway, back to Dubai. The airport is ultra modern. We arrived 45 minutes early. I only saw two shops going out of the airport. No restaurants. I was able to get bottled water in the airport. Once I got out in the foyer so-to-speak, my cell phone wouldn't let me text because it had to be digital and, being the technologically-challenged person that I am, I didn't know how to do anything about that. So I tried to use a telephone to call Leslie, Jeff's sister. But an airport person in a suit said it took a card (probably pre-paid card) to use that phone. So he called Leslie and helped me hook up with her and even took me to her car. So helpful. See what I mean by going out of their way??????
And so I spent the rest of the day with Leslie and her family and had a great time. It was really hazy in Dubai, but Leslie drove me around so I saw the highlights. We spent some time running kids while she answered my questions about Islam. Leslie's husband is Palestinian I'm told, but I think maybe he was raised in Jordan as that is where he would like to retire when the time comes. He went to undergrad at Vincennes University here in Indiana and got his Master's at University of Dayton, which is where he met Leslie, I think. The whole family was very friendly, and I enjoyed my time with them. There are two girls-maybe 16 and 19 and two boys ages 7 and 12. There is another daughter married and living in Arizona who is a doctor looking for a residency in orthopedic surgery, I think. She was doing general surgery in Dubai. The fam has been in Dubai for 16 years. Did I mention how great the fruit is in this area of the world????
The pineapple is to die for. The orange and banana I had at Leslie's were great. There was also a fruit which has a spiny outside (which you do not eat) and a delicious inside. She also made some Arab food? which was very tasty and not spicy--chicken, rice, eggplant, and cauliflower I think. Yum! We also went to a mall which was cool. Literally. But they also had great shops and underground parking so the car didn't get hot. It was only 43 degrees centigrade which is somewhere around 105 degrees farenheit. Fortunately, very low humdity.
Leslie dropped me back at the airport about 9:30 PM for my midnight flight. And this is the part of the airport which is truly amazing. Shop after shop after shop. They are forecasting $1 billion in sales for this year. I think there were also places to eat, but I certainly wasn't hungry. I upgraded my flight to Economy Plus so I had a lot more (it's all relative) wiggle room and empty seats on both sides of me. There was a continuous map which showed the flightpath and gave vital statistics such as airspeed, altitude, outside temp, etc. Kind of cool. We definitely did not take the most direct route as we flew over Turkey, Warsaw, Poland, the Norwegian Straits (?) just south of Scandinavia, north of England, the Atlantic, just south of Iceland, and then down the interior of the East Coast. ie we were inland aways and not over water. The flight was uneventful. We had dinner in the wee small hours. A snack later. And then breakfast before flying into DC. It's really hard to be focussing on fruits and vegetables when whoever makes the food is not, but I only took one teeny bite of the chocolate brownie served with something. I just remembered that I was asleep during dinner so the brownie wasn't during dinner. Maybe I just dreamed about a brownie? I remember that there was fresh fruit with breakfast though. This flight was 14 hours long, and at one point the map said we had a headwind of 100mph which tends to slow down one's airspeed.
So then we deplane and head for immigration. Everyone was well-behaved and somewhat subdued after a 14 hour flight except for the guy from the US Embassy in Baghdad who badmouthed everyone and everything in sight. No wonder people have bad opinions of us when people from the US--not just this guy--are rude, crude and unattractive.
No problems at all until Chicago where there was a little bit of a delay due to a mechanical problem. My luggage didn't arrive in South Bend with me. BUT I had the greatest welcome in the world at the South Bend airport. Jenny and all four kids came to greet me, bringing hugs, flowers, and balloons. There's nothing like being welcomed home by your grandchildren and daughter-in-law!!!!
I haven't had a whole lot of problem readjusting although I have been in bed by 8 PM every night. I've been walking the last 4 days. And yesterday, I overdid myself running around, having lunch with Mrs. J. and going shopping with her. But I am taking it easy as recommended by Dr. Baji.
