I'm flabbergasted!

Sheesh!

We just lucked out and moved into an old house where some fellows are practicing 'third world' vegetable gardening.

I've been eating fresh-picked peas and beans daily for 10 days...and other good things...mostly raw.

Over the years I picked up some 'info' about beans...

...To protect the seeds, the plant puts a substance into the skin of each bean that discourages critters, large and small, from eating them. That's why beans give us gas.

I read where, in cooking dried beans, it is better to boil them for five minutes, then discard the water, add new, and cook till tender. I've eaten beans, say, once every other month or so, for decades...not always cooked in this way.

I read that the scoop on the value of soy beans missed the important step of FERMENTING them properly. Which is why tamari and miso are 'good' for people, and why tofu is not.

I was raised somewhat a vegetarian...having fish sometimes, cheese, and lots of eggs. Meat is wasted on me...I just don't need the taste.

I was allergic to cow's milk, they tell me, as an infant...so they bought a goat. (Still don't like the 'hairy' taste of goat cheese.)

I've never drunk a glass of milk, though I had milk on my Sunny Boy and Red River porridges, and in puddings. Buttermilk, sometimes. Lots of butter, except for 35 years of margarine and mayo. (Now olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, and Udo's Choice...and butter.)

Today I eat a little meat, when it is served...chicken most frequently.

A few years ago I had my food sensitivities checked and was astounded to see plants of the nightshade family on the list...white potatoes, sweet peppers, tomatoes, eggplant and tobacco.

Also, bananas, broccoli, raisins, and more, including tea and coffee.

Some of these have proven to be dramatically true!

I had Acne when I was younger, but surprisingly, no teeth cavities at all when I was 18. However, I then worked in a dental supply house, and co-workers convinced me to get a 'check-up'. (Groan.)

I try to walk 'the middle line', moderation in all things...but I think I'll start over and try to see what I do best with, and let some more things go.

This is difficult to understand!

F.