I really didn’t expect anything for Valentine’s Day yesterday. Tony’s not been feeling well, he has a 12 foot tube attached to a vacuum at his side 24/7. But he surprised me. He had a doctor appointment on Monday while I was at work, and had just enough strength to go to CVS and pick me up a card. š
Um, who told him I loved spicy nuts? š Thank you Tony for a wonderful card – I love you back times 100!
Of course, since I didn’t have to be up as early as I normally do on a day I go to work, I was up and alive at 7:15. I let Tony sleep in a bit and after I was up for about an hour, I started to get hungry.
I was looking in my fridge and saw that I had a pint of blackberries (.99 a pint last week!) so I decided to make a blackberry sauce, except with Splenda, not sugar. What goes well with a blackberry sauce? Pancakes!
Whole Wheat Pancakes with Blackberry Sauce
- 2 points per pancake with 1/4 cup of blackberry sauce for 1 point (but 3 pancakes turns out to be 7 points)
Ingredients for Pancakes:
- 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder (next time I’ll bump this up to 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1.5 cups vanilla soy milk
- 2 eggs
Mix the dry ingredients together. Mix the soy milk and eggs until eggs are combined. Mix both together. Let batter sit for 15 minutes before cooking pancakes – about 2 minutes per side.
Ingredients for Blackberry sauce (makes 1 cup, 1/4 cup each serving or 1 WW point)
- 1 pint blackberries
- 1/4 cup splenda
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
In a non-stick skillet add all the ingredients and simmer of medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the blackberries. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For my plate, I mixed in my 1/4 cup of blackberry sauce (1) with 1/4 cup of sugar free pancake syrup (1) and had 3 pancakes (7). Breakfast comes in at 9 delicious points.
The best part about this is that because there is only 1 tablespoon of sugar in the pancakes and the tartness of the blackberries, this is really not an overly sweet breakfast.
I also thought this sauce would be good on ice cream too. Just sayin. š
Then we had the home health care nurse come to check his blood level for his artificial heart valve. Then it was time to go to the gastrointestinal doctor – they are running more tests, but he thinks the c-diff is still present, so we are taking additional medication hoping that will work.
Then we went to the outpatient pavillion for more blood work. Then last, but not least, we saw the surgeon for our wound vac check up. There would have been no way Tony could have done that on his own, so I was glad I could be there with him.
But you know what? We are both sick of doctors and hospitals. Yeah, I said it. Hopefully we will start to turn a corner here and get our lives back to normal. I miss sitting next to him on the couch, because he’s more comfortable in his lay-z-boy. I miss the impromtu breakfasts and lunches when we are out and about. I just want him to be well. š
So by the time we got home Tony was exhausted, and I was starving. We had a bag of unopened Fritos in the pantry – they have been giving me the stink eye ever since we never opened them for Superbowl Sunday. I caved. My ham and cheese sandwich and a serving of Fritos – 10 points.
Then Hannah came home from school. š She bought me a really cute sweater and shirt from the thrift store and a $15 Starbucks gift card. While Tony rested, she and I went to Aldi to pick up a few things and since we were driving right by, we went to our local thrift store.
I give you aloof model:
I actually bought that jacket – it was $9, but all the outwear was 75% off – score! Not sure who makes it because there isn’t a tag, but its super soft and lined – perfect for the spring.
I now give you gangsta model:
I guess we could call this one glam cowgirl?
And then we had fun with . . . wigs! Before anyone gets all grossed out, these were brand new wigs – hence the giant tag draped on my shoulder. First of all, I wish my hair were this thick, and second, I actually like the style and red color!
It was actually nice just to goof off, even for just an hour – thanks Hanners. š
Dinner was simple – I got some fire roasted canned tomatoes from Aldi (.69 cents a can!) and made a pasta sauce with rigatoni. Pure comfort in a bowl for 10 points. I know it looks like a lot, but its sitting on 2 cups of chopped fresh baby spinach underneath the pasta.
I didn’t work out yesterday, so I need to get out at lunch today and then do 30-day shred after dinner tonight.
Thanks again for all your well wishes for Tony! š
That was so sweet for the hubs to get you the card and spicy nuts for V-Day! I know you will be so glad when he is back to his old self (I use the term ‘old’ loosely!) I had to really look at those pics to decide if it was you or your daughter!
Biz, you’re so beautful! I can really see your weight loss in your face and all over, esp with the jacket picture. And I love that wig. My black friends, every time I tell them, “I love your hair,” always say “it’s a wig.” Maybe us white folks should jump on the wig wagon and get a new hair do every month-lol!
Soooo super sweet of Tony to go out and get you a valentine in your condition! And your pancakes…they’re killin me. They look so good.
That breakfast looks DELICIOUS!!!!
I can totally understand that you and Tony are sick of hospitals. When my Dad was sick, he and my Mom had the same after 5 years in and out of the hospital.
That is so sweet that he was able to get you a card. I bet you were super surprised. Those pancakes look amazing and now I am really, really hungry.
I think the red wig is perfect. Love the color and the cut! Your pancakes and sauce look awesome. I was actually craving pancakes last weekend. I’m going to save this recipe until that craving begins again. Thanks for sharing it!
Oh Biz….I wish things would finally turn the corner for you both as well…it’s been a long road for you both. Sooooo sweet Tony got you a card! Continued prayers for both of you! Hang in! LOVE the wig, btw….so cute on you!
Continuing to send warm healing wishes to Tony and hugs across the miles to you Vat. BTW…you look hot in that red wig!!! I especially like the price tag attached too! š Fun shots…yay for Hannah! And for thrift stores!!!! Take care, belated happy Valentine’s day.
