Category Archives: instant pot recipes

Thankful Thursday

Posted in Blood test, bread, budgets, California, cancer, cooking, Gratitude, instant pot recipes, velcade, Walking by

I’m thankful I can be flexible when I need to be because:

I woke up grumpy this morning and decided to NOT walk. That’s kind of a big deal for me not to do something when it’s planned. but I figured Fuck it, I’m not walking. I will go to the gym after Velcade and call it good.

I’m thankful the library is such a wonderful resource. I’ll get my holds after the gym.

Last night, we had homemade lentil vegetable soup with the Tartine baguette. The baguette came out very well, and I’m pleased. As I’ve said, his recipe seems to always work. It may be that his hydration is spot on. I used the instant pot for the lentil soup and it was done in 20 minutes of pressure time.

I’m over the moon that Barclay is doing so well. No nosebleeds and his energy is good. Today he’s getting labs so I’m hopeful they are still above the 100 mark for platelets. So grateful for this round being so much easier.

I’m grateful, most of what I wanted to get for Christmas is done. I feel like this is the last year of doing presents even though I didn’t do a whole lot this year. It still adds up and we’re definitely towing the line with money. I think I’ll formulate a plan and write it down so I can reference it for next year. Like maybe Amazon gift cards? Plus be more diligent with the budget.

I’m thankful it’s only 16 days to the Winter Solciste.

Simple Sunday

Posted in books, California, cancer, husband, instant pot recipes, peritoneal mesothelomia, reading by

It seems things are turning around to some degree. At least we’re not in the ER this weekend. B finally called his NP liaison from his BMT team and told her the situation with labs not getting ordered, no infusion appts etc. She immediately ordered 2 labs weekly as a STANDING ORDER and infusions when necessary. So clearly whoever is working with the other doctor is not getting the job done.

So for now, things in that regard, are positive. Also, he obviously will not be getting his next round of chemo till the doctor figures out what happened.

Tomorrow he will get labs and check his hemoglobin and platelets and if necessary then he can schedule the infusion.

Our beautiful fall weather continues and it’s so lovely. I miss seeing Tahoe this time of year but hopefully next year.

I went to the gym and did a small workout. Then I did the Goodwill dropoff, dropped our ballots at the drop box, and then went to Safeway for a few things. I picked up some turkey burgers for dinner. Last night I made a small beef stew in the IP. I didn’t have mushrooms but did use carrots, potatoes, and onions. It was quite good. There’s enough to either have for lunch or freeze. B had a chickpea stew that my son’s partner made. That was also yummy.

It’s getting close to the election and I certainly have anxiety about it. I hope tRump keeps losing it like with the Arnold Palmer story( which really is so gross). The more people can see him unhinged the better. I simply cannot understand anyone thinking he would do our country any good. He’s nuts.

I finished reading the new Vera Stanhope mystery, The Dark Wives. It was good. I just started the last LOTR book, The Return of the King. I’ll have to put some books on hold when I have time to look at what’s available.

Simple Sunday

Posted in budgets, California, cancer, cooking, home stuff, instant pot recipes, simple foods, Walking by

A nice Sunday walk with cool temperatures. This coming week looks really nice with highs in the 80’s, finally!

This morning I’m processing more tomatoes and will water bath them tomorrow. I am also making some chicken broth in the IP. If anything, the IP is worth the money just for chicken broth and beans!! After it cools, I’ll put it in the fridge and then pressure can later.

I tried a new recipe from Cooks Illustrated, where you roll the lasagna noodles to make a mock manicotti. I thought it was ok but both B and my daughter liked it and I thought it was better the second day. I’m not sure I’ll keep the book, but I’ll see if I want to try another recipe in it.

I’m not going into the Auburn gym as I feel tired this morning. Probably from swimming yesterday. I often have a down day after a swim day I guess, because I’ve used a lot of muscles.

I did the bathroom zone and with the new tile and floor it’s super easy to keep clean. I’m hoping we can get the bedroom and closet done in the same flooring next month. I do love the Wabi Sabi-ness of the old fir floors but they are impossible to really get clean. I suppose if we were ambitious enough we’d rent a floor sander and redo them and seal them. That’s what we did 30 years ago. But I think I’d rather have the laminate.

