Cal Orey's Blog, page 100

Countdown: New Year's Eve: The Release of ESSENTIAL OILS: NATURE'S MOST MAGICAL MEDICINE

By Cal Orey
The new rave book for boomers and millennials and gens in between! It's almost here... Available for pre-order at your favorite bookstore!  UPDATE: It's here, almost! It will be released Dec. 31, 2019.

Currently, I'm finishing #9 The Healing Powers of Herbs and Spices. And a surprise trip to Alaska was completed.  Take a look at what I was doing a few years ago with the Healing Powers Series...


Two years ago,  my favorite book, The Healing Powers of Tea, number 6, was released the day after Christmas. And then came a new Healing Powers series book, 8. This is an exciting topic--essential oils. This one is a surprise and that will make me and readers smile and feel good from head to toe. So, as we edge near 2020, I have the knowledge and blessings that the Healing Powers series is timeless, alive, and growing and I owe it to one specific topic, one book that came my way via destiny and timing. 

Flashback to 1999. It was the year I wrote that 60,000 word book on vinegar that ignited the collection that has grown for almost two decades.   Today, The Healing Powers of Vinegar, third edition, is still the book of choice by people around the globe, followed by Honey and Olive Oil counterparts. And I have faith in Tea--the new book with heart.   'Tis the season, to cozy up, get cooking, baking, and stay healthy with rustic recipes, home cures, and so much more from the Healing Powers collection with something for everyone whether you're 25, 50, 75 or somewhere in between like me.

Finding Your Food-Loving Soul Mate

By  Cal OreyQUIZ: Finding Your Food-Loving Soul Mate
Are you wondering is he/she “The One?” to wine and dine with you forever? Ever hope you find a foodie “soul mate” to share your fave fine edibles and eating style? Looking for a serious chocoholic? Health Nut? Wine lover? Vegan? Exotic food fanatic? Wouldn't it be awesome if you met (or already are in relationship with) that special someone who shares your food likes and dislikes? Do you feel you have made an uncanny food match? Well here’s your chance to find out. Take this savvy soul mate quiz paired with love expert Los Angeles, California-based relationship expert Marla Martenson, author of Excuse Me, Your Soul Mate is Waiting to see if you have met your real compatible match—in the food department.
  FINDING YOUR FOODIE SOUL MATE QUESTIONS
1. When you meet face to face at a hot food spot or homestyle gathering for the first time, you:A) automatically show your true colors and eat what you want and how you want without hesitation.B) pause before speaking and eating. C) don't eat (it's not your fave food) or do chow down reluctantly pretend to be somebody else to please him/her.2. You’re together on a dinner date you:A) never seem to run out of awesome foods and food topics to share with each other.B) wish you were solo at work or working out at the gym.C) are out of sync and feel uncomfortable. You are turned off by what foods turn him/her on.3. He/she dishes out his innermost food dishes. You:A) are on the same page with your visions of the future and foodfests you'll share.B) get some of his/her cuisine aspirations and dreams.C) feel his/her experimental lofty food choices are weird or not your cup of tea.4. He/She’s got a few table manners that irk you as well as food tastes that are a bit pesky. You: A) find his/her imperfections endearing and help him/her to deal.B) analyze his/her food glitches and ponder if he/she’s a worthwhile fixer-upper.C) point out his/her faults, complain, and try and change him/her.5. Do you feel that when you two are together and apart in the kitchen, restaurant, picnic or anywhere where food is served, that there is a great meaning to your food relationship?A) yes.B) sort of.C) not yet.6. Ever think about him/her when cooking up your fave dishes, only to have him/her contact you within minutes or hours (and know he's anticipating your concoction)?A) you betcha.B) a few times.C) nope. 7. When sharing a meal do you find you can finish each others’ sentences or read each others’ mind about your feelings linked to the food you're eating?A) always.B) occasionally.C) never. TALLY UP TIME - The more A’s, B’s, and C’s you answer will tell you if have found your soul mate (think the film City of Angels and the pear scene with Maggie and Seth)—someone you have a profound affinity with together. Some food loving romantics believe each person’s soul has another complementary counterpart and is the link to total happiness and fulfillment once two soul mates connect.
Mostly A’s – Yummy Soul Mate Forever Kudos to you! You’ve found your true foodie match. The two of you are inseparable in the kitchen and restaurants and excited when you try new and old foods. There is a powerful, instantaneous feeling that you have known the other before. The relationship is immediate, as though no time had been lost since you were last together, explains relationship expert Marla Martenson. If you still want to be together forever even when you think you might drive each other crazy, she adds, that is a sure-fire sign he is your soul mate.Tapping into a True Foodie Love: Martenson suggests: “Treat your soul mate like your best friend. Too often we treat the love of our life the worst--thinking that they will be around no matter what. Whatever you do, don’t take your soul for granted. Treasure him/her and savor each moment.” Mostly B’s - Soul Dining Date Maybe Sometimes you sense your new date or the man you’ve been dating and enjoying meals together is your soul mate—but then you’re not 100% sure. Rather than kiss him/her goodbye, take potential soul mate inventory. “Spend quality time together and see if this really is the person that you want to be with,” says Martenson. She suggests observing the other person in different situations (i.e., interacting at a restaurant or having an intimate dinner with you) is the key to knowing if you’ve met your food soul mate, not just another date. The love guru adds, “Take your time, after all, your soul mate is forever, right?” Tapping into a True Foodie Love: If you hope that special man/woman in your life is your soul mate, it doesn’t mean that you should flee off to Las Vegas, get hitched and hit the restaurant strip. If he/she is your true love, he will always be there for you with no strings attached.Mostly C’s – No Appetite for Foodie Unlike the Soul Mate and Soul Date, this imposter is not compatible with you. In fact, there are red flags that can help you to determine if you are stuck in mismatch territory. If the word good “food” isn’t in his vocabulary, or if his food likes totally clash with yours big-time (i.e., junk food dude), he may not be your gourmet food soul mate. Once you stop looking for the soul mate of your dreams, you may meet him/her when you least expect it and embrace an eternal bond and enter gourmet Foodland hand in hand.Tapping into a True Foodie Love: Meanwhile, when you two are together and he/she’s hypercritical of you--and your love of certain types of to die for food or dedication to Food Network programs, it’s time to do some soul searching.

