Sourdough Rhubarb Coffee Cake

 

I wrote the recipe as I made it up on a piece of paper, old envelope, I can't find it.  I will make it again and then add the recipe.   It was good.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

May is Myositis Awareness Month - I have IBM, Inclusion Body Myositis

 Well Hello!  

It's been a LONG time.  

I've had a CRAZY life since last post on January 24.  

I have been actively seeking the "why" to my weakness for many years.  Every "ist" (specialist) treats the condition I am sent to see them for.  No one connected the dots, even though I kept saying..."isn't it weird that..." 

So in December 2023 I had a complete workup by the neurologist in Wausau, WI.  MRI, EMG and multiple examinations.  I was told, I did not have MS or Parkinson's, that we would monitor it and come back in a year.  

When I returned in December 2024, I told him that I had a couple falls this past year.  One resulted in fractures to my ankle bone.  He examined me and noticed additional weakness so another EMG was ordered.  If you have never had an EMG, but have touched an electric fence, that is what part of it feels like.  The other part is needles poked in your muscles.  It's not my favorite.  Anyway, he says, I will be right back, I think I know what is wrong with you.  Here, silly me thought, Yay!  Finally!  He comes back in with a referral to UW Madison specialists and says "I believe you have a motor neuron disease, possibly ALS, but it could be another disease, they will test you and find out.  However, the waiting list is like 1-3 months."  

WOW, right!  You can imagine all the "things" running through my mind and what I was looking up online.  After a month of not hearing and worrying, I called UW Madison and was told 4-6 month waiting list.  So, I listened to my family and contacted Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  I heard back in 2 days and had an appointment within 2 weeks.

I won't lie, it was tough, all the emotions, giving things away, starting to say my good byes, making life ending plans I was just broken.  It looked like ALS - according to Google.

When we arrived at Mayo, the first neurologist asked "what can we do for you?"  I said "I want my 'Mayo Miracle' and you to tell me I don't have ALS."  After MANY examinations, tests, over the next 4 days, they were able to tell me that I probably had IBM.  Now the only reason I remembered that acronym was the BM part (poop) because I BM is a poopy disease.  I had to return in 2 weeks for a muscle biopsy and several visits with other departments, PT, OT, Respitory, swallow evaluation and blood work to include genetic testing.  

Now I could give the long story here, 2 more trips to Mayo and the bone biopsy to test for T Cell LGL (possible leukemia) and more from hemotology.  However, I will say in that month back and forth over there 3 times and staying for days at a time,  I was - scared and sad, anxious and angry, shuffled and shoved, pushed and prodded, poked and zapped, sliced and diced, filled with barium and drained of blood and marrow....it was A LOT. l lived to tell....only with the Lord's help.

During all of this, I was advised by PT at Mayo to start using a walker in the house.  On our night back from there, I got up to use the bathroom, without a walker and fell.  I ended up with a compound wedge fracture on my T 12.  Help.....  Like I said it's been super hard time for me!  

I joined several Myositis support groups online, started aqua therapy, PT, OT and video visits with a grief counselor.  My local neurologist tells me I'm the only one with IBM that he knows of.  It is VERY rare and even doctors don't know about it.  I have had to explain it to every professional I see.  I think, for women, it's a "1 in a million" chance.  

What is inclusion body myositis (IBM)?

The first muscles affected in inclusion body myositis are usually those of the wrists and fingers, and the muscles at the front of the thigh. The muscles that lift the front of the foot also may be affected.

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is one of the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs), a group of muscle diseases that involves inflammation of the muscles or associated tissues. The IIMs are sometimes referred to as simply “myositis.” It has become clear, however, that many forms of myositis exist. In IBM, inflammatory immune cells invade the muscle tissue and concentrate between the muscle fibers. These immune cells are recruited to and surround “inclusion bodies,” which contain cellular material from dead tissue. IBM is distinct among the IIMs for the presence of these inclusion bodies, which can be seen by muscle biopsy. It is estimated that approximately 20,000 people in the United States (US) have IBM, though the exact prevalence is unknown.

What are the symptoms of IBM?

IBM causes progressive weakness of the muscles of the wrists and fingers, the muscles of the front of the thigh, and the muscles that lift the front of the foot. 

What causes IBM?

The cause of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies like IBM is unclear. The body’s immune system turns against its own muscles and damages muscle tissue in an autoimmune reaction. The cause of the muscle degeneration that occurs in IBM is unclear as well.

What is the progression of IBM?

IBM usually develops after age 50 and is more likely to affect men than women. The disease progresses at different rates and with different symptoms in each person, but does not typically affect life expectancy. People with IBM may, however, experience persistent symptoms that require constant management over the course of a lifetime.

What is the status of research on IBM?

