Adapted from Goudreau’s recipe, I would improve it next time for my tastebuds and add more ginger (maybe triple it).  I used less onion than called for because less is more here but use your own judgment.  She uses tahini and I used sunflower seed butter.  Serves 2.

4-5 peeled carrots, cut into rounds

1/2 yellow onion, diced

1 tsp. grated fresh ginger

2 cups vegetable stock

1 Tbsp. sunflower seed butter (or tahini)

1/4 cup non dairy milk (I used soy)

Salt and pepper

Add carrots, onions, ginger and stock to a 2-quart saucepan and cook over medium heat, covered for 40 minutes or until the carrots are soft when pricked with a fork.

Blend with a hand blender right in the pot or transfer to a conventional blender – add butter and milk and combine until smooth.  Season to taste.  I sprinkled on paprika for color but feel free to garnish with freshly ground pepper.

What is great about this soup is – it is oil free.  It is very low in calories even with the addition of the sesame or sunflower butter.

From start to finale, from whimisical characters and dreamy sometimes nightmarish settings to memorable witty dialogue and from black and white to technicolor and back – The Wizard of Oz is an all time favorite story, movie and now touring stage musical.

Wicked is based on it, OZ the great and powerful is a completey different take on it – L. Frank Baum’s original and imaginative book, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.  America sang about the Tin Man in 1974 and Elton John dedicated a whole album to the Yellow Brick Road back in 1973. We grew up with this adventure of lost and found, a commentary on finding yourself, a statement about authenticity and the power of believing.

We (ML and I) had the pleasure of experiencing this spectacle of our annual TV watched staple this Sunday at the Segerstrom Hall where our kids went for years to learn, listen and have ice cream socials at the Symphony for the Youth Program.Although there’s a strong imaginative aspect to the Wiz, it is based on solid, grounded values.  And although it appeals to children of a bygone era, its innocence and symbolism draws the mature audience in as well.Home is where the Heart is – there’s no place like Home and we must aspire to and be inspired by the Intellect, Love and Bravery.

“We could accomplish many more things

if we did not think of them as impossible.”

-Jacques Rousseau 

Yup. That’s right.  February is still bringing it in.  We have Swiss Chard, Cilantro, Parsley, Lettuces and way too many Meyer lemons (they are sweeter than commercially grown Eureka) hanging heavily, bending our two dwarf trees and a smattering of smaller tomatoes that taste homegrown and sweet.

Sorely needed rain is predicted for Thursday through Sunday (at least five inches).  

Cindi update:  Poor baby.  Thanks to J’s knowing and super sensitive nose – she smelled Cindi’s ears and predicted ear infection.  Lo and behold, she had a terrible yeast outbreak in there and the vet lubricated her inner ears with a combination antibiotic, steroid and something else.  This should last for two weeks.  If when she goes back for a check up, it’s not all cleared up, which is possible, then another dosage is given.

Meanwhile, directions for itching:

1. Bathe one to two times/week with moisturizing liquids (I have been using Aveeno Baby Wash and Mane and Tail conditioner).

2. Children’s Benadryl dosage twice/day since it is allergy related.

3. Wipe her down and all around with Baby Wipes (I got her specifically the ones for moisturizing with oatmeal) at least twice/day and if I want every time we come in from outside.

4. Change her food to just two and different proteins/carbs she has never had so she has never had the chance to become allergic to (Dick Van Patten’s Duck and Potato).  No more treats (darn!) and no deviating from the plan for six weeks.  The food should be canned because it is more hydrating.

We are hoping this relieves her so she doesn’t form lesions from scratching.  Plus, she has gained one full pound and that’s too much.  She is exercising plenty (2-3 miles/day walks) but I need to be feeding her less.

Whew!  I never knew having a doggie was such a learning curve!  It’s very similar to having a new baby.  I am grateful I am home with her just like I was with our munchkins!

I hope the above information helps someone else who may be having same issues.Awww!

Happy Sunday to all!  We are off to see the Wizard!Just following the yellow brick road today.