http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ Forums for the elanaspantry.com website en Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:28:51 +0000 http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/elana-038-others-with-celiac-management#post-363 Mon, 27 Jul 2009 20:55:42 +0000 foodintolerancescook 363@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>I think I might have something to help you out. I have recipes and reviews on my new website. They are GF, Sugar-free, dairy-free, and more! Check them out (and their reviews) on my website <a href="http://www.foodintolerancescook.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow">www.foodintolerancescook.wordpress.com</a> </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/anybody-make-green-smoothies#post-354 Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:38:17 +0000 Anabetica 354@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Shari,</p> <p>It's been one of the weeks of being sick and tired of being sick and tired. I'm going to research some more if I can use barley green. It's portable and would help when traveling. </p> <p>I was just told by another friend that I need to go back to juicing but I have the wrong juicer. I need a Champion to do greens. I just spent $400 on the Vitamix. There's no way there's any money left for another juicer. Then all the clean up involved with a Champion. I don't think I can do it right now either. </p> <p>I'm going to back to the green smoothies again. I at least felt so much better when I had them regularly. </p> <p>Blessings,<br /> Betty </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/elana-038-others-with-celiac-management#post-341 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 22:46:45 +0000 mmmomx2 341@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>We figured out in June that my son and I were Celiac, and just recently, my daughter as well. My symptoms also got worse at first (the first 8 days were terrible!), then better, but my stomach is still often upset. I can't eat soy or dairy either, but from what I've gathered from other celiacs, this is pretty normal. Many said it took them six months to a year to really feel well again. Remember, your intestines have suffered years of damage, and they aren't going to heal in a month or two. Also, since they are damaged, any food can cause trouble if it leaks through, not just gluten. I think we both need to give our bodies the time to heal. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/elana-038-others-with-celiac-management#post-336 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 22:08:57 +0000 Anabetica 336@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>I am so terrible in noticing if something doesn't go down well. Usually it isn't an immediate reaction. I have eaten rice on occasion. It's hard to be Cuban and not eat white rice and black beans. I just noticing feeling very "full". I don't really notice any other symptoms. </p> <p>But at the same time, I don't notice feeling less fatigue and more energy. I'm cutting out all grains and sugar (this one is the hard one for me--I love chai lattes from Panera). I do want to feel better. The fatigue I feel is very debilitating sometimes. </p> <p>I am researching GAPS diet which is an updated and similar form of SCD. </p> <p>Thanks!<br /> Betty </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/elana-038-others-with-celiac-management#post-330 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:45:14 +0000 Shari Galeano 330@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Betty,</p> <p>I was curious how you feel when you eat plain organic rice? I am just trying to figure out how much to cut out of my diet. I am off potatos, corn, dairy, gluten, wheat, and red meat.</p> <p>What I do eat is always organic. </p> <p>Thanks<br /> Shari </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/anybody-make-green-smoothies#post-326 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:35:54 +0000 Shari Galeano 326@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Betty,</p> <p>I did not take it as preachy at all!! I have accomplished more than anyone ever thought I could. Through the grace of God and focusing on what I can do. I just wanted to give you easy idea's if you were feeling too tired. I lost my mom to cancer and I watched her at times get overwhelmed with all the juicing when she did not feel well enough to do it.</p> <p>I can understand not wanting to use Barley Green due to the celiac disease. I know some do say it should not affect it but if you do have celiac disease I wold not chance it. I can not prove it but I think it may have contributed to my chronic appendicitis. I have read a few other people with celiacs that had appendicitis after drinking wheat grass. </p> <p>Having the smoothies with the organic fruit, protein and supplements always helps me have more energy. There are endless things to add!</p> <p>Shari </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/anybody-make-green-smoothies#post-325 Fri, 10 Jul 2009 15:09:01 +0000 Anabetica 325@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Shari,</p> <p>I hear you! Yes, the being tired of being sick and tired is very familiar to me. And yet, I do feel better making baby steps to better health. At least mentally, I feel better because I have resisted the overwhelming urge to let this fatigue paralyze me. I don't accomplish near as much as others, and my husband is stunned at how quickly I tire out, but what I do get accomplished can be intentional and meaningful. That's what I'm shooting for. </p> <p>So, I'm hoping green smoothies will give me more bang for my buck in the energy department. I also have celiac so I feel quite hesistant to use barley green and wheat grass, no matter what others say. But I CAN add spirulina and alfalfa and maybe my own other sprouts? </p> <p>I haven't been brave enough to do that yet; right now my greens are spinach. I just get in a box and make the same thing everyday which is probably not good for me. So, I'm hoping to get some green smoothie recipies to add some variety to my life.