Were Does the Time Go?

It's hard to believe that a week has gone by with neither of us posting.  Kelly was going to post a few days ago, but her computer froze and when she brought it back up her lengthy post was no longer there.  Ah, the joys of not saving.

We have had good progress in downsizing.  The room that must not be entered had maybe a fifth of the items removed.  Some for donation and others that Ava was able to take for her rental.  We also got some of the exercise equipment posted to Craig's List and hope to sell the rower this evening.  (We are meeting with the buyer, but you never count on a sale until the buyer shows up and gives you the money.)

Today I saw this TED talk in my Google stream, it's a few years old, but a good reminder of why we want to downsize.

http://www.ted.com/talks/graham_hill_less_stuff_more_happiness#t-323198

Having both been in the military and moved many times, Kelly and I both relate to moving boxes a number of times before actually opening them to see why you kept it.  I'm of the opinion that if you have moved something two or three times and never opened it, then you should just toss it.  I think Kelly would want to go through the box and make sure she didn't have anything tucked away like money, savings bonds, or other valuable item.

The trip to Italy is on hold for now.  We both decided to wait for the weather to be a bit better and also to let us get rid of more stuff, so we don't feel guilty about taking a "vacation."  Kelly has also added some cities to her weather app, so she looks at what the weather is in Frankfurt Germany, Catania Italy, Montevideo Uruguay, Taos NM, Fort Bragg CA, and Brookings OR.

On Food - His list is shorter

Paul is reading aloud an article online that details the food banned in other countries, food that is still available for consumption in the United States.  And I sigh.  I am reminded of all of the food I can not eat and wonder who makes these decisions to allow us to buy and eat until proven toxic?

When Paul and I first began our correspondence with one another, I had no idea that we'd eventually log over 6000 minutes of phone conversation before we ever met.  Part of our discussions included an introduction to my list of safe foods and how I try and manage food issues while dining out.  We talked a great deal about our plans to travel together stateside and overseas.

As newlyweds, we put about 7000 miles behind us traveling by Subaru from Virginia to Maine, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah.   Not a bad start.  We've been traveling just over half of the time we've been married.


It's just as easy as it sounds.  Load up the car, travel across America, and stop at a restaurant to eat.  The server will take the list of foods we can't eat back to the chef, the chef will take all possible care to prepare and plate the food, and we'll have a symptom free journey.

Sort of.

Paul has a few food intolerances of his own.   He was gracious enough to agree to eating, in general, from the same list of foods that I can eat.   When we dine out, I encourage him to live a little.   It's simpler for him when he orders from the menu, as he can state 'hold the bell peppers' and enjoy what is served.

The trouble is, the menu isn't always clear.  For example, Paul ordered Teriyaki Steak and Seafood with vegetables.  The presentation of the food was beautiful, and the mixed vegetables were broccoli, with vibrant red, yellow, and green peppers.  It looked, and smelled, delicious.

Bell peppers of any color, paprika, and most curries don't agree with Paul.  Fortunately, he can move the offending items to the side without any cross contamination.   I love bell peppers.  The soy sauce is on my restricted list, so there they sat on the side of his plate, daring me to take just one bite.  I didn't.  I wanted to.