I have lactose intolerance and general tummy-sensitiveness, too, and there's a yoga pose I find helpful sometimes. It's also good for cramps. I can't find any pictures online, but my teacher calls it supported butterfly.

Lay a longish (torso length) pillow on the floor with a little pillow at the top for your head if you like. Put a couple of throw pillows on either side of you.

Sit at one end of the long pillow with the soles of your feet touching. Pile the throw pillows under each of your knees so that your legs are relaxed and supported.

Now lie back on the long pillow, tucking your tailbone a bit. Let your arms fall to either side. If it isn't relaxing, try adjusting the pillows. If that doesn't work, than the pose might not suit you (or I did a crappy job describing it).

I hope the pain goes away soon.

I found out tonight that at nearly twenty-nine years old, when I feel that sick, I still want my mother to come take care of me.

Doesn't end. When I had my children at 38 and 40 my mother had to come and stay with me after for a week or so. Only Mom would do.

I've had quite a number of celeb sightings. Much like LA we get lots of celebs making movies, sporting events, on vacation. Usually I don't recognise them until someone says something. If it is a chance encounter I tend to be smiley and chatty as I am with any stranger.

The only time I was unexpectedly speachless was with Paul Newman. He was tiny which I did expect, but his eyes were stop you dead in your tracks piercing. I have never up close and personal seen such a memorable face. He really had no choice but to be a star. He had IT in big doses.

Oh, I think I know the pose you are speaking of in crunches Ouise. Let me google a moment.....

Like this [link] except with relaxing, not crunching. Also, nice abs.

Good to read you are feeling better sj. May it be a restful recovery day.

I have lactose intolerance and general tummy-sensitiveness, too, and there's a yoga pose I find helpful sometimes. It's also good for cramps. I can't find any pictures online, but my teacher calls it supported butterfly.

Thanks. That position might be difficult for me, but I'll have to look into it.

I like peppermint and/or ginger for irritated GI problems. Ginger ale, or ginger tea/peppermint tea, sometimes even peppermint candies can help.

I just had Courtship tea which has crystalized ginger in it.

I think I use the Ultra, sj. I don't know for sure. I go through phases where sometimes any dairy sets me off and then months where I can eat anything I want without difficulty. Still, I keep lactaid milk on hand just to minimize problems and always have the chewables in a drawer or in my purse for if it feels like dairy is planning a sneak attack.

Ginger teas are wonderful for settling tummies. My mom always had some on hand. That, and just chewing on a piece of crystallized ginger can help.

Okay, gotta get showered and packed. Teh daughter will be here in half an hour raring to go. Laters!

I'm horrid at recognizing celebs. I did see Richard Gere filming a movie and was struck by how handsome he was in person. On film he rarely sparks me.

I also saw Kristi Yamaguchi walking through a casino in Vegas.

Obviously, the proper spousal role is to listen patiently. I only offerred a counter-example because...well, because it worked. It was a win /win. I did not offend her.

Fair enough. I should know better than to comment on how 2 adults relate, especially when I know those 2 adults, and know that neither of them is trying to be mean.

Pool party yesterday -- lots of fun and grilled meat.

Farmer's market today, if I can get my ass off the couch. Then a nap (The Boy slept over last night, and I don't always sleep well when he's here). And/or maybe go see Superman.

Vacation day tomorrow, and tomorrow night -- Pre-4th of July Rock 'n Roll Carnival -- beer garden, fire breathers, burlesque show and carnival side show. Oh HELL yeah.

4th of July -- parade in The Boy's neighborhood -- featuring something called the Ladies' Lawn Chair Brigade, the Cincinnati women's roller-derby team, InkTank and its larger than life typewriter, and a 30 foot butterfly and huge caterpillar.

I *will* be taking pictures, at both the carnival Monday night and the parade Tuesday.

Okay. Off to the farmer's market.

So, my mum has bought an icecream maker. Whilst I have no doubt we'll be able to make stuff up (neither she nor I is big on following recipes), I was wondering whether any old hands at icecream making might happen to have favourite recipes?

I'm thinking of making something with chocolate and chunks of candied ginger. Or perhap coconut milk and almonds, or maybe...hmm...I'm a total texture slut, and what I like best in icecream is a balance of sweet and salt, and swirls of gooey caramel balanced against something crunchy and salty...

Any thoughts?

I was wondering whether any old hands at icecream making might happen to have favourite recipes?

I have a notion that Jessica has made a lot of tasty ice creams, but I could be making that up.

The chocolate and ginger combo sounds good though. My favorite gelato place does something lovely with a butter pecan and Jack Daniels combo. Of course you need a light hand while adding liquor since it resists freezing. Oh yeah, and that fantastic sorbet with pink grapefruit and campari. Mmmmm. Betsy's husband has a recipe for that.

Mmmm ice cream. I like to toss berries into the mix.