Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[crazy8s]

5 hours ago, CalicoKitty said:

Thanks for the info on oatmeal.  I will try it.  And I don't know how any human can take as much salt as this meatloaf.  I don't see how it can be healthy for anyone.

I have used gluten free croutons. I put them in the food processor and turn them into crumbs.

[Mindthinkr]

I am another salt intolerant person. I can’t eat my daughter’s cooking as it’s too salty for my taste. I’ve even had to give up on some restaurants as their chefs have a heavy hand when it comes to sodium. Last night the neighbor wanted to put a bouillon cube in water (for flavor) to make risotto with. I read the label and one little cube had 1024mg of sodium. I wouldn’t have been able to eat the meal. He was mad as he’s used to a lot of salt. It’s hard to eat a low sodium diet in America as it’s used too much in our everyday food. Even the chefs on cooking channels use a whole teaspoon for a meal for two. That would burn my tongue. The struggle is real. 

[frenchtoast]

18 hours ago, CalicoKitty said:

Disclaimer:  I am not a cook.  My mother was not a cook.  My grandmother was a horrible cook. (fake bacon bits in jello--true story)

I decided to make meatloaf today, and I found a recipe on line using ground pork rinds in place of bread crumbs.  Since I am very allergic to wheat of any kind, and several people on line have said that pork rinds are a good filler substitute in meat loaf, I thought it was a good idea to try.  It turned out moist and looked very good, and had good texture, but I had to throw it away.  The pork rinds made it so salty it was not edible. I mean eat-a-tablespoon-of-salt salty.  I am so disappointed, and I don't understand why there are so many recipes on line using pork rinds as a bread crumb substitute. I guess I'll try the same recipe with either oatmeal or gluten-free bread crumbs, but I have not had any luck with the bread crumb route.  The brands I have tried all had an odd taste. I'm starting to think it is maybe not worth the effort.   It's a good thing I like eggs and salad.

I've been cooking and baking gluten free for a celiac for over 20 years. When I make Swedish meatballs (a time consuming and tedious dish but delicious) I soak torn up gluten free bread in milk before adding it to the ground meat. I also cook the onions/shallots first. And I used a stand mixer to mix the meat, bread, and eggs. (I think there are eggs...I could be wrong and I don't feel like looking it up.) Anyway, if I were to make meatloaf gluten free that is what I would do. 

I have seen ground up pork rinds for gf breadcrumbs and I was intrigued. I would probably use it as a coating though. Even so, we've had to cut back on meat/chicken/pork because of husband's other health issues. 

[scriggle]

I've used ground up Corn or Rice Chex as gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work pretty well.

[lookeyloo]

Also mashed potato flakes work too.  My box says gluten free

[Zella]

My grandma uses oatmeal in meatloaf like @Absolom. She's always done it that way, and it's really tasty. 

[BetyBee]

Never mind.

 

Edited April 29 by BetyBee

[Ancaster]

On 4/25/2025 at 8:06 PM, sixlets said:

*raises hand while quietly sitting in the corner*

Due to my POTS, I actually need a high amount of sodium to keep my body in line and feeling ok.  We have multiple jars of pickles, and I always have chips/pretzels around the house.  I also have salt capsules to use while I'm out and about.  Mr. Six's doctor told him to cut down on his salt, but my specialist tells me I need more.  I don't like the taste of it very much, but it has come to my rescue many times over.  I absolutely love black pepper, but salt is quickly becoming my new best friend.

ETA--When I cook, I do not add extra salt to the full recipe.  I will always salt my own food, even if it's just the two of us.  

I also have POTS so need high amounts of sodium.  After decades of being bombarded with ads for low sodium snacks and recipes, messages berating us for consuming too much sodium, and gradually lowering my personal sodium intake, it can be quite hard.  Once again I'm having to rethink my cooking and eating habits.  People giving you the "Boo hoo, I'm so sorry you have to eat so many salty snacks" attitude isn't always easy to shrug away with a laugh. 

