Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Chocolate Ebook on Sale at Amazon.com and Kobo.com 1.99

Here it is, The Healing Powers of Chocolate




By The Writing Gourmet
THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE


TIMELESS BOOK 
BUY NOW

By Cal Orey
Kensington Trade Paperback, January 2010
ISBN: 0-7582-3820-7, $14.00/$17.50 (CAN)

Here it is, the brand new Chocolate book (part of the internationally popular Healing Powers series: The HEALING POWERS OF VINEGAR and THE HEALING POWERS OF OLIVE OIL). Announced in 2009 in blog posts, newspapers, and magazines, it is now available. You can purchase THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE right now atAmazon.comBarnesandNoble.comBooksaMillion.com,indieBound.orgborders.com, or your favorite retailer.
“Decadent” and “sinful” are words commonly associated with chocolate, but they no longer apply. Approximately 4000 years ago, in Central America, the Mayan Indians considered cocoa beans “food of the gods” because of its medicinal benefits. Later, it got tagged as a “bad” fatty food. But by the end of the 20th century, a twist of fate turned chocolate back into a health food.

THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE traces the origin of chocolate, from bean to bar, from centuries ago to the present day. In creating this informative and fascinating book, renowned health expert and author Cal Orey (who lives near San Francisco, one of the nation’s chocolate hot spots) interviewed America’s top chocolate makers and chocolatiers, nutritionists, medical researchers, and chocolate lovers to find out how this ancient “food of the gods” can prevent and fight common ailments and diseases.

The result is a lively comprehensive guide to the wide world of quality chocolate, from 70% dark truffles to Italian biscotti baked with extra virgin olive oil, in America and around the globe. With proven data for eating dark chocolate containing cocoa flavanols to reduce heart disease, diabetes, cancer, obesity, and dozens of pesky ailments, this book—with a European twist—takes you on a magical chocolate tour, complete with wit, charm, and entertaining personal anecdotes from ancient folklore to the 20th and 21st century.

From Ancient Folk Medicine to Modern Health Wonder, Discover the Amazing Powers of Chocolate!
Discover the healing powers of dark chocolate and cocoa—now widely recognized as an accepted “health food” and “SuperFood”—versatile cure-all.
Find out how chocolate’s powers can lower the risk of developing heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and weight woes.
Learn how chocolate contains more antioxidants than green tea and red wine—without the alcohol.
Put dozens of chocolate home cures to work for treating acne, anxiety, brain fog, cabin fever, cough, depression, fatigue, and other ailments.
You’ll also find chocolate beauty and anti-aging treatment—from masks, manicures to bubble baths and body wraps—made from antioxidant-rich chocolate teamed with natural plant extracts.

Incorporating cutting-edge scientific research, plus Mediterranean-style heart-healthy chocolate recipes, from Sicilian Mole to Dark Chocolate Mousse, THE HEALING POWERS OF CHOCOLATE is a well-rounded one-of-a-kind resource that will show you why savoring this no longer forbidden “food of the gods” is the 21st century trend.
Endorsements:
*Number 3 in 6 books the Healing Powers Series: Pairs well with The Healing Powers of Coffee, Honey and forthcoming Tea
* Formerly Featured in the Good Cook Book Club and One Spirit Book Club
* Editor's Fave book in long running Complete Woman magazine (Feb./March 2010 issue)
* The right kind, the right amount of chocolate may just save your life.
Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of New York Times bestseller The Fat Flush Plan

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Healing Bible Foods for the Holiday Season -- Honey! 1.99 Ebook Sale!

Did you know that honey, olive oil and vinegar are in the bible?

