Since I've been on this pre/post operative diet, mainly liquids, for over a month now, I'm really looking forward to Monday when I'll be able to eat solid foods again. But what will that first meal be? I thought I'd countdown my favorite meals. Let me know what yours are.

So, one of my favorite meals is what I call the Starch-o-rama. I am totally serious about loving this meal.

1. Mexican/chili beans - very spicy
2. Mac and cheese (homemade, deluxe Kraft, or even out of the cardboard box)
3. Whole kernal corn (not cream style)
4. Slice of onion
5. Chunk of kielbasa or a couple of hot dogs (Oscar Mayer) with lots of mustard
6. Potato chips - Classic Lays OR mashed potatoes (homemade only)

I know, I know. It sounds hideous when you look at it from a nutritional standpoint. But my taste buds revel in the flavors. The meal has a great blend of textures: crunchy, chewy, crisp, firm. It has a nice balance of sweet, spicy, salty and tangy. What it doesn't have a balance in is green vegetables.

Before you scoff, try it out. You could also add fresh sliced tomatoes, or substitute chili for the chili beans.

Here's a picture I took on my first day seeing the Pacific Ocean. The temperature was in the mid-70s, and the breeze was invigorating. I wish I could describe the scent of the ocean. It was amazing - soft and clean. Simply magnificent. The entire day was perfect for my first view of the big blue.

Hi All! My family and I arrived home from Mexico late Friday night. Yesterday was spent recuperating and restocking the kitchen cupboards. I am feeling well and had a great time. My surgery was fantastic - the clinic and people there were absolutely magnificent. I have great pictures and stories to tell, which I will as soon as I get back into the groove of things. My first priority, other than healing, is getting my students taken care of. We only have 2 weeks left in the semester, so they will command my attention. Here's one pic of our adventures. It's the Grand Canyon, and this picture in no way captures how grand it is. The triangular rock formation just about in the center of the picture is called something like Pharoah's Pyramid.

I just wanted to pop in and say hi! Everything's going well here - though I can't believe how cool it is! I certainly expected the temp to be just as high as it was in Oklahoma when we left. Instead, Tijuana is 78 degrees, and they say that's a heat wave! :-0

I'm gonna hit the hay, now. Take care all.

Last Sunday was my last solid food for several weeks. I'm having some minor surgery, and I have to go on a pre-operative diet of 3-4 protein shakes a day (160 calories each), and a lettuce salad with balsamic vinegar if I feel the need for more. So far, I've only had 3 shakes a day and about 1.5-2 cups of romaine lettuce. I can't believe how "easy" it's been. Yesterday, I waited too long to drink my lunch shake, and when I was in Guthrie I started getting sick - headache and nausea. So I stopped at Arby's for a salad. I was very proud of myself - I picked out the lettuce and cucumbers and ignored the cheese, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, boiled egg, croutons, and dressing. I never knew plain lettuce could taste so good.

I'm serious. That lettuce and those bits of cucumber might as well have been the buffet at Golden Corral. ;-)

Anyway, some friends held a "Last Supper BBQ" for me on Sunday. Jeff Cox is a superb burger griller (and his BBQ chicken is delicious as well). After we'd eaten, he suggested we take a picture - my Last Supper. So my friend, Kelly Kirk - who is the Division Chair of the LA/HUM division and an extremely talented artist, composed the picture below. I think it's a hoot. From left to right: Gail Cox, Cathy Calvin, Nina Kirk, Me, Jeff Cox, Tony Yates, and Chris Calvin.



Well, I'll be in Tucumcari, NM this evening, on my way to Mexico. I'll "see" you in 10 days.

Folks, I will be out of state for the next 10 days. So nothing new will be posted on the blog. I hope to have lots of goodies to post when I get back.

Take care!