Mindful May

Mihani
Mihani Posts: 4,052 Member
edited December 2024 in Social Groups
Dusted off my old mindfulness textbook from a course I took a few years ago. So much stress and anxiety going around these days, and mindfulness is a great way to manage that and avoid the less healthy ways of coping like overeating or eating junky comfort foods or opening a bottle of wine. The wine thing might just be me. LOL

The interesting thing is, after all these years following a WFPB diet (with occasional lapses into vegan junk food and wine) my comfort foods are mostly WFPB. Never thought I would say that, but it's really true.

Goals for this month... practice mindfulness and yoga every day, get in some treadmill time, and keep eating good for me food.

B - oatmeal with all the usual goodies
L - leftover stir-fry and cous cous, cantaloupe
D - big ol' salad with lots of different veggies, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, punchy mustard dressing, a few Mary's Gone Crackers

If I am hungry later I might have an apple, but probably good for today.
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Replies

  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 4,018 Member
    edited May 2020
    Love Mindful May, Mihani ...great way to start the month.

    Thanks so much. Loads of good stuff today in 32 ounces of green juice...next week, making carrot/orange.

    Cuties and Amy's plus loads of spinach for work...not sure what else. A little scattered this morning.

    I'll get it together. I am just happy I did make a gallon of Joe's Mean Green. It does help for sure. Like I said, I was never a juice only girl...it totally supplements all my other healthy habits.

    Later, dollies.
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,052 Member
    Mornin' Magic! Hope you have a good day at work.

    Got up early and made a grocery run. Wasn't crowded at all and I got in and out in good time. Wore my mask and gloves. Hate it, but it's the right thing to do. The only things on my list I couldn't get were milk bones and whole wheat flour. I have heard a lot of people are baking while stuck at home and I guess it is true. The baking aisle was nearly wiped out. I still have plenty of milk bones for the boy to get through another week or more and that's the important thing!

    I had everything on hand to make red lentil cauliflower curry except a parsnip and cilantro so I picked those up. Carla introduced me to that recipe and it is super yummy. I miss Carla, hope she checks in soon. Also going to make a batch of the Eat Your Greens soup and freeze it. I ordered more Dr. McDougall soups this morning. I just get the miso ramen and the hot and sour now since they are my favorites. They are selling them in 24 packs now which gives you a bit of a discount. They sure come in handy for office lunches sometimes.

    Heading out now to mow the lawn, and then a shower. I skipped that this morning since I knew I'd want to shower after the grocery and mowing.

    Haven't had breakfast yet but will have something after I mow. Probably just eat a salad for lunch at that point. Going to do some cooking and cleaning today then tomorrow I will work all day (at home) and also do laundry. This week salad goodies include lettuce, carrots, radishes, broccoli, banana peppers, yellow squash, cucumber, grape tomatoes. Might try a new dressing recipe this week.

    Have a great day all!

  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,052 Member
    Got a lot done today! Grocery, lawn mowed, double batch of baked tofu, baked Japanese sweet potatoes, set up oatmeal containers and got those in the freezer (enough for 2 weeks), set up my salads and made dressing. I did make the lentil cauliflower curry. So good! Decided to wait a couple days to make the Eat Your Greens soup since I will be eating the curry and tofu for the next few days.

    I have a watermelon to cut up and got a couple Sumo mandarins... they are only around a few months a year and they are so good. Had one for dessert tonight.

    I've been a little more conscientious about taking my vitamins lately. I take B12, D, vegan EPA+DHA. I've also been having some elderberry gummies thanks to Magic's recommendation.

    Will get my yoga and mindfulness practice in before bed.
  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 4,018 Member
    edited May 2020
    Everything sounds delish! Could you tell me what you do to your tofu. I have made it once...and I like it a lot. I have some in the fridge. I put panko on it...popped it in the air fryer. I even bought a tofu press. I just need to make it. It needs a good dipping sauce.