2020 Forecasts for the Planet

By Cal Orey
December 9 Anchorage, AK was
in the 50s--not since 1952. Hurricane-
force winds, no snow.As predicted, 2019 Earth changes were super life-changing in different regions around America and the world. We're talking about the Southern California major earthquake, newsworthy winter snowstorms in California, and two hurricanes that slammed the Gulf States and The Bahamas. The Southeast states faced snow while Anchorage, Alaska fought summer wildfires, a sizzling summer, and the temperature hit a historical high in December.As we enter a New Year, quakes, storms, and heat will continue to be sobering—most likely linked to climate change, say scientists.  Read on—and digest predictions with consequences for the planet. Yep, wild happenings may affect humans, wildlife, and nature’s circle of life. It’s a brand-new decade and new earth challenges are coming to you.
SO, MOTHER. MOTHER NATURE WHAT’S GOING ON?         Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Waves West Coast: Californians dodged a bullet when a major earthquake hit Ridgecrest (a remote area in Southern California) not Greater Los Angeles. The populated region with many faults may rock with an epicenter there or near the Salton Sea on the San Andreas. It’s locked and ready as the experts say knowing we’re overdue. It’s not “if” but “when”; 70 percent probability a 7.8 plus will hit Los Angeles (likely epis: Malibu, Long Beach, Northridge) this year.A major earthquake offshore Northern California, the San Francisco Bay Area (East Bay on the Hayward Fault or South on the San Andreas). 
Not to forget Anchorage, Alaska which rocked with a 7.0. Aftershocks will continue to occur for months, however, I predict there is the chance a great earthquake (8.0 plus) could happen near the region, whereas if it’s shallow there will be more damage to the infrastructure and a tsunami which didn’t happen. Redoubt Volcano may continue to be active; not to forget west in the Pacific Ocean...The Big Island may be affected by an aggressive earthquake swarm as well as more newsworthy volcanic activity.
Europe: The Mediterranean countries may be challenged again by major earthquakes, including Italy and Greece (the deadly Albania earthquake in 2019 was felt. At least one shaker will be shallow, in a major city, perhaps Rome, and likely a powerful 8.0.
Asia: Japan may rock and a tsunami is a possibility, similar to 2011. Also, Indonesia is not immune and a major earthquake with a big wave is also a challenge that could happen like on Boxing Day back in 2004.
I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOWRain and Snow The West Coast will get some rain and flooding in the entire state. However, a drought in the Golden State is likely. Land erosion and mudslides will continue due to warm winter from north to Alaska down to Southern California.Italy, Spain, and France may experience heavy rainfall and flooding (as forecasted last year;Venice was under water in the fall).The Northeast and Midwest will get epic snowfall in the winter of 2020. Flooding in the springtime is likely the outcome. The balance of snow regarding the West and East will be noticeable to people who live in each region. Also, inconveniences will come with the severe weather, from affecting travel, mail, to health issues and life-threatening issue.
  
