Note: In case you’ve never hung out with a rock climber, the term, “Dirtbag” is an affectionate term for one who lives in his or her car. Climbing magazine ran a hilarious glossary of terms that parce out dirtbags of all types. According to their definition, I would be considered a “Classbag” because I’m living out of my car, but have a variety of outfits along, including a business suit just in case I have the opportunity to meet a new or potential client.
Princess Shiatsu and I became lifetime friends back in the ‘80s when I lived in Salt Lake City. Princess, now with Smiley Curmudgeon, her wonderful mate, remains a constant source of healing for me. It is seldom I can hang out with another person who actually feels the impact of every food she eats – and is willing to go without the ones that make her feel bad. I am the same (at least part of the time), but I am lucky that can eat a much wider variety of foods than she can without getting sick or feeling pain.
Because of their home configuration I slept in Sparky by night and lived in and out of their home in the daytime. Between trips back and forth to the library for work, I raced home for lunch, served (!!) promptly at 12:30 and consisting of organic meat or wild-caught salmon with a “green drink” – a homemade simple soup consisting of watercress, kale, avocado, and chicken broth, steamed and blended into a smooth drink. YUM! We also usually ate two or three whole radishes with each meal.
I wish I could replicate the soup out here in the wilderness, but don’t have the kitchen prep tools so I’m eating very simply: mostly crudité (rainbow carrots, snap peas, radishes, and radish leaves) plain and raw, along with either salmon or eggs – and some fruit.
Princess introduced me to the concept of eating whole, fresh radishes at most meals, which have wonderful health benefits. Their leaves contain 5 to 10 times the benefits of the actual radish! She finds the leaves too pungent but I really like nibbling on them especially while I’m driving. I appreciated the radishes’ anti-inflammatory characteristics most. After having injured my hip and shoulder, then re-injured myself the day of my launch, I had arrived in Salt Lake City exhausted and hurting. I think it’s remarkable that I’m feeling great again only four days later!
So here I am, a Dirtbag at 63, in the driveway for now but heading out in the morning. I’m headed for Meadow Hot Springs to have a soak. Stay tuned for news from “the girls”!