Research studies to increase the understanding of IBM and clinical trials of medications to treat IBM are underway

I have been looking back at pictures of myself and believe it began 2013.  By August of 2014 I had noticable muscle loss in my left calf.  I have had people say "are you in pain?"  I would reply, "nope, no pain, just weakness."  Around this past Christmas a customer asked "what is wrong with you?"  Not mean like, just asking.  I said, "the only way I can explain this is to say, when I go to bed at night, I say good bye to that Jacky because in the morning when I wake, I've lost a little piece of me."  That is IBM.....

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Farmhouse Friday - Week 4

 Good Friday morning!

I made something that may now become one of my favorite treats.  Sourdough crackers.  They were so good!

So easy to make too!  Just 2 T melted butter and 1/2 cup sourdough discard.  Mix together until smooth and spread on a parchment lined cookie sheet - super thin.  Sprinkle with favorite spices, flaky salt, everything bagel is what I did.  Bake 325 for 10 minutes.  Take out of oven and cut into squares.  

Place back in oven for another 20-25 minutes, until lightly brown and "dry."

I couldn't stop eating them!  

To start out this week, I did something I've never done before.  I know, even at 58 - (wink, wink).  My friend, Meg, treated me to a pedicure and manicure.  I'm not really one to do this kind of thing, that is why I've never.  However, I already made my next appointment.  This was so enjoyable.  

I love how cute my thumbs are...teehee.  Meg said "I'm so surprised that you did such bright colors.  I thought for sure you would have picked clear or light pink"  Nope, I can be a bit wild at times.  

Al and I also went up to Rhinelander to the main Golden Harvest store.  Happy to find more "juicing" veggies.  It was sub zero all weekend and into Wednesday.  He was busy processing all the beets into the freeze dryer.  He did like 70 pounds of beets into 11 quarts and 4 pints of powder.  We already are adding it to our water and juice.  

We are still working on the carrots.  

We worked on a puzzle.  Finished it, moving on to the next.

We stopped at a thrift shop and I found a book to read.  I'm trying to quit scolling so much (eek).  The title appealed to me and I like easy reads, mysteries.  I really enjoyed it.  I looked up the author and she has over 35 books in this series about Agatha Raisin.  I found 6 on ebay of her early ones, I bought them.  

Sub zero was this week for sure!  We have been doing the sauna every day if we can.  So we were happy to fire it up on Wednesday afternoon when it warmed up.  This morning it was -12.

Our sump pump died....Al caught it in time...thank the Lord.  Not the septic, the "grey water" one.  We don't have enough snow on the ground to insulate the pipe.  So, good thing we buy out estates and had 1 or 2 spares in the barn.  He "fixed" it enough until spring.  

Tomorrow we are having an estate sale of items we moved to our office space.  Next week we are on to working on the next one and a consult for another.  Spring is coming...calls are coming in...

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Farmhouse Friday - Week 3

 It's not Friday...but, this was my post for week 3.

It is okay...in fact, I did that this past week.  On my healing journey, I reevaluated what is working for me and what is not.  The problem with me is I'm loyal.  That is a good trait, but not at the same time.  I'm loyal to a fault.  As in I keep hanging on to something or someone and don't know when to give in and call "uncle."  It usually happens after something bad happens to me and has to hit me upside the head.  Well, without going into too much detail, I'm now searching other options for physical therapy and pain relief.  I gave it over 3 years, I need to call "uncle."  I just want to take a break from it "all" and "disappear until I feel like myself again."  

Our daughter, started a new women's circle therapy.  She is incorporating spices/teas along with the sessions.  I offered to make her some cinnamon sourdough bread.  It was really good - especially as French toast.  

Look at this yam/sweet potato - it's as big as a baby's head

We found these - 25# of organic beets and carrots.  Al has a new hobby now, freeze drying.  He did that whole bag of beets.  We also juiced

He made beet powder.  Not only are we going to add to our drinks, but I want to use it or a natural dye.  Anyway, he has made quite the assembly line of production.  Thankful for him!

Looking through the Farmer's Almanac - for fun.  No one can predict the weather.  Well, at least not the crazy weather we've had this past year.  Looks like 2025 on same trend.  

On my Wednesday, help with homeschool day, with Lauren, she said the funniest thing!!!  Now, if you are reading this Justine, it's not bad....it was just something little...ahaha.  So, Lauren and I were playing some games and I said "Grandma shouldn't teach you all these sneaky tricks...."  She, without a blink of an eye, turns to me and says "ya but, it will be useful when I'm older."  From the mouth's of, right!   

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Farmhouse Friday 2025 - Week 2

 Good Morning.

This week was one of doctor appointments.  Monday I had a chiropractic adjustment and a decompression session.  Normally, these go good.  However, this time, by the time I got home, I could hardly stand up straight.  The rest of the day and in to Tuesday, I could hardly walk.  I had an appointment with the neurologist which I almost cancelled, but it takes months to get another.  I was miserable for a couple of days.  