This week is my Velcade shot and the B’s biopsy on Friday. So a few appts, but manageable. When we get too many appts. I get anxious. Based on the last biopsy, it’s going to be at least a week if not more to get results. Last time it was 2 weeks. I have a feeling it’s going to be inconclusive again, but what do I know.

Here’s one of our dinners this week. A spinach tomatoe frittata.

What have you been cooking? One of my favorite bloggers, Sue from A simpler life, always posts her shopping and food. I really enjoy seeing what she buys. Plus the prices seem way cheaper than here.

Simple Sunday

Posted in California, cancer, cooking, Flylady, instant pot recipes, Myeloma, Political things, velcade by

It’s not so hot but there’s more humidity because of some cloud cover. Still, it’s not going to be over a 100 so that’s something. I think the rest of the week is in the 90’s.

I went to the gym and did some weights and then headed over to Target to get a few things. It wasn’t very busy which is odd.

This coming week is not too filled with appts. I have Velcade on Thursday and that’s it. I do plan to swim at least one time maybe two. I have a hold to pick up at the library so I’ll do that too.

I made some Instant Pot polenta yesterday and it was yummy. I love polenta. The recipe called for 4 1/2 c water but it was too much so 4 c. is what I’ll do next time. It was one of the reasons I wanted the IP again was to make polenta. So easy.

Not sure what the rest of the day holds. Maybe a quick tidy. I used the steam mop yesterday after vacuuming so that’s done. Flylady zone is the bathroom so I will mop the floor with my microfiber mop, not the steam mop.

Other than that, not much! It’s somewhat depressing around here with the impending diagnosis out there. I guess we’ll just carry on. After all, what choice do you have really?

On the political front, I’m hoping Republicans don’t start in with this assassination attempt being somehow from Democrats. I believe the shooter was registered as Republican. Also, trump was fist pumping and saying fight, fight, as he was escorted away. So where’s that going? Still, violence is not the answer but banning A-15 rifles just might be.

Frugal Friday

Posted in California, cancer, cooking, frugalism, instant pot recipes, Myeloma by

Well, to continue the non- frugalness, our PGE bill estimate same in and it’s just under $400. OUCH!! The exact number isn’t there yet but I suspect at least $350. So with coolers running all day for the last 3 weeks, it’s understandable. Yesterday topped out at 109. So, still hot. And today, I believe is another scorcher and then temperatures start to drop. Next week the temperatures look to be in the 90’s and then an increase again next Saturday.

In frugalness though, I gassed up at Costco which is a significant savings. I only drove to the pool twice so that too saved money/gas.

I shopped at Costco and spent $125 or so but that included 2 bottles of wine. Nothing expensive, I like the Kirkland brand sauvignon and pinot grigio. The new Costco is so convenient and I was in and out in 20 minutes.

No other grocery shopping, if I recall. Today I need to pick up half and half and some corn tortillas and wine for the weekend.

As part of Amazon’s prePrime days, I bought an Instant Pot for 42% off. My instant pot died about 2 years ago and I’ve debated getting one but decided that if a deal came up, I’d get one. I think the end cost was $72. I plan on using it today as it’ll be hot and I can cook something without heating up the kitchen.

Yesterday, B had his ultrasound needle biopsy. We should get the official diagnosis next week, but certainly, cancer. The question is what treatment is there.? I’m not sure surgery is an option as there are multiple soft masses so chemo? radiation? I guess we’ll know soon enough. ( sad sigh)

Today, I’m meeting my library friends for coffee. One of them is the one whose husband died this past year of Myeloma. She’s done really well and has her two adult daughters as support. Being we’re meeting at the local cafe at 10, I won’t plan on the gym.

We had tacos and burritos from the Taco Tree after we came up from Sacramento so that was $22. But I didn’t need to cook dinner.

I got the notice that I need to renew my license and take the test etc. I’m not worried about that, just the eye exam as I don’t see much out of my right eye. I guess I’ll do my best and if necessary I’ll get my eye doctor to fill in the form that I can see 20-20 out of my left eye. Still being over 70 is challenging with these new things. But I guess, safety is key here.

