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Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Too Hot, Too Bright, Too Loud!
Letters from an introvert about the coming of SPRING. I much prefer zero degree weather. I am not ready for this at all.
Still Waiting
I tend to believe in people and give them the benefit of the doubt, perhaps to a fault. For example I am still waiting for an apology from my neighbor. His dog chomped my dogs ear off when I rang his bell to tell him know about the package left at the door he never uses. The door with the sign on it that reads DO NOT LEAVE PACKAGES HERE with an arrow pointing to the correct door. My husband says "He is too afraid, too embarrassed." I say really? He's the local neighborhood priest a friend of ours for nearly 30 years and he's too scared to apologize or come by and see how my dog is healing?"
Today is 71 degrees and sunny and there's still snow piled up in the shade from our massive snow storm. I am not ready to face the bright and noisy world. People are being loud. There's 100,000 piles of dog feces in the yard under our window. I call it the feces farm! They have 5 dogs that never get walked but crap in a postage stamp sized yard. And since nobody likes a bad smell the residents use dryer sheets killing any chances of actual air when I open my window.
I am still waiting.
Blanching and parboiling both involve boiling food briefly, but they differ in purpose and technique. Blanching (brief boiling followed by an ice bath) sets color and eases peeling, usually for vegetables meant for salads or freezing. Parboiling (partial boiling without a cold shock) partially cooks dense foods, like potatoes, to finish later.
Key Considerations for a 7 PM - 3 AM Schedule:
provides 8 hours of sleep, which is adequate, but this schedule—often termed advanced sleep phase—can cause social jetlag and reduced sunlight exposure. It is generally not inherently unhealthy if consistent, but it may conflict with social schedules and can stem from, or cause, early morning awakenings due to cortisol rhythms or melatonin depletion.
Key Considerations for a 7 PM - 3 AM Schedule:
Circadian Rhythm: Your body may naturally prefer an earlier bedtime, or you may be forcing a rhythm that causes a 3 AM awakening.
Lifestyle Impact: This schedule can lead to social jetlag, making it hard to participate in evening activities.
Benefits: This routine often allows for high productivity in the quiet early morning hours.
Tips for Success:
Light Management: Use blackout curtains for evening sleep and seek morning sunlight to stabilize your rhythm.
Routine: Maintain consistency, even on weekends.
Environment: If you live in a noisy area, use earplugs or white noise machines.
Why You Might Wake Up at 3 AM:
Cortisol Rhythm: Cortisol levels naturally start to increase between 2 and 3 a.m., which can wake you if you are already under stress.
Melatonin Drop: If you go to bed very early, your melatonin levels may drop too early, causing you to wake prematurely.
Internal Clock: You may have a naturally advanced sleep phase, meaning your brain is programmed to sleep earlier and wake earlier.
If this schedule causes excessive daytime sleepiness or interferes with your life, consider gradually shifting your bedtime later by 15-30 minutes every few days.
Parboiled and Baked Cauliflower
Parmesan (or Asiago) roasted cauliflower
Serves 6
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely (freshly) grated Parmesan or Asiago
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh basil
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups small cauliflower florets
Fill a medium pot with water and bring to a boil. Heat oven to 375 F. Lightly coat an 8-by-8-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, cheese, oil, lemon zest, basil, paprika and salt until well mixed.
Place the cauliflower in boiling water for three minutes; drain. Place in the baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. Bake for about 15 minutes or until crust is lightly brown.
Nutritional information for 1/2-cup serving: 84 Calories, 6 grams total fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 4 grams monounsaturated fat, 3 milligrams cholesterol, 163 milligrams sodium,6 grams total carbohydrate, 1 gram dietary fiber, 1 gram total sugars, 3 grams protein
Caitlin Terpstra is a dietitian in Nutrition in Owatonna, Minnesota.
