It’s a Cha-cha

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One, two. One, two, three. Two steps forward… and three steps back.

I was feeling pretty cocky about my new drug because everything was going so well. Yep, you know what’s coming. With two days worth of pills left, I crashed and burned spectacularly. The drug did its job too well – and my platelet count, well, let’s just say I was “running on fumes.” Or, could barely run on fumes.
The good thing about being cared for at an oncology center is that they don’t take things lightly – it’s not, “oh, we can fit you in later in the month.” It’s, “Come in now. Labs first. Next, you’re going to go across the street to the hospital get a “cross & type” done, because we made an appointment for you to get a platelet infusion tomorrow morning at 10:00 am.”

Not what I was expecting, but friends who have gone through cancer treatment told me it happens, that they’d been through it.

Afterward, we drove 50 miles home in rush-hour traffic, in the dark and the rain, the first we’ve had in a while. It was a spectacular electrical storm, lightning rending the sky, the white bolts temporarily turning everything violet. It was a great distraction, as were the muffins we ate as we drove. Crumbs everywhere… but that wasn’t important for a change. Crumbs can be vacuumed.

There is a wonderful upscale grocery market just blocks from the hospital, and I love going there when I’m in that part of town, which is rare these days. Their bakery is fantastic. Their deli is expansive. Everything is mouth-watering. If there is a Heaven, surely it will be a place like this!
Before heading home, we had stopped there and bought coffee and muffins for the road. Dinner. My fave is a Lemon Poppyseed, which isn’t gluten-free, but under the circumstances…

I was back at the oncologist for bloodwork early the next morning, and I did have to get that infusion of platelets. Wasn’t horrible. (I’m lying, it was. Brave face.) But, it was all finished in two hours. I spent the weekend binge-watching Netflix, and I finished the book, “Olga Dies Dreaming,” by Xochitl Gonzalez.
I always enjoy her articles in The Atlantic but cannot remember who recommended her book to me. “Set in NYC in the months surrounding the most devastating hurricane in Puerto Rico’s history, Olga Dies Dreaming examines political corruption, familial strife, and the very notion of the American Dream.” For having been written four years ago, it features a bigoted, corrupt, imbecilic President – and cast of supporting political characters who all seem quite familiar. I wasn’t sure about Olga herself, in the beginning, but I ended up loving both her and the book!

I have to be back at the hospital today for a blood transfusion. While ,y platelets are going up, but for some reason my hemoglobin is almost non-existent. Luckily, it’s fixable. I asked if there was a place I could do this closer to home, and there is. I know that my chauffeur probably appreciates this as much as I do. We went yesterday and I had my blood cross & typed again – and this time the room had windows, it was warm, and the nurse who will be caring for me was as gentle as kitten. This is going to be a much better experience.

Needless to say, there’s no way I’m cooking a Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. I’ve let that go. Although it seems like it’s all about the meal, what’s on the table isn’t important. It’s who is around my table; the people that I get to love are what I’m so thankful for!

You know how much I appreciate you all for being here. Have a delightful Thanksgiving tomorrow!
(Have non-traditional plans? Not making a turkey? Cooking for 20? Tell me what you’re doing, I’d love to hear all about it!)

XO Donna

Busy, Busy

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A dear friend, Joanie, has moved to Sun City! And in a happy coincidence, in a town of approximately 17K people… she has moved walking distance from me. We met 30-ish years ago in a Nia White-Belt training; she went on to become a wonderful teacher and will hopefully teach classes here in Sun City and in Georgetown. It turned out I that have stage-fright, so teaching was not for me.

Yesterday Joanie and I went to an exquisite yoga studio downtown for a 75 minute Yin (restorative) yoga class with sound meditation at the end. I was so excited to “be getting my airy-fairy on,” it’s been years! Both the class and the studio far exceeded any expectations I might have had.
The sounds were singing bowls – so soothing – during our long poses. And at the very end, during the “corpse pose,” everyone’s favorite, where you lie still on your back and integrate the work you’ve done, they played a vibration for 10 minutes or so. When I came home, I did my homework; it is one of many frequencies known to have healing effects on the nervous system and the body. These vibrations are measured in Hertz, and 174 Hz has been found to have the potential to alleviate stress and pain, improve focus, and give the organs a sense of security.

For the first time in years I felt at ease, as if I were floating. Unbound. Unburdened.

I’m still feeling more relaxed than “normal” today. I’m scheduling that class into my schedule. That ease even made my workout with my trainer easier. Weight-training is so important as we get older for bone density and strength. My watering can weighs 16 lbs when I fill it, and I can carry it again to water the garden I’m trying to grow. My green thumb seems to be limited with indoor plants, where I can grow anything. Outdoors, all bets are off. I keep starting over. And over.