I have been asked if I would do this fabulous trip again. I would. I had a fantastic time--not withstanding the medication-- learning about another culture, meeting people, seeing things and doing things I never would have seen or done otherwise. The movie star--whom my Indian doctor here had heard of--and her friend Maya thought Amelia and I were both positively nuts for our response to the elephant so we were at least entertaining in that respect. Oh, yeah, the Ayurveda was cool, too.
Thanks for reading. I will occasionally keep you updated with regard to the aftermath of the Ayurveda. Probably not more than once a month. I will try to do that on the 12th of the month so you won't have to check everyday.
Love and blessings to all.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny etc.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
June 10, 2009 addendum
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 addendum
28 days with no chocolate, no diet coke, no watch, and very little TV.
I gave the women a tip today, and it seemed they really appreciated it. After 4 weeks it is hard to say good-bye. Dr. Baji gave me medication to take with me. No diet restrictions. Eat more fruits and vegetables and use the 25/75% split and walk.
Love,
Mom/Granny/Peggy
28 days with no chocolate, no diet coke, no watch, and very little TV.
I gave the women a tip today, and it seemed they really appreciated it. After 4 weeks it is hard to say good-bye. Dr. Baji gave me medication to take with me. No diet restrictions. Eat more fruits and vegetables and use the 25/75% split and walk.
Love,
Mom/Granny/Peggy
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009--Day 28
You are NOT going to believe this!!!!!!!!!! I asked Colonel Babu about having an elephant come here because I saw one in the pictures of the grand opening and because Dr. Baji said they used to do that. That was only last night! And do you believe...this morning about 9 AM an elephant came. We were able to pet it and feed it. Amelia rode on it! She had to climb up on him, and I didn't think I was that limber so I just watched. They are huge! This one is 35 years old and looks to be about 20 feet high. Of course, the Indian patients couldn't see what all the excitement was about. They see elephants at nearly every festival, and there are a lot of festivals. So cool. The trainers seemed pretty confident the elephant wouldn't do us any harm, but I understand that you never know. Lots of elephant pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Speaking of the three patients from India--including the movie star and friend. They really get in to this servant thing. I'm sure that the two ladies probably have several servants at home. But poor Kirish is kept running with this, that and the other thing. I just don't care for the tone of voice they use.
And last night we had a fantastic performance by a group of drummers and cymbal players. They played for over an hour--never stopping. Groups like this and the drums they use are unique to Kerala. The Colonel and Dr. Baji stayed for the performance. There was lighting all around the stage by the yoga hut--not candles, but whatever they burn at the temples in the prayer candles. There were 6 drummers and two cymbal players. Small symbols. I first thought they might be lids from pans (like pots and pans), but they were real cymbals. 4 of the drummers kept the time, and the two main players would trade off or sometimes play at the same time. One would play and the other would copy it and so forth. It kind of loses something in my description, but it was really great!
Today is my last post from India. I leave tomorrow morning at 6 AM on a 2 1/2 hour ride to the Cochin Airport. From there it is 4 hours to Dubai, an 11 1/2 layover during which time Jeff's sister is going to show me around. Then I think David said it's a 14 hour flight to Washington, DC, and then on to Chicago and South Bend. I'm guessing it will be about 36 hours from start to finish. And I will blog whenever I can see straight about Dubai. I hope you have enjoyed reading these blogs. For me, it is writing about things when they happen so I will have a written record to go with my 200+ pictures.
Take care.
Love to all,
Mom/Peggy/Granny et al
You are NOT going to believe this!!!!!!!!!! I asked Colonel Babu about having an elephant come here because I saw one in the pictures of the grand opening and because Dr. Baji said they used to do that. That was only last night! And do you believe...this morning about 9 AM an elephant came. We were able to pet it and feed it. Amelia rode on it! She had to climb up on him, and I didn't think I was that limber so I just watched. They are huge! This one is 35 years old and looks to be about 20 feet high. Of course, the Indian patients couldn't see what all the excitement was about. They see elephants at nearly every festival, and there are a lot of festivals. So cool. The trainers seemed pretty confident the elephant wouldn't do us any harm, but I understand that you never know. Lots of elephant pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Speaking of the three patients from India--including the movie star and friend. They really get in to this servant thing. I'm sure that the two ladies probably have several servants at home. But poor Kirish is kept running with this, that and the other thing. I just don't care for the tone of voice they use.
