CREATING MEMORIES

I had fun with three of my friends who are my neighbors and walking buddies at lunch the other day. Joy who lived in Japan for several years has mastered some Japanese dishes.  

Look at what she sent over to me last New Year’s day: Toshikoshi Soba. It is a Japanese tradition to prepare this New Year’s fare to dispel the old year’s misfortunes and welcome the new year fresh , hoping for long life and abundance. 

“I will prepare tonkatsu and soba for the three of you”; she said the day before. I can only prepare so much at a time so i can only cook for us and our husbands. Of course we were excited and looked forward to it. 

She prepared the tonkatsu, side dishes and brought sauces from her house which is just a stones throw away. 

 

Celine also lived in Japan for many years, was requested to prepare the soba on site. Celine in the photo feeling at ease preparing the soba in my outdoor kitchen while Jim took photos of us. 

And Juliet came in early to help in the lunch preparation 

Here are Joy and Kazu who initiated this lunch and lovingly prepared our food. 

We enjoy walking together, taking photos, sharing recipes with so much fun and laughter. 

“Creating wonderful Memories” is our New Year’s catchphrase, call it motto or battle cry if you wish. We know that we will also encounter challenges along this journey but we hope to take them all in stride. 

Happy new year! 

WHAT TO DO BETWEEN CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR

What to do between Christmas and New Year if we are not traveling? Some declutter, fix drawers while others work in the garden. 

All my children went home today and last night, I was making a short list of things to put the house in order after the holidays. Finally, I decided to just take it easy today and put away the remnants of Christmas tomorrow. 

Sometimes however things interfere with our plans. And fate gave me something to do today. One of our refrigerators conk out!

In 2003, we bought two of these refrigerators instead of a 2-door unit. One of them broke down 5 years ago and this one survived. Jim said it’s time to get another and we should be thankful that it served us for about 20 years. 

“Oh my! What will happen to all the food?”, I asked myself. All the leftovers and uncooked backup provisions I bought should my estimate fall short from what I needed. I always buy extra so I won’t rush to the grocery during the holidays should the need arise. 

That worried me for a while, so I sorted out what was in that refrigerator. Then I checked how much I can move to my working refrigerator where I put water, juices, fruits, desserts and cold cuts. The other are for cooked food, its freezer are dedicated for uncooked meats and fishes, and veggies in the crisper. 

Long story short, I gave away some; others I put in ziplocks instead of microwavable tubs so as to save space. 

What a morning, but I survived! Finally, peace of mind. 

Now I have to scout for a new refrigerator. 

CRISPY SHRIMP WRAP

I immediately fell in love with this crispy shrimp wrap when I saw it on Facebook. I made a few pieces sometime earlier and everyone liked it. So I decided to make it as an appetizer for our Christmas dinner. 

It was a hit! 

Look, the moment I put down the dish they were eager to taste, hence the empty spaces. 

            Ingredients

         for 15 wrap pieces

15 pcs jumbo shrimps, shelled and deveined leaving the tails. Partially make cuts along the inner part so they stay straight. 

1 tbsp oyster sauce 

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tbsp soy suace

1 tsp ground pepper

1/4 tsp salt

1 tbsp cooking wine

8 stalks spring onions cut in halves

4 pcs square wrappers cut into 4 triangles 

        

            Procedure

-Marinate shrimps with ingredients at least for an hour, drain and wipe with paper towel before wrapping so as not to wet wrapper. 

-cut each wrapper into 4 triangles per piece as shown below.

-Wash spring onions, remove roots and cut into halves, usually a half is the same as the length of the shrimp. 

-to wrap, put shrimp and one piece spring onion in the middle of triangle wrap like in photo below

-roll the wrapper around the shrimp and deep fry immediately. It is alright to air fry if preferred

Drain oil from the shrimps by positioning each one upwards. 

Dip in sweet chili sauce. 

FRONT ROW SEAT ON LENS REPLACEMENT SURGERY

Have you ever wondered what exactly is lens replacement surgery? Though it’s really popular nowadays, aren’t you amazed that it is possible to remove the lens of our inborn eyes and replace it with an artificial one?

When and why do we need to do it? Is it because we are tired of wearing reading glasses or is it due to a health issue? 

I am writing this as a layman. My husband underwent lens replacement surgery, along with the cataract removal. I am not a doctor, much less an ophthalmologist but I had a “front row seat “ every step of the way from the screening and all the steps in between up to surgery

When someone experiences blurred vision a practicing Ophthalmologist will know if there is a buildup of cataract, the opaque, cloudy matter that develops in the eye. This hinders our clear vision. This mostly happens to the elderly, or to others as young as 50 years old. 