Speaking of… I have three books on my nightstand that I just can’t stay focused on. I start, read 15-20 pages and put it down. On to one of the others, same thing. I seem to have the attention span of a gnat. Is this inability to focus an age-thing? Any of you having the same problem?
Or is your Mom?

So, I bought another book. Of course. The title is simply Long Island. Since I’m from there, how could I not delve a little deeper? It’s one of Oprah’s book club picks, which aren’t usually my cup of tea, but the female protagonist has a man come to her door one day, asking for her by name, and tells her that his wife is pregnant by her husband, and when the baby is born he will deposit it on her doorstep. The novel is about what she does with this news, and what she refuses to do.

My youngest sister, Elizabeth (you remember her) and I have started reading it. I will give you a book report next time. And maybe this will break my lack of focus and I’ll get into the others.

One last thing, a health alert. I was really shocked to read this, so I’m passing it along, please do the same.
AZO and Uristat are brand names for the drug phenazopiridine, long used to treat symptoms of urinary tract infections. Both are available in any drugstore or pharmacy aisle in the grocers. I’ve used it a few times while waiting to reach my doctor. And, of course I assumed it was safe.

It is not FDA approved, and twenty years ago the FDA raised questions about its potential to cause cancer.

It works by numbing the urinary tract, but that can mask serious infections requiring medical attention and antibiotics. Sadly, most doctors are unaware of this drugs potential for harm. If you do use it, it should only be used for two days as you call your doctor for treatment.
If taken for too long it can slow breathing, and lead to death. A 1978 National Cancer study showed it caused tumors in lab rats and mice, and the National Toxicology Program said “it is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.”

The article I read was from BLOOMBERG: “The Potential Cancer Health Risks Lurking in One Popular OTC Drug,” by Anna Edney May 19, 2025

Thank you for reading my posts – always makes me happy to know you’re “out there.”

XO Donna

No Resolutions

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New Year’s resolutions have always had a negative connotation to them, at least to me. Something must change… and it’s something that needs discipline, willpower, and maybe a bit of punishment to accomplish.
In reality, the origin of resolution is Latin: resolvere – loosen, release. Let go. I like the shift I feel inside when I think of what I can let go of. It feels doable. What do you think?

There is one thing in particular I want to give up this year… My outrage. I refuse to spend the next four years in a perpetual state of outrage over the politics, oppression, hatred, and unjustness I see.


I going to focus myself on what/where/and how I can help. How can I be a good example? And be of service? We can all do this by looking at what is within our “Sphere of Influence?” Our neighborhood and neighbors. Our family and friends. Our spiritual community. Local charities and foundations that actually help the people they’re supposed to. (You’d be surprised how many charities use the majority of donations on administrative costs and nice salaries.)
I am going to shop locally more often by buying from independently-owned or franchised stores, (Shout-out to Penzey’s Spices ) and independent bookstores. Especially those that let me know they are LGBTQ+ friendly. And I’m going to get a library card.

I felt that 2024 was a particularly hard year for me, both as a woman, and in my personal life. I am not sad to see it in the rear-view mirror. And I look forward to a more stable year doing the things I love, that fill me up, and that are good for me!

I’m going to take a short-story writing class through MasterClass. I was a bit afraid, but it’s time to release the fear and “just do it.” It has been a goal to write articles for magazines and online… or to ghost write for others, and get paid to do so. I love researching and writing.

I’m also learning French now after studying Spanish all through the pandemic. My son and I work on my French lessons together during our visits. He has a facility for languages that is amazing, and a mind like a steel trap!

And I’ve been meeting with a group of women to expand my creativity through art. I tend to be paralyzed when confronted with a blank page and the thought of “messing it up.” But letting that go has turned out to be some of the most relaxing time I spend, other than having my nose buried in a great book. I have begun an art journal and am using pen and watercolor to illustrate diary entries and dreams.

I’m also working on the next level of gluten-free baking: raised breads and pastries. Another thing I was afraid I couldn’t do… but I’m ready to tackle that now because “cheating” – eating some bread here, and some cheese there, is leaving me feeling worse than ever.
Or maybe it’s because of that last birthday? LOL.

If you want to view my fave website for all things delish and gluten-free go here: The Loopy Whisk.

So, seven days into the new year, I wish you everything wonderful: self-care and good health, success at new things, great companionship, and lots of good books!

Oh, the one I’m reading right now is called, “The Hypocrite” by Jo Hamya. It’s on lots of Must Read lists, and I’m engrossed. But the afternoon has flown by and it’s time to prepare dinner right now, so my book will have to wait!

Here’s to 2025, and to all of you. Merci beaucoup!
XO Donna

Simple Pleasures

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Books, books, books! I’m working my way down and around my reading list, and what I’ve been reading has inspired and informed what I’m cooking. The cooler weather hasn’t hurt either – I finally turned on the oven.

