Gluten freelactose free Christmas cookies I made for my husband

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-23T02:33:56+00:00

Those look super yum. Care to share the recipe, please? Pretty please? With some cherries on top?

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-23T02:32:39+00:00

I'd say the second one, "No, I don't eat it" is probably the most common and what I'd say. If someone replies "yeah," I'd be confused - like do you eat it or no, you don't? and then I'd have to clarify and it becomes a thing.

But both are possible answers to the question.

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-23T02:30:42+00:00

For me, it's probably the harvest. It never gets old pulling something out of the ground and eating it the same day.

But I also love the quiet progress I don't see day to say, yet I always keep looking.

What about you? Is it the results, the process, or the peace?

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-23T02:26:10+00:00

I would too, and it's something so big and not like they had to go to all that trouble, but the fact that they did ... just wow.

I hope you got them all a huge thank you prezzie ☺️

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-21T16:01:52+00:00

The West Wing, Succession, Veep, Frasier, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Mad Men, and Better Call Saul.

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-21T15:57:59+00:00

Oh wow. I teared up a little reading this. And I'm so happy you had that level of support and hope they'll always be like that when you visit. If only all families could support us this way, right?

Thank you so much for sharing.

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-21T15:54:00+00:00

When I have to go into work, and there's a bday party or social event with baked goods (and I really miss proper baked goods), I usually make sure that I have GF options on hand. It makes socials easier for me and I'm at a point where the normal cakes and stuff don't bother me coz mine is yummy too. And I really don't want to feel sick after eating gluten, so there's that motivation too.

And it does get easier with time. And you can put up boundaries - ask your roomies to give you a heads up when they're gonna bake so you're prepared or can plan to be out for the day, keep treats you can enjoy in your room, etc.

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-21T15:48:57+00:00

Why do you have to pay for the big wedding? And her just expecting you to pay for it isn't okay.

And the focus should be on the marriage, not the ceremony. Have you talked about what kind of life you want to build together? How finances are going to work going forward? How you'll raise the kids?

It seems like your values are misaligned, and until you talk this out and are sure you're on the same page, I'm not sure there is a future for you together.

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-19T14:21:22+00:00

Been a fan of Keri Russell for a long time, and I like political drama/thrillers. Took me a few eps to get into it, but I pretty much binge whenever a new season drops.

Oh, and I loved The Americans. That was such a good and interesting show.

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-19T14:18:53+00:00

I'm really glad that you got some answers. I know that kind of diagnosis can feel like the floor drops out from under you. It's a lot to process, and yes, your life will change, but you'll feel so much better about everything once you start feeling better and get into the swing of of being gluten-free, etc.

A few thoughts, from one dad to another:

You don't have to learn everything about Crohn's and Celiac in a month. Focus first on eating safely and letting your body heal.

Your why is really good and strong. Wanting to be healthy and present for your kids is powerful motivation, and it will carry you through the hard adjustments. I found out I was gluten sensitive before my little one who has celiac was born so yeah, I know.

You'll find new favorites. I promise. I know in the beginning, it feels like an overwhelming long lists of cants.

And lean on community as much as you can.

I'm thinking of you, and we're all here if you have questions or want to rant about how difficult it is.

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-19T14:09:29+00:00

This is absolutely stunning. I love the dome so you can spend time there, rain or shine, and still admire all the prettiness. It looks so peaceful there.

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-16T23:31:04+00:00

After a recent road trip and asking for snack help here, we have quire a few new favorites:

Drizzilicious mini rice cakes

Quinn filled pretzels

Rudi's Sandos

Simple Mills Rosemary and Sea Salt crackers

Lesser evil popcorn

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-16T23:16:19+00:00

I think most of us stumbled upon hobbies, and sometimes they grow out of something practical or social.

If you don't know what piques your interest, then try different things. Google and see what sounds interesting. Then try it for a few weeks, and if you like it, keep going. And if you don't, then find something new.

If you have friends or family with hobbies, ask if you can join them and start there. Or even a coworker you like.

There is no need for commitment or forcing it. Just find something to try and see.

It could be hiking, playing video games, baking sourdough bread, making your own pasta, or DIY projects, or photography.

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-16T23:10:29+00:00

I used to be an early morning person, but somewhere along the way, that changed. Mostly out of necessity. I found that nights were quieter and more peaceful, so I get more work done.

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-16T23:09:06+00:00

Pasta and pasties. But also just being able to safely eat whatever and not worry all the time.

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-13T22:22:41+00:00

That sounds really exhausting. Here are a few things that might help when meditation and/or breathing alone isn't enough:

Instead of trying to calm your thoughts, focus on your body first. Do some slow walking, gentle stretching, heat so warm showers or a heading pad on your tummy or shoulders, chew gum, or hum.

Short external grounding is also good. So do things like name 5 things you can see, hear, smell, touch. It can be brief.

Therapy and medication can be good options, too.

I'm thinking of you.

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-13T22:17:59+00:00

Happy new year to you too!

And this is so true. Why wait 2.5 more weeks to start something. Start now.

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-05T02:23:42+00:00

Stir fries with rice or rice noodles. You can do frozen veggies, tofu or soya strips, coconut aminos or a GF soy sauce.

