Karen

New Stuff In The Shop

This is not as easy as it looks! I spent a good part of yesterday getting things ready to put in the shop. I think I like making things better than doing the work part of uploading them. It wouldn’t be so hard to do if the internet service I had was better, but the whole day yesterday was cloudy, rainy, overcast; and when the weather is like that the satellite internet just doesn’t work well. Don’t get it if you were thinking you wanted it!

So, I have put some little business card wallets I make with the pattern I got from Kekalou;

some more of the little quilted zipper bags:

and some jewelry I made last winter:

Thanks for taking a look!

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Gluten Free And Loving It!

Karen · 2 Comments

Your name: Teri Lee Gruss

A short bio: I’m the About.com Guide to Gluten-Free Cooking and a gluten and dairy free cooking nut. I love to cook! I have a MS degree in Human Nutrition and am very interested in bringing balanced nutrition to gluten-free diets.

1.How long have you been eating gluten free? 4 years

2. How did you discover that you were gluten intolerant? A Gluten Sensitivity Stool and Gene Panel Test.

3. What were your most prominent symptoms? Ataxia, multiple nutrient deficiencies (a severe vitamin D deficiency and signs of protein deficiency), chronic bloating, infertility, miscarriage and the development of hypothyroidism.

4. Do you have an official diagnosis of Celiac Disease? I have not had an endoscopic diagnosis. I do not possess the gene type for Celiac disease but do have the gene type for a particularly severe form of non-Celiac gluten sensitivity.

5. How long did it take for your major symptoms to disappear when you started on a gluten free diet? About 4 months but I felt almost immediate relief from the symptoms of bloating and general digestive malaise.

6. Do you have allergies or intolerances to other foods? Yes, I have lactose intolerance and casein intolerance.

7. Are other members of your family gluten intolerant? Yes. One son has non-Celiac gluten sensitivity and my husband and oldest son have the genotype for Celiac disease but have not developed it.

8. What do you miss the most since starting to eat gluten free? I miss the freedom of an unrestricted diet. Otherwise I have adapted to my restricted diet and think that it’s healthy and certainly makes me feel better.

9. What is the hardest part for you about eating gluten free? For me, eating away from home is the most challenging aspect of living gluten-free. This is getting easier as more and more gluten-free restaurant options and groceries offer gluten-free foods.

10. What is your favorite restaurant? PF Changs

11. Do you have a favorite gluten free recipe to share? Yes! I recently converted the original recipe for Morning Glory muffins to a gluten-free version of this delicious, healthy muffin. It contains about 1 quart of fresh carrots, apples, pineapple, coconut, raisins and nuts! Here’s the link to my Gluten-Free and Dairy Free Morning Glory Muffins recipe at glutenfreecooking.about.com..

12. What are your hobbies? Besides cooking, my husband and I grow a large garden and I’m learning how to preserve the vegetables and fruits that I grow. I’m also learning to brew gluten-free beer which is challenging but a lot of fun and this year I may learn how to be a beekeeper.

13. Where did you go on your last gluten free vacation? I went to Ireland with my brothers recently. We rented a house and cooked our own food. We really enjoyed the fresh Irish produce and beef. The grocery stores in Ireland are terrific. They offer similar gluten-free packaged foods as we find in the states.

14. How has eating gluten free changed your life for the better? I am so much healthier, with more energy and don’t succumb to seasonal illnesses that used to plague me.

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Scenic Sunday

Karen · 6 Comments

Anna Ruby Falls in Helen, Georgia, January 2006. It snowed and we hiked up the trail to the top of the falls.

Click to see more Scenic Sunday photos.

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Sewing Again

Karen · 4 Comments

Y’all must think I spend all my time sewing, and you might just be right. I love to sew. But last week I also spent a lot of time on the phone, trying to get my computer straightened out. And one whole day was spent going to Tuscaloosa to get a back-up device “just in case” the computer crashed before I could get it fixed. So between doing all that, and the regular day to day stuff, like cooking and washing the dishes and stuff like that, I was getting anxious to get back to the machine.