I’m looking forward next week to being able to sit outside for dinner and afternoons. It feels like we’ve been stuck inside for weeks. Oh, we have:)

Simple Sunday

Posted in California, cooking, home stuff, instant pot recipes, Pantry, Uncategorized by

Wow, we are still getting some rain!! The poor folk though, out at Burning Man are in white mud up to their ankles. I have never been drawn to Burning Man. Too many people and a very desolate environment. We had rain this morning and I’m guessing they’re getting some more up there.

We did have a lovely walk in the rain with no one there.!!!! I only did 2x because of the knee but it was hard to stop. 😦 It seems every time I start to make some headway like walking faster and going a little farther something happens and I’m back to ground zero. Oh well, I guess that’s life.

I’m heading out to the gym and I’ll finish this later.

I got back from the gym, and boy is it ever raining. I only did arm weights at the gym so it was only 25 minutes. Then I went over to the Briarpatch Coop for a few things. This is our new co-op that just opened and it’s very nice. It’s more convenient than Safeway, with a better atmosphere too. The prices are higher but for a few things, I don’t mind. I wanted the Califia creamer and Califia almond milk. My daughter is lactose intolerant so we’ve been getting this and it’s quite good. Then I picked up some russet potatoes for a baked potato night this week.

Tonight I plan on doing a pantry dinner of chicken pie with pressure canned chicken pot pie mix. Then I’ll make a spinach pie with spinach, gruyere, onions and eggs.

My Instant Pot died last week. I was making chicken broth and had it started and then when I went back to check it it was off. I thought maybe it tripped the electrical outlet but it hadn’t. I tried another plug and nada. I unplugged the back plug and still nada. I don’t plan on replacing it. I really only use it for a few things and I can use the slow cooker for those things; beans, broth, stew, etc. I wonder if anyone else has had theirs just quit??

I have the pool on Tuesday, then the doctor on Wednesday and then the gym on Thursday or Friday. I’m working on my next Sashiko pattern and I should get the fabric this week for my Japanese block quilt. I plan on doing Sashiko embroidery on that too. I like having some kind of handwork to do probably a throw back from the Waldorf school days.

Simple Sunday

Posted in California, cooking, Flylady, Halloween, instant pot recipes, Myeloma, simplicity, swimming, Walking by

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

A nice homemaking day.

I have an Instant pot of Potato leek soup cooking, and I made a pork roast in my Staub. I added potatoes and carrots and onions from the farm. I don’t usually do this with pork and usually just do pulled pork but I wanted to use the Staub so I looked for recipes online. It looks good. I guess the test will be later on how tasty is it.

Then I did my morning reset around the house. The Flylady zone this week is the entryways and my office. I don’t need to do much in either area, but I’ll wash the windows and tidy up some.

I went into Micheals to get some worsted yarn to make socks with my new little sock loom. I bought 2 different types of wool and can’t quite tell which is the right one to use. I plan on using the thinner wool first. This is a little wood contraption( loom) that you knit on. My hands can’t do the repetitive knitting action or they cramp up so this is what this loom is for. I guess we’ll see how it goes.

It’s all clouded over now whereas this morning we could see stars and Orion’s belt clearly. Rain is forecast for tomorrow.

This week I have my mammogram and my appointment with Dr. L on Wednesday in Sacramento. I plan on swimming Tuesday and Saturday if I can. The new Trader Joe’s just opened in Rocklin so I want to stop and check it out. I’m excited that it’s that much closer to us and the exit is where Target and Walmart are. ( well, Walmart is on the opposite side of the freeway). Everyone has wanted TJ’s to come into Auburn but I think the demographics weren’t there.

We’ve been having nice evening fires on the patio. The weather has been perfect for sitting out for just a bit after sunset.

Velcade, Round 6, shot #3.

Posted in cancer, cooking, decluttering, instant pot recipes, minimalism, Multiple myeloma, Myeloma by

Done!! 6 months of Velcade. 3 weeks on one week off.

I get labs Friday and then see Dr. L next week. Where it goes, who knows.

Tonight I have leftover vegetarian chili and IP polenta.

