A cold winter shabbat

Here it is a few weeks since I posted .Thanksgiving in Vegas and the weekend in Oakland was very hectic non stop but really lovely .spending thanksgiving wit Rick and his family in Vegas was really lovely.Flew back to Oakland on a Friday to spend the rest of the weekend.It was really great spending Shabbat dinner with Chester and Miriam I did bring my homemade tachina.the rest of the weekend was great especially going to Capones a speak easy they had a great jazz band we danced the night away.
Here it is a week and a half later and still recovering.though it has been a good week at work.a appositive follow up visit with dr Pecora .feeling a limitless down so feeling badly I won't be home for the Nissel bar mitzvah this Shabbat looking forward to spending Shabbat with my cousins Moish &Esti a Teller in Flatbush .Wishing all my friends and family a greAt weekend a restful Shabbat and a wonderful Chanukah coming up this week.

What a great weekend for a great warm shabbat

Thw week started very busy at work,even though we had. Veterans Day off,it was a busy day.ct scans I the morning a great lunch out with my dear friend Resa we just chilled and talked the Inwent to visit  mom Estelle We had a really lovely visit.paid.but here we are and it's Erev Shabbat and it's going yo be our first real cold weekend of the season.looking forward to spending Shabbat with family and friends(Dvora and Perry Krevat for dinner).
 So here's my menu mixed roasted squash and pumpkin soup,mixed sours with salad and tachina,roasted acorn squash,sautéed broccoli rabe,homemade cranberry apple relish,potato kugel,
Roasted ch.icken with root vegetables.
Wishing all my friends a warm restful Shabbat and a great weekend.also best of luck to all the urology residents taking their in service exam tomorrow.

Peggy & Noah's last Shabbat in Passaic

Though so excited to have Peggy & noah for Shabbat lunch this week with a few of our friends it's with a heavy heart that we have to wish them safe travels on their  next adventure in Atlanta.
The last few week since chag have been really stressful and busy at work. And I'm a little anxious about my upcoming scans next week but I'm praying and hoping for only positive results.I'm looking forward to a great Shabbat with friends.here is my menu for tomorrow .
Gefilte fish ,sushi salad,tomato salad roasted squash,,Israeli carrot salad,  tossed baby green

quinoa tabouleh,tachina,
Pargiot,and a chicken chamim for dessert carrot cake, and fruit

Shanna Tova

It's been quite a while since I've posted,but it's been very overwhelming at work.Since I've last posted I made it back out to the west coast for Labor Day weekend and a beautiful couple of days in Mendicino.
 So here it is the Sunday  before Rosh   Hashana and and I really have so much to be grateful for.Though the past year had some rough patches with my inpatient treatments but thank g-d
All is stable and I'm on 2 gene blocking therapies,and the side effects are more then manageable.
There is no way I could have made it though this past year without the love and support of my family and friends along with their prayers.
But enough of the depressing stuff  today I got some of my baking done for chag,gluten free apple cake,chocolate chip cookies and my low fat spice cake ,and finally challah but I ran out of eggs so to be continued along with my cooking on Wed .soup unstuffed chicken meatballs,chicken soup,roast chicken,beets,squash black eye pea chumus,roasted assorted greens,tachina,salads potatoes etc
wishing all of you a year filled with health happiness and prosperity.

Shabbat Nachamu

It was an interesting week at work especially with Tisha Ba'av in the middle.I did not eat any food but did keep myself hydrated and made it through the fast. Unfortunately I paid dearly for it on Wed.ending up coming home after only 2 hours of work totally drained a little  hypotensive with a low grade temp. I guess with both  BRAF blocking drugs I have no choice but to eat.But Thank G-D yesterday was a really productive and good day at work.So here it is Friday again and looking forward to co-hosting Rivka Fogel's Shabbat Kallah with Danielle Zimmerman as you saw Sunday the baking is done a huge shout out to Miriam Singer who dropped off some home made goodies.
So As  of now the count is up to 10 for dinner Motti & 2 friends ,the Krevats and the Zimmermans.
So here is tonight's menu:
squash soup,mixed green salad with chamutzim and my tachina,grilled portabello mushrooms,zucchini,eggplant,peppers,onion & corn,Grilled pargiot and a grilled whole roasted burtterflied chicken, Ustuffed Cabbage with chicken meatballs, sauteed mixed beet green with kale,basmati rice,roasted beets,& cucumber salad and for dessert some home baked goodies.

