For many years we lived next door to a wonderful lady. She took care of our pets when we were out of town and shared our delight when our babies were born. After her husband passed away, she moved into a retirement community. She has her own apartment with two bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen. She has a lot of independence, but if she ever needs full time care, that is also available.

We wanted to stay in touch, and so we have taken her out to eat several times. She called last week and said that the dining hall was beautifully decorated for spring, and invited us to come for lunch on Sunday. While eager to visit with her, I was expecting institutional food. I couldn't have been more wrong.

Sunday brunch was a buffet with lots of choices. I had roasted chicken, smoked salmon, a vegetable mix, green beans, watermelon, and fresh pineapple. It was all nicely cooked and very tasty. I had no idea this kind of fare was even possible in a retirement community.

Then our friend said, "Come look at the dessert bar." I went, just to look, of course. They had coconut cream pie. I knew I was in trouble. Coconut cream pie - my favorite before the BTD - is 100% Type O avoid. I took the smallest piece and ate it slowly.

This afternoon I am fighting the cravings that always follow eating that kind of avoid. There was a time when I didn't understand why I felt so desperate for something else to eat. Now that I know it's the wheat and sugar trying to take over, I can resist.

Perhaps the title of this blog should have been Good choices (and bad) for seniors.