I have friends and family over for dinner pretty often and think I was a pretty good cook, but now I can't trust my palate.  First World problems, but that's what it is for me right now, and for the foreseeable future.

Thankfully I live alone so don't have a Mr. Ancaster/Mr. Six to cook for - that must be really difficult.

Edited April 29 by Ancaster

[zoomama]

its interesting to me that so many here eat gluten free, as i do. i also dont salt my food when i cook -- just never really learned much about cooking so didnt start out with a shaker in my hand. if a recipe directly calls for it, i will, but i dont often use salt in anything till it gets to the table. being a celiac, eating out is tough to begin with. glad i dont have to deal with POTS at the same time.

i have been quiet here, getting ready for our move. escrow has been delayed. such  a hassle. most of the house is packed up though. i will be so very glad when this time of transition is over -- i hate all the mess and disorganization.

Edited April 29 by zoomama

[andromeda331]

On 4/28/2025 at 11:07 PM, Ancaster said:

I also have POTS so need high amounts of sodium.  After decades of being bombarded with ads for low sodium snacks and recipes, messages berating us for consuming too much sodium, and gradually lowering my personal sodium intake, it can be quite hard.  Once again I'm having to rethink my cooking and eating habits.  People giving you the "Boo hoo, I'm so sorry you have to eat so many salty snacks" attitude isn't always easy to shrug away with a laugh. 

I have friends and family over for dinner pretty often and think I was a pretty good cook, but now I can't trust my palate.  First World problems, but that's what it is for me right now, and for the foreseeable future.

Thankfully I live alone so don't have a Mr. Ancaster/Mr. Six to cook for - that must be really difficult.

My stomach issue is like that but with high fiber. My stomach can't break down high fiber. After years of eat whole wheat, multigran, fruits, and vegetables my doctor told me to do the opposite of what I'd been told by doctors all my life. 

Edited May 3 by andromeda331

[Anela]

On 4/28/2025 at 5:38 PM, BetyBee said:

Never mind.

 

I was interested in your question, if it was about pets.

I've just seen the posts about stomach issues. I've had a bad one for fifteen years now (a bit more than that). I thought it was improving, but last night I got really sick again. Twenty-four hours ago. I've also wondered if I might have POTS, but I'm not sure. 

[Ancaster]

8 hours ago, Anela said:

I was interested in your question, if it was about pets.

I've just seen the posts about stomach issues. I've had a bad one for fifteen years now (a bit more than that). I thought it was improving, but last night I got really sick again. Twenty-four hours ago. I've also wondered if I might have POTS, but I'm not sure. 

I haven't heard of POTS being related to stomach issues (it's basically a heart condition), but talk to your doctor.  If she/he thinks it's appropriate, you can be tested for it.

(The T in POTS is for tachycardia.)

Edited April 30 by Ancaster

[Albanyguy]

11 hours ago, Meow Mix said:

As far as smoking in front of kids, my father and both grandfathers smoked (my father a pipe and my grandfathers cigarettes, no pot as far as I know) and that was the biggest disincentive to smoking I could have.

Back when we were growing up in the Sixties and Seventies, my parents were two pack a day chain smokers (my dad developed lung cancer and my mom eventually quit). Neither my brother, sister nor I have ever tried smoking even once. When your childhood is an endless series of smoke filled rooms and ashtrays overflowing with butts, there’s nothing enticing about it.

[EmeraldGirl]

My parents smoked constantly in the 70s, until my dad was told that he would die at 62 if he didn’t quit. They both stopped cold turkey. I didn’t know it at the time, but my dad had a younger pot smoking friend, and he would also partake, as well as drinking to excess. They came to visit us once when I had just had a baby, and my husband found pot in the refrigerator for my dad and his lawyer friend. Both over 62 at that point. Needless to say, my husband was not happy about it.

I personally avoided smoking my whole life – until my 50s! I don’t know why I started so late, but now it’s hard to give up. Ugh 

We never smoked or drank when we had little kids. Someone had to have a clear mind in case of emergencies. I guess it’s not Mr. fancy bankruptcy restaurant. Even if his organs are all floating around his body.