    Today:

    fresh OJ My Mother's Day present to myself*. I just tested it out this morning. Works perfectly ! Will be making carrot/orange/ginger juice on my weekend.
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D5KRQL7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

    cuties
    veggie burger on Ezekiel with ketchup and lettuce
    carrots and hummus
    fresh pineapple
    green juice
    dinner: hmmmmmmmmm...not sure. something light.

    Have a good day everyone. 2 1/2 hours to go. Yay!

    My vitamins come from Andrew Lessman, HSN and he has his own website...Procaps Labs.

    I think the elderberry is working, actually. I hope so for sure.

    Stay safe, sweet friends.

    ************

    I usually make carrot/apple. But I really like carrot/orange. But it takes so long to peel the oranges for the juicer. So, I went with this one...manual. I had an electric one once for the same reason, but that took forever to use...it kept clogging. Anyway, this juices pomegranates as well. Kinda cool.

  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 4,018 Member
    Morning all...things will look just about the same today...at least for the morning...

    coffee
    green juice
    cuties
    veggie burger sammy on ezekiel
    fresh cut pineapple
    carrots and hummus
    pasta, sauce and loads of spinach.

    I need veggies so I am thinking I might just go to Sprouts, myself, tomorrow. We'll see.

    Wishing you all a safe day. spocksmiley.gif
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,052 Member
    Hi Magic... veggie burger sounds so good! I haven't had one in ages. I should make a big batch and freeze them.

    I've been making this recipe a lot lately: https://hellonutritarian.com/easy-baked-tofu/ It's super duper easy and tastes great so it works for me. I have somewhere a recipe for maple ginger tofu and it's to die for. I'll see if I can dig that up and share.

    I froze several serving containers of the curry yesterday and made the Eat Your Greens soup.

    Eating a salad now then going to work here at home for a while. Will treadmill later.

    B - skipped it
    L - leftover curry, an apple
    D - big ol' salad, a few slices of tofu and some of the Japaneses sweet potato, some watermelon
  • AustinRuadhain
    AustinRuadhain Posts: 2,595 Member
    Hi Magic, hi Mihani, :heart: :heart:

    :blush: I am sorry to be so scattered about checking in AND getting a reply posted. I think of you guys everyday, but am a slow writer, and so don't always take the time to write a check-in.
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    I am sticking to the plant-based diet and continue to feel really healthy. I am getting in some weights as well as cardio workouts, too. I need to get in more martial arts.

    Other current projects: yard work (lots done today); Scouts volunteer work (coming after dinner); play aorund with a Bullet Journal (an experiment for me)

    Menu today
    - Green smoothie (broccoli, blueberries, spinach, spices), coffee, almond butter, goji berries
    - Beans and greens, steamed zucchini with raw tomatoes and onions, steamed carrots &mushrooms, squash pudding for dessert (acorn squash, butternut squash, cashew milk)
    - Apple slices & peanut butter
    - Dinner will be a big salad and more squash pudding

    I am about to need to go to the store again. Am putting that off until early tomorrow.

    Right now -- exercise!
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,052 Member
    Hiya Austin, hope you have an easy trip to the store. I went early Saturday morning and it wasn't crowded at all. How is your Scouts project coming along?

    I have over a week now of back on 100% WFPB no junky stuff. My clothes were getting a bit snug after the first month of "lockdown" and eating too many starches and drinking too much wine. Nipped that in the bud thank goodness.

    Plan for today...
    B - Eat Your Greens soup
    L - leftover curry, watermelon
    D - big ol' salad, more watermelon
  • AustinRuadhain
    AustinRuadhain Posts: 2,595 Member
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    Good morning, plant-based friends!

    I am up and at 'em. Coffee made. Folded two loads of laundry. Drinking coffee and checking in on MFP, then will head to the store.

    Mihani -- congrats on a week of 100% WFPB! That's great! Getting in action while the clothes were just a bit tight was so smart! Your menu sounded super delicious -- Japanese sweet potato, watermelon, curry -- yum!