I’ve been reading memoirs – not what I usually read – but memoirs by food personalities take me to my “happy place.” They warm my heart with their passion for food. While there’s a whole lot I can’t eat, I’m savoring what I can, and experimenting more.

It all began with Ina Garten’s newest book, her memoir. I’ve been a fan since early 2000’s (I even wrote about her in my book) I’ve always wanted to meet her!
She and I had the same spirit-crushing fathers – they even had the same name: Melvin! But she had such deep trust in herself, that she took risks over and over again. With tons of hard work, and the loving support and trust of her husband, she has succeeded wildly on her own terms.

Stanley Tucci. What else can I say besides I have a total crush on the guy?
If you have not seen “The Big Night” or “Julie & Julia,” do so. Both passionate movies about delicious food and the people preparing it. Besides being a great cook, Tucci’s a consummate story-teller and a talented artist. His book is like taking a vacation in Italy.

Speaking of storytellers, I got to hear the fabulous Ruth Reichl read from her then new book “Comfort Me with Apples” at the Texas Book Festival in 2002. I was gifted a ticket to the Gala dinner and she was one of the three authors who read to us. She was the one I enjoyed most, because while I’ve always loved food and cooking, she displayed a passion in her writing, and reading, about food that I’d never experienced before. I just finished Apples, a memoir at that point in her life, and look forward to reading “Save Me the Plums,” her latest memoir about her ten years of running the glamorous Gourmet magazine.

All of this reading about food and recipes got me back in the kitchen after months when I just didn’t care. Adjusting to a new (more restricted) diet, and dealing with 110 degree heat, the last thing I wanted to do was cook anything intricate. However, a few cool nights and a few great books was all it took to get me jazzed again.

Reading Gourmet magazine online, they shared a new type of squash called Honeynut. It’s like a baby butternut squash; but richer, sweeter, and smaller with an edible skin. They are everything the magazine claimed they were, but after trying the skin, and not liking it, I just scraped the creamy flesh out and ate that.

I followed the microwave directions after cutting it in half (easily!) and in five minutes I was enjoying it with lunch. These squash are going to make a great soup, too. I stumbled upon mine at Costco.

And last, but not least, I made my wonderful gluten-free brownies last weekend since we had a little cool spell. I love a simple well-made brownie, maybe add a few toasted chopped walnuts or pecans. But it had been a while since I gussied up my brownies by adding teaspoons of room temperature all-natural unsweetened almond butter.


From top left, the plain batter. Then add scant teaspoons of almond butter evenly around batter, taking a butter knife, drag it through the batter making long swirly designs. Bake as always, until the tiniest bit gooey in the center, but a toothpick comes out clean.

Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack or else they won’t hold their shape. It’s hard to wait, I know, but it will be worth it.
You can do this with your favorite brownie mix or home recipe. Peanut butter (chunky or creamy) are both delicious also.

I hope I’ve offered you some great reads and great food ideas. My birthday is next Wednesday, and my sweetie and I are heading to San Antonio for a romantic getaway. We have a couple of favorite restaurants we want to revisit – it’s been since the pandemic that we’ve been back there. I’m looking forward to strolling along the Museum Reach-end of the Riverwalk. It is always wonderful because it’s so much less crowded than the middle of downtown. I’ll tell you all about it next time.

Thank you for being here,

XO Donna

WRITERS & READERS

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I didn’t know that it was William Butler Yeats who said, “Things fall apart, the center cannot hold.” I thought it was Joan Didion. In fact, it was the title of a 2017 documentary about her life and work entitled, “The Center Will Not Hold.” And I can relate to that feeling… things are getting better, but life now is still two steps forward and one back. I’ve found a lot of pleasure lately in reading because I can finally relax and enjoy it.

After having had the attention-span of a gnat for most of this year – and consequently being unable to read, now I’m reading lots of great blogs, watching good documentaries (Joan Didion, above) have read five books in quick succession. And I’m also studying both Spanish and French!

My sisters and I formed our own Book Club intending to read a bunch of Murder/Mysteries – a genre we all like. We each bought Susan Juby’s “Mindful of Murder,” and I think everyone enjoyed it, but I’m not sure.
What’s not to like about an engaging-ex-Buddhist-nun-turned-butler solving crimes? The book takes place in the Pacific Northwest at a stunning retreat center. I learned a lot about being a butler, which is a career I didn’t know existed here in the U.S. But, it’s a thing!

Our book club didn’t quite come together as planned, the phrase “like herding cats,” is what comes to mind. I went on to read the next book, “A Meditation on Murder,” by myself, but didn’t enjoy it as much because I really had no interest in a bunch of young people whose only goal in life is becoming influencers and being mean girls along the way. So, I wouldn’t recommend this one. Her first was more satisfying.

