Tep, a Whole Foods has opened up in our neighborhood (much to Emmett's disgust. "It's right across from the homeless park. They're going to be so discouraged!").

Anyway, I can't help but notice that they've got a berjillion gluten free items on their shelves all very carefully labeled.

I like my Earth shoes with the negative heel. They're vegan!

Colin swears by Earth shoes. They're pretty much all he can wear after foot surgery.

Steph, Lundberg or DeBoles are the brands of rice pasta we get, either at Haggen or The Market, aka Food Pavillion, both chains local to WA. But H says the Lundberg rice pasta is out of CA--they have a huge rice plantation and process and distribute their own rice products. Fred Meyer carries Lundberg, and Meyer is a Kroger chain, so if you have a Kroger you should be able to find Lundberg rice pastas, elbows and penne, at least. And if you're finding DeBoles corn pastas, their rice pastas should be available too--you can ask the store to carry them, if they don't now.

We also get fettucine-style rice noodles at the Asian market, along with angel hair and other rice noodles.

The main thing I have to remember is to cook rice pasta (aside from the Asian noodles) a couple of minutes past even what the destructions recommend. It's not a wheat-pasta al dente thing if they're undercooked, it's just tough and unpleasant.

Cass, I hope kittenish is okay.

She's pretty stoned (clearly didn't want Trudy ((who is already seeing healing signs)) to be the only one narcotized) and seems way more comfortable. She got the antibiotic shot so I am hoping the comfort is partially real and not just the pain meds. I am pretty sure that's true.

She's generally been sitting on the floor watching stuff happen like it is suddenly kinda sparkly since we got back. Stoned. Which is fine. If I can see her and she's she's not in distress, I am more relaxed too.

Liese, I don't think the negative heel would work for me, but thanks.

Cass, I'll keep that in mind while looking.

sj, it depends on your foot shape. Nike shoes are narrow in toe box and heel; Adidas have a wider forefoot area which works better for me.

Hmm, I used to be able to wear Nike quite happily, but the last five-ish years have not been able to find any that were comfortable. Of course, I've ended up in New Balance's higher end walking shoes for work, but that is rather a case of getting what you pay for. Next time I'm in the mood for something less spendy, I'll give Adidas a try.

May I suggest custom orthotics? I have a podiatrist who takes a mold (mould?) of my feet, sends them off, and a while later I get these lovely supports that fit ME. I get ones made of compressed cork with a leather surface against the sole of my foot. And they can be made to compensate for my knees not being quite straight.

Toddson, if you don't mind me asking, how much do custom orthotics run?