[andromeda331]

4 hours ago, Albanyguy said:

Back when we were growing up in the Sixties and Seventies, my parents were two pack a day chain smokers (my dad developed lung cancer and my mom eventually quit). Neither my brother, sister nor I have ever tried smoking even once. When your childhood is an endless series of smoke filled rooms and ashtrays overflowing with butts, there’s nothing enticing about it.

That's why my brother and I don't smoke. Our parents' did and yeah there's nothing enticing about it. Now he's in his 70s and his lungs have been destroyed from smoking. He has COPD and can't really do much of anything. And ending up in the hospital because of a COPD has become normal. I wish he never started. He does too.

[kaleidoscope]

For me, it's the gluten.  I eliminated it for a week years ago and then added it back.  The first meal, by body revolted.  Violently.  It was like food poisoning.  My stomach cramped with immense pain.  The vomiting and diarrhea were worse than I'd ever experienced.  It took three days to clear.  It has happened again, every time I ingest gluten.  I now carry Imodium with me everywhere.

[oliviabenson]

I thought of Jill Rod.

[oliviabenson]

6 hours ago, EmeraldGirl said:

My parents smoked constantly in the 70s, until my dad was told that he would die at 62 if he didn’t quit. They both stopped cold turkey. I didn’t know it at the time, but my dad had a younger pot smoking friend, and he would also partake, as well as drinking to excess. They came to visit us once when I had just had a baby, and my husband found pot in the refrigerator for my dad and his lawyer friend. Both over 62 at that point. Needless to say, my husband was not happy about it.

I personally avoided smoking my whole life – until my 50s! I don’t know why I started so late, but now it’s hard to give up. Ugh 

We never smoked or drank when we had little kids. Someone had to have a clear mind in case of emergencies. I guess it’s not Mr. fancy bankruptcy restaurant. Even if his organs are all floating around his body.

Organs floating around his body sent me lol

[sixlets]

18 hours ago, Anela said:

I was interested in your question, if it was about pets.

I've just seen the posts about stomach issues. I've had a bad one for fifteen years now (a bit more than that). I thought it was improving, but last night I got really sick again. Twenty-four hours ago. I've also wondered if I might have POTS, but I'm not sure. 

POTS can cause detrimental GI symptoms.  There can be slow motility to gastroparesis.  The best resource is Dysautonomia International.  They have so much info, and they are doing the most research.  If you think you may have it, the first step is getting a POTS eval from a cardiologist.  They should do an ECG (ultrasound of the heart), Holter monitoring, and hopefully a legit Tilt Table Test.**

**This is what occurred in my situation.  I will also add that I live in Baltimore, so I have easy access to what is needed.  There is only one doctor who specializes in POTS in our entire state.  Things may take time.  If you have any questions, or just want to chat, please don't hesitate to reach out through DM.  I'm on here most evenings.  Sending you gentle hugs!!

[Ancaster]

2 hours ago, sixlets said:

POTS can cause detrimental GI symptoms.  There can be slow motility to gastroparesis.  The best resource is Dysautonomia International.  They have so much info, and they are doing the most research.  If you think you may have it, the first step is getting a POTS eval from a cardiologist.  They should do an ECG (ultrasound of the heart), Holter monitoring, and hopefully a legit Tilt Table Test.**

**This is what occurred in my situation.  I will also add that I live in Baltimore, so I have easy access to what is needed.  There is only one doctor who specializes in POTS in our entire state.  Things may take time.  If you have any questions, or just want to chat, please don't hesitate to reach out through DM.  I'm on here most evenings.  Sending you gentle hugs!!

 

I was incredibly fortunate to get referred to (and accepted by) one of two POTS specialists where I am (a large metropolitan area with excellent research hospitals).  The waiting list for my first appointment was eight months.  I can only hope that more doctors are going in that direction.  As has been pointed out, POTS goes back long before COVID, but perhaps the new awareness because of long COVID will bring some new funding/interest.