    Magic, your new orange juicer looks quite spiffy! I hope it is working well, too! New gadgets are such fun!
    I had menu envy reading your post, too! I was already planning to pick up more clementines (teenager vacuums them up at a tremendous rate). I think I'll look for a pineapple, too!

    Austin update -- Yesterday was good, health-wise. I stuck to my food plan and got in some good working out.
    Projects - not so productive. Scouts is the big thing on the calendar after I get back from the store this morning. Bullet journaling needs to fit in there somewhere, and I am looking forward to that.
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  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,052 Member
    Awww... cute puppy pic. Sounds like a productive day, Austin. I hadn't thought until now... guess your martial arts classes would be shut down. So many things we're all not able to do right now.

    I had a pretty good day at work. Got some things off my desk which is always nice. I got home around 4:00, had dinner and chilled for a bit. Heading up to my desk now to get some more work done until bedtime. Stuck to my plan for the day again. The watermelon is wonderful. Hoping it is a sign this will be a good summer for watermelon. Last summer the ones I got were all pretty meh.

  • AustinRuadhain
    AustinRuadhain Posts: 2,595 Member
    Mihani wrote: »
    Awww... cute puppy pic. Sounds like a productive day, Austin. I hadn't thought until now... guess your martial arts classes would be shut down. So many things we're all not able to do right now.

    I had a pretty good day at work. Got some things off my desk which is always nice. I got home around 4:00, had dinner and chilled for a bit. Heading up to my desk now to get some more work done until bedtime. Stuck to my plan for the day again. The watermelon is wonderful. Hoping it is a sign this will be a good summer for watermelon. Last summer the ones I got were all pretty meh.

    Hey Mihani, Yay for your productive, planful and delicious (watermelon!) day!

    I got my shopping done. My husband is amused at the small mountain of produce in a corner of the kitchen I will wash it all before it goes into the fridge. He is trying to eat more plants, but is a long way from eating as many veggies as I do! :lol:

    Magic - I did get a little pineapple while I was out and about it! Yay!

  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 4,018 Member
    Getting lazy checking in...sorry.

    Today's plan is a lot like the past several days...

    fresh juice
    pineapple, the last of it.
    baked potato and salsa
    veggie burger with LTO, ketchup and ezekiel. It is Gardein Ultimate Burger. It is so good. I cook it up in the air fryer. It is pretty processed. And there is that gluten thing...but lord, it makes the best sandwich...4 something for four in a bag when not on sale. Fooducate, reviews are stellar.
    kale salad
    nice cream

    the end. My orange juicer works perfectly. My carrot/orange/lemon/ginger juice should be illegal, it's THAT good. Carrot juice is a great liver cleanse, or so I have read.

    Later, dollies.
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,052 Member
    Austin... totally get that! When I first get home from the store I'm like okay where the heck am I going to fit all this fresh produce. When the kitchen gets redone I think I'll move my current (very old but still working) fridge to the garage or basement for extra storage.

    That juice does sound delicious, Magic, as does everything in your plan today. Nom nom!

    Getting back to too many hours in the office, although I had said I wasn't going to stay so late this month. Not sure how to fix this, but I will work on it. I don't mind some days but I can't be in there late every day.

    I realized I've been unintentionally intermittent fasting. I just haven't felt like eating breakfast lately but I eat a big lunch and dinner and seem to be fine with that.

    L = leftover Eat Your Greens soup, tofu, couple slices of sweet potato, watermelon
    D - big ol' salad, a few Mary's Gone Crackers, sumo mandarin, almond milk peach yogurt

    Not sure what I want to do this evening. I feel restless and trying to think of something new to engage my interest. Maybe I'll check out some yoga videos on youtube.
  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 4,018 Member
    WATERMELON...are they sweet? That sounds so good, Mihani. With triple digits temps already (AZ desert)...yum for sure.

    Austin, that Ultimate Beefless Burger from Gardein made with all the fixins, will make even a carnivore's mouth water. Thinking your DH will enjoy that. I make mine in the airfryer. Just do not make it in the microwave, even though there are directions.

