Well, I’m sitting here this morning, my ocean view shrouded in fog, listening to some good old school Jungle Love by the Steve Miller Band . . .

But lately you live in the jungle
I never see you alone
But we need some definite answers
So I thought I would write you a poem
The question to everyones answer
Is usually asked from within
But the patterns of the rain
And the truth they contain
Have written my life on your skin

Jungle love its drivin me mad
Its makin me crazy
Jungle love its drivin me mad
Its makin me crazy

It’s been a good September. Trying, wierd, uncertain. Definitely has been makin’ me crazy at times. But when all is said and done, a time of great personal growth. As I get closer and closer to having surgery, I remember what it felt like being pregnant in my 9th month. Clock ticking, running out of time. So many things to get done, so many things to come face-to-face with before that final grain of sand drops. And truth-be-told, when the ship sails you’ve got what you’ve got and the rest, as Scarlet O’Hara says, will have to be put on the shelf.

My best news for the month is that I got sick with a nasty cold and sinus infection. Maybe that doesn’t sound great to you, but the path it took was definitely exciting and one I haven’t experienced in more than two years. I had NO asthma complications, NO resulting pnemonia, and NO need for antibiodics or the host of other drugs I’ve had to take in recent times under these circumstances. This tells me my body is getting back into balance and things are starting to function like they should.

I’m sure my recent weight loss is making things easier on my heart, which probably accounts for the ability to pump fluid out of my lungs when sick and not get asthma/pneumonia. My acupuncture/homeopathic/herbal treatments with Laurie seem to be balancing my body’s “chi,” and the healing work I’ve done with Elizabeth and Beth really seem to be helping me on some deeper, unknown levels.

When sick, I made a favorite soup I call “September Soup,” because it combines summer squashes with fall root veges. It’s a soothing soup to sore throats and stuffy noses. Here’s the recipe in case you’d like to give it a try or make it for a sick friend this season.

September Soup

3 small turnips, peeled and quartered
4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2″ sections
2 round yellow summer squash, quartered
1 1/2 C. daikon, peeled and cut into 1″ slices
1 zucchini, cut into 2″ sections
4 baby yukon gold potatoes, peeled and halved (*can substitute with other potato)
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and cut into eighths
1 C. chard, loosely packed, de-veined and cut into 1/4″ ribbons
2 cloves garlic, skin removed and slightly crushed
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 tsp. freshly ground pepper
2 Qts. organic chicken stock
*1 tbsp. fresh thyme leaves (optional)

Place all veges in 5 Qt.+ covered pot. Add chicken stock, garlic, salt and pepper. Bring to boil, then turn down to simmer until all are just tender (about 1 hour). Adjust seasonings to taste and serve. Serves 4 – 6.