Zucchini fest

 So here here it is the Sunday before Tisha Ba'av,and a huge amount of leftover squash from my CSA box
.from this past week.So here is what i did.I'm co hosting  Rivka Fogel's shabbat Kallah this comming Shabbat.
 So I made  chocolate chip cookies,blueberry  zucchini muffins,carrot muffins and a  carrot squash soup.All the baked goods are gluten free.Can't wait to share all the goodies.Wishing all my friends and family  an easy  & meaningful fast

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the nine days

The nine days are always a challenging time not just spiritually, physically  and especially  with our family & friends defending our homeland in Israel.
I always try to come up with a little something different than the usual  lasagna or eggplant parm though they are still great &yummy.Especially with all the great produce  I have been receiving from my CSA box and the fresh herbs from my garden.
So here is what Motti & I did for a couple of meals.
  sauteed summer squash with onion garlic,& olive oil(squash cut like spaghetti) with grilled salmon over jasmine rice. Sezchuan eggplant & green peppers for Tuesday night,a frittata  with beet greens,mushrooms fresh corn & swiss chard  served with roasted  rosemary, sage potatoes,beets and carrots .
And after a super  stressful exhausting week at work a very quiet  shabbat at home.
Wishing all my friends and family  both here and in Aretz a restful & peaceful shabbat.
and for the coming week a meaningful and east fast on Tisha  Ba'av

Shabbat before the nine days

It's a couple of weeks later  and after another great restful Shabbat and weekend last week with the Gurocks at Lake Waquabee ,it was a very stressful busy week at the VA,but very satisfying  and very productive
 I had a good check up wit Dr Pecora my EKG and Echocardiogram were normal and my labwork looks good so we are going to try to start the Mekinist again but a half dose along with continuing the Zelboraf.enough of the medical update.
 So excited for this Shabbat and weekend Rick is in from Oakland we went on a great hike this morning at the Ramapo valley reserve it was so peaceful and lovely. Going  to Simmi &Izzy for Shabbat dinner,and having the Fogels for Shabbat lunch.heres my menu .
 I baked gluten free carrot cake and chocolate chip cookies last evening for dessert.eggs and onion,surami salad,grilled potrabella mushrooms,eggplant,peppers& squash; cole slaw,tachina,Israeli string beans,and grilled Pargiot,.looking forward to a restful Shabbat with family & friends .And special teffilot for all of those in Israel

A Shabbat for prayer and reflection

It's been a couple of weeks since I posted.It's been a very busy couple of weeks.The beginning of July can be a very challenging time for those of us in the medical community ,but It's actually been a really smooth transition at the VA ,even though the Mekinist really kicked my butt,the side effects were actually affecting my getting through my normal work days,nausea,low grade fevers and severe night sweats.even requiring some IV fluids and drugs  Dr Pecora gave me a week off of my meds.
  But the one thing that truley reguvinated  me was a wonderful  July 4th weekend with the Gurocks at their Connecticut  summer place, it made all the difference. Though with  my sons and daughter in laws and so many of my friends and family in Israel!my  mind and thoughtbarecpreocupied with their saftey.This  past week at work was really busy but very productive.I went back to Dr Pecora yesterday and I started back on my Zelboraf.
 so home for Shabbat and looking forward to a lovely dinner with Motti & Perry Krevat,and lunch by my sister and a very busy weekend,a Shabbat  Kallah,a bridal shower on Sunday Capped off with Jessica's wedding.
  My menu for Shabbat mango salsa gefilte fish(homemade salsa),grilled par gigot,corn,potrabella mushrooms,zucchini ,peppers and onion,gluten free macaroni salad,tachina,cole slaw,and sushi salad for the Shabbat Kallah.
  Wishing all my friends and family in Israel a peaceful,and safe Shabbat and a great weekend