Eloise's Grandson Declan would not eat anything unless it was from a package, like a small purple bag of potato chips. His birth mother Shilly only ever fed potato chips and soda. His teeth have all rotted out and he is five years old. The state of RI stepped in awarded him to Eloise's other child, Philip, a grown man working in the Greek Pizza shop. Philip is thrilled to have a son to raise. He is a bachelor with no intention of marrying but always wanted a child. Everyone has to work very hard to encourage Declan to eat things he still refuses to eat anything that is not from a package.
Uncle Victor was put in foster care as an 11 year old year old, after his mother died. Now he is in his late 30's he works hard in the local warehouse driving a fork lift. He is raising his daughter himself. He too doesn't make food. He goes to the diner or Taco Bell and Dunkin for coffee. He too has never been to the dentist or doctor and neither has his 13 year old daughter. When he smiles his rotted gray stumps are all that's left of his teeth.
After the backyard engagement party Gertie walked over to the bride's red cheeked father-in law and asked him where she could find some food nearby. Gladys was floored. The fussy health nut organic only stir the macrobiotic rice counterclockwise, eater wanted to eat at a crappy diner. And sure enough that's what she did. She ordered scallops and fried chicken with extra potato chips and coleslaw. This was after a day of eating at her niece's party. And after depriving her child of food when he was a toddler. This was when Gladys knew it wasn't about health food, it was about control.
Woonsocket Hairy Hooligans
Overheard
I have proof God is dead, she said. He wouldn't allow for detention centers, prison camps and a president that is so evil and corrupt.
Hopefully he will be dead soon, she said. Very soon!
Kosher salt has a cleaner, pure salty taste, while iodized salt often has a metallic or slightly bitter aftertaste due to added iodine and anti-caking agents. Kosher salt is generally preferred for cooking, as its coarse, non-additive, large crystals provide better seasoning control and flavor without chemical undertones.
I use a coffee/spice grinder to grind coarse Kosher salt.
Oak Pollen is HIGH
- Excessive Phlegm: A persistent feeling of mucus draining down the back of the throat.
- Throat Irritation: Chronic coughing, hoarseness, and the constant need to clear the throat.
- Related Nasal Symptoms: Sneezing, congestion, and itchy, watery eyes.
- Respiratory Distress: Wheezing or shortness of breath.
- Medication: H1 antihistamines (Claritin, Zyrtec, Allegra) and nasal steroid sprays (Flonase) are effective.
- Saline Irrigation: Use a neti pot or nasal spray to rinse pollen out of nasal passages.
- Environmental Control: Close windows during high pollen days, wash clothes after being outside, and use a humidifier to keep nasal passages moist.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to thin the mucus, reducing the "drip" sensation.
A licensed nutritionist or registered dietitian can customize a diet that works with your health goals.
High-cholesterol foods to avoid
While some cholesterol in your diet is fine, lots of saturated fat isn’t. Diets high in saturated fat are linked to increased blood cholesterol and heart disease risk.
Experts recommend limiting or avoiding the following “unhealthy” high-cholesterol foods, which are also high in saturated fat:
Full-fat dairy
Whole milk, butter and full-fat yogurt and cheese are high in saturated fat. Cheese also tends to be high in sodium, and most Americans get too much sodium, too.
Limit cheese to about 3 ounces per week, and choose part-skim cheese such as Swiss or mozzarella when cooking. Drink skim (non-fat), 1% or 2% milk to get your calcium intake. Look for non-fat or low-fat yogurt varieties. Use extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil instead of butter.
Red meat
Steak, beef roast, ribs, pork chops and ground beef tend to have high saturated fat and cholesterol content.
Choose 90% lean ground beef, lean cuts of beef (such as sirloin, tenderloin, filet or flank steak, pork loin or tenderloin), and focus on lower-fat sources of animal protein, such as baked skinless or lean ground poultry.
Processed meat
You should limit processed meat in general because of its high sodium content and low nutrition. In fact, bacon, sausage and hot dogs are usually made from fatty cuts of beef or pork.