And last night we had a fantastic performance by a group of drummers and cymbal players. They played for over an hour--never stopping. Groups like this and the drums they use are unique to Kerala. The Colonel and Dr. Baji stayed for the performance. There was lighting all around the stage by the yoga hut--not candles, but whatever they burn at the temples in the prayer candles. There were 6 drummers and two cymbal players. Small symbols. I first thought they might be lids from pans (like pots and pans), but they were real cymbals. 4 of the drummers kept the time, and the two main players would trade off or sometimes play at the same time. One would play and the other would copy it and so forth. It kind of loses something in my description, but it was really great!
Today is my last post from India. I leave tomorrow morning at 6 AM on a 2 1/2 hour ride to the Cochin Airport. From there it is 4 hours to Dubai, an 11 1/2 layover during which time Jeff's sister is going to show me around. Then I think David said it's a 14 hour flight to Washington, DC, and then on to Chicago and South Bend. I'm guessing it will be about 36 hours from start to finish. And I will blog whenever I can see straight about Dubai. I hope you have enjoyed reading these blogs. For me, it is writing about things when they happen so I will have a written record to go with my 200+ pictures.
Take care.
Love to all,
Mom/Peggy/Granny et al
Monday, June 8, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009--Day 27
Since I have only recently discovered how to read the comments on my own--David helped me with a couple before he left, I feel the need to respond to some of them now.
Dave, Sr.: Do you know what you are doing to your heart eating a McDonald's? Quarter pounder and cheese (or something just as deadly) a shake, and I can't remember what else. Not to mention what may have happened to me if I had read that on May 16. I probably would have come back with David and missed all those massages and sitting her typing with Jasmine in my hair. Seriously, glad you are enjoying the blog. I enjoy writing it as well. This way I write down things as they happen, and I will have a travelogue (The King's English) to refer to in the future.
Bob: By all means, put my condo up for sale.
Questions asked:
How is my health? Actually I didn't think there was anything wrong with it in the first place. Granted I could take better care of myself than I do, and I do plan to do that in the future. Everyone my age has aches and pains even if we don't talk about it. Has my health improved since being here? Probably, since I have dropped at least 7 kilos. And what better way than to eat, sleep, walk, have two massages/day, read--a lot, have stimulating conversations with Dr. Baji and Colonel Babu, and learn about a foreign culture.
My mental health? I remarked before the end of the first week that I hadn't felt so peaceful since I went to prison. (THAT ought to get some people talking.) I have really enjoyed my walks and meeting people and my road trips. The environment is very different from everything I've heard from other people and from everything I previously knew about India which wasn't very much. I have only done email with my family electing not to answer any college or association emails. Much less stress that way. And I feel good!!!!!!
What is the science behind Ayurveda? Between 5,000 and 10,000 years of practice. There is no way to measure preventive medicine. Also, I think I addressed how there can't be a standard for medications like in the States because each doctor tailor's his medications to his individual patients.
Toxin elimination? Definitely toxin elimination because for a long time there was considerably more output than input. When I perspire, for example, I don't taste salt although I have applied more salt to my food than ever in my life. Normally I don't add salt except on hard boiled eggs.
Toxin elimination has been easily managed.
Benefits to massage? This is not muscle massage. I'm sure there is imjprovement in circulation. Ayurveda is centered about heat so much of the treatment such as application of hot oil is about making you sweat. It's not uncomfortable, but I know I am doing well when I sweat.
Dr. Baji said that we should massage our skin when we return home to help with circulation.
