Annual Review

IMG_0727Hey readers, it’s been a year since I started writing forknifespoon, and I’m curious if anyone is not seeing something they want to see posted, seeing too much of something else, or has any other (constructive) thoughts or opinions to share in order to make my blog better for you. (Other than that you want me to come make food for you in your home, Tom.) Feel free to post comments! If you’re 92.5% happy with the kinds of recipes I’ve been sharing, then let’s just say we’re all good, huh?

BTW, did anybody miss me??? I’ve had a doozy of a month, starting with an ambulance ride to ER when I woke up with back pain so bad I couldn’t move. And that’s not just a figure of speech! I really couldn’t move. I’ve been gradually healing from the disk and nerve issue that is the problem, but I had weeks where I couldn’t stand long enough to cook, or sit long enough to blog. Thus the lack of fresh posts!

And as a result of all the medical junk and crazy prescription pill popping I’ve been doing, my husband and I decided to try the Whole30 cleanse for the next 30 days. I’ll be sharing the recipes I’ve tried—and liked—and our experience as we trudge through the land of lean meats and varieties of veggies. If you’re not familiar with Whole30, it’s a plan to purge your system of all the sugars and processed foods we consume, and see if what we are ingesting might be causing internal inflammation and a host of other medical issues. So bear with me while I take a food foray into some new territory!

Here’s a funny story related to the previously mentioned ER trip, regarding the kind young men who rescued me from my home when I was in agony. Once I was finally mobile again, I called our local fire station to find out when the two guys who had helped me worked. I wanted to bring them some fresh chocolate chip cookies as a thank you. I was just going to drop the cookies with a card and run, but when I got to the station, the receptionist insisted I give the treats to them personally.

I met Jared and Matt (my new BFF’s) in the fire station hall, and sort of stammered my appreciation, and I realized as I was blubbering away that they had zero recognition of me. And why should they? I was standing upright, with hair and make-up done—not curled up in fetal position, crying from pain in my pee-soaked, ratty flannel PJ’s.

So I elaborated on what had happened, including “you had to come get me out of my bed” (a weird thing to say to two handsome young hunks…) until I finally saw the lights go on in their heads. “OH!!! Yes, I remember you. You look SO DIFFERENT!!!” one of them blurted.

Well, I certainly hope so, Jared, I certainly hope so.

10 thoughts on “Annual Review

  1. Sorry to hear of your back problems. Heal well. Looking forward to Whole30 recipes that are tasty. Planning on doing that with my daughter!

  2. So happy to hear from you again….and so glad I have been able to meet you in person.
    I must admit, I stopped looking into your yummy looking recipes because as much as I wanted to try them, all I had to do was look at the tempting pictures and my stomach would start to bloat.
    I am very excited you are doing this whatever cleanse and I’m anxious to see what kind of recipes I can glean from you that are helpful to my fragile over 50 digestive system and actually taste good!
    All the best Cheryl

  3. You were missed and welcome back. I am excited about the alternative recipes and cleansing adventures. It would be fun to see pictures of the process of baking and what that entails. Also, how do you make these things on a budget and what does it cost to eat the alternative foods, and how decide where you want to shop for that food. Just thoughts……good to hear from you!

  4. Thanks for your wonderful recipes and for always bringing your readers a smile. We are blessed!

  5. Admittedly, I haven’t made all that many of your recipes (or anyone’s, for that matter), but ever since you started this blog it’s been my number one go-to when making food for any sort of event – potluck picnic, holiday party, book club, shower, etc. I’ve also tried a few of your recipes on family just to get out of the perpetual rut. And guess what? Every single Cheryl Recipe I’ve made so far has gotten accolades and requests for encores. No exceptions. Even the cauliflower soup. In fact, I have a chunk (ball? brain? wad?) of cauliflower in the fridge right now to make my fifth batch of it. It’s great having a foodie like you vetting recipes so those of us with limited culinary inclinations don’t have to attempt to do so for ourselves.

    Also, I appreciate your efforts to accommodate GF readers and look forward to seeing what healthful recipes emerge from your foray into mean lean green eating.

  6. Cheryl, looking forward to your info on the Whole30 recipes. I’ve had a number of friends try that food plan and they have liked the recipes.

  7. I was wondering where you were! Happy to hear you are on the mend and I look forward to more of your wonderful recipes!

  8. Glad for this chance to say thank you for GREAT recipes all wrapped up in writing that’s fun to read!

    Also glad to hear you’re feeling better now. 🙂 Sandy

  9. I love how your writing makes us laugh. I love how the recipes delight our families. I love how you gifted you are with food and recipes and table presentation. I’m proud to be called your sister.

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