I made that little business card wallet up there in the picture. It is so cute! It holds several business cards, a drivers license, and a couple of credit cards and fits in your pocket.

I had an order for a couple of aprons from the guy at the taxidermy shop down the road. He asked for a couple that a man wouldn’t be embarrassed to wear. This one shows his favorite sports team, The Crimson Tide. Whoooo! Roll Tide!

My pajamas finally just fell apart. You know how when you get something like that that is co comfy you wear them all the time? Well, when they came apart at the seams, I tried to remember when I bought them, and it was back in 2005!! No wonder! So I ordered some brown and blue floral print flannel and made myself a new pair. They are so soft! I might just order some more.

Then, I found this pattern for a little wallet with a zipper pocket on the back. It has three credit card slots, a place for paper money, and that zip pocket for change. I’m still trying to decide if I like this or not. What do you think?

And then I made some more of those business card wallets. I’m going to put some in my shop in a day or two, so keep an eye open for that if you want to buy one. These first ones will be a little cheaper because they aren’t perfect, but when I get them right, they will be $7.00 each plus shipping.

We have to go to Birmingham on Wednesday for Fabgrandpa’s pre-op blood work. He’s having cataract surgery on March 12. We were afraid that they wouldn’t get him an appointment in time because we have to leave here April 12 headed back to the Grand Canyon. But, they called on Friday and said someone cancelled! Yay for us!

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Technical Non Support

Karen · 13 Comments

On Tuesday, I turned on my computer just like I always do in the morning to read my email while I have my coffee. Only my computer didn’t boot up all the way. I got an error screen that prompted me to “Activate Windows Now.”

I have been using this computer since June of 2008. It is a Sony Vaio that came with Windows Vista Home Premium pre-installed. I don’t know of any ready to use computer these days that doesn’t come pre-loaded with some version of Windows, unless of course, it is a Mac. So, when I was prompted to enter the product key, I copied the key from the bottom of the computer, and typed it in the space provided.

And I got an error that said “The product key you have entered is invalid.” And in the bottom right hand corner of the screen, it said “This copy of Windows is not genuine.” That was the beginning of “Technical Support Hell ” here in the Fab household.

You would think that because Windows is a Microsoft product that Microsoft would be responsible for assisting you if you have a problem. After searching the Microsoft support pages for a couple of hours, looking for help with my particular problem, I finally found a telephone number to call. Now, I know it’s not Microsoft’s problem that I am in a remote area, and have only 1 bar on my cellphone, and if I don’t hold my head just right, or move the phone 1/100^th of an inch I will lose the call.

When I called the phone number, I described in detail what my problem was, and was told that I would have to call Sony. So, I called Sony. After holding in cue for thirty minutes, I reached someone at Sony who told me that my problem was with Microsoft, and gave me a different phone number to call. But, they told me if I wanted to pay $49 for technical support, they would help me. I said no thanks, and hung up.

I dialed the new number and was greeted by an automated recording that asked me several questions, and finally got me into a holding cue for a technical support person. This person at Microsoft went through several steps with me to diagnose the problem, although I already knew what the problem was—I needed a new product key to activate windows on my computer that is the same computer I have been using for two years. After about half an hour on the line with the technical support person, he said I needed to be switched over to the “Activation Department”. He put me on hold, and before the Activation Department could answer my cellphone dropped the call. Sigh.

FabGrandpa and I decided that we needed to go to Tuscaloosa and buy a back up drive. Just in case. I have been owning computers since 1994, and have never had any means of backing one up before. I should have, but just never did. On the drive up there, he suggested that I call my son and ask him if he knew what to do. But I said, no, I don’t think he’ll know.

