My first effort on my new loom

The loom is quite small only 12.5” wide x 13” long x 3.5” high but can be used for tapestry or bead weaving. I did some  tapestry weaving and tablet weaving when my kids were little but have never done bead weaving before. Usually I find something new to do and once I have conquered it I loose interest.

I have always liked weaving except I am finding it a bit hard on the back now so have to figure a way to avoid bending over.

The picture is from the box of the loom and an example of what you can make.   My first effort was a friendship bracelet which came from the book my friend from the lower mainland gave me when she was visiting.

 

Up at dawn and away

Company has gone now so I am off to the lower mainland tomorrow at dawn. Will do the first lap to Cache Creek, which is about 10 hours, or so Google Earth says, if I drive the speed limit.. Then overnight in a motel which I have already booked as there are forest fires in the area and I might not get a room if I waited until I arrived as they are on evacuation alert in the Clinton area which is on the highway I will be traveling, apparently there is quite a bit of smoke. Also there are a lot of road works so it may take me longer than 10 hrs, I hope not. So hopefully I will be well rested to drive the final 4 hours to reach my son's place late morning or early afternoon.

Google Map

Grains can safely be eliminated from your diet

I personally eat very few grains  and then only oats or barley about 1/3 cup per day but many days I don't eat any at all.

Wheat, corn etc are not essential to a healthy diet although they are featured on the bottom of the food groups pyramid as essential foods. A lot of pressure has been applied from different agricultural groups to make this so. Grains are relatively inexpensive due to government subsidies. However they don't provide any nutrients you can't get from other foods. There are many researchers that  argue that it is grains not saturated fat that contribute to disease. The latest research claiming that wheat may contribute to diabetes. Refined carbohydrates probably do a lot more harm that saturated fat and being overweight is more harmful than both. Maintaining a healthy body weight is ultimately more important than what percentage of the diet is protein, fat, or carbohydrate.


Information from The Nutrition Data Blog

We have old friends arriving today staying until Saturday, so in the interests of courtesy I will not be on the computer that much.

Next Sunday early I am driving down to the coast to see Son #1 and family for a short visit because I have to be back here on Friday 28th to do my last stint at the Info Centre.

I went out on the big lake yesterday with Dave and he caught a salmon. We were only out about three hours all told so that I was able to handle. It was lovely out there. First time out for me this year.

So got to rush and tidy up the place and do all the little things that I have left to the last minute.

Coconut oil is great skin cream

I had read that coconut oil is really good for skin and thought I would try it. I had Virgin Coconut Oil on hand for frying and baking so gave it a go. I thought it would make my skin greasy but not a bit of it. It sinks right in and even the T-Zone which normally is a bit shiny with my regular skin cream stayed soft but not shiny or greasy and my skin is really soft. I run my hands under hot water and then take a tiny smidgen of the coconut oil which is actually hard at room temperature and rub it gently into my face and throat. Apparently it is good for acne and other skin complaints as well as many other health issues. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal abilities and although a saturated fat is not one of the bad ones but it is interesting to read how coconut oil got such a bad rap. It was all about big business and politics not about your health at all.

Coconut oil for the skin
Coconut Research Centre
Wikepedia - Coconut oil

Nice to get a pat on the back from our neighbour for a change

The expected new U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Jacobson has positive things to say about Canada and that is good to hear for a change.

Jacobson gave a long list of areas of critical importance to the U.S., noting that contrary to the beliefs of many Americans, Canada is the country's biggest energy supplier. He also praised Canada's efforts in Afghanistan, calling the deaths of 127 Canadian soldiers in the war "an amazing commitment."

Jacobson also spoke about the ability of Canada's banks to weather the global economic crisis better than their American counterparts because of more conservative lending practices, adding "perhaps it's something we can learn from.

Fire danger throughout BC

As we came home from church Sunday we could see smoke from fires across the lake, but no one lives over there so I suppose it will be allowed to burn out. There are a few small fires around us but so far nothing for us to worry about. It is a bit hazy and you can smell  smoke.  There are planes going over every hour or so I assume to check for fires. We don't usually have planes overhead so that is why I think they must be to do with the fires. We are in a the very high danger zone not in the extreme. Over 6000 people have had to evacuate their homes some having to be airlifted out by helicopter.  Yesterday we had a huge storm here which poured rain for at least half an hour so that was a real blessing and will have helped somewhat but everything is so dry and the undergrowth is crunchy to walk on.

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