Leroy's Stress Test

It all started last week when I visited my cardiologist's office for a routine checkup.  He was out and had made arrangements for his Medical Assistant, Tina, to check me over.  I actually considered it to be a good sign that he really wasn't worried too much about the outcome.  Otherwise, he would have referred me to another cardiologist or postponed the appointment until he returned.

But the visit went very well.  Judy and I liked Tina very much.  She was very professional and very thorough with her questions of me and with her answers to our questions.  She took her time with us, a rarity in the medical field, and even hugged us on the way out.  Yes, we enjoyed the visit.

However, during the course of the exam it became increasingly clear that I should have more than just this brief visit.  After all, it had been over six years since my heart attack in January 2007.  In addition to becoming seven years older, I had grown a lot, about forty pounds to be exact.  And in spite of all my blood-work numbers being good, my blood-pressure readings being in the 125/56 range and my quarterly visits to my doctors being normal, there was enough concern that I should undergo a carotid duplex to measure blood flow in my carotid arteries, and a stress Echocardiogram to view the wall motion of the heart before and after the exercise, along with my ECG and blood pressure being monitored while on the treadmill.

In other words, the first steps toward seeing if more steps were necessary.

Well, I did all the tests today and we won't know the actual results for a few days but so far, so good.  My cardiologist was in the room monitoring my progress during the stress test and he mentioned repeatedly that it looks good, my heart is strong and he sees no problems so far.  We'll know more after he analyzes the data.

However, I ran out of steam on the treadmill at a few heartbeat points below where they would have liked me to have reached.  His conclusion was that it was because I'm out of shape.

I was about to mention that 'round' is a shape and I'm pretty round, but I thought better of it.  He could easily see that. 

So I'm guessing that when we see him again in about three weeks I believe he will tell me my heart is good while strongly encouraging me to lose some weight.

I can live with that...


PS... I had my follow-up visit with my doctor and he confirmed what he said during the tests, that the test results were good and my heart is strong.  I'm just overweight and out of shape.  So it's back to eating bushes, fruit and smaller portions of everything.  I also switched to wine rather than my rum and cokes, but even then it will be less frequent and less volume.  Bread and pizza will have to be reduced too, as will Cheetos and cheese and greasy hamburgers and bacon and ........  KRAP!!!  I'm gonna die...

Magic Mini Moments VI - The Movie

Since most of you know me for my enthusiasm for the Big Green Egg, you are probably aware of the videos I have assembled over the years highlighting the wonderful images of cooks done on the Mini Big Green Egg by Mini owners.

There are now six movies reflecting between 150 and 200 photos each and I must say, I'm always amazed at the creativity my fellow Eggheads have when it comes to cooking on the Mini.

But along with their creativity I think there's some magic involved too... probably from the Mini itself.  Once you watch my latest Magic Mini Moments VI movie, I think you may agree.

http://youtu.be/3-wFZ3MdCxY

Oh, and if you are looking to purchase a really nice Christmas gift for someone special, this is one gift that will keep on giving for the rest of their lives.

Click here to find the Big Green Egg Dealer closest to you:

http://www.biggreenegg.com/locator/

And be sure to tell the lucky person to visit the Big Green Egg chat rooms where we Eggheads will gladly help them get started.

GreenEggers.com             http://www.greeneggers.com/

EggheadForum.com         http://eggheadforum.com/

These sites are the best place to grow their cooking skills and see fantastic recipes, usually with photos of the entire process from start to finish.  And they can always ask questions without feeling embarrassed.  We Eggheads truly want them to enjoy the Big Green Egg EGGsperience from their very first day as an Egghead...

50th Wedding Anniversary Celebration and Weekend On The Guadalupe River

Judy's brother, Curtis and his wife, Sandra, from Kerrville, Texas are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this month.  Their son and daughter decided to surprise them with a nice gathering of friends and family at their favorite restaurant, Mamacita's.

Judy decided to add to the festivities by renting a cabin on the Guadalupe River in nearby Center Point, Texas. 

It turned out to be a very nice weekend.

Here are two videos I put together to better explain why it was so much fun.  

The first is at the restaurant.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMQ4FWV4pBQ

The second one is at the cabin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQt-VWg4vLc

Congratulations Sandra and Skipper.