"Carl's Lounge" (Off-Topic Discussion, Traditional Knife "Tales & Vignettes")

My mother-in-law found out she has Celiac about 2 years ago. My wife got tested shortly thereafter and found out she has it also. My mother-in-law is a big baker and has spent much time in the kitchen trying to rework recipes. Some recipes are great and people who have never had gluten free stuff don't even know the difference. Other recipes, not so much, they usually always taste good but a few things and certain recipes just don't turn out right in texture.

Celiac has become so much more common in the last few years and many people who don't have celiac are choosing to eat gluten free. This has made for a huge increase in gluten free products available even in the past couple of years. The major grocery stores, Walmart, etc. Usually all have gluten free sections. I can hardly even tell the difference in gluten free spaghetti anymore if you find a good brand, can't say that was true a couple of years ago when they first found out.

The trickiest part seems eating out at restaurants. Many places have limited options and often the wait staff is just ignorant of what gluten is and/or what dishes contain it.

If you have any questions, they are very well versed on the in's and out's of gluten free eating. I'm also a chiropractor and A&P teacher and have studied nutrition for years. Just shoot me a PM or email if I can help in any way!


I haven't been around as much lately...I drop in, poke around and read what I can, and then I'm off again, visiting other places. The traditional sub-forum feels like home to me, a place to come for a little comfort, warm the bones by the fire while hearing of the good things goings on, kind of place. I like that.
Food is such a big thing in terms of comfort...preparing a meal like had as a child while visiting relatives, perhaps a beverage that reminds one of someone special, or a soup. Ah, and the smell of a freshly baked bread. Lately I have been on a new journey, one with paradigm changes to the way I live and cook. Lucky for me I am a cook, and a quick study. Seems I have won another lottery in life, and am allergic to gluten, celiac disease. No wheat, barley, or rye for this lad, and these things hide everywhere. Dining out, pretty much a thing of the past. Beer, I did so love my beer, there are a few, but not really :barf: and really nice bread...
It feels like a challenge and a new adventure all rolled into one. Re-learning how to prepare a decent gravy without wheat flour, maybe firing up my brew pot and finding what hops will compliment sorghum malt and brown rice syrup. Travel, haven't even begun to figure that one out yet.
Collecting traditional knives has fallen down the ladder of priorities on my list lately. I have more than I need, maybe at some point the herd will get thinned, or not. But it is nice, nonetheless, to drop in and see things running par for the course around these parts. Y'all are some mighty fine folks round he'ah! It has been one of my greatest pleasures finding this porch...
 
... Sorry, pressed send early...

...So in a nutshell I'm torn. I am a Scot, living in Scotland. I am married to an Ulster-woman who sits in the No camp. My family live in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, and I want the best possible future for my child who is approaching fast.

At this stage I'm still undecided.

Your post prompted me to do a bit of reading, that is some serious stuff right there Paul. I wish the best for you and yours in whatever may come from all of this, now, and in years to follow.
 
What an awful thought, just imagine red headed kilted men with panpipes and bongo drums! Eek!

LOL! Thanks for not seeing my comment as in bad taste Paul, I have been following the debate very closely :thumbup:

I don't know where to begin really, it's such a complex issue.

I don't think we should build barriers, it's better to break them down. I'm proud to be British as much as I am of being Scottish. On the other hand, Scotland, like the North of England (including Jack's beloved Yorkshire) have had a pretty crap hand of cards each round, especially since the Thatcher era (1980's) which buggered anyone who didn't work from behind a desk. All policies and money are geared up for the South East of England, more specifically London. This has needed to change for a long time but the North are the minority, and until the very real threat of a break up of the Union the government has never been serious about allowing Scottish people to decide what is best for themselves.

So in a nutshell I'm torn. I am a Scot, living in Scotland. I am married to an Ulster-woman who sits in the No camp.

... Sorry, pressed send early...

...So in a nutshell I'm torn. I am a Scot, living in Scotland. I am married to an Ulster-woman who sits in the No camp. My family live in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales, and I want the best possible future for my child who is approaching fast.

At this stage I'm still undecided.

Good post my friend, and I feel for you. I just want to say that if the Scottish people vote for independence, here's one Northern Englander, who won't feel abandoned, who wishes nothing but the best for the men and women with whom I undoubtedly have vastly more in common than the moguls of Whitehall, and who looks forward to the day when we are not ruled so selfishly and thoughtlessly here as well.

I'll be listening to the results on the radio with a good malt close at hand, and hope that whatever is decided, there's no ill will among families and friends, and that the people of Scotland prosper.

Slainte

Jack
 
Part of my family came from the Emerald Isles and the northern Scottish coast, I am all for whatever is best for Scotland. I don't know if this is the best thing to do right now, but hey, maybe it is.

I've been watching this with interest, being a history buff. I'm sure there must be a can of worms over the feelings of many people right now. A free and independent Scotland on one hand, and the dissolving of part of the United Kingdom on the other. Yin and yang, with even families split on the hot potato. It's been a long time side the Battle Of Culloden, and a lot of water under the bridge. Still, there is the issue of being ruled by an entity far to the south that may not fully understand the needs of the north. A very tangled issue indeed. I wish the Scots the best.