I have to ask - you talk abut a "legit" Tilt Test.  What do you mean by that?  What makes a Tilt Test non-legit?  Thanks!

[sixlets]

1 hour ago, Ancaster said:

I have to ask - you talk abut a "legit" Tilt Test.  What do you mean by that?  What makes a Tilt Test non-legit?  Thanks!

Some doctors who don't have the correct equipment will do something called a "poor man's table test".  They have you lie on the exam room table, and will slowly raise the head of the bed, and call it a day.  A true TTT is a lot more involved and is considered to be the best for getting the correct answers.  You will start with an IV, and they'll bring you into another room.  I *think the machine is a tiltable X-Ray or possibly a CT Scan.  You are strapped down, and while laying flat, your baseline is noted.  Then they will raise your entire boy is a rough 45* incline.  I was then given a dose of nitroglycerin spray, and that's when it went all downhill for me!  I was pulled from the test earlier than expected.  While I went in to change, my nurse (shoutout to Steve- he was awesome), went out to talk to my husband.  It took nearly a week just to get back to MY level.  You need a 30-point gap in your baseline, and when the drugs have been handled, and you are standing.  

All that being said, the poor man's version won't give you a true answer because most people get dizzy if they stand up too quickly, and their equipment won't allow them to have you in the correct position.  

I hope this makes a decent amount of sense.  I'm currently in the middle of a flare, and the brain fog is real.

[Ancaster]

2 hours ago, sixlets said:

Some doctors who don't have the correct equipment will do something called a "poor man's table test".  They have you lie on the exam room table, and will slowly raise the head of the bed, and call it a day.  A true TTT is a lot more involved and is considered to be the best for getting the correct answers.  You will start with an IV, and they'll bring you into another room.  I *think the machine is a tiltable X-Ray or possibly a CT Scan.  You are strapped down, and while laying flat, your baseline is noted.  Then they will raise your entire boy is a rough 45* incline.  I was then given a dose of nitroglycerin spray, and that's when it went all downhill for me!  I was pulled from the test earlier than expected.  While I went in to change, my nurse (shoutout to Steve- he was awesome), went out to talk to my husband.  It took nearly a week just to get back to MY level.  You need a 30-point gap in your baseline, and when the drugs have been handled, and you are standing.  

All that being said, the poor man's version won't give you a true answer because most people get dizzy if they stand up too quickly, and their equipment won't allow them to have you in the correct position.  

I hope this makes a decent amount of sense.  I'm currently in the middle of a flare, and the brain fog is real.

Yes, thanks, it makes sense.  I had the "real thing" (after the eight month wait I mentioned above) and it was what you described - except no nitroglycerin spray or drugs of any sort.  WTH was that about???

Brain fog is the hardest Long Covid "symptom" for me - I'd take a physical weakness over that any day.  (Not that I don't have that also.)

Edited May 1 by Ancaster

[ginger90]

[zoomama]

3 hours ago, ginger90 said:

What is it? nothing came through for me?

[Mindthinkr]

14 hours ago, zoomama said:

What is it? nothing came through for me?

It’s a reminder that May 10th is the letter carriers annual food drive. I also got a postcard in the mail asking for donations of non perishable foods that our mail person will pick up on that date. 

[oliviabenson]

Anyone having allergies super bad lately? My eyes are practically glued shut. I’m so puffy and just keep sneezing. 

And runny nose is keeping me miserable.

[AstridM]

16 minutes ago, oliviabenson said:

Anyone having allergies super bad lately? My eyes are practically glued shut. I’m so puffy and just keep sneezing. 

And runny nose is keeping me miserable.

Yes, mine have been awful lately. 

[Mindthinkr]

4 hours ago, oliviabenson said:

Anyone having allergies super bad lately?

Yes and it’s annoying. I’m usually finished with allergies at the beginning of this month. Grrr…..

[Absolom]

It's been an only a bit worse than average spring for me.  Flonase every morning is required and I refilled Singulair although I've only take a couple.

