flowers

Five & 1/4 Miles

Bea Positive things , , , , , ,

Spring is here!

Happy Run!
Happy Run!

Yesterday we were blessed with a beautiful and warmer day so I decided to go for a run outside!!!!. I am happy to report that I completed 5.25 miles.

I ran in Quiet Waters, a park near home that is located on the Chesapeake Bay. I was able to run most of the time, but I had to walk and slow down on the hills. Indeed I struggled some moments, but I was determined to go as far as I could and I took it slow. I captured the photo on the right when it was time for me to run back home.

When I got home I was so happy to notice our flowers on the front and back of the house started to bloom. Spring brings new beginnings.

Tomorrow the port I have kept for three years is being removed. It is a minor surgery.  I am so looking forward to not having this device anymore.

Thank you for reading and have a great week.

-Bea

Flowers!!

Flower Power

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Through my mother-in-law I learned about the Children’s Art Project, an initiative from the University of Texas MD Anderson  Cencer Center to portray artwork of young patients and artists in diverse merchandise. Thank you Kathy for the beautiful “Flower Power” scarf. Certainly, flowers have the power of healing and bringing colors to life. To Connie, Anne, Katie & Emily thank you very much for the beautiful flowers you sent. Flowers make me smile.

The National Cherry Blossom festival in DC starts in March 20. The three pictures below depict some of the famous cherry blossom trees (with no flowers yet). I took those pictures last week on a beautiful walk in DC.

Last Monday I had my fifth chemo, almost 50% done!!. This time the administration of the chemo was easier since now I have a port (I feel like the bionic woman haha).
Based on my last week scan results, my body is responding to the medicines and the lymph nodes have shrunk considerably. I am more tired though. So far, so good!!.

Thank you for your words of encouragement, but most importantly thank you for your prayers.

Let’s enjoy the flower power in Spring!!!

Crab Cakes – Baltimore Style

Bea All Recipes, Entrées , , ,

Today my hair is short :).
Yesterday, I received beautiful roses, thank you Nancy and Philip. I also got a fantastic cooking book (I have chosen already several recipes) thank you Theresa!!!!

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The Maryland area and specifically the city of Baltimore are well -known for their famous crab cakes. Two nights ago I followed the recipe below from Epicurious; it is excellent.

Crab Cakes – Baltimore Style
Time: 40 min | 6 crab cakes
Level: Easy

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice plus wedges for garnish
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Old Bay Seasoning**
  • 1/2 jalapeño, seeded, finely chopped
  • 1 pound lump crabmeat, picked over (Chicken of the Seas is a great option)
  • 1 1/4 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs), divided
  • 1 tablespoon thinly sliced chives
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Whisk first 7 ingredients in a medium bowl. Add crab; fold to blend. Stir in 3/4 cup panko, chives, salt, and pepper. Divide into 6 equal portions. Form each into 1 inch thick patties. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place remaining 1/2 cup panko on a plate. Coat cakes with panko. Fry until golden brown and crisp, 3-4 minutes per side. Serve with lettuce or salad.

Cooking tip: Panko can be found in groceries or markets with Asian products. Otherwise, bread crumbs are a good substitute.
**In case you cannot find Old Bay Seasoning in your local grocery store; you can make your own. Old Bay is a mix of the following spices: mustard, paprika, celery seed, bay leaf, both black and red pepper, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, nutmeg, cardamom, salt, mace and ginger.

Flowers and a Recipe

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Last week I received this colorful and joyful bouquet of flowers. I love flowers!

When you go to a hospital you can experience mixed feelings, you might be scared, feel relief, be worried or excited. For me when going to Johns Hopkins is the latter. I get excited to go to the hospital because not only do I know that I am recieving the medicines that will help my body to recover, but I am getting the best care from wonderful nurses.
Through this journey I have met  beautiful people. I am fortunate to have the great care of Lynne and Jenny (amazing nurses). Their smile, laughs and positive energy heals, they make a difference and I admire them.

Last Friday I had my second chemo and I have been feeling very well. In fact, on Saturday I started running again. Three miles to be exact.

A super easy and fast recipe for any winter day…

Ginger Chicken and Rice
From Food & Wine
Time: 1 hr | 4 Servings
Level: Easy

  • 3/4 cup hot water
  • 1 large cube chicken boullon (consome de pollo Knor)
  • 1 cup jasmine rice
  • 2 inch of fresh ginger (cut into matchsticks)
  • 1 1/4 lb skinless, boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 cups of baby spinach
  • 1 can of unsweetened coconut milk

In a bowl, dissolve the cube of chicken bouillon (consome Knor) in the hot water, set aside. In a rice cooker (if you don’t have one use a normal pot) combine the rice with the ginger and the boneless chicken thighs cut into cubes. Arrange the spinach on top of the rice. Pour the coconut milk and the bouillon broth (consome de pollo) already prepared into the pot and season lightly with salt.
Cook the mix until it boils and then simmer. (for about 30 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked)

Cooking tip: To make this even easier and faster, use canned chicken or turkey.

Buen Provecho!

A beautiful flower

Image Bea Positive things

I love flowers. Today a dear friend from work gave me this beautiful flower. Tomorrow, Friday the 6th, is an important day for me not only because it is the “Three Kings Day” in Mexico but I am starting my chemo treatment. I must say that I am really looking forward to the later because I know the combination of science, love, mind, faith, soul and nature do wonders towards recovery.
I trust that my doctors and the nurses at Johns Hopkins are the best in their field. Everything is ready for a successful day.
Thank you for your good thoughts, nice comments, phone calls and good vibes. I am really grateful for your prayers, it means the world to me.

A photo of my desk with a beautiful orchid from a dear friend from work. .