HOME CURES FROM YOUR KITCHEN
#1  ALLERGIES (Common late fall and winter)
What Healing Foods  to Use: Try combining 1 tablespoon of locally produced honey—within a 50 mile radius—and 1 tablespoon of vinegar in a cup of antioxidant-rich black or green tea or fresh orange juice. 
How It Works: Apple cider vinegar has detoxifying agents which helps rid of pollutants in the air and your body. Honey, tea, and oranges are nature’s immunity boosters, protecting you from environmental toxins that can make you more vulnerable to allergies.
#2 ANXIETY (Family and financial stressors)
What Healing Foods to Use: Try an 8-ounce glass of water with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon lavender honey.
How It Works: The ingredients in honey can be calming (some medical doctors believe nature’s nectar can beat insomnia) paired with soothing lavender, a known relaxer, as well as water which can also relax you (ever notice how people in movies drink a glass of water when they are under pressure?). But it’s the honey, too. The superfood may help to calm you due to its anti-stress antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins.
#3 BACK PAIN (Over-doing it physically during work and play)
What Healing Foods to Use: Try an ice cold compress soaked in apple cider vinegar. Apply for 15 or 20 minutes. Follow with a heating pad as needed. For extra relief, massage your upper back with a mixture of olive oil and essentials oils. A heating pad, swimming followed by indulging in a hot tub is helpful. Repeat as needed.
How It Works: This apple cider vinegar home cure for an aching back is a spin-off from R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compress, and elevate). The vinegar can soothe inflamed muscles, tissues, nerves, and boost blood flow.  The ice also is good for lessening inflammation. Heat can feel super comforting and loosens up tight muscles. The multi-purpose vinegar remedy soothes the pain from perhaps doing too much during the holiday season.  Olive oil contains a chemical, oleocanthal, that can stop inflammation similar to painkillers.
#4 BRAIN FOG
What Healing Foods to Use:  Try a cup of coffee, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar and 1 teaspoon raw honey.
How It Works: A cup of java can enhance brainpower because of its caffeine. Apple cider vinegar does include potassium which may boost your mood and physical energy which can happen during the holidays. Honey is an instant energizing superfood. This trio can give you the desire to get a move on, in turn, you will likely be more clear-headed.
#5 CAFFEINE WITHDRAWAL
What Healing Foods to Use: Take 1 tablespoon vinegar with 1 8-ounce glass of water. Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily. Add 1 teaspoon honey as needed. (Note:  Tapering off slowly from caffeine is best or if you have to stop caffeine for a short time, once back to your regular regime, the side effects will stop.)
How It Works: It is important to stay hydrated during the withdrawal period which can last a few days to weeks, depending on your caffeine intake. Remember, apple cider vinegar has detoxifying components so combining water with it will help you flush out the toxins as well as help lessen high anxiety. Honey taken with or without vinegar will calm you and provide instant energy, a blessing if you’re feeling lethargic or have flu-like symptoms.
#6 SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER
What Healing Foods to Use: Mix 1 or 2 teaspoons each of apple cider vinegar and honey in a cup of coffee in the morning and afternoon.
How It Works: Apple cider vinegar can help boost the level of serotonin in the brain, and feel-good caffeine in tea, and energizing honey can give you a physical and mental boost. So, once the vinegar, honey, and tea combo cure is taken and kicks in, it’s best to use that energy drink  exercise—and that will give you that feel-good natural endorphin high throughout the day.
(Excerpts from the Healing Powers Series.)

Monday, November 28, 2016

Chocolate Pasta--Are You Serious?


By Cal Orey

Chocolate pasta? No, I’m not kidding. Actually, cocoa and spices goes way, way back thousands of years ago. The Mayans in Mexico often combined cocoa beans, the “food of the gods” with a variety of spices. So, thanks to ancient times, I am introducing you to a different new, improved flavored pasta in modern day.
Years back, after finishing graduate school, I was the typical student living on a shoestring budget. I did have my degree and ambition to become a full-time freelance writer. During this time, I was smitten by a new man in my life. One evening, I wanted to cook a romantic dinner. I chose traditional store bought angel hair spaghetti and marinara sauce because it was fail-proof – nothing too creative. I took extra time, however, to make the pasta dish perfect, complete with onions and garlic. And it turned out fine. No surprises.
But times are a changing. I’m older. I’m wiser. I’m more daring in the kitchen. On Wednesday, I turned to a package of chocolate fettuccine. At first, the dilemma was, “Do I go sweet?” or “Do I go savory?” I could have created a pasta chocolate-blackberry pudding but I changed it up a bit like that. I grabbed fresh vegetables out of the fridge and one pot, one pan. I made my decision. It was meant to be for me to create a quick and easy vegetarian-style entree dish with chocolate flair, a “chocolatarian’s delight.” (You can also cook it up, add fresh fruit and serve it chilled for a dessert.)
Chocolate Fettuccine with Vegetables
2 cups cooked chocolate pasta (prepackaged, hand-made and all natural)
2 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon each garlic and onion, chopped (optional)
2 tablespoons European style butter
Fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
In a medium-size pot, boil water. Cook pasta for no more than five minutes. While the pasta is boiling, in a frying pan, saute vegetables in butter. Do not overcook. In a nice dish, put drained pasta in and top with veggie mix. Top with Parmesan cheese. Serves 2 . Serve with warm, whole-grain French bread slices or bread sticks dipped in extra virgin olive oil.

