I made carrot hot dogs for the first time today.

AntaresRose comments on May 15, 2018:

Those hummus dips are awesome.

graceylou replies on May 16, 2018:

@BettyColeman Yes, I’m familiar with hummus. I often make my own. I do have to be a bit restrained with chickpeas/garbanzo beans because technically I’m allergic to them. I still like my hummus though. As dips but also as a spread instead of vegan margarine or mayo. I just thought you meant a marinade for carrot dogs that incorporates hummus somehow.

I made carrot hot dogs for the first time today.

AntaresRose comments on May 15, 2018:

Those hummus dips are awesome.

graceylou replies on May 15, 2018:

For the carrot dogs? Do you have a recipe?

Anyone else sneak vegan options into the movie theaters?

graceylou comments on May 15, 2018:

I normally just have the theater's popcorn with their margarine as in our theaters (major theater chain) the popcorn and the margarine/oil they use are vegan (the extra butter you have to ask for is not vegan). I know. Not the healthiest option but I don't go often.

graceylou replies on May 15, 2018:

@SkotlandSkye That won’t likely to happen in my small town of 2000. We only have one grocery store. No bookstores. But we have a couple of bars and liquor stores. And of course plenty of churches. LOL.

Anyone else sneak vegan options into the movie theaters?

graceylou comments on May 15, 2018:

I normally just have the theater's popcorn with their margarine as in our theaters (major theater chain) the popcorn and the margarine/oil they use are vegan (the extra butter you have to ask for is not vegan). I know. Not the healthiest option but I don't go often.

graceylou replies on May 15, 2018:

@SkotlandSkye My little town doesn’t have a movie theatre. So to go to the movies I would have to drive an hour each way to the city. I just watch movies at home.

I made carrot hot dogs for the first time today.

ArdentAtheist comments on May 15, 2018:

I watched a video… And now with your endorsement I’m going to have to try it :-)

graceylou replies on May 15, 2018:

Haha. I was a bit sceptical at first but went for it. You can always modify the marinade ingredients to make it healthier. Or not. According to Google 1 carrot hot dog has 5 g of protein. It’s the exact same as one regular hot dog.

A vegan question: If a product has no non vegan ingredients but was processed in a facility that ...

CraeftSmith comments on May 15, 2018:

I think economically supporting vegan products, even if they are flawed in the way you describe, is the only way to ensure they stay available. Once production gets big enough, the company could afford a separate facility. If they have to have a facility to begin with, the barrier for entry into the...

graceylou replies on May 15, 2018:

Totally agree with you. I suspect the vegan certification is an expensive procedure for companies. A separate facility also adds to the expense. So the products we buy would be even more expensive. Even if these products are made in a vegan factory, most of us still buy them at regular stores that sell non-vegan products. I mean, should I avoid buying a carrot from my local grocery store because they also sell meat there and also because the carrot could potentially possibly may be have miniscule particles of milk or dairy from handling?

This beautiful girl came in at my work this weekend.

RRRRComposer comments on May 14, 2018:

Just so I understand correctly: she belongs to a coworker, right?

graceylou replies on May 15, 2018:

No. She belongs to a client. She’s come in for boarding. So she’s kinda “ours” until she goes home.

This beautiful girl came in at my work this weekend.

MustardSeed comments on May 14, 2018:

A dog like that makes me wish I had a lifestyle that a dog could fit in.

graceylou replies on May 14, 2018:

Awwww. I’m lucky to be able to accommodate 4 of my own (I had 5 until I had to put my old guy to sleep). All came from desperate situations. And I work with dogs at work obviously. May be you could try volunteering at an animal shelter or rescue.

This beautiful girl came in at my work this weekend.

Coldo comments on May 14, 2018:

How Could You Resist That Look?

graceylou replies on May 14, 2018:

I only work there on weekends. I miss her already. I might go visit during the week. I think she just reminded me of another dog who used to come in to my work who was my favourite.

I am always on the lookout for whole meals that do not need to be refrigerated.

graceylou comments on May 13, 2018:

I'm trying to think hard on this. What exactly the reason for these meals? Camping, travel, office/work? Whole meals might be difficult. But may be a combination of different things? Whole fruits or dehydrated fruits. Trail mix with dried fruits and nuts. Kale/carrot chips. Vegan cookies and fancy ...

graceylou replies on May 13, 2018:

@CraeftSmith That could be pretty tough. I usually just bring protein or nutrition bars. Most other things you either need to keep cool or be able to heat up.

