Is this thing on?

Two and a half years seems like an acceptable break. Ha-ha. A couple of friends of mine were messaging back and forth on Facebook (Yes, we’re all old now) mentioning how fun blogging used to be and how the connections and friendships we all made through that world (20+ years ago) were some of the best. While I’ve remained in touch with a core group of friends, the daily/weekly writing and commenting on blog posts is what really kept us close and pushed us to explore whatever direction/flavor of the week our everyday lives took us.

Simpler times for sure. I do miss it, so I’m going to attempt to bring some of it back. I loved exploring new places, going on local adventures and trying new recipes… and while the “who shall not be named pandemic” stopped everything and acted as my own personal justification to quit showing up here or basically anywhere, I’ve decided that I’m going to write when I feel like it and see where it takes me.

Hmmm, perhaps a quick catch up sesh is in order. Since some of you have been following along since my weight loss/fitness blog days and others joined when I started highlighting food and less life stuff, I’ll give big picture and not go too far back in time. I’m fast approaching the 4 year anniversary of giving my diet a complete overhaul by upping my vegetable intake and saying goodbye to meat. Yes, all kinds of meat. No red meat, no white meat, no fish, no kidding. I had gotten so burned out eating low carb that just the smell and sight of chicken and turkey was revolting. I’ve since come to a better place where I can be around, smell and even cook/grill meat for others. Hallelujah, the gross factor has left the building – cheers to that. I’ve often thought of incorporating fish back to open up more options when dining out, but I’ve honestly found my groove with vegetables and dairy and my overall health and relationship with food has never been better. So for now, I’m not rocking the boat… or fishing off one anytime soon. Plus, I feel like restaurants have made huge strides in their meat free options and that has helped too. Also living in a very diverse area does lend itself to many different cultures and the amazing food that follows exploring those. I will no doubt share more as I get back into the habit of checking in more frequently.

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming – dusting this old thing off.

Last weekend we took an afternoon drive along the river to Isleton, CA and stopped at Manny’s Barzzeria for a late lunch on the patio – which BTW was fabulous with the warmer weather we have been experiencing in Sacramento. It was also a nice break from weekend yard work. Yep, still doing that.

It was my first time trying Newtopia Cyder – the POG (Pineapple, Blood Orange and Pink Guava) was super refreshing. I will be looking for it to have at home to enjoy by the pool.

A girlfriend and I shared the Burrata and then I went full “same, but not” with my Margherita pizza to follow.

I did mention that I was enjoying my veggie/dairy lifestyle. Should have also mentioned bread… all the bread. Cheese and bread, cheese and bread, more cheese and bread. I do go through phases where I cut back on carbs – but right now I’m in a very carb heavy phase where I’m enjoying all the things and have upped my activity and I’m learning that it all balances out. Also, classifying this as a Margherita pizza is a bit of a stretch, but dang, the crust was amazing.

All in all, it was a chill day and much needed escape from our regular weekend restaurants and routine. I’m going to stop right here and hit the publish button before I start tweaking this post a million times over.

I hope to be back soon.
~Foo