Wow. It's hard to believe another Survivor Diet Challenge is almost in the books. I feel VERY good about this one. In fact, I think the best one I have done to date. I had virtually no cheating, I lost weight, lowered my blood pressure, stopped snoring and learned several new things in the process. My rewards, for the most part were excellently planned and I felt like I actually deserved them after performing several primitive survival skills.
One part of the weekly reward system that I will think about improving for next time (if there is one) is the final week. I seem to remember this happening last year as well and I'll have to check my blog notes to confirm but I think that my last week reward of "any meal of my choosing" is a bit unnecessary. Sure, it sounds great. Especially when I am at the beginning, the thought of a supreme meal at the end seems fantastic. In reality though, I could basically have the "any meal of my choosing" just one week later when the diet is over. Additionally, when I get to this point in the SDC I am feeling at the top of my game. I feel healthy, look slim and see the light at the end of the tunnel. I know it's not officially cheating because of the rules that are in place for the weekly rewards - but at this point in the challenge it feels almost like cheating if I just go off diet and have any meal of my choosing. It's not that I don't feel like I deserve it - I certainly do. I just think waiting one more week for this type of reward would be fine. So next time around, I think I will re-thing the final weekly reward.
This week I have completely run out of butter and eggs and flour. Most of that is due to my own negligence, lack of will power and inability to ration appropriately. But if I were to to have one thing right now that would make my food a lot more palatable til the end, I'd say it would have to be the butter. I'm back to dry cooking and broiling with sea salt and spices. It's just not the same without the butter. I originally gave myself a pound and a half of butter after week 2 reward but if I had just one more half pound it would be great. I think I used up so much more butter than normal this year because of the addition of the flour and using that to bake bread. The bread and butter was so fantastic and I didn't ration very well. My fault.
I suppose I cold easily substitute that final reward of 'any meal' with my choice of just having a meal of butter - and then I could have as much as I need. Ha! I also had the thought of getting a duck at the market and cooking it on the rotisserie. When I do that, the duck fat that drips off yields about a cup of fat or more that could be easily used as a butter substitute. That was going to be my plan if I had captured a duck or goose using the "Small Animal Clause" in the official rules. I would have been able to roast a duck and render off all the fat and have that fat on hand to cook lots of fish with. Not to mention the duck dinner!
SDC
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Day 38 - Doctor Visit - No Crabs
This morning I had my 'end of Survivor Diet' doctor visit. The primary purpose was to follow up on my high levels of cholesterol and to figure out a plan to lower the LDL and Triglycerides. Even after explaining that I have been on a serious diet and exercise routing with nutritional counseling, my doctor immediately went the route of suggesting I take a pretty extreme cholesterol lowering medication. I told her that I would at least like to see, by means of a follow up blood test, how much my cholesterol has changed as a result of my recent routine. She hesitantly agreed with my plea and gave me another prescription for blood work. She also suggested I take a fish oil pill to help with the cholesterol and gave me a few boxes of samples to start.
I was just humoring her by asking many questions about medication and the duration that I would have to take it - but in reality, there's no way in hell I am taking medication for this - two pills a day for the rest of my life. Yeah right! It really makes you wonder about today's medical professional community and the influences that the drug companies have over them. My doctor was SO quick to suggest drugs WAY before even considering a dietary change or exercise regimen. She even went as far as to say that diet and exercise may reduce my levels by as much as 20 percent but I need at least a 50% drop so medication is going to be the only way. And also added that it is not my fault and that my condition is most likely due to genetics and heredity. I will agree with some of that but I would really like to prove everyone wrong about the diet and exercise - I am going to do my follow up blood test in two days. The results of that should be interesting.
After leaving the doctor's office I had the rest of this beautiful day to myself and I decided to go do some crabbing and fishing - what a surprise huh? I grabbed some live killies from Pat's house and then I packed up the boat and was on the water by 10:30
Looking at my previous year's Survivor Diet notes, I had a significant number of crabs already by this date. Makes me wonder how much that super storm this past October affected the crab life cycle. In any event, there will be no fluke stuffed with crab meat on the menu anytime soon. I was out today on the boat and put out the long line in an area that has been very productive in the past and there were ZERO blue crabs. I did get a bunch of the unwanted three S's as I call them: Spider Crabs, Seaweed and Snails.