Shabbat Rosh Chodesh Tammuz

It's been a few weeks since  I posted.the last couple of weeks have been challenging.Even though I was on a drug holiday for a week I developed a mouth full of canker sores  a week and 1/2 ago which made just talking or eating painful,but I roughed it out and got through work,eating soft foods and smoothies.But thank g-d they are much better and my follow up labwork was good.
The last week at work has been hectic and exhausting with no chief resident.I just really wish I had more Stamina but I guess the fact  that I'm working full time and managing to do just about anything I've done before is a blessing.
 Last Sunday I hosted. BBQ for my residents it was really nice just chilling with all of them and using our new charcoal grill.and watching the World Cup.
 I am so looking forward to this Shabbat with my friends from Oakland Miriam &Zoey. & The Gurocks  for Shabbat Dinner,And so happy I felt up to preparing what I hope will be the beginning of a great weekend with friends .So here is my menu.
Shabbat Dinner; gefilte fish choice of chicken soup or cream of broccoli soup,BBQ roasted chicken,grilled eggplant,mushrooms,zucchini,potatoes and onions,sautéed zucchini with garlic &mushrooms.
 Shabbat Lunch; sara I salad,mango salsa,guacamole ,grilled citrus ginger chicken breasts.Homemade challah,gluten free carrot cupcakes,& chocolate chip cookies,assorted fruit.

An unexpected Shabbat at home

It's Been a few weeks since I've posted.Solets go back a couple of weeks.I left for Shavuot on Tuesday June 3rd.It was an uneventful flight Rick picked me up at the airport and we went shopping to prepare for chag.We had quite a menu planned out.We made wild mushroom soup,eggplant parm,lasagna,spinach quiche,mushroom onion quiche,salmon,rice,roasted vegetables and the icing on the cake Titimisu from scratch.we spent chag with friends.Friday we went for a hike in the Miur Forest.then we prepared for Shabbat. sushi salad,roasted chicken,cole slaw,cucumber salad. We had a wonderful dinner with Chester and Miriam.and last minute company for lunch it was   a great weekend.
 Back to the grind stone on Monday.It was a really stressful week at work,and I just wasn't feeling like my self.in fact by Thursday I had no energy or strength .in fact felt quite ill last evening,so I cancelled my plans to go away for Shabbat and went to have some labwork and a checkup with Dr Alter.Got home and didvsome cooking for Shabbat roasted chicken with asparagus,  tachina ,vegetable soup.and chicken potato kugel chulent

Memorial Day Weekend

Here it is Friday again another week down,though it was not without its moments.It was a stressful week at work and frustrating at home.I finally got approval for my new gene therapy approved by my insurance company,it only took three weeks and countless phone calls.The most frustrating part is they refused to ship it out without pre payment,enough of the Debbie downer.
  On a lighter and brighter note I'm looking forward to having may special friends Miriam &Chester Regen who are visiting the East Coast to deal with some family business .I can't wait to host them for Shabbat so to say the least I have been busy cooking and baking.
So here is my Shabbat menu,Friday night  home baked  Pugliese loaves,wild mushroom soup,tachina,roasted asparagus ,sautéed beet greens,sweet and sour meatballs almond rice,grilled orange ginger chicken
For Shabbat lunch,eggs &onions,mock crab salad, purple slaw,summer millet salad,grilled corn on the cob,chicken roast.
Wishing all my friends and family a great holiday weekend ,&ya/Shabbat shalom!