I broke one of my own rules yesterday, after a while without eating and being on the road accepted ...

graceylou comments on May 9, 2018:

No vegan is perfect. Don't sweat over what's happened because you can't undo it. With milk though, if you haven't consumed it in a very long time, you can/will become more and more intolerant of the lactose. You could be sick from consuming dairy. I have always been lactose intolerant but my parents...

graceylou replies on May 9, 2018:

@JoelLovell Me too. I never liked milk in the first place and never drank a glass of milk. It was more my mom adding it to hot chocolate or her cooking and baking. And in stuff like ice cream. And yes, I can’t stand cheese now though I used to love cheese before going vegan. I rarely even use vegan cheese. I don’t miss the taste of cheese at all.

[youtube.com] Anyone else love nudis?

walklightly comments on May 4, 2018:

how very amazing! thank you for introducing me to these astounding beings, that i imagine will be the survivors when everyone else on the planet is folding one day.

graceylou replies on May 4, 2018:

Glad you’ve enjoyed learning about them. I’ve always loved these creatures. I have a related creature called the glaucus sea slug (blue sea slug) tattooed on my thigh. The blue sea slug is another amazing species that you might think comes from some other planet.

[youtube.com] Anyone else love nudis?

Besalbub comments on May 4, 2018:

Do you have a salt water aquararium . I used to have a couple of lemon sea slugs in mine .I cant say i love them but they are interesting .

graceylou replies on May 4, 2018:

I don’t have any aquariums actually. Too much maintenance. But I do enjoy aquatic life.

I ran out of my cereal so whipped up a tofu scramble.

graceylou comments on May 4, 2018:

I love tofu scramble. I like mine with veggies. Sometimes I use firm tofu, sometimes soft tofu, which turns out more like egg white scramble. I don’t like my vegan dishes to taste like “the real thing” so I’m happy they taste like what they really are.

graceylou replies on May 4, 2018:

@ArdentAtheist I think the more experienced you are as a vegan the more you venture away from wanting your food to look like and taste like your food before becoming vegan. My fridge and pantry look nothing like it was all those years ago. I would never have stocked stuff like chia, flax meal, hemp seeds, quinoa, nutritional yeast, raw cashews, etc. as a non-vegan. All the creativity one gets to experience as a vegan is amazing. The key is to make dishes that taste delicious on their own not to recreate an exact version of non-vegan dishes per se.

Anyone a fan of Nutritional yeast ?

graceylou comments on May 3, 2018:

I put it on just about everything. It's not called vegan crack for nothing. I like it especially on pasta and creamy soups (using cashew cream). I always use small amounts only. I hear people use it on popcorn although I've never done it. Not all nutritional yeast brands are fortified with B12 so if...

graceylou replies on May 3, 2018:

@Kojaksmom I usually use almond milk for most things but for creamy things I make my own cashew cream using raw cashews. It’s very easy to make. Other options I’ve seen include using soft tofu made smooth in a blender or food processor. I’ve also seen a recipe to make cream out of white beans. My system doesn’t tolerate soy and beans well but I do use them now and then. I can’t use soy milk though. Coconut anything is just too rich for me for most things because of the high fat content but I do use coconut milk (can and carton) for a few recipes.

I have been vegan for 8 years.

mtnhome comments on Apr 30, 2018:

I have some of those feelings, but not to the extent you do. I'm not Vegan... I'm not even Vegetarian by strict standards. I eat chicken breast or wild-caught salmon, on occasion. My big thing is I want no "processed" foods, so like you, I enjoy the clean and natural advantages of preparing my own ...

graceylou replies on Apr 30, 2018:

@mtnhome I consider myself rather antisocial. I prefer to be left alone or with just few people I can tolerate. There is no way I would attempt to get along with those whose views cause/result in harm to others. For the most part I get along well with others so long as the more contentious topics are not discussed. I’m vocal about certain topics but know the time and place for such discussions or debates. I would rather avoid such things when it’s not appropriate to do so. I still have those feelings but don’t say anything. I do, however, still have the right to avoid situations where I will be uncomfortable.

I have been vegan for 8 years.

