Bird Nerds

My family’s love of birds, especially hummingbirds, is kinda insane. Everyone has at least two or three bird feeders up at their respective homes and phone calls for first-time hummingbird sightings are quite common. In fact, one of the first things I did upon moving in to my condo, was to set up my hummingbird feeder. It took about three weeks to get my first bird, but now I’ve got them fighting over it! Time for another feeder.

I was also gifted a regular bird feeder over the holidays (oh the excitement!). I wanted it near my window so I could watch all of the action, but that lead to too many window run ins and sadly, one dead bird – RIP my dear feathered friend. I decided to move it to a new location, far away from my newly installed windows and I’m happy to report we’ve had no window run ins and no more dead birdies.

I can’t wait to start working on my garden so I can plant it with plenty of hummingbird friendly flowers!

Photo courtesy of my talented Aunt Susan taken at her house in Bellevue, Wash. I love how you can even see his little feet!

January 27, 2010

Celiac Disease

Family

I just found out last night that my mom has been diagnosed with Celiac Diesease (CD) – a lifelong, digestive disorder. She hadn’t been feeling well for the past year or so and doctors couldn’t seem to pin point what was wrong. I’m glad they finally nailed it down, but she’s got a long road, full of major lifestyle changes, in order to get better.
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More about CD:
When people with CD eat foods that contain gluten, it creates an immune-mediated toxic reaction that causes damage to the small intestine and does not allow food to be properly absorbed. Even small amounts of gluten in foods can affect those with CD and cause health problems. Damage can occur even when there are no symptoms present (scary.)

Gluten is the common name for the proteins in specific grains that are harmful to persons with celiac disease. These proteins are found in ALL forms of wheat (including durum, semolina, spelt, kamut, einkorn and faro) and related grains rye, barley and triticale and MUST be eliminated.

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I recall a co-worker being diagnosed with CD and she had to go through EVERYTHING in her house including make-up, shampoo and other toiletries, since many contained gluten. Luckily, gluten intolerance is becoming more common and many companies now make gluten free products. Looks like Whole Foods will be getting more of the Sugiura Family business…….