Another week down

The week started out on such a positive note .I had such a lovely Mother's Day I received flowers and an e-card from my kids in Israel,Motti and I worked on the front law and with help from Josh File helped do our bucket garden.A very productive week at work but stressful in its own way.
    But on a really positive note I did start excersizing again and have gotten back on my treadmill startng out slowly but back up to an hour workout,feels good.Like everyone else I'mfrustrated with my insurance company.My oncologist added another BRAF blocking drug,and they denied payment for the drug,amazing it's not like he is adding this drug for the hell of it.But it's being straightened out.Looking forward to my Shabbat in Elizabeth with the Millers,after a busy day getting my MRI,skyping either my kids,laundry and back on my treadmill,baking a Gluten free Carrot cake and tachina

Shabbat with family from Israel

I can't believe a whole week has gone by so quickly had a wonderful Shabbat last week with Richard and all his girls .the food was great but the company even better .Had a great time at  Jonathan Tash 's
Wedding last Sunday I haven't danced that much since Aryehs and matlas wedding .Had. Very hectic crazy week at work but very productive.
 Looking forward to spending dinner tonight at my sister and brother in law and our guests for Shabbat Tiki & Matan  Menachem and their kids.So. Here is my Shabbat lunch menu.
 Gefilte fish,eggs &onions,purple slaw,cucumber salad,tachina,assorted sours,schnitzel,a chicken chamim,gluten free chocolate chip cookies and carot muffins.

Erev Shabbat May 2nd 2014

So here I am my first week back at work after a spectacular trip to Israel.it wasn't hard getting back into the swing of things but oh so hectic.I even managed to complete ACLS this week.I had a follow up CT scan which thank god showed stable disease.I have special company for the weekend,Richard,Lizy,Maya & Joanna Tash .Aloso looking forward to the Krevats for dinner tonight and the Rhodes for lunch tomorrow.
so I actually did a cooking and backing marathon
Shabbat dinner; wild mushroom soup,sweet and   sour chicken meatballs,potato kugel,kasha with onions and mushrooms,Swiss chard,roasted squash ,Hearst of Palm salad. Home made challah,tachina,Israeli green beans
Shabbat lunch; eggs and onions,coleslaw,parave chulent  made with tempeh,wild sock eye salmon,sushi salad,assorted salads,sours tachina.For dessert I baked gluten free carrot cupcakes ,and brownies and Motti made a lovely olive oil cake.

Back in the USA

     After a very restful Shabbat , and just a few days after my return form  my two week trip to Israel to visit my children ,friends and family I find it vert difficult to put in words what I am feeling right now.Especially with my health and not knowing when  I will be able to make that trip again.

    I cannot thank my children enough for without them it never would have happened.It's amazing how quickly two weeks go by.The trip was fantastic even had the opportunity to go camping.

Even did some cooking for my kids per their request.Got some great photos and memories to share

 But here it is 2 1/2 years later and things have changed.Though in general felling great my health definitely impacted on my trip to an extent.my stamina ,ability to shlep things around and even my strength is not what it was prior to my diagnosis and treatment.the reality of my severe sensitivity to the sun was evident especially after being do careful with using sunscreen ,reapplying it multiple times during the  day & wearing a hat all the time ,I still got a really bad blistering sunburn on my arms,that taught me a very valuable lesson.But no complaints overall it was an experience I would repeat tomorrow .looking forward (I think) to getting back to a normal routine.

Getting ready for my big trip

I know it's been a few weeks since I posted on my blog.things have been busy at work and at home.I had a wonderful trip out to the west coast about 3 weeks ago,We drove down to Santa Cruz had a blast and drove back up the pacific coast highway back to the Bay Area .work has been really busy.My Zelboraf is still kicking my butt,actually had a really bad gout attack last actually put be out of commission for a couple of days,but thank g-d I'm feeling better.
   Packing for my two week trip  to Israel for Passover is always a challenge especially with all the new regulations with weight restrictions etc.
But all of this would not have been possible without the love and support of my friends and family .a Especially Motti for being my rock here at home and for by children in Israel Dovid,Lital,Aryeh &Matla who raised money by running the Tel Aviv Marathon  for my company's and my trip.I can't wait to post about  my trip and to share my photos and adventures.

