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Chop everything and place in the instant pot. Make a dressing from olive oil, vinegar (cider or wine). Add your favorite mustard and some honey. Add Sriracha and Adobo, whisk it all and taste. Pour over the veggies with a little bit of water for the pot. Steam under pressure for 5 minutes. Enjoy hot or cold.
Friday, March 27, 2026
Why is black tea so soothing?
Black tea is soothing due to a unique combination of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation, and a slow-release form of caffeine that provides calm focus rather than jitters. It lowers the stress hormone cortisol, while the ritual of drinking it provides psychological comfort, offering a "relaxed alertness".
Key Reasons for Black Tea’s Soothing Effects:
L-Theanine & Relaxation: Black tea contains L-theanine, which reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation by boosting alpha brain waves.
Calm Energy (Not Jitters): Unlike coffee, the caffeine in black tea is released gradually over several hours, offering sustained focus without a crash.
Reduced Stress Hormones: Studies found that regular tea drinkers have lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) after stressful events, indicating it helps people recover from stress faster.
Psychological Ritual: The ritual of preparing a hot cup of tea provides a mental break and comfort.
Antioxidants: Rich in polyphenols and catechins, it helps combat oxidative stress.
Mood Improvement: It increases feel-good hormones like serotonin.
For the best calming effect, black tea should be brewed for 3-5 minutes.
Mouth Wrestling "Bitey face" or jaw sparring
My dogs love to mouth wrestle. They wag their tails and play bite each others faces.
Mouth Wrestling "Bitey face" or jaw sparring is a normal, healthy, and common form of play in which dogs grab at each other's faces and necks with open mouths, often accompanied by soft growling and bobbing movements. It acts as a bonding activity and allows dogs to practice bite inhibition and social skills, rather than actual fighting.
Why Dogs Do It
- Social Play & Bonding: This behavior strengthens social bonds and is a natural way to communicate and bond with other dogs.
- Practicing Skills: It is an instinctual form of "play fighting" that allows dogs to practice fighting skills safely without inflicting real harm.
- Safe Rough Housing: Although it may look intense to humans, it is generally harmless, as the biting is not serious.
How to Tell if It's Play or Fighting
- Loose Body Language: Dogs will appear, loose, wiggly, and relaxed in their movement.
- Turn-Taking: The dogs will often trade roles, with each getting a turn to "win" or hold the other's muzzle.
- Open Mouths/Soft Growls: The play involves relaxed, open mouths (sometimes showing teeth) and relaxed ears.
- Constant Re-engagement: If they stop for a second, both dogs will quickly try to return to the play.
When to Intervene
- Bullying: If one dog is trying to escape or does not reciprocate the play, the other may be bullying them.
- Tense Behavior: If the dogs' bodies become stiff, the growls become deep and guttural, or the action is not matched (one dog is too intense), it may be time for a break.
Thursday, March 26, 2026
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Colorful Meal
I chopped one small onion and 1/3 chopped bell pepper and sauteed them in olive oil with some chopped leaves of kale. I added 2 beaten eggs and leftover brown rice and soy sauce. It made for a perfect and quick colorful meal. With an apple for dessert.
"Before the stroke, I was on a very spiritual plane. I ignored my body, took it for granted. When I look at my life, I see that I wanted to be free of the physical plane, the psychological plane, and when I got free of those, I didn't want to go anywhere near them. But the stroke reminded me that I had a body and a brain, that I had to honor them."
Ram Dass
Ichi-go ichi-e (一期一会) - One time, one meeting This proverb reminds you to treasure every encounter because it might never happen again. The literal meaning is "one lifetime, one meeting." It originated in Japanese tea ceremony culture, where each gathering should be treated as a unique, unrepeatable moment. I really like this one because it cuts through the modern tendency to half-pay attention to people while scrolling your phone. The saying pushes you to be fully present because this exact moment, with these exact people, will never come again.
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