[Catonc]

2 hours ago, Absolom said:

It's been an only a bit worse than average spring for me.  Flonase every morning is required and I refilled Singulair although I've only take a couple.

Same here, a little bit worse than last year.  I've had to start Flonase for the first time.  But what a difference it makes!  

[ChiCricket]

Want to hear something funny?
 I just realized that this entire last year, I've thought I was already 73 instead of *only* 72! 
(and that my husband was already 78, when he is still 77)🙄 🤪 

PS I still have a couple of weeks left to 'enjoy' being 72😁

Edited May 4 by ChiCricket

[BetyBee]

I have to stop and think how old I am and how old my kids are. I have a milestone birthday coming up and it's an even number, but to be honest, I've been thinking about that birthday so much that I keep thinking I'm already there! 

[Zella]

One of my really good friends was born in December and routinely spends the entire year thinking she is whatever age before realizing shortly before her birthday that she's actually just getting ready to turn that age she already thought she was. 

[oliviabenson]

I barely even think about my birthday anymore. Once my mom died I just don’t care.

[BetyBee]

2 hours ago, oliviabenson said:

I barely even think about my birthday anymore. Once my mom died I just don’t care.

@oliviabenson - I bet your Mom fussed over you on your birthday. You must miss her terribly. May is a tough time for those of us who have lost their Moms. I'd be happy to wish you a happy birthday whenever it is. You are a joy to those of us in the Prayer Closet. You are so funny & insightful. Sending a big cyber hug to you! ❤️

[Jynnan tonnix]

Kinda just venting, kind of thinking maybe somebody here might have a lead...My son recently acquired a kitten that he found which had been hit by a car, and left by the side of the road. He got it to a vet, where it had a front leg amputated, but, amazingly, was otherwise in pretty good shape. He lives in Beaumont, TX, and I think I remember someone here saying they were in that area when he was first looking for a house there. 

Anyway, he already has two senior cats that are not reacting well to the new interloper, and, in any case, he's not in a position to keep the kitten because he's looking to move as soon as he can afford to get his house on the market, and settle in Pensacola with his girlfriend. He works remotely, so moving, in and of itself, is not a problem, but he had bought the house right before unexpectedly losing a job a couple of years ago (through no fault of his own - the company closed down the location he was at with no warning and left a whole lot of people in the lurch), and it took him a while to find something new. But the whole thing will basically leave him where they will have to rent for a while, and with his two cats, and his girlfriend's two dogs, that could get difficult already without adding a third cat to the mix. But they have been doing the long-distance relationship thing for going on three years now, and would really like to find a place together. 

His girlfriend has some friends who were going to take the kitten, and were very excited about the prospect, so he didn't put it up for adoption right away, but figured he could keep it at his place for a little while until they could get it, or he could take it to Pensacola, even though a couple of the vet techs were interested at the time the kitten was there - and hopefully one of them will still come through, but he contacted the office yesterday and has not heard back yet. And between one thing and another, he's spent the better part of $3000 on this kitten, at least some of which could have been avoided if he'd found a home for it three or four weeks ago, after the initial surgery/recovery. Now he's increasingly getting really attached, but knows keeping it is not the right choice on a lot of levels. But  - to get back to the point - the friends of the girlfriend, after being insistent over and over that they really, really wanted the kitten, just decided, yesterday, that, oh, yeah, by the way they actually changed their minds. So he's stuck with this 3 month old three-legged kitten (which, he says, is insanely affectionate and loves to talk) that he's increasingly in love with, but can't keep. Anyone want a kitten? His name is Bucky :)

Edited May 6 by Jynnan tonnix

[AstridM]

Awwww! I wish I could take it, but I’m in Ohio. I had a 3-legged cat for many years and he got along just fine. He lost one leg very young and never had any other issues. He was the sweetest cat I’ve ever had. 