It was one of the nicest days to be out on the water so far this year. Perfect weather - not too hot, not too cold, mild breeze - just perfect. I had some killies and took them to the fluke channel and although it was not hot and heavy action all day, I did manage to take home 4 keeper fluke. I caught a handful of bluefish as well but I threw them back. I just don't have the interest in eating bluefish when there are fluke available.
After getting home, I put my newest fish in the refrigerator and cleaned the fluke and sundial that I speared on Monday. That was my lunch/dinner. I mixed it with some rice and seasoning and broiled it just like I have done many times in the past few weeks. Interestingly, while playing tennis with Debbie later, I had a pretty significant stomach ache. I had to quit tennis early and get home for an immediate trip to the toilet. Sorry if this sounds harsh but I had some diarrhea. Afterwards (and after a quick shower) I felt pretty much back to normal again. Strange. Just thought it would be worth mentioning because it's one of the only health related issues I've faced so far. Additionally, both kids have been sick with colds - lots of sneezing and nose blowing and congestion - and Debbie and I have not suffered any symptoms of that. Let's hope that continues.
I was just humoring her by asking many questions about medication and the duration that I would have to take it - but in reality, there's no way in hell I am taking medication for this - two pills a day for the rest of my life. Yeah right! It really makes you wonder about today's medical professional community and the influences that the drug companies have over them. My doctor was SO quick to suggest drugs WAY before even considering a dietary change or exercise regimen. She even went as far as to say that diet and exercise may reduce my levels by as much as 20 percent but I need at least a 50% drop so medication is going to be the only way. And also added that it is not my fault and that my condition is most likely due to genetics and heredity. I will agree with some of that but I would really like to prove everyone wrong about the diet and exercise - I am going to do my follow up blood test in two days. The results of that should be interesting.
After leaving the doctor's office I had the rest of this beautiful day to myself and I decided to go do some crabbing and fishing - what a surprise huh? I grabbed some live killies from Pat's house and then I packed up the boat and was on the water by 10:30
Looking at my previous year's Survivor Diet notes, I had a significant number of crabs already by this date. Makes me wonder how much that super storm this past October affected the crab life cycle. In any event, there will be no fluke stuffed with crab meat on the menu anytime soon. I was out today on the boat and put out the long line in an area that has been very productive in the past and there were ZERO blue crabs. I did get a bunch of the unwanted three S's as I call them: Spider Crabs, Seaweed and Snails.
It was one of the nicest days to be out on the water so far this year. Perfect weather - not too hot, not too cold, mild breeze - just perfect. I had some killies and took them to the fluke channel and although it was not hot and heavy action all day, I did manage to take home 4 keeper fluke. I caught a handful of bluefish as well but I threw them back. I just don't have the interest in eating bluefish when there are fluke available.
After getting home, I put my newest fish in the refrigerator and cleaned the fluke and sundial that I speared on Monday. That was my lunch/dinner. I mixed it with some rice and seasoning and broiled it just like I have done many times in the past few weeks. Interestingly, while playing tennis with Debbie later, I had a pretty significant stomach ache. I had to quit tennis early and get home for an immediate trip to the toilet. Sorry if this sounds harsh but I had some diarrhea. Afterwards (and after a quick shower) I felt pretty much back to normal again. Strange. Just thought it would be worth mentioning because it's one of the only health related issues I've faced so far. Additionally, both kids have been sick with colds - lots of sneezing and nose blowing and congestion - and Debbie and I have not suffered any symptoms of that. Let's hope that continues.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Day 37 - The Coming of Junk Food
In a few short days I will be finished with the 2013 Survivor Diet Challenge! Ya-Hooooo! I have been Jones-ing for some junk food - big time. I am a little fearful of the Day After and I came up with a plan today to try to limit myself. What I am going to try is to select ONE type of junk food and have only that for a month - then switch over to another type the following month. Yes, I can basically have as much as I want but this idea, I am hoping, will accomplish a few things.