Okay, so you’re wondering, “How did it taste?” Uh, different? Not like the stuff I used back in the day. The texture and flavor are a cut above. The pasta that I used is a light chocolate color, earthy. (It’s low in sodium, calories, cholesterol, and fat plus an excellent source of protein, iron, and dietary fiber.) It was pretty when plated with red and green veggies and golden cheese.
So, this cocoa pasta thing is really not zany. After all, in my chocolate book I included both chocolate pasta and entree recipes. It works. Ask people in Italy or Mexico. They’ll tell you that mole (a sauce with nuts, tomatoes, vegetables, spices, and cocoa) are nothing new.  And that’s not all…  Chocolate and pets? My two loves. And it’s making my tail wag.
– Cal Orey, M.A. is an author and journalist. Her books include “The Healing Powers” series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, and Coffee) published by Kensington. Dozens of heart healthy spa chef recipes in The Healing Powers of Chocolate (ebook on sale at amazon.com and kobo.com)

Sunday, November 27, 2016

Savory Scones, Soup, and Tea for Pre-Winter Happiness

Pumpkin Scones and Soup for the Pumpkin Season

The holiday season and 2017 is coming. I feel it in the air, in my neighborhood, on the streets, and in my heart and spirit. We're coming into a new year. My Earth Changes New Year predictions for Oracle 20-20 magazine will be published January 1st--and I was told today it will be a cover story. 

Speaking of the future, I remember 1999--Y2K.  In retrospect, I can laugh out loud. During that time, however, I spun out of control. I played into what everyone thought was going to happen: The end of the computer world as we knew it. I begged all my editors to pay me before 2000--so I could cash out just in case all of the bank computers failed. I rushed to Mr. Computer Doctor who was sleep deprived from all of his work but he upgraded my computer so it wouldn't fail.  But fate worked against him and beating the ticking clock. It crashed.
Meanwhile, I stuffed my pantry with bottled water, protein bars, crackers, and essential emergency foods galore. I was ready in case the world was going to slide back in time to the pioneer days. On New Year's Eve, I went to bed early with my two senior orange and white senior and wise furry critters and turned on the TV. I thought I would see each country, one by one, go down. Poof! All gone. But nothing huge happened. I was relieved. I was embarrassed. Life went on...and here I am many books later as well as the proud author of the Healing Powers Series. (Next up TEA and currently in production.)

'Tis the season to brew a nice cup of black flavored tea and bake a batch of pumpkin scones. It's a nice way to ease me and you into this New Year's promise. The scone is a popular British bread that is quick to make, served with tea, and also enjoyed in other countries around the world. A dropped scone is easier to make than other varieties and it tastes just as good. And the European touch I like to use comes from using European Style butter (creamy and rich), Mediterranean Sea Salt, dark chocolate, olive oil--and keeping the portion smaller than larger.

European-Style Pumpkin Scones

3 1/2 cups 100% all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar (I did use granulated)
2 teaspoons allspice
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
a dash of Mediterranean Sea Salt
1/4 cup European Style butter 
1 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 brown egg
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a bowl mix flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, salt, and spice. Add chunks of butter (sliced in small squares). In another bowl combine pumpkin, milk, and egg and stir till a dough-like mixture forms. (I used my hands.) Drop large spoonfuls onto a parchment lined cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sugar or Mediterranean Sea Salt or both (optional). Bake till brown and crusty, about 12 to 14 minutes. Makes 12.