Ella comments on Apr 30, 2018:

I’ve been vegetarian for about 9 years, but I don’t have any issue with what others eat around me. One thing comes to mind - could you share your issue with a trusted family member ahead of time? I had a hard time coming out to my own family as vegetarian as I was sure I’d be in for ...

graceylou replies on Apr 30, 2018:

@Tara2 I’ve purchased my flight tickets which can’t be cancelled. I have to be there. My father is getting quite old and is not well. The dinner I’m still reconsidering.

I have been vegan for 8 years.

JackPedigo comments on Apr 30, 2018:

Years ago my sister came to visit us. She aske if it was alright if she cooked some chicken and we said, sure. We were both working at the time and when we returned home we thought what was that awful smell!! It was the chicken flesh frying in a pan. Meat is meat and, especially pork, is like human ...

graceylou replies on Apr 30, 2018:

For me, it’s the smell and the looks, both bringing into mind the idea of suffering, fear, cruelty. I won’t even eat vegan versions of meats that look like meat. Bleeding veggie burgers? No thanks.

I have been vegan for 8 years.

Nickbeee comments on Apr 30, 2018:

I would say talk to a professional about it .. Or a trusted friend .. See how you feel. Maybe work through it as it seems like it could impact your life in a way that may not be helpful !!

graceylou replies on Apr 30, 2018:

For the most part I’m fine with things as is for me. I’ve never been a social sort of person. I prefer being on my own or with a few friends. There are other things to do that don’t involve eating. I don’t think it impacts my life too greatly when I refuse to go eat out in places people will eat meat. It’s when I don’t really have a choice that it becomes an issue. My friends would go to vegan restaurants with me. My relatives probably think I’m nuts (they already think that). I understand what you’re saying that the anxiety part of it is something that I might need to discuss with a professional. I also see SkotlandSkye’s point that I really don’t want to learn to cope with or accept other people’s choices that harm animals (and themselves and the planet). I don’t want people getting into an argument here. There is no one solution and certainly no easy solutions.

I have been vegan for 8 years.

mtnhome comments on Apr 30, 2018:

I have some of those feelings, but not to the extent you do. I'm not Vegan... I'm not even Vegetarian by strict standards. I eat chicken breast or wild-caught salmon, on occasion. My big thing is I want no "processed" foods, so like you, I enjoy the clean and natural advantages of preparing my own ...

graceylou replies on Apr 30, 2018:

I wish I can do that but my feelings are things I can’t help. I was fine with it all before. Just recently I’ve been feeling this way. My brother is arranging the restaurant and I’ve looked at the menu. There are quite a few options for me beyond salad (which in fact I hate with a passion!!!!). He says he will make sure when he makes the reservation to check and see that the vegetables and tofu aren’t cooked in fish or pork oil (I ordered something with tofu once and was told they cook it in fish oil). Even so, not all restaurant workers know what vegan means. Is the flour they use devoid of animal derived additives? Is their bread or buns vegan (no egg wash etc.)? Do they cook their veggies and tofu etc in the same oil/ pan as meats? At my parents’, my mom would probably not know how to cook for me beyond rice and veggies. I’m bringing what I can with me though I’m packing light. If I can I might pick up a few items at the grocery store though I will have no vehicle and will have to ask to be driven or I suppose take public transit (no stores within walking distance). It might be considered rude if I shun the food cooked for me and make my own. I don’t really care I guess. My parents know I’m the weird one.

I have been vegan for 8 years.

Ella comments on Apr 30, 2018:

I’ve been vegetarian for about 9 years, but I don’t have any issue with what others eat around me. One thing comes to mind - could you share your issue with a trusted family member ahead of time? I had a hard time coming out to my own family as vegetarian as I was sure I’d be in for ...

graceylou replies on Apr 30, 2018:

My parents are well aware that I don’t eat meat but I don’t think they really understand what being vegan means. My mom had sent me products with goats milk or emu oil recently despite my trying to explain I do not eat or use any animal products. Of course, there’s also more to it than that. I don’t get along with my relatives. This is why I live far away from them!!! I don’t find joy in being around my family. The last time I visited it was very depressing. My relatives from overseas are even worse. I’m a free spirited open minded anything goes (as long as you harm no one) sort of person. That’s just a no no among my relatives. My being vegan is just another fuel to their fire. As for anxiety, I’ve had anxiety issues and OCD since I was a child. They are moderate and I’m usually functional, in most cases able to use coping mechanisms so other people don’t even notice. I’m ok as long as I’m in my own environment with set routines. Going back home just brings up all my childhood fears.