First off - it will satisfy my craving for sweets. Second - it will limit my sweet intake to only one type instead of a free for all. Third - it will quite possibly make me completely sick of one particular sweet indulgence to the point of maybe not wanting it again for a LONG time. Forth - I will have something to look forward to at the turn of each month - a new treat.
Here's the plan (thanks to Jamie and her friends Isa and Corrine):
We had fun making this list today - I could see the girls really getting involved with the plan. They even looked at the times of year and the seasons (and my birthday) and tried to coordinate the best types of sweets for the occasions. We decided to stop after November because, as they said, no one should be restricted of sweets the month of Christmas (an Jamie's birthday). Ha!
That's the plan - for now. 6 months is a LONG time but I think I can do it. Ice cream next week! Heaps and heaps of it - OMG!
First off - it will satisfy my craving for sweets. Second - it will limit my sweet intake to only one type instead of a free for all. Third - it will quite possibly make me completely sick of one particular sweet indulgence to the point of maybe not wanting it again for a LONG time. Forth - I will have something to look forward to at the turn of each month - a new treat.
Here's the plan (thanks to Jamie and her friends Isa and Corrine):
- June - Ice Cream
- July - M&M's
- August - Italian Ice (questionable at this time - may be substituted)
- September - Chocolate Chip Cookies
- October - Donuts - specifically Apple Cider
- November (and including October 31st) - Brownies/Chocolate Cake
We had fun making this list today - I could see the girls really getting involved with the plan. They even looked at the times of year and the seasons (and my birthday) and tried to coordinate the best types of sweets for the occasions. We decided to stop after November because, as they said, no one should be restricted of sweets the month of Christmas (an Jamie's birthday). Ha!
That's the plan - for now. 6 months is a LONG time but I think I can do it. Ice cream next week! Heaps and heaps of it - OMG!
Monday, May 27, 2013
Day 36 - Spearfishing in Deal
Today is the Monday observation of Memorial Day - off from work. It's a nice day and the west wind has laid down the ocean water - time to jump in and shoot some fish. Primitive survival skill??? You bet it is. Especially since once of the fish that I caught I spiked with a pole spear - basically a sharpened stick.
I met up with a new friend today - Pete. He is a spearfisherman as well and we have been trying to get together for some time now. Coincidentally, he has signed up for the same freediving class that I am taking in 2 weeks up in Dutch Springs in PA. I'm glad we had a chance to finally meet up because we have been e-mailing each other for over a year. While freediving, the buddy system is very important and going alone is not advisable. Having a friend like Pete will be a great addition to my fishing network.
Today we decided to try his favorite spot which is in Deal. There are some BIG rock jetties that stick out into relatively deep water and make great structure for all kinds of fish. I'm also hoping there may be some lobsters in there in the future but there weren't any today. Perhaps a spooky night dive is upcoming? I'm also trying to get my new friends Brad and Nirav interested in spearfishing - the more the merrier. They are certainly interested but it can be quite intimidating to the beginner.
So the Deal rocks proved to be a decent spot but not very productive for us today. There were tons of blackfish but they are out of season and can not be shot until July. I missed one medium sized striped bass. It was my first shot of the year and what can I say - I missed high and he got away without a scratch.
After not catching in Deal, I decided to give my spot in Monmouth Beach a try. On my first dive I saw a couple small bass and many blackfish and good visibility but each subsequent dive I saw less and less and another thing I noticed was that I was being pushed out to sea - further and further. It was becoming increasingly difficult to swim against the current and in spearfishing it is ultra ultra important to try to remain as calm and relaxed as possible. This was just not happening today. I took a couple more dives in about 20 feet of water and I did manage to spear a nice 21 inch fluke and a small sundial that I just jabbed with my pole. A sundial is a fish in the flounder family that is usually smaller and thinner - I don't expect it to yield much meat but I thought it was worth it to give a new species a try. I will fillet it tomorrow and try some sashimi first.
