Hello, It is really neat to read about everyone. I am feeling really young. I am 31, married and have 3 girls and 1 more on the way. I live in the country near Clay Center Kansas. I am an elementary teacher. This year I moved schools and moved up to Middle School Math. I grew up on a farm raising livestock (Cattle and Hogs) and crops. There was not enough $$$ on the farm to support more families, so I went my own direction. Now I am starting my own "farm" as my wife says. I have around an 1 acre garden. I grow alot of our produce for sale at 3 small farmers markets I attend. I started to make jellies to add to the produce that I sell. It also helps me use stuff that I don't sell or isn't perfect. I work very hard at what I do and enjoy every minute of it. I don't have a tractor, (I wish I did) and I am expanding every year. Everything is done by hand, usually mine. I get the kids involved as much as possible. They are great at somethings, but not everything. Next year I am putting up two hoopbuildings,(12 by 45ft each) to grow tomatoes and cucumbers in. I want to capture the most $ for my labor. I have time in June and July, but once August roles around, it is back to school and I don't have that much time to spend in the garden. I am not into gardening for the $$, I am into it for good produce and flavor. I also love to grow things that people have never seen before. Black tomatoes, Lemon Cucumbers, Chocolate Bell peppers, Strange Squash, etc, etc, etc. I usually don't sell lots of these things, but they do keep bringing people back. We have a small flock of chickens, started out as a 2nd grade chicken egg hatching project. Those chickens were some tough 'ol birds. We use alot of eggs and sell the rest at my market stand. Future plans? To continue the garden and probably expand by another 1/4 acre. Maybe try using floating row covers for squash. I enjoy gardening more and more. I wish I could do it full time year around. Kansas weather doesn't allow that to happen! I want to expand my pepper jellies and sell online and to local shops and I wish I could win the lotto so I could do it all. It just isn't possible or is it? I will still come back here and read about everyone and find new recipes to try. Thanks for the support and Keep up the good work! Jay

It's pretty much beer cheese soup with broccoli. I put2 T butter in my Lec Dutch oven and add 1T chopped onion and 1 T chopped celery and about 1 T chopped carrot...about could be more not less. When veggies are soft add 1T flour...stir and cook a minute or so...add 2 cups or 1 can chicken broth ( 2 cups of home made is better!) and simmer for about 10 minutes....during this time add about 1 1/2 cups chopped cooked (or frozen) broccoli...cook until the broccoli is done, Add a can of beer and bring to a simmer... Add 8 oz of the sharpest chedder you can find...grated....and 1/4 cup grated parmesan....heat until cheese melts and serve. Do not boil! or the cheese will turn into clods! Linda C

You've gotten great advice regarding diet but I just want to suggest you have a checkup with your doctor at the same time. You may have already had this test, but I'm mentioning it since not every doctor requests it or knows how to read the results. Having high lipids is one of the causes of heart attacks at an early age. My DH has the problem and it was discovered several years ago by our 'new' PCP. The cause of his high lipids was not due to his diet but his genetics. The tendency can be hereditary and we now believe that is why his grandfather died suddenly in his early 50's. DH had always been on a strict diet and daily exercise, so they added cholesterol meds to his regimen. Even with that, and yearly monitoring, he recently developed shortness of breath and ended up needing a stent in a major artery.....doctor called it the 'widow-maker'. So.......needless to say, I believe everyone should have a complete blood panel done.

Linda, so sorry to hear about your daughter. They are so lucky to have you for support during this time. Seems like Colorado is on lock-down. Governor declared no gatherings larger than 250 in the state. Our church is going to online broadcast starting tomorrow. Public schools have spring break next week, so they are extending an additional week right now, although that may change. DS is supposed to travel for business next week (I am hoping he can postpone). DIL is a teacher, so will be home with our granddaughter. Since we go home from our winter away on Wednesday, I have been busy putting away 3 months worth of stuff. We went to the store to pick up a few things and didn't realize how nuts things are!! When you "snowbird", there isn't much left in the cupboards when you return - but we do have TP!!! :) Maybe I will head out in the morning early to see if I can actually get some groceries! Tonight, DS & granddaughter came for dinner. DH is playing poker with the guys, so I got them all to myself! After they left, I hit the sewing machine!!!! I am working on a baby quilt from a pattern Jackie shared at retreat last year - the elephant one. I am working on the borders now. Everyone, stay safe and enjoy quilting! Sue