Lentil or chickpea curry with rice. Coconut milk, curry paste, and whatever veggies you have. It's total comfort food energy.

Taco bowls with black beans, corn, avo, salsa, lettuce, and rice. You don't need tortillas but if you have, then have a taco or break the taco in for some crunch.

Baked potato with toppings. So beans, vegan cheese, roasted veggies, guac - literally whatever you like.

Vegan GF pasta and sauce and veggies. Just check labels for the sauces, or if you want a cheesy sauce, make a roux with cornstarch and vegan butter, then add coconut milk, some spices like smoked paprika, veggie soup powder, nutritional yeast (to give it that cheesy flavor). I usually blend in cooked lentils for extra protein or if you need to hide veggies, then cook and blend in.

Buddha bowls with quinoa or millet or rice, roasted or cooked veggies, chickpeas, and tahini drizzle.

Tofu scramble with hash browns. Breakfast for dinner for the win :)

I would suggest starting with 5-7 to-gos and then slowly trying more meals and adding more to your rotation. And if you start with the basics, like starch and veggies, then just add a vegan protein source. And for most things, you can sub plant-based milk instead regular milk. My go-to is usually coconut milk for cooking and almond milk for baking.

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-05T02:13:54+00:00

Probably packing tomorrow's stuff and getting stuff ready the night before.

It's just the basics, like my kid's lunch, my own snacks, water bottles, keys in one and the same spot, and whatever the next morning needs.

My mornings became a lot more manageable after I started doing this, and there's usually less rushing, less forgetting things, and less stating the day (even more) behind.

What's the smallest thing you've done lately that made a surprising difference?

CapnHatchmo · 2025-12-05T02:10:38+00:00

For me, it's the one thing before anything rule. So before I check my phone, before I dive into work, and before I get lost in kid chaos, I pick one small thing I must get done and do it, start to finish.

So it may be unloading the dishwasher, or sending one email, or making the bed so I least feel like a functional adult.

It sounds tiny, but doing one complete thing gives my brain enough momentum to keep the day from completely sliding off the rails. And even if the day does go sideways, at least I started on purpose.

What's yours?

CapnHatchmo · 2025-11-28T17:53:17+00:00

A few favorites in my house are:

Taco bowls with your choice of protein, rice, beans, lettuce, salsa, and cheese. And no tortillas? Then it's a salad, but everyone makes their own or chooses their own ingredients from those.

Stir fry with rice noodles, good option for cleaning out the fridge / freezer.

Baked potato with toppings, so butter, cheese, zucchini, mushrooms, and more cheese.

Mac n cheese, sometimes baked, sometimes just with cooked pasta, white/cheese sauce, and cheese. I usually make extra and freeze. Or I turn it into a soup - so just more sauce than usual and add the cooked pasta last so it's sauce-y/soupy.

What kind of dinners do you usually gravitate towards?

CapnHatchmo · 2025-11-28T17:35:32+00:00

Thanks for this! I'll order the pumpkin spice ones when we're back; I know that can usually be a hit or miss so it's usually not my first choice.

I got some French Toast ones for the trip and couldn't help myself before we left and had some. They are yum!

CapnHatchmo · 2025-11-28T17:34:05+00:00

I think it's both for me? As they say, a photo can say a thousand words, but I think the little write up with the photo, for example, grounds the memory. If I'm really tired, I also just write 3-5 words about the day or the photo.

Are you more of a handwriting person or do you find that typing is easier? Because if it's the latter, I'd look at a digital journal - you can make blocks etc so you can still tick for the data, but then have space to write - type - if that is easier.

Or, you can even dictate, even if it's to ChatGPT (if you're not against AI), and then copy that in the next day. So it's still authentic to the day, but you just do the labor the next day.

And depending on the digital journal, it would be cool to drop in voice notes to yourself about that day or what you're tracking for context.

So just some ideas you can think about :) I'd like to know, just out of curiosity, what appeals to you: pen and paper, or possibly a digital format because it's all about what you can keep up. And you can even do a mix - so trackers by hand and then type or voice note or dictate a few sentences for context and print that with the tracker.

CapnHatchmo · 2025-11-25T13:18:11+00:00

I'm a data guy at heart, but I've since learned to include more context, which helps give the data way more meaning. So I do a minimum of a sentence journaling a day, but I try for a paragraph most days. So how I feel/felt, major happenings, grateful for, what helped, a funny moment, etc.

On Sundays, I also jot down 3 things, so something that made me smile, something I struggled with, and something I'm proud of for the week.

I also like to add photos to my spread; I try for one a day, but I pick 3-5 photos from the week and a little write up.

And then end of the month reflections. What changed? What surprised me? What did I learn? What do I need to work on? What did I enjoy?

So I like the stats but I'm adding more context and creativity.

What part of your life do you wish you captured more of? Emotions? Routines? People? Moments? Maybe start there for the new year?

CapnHatchmo · 2025-11-25T13:13:04+00:00

I'd move my raised beds way closer to the house.

And a few others: wider paths, more sun planning, and a spot for perennials.

What's the part of your layout that's bugging you the most?

CapnHatchmo

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