</p> <p>I didn't mean to be preachy, but I've learned lately that I need to give myself pep-talks often or I spiral downward into my own frustration. </p> <p>Thanks for the suggestions. I never even thought of adding ACV or glutamate powder. </p> <p>Betty </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/anybody-make-green-smoothies#post-323 Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:14:20 +0000 Shari Galeano 323@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Anabetica,</p> <p>I have suffered from CF and ESP Barr since I was 10 years old. I understand your suffering. I used to drink green smoothies a lot. The worst part of being sick is, just that you are sick and tired and every thing you try to accomplish is a battle. I just did not have the strength to juice so I used Barley Green. I would Mix different organic fruit, blueberries, bananas, apple etc..some liquid form water, soy milk almond milk what ever agrees with your system. apple cider vinegar, Protein powder, glutamate powder (which is great for healing). I would add different supplements at different times depending on what I was going through. I hope this helps and I hope you fully recover.<br /> Shari </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/anybody-make-green-smoothies#post-322 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 22:47:26 +0000 rho 322@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Green smoothies are awesome! A super easy way to incorporate leafy greens into your diet. I like: 1 apple, 1 pear, 1 mango, 1 cup or 2 of water. Blend. A handful of fresh mint leaves, parsley, and whatever other herbs you like. Then stuff as much kale, and / or spinach into the blender as it will allow. Blend! and enjoy! If it's too leafy tasting adjust with more fruit. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/anybody-make-green-smoothies#post-320 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:46:50 +0000 Anabetica 320@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>I would love a copy of any green smoothies you have Diana! Great website you have too. I'm very new and interested in incorporating more raw foods into my diet. I need energy!! I've lived with chronic fatigue and Epstein Barr since I was 5 years old! So, I'm starting with green smoothies. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/anybody-make-green-smoothies#post-317 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:39:16 +0000 eat2evolve 317@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>I love green smoothies and drink them regularly for breakfast! Great way to start the day and keep your body feeling light and alive. I even developed a New World Cleanse incorporating a green smoothie with chia seeds - let me know if you'd like a copy and I'll send it to you.<br /> :) Diana </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/anybody-make-green-smoothies#post-316 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:49:59 +0000 Anabetica 316@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Hi There,</p> <p>Anybody else drink green smoothies? How has this helped you? What is your favorite recipe? </p> <p>Thanks!<br /> Betty </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/celiac-and-other-food-allergies-elana-038-others#post-310 Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:42:42 +0000 Anabetica 310@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Thank you so much for your responses. I do have low adrenals according to my saliva test and am on supplements for it. I just had my complete workup and my Vit. D is still low. And I live in Miami. But it's too hot and humid and mosquitoey so I become a hermit during the summer. </p> <p>I do wish I was more aware of my body and how I react to foods. I'm just not in tune, especially if the reactions take a few days to show.</p> <p>Elana, I will look into the paleo diet. I've not researched that at all. Did you ever do SCD? It's a bit impossible for me. But I try. </p> <p>I love your list of foods. It's just that alot of my IgG reactive foods are among your list including all lettuce family, broccoli, celery, cauliflower, salmon, garlic, mushrooms, ginger, and walnuts, among others. I'm just not sure how much to pay attention to the test results. </p> <p>I would LOVE to see a sample of what you eat in a week, just to get some ideas. I have to learn to think outside the box. </p> <p>A friend advised me to start juicing to help heal my gut. I've been juicing carrots, apples, and beets. It is helping my gut, BUT, I find that I feel a little shaky, almost like a sugar rush. Maybe I should drink this accompanied by a fried egg for breakfast?</p> <p>I drink decaf coffee with tupelo honey (lowest glycemic honey) in the morning. Then I have an almond flour muffin sweetened with honey at some point during the day. For the most part, that's all the added sweetener I eat. But I have to have a nice warm cuppa something in the morning. What do you all have in the morning to get going and warm up to your day?</p> <p>Thanks for your suggestions. They are so helpful!