Category: Healthy Living

Me and My Neti Pot!

Carl Setzer

Last week was pretty awful for my allergies, with all of the smoke coming down to greater Seattle from BC. So, with a dollop of rain on Sunday, and the changing winds, our smoke has cleared and my allergies have been far less cranky. Well, for a few days.

Now, though, something has started blooming. I’ve noticed a nice fragrance, but then the burning itching starts in the ol’ nasal passages. That’s where my neti pot has become a dear friend.

The clearing granted by the flushing of all things nose-y has, for years, made my life better. Allergy meds have had their place, don’t get me wrong. I greatly appreciate where we’ve come in that regard. Remembering the old days, of the drugs that filled you with grogginess, or the ones that amped you up (once I think I actually was having heart palpitations. Even though they aren’t perfect, they’ve been wonderful, really improving my life.

That silly neti pot, though. It flushes out the worst irritants, doesn’t dope me up or amp me out. This little bit of ancient technology has been, well, life-changing. Seems silly, perhaps, but I’m quite grateful I discovered the thing.

Though I love tech, and high-tech solutions, there’s value in the simple, and ancient. Flushing out my poor nose with water; who would’ve thought that we be the most dramatic learning in my adult years…at least in regards to living with allergies.

Along Marysville’s Ebey Waterfront Trail

Carl Setzer1 Comment

This afternoon I was able to break away from my desk and walk the nearby Ebey Waterfront Trail here in Marysville. It’s really nice trail, just off the river. Many opportunities for wildlife sightings (especially if you like birds)…I saw two bald eagles, a couple of herons and some other eagles, but they too far away to tell if they were juvenile balds, or goldens or something else.

Some photos from my walk are below, plus a video of the eagles. Though quite warm by western Washington standards, I found it a lovely walk and sunny, cloudless afternoon. Plus, I managed to finish my step goal for the day. A recipe for success, methinks.

Oh, the rollercoaster of weight

Carl Setzer

Though I’ve been working the past few years on getting my weight down, and been rather successful at it, I’ve been fluctuating between 190 and 200. I hit 190 and, boing, bounce up to 199.

I know it’s diet. And getting back on food tracking via the Fitbit app always helps.

I find the psychology of it all puzzling. This weird up and down thing, where at 190, my attention to details completely fails, and I just eat without thought or care.

And now I’m back on the rollercoaster.

Feels like Sisyphus. And then this ended up in my inbox.

Unrelated, perhaps, but appropriate in a way.

What about you? Any challenges with weight (whether losing or gaining)? Or are you a fitness god?

Leave a comment and let me know!

What a lovely day, thunderstorms and all 

Carl Setzer

Today’s weather was certainly quirky. Earlier in the afternoon, it was nice enough in Marysville to get a 20 minute walk in. 

Not too much later the thunderstorm rolled through. My son and I planned to hit the gym, but the weather knocked the power out there. So, we went out for a little ride. 

Now, it had cleared up as we were gearing up. But it started to pour as we headed out. We opted to keep going. It was my son’s first real rain ride. 

I’ve become a fair weathered cyclist over the years. So it was nice to get out and get wet on the road. I love riding so, and need to get back in the saddle more. 

I want to push my fitness higher again. Not get my fitness back. Rather, adapt and create a new life, with a solid center of fitness. 

Besides riding, I want to get into kayaking. I’ve a fair amount of experience…and I want more. 

Also, during the winter I want to get deeper into cross-country skiing. That’s one I really miss. 

Everett’s Farmers Market Season Coming Mother’s Day

Carl Setzer
2017 Everett Farmer's Market Opening Day

As someone who adores are area’s farmer’s markets, this email delights me. The start of local market season is a great deal of fun for me. Seeing all the people, with all the vendors, one of kind craft goods and locally grown food is simply a delight.

Also, Everett’s markets are a great success story. They continue to grow and expand, and work to ensure the whole community is able to take part, helping ensure that local produce is not just a middle/upper class experience.

 

24 Years Celebrating Fresh and Local from Washington

everettfarmersmarket.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

A rainy day quote for this Saturday 

Carl Setzer

This quote’s been on a card adhered to my refrigerator for quite some time. The photo is one I took today, capturing today’s perpetual rain. With a little post-production embellishment. 

Life is not about how you survive the storm; it’s about how you dance in the rain.

It would be easy to let the dreariness deep into your marrow, poisoning your soul. I find my solace outside, in the wind, rain and cold. With filtered sunlight upon my skin, I persist in motion. That drives the depressive beast to silence. At least temporarily. 

Stevens Pass Timelapse Video And A Slight Ski Season Update

Carl Setzer

My buddy Toby just posted this video shot up on the Stevens Pass ski area. Though not yet open, the region’s ski season has started: Mount Baker and Crystal are open!

So, my skier buds, make sure you bookmark these sites:

There is a second video below this one. Stevens Pass’ own snow report. Gives you a solid idea of where we are snow-wise (~18 inches at the summit). Anyway, here’s to this next ski season making up for our dismal one last year.

A random thought about garages in Lynnwood

Carl Setzer

While walking my neighborhood a few evenings ago I looked closer at these houses in Lynnwood. Built in the 50s and 60s garages, they all have itty bitty garages. Today’s cars don’t fit. And I remember those 50s, 60s, 70s vintage cars. They were a tad bit bigger than cars today. Clearly, garages were for storage, not auto storage.

Anyway, I’ve been around these houses most of my life. I’m rather fond of them, quirks and all. Actually, the quirks add delight, to me, at least. And, with all that, two and two were never (proverbially) added together. The interesting observations that happen when I slow down.

Sausage And Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

Carl Setzer
 Made this tasty creation last night. It was fantastic.

I’ll quickly sum up the Facebook video. Do watch the video, and, heck, give Tasty a quick “like”.

  • Ingredients:
  1. One Acorn Squash
  2. One Onion
  3. Two Stalks Celery
  4. One tsp each salt & pepper
  5. One tsp Rosemary
  6. Three Cloves Garlic
  7. One Half Pound Sausage
  8. One Apple
  9. One Cup Bread crumbs
  10. One Half Cup Parmesan cheese

It’s a pretty straightforward recipe. NOTE: the video is mean for global audiences. 200 C  *OR* 400 F. 

Halve the squash, then lightly coat the halves with olive oil, season with a bit of salt & pepper, then bake for 40 minutes at 400F.

Pan fry the onion, celery, salt & pepper, add rosemary, garlic, then sausage, then apple, then breadcrumbs and cheese.

Add the stuffing to the squash, return to the 400F oven for another 20 minutes.

Sausage stuffed squash for dinner

A photo posted by Carl Setzer (@carlsetzer) on

Sausage And Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

Posted by Tasty on Monday, October 12, 2015