    I am heading back to the store this morning...Sprouts Farmer's Market. I have been having massaged kale salad...tastes great...make it with avocado and lemon and nutritional yeast and raisins...and great way to more kale into me.

    Also, more carrots and oranges.

    Thinking of making up a batch of spaghetti sauce. Well, use help from TJ's Recipe #99 and then add onions, garlic, mushrooms...and then top off with handfuls of spinach just when serving, to wilt in. Another way to get more greens in me.

    I get to the store when it opens...it's cool out and also, not many people. One other stop, Walmart. Just need a couple of things.

    And then back home to chill in place.

    Fruit will be grapes, mangoes, pineapple. Probably pick up one bag of cuties.

    Chef AJ had Dr. Kim Williams, cardiologist, plant based on the other day. Great interview...Dr. Williams is a super hero in my book. Might be good to play for people in one's life who need more PLANTS in theirs! Not preaching...just suggesting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPbCA3sRW84&t=2450s

    Later, my sweet friends.

  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 4,018 Member
    Massaged kale salad today was so good! Massaged with lemon first ...then added avocado and massaged more...then added nutritional yeast...and massaged a bit more. Added raisins and raw sunflower seeds. Let sit and chill in fridge. It’s nice and compact by then.

    Serve chilled with a fresh squeeze of lemon and sliced strawberries 🍓! Enjoy!
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,052 Member
    Still never tried a massaged kale salad. I should one of these days. Your version sounds delightful, Magic. This watermelon is super sweet and juicy. Sure hope that means a good summer for watermelon coming.

    Another busy day at work but I did manage to get out on time. I'll settle for that even if I am not getting out early... but I need to stop staying late all the time. A day or two a week maybe but not every day like pre-COVID.

    Today was pretty much a repeat of yesterday except no more sumo mandarins so I had an apple instead.

    Up too late last night and going to relax for a bit then go to bed early.

  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 4,018 Member
    So, I buy the organic whole curly kale. Strip it off the stems and tear it apart into small pieces...wash and spin dry.

    I squeeze the fresh lemon over it...the avocado is ripe...a whole one for a whole bunch of kale. The cut the avo in half and score it into small pieces and then inside out into the bowl of kale. Get in there with your hand and scmoosh the avo into the leave. Then sprinkle the Nutritional Yeast about and that then chill. It is so good.

    I did not pick up a watermelon...at Sprouts, they are from Mexico, which is fine. I will pick one up next time.

    I made fresh pico...made it too hot...making more not so hot. Have refried beans I need to use up...but going to have another burger. Will cook up two so I can have one for lunch tomorrow.

    Lots of Carrot/Orange and Green Juice made this weekend.

    Glad you are not working as much as before covid. Gotta relax a little.

    Hugs to both of you. I have a mango ripening on the counter...just remembered. They really need to be eaten outside on the lawn or over the sink. LOL

    Later, dollies!
  • AustinRuadhain
    AustinRuadhain Posts: 2,595 Member
    Hello, peeps!

    Having a good day so far! I still need to get some movement in, and am about to do that.

    Mihani - I don;t remember if I told you, but I have been putting raw diced beet on my salads this week, at your suggestion. Yum!

    Magic, that salad sounds a-MAZ-ing!

    I looked up Dr. Kim Williams and found he has appeared on the Rich Roll podcast.I am going to give that a try and then recommend it if possible. Thank you!
    https://www.richroll.com/podcast/kim-williams/

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  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 4,018 Member
    edited May 2020
    Up and NOT ready to go back to work today...ugh. LOVE the graphic...so adorable.

    I have all my juice ready...that is pretty much all I did this weekend. Learned that I cannot make so much in my kuvings...it gets clogged up. Almost could not get it apart. And I just curly kale with the stems...not a great idea. Next time, NOT doubling and going back to my tub of super greens with no thick stems. Huge waste.

    Juices
    kale salad
    burger ... not the works, just ezekiel and ketchup...and lettuce maybe. MUCH better hot and juicy, out of the air fryer...WITH THE WORKS.