DUST IN THE WINDStorms, Storms, Storms Hurricanes may be more severe in 2020. The Gulf States, including Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi will be more likely to endure hurricanes than the Carolinas.  But the Northeast from New Jersey to Maine may also be in the line of water, so to speak. At least two Category 5 hurricanes will occur—with both making landfall and storm surges will be record breaking. Twisters will likely accompany some these hurricanes. Also, rare twisters in California and other unlikely regions may happen. Monsoon season in the Southwest and wind storms in Nevada and the Midwest may make news for the record breaking events.
Wildfires are likely to continue year-round, due to both man-made or natural causes like lightning. The Southwest, Southern California, Northwest, including Alaska (again) are in the line of fire as well as the Northwest including Western Canada.  

       ON THE WILD SIDE       Strange Happenings As we deal with tremors on the West Coast (including offshore Oregon, Northern California, and Seattle) other Earth challenges will keep us on guard.  Ongoing fracking will continue to make the Earth rock in Oklahoma—and may indeed affect the New Madrid Zone with a major earthquake. Also, more volcanic activity in the U.S.—especially Yellowstone, Redoubt in Alaska, and Hawaii--creating alerts...and more.A computer error will cause an alert for a natural disaster. It may cause panic and chaos but the end result will be a world collective sigh of relief. The region may be in the United States, the West Coast affecting many states. In 2020, homelessness due to wild climate will continue to soar and people will be affected by erratic temperatures—hot and cold. Due to extreme weather challenges, regions in the world and United States will feel nature’s wrath when it comes to fresh food resources. Farmers will be challenged, prices for some staple will spike.

People in all states and countries will learn to be more self-reliant, be more prepared by growing gardens to eating plant-based diets. Survival foods and first aid kits will not be only for the doomsday folks—it will be for people everywhere. Living in 2020 will be more challenging for commuting to work (more congestion and air pollution); traveling (more rough air and delayed flights); and play (more power outages). We will deal with the new normal of Earth changes and prevail.


2019 VISIONS THAT HAPPENED* In the summer, on July 6, Southern California shook. A 7.1 shallow widespread shaker was reported felt throughout the state.*  Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 hurricane made landfall in the Bahamas; the Caribbean region was part of the forecast for the year. It affected the East Coast of the United States; Hurricane Barry, a Category 1 affected the Gulf States with flooding. * More than 11,000 aftershocks happened after the 7.1 Anchorage, Alaska earthquake that moved the Earth on November 30, 2019. Four hours after I left Anchorage on December 10, a 3.7 hit Anchorage, another aftershock, said scientists.* A 6.0 rocked Greece on November 27, a day after the Albania earthquake. Both quakes could be foreshocks for a great quake in 2020.* On October 15 a widely felt 4.5 earthquake rocked the San Francisco Bay Area.* A few significant snowstorms did hit California and did make worldwide news.