In a recent post, I said something like "I'm happy with where I am at in life."  That statement was really about how far I've come and my dreams for my business.  As much as I planned to do this or that for my professional self, I am still confident in the things I've accomplished.  At the time of my writing that post, I was dealing with and honestly still am feelings of my health or lack there of.

I love to read self-help things or even look at different forms of motivation.  My daughter follows an Ojibwe woman, that developed this "card game."  I'm not sure if I can explain it adequately.  Anyway, it is used as a counseling tool.  For the new year, she suggests that you draw 4 cards, one for each season.  Each card is an animal, that represents a word and direction on what you must work on in that season.  If you don't work on improving what the season has, you won't completely move forward in your "healing." My Winter card is Jack Rabbit - Perspective.  I'm supposed to have compassion for my previous mistakes.  

So, as I woke one day this week, the thought came to me, "I'm not mad at my body."  My body has accomplished some awesome things.  It's been through a lot in 58 years.  I'm not mad at it for failing me now, I asked it to do some crazy things.  If you only knew how many HEAVY pieces of furniture I've hauled, packed, moved, staged in the past 35 years...it did good for what I asked of it.   

I do believe in signs and as I was leaving the doctor appointment the song on the radio was by Lauren Daigle "You're going to be okay."  I'm leaving, discouraged with my progression and I hear this.  When the song ended, the "word of the day" was about healing.  With my Jack Rabbit perspective, the lyrics in the song and the message of healing - these were signs that gave me hope.  

We are in week 2 and I feel I've already made so much progress in my "healing."  

What else is going on?  Well, this was our Christmas gift...and Al has been experimenting with it...freeze dryer.  This week he did strawberries and ground beef.  

As far as my working - we are back at it for 2025.  Working on our last phase of my friend Jan's estate sale.  We filled a trailer with the last items from her home.  Her husband is still living in the house, this was easier.  We started setting up the sale in our office space.  It will be January 25.  

If you happen to read all of this and you are struggling with something, look at it in a different way.  It was easy for me to say "my body is failing me."  However, I have asked my body to do some hard things.  I changed my way of thinking.  I'm not mad at my body, I'm actually thankful for all the things it has carried me through.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Simple Sunday Supper

 

So simple, so good.  Here is how I made it.  

Saute' onions, garlic, mushrooms 

I added S&P and Italian seasoning

Remove from heat, put in bowl.  

While the veggies are still cooking, pound out your boneless, skinless chicken breasts along with some oil for coating.  Once flat, add corn starch, enough to cover the breasts.  Add a bit more oil to pan and fry the breasts.

Fry them until you see clear juices bubbling from the middle.  Remove from heat, place in bowl with veggies.

In the pan with all those drippings, eyeball equal amount of corn starch to fat.  Make a rue.  As it absorbs in, add some chicken broth (or water) stir around so that is thickens and lumps break up.  To that add some heavy cream (a little or lot - depends on how you like it).  I also sprinkled some garlic and onion powder, S&P and Italian seasoning. 

Then dump your chicken and veggies back in the pan with sauce and let simmer for another 10 min or so.  I served ours over rice.

I was tempted to just drive to town and go get something to eat.  I'm glad I didn't.  This whole meal was done in the time it would have taken me to run for fast food and return home.  

I hope you give this a try.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Farmhouse Friday 2025 - Week 1

 

I love journals, calendars and such with cute artwork that inspires me.  I came across this artist and love it.  

Normal January in Wisconsin we have snow and lots of it.  However, this year we did, it melted and now we are waiting.  I like the hibernation that comes in January,   Dare I say, with the lack there of, even a snow storm to "keep us in" I miss it.  

From Christmas get together with family, 4H community service at the Homme Nursing Home, mild temps to enjoy the natural Vit. D to shopping the "bins" in Appleton, we have had a fun and rewarding week.  

Saturday

Sunday

Monday - Thursday

My porch plants are now taking up space in the laundry room.

Cup of tea in my greenhouse....little quick nap in the sun...until I heard a ruckus outside.  This hen, she wanted to come in.  She was relentless.  Silly girl! 

Then she brought friends....

With the nice weather they have been out free ranging every day.  We even found her sitting on an egg in the garage.  When did she get in there?  

Both daughters and grands went thrift shopping with us.  My friend Karen just happen to be there too.  Mind you, this is over an hour from our house.  Anyway, Karen came up behind me and said "I almost peed when I found this!"  I screamed....it was loud...eek...she found a very primitive, hand painted, like maybe 100 years old, pantry box!  So nice!  That had to be the best thing in all those bins.  She loves primitives too.  I said "I'm sorry I screamed (ahaha)."  She said last week....her friend told her people were screaming while digging, because there was a mouse in one of the bins.  So, Shannon. if you are reading this....true!  Anna said she saw turds in other bins.  It takes more than a mouse or turds to stop me from digging.  

Have you ever been to one of those by the pound "bins" shopping places?  So many 20/30 somethings buying clothes.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.