If you must eat processed meat, choose minimally processed sausage or deli meat made from lean turkey or chicken.
Fried foods
French fries, fried chicken with skin and other foods cooked in a deep fryer have a high amount of saturated fat and cholesterol from the oil they’re cooked in.
A better choice is baked chicken or turkey without the skin, baked potatoes or baked “fries” tossed with a little olive oil. Try using an air fryer for a lower-fat “fried” food taste.
Baked goods and sweets
Cookies, cakes and doughnuts usually contain butter or shortening, making them high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
They also tend to be full of sugar, which can lead to high levels of blood triglycerides, an unhealthy blood fat (lipid) that can be a risk factor for coronary heart disease.
Instead, make your desserts at home, choosing recipes that don’t need shortening or lots of butter. This also allows you to modify recipes and cut down the amount of sugar used, to half or three-quarters the recommended amount. You can also enjoy baked fruit as a dessert, or substitute applesauce for eggs or butter in your baking.
Best high-cholesterol foods to eat
These high-cholesterol foods can be part of a heart-healthy diet:
Eggs
The cholesterol in eggs gets a bad rap. One egg contains about 60% of the daily value of cholesterol, but it only contains 8% of your allowance for saturated fat. Eggs are high in protein, low in calories and contain B vitamins, iron and disease-fighting nutrients. If you do have to watch your cholesterol, stick to egg whites, which contain plenty of protein without any of the cholesterol.
Shellfish
Some types of shellfish are higher in cholesterol than others. Shrimp is notoriously high in cholesterol, packing in more than half of your daily value in a 3-ounce serving, but its saturated fat content is practically nonexistent. And shellfish is a good source of protein, B vitamins, selenium and zinc.
Lean meat
Certain kinds of lean meat are high in cholesterol but low in saturated fat. These include liver (and liver pate), kidney, sweetbreads, heart, and tripe. While you might not find these meats appealing, they are better options than processed or red meat.
Still, Zumpano says even if these foods are best eaten in moderation, especially eggs and shellfish. “They have nutritional benefits that may outweigh the cholesterol content. But if you have high cholesterol, eat limited amounts of these foods. Stick to a weekly intake of four egg yolks or two servings of shellfish.”
Moderation is key
You don’t have to eliminate all the unhealthy high-cholesterol foods in your diet. Most people can, in moderation, eat “healthy” high-cholesterol foods — those that have high cholesterol but low saturated fat content.
It’s most important to focus on your overall diet and make healthy choices most of the time. “Enjoy the less healthy foods as occasional treats, not as everyday meal choices,” Zumpano says.
And if you’re not sure where to start with a healthy eating plan, ask your healthcare provider. A licensed nutritionist or registered dietitian can customize a diet that works with your health goals.
Dealing with intolerances to cream, butter, bacon fat, and fried foods often indicates a need to avoid high-fat, greasy, or dairy-rich meals, which may be due to gallbladder issues, bile acid malabsorption, or general fat malabsorption .
At Digestive Disease Specialists in Moline, Illinois, and Davenport, Iowa, our team offers custom care plans for patients who suffer from digestive issues, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In many cases, those treatment plans include dietary modifications.
If you suffer from a digestive disease or from digestion-related symptoms, here are 10 foods our team says you might want to avoid or at least limit.
1. Deep-fried foods
Deep-fried foods absorb copious amounts of fats — oil, shortening, or lard — during the cooking process. Fat is very hard to digest, which means if you have issues with your digestive system, eating deep-fried foods could cause uncomfortable symptoms.
2. Processed foods
Processed foods are typically high in refined carbohydrates, along with fats and sugars, each of which can cause digestive symptoms. Combined, these foods — which include a lot of bakery items and snack foods — can cause gas, bloating, and cramps, along with diarrhea or constipation.
3. High-fat foods
Deep-fried foods contain a lot of fat, but so do a lot of other foods that aren’t fried. Heavy cream, butter, and fatty meats, such as bacon, can all be very hard to digest, which can result in cramps, bowel issues, and other digestive issues.