Third Time a Charm? California Author Goes to Alaska

Author Cancels Trip to Alaska--Blame it on Forces of Nature My Aussie "Skye" is sensitive By Cal Orey

For weeks, actually since July I had been planning an adventure to Anchorage, Alaska. I got a book signing booked at Barnes and Noble, a nature tour on Turnagain Arm to seek wildlife, a hotel room with a view on the 17th floor overlooking Cook Inlet, and I was excited. But, but, but...
A few days ago, I logged onto an online Alaskan newspaper to see the PR for the upcoming book event. Whoa! The cover story upstaged my calendar event. "Hurricane-force winds" for an upcoming Bering Sea storm in Anchorage and southcentral Alaska! It was surreal.  This is off season but it's only September. When I read about low wind shear that freaked me out. That's the stuff that is tricky and can fool even seasoned pilots. It's the wind that makes your plane circle forever before a safe landing or ascending. Not fun. I can do rough air but wind shear? Nah.
Turnagain Arm
So I called the nature tour people. I was the only one booked on the road that could have potential flooding. Rain definitely but flooding? Last week, when I was on Coast to Coast AM I noted my trip and mentioned a potential earthquake (there have been many minor ones thus far) but a "hurricane-force" storm? Too surreal.

Actually, for the last week something hasn't felt right. Usually I'm packed, all my ducks are in a row, and I'm ready for action. This time around, I felt stressed out, overwhelmed and something wasn't right. My dog and cat were sleeping together and both were clingy. (No, I didn't tell the dog I was going but I hadn't filled out the kennel paper either.) It just felt off. So after being on the fence I went to the NOAA site and saw a storm brewing at Salt Lake City, Utah (snow?) right during my flight. 

Now the forces of nature were really piling up.  I cancelled. After all, I do read people on a psychic network and have excellent reviews. I'm the girl that bet the late geologist Jim Berkland about Earth changes to presidential elections--I never lost a wager to him. I had to go with my gut instincts. Cancelled.

Oddly, after I did it and told all--the airline, hotel, nature tour people, Barnes and Noble, editor...I logged onto flight events. The same aircraft size I would be taking to SLC? Yesterday a bird hit it while ascending (a minor "Sully" type of event) and the plane had to land immediately. Then, I felt compelled to look at the Turbulence Flights Map (I never do that!). Severe Turbulence was shown with little pyramids at Tahoe-Reno Airport!  

So here I sit in my cozy waterbed. My two companion animals are no longer near me. I feel a strong sense of energy and am going to the resort pool today to swim laps. I feel a sense of disappointment that I'm not getting to sign my latest book and the series, and I won't be seeing any moose or get pampered in the hotel overlooking the water...However, I chose to tune into the forces of nature and for some reason I feel a great sense of calm. And the week is not over...

Seasonal Superfoods--from the Mediterranean Diet

SEASONAL SUPERFOODS AND FOUR SEASONS By Cal OreyWinter It’s the Season: Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, winter wasn’t a chilly place instead we were blessed with a Mediterranean-type climate. I recall playing hooky on school days as a kid and watching a TV show “Candid Camera” and viewing the East Coast snow which was foreign to me. Nowadays, many winters living in the Sierra Nevada, I know what white powder is, whether it be shoveling it, making a fire to keep toasty, and baking comfort wintertime foods, including wholesome superfoods. Healing Winter Recipes: Homemade bread, casseroles, hearty soups and stews, are part of a superfoods wintry diet.  Including a variety of food groups—not just one or a few--can help you slim down, healthy up.Winter Superfoods: Apples, berries (frozen, dried), cheese, maple syrup, pasta, pizza, whole grain cereals.
Spring It’s the Season: Living in the mountains brings four distinct seasons and four different ways of enjoying superfoods. Once the weather warms up, it’s time to lighten up with superfoods and drop unwanted winter weight. A spike of energy happens and is used along with superfoods used in spring cleaning indoors and outdoors and more play, including walking the dog to swimming in a warmer indoor pool.Healing Spring Recipes: Meatless cooking is easier to make in the springtime because it’s lighter on the body; a time to rejuvenate. Vegetarian casseroles, soups to fruit smoothies to help cleanse and detox are easy to prepare. Fresh fruits as is instead of baking and used in vegetable and fruit salads work well to lighten up.Spring Superfoods: Berries, eggs, leafy greens, lemons, Greek yogurt, pasta, seeds, shellfish, walnuts, and water. Summer It’s the Season: During the hot summertime easy no-cook meals and outdoor grilling are what people look forward to do so they can enjoy play more. When the temperature soars the last thing you want to do is bake or cook. Healing Summer Recipes: Cheese and fruit plates, fruit cold smoothies, Greek yogurt parfaits, cold cereals, vegetarian thin crust pizza, poultry sandwiches, seafood salads, and iced tea.Summer Superfoods: Berries, chicken, leafy greens, gelato, lemons, ice cream, pasta, tomatoes, water, and wine.
Fall It’s the Season: When the air gets colder and the leaves turn color, it’s time to change some of your favorite superfoods. Apples, citrus, and first-time cooking feels right before the first fire is made and thermostat is turned up. Warm food is beginning to replace the colder superfoods of summer. Healing Fall Recipes: Apple pie, lemon drizzled dishes, savory smoothies, hot oatmeal to whole grain pancakes with warm maple syrup all can help enhance the immune system. Also, pasta dishes, baked turkey and chicken, hot tea, fresh squeezed juices to hot apple cider can help you fill up, not out.Fall Superfoods: Apples (Harvest season August-November), berries, crucifers, Greek yogurt, oats, turkey, seafood, sweet potatoes (Harvest season September-December), water, and wine. 

