This has been a very busy, yet interesting, week. My husband and I spent a couple days in Anchorage while he was undergoing some medical tests. Everything checked out just fine. We ate all of our meals in the hospital cafeteria where we did avoid those items that had been cooked in favor of the fresh fruits and salad fixings that were available. Well, okay, I did at one meal eat some macaroni and cheese with reindeer sausage. That was my only real downfall, but it tasted so good and I rarely get to eat reindeer which was the reason I bought the macaroni and cheese.

The weather there wasn’t any warmer than the weather here and both places it was cold! It has been over two weeks now that the temperatures have been well below the norm and most of the time it has been below zero with several days of very windy conditions. This is getting old. So far, there is no let up in sight. Of course, on the plus side is that on a couple occasions the aurora borealis has been out for people to enjoy. I haven’t been one of those people however. Fortunately, the evening weather on tv shows lovely photos of what I did miss.

I was quite pleased with my self restraint at my brother’s house yesterday with the turkey and all the other goodies available for the dinner. I am determined to stay under the amount of calories I use regardless of any holiday. I still ate very well by making wise choices more in serving size than in the food. However, I did not partake of any of the rolls and butter, or some of the other extra rich foods. Even so, when I stepped on the scales this morning it showed my weight to be back to where I started last week. I suppose that was water weight due to eating foods that aren’t the best for me and not eating as much raw food as I have become accustomed. Although the calories eaten were below the need, my body said “you can’t eat this stuff and get away with it.” So today it has been back to eating more raw foods overall, which I really do enjoy.

The grocery store is reaping the rewards of my shopping primarily in the produce department. Fresh, organic foods that are shipped to Alaska are expensive. Thought you might like some examples: Apples (most varieties) $2.49 pound; pears $2.49 pound; oranges $1.99 pound; broccoli $2.29 pound, avocados $2.50 each; celery $2.29 pound; beets $2.99 for 3 medium; chard 6 leaves $1.99-2.99; yellow onions $3.99-4.99 for 3 pounds; tomatoes $4.29 pound, baby romaine, cut and washed 5 ounces for $2.99, and on and on. I think that these prices are a bit higher than what is found in most of the U.S. Nonetheless, I buy what I need, use it up, and benefit from the bounty I am so fortunate to find.

It is once again below zero. There is very little wind tonight. If I were to look outside, I would see a sky full of stars and maybe the northern lights. Unfortunately, with it being less than comfortable temperature-wise, I will forego such beauty and opt to stay warm.

So, until next time, take care……….