It was so nice to hear from some very old friends who visited the blog via Carole's posting on Face Book this week.  Thanks, Carole, and I do hope those that popped in will return once and a while.  Ken, I will visit your suggestion on the RSS feed.  Thanks.

Yesterday I watched the documentary Food, Inc.  Though certain parts of it were difficult to watch and I found myself looking away, I was really glad to finally see it.  This film, for the record, is NOT anti meat and dairy!  It is a lesson in what goes on in the huge meat and dairy industries...and it's not a pretty story.   I learned a lot about how much impact we, the buyers, the EATERS, really do have on the food industry.  With each grocery shop, each meal we prepare, each bite we eat, we have a "vote" on how animals and humans are treated.  As many of us are conflicted about what we eat, finances, ease of preparation, etc., we need to all dig deep and find our own ways to encourage more healthful eating.  Buying organically grown food is great but often very pricey.  At least if we buy locally grown, seasonal foods that are in abundance, we can keep costs down for everyone.  If you are lucky enough, like Carole, to live in an area that has a food co-op, opt in!  Where I live, there is not one close enough.  I can go on and on, but I just ask you to do your homework.  Severe illness and deaths as a result of bacteria like E-coli, can be avoided.  Whenever possible, know where your food came from!  If you can handle it, I highly recommend watching the film.  I watched it on my new iPad, via Netflix (which was fun!) but I bet you can get it at your local library.  Thanks, Les, for the i-Pad and Derek for leaving it up on my screen.

On a very different note, I have been having a little love affair with baking soda.  I keep some beside my sink and use it once in a while on my toothbrush to scrub and whiten up my teeth.  I also recently learned you can use it the same way (with a toothbrush) on your lips and gently brush.  Works like an exfoliator for your lips.  Follow with some vaseline or balm for soft, kissable lips!  Don't forget your tongue, too.   If you sprinkle some in your palm and add a bit of water, you can make an exfoliator for your skin.  Using your other hand just rub some softly in circles on your face and wash off!  EASY, CHEAP, EFFECTIVE!  It can also be used in place of deodorant.  Just sprinkle some, dry, as you would powder and it will absorb sweat and kill bacteria.  While I am on the topic, I also recently learned something interesting.  If you put toothpaste on a DRY toothbrush it will take off about 65% more plaque than on a wet toothbrush.  So now I start with a dry one, then add some water and rinse.  TRY IT YOU WILL INSTANTLY FEEL THE DIFFERENCE!

Before I get ready to hit the gym for Saturday morning class, I would like to remind everyone to stay well hydrated.  My guess is wherever you are reading this from, summer has hit.  At the change of seasons, it's hardest for our bodies to perform up to par.  It takes some time for the body to acclimate from cold to hot, and vice-versa.  Water is paramount.  If you are running or playing outside in the heat (and in my case humidity) please consider a bit of sports drink or a sprinkle of salt and sugar in your water.  Keep your electrolytes in balance.  This is PARAMOUNT to your health.

Have a great day everyone.  Rita, YAY, you'll be back.  When Carol is back, as well, we will be WHOLE again.  Carol, I hope you are feeling a little better every day.  Life, we must all take it ONE DAY AT A TIME.