Hello Alaska, Author Predicts 90 Percent It's a Go Despite a Few Quakes and Snow Showers

Cal Orey

Take one was canceled due to a 100 mph storm; take two a 7.0 earthquake was enough to spook me.  I'm booked to go in December, third attempt. Here, this is the first seed of my goal to go to Anchorage, Alaska...

Here I sit on Saturday night in the comfort of a Tahoe rustic cabin older than I am--and I am filled with a mixed bag of emotions. Soon I will be on my way flying in a jet plane (more than one) to Alaska. This wasn't one of my fantasies, not really. Well, in my twenties I almost hitched and hiked to Homer (during the pipeline days and time of nomads in search of America) but I ended up in other states and Canada...sweet Canada a place I like to think of as my semi-second home.
In the past decades, I've written about Alaska--its big earthquakes including the great one in 1964--and have accurately forecasted shakers throughout the shaky state...and now? Now I am close to going there--a place I saw in the film "Insomnia" and how Al Pacino's character fought the daylight so he could get some much needed shut-eye...

Go Somewhere Exciting Instead of Canada 
It began by a sibling's dare to go somewhere exciting. Once Barnes and Noble in Anchorage, Alaska invited me for a book signing it was a sign for me to go to a place foreign to me. After all, I do live in a nature-oriented place called the Sierra; it's just another extension of bears, birds, water, and down-to-earth people, right?  A little bit like that. And I admit I have fell into watching the Alaskan Vet on "Animal Planet" and viewed a program of folks buying homes in the Alaskan wildnerness.
So, why do people get excited and nervous before going on trips? Is it because we are going out of our comfort zone? Is it because we relinquish control to whatever is out there in the world? Is it because we leave our safe place and loved ones behind? It's probably a combination of all of the novelty.


But traveling is good for the soul. I notice a glow in my skin before I go on a journey--truly! Not so sure the dog and cat are glowing but they do not know yet that I will be leaving soon. No luggage is out and I'm sort of behind the hustle bustle pre-trip mode. The obstacle course has been completed, though: vet check for dog, cat; dentist, doctor...all done. We are healthy and getting many of the ducks in a row. Emails are coming in from different places, including the airline, bookstore, nature tour and so it goes.

And, let's face it. The trek is a long one. It's not a direct flight because I do live in the mountains. It will be a very long day for me to go from Tahoe to Alaska via Nevada, Utah, Washington--and then the red state. But once I'm there I sense all will calm down in this busy mind of mine. Two years ago this time I flew to Montreal and took a train to Quebec City...Decades ago I hitchhiked from the Golden State to Montreal and freaked from cultural shock but vowed to return...I did it. 
So this north to Alaska trip should be a walk in the park. Sort of.  No, I have not told the Aussie. I just don't have the heart to tell my better half we will be separated for a bit. But I did tell him no matter what I'll always be back for him and never leave him alone. That's a promise.

