Tuesday, 17 February 2015

When I Get The Blues....

My health has been a big issue for me over the past two years or so. It has affected my life (and my husband's) to a great extent ....we have had to cancel holidays, trips out, meals with friends and so on because I just cannot function when the symptoms hit me. It makes it difficult to plan things.....but we still do make plans because we have to be positive and try to carry on as normally as possible.
We are leaving for St Ives in a few days....a long awaited trip which means so much to me. As you can imagine, fingers are tightly crossed.

Kind friends have asked about my health so I have written about it in a separate section in case anyone is interested. I have listed all my coping strategies which might be useful for any of you suffering similar  symptoms. And of course I'd love to hear from anyone who can offer help or suggestions as well.
You'll find it if you click on the tab 'My Health Story' at the top of the page.

I avoid wheat and sugar...but I still have treats and will post recipes for these as the weeks go by.

Today I made 'energy balls'! :-) I make lots of versions of these....sometimes with dates, almonds, pistachios, dried cranberries, almond butter, walnuts....there are so many possibilities.
You'll find the recipe here... at 'Gimme Some Oven' (found on Pinterest).
The ingredients are (all  organic) oats, coconut, flaxseed, peanut butter, raw honey, chia seeds, vanilla extract and chocolate chips (high percentage cocoa). I keep them in a box in the fridge ...great for whenever I feel the need for something sweet.  

Today isn't a major 'blues day'. My oesophagus is rucked up - but I'm used to that. Brian and I went for a walk to Attenborough Nature Reserve and made the most of the glorious sunshine. This is the sight that met us when we reached St Mary's church.....
.......a sea of crocuses and snowdrops.We come here every year at this time....and every year it seems to get better.
The robins were serenading us, the ducks were a-dabbling.........it truly felt like spring :-)

Today's blues......


13 comments:

Julie said...

Hi Linda, I just read your post and the information about your health issues. The health problems sound complicated, I wish I could offer help. I'm glad that you were well enough for the walk. The crocuses and snowdrops are a beautiful site, I'm sure it must have been heart warming. The energy balls sound good - I might try that later in the week. Have a good evening.

Lynn Holland said...

You have taken some amazing photo's.
Hope you keep well
Lynn :)

WendyCarole said...

So sorry to hear about your health issues.

Love your spring like photos. I really think spring is just around the corner. We have had a sunny day today and the washing dried outside. :)

Julie said...

We both have hiatus hernias too :-( It's good that you have some understanding of your condition but not so good that the health service isn't supporting you. I do hope that you have a good break in St Ives and good weather for it too. xxx

Sarah Huizenga said...

Love that Nature Reserve, what a beautiful place. I can't believe all your flowers. We are not even close.

Heather said...

Lovely pics - that carpet of crocus is a tonic in itself. Hope your trip to St.Ives comes off and that your various strategies for improved health are helpful.

Jackie said...

Lovely spring photos Linda. I hope you enjoy St Ives. I've read the health page..what a difficult set of symptoms. I am definitely going to try the heel thunks. It makes sense.Thank you.

Maggi said...

Definitely going to try out those energy balls. Have a good trip to St Ives.

Maggi said...

Meant to say that Attenborough is looking beautiful.

Rian said...

Hi Linda,

I linked to your blog from Judy "stitch along with me" in Seattle. I am gluten free and sugar free for ten months now and I feel better than I EVER have. Keep up the good work!

Shashi Nayagam said...

Dear Linda sorry to hear about your health issues. Hope your break to the seaside helps your system to settled down.
Love the beautiful pictures and I can't wait for spring to arrive here.

Beverly said...

The field of crocus is so pretty! Love the signs of spring ... birds, ducks, flowers. And I love your new blog name.

Zoe Louise Hooley said...

Alex didn't know that these particular spring flowers were called crocuses and thought they were 'mini tulips' which I thought was so sweet :) lovely post, we love walking in Attenborough it's so quiet, quaint and pretty, I love the energy there actually, you know I like good vibes ;) xxx

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