Skin Texture? By the end of Day 3 my skin was softer than baby Sam's. Dr. Baji says that our lotions, etc. don't really do the trick. He suggested coconut oil and massage. Hope I can find some at a reasonable price.
And so...Amelia is leaving on Sunday. She will take a few days in N. Kerala and then a few days beachside in Cochin before returning to Austria. She is full of life and a joy to be around. She told me that she couldn't understand me at first. And she thought, "Oh, these Americans." But now I don't think there is any language barrier for us.
Faritta's friend came today. I haven't met her yet, but I understand her son is India's heartthrob in the cinema.
Just in case the internet is not working tomorrow--my last day--, I will blog after I return to the States to tell you about the trip and my time in Dubai.
(I cannot believe that the internet has worked for 2 straight hours for me. Amazing!)
Take care.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
Since I have only recently discovered how to read the comments on my own--David helped me with a couple before he left, I feel the need to respond to some of them now.
Dave, Sr.: Do you know what you are doing to your heart eating a McDonald's? Quarter pounder and cheese (or something just as deadly) a shake, and I can't remember what else. Not to mention what may have happened to me if I had read that on May 16. I probably would have come back with David and missed all those massages and sitting her typing with Jasmine in my hair. Seriously, glad you are enjoying the blog. I enjoy writing it as well. This way I write down things as they happen, and I will have a travelogue (The King's English) to refer to in the future.
Bob: By all means, put my condo up for sale.
Questions asked:
How is my health? Actually I didn't think there was anything wrong with it in the first place. Granted I could take better care of myself than I do, and I do plan to do that in the future. Everyone my age has aches and pains even if we don't talk about it. Has my health improved since being here? Probably, since I have dropped at least 7 kilos. And what better way than to eat, sleep, walk, have two massages/day, read--a lot, have stimulating conversations with Dr. Baji and Colonel Babu, and learn about a foreign culture.
My mental health? I remarked before the end of the first week that I hadn't felt so peaceful since I went to prison. (THAT ought to get some people talking.) I have really enjoyed my walks and meeting people and my road trips. The environment is very different from everything I've heard from other people and from everything I previously knew about India which wasn't very much. I have only done email with my family electing not to answer any college or association emails. Much less stress that way. And I feel good!!!!!!
What is the science behind Ayurveda? Between 5,000 and 10,000 years of practice. There is no way to measure preventive medicine. Also, I think I addressed how there can't be a standard for medications like in the States because each doctor tailor's his medications to his individual patients.
Toxin elimination? Definitely toxin elimination because for a long time there was considerably more output than input. When I perspire, for example, I don't taste salt although I have applied more salt to my food than ever in my life. Normally I don't add salt except on hard boiled eggs.
Toxin elimination has been easily managed.
Benefits to massage? This is not muscle massage. I'm sure there is imjprovement in circulation. Ayurveda is centered about heat so much of the treatment such as application of hot oil is about making you sweat. It's not uncomfortable, but I know I am doing well when I sweat.
Dr. Baji said that we should massage our skin when we return home to help with circulation.
Skin Texture? By the end of Day 3 my skin was softer than baby Sam's. Dr. Baji says that our lotions, etc. don't really do the trick. He suggested coconut oil and massage. Hope I can find some at a reasonable price.
And so...Amelia is leaving on Sunday. She will take a few days in N. Kerala and then a few days beachside in Cochin before returning to Austria. She is full of life and a joy to be around. She told me that she couldn't understand me at first. And she thought, "Oh, these Americans." But now I don't think there is any language barrier for us.
Faritta's friend came today. I haven't met her yet, but I understand her son is India's heartthrob in the cinema.
Just in case the internet is not working tomorrow--my last day--, I will blog after I return to the States to tell you about the trip and my time in Dubai.
(I cannot believe that the internet has worked for 2 straight hours for me. Amazing!)
Take care.
Love,
Mom/Peggy/Granny
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