By the time we got home from our shopping trip, it was late and I didn’t feel like going through the hassle again that day. So, on Wednesday morning, I started calling again. I got someone on the phone at Sony, and asked for the Activation Department. They person on the phone asked me what the problem was, so I explained it. And they said, you need to speak to the Activation Department. When the person in the Activation Department answered, I went through explaining the problem, again. And they said, “Your computer is out of warranty—we can help you with this problem, but we will have to charge you $49 to help you. And I said, “NO. I am not going to pay $49 for something I have already paid for. All I need is an activation key, or product key, for the Windows that came with the computer.” The person at Sony told me that the only way to correct the problem without paying them $49 was to use the Recovery Disc. If you know anything about Recovery Disc, you know dang well that it doesn’t recover anything. It wipes everything off your computer and puts it back like it came out of the box. No. Thank. You. I am not going there.

As I hung up, I could feel my blood beginning to boil. Isn’t it enough that these computer companies have us over a barrel when it comes to buying the products? Do they really have to suck our pockets dry for every little thing? I refused to pay because I knew there must be an answer somewhere.

I called Microsoft back, and waded through the recorded prompts again. After about an hour, I got a real live person, and explained the problem yet again. She was less than helpful. After going through several more diagnostic steps, she informed again that this was Sony’s problem because the software was preloaded on the computer when I bought it. Sony bought the license from them, so it was Sony’s responsibility to provide me with the activation key. I told her in no uncertain terms that I expected Microsoft to support their product and I didn’t care who bought the license. And she informed ME that the only way Microsoft would help me was if I paid them $59. I just hung up in disgust. Doesn’t Bill Gates have enough money yet???

And so, I decided to call my son. And he told me what to do. And the advice he gave me worked. I should have called him first.

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Sign Of A Scam!

Karen · 6 Comments

I am always so excited when I get money in the mail! So today, when I went to the mailbox, and found this:

I was all, “Oh, I wonder who this is from?” It didn’t take long for me to find out that it was a check from Truecredit for Transunion Bank for my cash back rewards from my credit card. Except that I don’t have a credit card that gives me cash back.

As you can see, I was so annoyed by this that I tore the whole thing up and threw it away. And then, I thought, I need to let the world know about this. So I sat there and put it all back together just so I could show you what these bastards are trying to do! What if your grandmother got this, or your little sister? And what if they just signed the back of that check and cashed it? Well, if they did:

DSCN2290 — You get charged $159.99 a YEAR! for this service!!!

In the small print on the inside of the letter, it tells you that by signing the back of that check and depositing or cashing it, you are authorizing “Great Fun Club” to charge your credit card $159.99 a year for whatever the heck they do. But, if you sign the check, you have given your consent for the charge, so you have no recourse. Be careful! Don’t do it! That measely $8.25 they give you as a cash back reward is part of the scam! How many people will just sign on the line and make that deposit?

DSCN2294 — The real reason they send this crap out.

And even though they tell you to read carefully before signing, how many people really will do that. Are they counting on people being busy and just trying to hurry up and get things done?

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Introducing My Little Shop

Karen · 5 Comments

Sewing is one of the things I love to do–I spent all day yesterday making these little bags. I piece the outside, then layer it with batting and a lining, add a zipper. They are very useful for things like cosmetics, pencils, gadgets, toiletries. The smaller brown one in the front is a special request for a medicine bag.

I created a little shop to sell them in, so if you look up to the menu bar above, you’ll see a link for it. Right now, these bags are $8, shipping included, but I can only ship in the United States. Come back often to look, you never know what I’ll be making next!

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Gluten Free And Loving It!

Karen · 1 Comment

Our guest today is Cathy from The Life and Adventures of Catiepoo. She homeschools her children and teaches English As A Second Language.

Your name: Cathy

A short bio: I am a homeschooling mom to a 13 year old son and 11 year old daughter as well as a wife of 21 years, an adult ESL teacher, a border collie momma, friend and so much more. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2004 and began working with a naturopath who opened my mind to the possibilities of how food can affect our body. Being gluten free hasn’t removed rheumatoid arthritis from my life, but it has definitely made it easier.

1.How long have you been eating gluten free? Since November 2004

2. How did you discover that you were gluten intolerant? I removed it from my diet for an extended period of time and then tried it out again. Each time I have tried gluten my joints and digestion are both soon inflamed.