[BetyBee]

@Jynnan tonnix- you have certainly raised a kind and caring son! Bucky is a beautiful kitten. I hope your son finds a good home for him. Please keep us posted. I'm afraid I don't know anyone in TX and I'm in IL.

[oliviabenson]

On 5/5/2025 at 3:09 PM, BetyBee said:

@oliviabenson - I bet your Mom fussed over you on your birthday. You must miss her terribly. May is a tough time for those of us who have lost their Moms. I'd be happy to wish you a happy birthday whenever it is. You are a joy to those of us in the Prayer Closet. You are so funny & insightful. Sending a big cyber hug to you! ❤️

Thank you for your kind words.

[andromeda331]

Bucky's so adorable!

[ginger90]

Reminder 😁

[CalicoKitty]

We have been having strong winds here.  They started yesterday, and our wind warning is  until 6:00 tonight.  I have never experienced winds this strong for this long; non-stop at over 40 MPH. My yard seems to be ok, but my close neighbor behind me as a huge tarp tied to some structure, and I just know it is going to end up on my roof.  Power went out this morning at 6:00, and the power company said it would be out until 6:00 tonight, but the workers did a good job and it came back on around 11:00 this morning.  I have two portable backup batteries, a large stock of regular batteries of all sizes, flashlights,  battery candles, and two lap cats, so I will be okay if the power goes out again.  I have no large trees near me, but I am worried about that huge tarp.  Luckily there is no rain or snow involved, and I have no need to leave the house today.

 

[Salacious Kitty]

Here's hoping that tarp stays in place! 

Stay safe! 

[Mindthinkr]

3 hours ago, CalicoKitty said:

warning is  until 6:00 tonight.

It’s use after 6pm now. I hope you have made it through the day safely and that tarp stayed in place. 

[Salacious Kitty]

6 minutes ago, Mindthinkr said:

It’s use after 6pm now. I hope you have made it through the day safely and that tarp stayed in place. 

It's only 3 something where @CalicoKitty is. Since we haven't heard back from her, I assume she lost power again. 

[CalicoKitty]

I'ts almost  4:00 here, and the wind isn't howling as loud as it was.  That huge tarp is somehow still attached, but it is still billowing.  I haven't received a weather warning update from Amazon this afternoon, so maybe the wind is slowing down.  I heard on the news that some large trees have blown down around town, and that traffic was effected for a while.  Trucks were banned on some main roads today, so I'm sure mail and other deliveries are delayed.  Lights and cable have remained on so far, so I'm good. 

 

[CalicoKitty]

Wind is down to about 10 MPR, which is much better.  Thunder storms are supposed to roll in soon, so nothing unusual.  I have not received any weather warnings from Amazon, so I think all is good.  That was an interesting couple of days!

[Ancaster]

I go to a Meetup card playing group pretty regularly.  Last night while we were chatting in between games a new young guy looked directly at me and started his sentence, "When I'm old like you".  I'm not kidding. Jaws dropped.  (I'm 60.)

Edited May 15 by Ancaster

[skatelady]

3 hours ago, Ancaster said:

I go to a Meetup card playing group pretty regularly.  Last night while we were chatting in between games a new young guy looked directly at me and started his sentence, "When I'm old like you".  I'm not kidding. Jaws dropped.  (I'm 60.)

Last week, my 3yo grandson asked wwwhhheeeeennnn he'd finally be allowed to drive. Thinking he wouldn't understand "13 more years" I said "When you have a beard". He thought about that for a moment, and then said "Ohhhh... like YOU, Grandma." 

Thanks for noticing, buddy! (Guess I need to upgrade my glasses so I can see the lil suckers) 🤣😂😍

[lookeyloo]

Those are too funny.  I was talking to the granddaughter on Mother's Day.  She is almost 22 now.  I always remind her to use sunscreen.  Once when she was about 4 she was sitting on my lap and said "Grandma, why is your neck crumpled?".  I said "when you are a Grandma your neck will be crumpled too, unless you use sunscreen".  Of course who knows.  But anyway, back then twentyish years ago she said that.  Fast Forward...