Cataract and lens replacement surgery involve the removal of the natural lens of the eye that developed cataract and replaced by artificial lens. 

My husband’s ophthalmologist, a retina specialist confirmed the presence of cataract. Screening followed immediately to determine the appropriate lens to be implanted since the lens is not one fits all.  

There are different lenses:

“Mono focal lens focuses on a fixed point that provides clear vision at a specific distance”. This is good for driving.

“EDOF lens can help people see clearly at a range of distances without glasses”

“Multi-focal lens allows the patient to see clearly at near, intermediate and far distances without glasses or contact lenses

After screening, the lens was ordered, we waited for 7 working days to avail of the Philhealth benefit. 

We were required to get a Cardiologist clearance, this is effective for three months; which makes sense since surgery is done one eye at a time. Complete healing is achieved within approximately 4-8 weeks. 

After surgery, he could barely see anything for about a week but clear vision is eventually attained. I had to put food on his plate. Of course he couldn’t read as well since he could not focus. 

Jim had to wear googles 24/7 to protect the eye while sleeping and to prevent infection. Eyes must never be wet, so caution is necessary while taking a bath. He had to wear dark glasses to protect eyes from the glare outside our room. 

The very next day, we went back for post-operation checkup.  The good news is there is no pressure on the operated eye and no pain. The doctor reduced the 4 eyedrops half the original dosage.

I was happy to share the good news to our family and friends who offered prayers and well wishes for a successful procedure and healing. 

All is well, so here is me feeling happy, grateful and in the mood for a selfie by the Christmas tree at the lobby of Asian Eye Institute in Rockwell. 

WALKING IS MY JAM

While there are many options to exercise; walking is the most ideal for me; it is practical, convenient and effective. It is the least demanding exercise, all we need is a good and comfortable walking shoes. This exercise can be done anytime anywhere. 

After walking consistently everyday for more than 8 years and reading countless articles on wellness and fitness; I realized that walking is my jam!  

Why did I choose walking as my way to fitness? 

Exercise experts say that we need to establish a sustainable routine for longtime fitness; something that we are able to do physically and regularly to incorporate in our lifestyle. Imagine if I chose jogging, how long do you think I can make a go of it at my age; notwithstanding the pressure it will do to my joints?

Why did I set 10,000 steps as my goal?

Actually, I initially targeted 5,000 when I seriously decided walking everyday. Baby steps they say, until I felt that I can do more.

By coincidence, the distance from my house going to the farthest street near the entrance of the village makes one full circle that is approximately 3,300+ steps. When I did 3 rounds, I met my goal! 

Later, I read that the 10,000 steps was not based on any scientific health research, but a marketing strategy for a Japanese step counter Manpo-Kei; “manpo” in English means 10,000. It is presumed that the choice was made because the number 10,000 in Japanese character resembles a man walking. 

My walking enhanced my social connections in the community. Not only did I meet wonderful people, my neighbors who also walk. We got acquainted and before we knew it we developed a clique, a walking club we call the Sweet Magnolias. But I did meet more people around who became good friends and a lot of acquaintances as well. 

I did not expect that at my age; barely a year before I will start my 9th decade that I will feel this way in my lifetime. I am amazed that my mind, body and spirit are in sync; giving me a total feel-good state of wellbeing. Never before did I feel better. After my morning walk, I feel happy, energized and ready to take on the day. 

The reason must be that I could now exercise consistently; early on work responsibilities and raising children made me sideline self care often. 

Of course we cannot discount some days when I feel under the weather, catch colds and a cough or two. But most days are pleasant and joyful. 

Medical experts agree that walking is an easy way to enhance wellness of mind and body. It promotes longer life, boost my mood and calms me. It helps lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, dementia and depression. 

I am diabetic and I am happy to note that walking helps maintain my blood sugar levels. 

I have to qualify that my overall wellness does not depend wholly on walking and this wellness is “on going”, meaning that it can change if I ditch the following daily habits that promote health. 

-Eat healthy foods; I keep in mind that “what you eat is what you are”.

-Get enough rest, take naps and enough sleep. 

-Practice mindfulness and build social connections. 

-Open to new experiences and I embrace change. 

What about you, have you found the exercise you enjoy to incorporate in your lifestyle? Please share in the comments your successes and setbacks. 

NO SHAME IN WALKING FOR EXERCISE : MY FITNESS JOURNEY

What if you just want an easy way to exercise? What if you just want to relax, slowdown and not do strenuous workouts? Do you think you can meet your fitness goals doing just that? Well, that depends on our goal and the choice is ours. 