Tomorrow is Dex Thursday and I don’t walk. I’ll tidy the house and continue to do this next layer of decluttering. This round is sponsored by Ann Patchett whose New Yorker article really hit home. I’m getting rid of all my Fiesta Ware except the red. I like the red and we use it at Christmas and Valentines day. I plan on giving it all to Cancer Thrift Store not Goodwill. I just feel better giving it to them as the money stays local. Anyway, it’s a lot. The other thing is all my kids Waldorf toys( ok, not all of them:), but quite a bit. If they don’t sell on our local facebook they will go too. We have the Live oak Waldorf school here in Applegate( about 3 miles away). So far no one is interested. It’s interesting to go to another level when I’ve decluttered so much and so much was valuable. navajo rugs, vintage fans, dishes, books etc, antique silver( yes, silver).

But this is what I want:

I want our small home to be a true reflection of minimalism and where we are at this point in our life. Even though what I’m getting rid of was only on 3 different shelves,that’s 3 too many. I’m not interested in making a buck off Fiesta Ware. So what?? It’s nice but that’s it.

What about you??? Are you deciding who you are in your life right now?? And what you have reflects that.!!!

Frugal Friday

Posted in cooking, frugalism, instant pot recipes, Myeloma, Uncategorized, Walking by

I don’t think there’s much frugal this week except the normal.

We ate all meals at home. I went to Trade Joes on Sunday and spent $200 including wine. So mostly salad stuff, breads( to freeze, like pita and bagels), cheeses, some frozen stir fry veggies, snacks etc. So expensive but lots of stuff to get thru the next week.

Today, I’m making and IP broccoli cheddar soup as I needed to use up a head of broccoli. I may just freeze it or we could have some for lunch with the Tartine Sourdough. I also in the process of making a quiche(trying to use up as many eggs as I can) with mushrooms and gruyere. It’s a recipe from ‘Magnolia Table’. It looks like a good one. So using up some stuff instead of just giving to the chickens or composting.

My son made a delicious chicken parmesan in the cast iron pan last night and also made a tofu parmesan in one of my 6 inch cast iron pans. Both were delicious. It also used things from the freezer so that was a frugal thing.

Friday’s are a more normal day after low Thursdays but it’s also a bit hyper but I feel good so I try and do some extra things.

Barclay is finishing up the front room. I’ve moved some Cathrineholm to the teak bookcase and put most of the red fiesta ware on another shelf or in the cabinet.( closed doors). I’ll have to see whether I like it there as some of the green tones match my Needles and Pine Tepco.

We will start the kitchen next week and again do a wall at a time since there’s so much to move. We’re doing that in a semi gloss. I plan on ordering a new stove hood sometime in the next few months. Nothing too fancy but hopefully one that works a bit better.

We had a good walk this morning even though it was quite cold. I had some shortness of breath but it was impeding as long as I wasn’t trying to talk and walk then I would start huffing some.

We’re not planning on a pizza tonight. Nobody seems to be in the mood so we’ll just eat leftovers or what I made today.

Velcade, Round 2, shot #2.

Posted in cancer, cooking, covid-19, instant pot recipes, Myeloma, Uncategorized by

Today is my next shot and it should go quickly. I still have bruised areas from the other shot but eventually it will fade. Also there is still some foot neuropathy going on but it’s not too bad. That just doesn’t go away quickly. It can take months after treatment has ended but I’m ok with it at this point.

Yesterday my daughter got her first Covid vaccine. so hurray!! Just a sore arm so that’s good. It actually went really quickly so these health care workers and those coordinating are doing a phenomenal job.

My son got back from Tahoe and went and had a rapid covid test and it was negative. But he’s still only coming in the house for food and bathroom breaks. Tomorrow he goes for the 24 hr test so then he’s in the clear, I hope.

I made the other Seville orange marmalade and I think the recipe is better. It came out properly jelled so maybe it was using the candy thermometer that did it. You want the temperature at 220 or 218 about and then it jells. It definitely did that.

I’m making a mediterranean white bean soup for dinner. I soaked the beans yesterday and put in the IP this morning. So far when I tasted it,it is delicious! I had B pick up a Truckee Sourdough baguette to have with it and I will grill up some sausage if the meat eaters want that too. Actually my daughter will do the rest as after I take dex this afternoon I’m not good for much.