It was an exhausting morning to say the least. I must have swam about 3 miles or more and didn't have much to show for it. That's the way it goes sometimes.
Today I completed a couple primitive survival skills such as spearing fish with a pole spear and an alternate way of fire making. Therefore, I am entitled to the final weekly rewards and I am contemplating what I will be doing for my special meal. Maybe a roast duck. I originally had plans for a suckling pig but that's not in the cards right now.
I met up with a new friend today - Pete. He is a spearfisherman as well and we have been trying to get together for some time now. Coincidentally, he has signed up for the same freediving class that I am taking in 2 weeks up in Dutch Springs in PA. I'm glad we had a chance to finally meet up because we have been e-mailing each other for over a year. While freediving, the buddy system is very important and going alone is not advisable. Having a friend like Pete will be a great addition to my fishing network.
Today we decided to try his favorite spot which is in Deal. There are some BIG rock jetties that stick out into relatively deep water and make great structure for all kinds of fish. I'm also hoping there may be some lobsters in there in the future but there weren't any today. Perhaps a spooky night dive is upcoming? I'm also trying to get my new friends Brad and Nirav interested in spearfishing - the more the merrier. They are certainly interested but it can be quite intimidating to the beginner.
So the Deal rocks proved to be a decent spot but not very productive for us today. There were tons of blackfish but they are out of season and can not be shot until July. I missed one medium sized striped bass. It was my first shot of the year and what can I say - I missed high and he got away without a scratch.
After not catching in Deal, I decided to give my spot in Monmouth Beach a try. On my first dive I saw a couple small bass and many blackfish and good visibility but each subsequent dive I saw less and less and another thing I noticed was that I was being pushed out to sea - further and further. It was becoming increasingly difficult to swim against the current and in spearfishing it is ultra ultra important to try to remain as calm and relaxed as possible. This was just not happening today. I took a couple more dives in about 20 feet of water and I did manage to spear a nice 21 inch fluke and a small sundial that I just jabbed with my pole. A sundial is a fish in the flounder family that is usually smaller and thinner - I don't expect it to yield much meat but I thought it was worth it to give a new species a try. I will fillet it tomorrow and try some sashimi first.
It was an exhausting morning to say the least. I must have swam about 3 miles or more and didn't have much to show for it. That's the way it goes sometimes.
Today I completed a couple primitive survival skills such as spearing fish with a pole spear and an alternate way of fire making. Therefore, I am entitled to the final weekly rewards and I am contemplating what I will be doing for my special meal. Maybe a roast duck. I originally had plans for a suckling pig but that's not in the cards right now.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Day 35 - I'm Getting a Little Crabby!
I had a plan today to go out and catch a bunch of crabs - the first of the season. After getting the trot line all cleaned and baited yesterday, I was excited at the prospect of fluke stuffed with crab meat for dinner. It was WINDY today. I mean REALLY WINDY. I managed to find a spot that was reasonably protected and laid out the trot line - 800 feet and 60+ baits.
My first pass checking the line turned up empty! First time that has ever happened! I couldn't believe it. No crabs at all. Not yet anyway. I thought I should let the line sit and get the scent out for a while before checking again. I looked inside my livewell and sitting in a puddle of water (for the past 4 days) was one single live killie. Just sitting there. I thought to myself, hmm. . . Let's go put him on the line in the fluke channel and see if I can scare up a fluke. Well, 10 minutes later with my one bait I landed a nice 21 inch fluke. Bonus! Especially after having my second kille trap stolen from the boat ramp yesterday.
The wind was blowing so much in the channel that one fish was perfectly fine and then I was outta there. I ran back to my trot line and did another pass - nothing! Blanked! Zippo! I wasn't going to sit there and wait any longer so I quickly packed up my gear and headed back home. Thank goodness for the fluke - made the trip worth it. I think the crabs will need some warmer weather before they start to come out and feed. I will try further out in the main channel the next nice day.