Erev Shabbat March 7th 2014

Here it is Friday again and gearing up to spend a Shabbat with friends.It was a productive and rewarding week at work.So happy the predicted snow never occurred this past week and I can actually start to see actual concrete in my driveway,I was getting so tired of doing the penguin walk to avoid falling while getting in my car.
 So last Sunday I spent the day baking for Purim I made a whole bunch of gluten free treats including
Chocolate cookies,hammantashen,mini carrot cakes,everything crackers.all in the freezer and ready to go for next Sunday.Even though I'm going to my dear friends Esther & Myron Chatofsky for Shabbat  I  can't go without bringing my homemade tachina,and some almond chocolate chip biscotti.
and really starting to get psyched for my  upcoming trips ,first back out to  Oakland mixing business and pleasure in two weka and in just five short weeks I will be traveling to Israel  for  Passoverbwith my children and this trip would not be happening if not for the believable efforts of my children and their fundraising for me and my ongoing battle .
  Wishing all my friends and family a great restful weekend and Shabbat shalom!

Trying to stay warm

I know it's been a couple of weeks since I last posted.Since my last post we have had an other snow event messing many of our plans for Presidents' Day weekend including my own.My trip to Oakland was cancelled due to the incoming storm that did happen on Thursday before the holiday weekend.
Spent a quiet weekend at home had a lovely Shabbat with Motti and friends.my freezer decided to die early so arranged to have my new unit delivered a week early.good move.a huge shout out yo Eli Miller(rapid Repairs) for bailing me out with the carpentry work I needed.
  I did make it out to Oakland last weekend though the trip was a full day shorter but it was well worth it.the weather was lovely and the company even better.
 It's been a productive week at work and the results from my follow up with Dr Pecora was all is stable labs are good and next ct scan will be scheduled for the end of April. Also did my skin check (every one should have one at least yearly) was clear. thank G-D.But the best part of this week was  having my children who ran and completed the Tel Aviv Marathon for me Icouldnt be prouder.
 I have come to the conclusion that  not following my current diet of no red meat,no wine,and no gluten  is just not worth the pain that comes with it.So I am trying to become more immanginative

 Ie: using a lot more Turkey and chicken  for my stews and any recipe that requires ground meat.
 so for Shabbat lunch instead of beef I used dark turkey stew meat to make a lovely stew with root vegetables in the crock pot for Shabbat lunch.I also used king Arthur's gluten free brownie mix  to make a yummy gluten free  sweet snack for Shabbat.We also have tachina,eggs and onions mixed sours for Shabbat lunch.
Wishing all my friends and family a Restful ,safe,warm,and wonderful weekend and a Shabbat Shalom

Sahbbat After the Storms

So here we all are after a very challenging week with all the snow & ice.Hopefully getting ready for a restful and safe שבת. Whether it was leaving from work on Monday  with the challenge of cleaning all the snow of the roof of my SUV , the rough ride getting to the Hospital on Wed. morning,or the challenge of the ice   for the ride home on Wed evening.And frustrated that I just don't have the strength that I used to.
I'm sure we are all looking forward to that deep sigh of relief of knowing that once we light the שבת candles or the  stress of the previous week is behind us.
 I'm especially looking forward to a שבת with  Aryeh before he goes back to Israel Sat. Night.,and my in-laws the Rivinsons and the Singers for lunch Tomorrow
.So here is my menu.Wishing all my friends and family a warm,restful & safe שבת

Friday Night:
Gefilte fish,chicken soup,roasted Brussels sprouts,roasted mixed potatoes,cranberry sauce
mixed sours and home made tachina gluten free goodies and fruit for dessert.
Saturday lunch:
 eggs & onions,turkey chulent with kasha(gluten free),cole slaw,cucumber salad
turkey,assorted sours,poached pears/apples(thank you Miriam Singer)

