Were back! Fun Photos and Delicious Sausages/Hot dogs!

We’re home! A big hug and thank you to all of your for your thoughts and prayers for dad. I have to say that driving to Texas from the San Diego area is a very long trip. Total we drove almost 3,800 miles. Along the way we were granted the privilege of staying in KOA camps, the great, the ok, and the ugly. I also learned that as a vegan traveling on the road I need to pack more foods that I could eat. We encountered thunder storms, tornado watches, humidity, and wind, and I mean THUNDER STORMS, TORNADO WATCHES, HUMIDITY, and AND WIND! All of these wonderful aspects of nature gave us little time to BBQ or cook on our camp stove. The problem with that is that you can’t do cooking inside of the cabins. We were supposed to tent camp, but Mother Nature had other plans. :o) Needless to say DH, my omniman could get food anywhere, but me I had little choices. PB&J was big, along with potato chips. I was craving a bean burrito, but quickly found out that all the Mexican places in our area used lard in their beans. GROSS! Now

I have to give a big shout out to VEGGIE GIRL, for turning me on to Sunwarrior Rice Protein Powder. This stuff was and is a life saver. I brought along almond milk, my Magic Bullet, and my kitchen scale. This is the best vegan protein drink you will ever find. I use the vanilla flavored and give it a double thumbs up!! Mix it with your choice of milk, fruit, and a little stevia if you are using some not so ripe fruit and WA LA Heaven! Thank you so much, Liz!!! I couldn’t have made it without you! The Sunday before we left we had a family reunion with my side of the family. My mom and sister live south and did a bit of shopping at a Whole Foods market for me. They brought me veggie burgers, rice cheese, strawberries, lettuce and tomatoes so I would have something yummy to eat while the rest of the family devoured Texas BBQ. Thanks mom! Thanks sis! Oh, let me tell you that strawberries are a perfect addition ot the Sunwarrior Rice protein drink!

On to family: Dad was so happy to see us. He became more alert and ready to fight the longer we stayed. By the time we left he was able to walk with the help of his physical therapist, shower and dress himself, and even stand. We had lunch with him everyday out on the patio, which brought color and smiles back into his face. Sadly, we had to say good-bye, which is the hardest thing I ever had to do. We left him with a mini photo album to look at and remember who loves him and to continue fighting. We invited him to come live with us and we are hoping he will take us up on it. Phones calls everyday just isn’t enough. We miss him so and can’t wait to be together again.

My family lives in Texas too, which gave us a great reason to have a family reunion. It was nice to see my family. Enjoy the pictues. Not sure if I am pale from a lack of vegan food (:o)) or really bad lighting.

I have not seen my big brother for about 10 years.

My brother is a hunter and a cyclist.

My sister love animals. She has probably 15 dogs and maybe 8 cats. If it is a fur person it can find a home at my sister’s house.

Our oldest daughter moved back to Texas in 2005 right before Katrina hit. It was good to see you kiddo.

Mom and Dad are retired and moved to Texas last August.

Hi Family!!! Thanks for the fun reunion!

Well my friends I have been trying to make some decisions to get myself back in the kitchen, which I have missed, but my slump still exists. So to help me get back in the swing of things I have decided to do the following. Next week I will focus my meals from cookbooks that are sitting on my shelves gathering dust along with hundreds of recipes I have printed out to try. I am also going to be testing some new recipes for some new cookbooks, which will be on bookstore shelves or available via the internet soon from some great chefs with great recipes and blogs. So stay tuned for next weeks posts!!!

I have to say that I did join Julie's new Members Only area on Everdaydish and you gotta join! The recipes are amazing. Here is just a little pick at the best vegan sausage/hot dogs you will ever eat. I mean you can forget all the store bought brands and stock up your freezer with these. Yes, they freeze perfectly. I have gilled them as you can see in the picture, sliced them and fried them up, and eaten them cold. Dear hubby, my omnivore says they are spot on!!! Go for it all you foodies!

With that I leave you with hugs and appreciation for you wonderful friendship!!!