Italian Wedding Soup Recipe in the NEW
The Healing Powers of Vinegar, 3rd edition
wherever books/ebooks are sold
The first scone I tasted was plain, warm, and had a refreshing texture--a change of flavor from all those sweets. To enhance a warm scone for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, try herb butter (just a small amount). Mix a teaspoon with a dash of fresh basil and parsley. Or try drizzling the scone with a bit of oil--garlic or rosemary.
As I anticipate making the first fire in late fall, my young-ish two four-leggers sleep. I'm glad I made these scones before and will do it again this week. They are a new beginning for me, and perhaps you, too, to bring in the New Year with good food, less sweets--except quality gourmet dark chocolate--and good vibes for another decade that promises the best and worst of times, with respect to Charles Dickens.

For more recipes to pair with scones or scone recipes--turn to the Healing Powers Series (click and find all the bookstores where you can get these in ebook/paperback/mass market formats).

*Currently, all ebooks for Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, and Coffee) are on sale at amazon.com and kobo.com. And The Healing Powers of Vinegar is in the top row of bestsellers in Diet and Weight Loss; The Healing Powers of Honey is the #1 Highest Rating honey and health book on walmart.com !

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Thanksgiving Treats and Trips


By Cal Orey

Last year Thanksgiving was a time when I spent the day cooking a big bird or little game hens, cornbread dressing, homemade cranberry sauce, mixed vegetables, and pumpkin pie. But this year I decided to rebel making the traditional dinner and postpone the big meal until Christmas. And that’s when I decided to get my turkey dinner fix and leftovers with a twist of the Mediterranean.


Back in the 
day when I was in my late twenties I was living in a townhouse in Mountain View (north of San Jose). Sitting in the sun, getting tan by the swimming pool I was reading and dog-earing one of those go-to-Europe-on-a-budget books. It was my dream to go to Tuscany that fall and savor sites, people, culture, and Mediterranean cuisine. I was going to stay at hostiles, take a backpack and sleeping bag, and experience several countries. But my boyfriend announced that if I left on a trip while he had to work he wouldn’t be there when I returned. So, I changed my plans and opted for graduate school to get a master’s degree in English (Creative Writing). Europe was put on the back burner.
Decades later, I am here on the South Shore living my life as an author writing and promoting my health-cookbook Healing Powers Series. So, this week feeling a bit overwhelmed (after the Zen cat's dental surgery, bed meltdown, waiting for new mattress and sleeping in the bed frame like a big kitty litter box, and regretting not taking the Alaska getaway due to an unexpected hurricane-force storm) I ponder, “I can at least bring a treat with European flair to me." Think turkey sandwich and trimmings (I feel less guilty not having a bird in the fridge; rarely do I indulge in poultry or fish since I'm a 95% vegetarian and part-time vegan.) And  I may just go ahead and book an adventure to Seattle-Victoria, Canada as a late Thanksgiving present to me since I still have flight miles in the lock box, with credit to Al Gore.

Hot Turkey and Provolone Sandwich
2 tablespoons European style butter
4 red onion slices
1⁄4 cup fresh mushrooms, chopped
4 tablespoon green bell peppers, chopped
2 sourdough rolls, split (whole grain preferred)
2 slices turkey (I used roasted turkey breast from Safeway deli.)
2 slices provolone cheese
1⁄2-1 cup spinach lettuce, chopped
3 Roma tomatoes, sliced
4 tablespoon black olives
Extra virgin olive oil
Red wine vinegar
Ground black pepper
In a frying pan melt butter and saute onion, mushrooms, and peppers. Put aside. Put bottom halves of rolls on parchment lined cookie sheet. Top each with turkey and cheese. Bake in 375 degree oven till cheese melts. Take out from oven and top each roll with lettuce, tomatoes, and onion mixture. Drizzle with olive oil and a splash of vinegar. Add a dash of pepper. Cut sandwiches diagonally. Serves two.
Chunky Mashed Potatoes
4 medium red potatoes
1⁄2 cup 2 percent low-fat organic milk
European style butter
Chives, fresh
In a saucepan boil potatoes. When tender put potatoes in bowl; mash. Add milk until consistency is smooth and chunky. Add butter to taste. Add chopped chives. Serves two.
For dessert the plan is to savor a cup of gourmet Sugar and Spice flavored coffee and a square of dark chocolate while sitting in front of a freshly made fire and cozying up with the the Aussie and Siamese while watching a film. True, it isn’t Rome (and the ex boyfriend is history forever) but this nontraditional “family-style” mini meal has its health perks. (I’ll save the second sandwich for the day after.) And there will be no gaining unwanted Turkey Day pounds. My plan is when I make my appearance for signing of my new book in the New Year I will still be able to fit in my size 4 skinny jeans. And that is going to be Thanksgiving for me.
Motto: Things happen for a reason. If you’re thinking you should be somewhere else, maybe it’s time to rethink where you are and be thankful for what you have. Blessings and light to you and yours. One more thing: The boyfriend left me, anyhow. He traded me in for "a woman to brush his hair out of his eyes after a hard days work." So, I got me a dog and lived happily after and we are each others' rock. 
– Cal Orey is an accomplished author and journalist. Her books include The Healing Powers series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, and Tea) published by Kensington. ON SALE kobo.com, amazon.com ebooks! 2.99 & 3.99 ...