It's a difficult decision for Scotland, empty promises coming from those in power versus the unknown of a divided United Kingdom.

Your post prompted me to do a bit of reading, that is some serious stuff right there Paul. I wish the best for you and yours in whatever may come from all of this, now, and in years to follow.

Thank you for your comments and thoughts fellas, either way my family's future is uncertain at this point and I appreciate it.

LOL! Thanks for not seeing my comment as in bad taste Paul, I have been following the debate very closely :thumbup:





Good post my friend, and I feel for you. I just want to say that if the Scottish people vote for independence, here's one Northern Englander, who won't feel abandoned, who wishes nothing but the best for the men and women with whom I undoubtedly have vastly more in common than the moguls of Whitehall, and who looks forward to the day when we are not ruled so selfishly and thoughtlessly here as well.

I'll be listening to the results on the radio with a good malt close at hand, and hope that whatever is decided, there's no ill will among families and friends, and that the people of Scotland prosper.

Slainte

Jack

I really really appreciate your comments Jack. I recently had an uncomfortable conversation with an old friend from Hull who had a very different attitude about it to you. It really left a sour note with Claire and me when we drove back up to the frozen north.

Your thoughts give me encouragement. Thank you my friend.

Paul
 
I really really appreciate your comments Jack. I recently had an uncomfortable conversation with an old friend from Hull who had a very different attitude about it to you. It really left a sour note with Claire and I when we drove back up to the frozen north.

Your thoughts give me encouragement. Thank you my friend.

Paul

I'm sorry to hear that Paul. Well, you know what the English can be like...;)

Good luck pal :)

Jack
 
I don't think I really understand what all the ramifications would be, but however things go, I hope it works out best for you and yours and everyone concerned.

Every once in a while, folks down here grumble about seceding again, but most of them aren't serious. ;)
 
Yes I have some very found memories from the 50's of playing outside whith my parents sitting on fold up chairs in a neighboors yard. How times have changed! Not sure if it is for thebetter or worse as everyt thing has its own time an place. Although I Will say that this forum feels like sitting out side on a nice summer evening enjoying good company.
 
Paul,
I'm also following the "Scotland matter" lately. I don't know enough about it, but I do know that I wish the best for you and your family :)

Fausto
:cool:
 
Anyone wishing to visit Sheffield, Birmingham or other cutlery centers might want to know about "Food in England", a book written by Dorothy Hartlley. While I have not read it, the book has had good reviews. She probably explains Yorkshire Pudding and other authentic dishes. :cool:
 
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Anyone wishing to visit Sheffield, Birmingham or other cutlery centers might want to know about "Food in England", a book written by Dorothy Hartlley. While I have not read it, the book has had good reviews. She probably explains Yorkshire Pudding and other authentic dishes. :cool:

Not heard of this one, I'll have to look it up! :thumbup:

But if you visit Sheffield, we're going to The Fat Cat! :D ;)

fatcat1796.jpg
 
Not heard of this one, I'll have to look it up! :thumbup:

But if you visit Sheffield, we're going to The Fat Cat! :D ;)

fatcat1796.jpg

I miss the old pubs that were around while I was growing up in England. Not much of anything old in my current town it seems. Everybody is gutting and renovating all the old restaurants, shops, and pubs (if you can call them that). Probably the only place I go to with history is my local tobacco shop.

milan_tabacconist.jpg


It's been on the same street since 1912 and once you go inside you're greeted with the smell of tobacco and very helpful people. My favorite tobacco from the shop is named Jefferson Street, which is the street the store is on. It's a store blend of Turkish & Cavendish tobacco and I love it. I used it today to start to break in my new H.I.S. Mini-Churchwarden

 
I miss the old pubs that were around while I was growing up in England. Not much of anything old in my current town it seems. Everybody is gutting and renovating all the old restaurants, shops, and pubs (if you can call them that). Probably the only place I go to with history is my local tobacco shop.

milan_tabacconist.jpg


It's been on the same street since 1912 and once you go inside you're greeted with the smell of tobacco and very helpful people. My favorite tobacco from the shop is named Jefferson Street, which is the street the store is on. It's a store blend of Turkish & Cavendish tobacco and I love it. I used it today to start to break in my new H.I.S. Mini-Churchwarden



Love the pipe! :thumbup::thumbup::thumb up:

Is that tobacco shop in Roanoke?
 
I just got a call from my distraught wife, letting me know that our youngest grandaughter (Julianna) just had her hand smashed by her older siblings (4 and 5) who closed the bathroom door on it.

Prayers are appreciated. Thanks, all.
 
Prayers out for you and yours, Jeff. Especially for Julianna. Keep us updated please! May I ask how old she is?
 
I just got a call from my distraught wife, letting me know that our youngest grandaughter (Julianna) just had her hand smashed by her older siblings (4 and 5) who closed the bathroom door on it.

Prayers are appreciated. Thanks, all.

How awful! Your family are in our prayers and in our thoughts today.
 
Hope your little granddaughter will be OK Dan, they're tough at that age, thinking of you and your family my friend :thumbup:
 
Well we voted. Then we stayed up all night to watch the count (well I was on duty anyway). .....and the people of Scotland decided to remain one of the four nations that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Now let's see if the Prime Minister can keep his promises.
 
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