I Miss Green

Most first-time visitors to the Pacific Northwest remark 'Everything is so GREEN!'  It is one of the things I love so much about the place I have chosen to live for the majority of my adult life.

Winter in Minnesota is definitely NOT green.

But when I say 'I miss green!', I do not only mean vegetation or surroundings.  I am talking also of vegetables, especially the leafy green type.  You know, the type that most dieticians really encourage us to eat, seemingly regardless of WHAT 'diet' you are on.

Growing up, it was usually my Dad who would tell us kids, 'Don't be so fussy!  Eat that! It's good for you!'

When I visited in November while Dad was in the hospital, I learned of his aversion to green beans.  So I was expecting that.  But now that I am living with my parents and doing the majority of shopping and cooking, I have learned that Dad doesn't like most ANY green vegetable.   Broccoli is 'okay if it's IN something, or has enough cheese on it'.  Romaine is 'different'.  Only iceberg is lettuce for Dad.  No peas, and definitely no spinach.

Dad likes to keep an eye on me in the kitchen.

Since most of the veggies I have come to know and love are mostly off limits, I have been pushing fruits. Fiber is important, you know.  Fresh apples, oranges, grapes and bananas.  Canned pears, peaches, apricots and pineapple.  Berry jam and jelly.

 None of it green.

I am a bit surprised that my weight has not gone up.  It hasn't gone DOWN.  But with the staples of the South Beach diet we have attempted to follow now not accepted by those I cook for, I am thankful to be holding steady.

I am looking forward to Spring.  At least I will be able to visit my favorite color again, in the trees and grass.