Saturday, November 19, 2016

Superfoods Rx for Rural Living: Sunbelt and Rust Belt

Superfoods Rx for the Sunbelt and Rust Belt
By Cal Orey

 Health challenges continue as America tries to find a better healthcare system.  
But we are not powerless.
 Self-care strategies for health can help us stay healthier.



Discover the healing powers of foods to use in the Stroke Belt and Rust Belt and health challenges of rural living.
Did you know folks living in the southeastern United States called the "Stroke Belt" are at greater risk for stroke and stroke deaths, than anywhere else in the nation? The Stroke Belt states include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. So, why exactly is this region a target for frightening strokes, anyhow?
A study, published online in May 2014’s Annals of Neurology, tracked more than 30,000 Americans aged 45 or older for four years to monitor signs of stroke. 
The findings:  More than 56 percent were from Stroke Belt states. The southeastern risk factors include the challenges of rural living, socioeconomics and education.  Also, the scourge of high blood pressure and diabetes are triggers, too.  But people in other states including the Rust Belt are not immune.  Read on to find out what you can do to lower your risk of developing a stroke.

So, What Is Stroke, Anyhow?
The same thing that causes a heart attack may bring on a stroke. “It can be a narrowing of a blood vessel in the brain or a blood clot,” explains cardiologist Stephen Sinatra, M.D. “High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke—more than a heart attack.”
The sobering statistics, according to the American Heart Association (AHA), include:
* Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death, killing more than 129,000 people a year.
* Stroke is the No. 3 cause of death for women and No. 5 cause of death for men.
* 80% of strokes can be prevented.
Here are the things, including diet and lifestyle strategies that may help you lower your risk of experiencing a stroke in your life time.

Coffee, the #1 Anti-Stroke Superfood
People of all ages have strokes. But the older you are, the greater your risk for stroke. The odds of having a stroke, notes the AHA, more than doubles for each decade of life after age 55. But coffee drinkers, like me, who aren’t getting any younger, may be pleasantly surprised that their daily cup of Joe could be of help. No, drinking coffee is not the silver bullet but it can help you to put an anti-stroke package together. By drinking antioxidant rich coffee in moderation it will help you to feel energized so you’re more likely to get a move on and exercise regularly. That means, both exercise and revving up your metabolism will help you to maintain your ideal weight which can help you to keep your blood pressure down. Also, if you take a “coffee break” it will help you to rest and relax—two keys to help you chill and keep you more balanced as well as focused so problem solving can easier and not lead to losing your cool. But there’s more.

Other Stroke-Fighting Foods
While drinking coffee in moderation (forego the syrups, sugar, and whip) can certainly help you to lower your risk of having a stroke, there are other superfoods you should know about, too.
Chocolate—Past research by Harvard researchers has linked cocoa flavanols to improved brain blood flow. Cocoa compounds show promise for future potential for debilitating brain conditions including stroke.
Honey—contains oligosaccharides—good for you antioxidants like in chocolate—which may help reduce blood pressure. But that’s not all.  Consuming honey before bedtime is heart health, because it reduces the release of adrenaline, a catecholamine that raises blood pressure and heart rate. Better sleep can help you lower your blood pressure.
Olive Oil—Studies show that a daily intake of olive oil lowers the risk of heart disease of all kinds, including heart attack, like its fellow superfoods honey, chocolate, and coffee. Olive oil has been shown to thin the blood, lower the blood pressure, and regulate cholesterol. And that’s not all…

