October 2005

September Potluck

Thank you to Don and Kaja for hosting the September potluck! We had a small group this month-about 18 people. We welcomed three newcomers: Patrick Kay, Stacy Ashton and Tom (friend of Victoria Emerson). Bertie took the opportunity to introduce our guests and each explained their story about how Macrobiotics is a part of their lives. Thank you also to Pamela for yet another great Shiatsu session.

If you would like to view the September Potluck recipes, click here. Congratulations to Carole and Mike Lemp. Your Three Bean Salad was voted the September Potluck Favorite! It was not only colorful but so full of flavor. Thank you!

My Trip to Macrobiotics America

At the beginning of September, I took a daytrip to visit David Briscoe, cofounder of Macrobiotics America in Oroville, Ca. I flew from Ontario to Sacramento and then drove about 1 hour, 15 minutes north to Oroville. It was a very pleasant trip as I traveled on small roads through several quaint and rural agricultural towns.

I arrived just in time for the 3:30pm cooking class with Cynthia Briscoe, David’s wife. I joined one other couple and together all four of us were in chopping and dicing in no time. We prepared four items: Barley-Lentil Stew, Onion Butter, Watercress-Sesame Shiso Salad and Lemon Applesauce Pudding (I made this for the Sept. Potluck). Some of the things I learned was what an Otoshibuta was, a clever way to dice an onion, how to store burdock root, a better way to mix kuzu, and even how to make a flower from a carrot.

After we prepared our meal, we set the table, ate dinner and we enjoyed our delicious dessert. After dinner, I had my consultation with David. I thought he was very kind, very knowledgeable and very thorough. He is one of the most experienced macrobiotic teachers and counselors in the world today. David does offer a full 5-day “Steps of Health” Course at his Macrobiotics America Study House where you can learn the basics of macrobiotics. Carol and Mike Lemp attended this course and thoroughly enjoyed it. For more information log onto- http://www.macroamerica.com.

Also, if you are able to attend the Health Classic in November, take the opportunity to enjoy one of David’s lectures. It will be well worth it!

Upcoming Event

October 20th The OC MACROS present Ann Gentry from “Real Food Daily”. Ann was born in Tennessee. In 1986, she relocated to LA where she became the personal chef to Danny DeVito. As a result of her success with DeVito, the idea for Real Food Daily was born. By combining macrobiotic food preparation with the ambience and richness of her southern upbringing, she created, founded and continues to helm Real Food Daily - the only restaurant in the Los Angeles area that serves a 100% vegetarian menu using foods grown exclusively with organic farming methods. Ann and RFD have even appeared on several shows on the Food Network!

Join us on Oct 20 for the Fall Potluck and Book Signing!

Each member who purchases a book will have the opportunity to obtain an autograph from Ann. Cash, Checks and Credit cards will be accepted.

The lecture will begin at 6:00pm sharp! Dinner and the Book Signing will follow from 6:30-8:30pm.

Our Fall Potluck will be at my home in Placentia. Please try to RSVP with your potluck dish by Monday, Oct 17th. Log onto www.ocmacros.com or you can call me, Francene Kelley @ 714-961-8072. All members are welcome to bring a friend. Don’t miss this exciting event!!

Fall Health Classic- November 10-13, 2005

The fifteenth annual 2005 Fall Health Classic will be at the beautiful Pala Mesa Resort in the town of Fallbrook in San Diego County, California. Choose from over forty health, lifestyle, nutrition, cooking and exercise workshops and classes while enjoying the Health Classic's gourmet, vegetarian, organic cuisine amidst San Diego County's rolling and relaxing countryside. The resort is located in the city of Fallbrook, known as the Avocado Capital of the World.

Several years ago, my husband and I had the opportunity to stay at the Pala Mesa Resort for one night. The resort is very surreal. The setting is calm, surrounded by mountains and you will enjoy various aspects of nature. Stargazing is an event not to be missed. You will truly feel like you are so far away from home.

The entire Health Classic schedule is available @ www.healthclassic.com. I will also have brochures available at our Oct potluck. For more information, call 1-800-769-0638 or email healthcl@silcom.com.

Best of Health to you,
Francene Kelley