    Think that's it. Just want to get his day over.

    Later, my sweets.
  • AustinRuadhain
    AustinRuadhain Posts: 2,595 Member
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    Good afternoon, plant-based peeps!

    I tried sending a good-morning post, but had a tech glitch and it got lost. Probably my error. *sigh*

    Mihani - your salad sounds divine!

    Magic - YES to eating mangos over the sink! I do! And I always have to have my dental floss at the ready. But they are so tasty and worth it!

    Anyhoo, I am set to have a good day fitness-wise.
    Brekkers(done)-the usual green smoothie w/blueberries; side of gojis & almond butter
    Lunch(about to do this-HUNGRY!)-beans & greens; sides of squash-tomato-onion and mushroom-carrot-onion; steamed butternut plus diced jicama for dessert
    Snack-apple & pb
    Dinner-huge salad including diced raw beet; homemade no-oil dressing; if I am ambitious will cut open the pineapple for dessert
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,052 Member
    Hello Ladies! Busy day at work and left early to run lots of errands (some work related some not) and took the boy to the vet was the last one. I am going to take a shower soon. I wash and wash my hands but I still feel contaminated when I run around now... I hate this feeling! Then I'll make dinner and relax for the evening. Lots of work to do this weekend.

    Magic, hope things went okay at work. Sounds like you are feeling a little down today so I hope some bright happy things happened today!

    Austin... I hate when I lose a post! It always seems like the ones you lost were the most brilliant ones.

    Speaking of mango... I haven't made this in a while but I made up a salad years ago and it was a favorite for quite a while. Romaine, black beans, green onion, red pepper, mango, salsa. I was obsessed with this flavor combo for a while.

    No breakfast today.
    L - Dr. McD hot and sour, watermelon
    D - going to make a pasta sauce with zucchini, kale, onion, broccoli... will cook some lentil pasta that I have in the pantry to eat with the sauce and may get really indulgent and make some garlic toast with ezekiel bread

    Assuming I make the garlic toast I am going to try this... https://www.brandnewvegan.com/recipes/vegan-corn-butter

  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,052 Member
    Forgot... I meant to share this. Heard about lentil tortillas so I googled for a recipe. I haven't tried it yet but extremely intrigued! http://www.veggiejam.com/english/3-ingredient-lentil-tortillas/
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,052 Member
    The sauce is simmering... this took much longer than I anticipated so I won't have much dinner. Forgot I also had eggplant and yellow pepper. Will add the kale when it's done simmering so it can wilt in. It's a very thick vegetable-filled sauce. I have been tasting and adjusting seasonings as I go, and right now I think it is nearly perfect. Just needs to simmer for a bit. I used a large can of fire roasted tomatoes, a large can of pureed tomatoes, and two small cans of diced tomatoes. I water sauteed onion and garlic then added the other veggies and sauteed a bit more, added all the cans of tomato and lots of basil, pepper, no-salt seasoning, some red pepper flakes, a little sprinkle of organic cane sugar. Latest taste test... a winner. I have read that baking soda will also cut acidity and forgot to try that instead of sugar this time. I'll make sure to remember next time.

  • AustinRuadhain
    AustinRuadhain Posts: 2,595 Member
    Hey there, peeps!

    Mihani, your cooking projects sound delicious! I bookmarked Lentil Tortillas, as that sounds like something I would like to try. Not sure if the teenager will think them too strange, but worth a try! And the salad with mango is something I will try for sure!

    On a related note, I made Naan early this week, and that was a hit. I used this recipe (substitute vegan yogurt):
    https://rasamalaysia.com/naan/

    Okay, time to tackle the day! Off to make lunch, attend a Board meeting, and work on weekend projects!

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  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,052 Member
    Hiya everyone... I got up early and got some work done, took a long nap, now eating a big salad and will probably not do a whole lot more today. I froze all the pasta sauce in individual servings. I kind of forgot until I made this huge batch that I can only eat small amounts of tomato based sauce or it upsets my stomach. Happy I'm finally rebuilding my stock of healthy homemade meals in the freezer though.