Holiday Season Is Even Better with Gift Books That Give All Year Round

REAL Superfoods for the Holiday Season

By Cal Orey
Did you know the keys to a long life and vibrant good health can be found on the shelves of your local supermarket?
Order for the Holidays
a Gift for all
Generations!
Recipes+
Apples, leafy greens, shellfish, yogurt—even ice cream and pasta. The latest scientific studies reveal that many of the classic foods you’ve always loved are superfoods that can supercharge your health! Not only are they delicious, they’re affordable—plus these essential farm-to-table favorites can work with any diet plan, from the balanced Mediterranean Diet to the hunter-gatherer Paleo plan.
 With over 50 recipes for both cooked and raw dishes, including smoothies and soups, a detox juice fast and a jump-start pounds-off diet, this down-to-earth guide will show you how to get healthy and stay healthy with body-friendly superfoods.
 
*Boost your immune system with citrus and nutrient-dense berries, including fresh, frozen, and dried. 
 
*Enjoy the healthy fats in eggs and nuts, including nut butters, to fight inflammation, slow the aging process, and lower your risk of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

*Trade white sugar for antioxidant-rich sweeteners like maple syrup, the newest superfood!
 
*Create home remedies designed to ease anxiety, improve sleep, boost brainpower and enhance energy.

 *Keep your home spotless for kids and pets using eco-friendly superfood-rich formulas.
 
*Pamper your mind and body with the same food-based treatments that health spas use, including ingredients like seeds and seaweed. 
 
Now you can indulge in a Pesto Pizza or Berry Basil Smoothie, a Chicken Bone Broth or dark chocolate gelato, while chilling with an ancient-oats facial or relaxing in a warm, herb-scented bath. Infused with heartwarming stories and inspiring legends, The Healing Powers of Superfoods will take you to a world of wellness that starts at home with our favorite foods from Mother Nature—enjoyed in a new way with an exciting twist!

Christmas Cookies with The Healing Powers of Tea for the Holiday Season

By Cal Orey
Christmas Cookies with a Cuppa Tea for Holidays
As one of my favorite memories go, in early wintertime I was living in Eugene, Oregon with a small group of nomadic friends. One cold day with a bit of snow on the ground and slippery black ice (foreign to a San Francisco native), I stayed indoors and baked cookies. There wasn’t a single cookbook or baking tools in the kitchen, so I had to rough it and make do with the few food items I found in the cupboards and fridge. I recalled my mom’s recipe for Snowball or Butterball Cookies. Five ingredients, a bowl, spoon, cookie sheet is about all you need--and black tea while you bake--and chamomile to get you through the ordeal.
In hindsight, the scene was funny. Once the cookies were baked and good to go, I was boxing them up to mail to relatives for Christmas—but my six down-to-earth looking roomies (and two dogs) in a tiny, spartan kitchen were eating the white butter nut balls faster than I could box the goodies and I felt flustered because it was a lost battle. The cookie monsters won. This easy-to-make recipe is inspired by post-hippie snow days on the road in December.

Snowball Cookies
1 stick European style butter, softened ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar (about ½ cup extra for rolling after baked) 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted 1 capful pure vanilla extract ¼-1/2 cup nuts (walnuts or pecans), chopped
In a bowl, cream butter and sugar. Add flour and mix until creamy. Stir in vanilla. Fold in nuts. Place cookie dough on a floured cutting board and roll into a ball. Put onto a sheet of foil and into the refrigerator for about 20 minutes.  Use a small ice cream scoop (about 1/8 cup size) and scoop dough into balls. Roll into a ball shape and place on nonstick cookie sheet or lined with parchment paper. Bake cookies in a 350 degree oven for 12 minutes or until bottom of cookies are light brown. Do not over bake. Place in balls into sugar immediately. After cooled repeat. Makes 8-10. You can double the recipe as well as freeze the cookies in an airtight container. Note: Simple is elegant like silver balls on a Christmas tree. However, if you to be more festive, add 1-2 teaspoons orange rind to cookie dough and/or sprinkle cinnamon on top after the cookies are rolled in sugar to give it a snickerdoodle taste.
There are dozens and dozens of holiday cookies to make. This quick, easy recipe is a super way to begin, though. Sometimes, less is more.  Not only are they affordable, ingredients are likely in your kitchen, but they are small. Also, two will fill you up and not out. Pair with a cup of tea for a morning or afternoon energizing snack to after dinner delight--and it's perfect wherever you are and what the weather gods are doing with their magic.
— Cal Orey, M.A., is an author and journalist. Her books include the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, and Tea) published by Kensington. (The collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.)  TEA--release date December 25. Now available for order at kobo, amazon, barnesandnoble, walmart, target, and other stores.