More Ways To Prevent A Stroke
One doctor in Doctors' Orders  (by Cal Orey, published by Kensington) dishes out these health smart things to try that may help lower the risk of developing a stroke, despite your age, gender, or locale.
  • Keep your blood pressure down.  You can control hypertension in many ways:  diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes.
  • Get essential fatty acids—such as omega-3s to prevent plaque rupture. This nutrition can aid in lowering blood pressure and is found in certain fish, fish oils, and flaxseed. These “good fats” help lower LDL “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides and reduce platelet stickiness.
  • Keep your weight down. Losing even 10 percent of your body weight can have a significant effect on lowering your blood pressure.
  • Exercising  regularly.  An easy way to stay physical on a regular basis, which will help you to maintain your weight, is to do something aerobic that you enjoy, including walking, swimming, jogging, or using a treadmill.
  • Don’t smoke. “Hypertensive smokers are three times more likely than nonsmokers to suffer stroke,” points out the good doctor. “Smoking constricts your blood vessels.”
  • Own your anger. “Unresolved anger, high-stress lifestyle, and ‘workaholism’ can contribute to high blood pressure,” says the doctor. Try mental imagery, meditation, and prayer to counteract stress.
      The bottom line:  While the Stroke Belt and Rust Belt states are at greater risk for stroke--it does not discriminate. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to prevent a stroke—including a nutrient-dense diet and healthful lifestyle—that may help you no matter where you live. For more information, log onto http://www.strokeassociation.org/idc/groups/stroke-public/@wcm/@hcm/@sta/documents/downloadable/ucm_462739.pdf . (Article includes an excerpt from Doctors' Orders by Cal Orey published by Kensington.)

Sunday, November 6, 2016

A Tribute to a White Owl

By Cal Orey


As an author-intuitive I often am hypersensitive to change, whether it be in people, seasons, lunar cycles or nature's wrath. It has been said that being able to see things can be a gift and a curse. I agree. But it doesn't make coping any easier...

A White Owl Told Me
I got a warning just the other day. When I was walking my Aussie a white owl flew over us. At first I thought, "A good omen!" But when returning home I researched the meaning. It can mean death is coming or some people believe it also can be a good sign with many meanings, including good fortune.
At first when my Zen cat was seen by the vet this week and a dental cleaning was scheduled, I decided the owl sign was linked to the loss of one tooth. The omen was finished. But still my mind wouldn't let go of the symbolic end notion. I thought about my dog--healthy and safe; same with my sibling and myself. But then I was hit by a sobering awakening. 

Politics Spin Out of Control
Unless you are off the grid or live in a cave or on another planet, there is no way to escape the disharmony during pre-presidential election day. As an empath I can sense the anxiety, anger, fear, and confusion of people around the nation and globe. Whoever wins the election on Tuesday will not give us instant harmony. True, we will exhale that the mud slinging is over but it really hasn't even begun. I wrote on one site the words, "Enough! We are embarrassing ourselves as a nation." More than 100 likes and still spiking. 


Fall Back, Fall is Here
And yes, we did gain an hour of shut-eye. On the upside, I woke up to seeing pine trees. No floodlight was on and it was a serene awakening. Next up, the Aussie and I enjoyed a morning walk to adapt to the light change. Due to the drought I don't foresee a lot of  black ice in the near future but when it does occur (and it will), walking the pooch in the dark will not be an option. So yes, the early walk was refreshing.

Cabin Fever, Comfort Superfoods
It's been about one month that the resort pool has been down. As a devout swimmer this fact makes me frustrated. To try and stay active I've been walking the dog, raking pine needles, and vacuuming Aussie hairs...Today, to the treadmill. I'm sure one day my favorite oasis in the fall and winter will reopen but for now it's finding other ways to achieve that "endolphin" fix I crave so badly.
And on that note, baking cranberry scones, brewing a pot of premium tea, and savoring the gifts of autumn are on my agenda this Sunday. As I do these things it will help deal with the fact that I cannot control change or political chaos. 
But I can take charge of how I react to it. Today, will be a calm, relaxing and productive Sunday despite of what changes take place. And as the nature guide in Anchorage said to me during "hurricane-force" winds: "It's all good" --and from his perspective it was fine.