</p> <p>Blessings,<br /> Betty </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/celiac-and-other-food-allergies-elana-038-others#post-309 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:59:17 +0000 elana 309@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Hi Betty,</p> <p>Sounds like you have had a challenging time, sorry to hear that.</p> <p>I think the SCD is fantastic, however, it must be strictly adhered to in order for the gut to heal enough to see results. </p> <p>It can work when traveling if you have an omelette for breakfast, and then salad with grilled fish, chicken or beef for dinner. That's what I do when we travel and I eat apples and almonds as snacks. I haven't had a problem on the road in ordering this type of food, though maybe I've just been very lucky.</p> <p>I also really like the Paleo diet. That's a great one to use when not seeing results and the blog <a href="http://www.marksdailyapple.com/" rel="nofollow">Mark's Daily Apple</a> has some interesting things to share about that, frankly, even though my plan is kinda different from Mark's I think he is a genius!</p> <p>If you are feeling limited, here's some ideas per what I've eaten in the last few days:</p> <p>Salmon<br /> Chicken<br /> Eggs<br /> Turkey<br /> Roasted Garlic<br /> Beets<br /> Acorn Squash<br /> Mushrooms<br /> Onions<br /> Broccoli<br /> Mustard Greens<br /> Salad Greens<br /> Cucumber<br /> Carrots<br /> Jicama<br /> Celery<br /> Cauliflower<br /> Basil<br /> Parsley<br /> Almonds/ Almond Milk (for tea)<br /> Walnuts<br /> Chia Seeds<br /> Blueberries<br /> Strawberries<br /> Raspberries<br /> Ginger Tea<br /> Mint Tea</p> <p>I like to eat this way because I feel so good when I do. There are times when I don't eat this way and eat a tad more closely to what is on my blog. I go through phases and there is really no way to explain it other than listening to what works for me. </p> <p>Of course, I would not expect this to work for anyone else since I've figured out this plan after years of listening closely and know that it will change according to season, mood, family celebrations, etc.</p> <p>However, that means I would add in a few treats and extra fruits. I wouldn't venture into having grains though, that's where I draw the line and where all of my SCD friends and I agree that our bodies don't do well adding back in the corn, rice, etc., so it's just not worth it to us.</p> <p>Eating is all so personal, in every way, and as I emphasize, we all can figure out what works in our own bodies and it's different for everyone.</p> <p>Best of luck :-)</p> <p>Elana </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/celiac-and-other-food-allergies-elana-038-others#post-305 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:26:40 +0000 colormepink 305@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Betty, it's difficult to answer because while many of us have food allergies and/or sensitivities, it is still a unique experience for each of us. From what I have read, the IgG test can vary from year to year based on what you eat, how much and how often. You may be highly sensitive to a particular food but if you cut it from your diet, the next time you test, you may test very low even though you are still very sensitive to that food. So you have to look at those results in combination with how much you actually eat. It's further difficult to pinpoint which foods may cause problems because symptoms can take up to 48 to 72 hours to manifest and you may assume it's something you've eaten more recently that is the problem. I don't know the rest of your medical history but if you haven't had a complete blood work up done- checking all hormones (sex, thyroid, adrenal, etc) that may help as well. Some of the symptoms you've described can be caused by hormonal imbalance. </p> <p>I know about difficulty traveling. I don't do a lot but when I do, I have to pack safe snacks and emergency food and I try to stay where I have access to a kitchen (condos or rooms w/ kitchenettes) and a grocery store- I scope out my destination first so I can be prepared and disrupt the trip for others as little as possible. </p> <p>It can be really frustrating to watch others around you eat anything they want with seemingly no worries or cares while you have to be so diligent but it will pay off. You are worth this effort! </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/celiac-and-other-food-allergies-elana-038-others#post-303 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:44:32 +0000 Anabetica 303@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Bump??? </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/celiac-and-other-food-allergies-elana-038-others#post-293 Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:14:43 +0000 Anabetica 293@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Hi There,</p> <p>I was diagnosed with celiac about a year ago and have been gluten free to the best of my ability. I am still dealing with other issues such as bloating, headaches, swelling in my hands and feet, trouble sleeping and weight gain and my doctor suggested doing the IgG food antibody test with the 96 panels. It came back with 50 foods with a 2+ and 3+ reaction. That's not even counting all of the 1+ and VL reactions. </p> <p>Now I had the same test a year ago and it showed different foods than my results showed this time around. Some foods that I'm reacting to, I have never eaten (shrimp for one). It showed I was reacting to wheat bran??? </p> <p>I don't know what to make of this test. It just seems impossible to avoid ALL of those foods (most of them fruits and veggies). How can I have a 3+ reaction to a food a year ago and it not even show up on the test this year?