Next I read a memoir called, “Men Have Called Her Crazy,” by Anne Marie Tendler, a NYT bestseller. I downloaded it to my Kindle (I actually prefer books on paper, but wanted instant gratification) and read it in one day. It gets a lot of bad reviews, and I didn’t realize that she had been married to John Mulvaney, a stand-up comic, until the end of the book. The author has serious mental health issues (to wit, she was married to John Mulvaney) and so checked herself into a psychiatric hospital. Maybe it’s not a topic for everyone, but I enjoyed her style, if not necessarily all of her thought processes. But, she’s young, and has lots more growing-up to do.

As you can see, I keep wonderfully detailed, well-organized lists of books I want to read. Joking! But I have lots to choose from, and am always open to your suggestions. I just downloaded “A Visit from the Goon Squad,” by Jennifer Egan. It has earned 11,588 4-star reviews and is a National Book Critics Circle Winner. We’ll see. And, after that, “The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store,” by James McBride.

I’d like to acknowledge the passing of Dame Maggie Smith – I’m not sure why, but her death had me crying all day. She was my favorite on Downton Abbey, and I admired her greatly. We rewatched the films “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” and “Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel” last week. If you’ve not seen them, I can recommend both whole-heartedly. There aren’t many fun-filled, thoughtful, movies made about older adults and the changes that come with living a long life. These two films will bring a big smile to both your face… and your heart. I promise!

XO Donna

HODGEPODGE

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I don’t know if it’s that I’ve been home so much, only going to the grocery store or to visit my son and bring him home-made baked goodies, but I think my brain is beginning to turn to mush.

I’ve actually enjoyed my reclusiveness, but just when I started to feel comfortable thinking about going out again, vaxxed and boosted, both a dear friend, and my sister (also vaccinated and boosted) caught the Omicron variant.
They are well again, but it was not “like a cold” for either. They were lucky enough to be able to get a monoclonal antibody infusion.

Like Punxatawnie Phil the Groundhog seeing his shadow today, I am perfectly content to go back underground for 6 more weeks!

I’ve been irregular in my posting, but not being out-and-about I’ve felt I had nothing of import to share, then it occurred to me that lots of us probably feel that way these days. Lots of us are struggling a bit to overcome our boredom, after all, it’s winter and it’s difficult to get out and exercise, which always helps me. Here’s when we can get by with a little help from our friends.

So, it may be a hodgepodge, but I’m going to share what’s been getting me by: movies, books, blogs, etc. and I’ll bet you will find something new that strikes your fancy!

Let’s start off with movies – two that we’ve loved are “The Tender Bar” starring Ben Affleck, and “Don’t Look Up” with an all-star cast. As my sister Elizabeth said, Ben Affleck is better in The Tender Bar than anything else I’ve seen him in. Set in 1972 on Long Island, NY (my home) it’s about a young boy looking for a father figure, which he finds in his Uncle Charlie, a self-educated and worldly-wise bartender played by Affleck. Perfection.

And if you need a zany spoof of everything right-this-moment, “Don’t Look Up!” is just the comic-disaster to deliver it!
Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio play astronomers who discover a comet that’s headed straight for Earth… and total annihilation, but can’t get anyone to take it seriously. An indictment of our current world. With a karmic ending.

On our to-watch movie list are “Eye in the Sky,” “Two Faces of January,” and “Jean of the Joneses.”

I signed up for BritBox after talking to a neighbor who also loves all-things-British when it comes to TV. I especially enjoy legal thrillers and detective series. After Midsomer Murders finished, I was lost – but now I’ve become hooked on a new-to-me series called “Vera.” It’s formulaic – always opens with a murder that’s always solved in 90 minutes – but that doesn’t make it boring. I’ve fallen in love with the main character, Vera, a wise woman who is fearless, dependable, earthy, ruthless in her pursuit of justice for the deceased, but still has a capacity for tenderness in spite of all she sees.

I’ve only read one book lately, because I’m having trouble trying to focus right now. Thus my escape into murder mysteries, and why I think my brain is turning to mush. But, I follow a blogger who I think you will also enjoy. It was her recommendation that led me to “Reading in Bed,” by Sue Gee
about two 60-ish women, friends, one married and one single. It was sweet, honest, poignant, and well worth the read. I may reread it because all I can remember is how it made me feel, but not the details.

The blogger is Sue Burpee, and her blog is ‘High Heels in the Wilderness.’ https://highheelsinthewilderness.com

It’s beginning to rain now. We are expecting the cold front that most of the rest of the country is experiencing right now – with temps in the 20’s for a couple of days. Not our usual Texas weather. Whether our power-grid will hold up this year remains to be seen. I’m keeping my fingers crossed, and I’ve got flashlights, candles, blankets, and bottled water just in case. Who knows, maybe I’ll even read a book by candlelight if our power goes out. Stay warm, y’all!

XO Donna