So, no crabs for me today - still working on fluke, fluke, fluke. It is delicious though - so I don't mind that at all. I am dangerously low on my butter supple and I am out of eggs and have just a pittance of flour left. Supplies are low but I am due a couple weekly rewards - just have to do a couple primitive survival skills! The rain and wind lately have made fire making impossible and my traps have been empty. The next time the sun comes out I will try a mini-magnifying glass fire. I now, it's a little bit on the not so primitive side - but I've never done it before and I want to give it a try.
My first pass checking the line turned up empty! First time that has ever happened! I couldn't believe it. No crabs at all. Not yet anyway. I thought I should let the line sit and get the scent out for a while before checking again. I looked inside my livewell and sitting in a puddle of water (for the past 4 days) was one single live killie. Just sitting there. I thought to myself, hmm. . . Let's go put him on the line in the fluke channel and see if I can scare up a fluke. Well, 10 minutes later with my one bait I landed a nice 21 inch fluke. Bonus! Especially after having my second kille trap stolen from the boat ramp yesterday.
The wind was blowing so much in the channel that one fish was perfectly fine and then I was outta there. I ran back to my trot line and did another pass - nothing! Blanked! Zippo! I wasn't going to sit there and wait any longer so I quickly packed up my gear and headed back home. Thank goodness for the fluke - made the trip worth it. I think the crabs will need some warmer weather before they start to come out and feed. I will try further out in the main channel the next nice day.
So, no crabs for me today - still working on fluke, fluke, fluke. It is delicious though - so I don't mind that at all. I am dangerously low on my butter supple and I am out of eggs and have just a pittance of flour left. Supplies are low but I am due a couple weekly rewards - just have to do a couple primitive survival skills! The rain and wind lately have made fire making impossible and my traps have been empty. The next time the sun comes out I will try a mini-magnifying glass fire. I now, it's a little bit on the not so primitive side - but I've never done it before and I want to give it a try.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Day 34 - Stop Thief!
There's nothing I hate more than someone stealing my killie trap at the boat ramp. I left it there yesterday full of killies and I was planning on fishing with them today. Guess what? Gone! Stolen. I think it was probably kids out there playing and pulling up lines but it is still very frustrating when I pre-plan my fishing trips and get thwarted by a mischievous act like this.
It was rainy, windy and drippy all day long. Yuck. I didn't know what to do with myself for the better part of the day. I wound up getting the crab line in order - a project that I was not looking forward to. It's always a messy job. And sometimes smelly. Luckily, I had the whole thing frozen in the garage freezer and it didn't decompose at all since last season. I just had to take all the chewed on chicken bones off and replace them with new ones - about 60 of them.
Later in the day I was a bit bored and instead of vegging out in front of the TV I decided to take a ride down to the boat ramp area and look for some ducks or geese to chase around. There weren't any BUT. . . as I was rummaging around I found something that looked like an old rusted wire trap. I think it was a squirrel trap that someone had just discarded and left it in front of the garbage pale in the park. Well, after inspecting it I noticed it was broken. However, maybe there was some way to fix it or at least make it semi functional again. I took it home and cleaned off all this moss and crap that was attached to it. Then I looked around my garage for parts that may make this trap useful again. I found an old crab trap that was made of wire frame. I took one of the frames from it and was able to make a trap door for the squirrel trap. I added a bungee cord and there ya have it - a new (to me) squirrel trap.
I replaced one of my plastic lid traps with this one and used some string and a fishing pole to set the spring for the trap door. Baited with a peanut butter pretzel, we'll have to see if this contraption works. I was also thinking about putting some fish guts or bones in it at night to see if it would attract a coon or possum. If I could get a larger animal like that, I think that would justify getting something like a hamburger in the market as trade in value. Ha!
As far as food goes, the fluke and rice and salad greens have been sustaining me just fine. I think I have enough for the rest of the week - maybe I'll have to fish one more time before the end in order to have a solid supply.
It was rainy, windy and drippy all day long. Yuck. I didn't know what to do with myself for the better part of the day. I wound up getting the crab line in order - a project that I was not looking forward to. It's always a messy job. And sometimes smelly. Luckily, I had the whole thing frozen in the garage freezer and it didn't decompose at all since last season. I just had to take all the chewed on chicken bones off and replace them with new ones - about 60 of them.