A special Shabbat Rosh Chodesh with Aryeh

So happy and excited that my youngest son Aryeh is here visiting me from Israel.Its great having him here for the next 10 days,since I haven't seen him since his wedding.also had appositive follow up appointment with my oncologist yesterday.everything is stable I'm to continue on the Zelboraf my labwork looked great.next ct scan due in April.
  So since Aryeh is here decided to make a bunch of his favorites. To share with Motti ,I and a bunch of his friends.
 So here's my menu for Shabbat dinner tonight.home made challah,tachina assorted sours,chicken soup,Cajun chicken with turkey meatballs and sausages,roast,ratatouille ,asparagus,rice,roasted acorns squash,rice,gluten free Harvey wall banger cake,chocolate chip cookies,poached pears.
 A special lunch at my sisters  with the family.looking forward to a restful fun Shabbat.

A Week Of Ups & Downs

 The started out great with a trip to the city on Sunday with Richard. we picked up Joana and went out for a lovely vegan brunch.Then  Richard and I were off braving the cold  to  go to The Intrepid Air & Space Museum.It was not only fun but really great to talk to a couple of veterans who actually served on this ship.
Drove back to Jersey and while we were shooting some 8 ball I started  to feel that scratchy throat that usually signals an on coming cold.By the time we got back to my house I was congested chilled and achy.
On Monday took it easy we did go out to Sapthigiri for Indian food(rasam is a great way to clean out ones sinuses)then I dropped Richard off at the airport for the next leg of his buisness trip.
   It was down hill the rest of the week my cold  quickly shifted into my chest and stayed home from work on Tuesday  & Thursday  .But as we all know sharing is caring and I proceeded to share my URI with both Motti & Richard .Obviously the freezing cold outside has not helped But I don't feel sorry for myself it's only a really bad chest cold.
   So as lousy as I feel I proceeded to do what all jewish mothers  do and I proceeded to prepare for a shabbat at home with Motti
   For Friday Night   Chicken vegetable  soup with lentil's(great for a cold) roasted chicken,mini spinach kugels,
rice for shabbat lunch  eggs & onion , soup,assorted  salads and sours,schnitzel,kasha,
    Wishing all my friends & Family a Warm   restful weekend & Shabbat Shalom.


 

A Long Holiday Weekend

I know it's been a few weeks since I've blogged,but things have been hectic.Work has been busy.I'm still taking my Zelboraf every 12 hours,and its still kicking my butt.The  myalgias have even made it a little hard at work since most the pain has been in my hands switching from the right to the left but Motrin helps.The good news is I have gotten back on my treadmill.
   I am really looking forward to this long weekend with my special company,(richard)and was even more excited to get back in the kitchen and cook and bake for Shabbat with great friends joining us for both meals .So here is my menu
 Friday night;
     Chicken soup assorted sours and home made tachina,roasted butternut squash,beet green,chicken pot pie,chicken catchitore with meatballs,zucchini onion kugel,roasted beets
  Shabbat lunch;eggs and onions,sushi salad,assorted sours and baby green salad, soup,Israeli green beans,southwestern three bean salad,roasted chicken,broccoli,basmati rice,roasted beets.
  I baked challah, gluten free-carrot cupcakes,pumpkin bread,&chocolate cookies
Wishing all of you a restful Shabbat and a great weekend

SNOWED INs

Yesterday I received a call my daughter in laws mother asking if she could crash last night and depending on the weather perhaps stay for  שבת.There was not a second of hesitation  and we have been having a blast .last night or Dinner we had  stir fried  vegetables ginger rice and chicken.
 And with the  unexpected company for shabbat my mind went into overdrive.
 So after digging out my car and going to shop rite to pick up my groceries here is the menu.
 Friday night ; chicken soup,assorted  sours with home made tachina,salad for the main course
braised cabbage with apples,roasted sweet and yukon gold herbed potatoes,roast chicken a,d for desert gluten free chocolate cake with trader joes soy ice cream
Shabbat lunch;eggs and onions,salad mixed sours ,tachina ,purple cabbage slaw,corn kugel,schnitzel, gluten free of course) and slow & low braised shortribs

braised cabbage

challah

short ribs

schnitzel