Love the fashion pics.
What?? My brother commented?? Hi Charlie!
You look so much like Hannah in that wig!
Love your Valentine from Tony! What a long haul for you two, hope that it all turns around very soon.
You look adorable in your outfits, so slim and trim! š The wig even looks good!
I sure hope all the doctor and hospital BS ends soon! That pasta looks delicious.
I know what you mean when you say you just want Tony to be Tony. It actually made me cry, b/c I do get it. Don’t worry sweetheart – it will happen sooner than later and you will look back on this as just a hazy bad dream. Trust.
I thought that was Hannah in the jacket pic’ – Did you sell your soul to the Devil or something Biz? Are you EVER going to age. Jeesh, woman. heehee – you look great. Well, except for that funky playboy hat and scary jean jacket. Just saying.
You of all people know exactly what we are going through – Skippy I hope you get well too!
I would be insanely sick of doctors as well, you guys have been through so much!!!
That bowl of pasta has me craving some right now!!!
Love the model pics – you and Hannah have such a great relationship!
Praying that you & Tony will be free of doctors & hospitals soon.
I bet you guys are sick of hospital and doctors! I’m glad Tony was able to get you a lil something sweet (and tasty!) for Valentine’s Day. And I love the photos…especially the gangsta photo. Too cute! I can tell you’ve lost weight — you look amazing!
Thanks Nicole! š
how sweet of tony! he could have easily let the day pass but he didn’t!
i love that wig on you…the color and style is so pretty!
you should wear that wig for Tony, I bet he would start feeling better rather fast with that pretty lady on his arm.
Thanks Janis! š
Oooh, must say, I love that wig! You look cute with that color & style, Biz! Looks like you two had a great time.
That was so sweet of Tony to do that, even when feeling crummy. I hope that Tony gets & stays well soon, and that you all can avoid doctors and hospitals for a long time.
Love the Gangsta Model picture! It needs to be a FB profile pic or something! š
Wishing that Tony is well soon too!!!
I LOVE the look, red hair looks good on you!
I wish I loved closer to you, I need a thrift store buddy (however, I do go with my ddaughter..she calls it treasure hunting)!
much love and strength to you and tony – I know how tired of docs &hospitals you must be!
That wig really looks good on you!
You know, I certainly don’t blame you one bit for being sick of doctors and hospitals. Heck, just a yearly visit is enough.
I only have to go to the doctor every 4 months for my thyroid stuff so I can only imagine how sick you guys are of doctors and issues and all of it! I want him to get well too!
You should totally grow your hair. Even though your own hair is not quite that thick I bet you could end up with something that looks similar to that style! I think it makes your face look thinner…. just saying.
“makes your face look thinner” thanks Helen! š
You lucky woman, you! I would choose spicy peanuts over chocolate anyday š Good work Tony.. and I hope everything gets better and returns to normal soon.
I love when you post about you and Hannah hanging together, haha it makes me want to go home and visit my momma!
Have you tried the trader joe’s version of fritos? they are humongous and oh so salty good.
Trader Joe’s has fritos?? That may warrant a trip – for those and those sesame pretzels which are like crack!
i agree, that red wig is perfect for you! Dye your hair and get it cut! It looks much thicker than your hair though.
I made a funky “bloggable” breakfast this morning and I totally thought of you. I don’t often make different breakfasts and you have the BEST breakfasts in the universe. You wouldn’t have liked my breakfast though as it had onions. Oatmeal, egg on top and onions sauteed in soy sauce, hot sauce and sesame oil. SO good. Are you working on that breakfast cookbook yet?!
Spicy peanuts are the new chocolate on Valentines day!! š
Other than the onions Debbi, it sounds right up my alley! I am actually going to try an egg scramble with blue cheese and wait for it . . . honey drizzled over the top! In my head it sounds good – we’ll see!
Aw, I hope you guys can get away from doctors and hospitals soon!
As usual, your food makes my mouth water, and you did look great in that wig.
You look like a teenager in the ‘gangsta’ pose. I haven’t been thrifting in a while, so fun. And I know all about naughty food staring you down, uggh, I always try and pawn tempting food off to my kids.
Teenager?? Thank you very much! š
I can’t believe how different you look in that wig! It’s a cute style for you…I know it would mess with your five minutes shower/dresses/out the door schedule, but have you ever thought about growing out your hair a little? Glad you and Hannah were able to get out and have some fun – and I can only imagine how utterly DONE both you and Tony are with the medical world. I hope this will all be a thing of the past soon and you can get back to your normal life!
My hair is so thin Shelley – I only wish it was as thick as that wig! š
Yes to the red wig–I bet Tony wd like it, too! And definitely yes to letting those docs and hospitals get on with their good work on somebody else. You guys deserve some good times w/o medical shadows. I can see I’m going to have to buy some whole wheat flour–too many great sounding recipes calling for it. Have a good one!
I actually like the wig! When Hannah texted me the picture at first I thought it was her! š
I also got the fire roasted tomatoes from Aldi, I thought they were really good!
PS- what is Tony eating these days?
we actually have him starting on real food! He’s been drinking ensures and Carnation Instant breakfasts, but the doctor says that he needs to start eating real food – last night he ate about 3/4 cup of rice and about 3 ounces of stir fry meat! š
You know my heart is with you two. Its so unfair that you have to go through so much…..I think Tony is just awesome. So sweet of him to get you valentine’s day goodies!! Love the pasta on top of the spinach- I do the same thing. Glad Hannah brightened up your day too!