I walked for my overall health and I did it consistently to this day

During my 30’s to 50’s, I did not neglect exercise. I joined aerobic classes in gyms, I even bought the VHS of Jane Fonda whose routine I followed at home. It worked! 

When I turned 55, my doctor knew that I had a clean bill of health but discouraged me from jogging to prevent foot injury. When I turned 60 and retired I went on a binge, thinking that retirement is freedom, with no constraints, do what you like, life is short, right? I was wrong! Look at me after my excessive indulgence! 

When my younger daughter came home for my 70th birthday celebration, she asked how it feels to be 70. I said that I feel the same like when I was 17; except that my ways have matured and goals changed. 

By then I was looking for my next big thing. She subtly suggested that I start small, like walking again. I was 165 lbs or more, I can’t be sure. Little did I know then that I started the biggest thing that I could ever do in my life! 

With the loving encouragement of my family I resumed walking; 5,000 steps was my initial goal. To boost my enthusiasm my son even bought me a fitbit and Jim urged me to get the best and the latest Nike available. My family is so Nike-ish

My older daughter bought me exercise Tee’s, all the colors available in my size at Uniqlo and even got more from M & S; while my younger daughter started buying me nike shoes every 6 months; and she still does to this day, if I may add.  

Walking energizes me, I never feel sluggish and I’m always in a good mood. They say that walking gives life longevity; good for the heart and boost mental strength. 

Walking with friends is fun ; I enjoy the laughter and banter! Exactly the socialization I need. I value the friendship and fellowship and I love the occasional breakfasts and birthday celebrations with them.

Walking regulates my blood glucose that my Endocrinologist is happy on my quarterly checkups. She congratulates me. 

Walking boosts my creativity, when I walk alone on Sundays and on days that my friends are otherwise preoccupied with their lives; new ideas come to me; more often about how I express my thoughts for my blog or new contents dawn on me. 

Mindful meditation has its pluses. It rejuvenates me; I set aside life’s concerns and challenges. I focus on the here-and-now, the trees, the plants and the flowers. I feel the windy days and breezy mornings. When dawn breaks I watch the breathtaking moment of sunrise that never fail to excite me. It gives hope for good things to come. 

I know that walking won’t remarkably reduce weight but I’ve proven that walking 10,000 steps consistently everyday paid off. I am 136 lbs now; still a bit on the heavy side but I feel fine. 

Today I “bask in the glory” of what I’ve become; lighter now so I don’t overwork my heart. Exercise indeed is the key to a long and joyful life! 

Walking it is for me! 

MEATBALLS WITH MASHED POTATOES

My sister invited me to join the Daily Diabetes Recipes group. I had reservations in joining groups on Facebook for that would reduce my traffic feed from friends. However, this recipe: Meatballs with Potatoes caught my interest. So I tried it. 

I did not exactly follow the meatball recipe as instructed since I have my own recipe that is more to my taste. Instead of potato slices, I mashed the potatoes. 

                 INGREDIENTS 

The meat balls

1/2 kilo lean minced pork 

1 white onion diced

1 tsp paprika 

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground pepper 

1 egg

2 tbsps soy sauce

1 tbsp cooking wine

4 pcs crackers ground to small pcs. 

Bechamel sauce 

5 tbsps butter 

4 tbsp all purpose flour

4 cups milk 

1 1/2 tsps salt

1/2 tsp nutmeg

Fill-in and topping

3 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed

2 cups grated mozzarella and cheddar 

   PROCEDURE

MAKE THE MEATBALLS. 

Beat egg in a bowl, then add liquid ingredients first and mix

Add dry ingredients and put meat last. 

Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for 2 hours for easier handling. 

In a muffin pan, spray a little oil on top of the paper lining 

Put the rolled meatball in each space and spray a little oil on the meatballs 

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes at 260 degrees

Remove foil cover and bake for 10 minutes more or until meatballs turn brown.

 

MAKE THE BECHAMEL SAUCE 

In a skillet, melt butter

Add flour when butter has melted and cook while whisking for 6 minutes 

In a separate container bring milk to a near boil

Add milk to the butter and flour slowly while stirring. 

Keep cooking and stirring for 10 minutes more until sauce is thick. 

Line the bottom of a baking dish with parchment paper 

Arrange the meatballs in the dish

Fill in between with mashed potatoes 

Pour bechamel sauce on top

Cover with two cups of grated mozzarella and cheddar 

Bake for ten minutes until cheeses melt

And this dish is ready to serve. 



Mmsogoodmm!