</p> <p>I don't know what to make of it all. I have tried to follow SCD diet loosely but because we travel alot it is really challenging. </p> <p>I'm wondering, Elana, if you have found any answers to your baffling symptoms? You had said either on this board or on your website that you were still investigating your diet as there were some symptoms you were still experiencing. Any successes?</p> <p>One thing the IgG test stresses is to not eat the same foods every day. How do you do that when your choices are so limited? I'm reacting to every grain even coconut, so I'm left with almond flour. I have just one muffin a day. I am reacting to the lettuce family so my only green is spinach and chard. I have a salad every day or stick spinach in my green smoothies. Anybody else deal with this?</p> <p>Thanks for any help!<br /> Betty </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/almond-flour-matzoh#post-228 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 13:29:02 +0000 elana 228@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Here you go: <a href="http://www.elanaspantry.com/matzoh-ball-soup/" rel="nofollow">http://www.elanaspantry.com/matzoh-ball-soup/</a> </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/almond-flour-matzoh#post-227 Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:04:02 +0000 Anabetica 227@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Hi there! I need an almond flour recipe for matzoh for Passover. Has this even ever been done? I need quick help! </p> <p>Thanks,<br /> AnaB </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/elana-038-others-with-celiac-management#post-159 Fri, 19 Dec 2008 03:09:25 +0000 Regnbue 159@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Good to hear that you're doing better :)</p> <p>Remember to keep in mind that the spice mixes on the roasted chickens you can buy at diners and stores, often cointains gluten in some form. Don't buy spice mixes, but blend your own spices! Another thing I would stay away from, is MSG or monosodium glutamate. They put this in almost everything here in Norway, and you can get som bad reactions to it. I would also like to point out that celiacs often reacts to dairy-products. My advise is to just cut it out, it made me feel a whole lot better. </p> <p>Good luck! </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/elana-038-others-with-celiac-management#post-132 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:49:05 +0000 Anabetica 132@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>This is encouraging to read. Right now I'm traveling for 2 weeks. I do eat salad everyday because it's the one thing that I know is gluten free. </p> <p>I didn't bring my probiotics with me, but did pick up some Dannon natural yogurt. </p> <p>It's good to know that others have had similar experiences and that it will get better. </p> <p>I am trying to avoid grains, but sugar and corn syrup is hard. It's nice and cool where we are at so caramel lattes taste even better. I try to make these infrequent even though I seem to do okay with them. </p> <p>What gets me is processed foods and ice-cream that's got alot of ingredients (artificial stuff). I can handle dairy, just without all the added junk. </p> <p>I will also look for some olive leaf extract.I can't do peppermint. </p> <p>Rotation is hard. I find one thing that I can eat that doesn't bother my stomach and I tend to eat it very often, like eggs, sauteed zucchini, roasted turkey, chicken, etc...</p> <p>Thanks so much for your tips and recommendations. </p> <p>Blessings,<br /> Betty </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/elana-038-others-with-celiac-management#post-120 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 15:29:28 +0000 chariscreations 120@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Hello! There is another great book on digestive health that REALLY helped me along with avoiding the other foods that aggervate my system. The book that really helped me is called The Body Ecology Diet. It is by Donna Gates and she has done ton's of research, and helped many people suffering from all kinds of gut problems, autoimmune problems, autism everything. She does all gluten free as well in the book, and talks a lot about the importance of probiotics. I know when I incorporated cultured veggies in my diet I saw a dramatic improvement in my stomach pains and other symptoms I still had after going gluten free, as well as my energy!! Hope this helps! </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/elana-038-others-with-celiac-management#post-119 Wed, 05 Nov 2008 07:51:24 +0000 Jen 119@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Hi Anabetica,</p> <p>I've also found that my gut has reacted quite interestingly to things since I gave up gluten, dairy and other stuff. And when I do slip up the pain is like nothing I ever experienced before when I was eating all the nasties. </p> <p>Unfortunately, it does get worse before it gets better. But it does get better. However, I was able to go totally without gluten for 6 months. If you're still getting the ocassional dose perhaps your gut is not getting the opportunity to recover??? I find it can take up to two weeks for the symptoms of ingesting gluten to be fully gone.</p> <p>However, things that helped me...</p> <p>I found that in addition to all the good advice above two things really helped me out 1) Eating something raw every day. So, eating a pretty big salad each day. My digestion was able to cope so much better when I did slip up.