Later in the day I was a bit bored and instead of vegging out in front of the TV I decided to take a ride down to the boat ramp area and look for some ducks or geese to chase around. There weren't any BUT. . . as I was rummaging around I found something that looked like an old rusted wire trap. I think it was a squirrel trap that someone had just discarded and left it in front of the garbage pale in the park. Well, after inspecting it I noticed it was broken. However, maybe there was some way to fix it or at least make it semi functional again. I took it home and cleaned off all this moss and crap that was attached to it. Then I looked around my garage for parts that may make this trap useful again. I found an old crab trap that was made of wire frame. I took one of the frames from it and was able to make a trap door for the squirrel trap. I added a bungee cord and there ya have it - a new (to me) squirrel trap.
I replaced one of my plastic lid traps with this one and used some string and a fishing pole to set the spring for the trap door. Baited with a peanut butter pretzel, we'll have to see if this contraption works. I was also thinking about putting some fish guts or bones in it at night to see if it would attract a coon or possum. If I could get a larger animal like that, I think that would justify getting something like a hamburger in the market as trade in value. Ha!
As far as food goes, the fluke and rice and salad greens have been sustaining me just fine. I think I have enough for the rest of the week - maybe I'll have to fish one more time before the end in order to have a solid supply.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Day 33 - Friday at work
It's Friday today at work and Memorial Day weekend is upon us. I used to end the SDC on this Friday but I pushed it back a week in order to have more food options available to me. The weather outlook for the weekend is not so good - lots of rain and wind, wind, wind. My most hated weather is wind. It prevents me from doing just about everything I love to do outdoors.
I have plans to try some crabbing out this weekend, maybe some fluke fishing, maybe some spearfishing - but all of that is going to be on hold until the weather improves. Maybe there will be some windows of opportunity that I can venture out and find some food. Otherwise it is plain salads for me. The asparagus are jsut about done growning but the lettuce is thriving right now in the garden.
Working all day helps the time go by. Especially when it is busy. I wish I had more to say about this day but I don't. Fluke and rice and water and greens.
I have plans to try some crabbing out this weekend, maybe some fluke fishing, maybe some spearfishing - but all of that is going to be on hold until the weather improves. Maybe there will be some windows of opportunity that I can venture out and find some food. Otherwise it is plain salads for me. The asparagus are jsut about done growning but the lettuce is thriving right now in the garden.
Working all day helps the time go by. Especially when it is busy. I wish I had more to say about this day but I don't. Fluke and rice and water and greens.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Day 32 - Super Sandwich
While at work today I created another masterpiece. A triple-decker fish sandwich of monsterous proportion. Here's a quick look but I will be making a time laps video of the even in the future:
Sometimes a sandwich is so big that it is hard to fit into your mouth. I compressed it as much as I could and then shoved it in. Somehow, I got through the whole thing without any serious injuries.
Sometimes a sandwich is so big that it is hard to fit into your mouth. I compressed it as much as I could and then shoved it in. Somehow, I got through the whole thing without any serious injuries.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Day 31 - Busy Wednesday
I started today off with some early morning fluke fishing with Dad. We met up at 6 am and were fishing by 6:20. It didn't take long at all to get some action. We spent about 2 hours fishing and ended up with 6 nice keeper size fluke up to 22.5 inches. We threw back just as many that were right at the 17 inch mark. There were a few bluefish around as well but they mostly bit our hooks off with their teeth. We were hoping for some weakfish but that never happened. I brought with me some water and a few pieces of fried bass that I cooked yesterday using up all of the breadcrumbs that I have been accumulating. Eating cold fish while fishing is really good. The fog and chill rolled in and we got out of there before it became too uncomfortable. Not bad at all for the amount of time spent on the water. I kept 4 fish and a blue crab that we accidentally caught and put them in a cooler in the garage refrigerator - will have to clean them tomorrow.