4. Coffee
Most of us depend — heavily — on that morning cup of java to get moving. But, coffee contains oils and caffeine, both of which can irritate your digestive tract, especially if you reach for that second cup.
5. Spicy foods
Spicy foods add interest and “kick” to lots of delicious dishes, including chili, curries, and Buffalo wings. Unfortunately, spicy ingredients — including any type of hot pepper — can cause heartburn or GERD, especially if you indulge before bedtime or any time prior to lying down.
6. Alcohol
Alcohol irritates the lining of your digestive tract, and it can take a toll on your liver, too. Plus, it relaxes the muscles at the end of your esophagus, increasing the likelihood of reflux.
7. Citrus fruits
Citrus fruits are high in vitamin C, which is essential for good health. But, they’re also high in acids, and if you eat too many — or consume them before bed or on an empty stomach — they may cause reflux and irritation.
8. Chocolate
For many people, limiting this particular food can be particularly hard to swallow (pardon the pun). Chocolate is delicious and popular, but it can also irritate your digestive system, increasing the risks for diarrhea, cramps, and bloating.
9. Dairy products
Most dairy products contain lactose, a type of sugar that causes digestive problems in people who are sensitive to it. Even if you’re not lactose intolerant, it’s still probably a good idea to avoid the full-fat versions.
10. Artificial sweeteners
Many popular artificial sweeteners contain sorbitol, a sweetening agent that’s actually used as a laxative. It shouldn’t be any surprise, then, that these sweeteners are associated with bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
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- Ghee (Clarified Butter): If your issue is with the dairy solids (lactose/casein) in butter, many find that Ghee is a tolerable substitute, as those solids are removed.
- Healthier Oils: Replace butter/bacon fat with olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil.
- No-Oil Cooking: Utilize steaming, poaching (in water or broth), or roasting without added fat.
- Air Fryer: An air fryer is a key tool for creating crispy food without the heavy oil/grease.
- Plant-Based Milk: Substitute heavy cream with unsweetened oat, almond, or soy milk.
- Dairy-Free Yogurt: Look for coconut or almond milk-based yogurts.
- Lactaid Tablets: If you suspect lactose is the issue, using Lactaid tablets can help digest hidden dairy.
- Lean Meats: Choose skinless chicken, turkey, and lean cuts of beef like sirloin, tenderloin, or flank steak.
- Fish: Grilled, baked, or poached fish are excellent low-fat options.
- Avoid Processed Meat: Eliminate bacon, sausage, and fatty, processed deli meats, which are high in saturated fat.
- Cream Sauces & Cheese: These are high in fat and lactose, often causing stomach pain.
- Restaurant Fried Foods: Restaurants often use heavy oil or animal fat; ask for dishes to be grilled or steamed.
- Breaded Items: Even if not deep-fried, breaded foods (like chicken tenders) often contain dairy-based batter.
- Specific Fast Food: Be cautious of fast-food chains as their foods often contain hidden dairy or high fat.
- "No Butter" Request: Explicitly ask for no butter on toast, rice, or vegetables.
- "Oil and Vinegar": Choose oil and vinegar as a dressing instead of creamy alternatives like Ranch.
- Check Ingredients: Ask if butter is in the bread dough or rice at restaurants.
Trust your body. Listen to your intuition. Listen to your inner voice. Empower yourself to speak up.
Sometimes when it comes to your health, listening to yourself and speaking up is more than advocating for your preferences or goals in care. Sometimes it is critical to your own survival.This is my advice when you feel something is just not right: Trust your body. Even when your providers, family, or friends dismiss your symptoms or attribute them to something else. Listen to your intuition. If you do not feel comfortable with the care plan or how you are being guided listen to this inner voice Empower yourself to speak up. You are your own best advocate. No one else knows you as well as you know yourself. Trust this and find someone who will listen to you. Enlist trusted friends and family to advocate for you. source