Turkey Day from an Author's POV

By Cal Orey

Last year Thanksgiving was a time when I spent the day cooking a big bird or little game hens, cornbread dressing, homemade cranberry sauce, mixed vegetables, and pumpkin pie. But this year I decided to rebel making the traditional dinner and postpone the big meal until Christmas. And that’s when I decided to get my turkey dinner fix and leftovers with a twist of the Mediterranean.


Back in the 
day when I was in my late twenties I was living in a townhouse in Mountain View (north of San Jose). Sitting in the sun, getting tan by the swimming pool I was reading and dog-earing one of those go-to-Europe-on-a-budget books. It was my dream to go to Tuscany that fall and savor sites, people, culture, and Mediterranean cuisine. I was going to stay at hostiles, take a backpack and sleeping bag, and experience several countries. But my boyfriend announced that if I left on a trip while he had to work he wouldn’t be there when I returned. So, I changed my plans and opted for graduate school to get a master’s degree in English (Creative Writing). Europe was put on the back burner.

Decades later, I am here on the South Shore living my life as an author writing and promoting my health-cookbook Healing Powers Series. So, this week feeling a bit overwhelmed (after the Zen cat's dental surgery, bed meltdown, waiting for new mattress and sleeping in the bed frame like a big kitty litter box, and regretting not taking the Alaska getaway due to an unexpected hurricane-force storm) I ponder, “I can at least bring a treat with European flair to me." Think turkey sandwich and trimmings (I feel less guilty not having a bird in the fridge; rarely do I indulge in poultry or fish since I'm a 95% vegetarian and part-time vegan.) And  I may just go ahead and book an adventure to Seattle-Victoria, Canada as a late Thanksgiving present to me since I still have flight miles in the lock box, with credit to Al Gore.Hot Turkey and Provolone Sandwich 2 tablespoons European style butter 4 red onion slices 1⁄4 cup fresh mushrooms, chopped 4 tablespoon green bell peppers, chopped 2 sourdough rolls, split (whole grain preferred) 2 slices turkey (I used organic roasted turkey breast from Safeway deli.) 2 slices provolone cheese 1⁄2-1 cup spinach lettuce, chopped 3 Roma tomatoes, sliced 4 tablespoon black olives Extra virgin olive oil Red wine vinegar Ground black pepper In a frying pan melt butter and saute onion, mushrooms, and peppers. Put aside. Put bottom halves of rolls on parchment lined cookie sheet. Top each with turkey and cheese. Bake in 375 degree oven till cheese melts. Take out from oven and top each roll with lettuce, tomatoes, and onion mixture. Drizzle with olive oil and a splash of vinegar. Add a dash of pepper. Cut sandwiches diagonally. Serves two.Chunky Mashed Potatoes 4 medium red potatoes 1⁄2 cup 2 percent low-fat organic milk European style butter Chives, fresh In a saucepan boil potatoes. When tender put potatoes in bowl; mash. Add milk until consistency is smooth and chunky. Add butter to taste. Add chopped chives. Serves two.For dessert the plan is to savor a cup of gourmet Sugar and Spice flavored coffee and a square of dark chocolate while sitting in front of a freshly made fire and cozying up with the the Aussie and Siamese while watching a film. True, it isn’t Rome (and the ex boyfriend is history forever) but this nontraditional “family-style” mini meal has its health perks. (I’ll save the second sandwich for the day after.) And there will be no gaining unwanted Turkey Day pounds. My plan is when I make my appearance for signing of my new book in the New Year I will still be able to fit in my size 4 skinny jeans. And that is going to be Thanksgiving for me. Motto: Things happen for a reason. If you’re thinking you should be somewhere else, maybe it’s time to rethink where you are and be thankful for what you have. Blessings and light to you and yours. One more thing: The boyfriend left me, anyhow. He traded me in for "a woman to brush his hair out of his eyes after a hard days work." So, I got me a dog and lived happily after and we are each others' rock. – Cal Orey is an accomplished author and journalist. Her books include The Healing Powers series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee,Tea, Superfoods, Essential Oils) published by Kensington, kobo.com, barnes and noble, amazon.com ebooks/paperback/mass market