It was time to check the bee hives today so I mixed up a sugar water syrup (that's what they eat when the honey is scarce and while they're building the hive and comb). Without getting dressed up in my protective outfit, I calmly opened the hives and removed the empty food cans and inserted new ones. This should be all they need for the remainder of the summer and possibly forever once they start making their own food. This was just a jump start for them if they need it. In general, both hives looked really good. About 6 rows of comb in each and a lot of bee activity. They were both invaded by ants on the outside of the hives but I don't think this is going to be a problem. We'll see. Lots of ant eggs. I plan on leaving the hives untouched for a while now and the next time I check them I will suit up and look for the queens.
I had a meeting with an architect in the mid afternoon followed by a tennis lesson with Ty. We both got some exercise and I followed that up with a tennis match against Debbie. Lots of running around.
As far as food, I vacuum packed and sealed all of those delicious fluke fillets and then froze them for after the Survivor Diet. I sliced up the last of my supply of striped bass and made some blackened bass cubes for a sandwich at work tomorrow. Today I picked on some mixed salad greens and cooked up that blue crab. That was a nice little treat for sure. first crab of the season.
I am on the very last bit of my butter supply. I have just enough flour to make one more loaf of bread. I still have plenty of rice because I haven't had to make any in a while. In the evening, I mixed up the last of the flour with some water and yeast and let it rise overnight. My plan is to bake some bread tomorrow at work and then use the bread to make another nice fish sandwich. Can't wait for that.
9 days to go and I have plenty of fish, lots of garden greens, a few asparagus, rice, nori sheets, soy, wasabi - I really didn't use much of my sushi making supplies this Survivor Diet. I just never had the need to. I have been getting criticized by other people about the bag of flour being used as one of my rewards. For me, this has been awesome. I learned how to make artisan bread from a book and a tv show and the bread loaves have been nothing short of outstanding. Hmm. We'll have to re-think this reward for the next time.
It was time to check the bee hives today so I mixed up a sugar water syrup (that's what they eat when the honey is scarce and while they're building the hive and comb). Without getting dressed up in my protective outfit, I calmly opened the hives and removed the empty food cans and inserted new ones. This should be all they need for the remainder of the summer and possibly forever once they start making their own food. This was just a jump start for them if they need it. In general, both hives looked really good. About 6 rows of comb in each and a lot of bee activity. They were both invaded by ants on the outside of the hives but I don't think this is going to be a problem. We'll see. Lots of ant eggs. I plan on leaving the hives untouched for a while now and the next time I check them I will suit up and look for the queens.
I had a meeting with an architect in the mid afternoon followed by a tennis lesson with Ty. We both got some exercise and I followed that up with a tennis match against Debbie. Lots of running around.
As far as food, I vacuum packed and sealed all of those delicious fluke fillets and then froze them for after the Survivor Diet. I sliced up the last of my supply of striped bass and made some blackened bass cubes for a sandwich at work tomorrow. Today I picked on some mixed salad greens and cooked up that blue crab. That was a nice little treat for sure. first crab of the season.
I am on the very last bit of my butter supply. I have just enough flour to make one more loaf of bread. I still have plenty of rice because I haven't had to make any in a while. In the evening, I mixed up the last of the flour with some water and yeast and let it rise overnight. My plan is to bake some bread tomorrow at work and then use the bread to make another nice fish sandwich. Can't wait for that.
9 days to go and I have plenty of fish, lots of garden greens, a few asparagus, rice, nori sheets, soy, wasabi - I really didn't use much of my sushi making supplies this Survivor Diet. I just never had the need to. I have been getting criticized by other people about the bag of flour being used as one of my rewards. For me, this has been awesome. I learned how to make artisan bread from a book and a tv show and the bread loaves have been nothing short of outstanding. Hmm. We'll have to re-think this reward for the next time.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Day 30 - The Best Sandwich Ever
Here's what makes this The Best Sandwich Ever:
(I finished writing a very LONG explanation of the makings of this sandwich and while I was proofreading the text, I fell asleep! Then, during the night, my computer crashed and I lost all of it. It was really good too. Damnit! I'm not writing it all over again - not now anyway)
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