3. What were your most prominent symptoms? Joint inflammation

4. Do you have an official diagnosis of Celiac Disease? No.

5. How long did it take for your major symptoms to disappear when you started on a gluten free diet? It took about a year for the symptoms to settle down.

6. Do you have allergies or intolerances to other foods? Sugar and dairy.

7. Are other members of your family gluten intolerant? My son and daughter went 100% gluten free for two years kind of as an experiment. My daughter’s eczema that she has dealt with since she was six weeks old disappeared. When she brought some gluten back into her diet, the eczema returned. She is now gluten free and eczema free again.

8. What do you miss the most since starting to eat gluten free?

Pizza. No, really it isn’t actually the food that I miss eating because I have found so many yummy gluten free foods (even homemade pizza crust) I can make myself, but what I miss is the convenience of not worrying about whether gluten is in the food I don’t prepare myself. I miss just going to a restaurant and ordering whatever I want.

9. What is the hardest part for you about eating gluten free? Being prepared. If I know I am going to be out of the house for any extended amount of time, I always pack a meal or bring snacks.

10. What is your favorite restaurant? The first time I went to Da Lucianos I got tears in my eyes when I saw the menu. They offer a complete gluten free menu. Just seeing the menu so full of gluten free foods was a treat. I don’t go often since it is a 45 minute drive and the foods contain dairy, but for my birthday it is a wonderful gift. This Italian restaurant is small and our first visit the owner came to our table to hear my gluten free story and had me sign in on her gluten free guest book. One visit we were there late and they gave us free gluten free tiramisu to take home. A lovely, lovely place that should be visited if ever in the Chicago area.

*How have family/friends/strangers reacted to being gluten free? My family has been extremely supportive, even if they don’t always understand the road I am traveling. In fact, after my success on a gluten free diet, two family members also tried a gluten free diet with success! When I visit my dad and stepmom, they lay out all the ingredients for me to check before they start cooking. When family visits and we go out to eat, they make sure there is something on the menu for me or we don’t go. We have experienced the same thing with friends. We offer to bring our own food to their homes ,but they read and find out what we can eat and provide for us. We have been very fortunate. Having support makes this road so much easier.

Although we have never been harassed about being gluten free as I know some friends have experienced, we are always surprised that some acquaintances and strangers act as if we are depriving our children by not feeding them gluten. Many people seem to believe it is a rite of passage for children to fill up on junk foods and they are being deprived without. I disagree. There are many choices for healthier options for our children that will nourish them and provide them with healthy adulthoods. I believe my family is worth the time, energy, and money that goes into providing snacks and meals that don’t include preservatives, artificial colorings, gluten and high amounts of sugar.

Advice for someone new to a gluten free diet: Realize that the more you learn about a gluten free diet the healthier your choices will become. First it will be all about gluten and then you will find yourself learning so much more about the foods you eat and how they affect your body.

*Favorite gluten free recipe: Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Muffins. This recipe has been adapted from the Basic Chocolate Cake recipe found in Special Diet Celebrations by Carol Fenster. This is a recipe that is asked for at our home by gluten free and gluten eating friends.

Chocolate-Chocolate Chip Muffins

½ cup brown rice flour
½ cup potato starch (I use ½ cup quinoa flour)
¼ cup tapioca flour
½ cup cocoa powder (not dutch)
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
1-1/4 teaspoons baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar (I use 2/3 cup maple syrup and add ¼ tsp baking soda)
2 teaspoons gf vanilla extract
½ cup milk (I use coconut milk)
½ cup butter (sometimes I use coconut oil instead)
1 large egg
¾ cup hot water
Large handful of gf chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350. Spray or oil a muffin tin. Place all ingredients except hot water in a large bowl and blend. Add hot water and blend. Add chocolate chips. Pour into prepared muffin tin (12 muffins).
Bake for 20-25 minutes.

Who wants to be next?

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