    I made a super simple dressing for my salads the next few days. Whisked together tahini, lime juice, no salt seasoning, cumin, water to thin to desired consistency. Will make un-honey mustard in a couple days when this runs out.

    Austin, I just googled to see about a whole wheat or spelt naan recipe with no oil and found a couple so I think I'll give that a try soon! I've been enjoying cooking again lately, but only when the mood strikes.

    Got my salads set up for the week and will make a big stir-fry with brown rice tomorrow that will last a few lunches. I have broccoli, peppers, zucchini, bok choy for that. Also have two beautiful bunches of chard. Might throw that in the stir-fry or might make this: https://blog.fatfreevegan.com/2013/01/swiss-chard-with-crisp-apples.html I made this years ago and really enjoyed it.

    B - oats with all the usual goodies
    L - almond milk yogurt and an apple
    D - big ol' salad with lots of veggies and chickpeas
  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 4,018 Member
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    Hope your day is special, my dear friends.
  • Mihani
    Mihani Posts: 4,052 Member
    Hi y'all! I got up and started laundry which just got done and I'm heading up to my desk for the rest of the day. I also looked at all the veggies that I had in the fridge and decided to do my usual dump everything in a pot because I realize I am just not likely to cook throughout the week.

    I started in a skillet and had to move everything into a stock pot to finish steaming/simmering because it was overflowing. I threw in onion, brussels sprouts, carrot, broccoli, yellow pepper, zucchini and yellow squash, bok choy, and two big bunches of chard. I start with sauteeing onions and garlic (adding only tiny bits of water to prevent sticking), then add other veggies one at a time by how long they take to cook and ending with the greens so everything is still a bit crisp and the greens are just a bit wilted. I seasoned with black pepper and coconut aminos. Now I have containers ready for lunches through Thursday.

    I had a big bowl of the veggies for breakfast, followed by some oatmeal with blueberries, chia seeds and a couple walnut halves. Great start to the day! Dinner will be a big ol' salad with some chickpeas thrown in.

  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 4,018 Member
    edited May 2020
    Morning all...at work...totally on point with my plan today. Did a quick Sprouts run this morning...got there at just after 7...picked up supplies to make one batch of carrot/orange juice...AND

    salad fixins…

    So, today, I brought with me...

    just about 32 ounces of carrot/orange juice
    one salad
    one gardein burger with ketchup and lettuce on Ezekiel
    grapes (picked those up at Sprouts too)

    I did pick up a WATERMELON today...excited to open tonight. Also, my mangoes are now in the fridge, ready for me to dive into them for dessert tonight.

    Will probably make a massaged kale salad for dinner when I get home.

    VERY focused right now.

    Stay plant strong my little buddies! <3
  • AustinRuadhain
    AustinRuadhain Posts: 2,595 Member
    edited May 2020
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    Hello, plant-based friends! Happy Sunday, and Happy Mother's Day to all who are celebrating that!

    I have had a good plant-based day today! I have a shopping list prepped for tomorrow. I am hoping to go early-ish, though not crack of dawn. Still enough good things in the house to get by tonight.

    Mihani, your pot o' veggies sounds fabulous! And having meals prepped for the week is so great. You are set up for success!

    I could stand to do better at meal prep. Will think about that! Hmm....

    Magic, enjoy the watermelon and mangoes! It all sounds delicious.

    I just had a quick half a pink Texas grapefruit as an appetizer, and am about to go make my dinner salad. Fanciest thing on that will be raw beets, courtesy of Mihani's suggestion. Yum!

    Staying focused on staying healthy! :heart:

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  • magic71755
    magic71755 Posts: 4,018 Member
    edited May 2020
    Home...just opened the watermelon. SOOOOOOOOOO sweet. Wow...very great idea Mihani had...glad you mentioned it.

    Too tired to make anything else and not very hungry...really good food day.

    Hope you all had a pleasant day...love the graphics, Austin.

    Later, my sweet friends.
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