</p> <p>2) Rotation was really the key. If I made a soup for dinner the night before, I just froze the left overs for another day. I just had to have different stuff each day. I know that probably doesn't help when travelling (I travelled vegan and gluten free across small country towns in Australia for three years. People looked at me like I was from another planet! I can't tell you how many times I've stirred a can of lentils through plain rice for dinner!)</p> <p>Oh, and Olive leaf extract and peppermint tea have been my saviours! My recommendation; find yourself an awesome naturopath and consult with them in conjuction with your GP. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/elana-038-others-with-celiac-management#post-96 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 03:44:43 +0000 benevolentkitchen 96@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Celiac Disease is a serious autoimmune disorder for which the only treatment is a complete 100% gluten free diet.</p> <p>As with other autoimmune disorders if left untreated, asymptomatic or symptomatic, damage occurs.</p> <p>Often as the gut is healing it seems more sensitive than previously -- think of it as a healing open wound -- that is pretty much what it is.</p> <p>Probiotics are fantastic, as is aloe vera juice and water with honey -- these help heal and soothe the digestive tract.</p> <p>'Going Gluten Free' is not easy is this fast paced world of ours, but if you had diabetes you would take care of yourself. If you had a anaphalactic allergies you would take care of yourself. Celiac is no different -- take care of yourself -- do not eat gluten.</p> <p>Even as someone who likes to cook and bake -- going gluten free was a challenge -- like some folks when they quit smoking, it takes a couple of tries sometimes. But one must do it to improve ones health and well being.</p> <p>Do not give up on your health. PLEASE Maintain a complete gluten free diet when you have celiac or other gluten insensitivities. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/elana-038-others-with-celiac-management#post-95 Sat, 11 Oct 2008 05:58:00 +0000 Anabetica 95@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Just bumping this thread. I look forward to hear your replies. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/elana-038-others-with-celiac-management#post-94 Sun, 05 Oct 2008 15:08:45 +0000 Anabetica 94@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Hi Mira,</p> <p>I make my own yogurt and take additional probiotics. I do agree this is critical. I got some hidden gluten (in a barbeque sauce that said no wheat products but it did have soy products--soy sauce has gluten). I should have known better.</p> <p>If I'm home, I'm fine. I do okay. But away from home and traveling and relying on what I can find, it gets tricky.</p> <p>So, with UC you just watch your gluten intake? Do you do anything else? Thanks so much for sharing. </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/elana-038-others-with-celiac-management#post-93 Sun, 05 Oct 2008 07:21:24 +0000 MiraD 93@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>Not being on SCD but having UC and watching my gluten intake so I don't have the same issues you do but I wonder if some of your other stomach issues may be because related to your gut health. There's an excellent book by Liz Lipski called "Digestive Wellness" you might want to take a look at and see if there is helpful information there. Also, do you take probiotics? I think they are useful for everyone but critical for anyone with impaired digestive health. </p> <p>Be well,<br /> Mira </p> http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/topic/elana-038-others-with-celiac-management#post-91 Sat, 04 Oct 2008 09:53:41 +0000 Anabetica 91@http://www.elanaspantry.com/forums/ <p>I was diagnosed with celiac back in May and went gluten free. My celiac son and I were not feeling any better and were in fact reacting to a wide assortments of foods that we previously had no problem with (fruits and veggies even). I decided to try SCD (specific carb diet) and though it made sense to me, there is no way I can follow it as fanatically as I'm supposed to. My children and I travel often with my dh's work (we homeschool) and we have to rely on what we can find and easily prepare. I have to resort to eating out more often during the traveling. I stick to simply prepared meats/fish/poultry and steamed veggies, but every once in a while I still get glutened (like last night!). </p> <p>My dilemma is that I can't adhere 100% to SCD. Do I really need to? Elana, you are off all grains how are you doing with some of the other foods you have (that SCD considers illegal). I find it frustrating that so many of the foods (like Rooibos tea) that seem to soothe me are illegal on SCD. As a nurse, I feel like I need to understand why some of these foods are illegal. Is it necessary to be fanatical if I don't have Crohn's? I guess the fact is that I can't stick to it 100% anyways. How can I make the best of my situation?</p> <p>Before being diagnosed with celiac, I had NO stomach issues except bloating and unexplained weight gain. I was having some neurological issues and my very intuitive doctor thought to test me for celiac. NOW, I have daily stomach issues. I am so sensitive when I'm out of my routine foods. Last night I got glutened by hidden gluten and I was in severe pain. Thankfully, I fell asleep at some point anyways and am feeling a little better today. But it almost seems like I'm going backwards. I've never had pain like that or such sensitivity before. Is this normal? </p> <p>I fear asking these questions on the BTVC group, it's not really a list for those types of questions. So, I hope to pick your brains and get some feedback from you all. I would love to hear from you all.</p> <p>Blessings,<br /> Betty </p>