I have been vegan for 8 years.

SkotlandSkye comments on Apr 30, 2018:

Can you arrive at the restaurant at the same time the dishes are being cleared from the table? In other words...arrive fashionably late enough (feign car trouble or something) so as to be there but not have to deal with the massacre on plates and people eating dead flesh? Being anxious about ...

graceylou replies on Apr 30, 2018:

Unfortunately I will be at the mercy of my family members since I will have no vehicles of my own. I keep telling myself it will just be a few hours. Another option I’m considering is to not go to the dinner. I would still be around for a few days.

Recipes Wanted: Hey all my new found friends.

MyLiege comments on Apr 25, 2018:

Vegan person here- There are a host of recipes out there! I've found ones I liked online searching for ingredients I either have in my house, or ingredients I would like to get. I always change it up a bit to make the recipe to my liking. Glad to hear you are cutting out dairy as well. You can also...

graceylou replies on Apr 30, 2018:

@seasalttravel Based on the current science, the link between soy and cancer has been proven as simply a myth. Some research has shown some possibility that soy in fact may have protective benefits against breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men, although this is still not totally conclusive. The fact is that soy contains phytoestrogen which behaves in the same way as estrogen but does not have the same effects. Interestingly, people are not being warned about the estrogen in cow's and other animal milks which can affect people adversely.

I love spiders.

graceylou comments on Apr 28, 2018:

How adorable. Reminds me a bit of Lucas. I love spiders. All the house spiders are much loved and respected. Can't wait to see the garden orb spiders this summer.

graceylou replies on Apr 29, 2018:

@Crimson67 Awwwww. I want one.

How many here are tarantula/spider keepers?

walklightly comments on Apr 25, 2018:

Cyan was a colourful beauty. how old do they get on average?

graceylou replies on Apr 25, 2018:

@walklightly Mature males are a rare commodity. Some people actually stud them out to breeders, and hope the males don’t get killed. Pet owners usually want females because they live much longer. When you get them as babies (slings) you don’t know what sex you’re getting usually. I will probably lose Shadow in a year or so. Charlotte I adopted at 1 1/2 years and she’s about 8 now.

How many here are tarantula/spider keepers?

Rottiemama comments on Apr 25, 2018:

I’ve kept T’s off & on for a long time. I currently have a p. Metallica, a red knee, a greenbottle blue, a sun tiger, and an a. Versicolor.

graceylou replies on Apr 25, 2018:

Always wanted the A. versicolor, but the last time I was looking the vendor only had tiny slings (may be 1/2 inch).

My Nhandu tripepii (Brazilian Giant ) Champagne is finally out and about.

Besalbub comments on Apr 25, 2018:

What do you feed them or do they feed themselves ?

graceylou replies on Apr 25, 2018:

I feed them live crickets.

How many here are tarantula/spider keepers?

walklightly comments on Apr 25, 2018:

Cyan was a colourful beauty. how old do they get on average?

graceylou replies on Apr 25, 2018:

Males only live up to 5 years. Females can live up to 20.

Any crafters out there?

VNCallan comments on Apr 24, 2018:

I guess that will do I made lampwork beads. I need a proper setup now that I have moved. The blanket is crocheted I made it for my mom but my aunt was dying of lung cancer so I gave it to her instead. :( Mom now has it. The bunny is crocheted out of a single strand of embroidery thread it it is ...

graceylou replies on Apr 25, 2018:

@VNCallan Oh for sure. My friends and I had planned to take a class with pros but somehow never made it. May be we will try again.

Any crafters out there?

VNCallan comments on Apr 24, 2018:

I guess that will do I made lampwork beads. I need a proper setup now that I have moved. The blanket is crocheted I made it for my mom but my aunt was dying of lung cancer so I gave it to her instead. :( Mom now has it. The bunny is crocheted out of a single strand of embroidery thread it it is ...

graceylou replies on Apr 24, 2018:

@VNCallan It looks so much fun. I’m a bit of a pyrophobe though. Anything involving flames scares me, even candles. LOL. But I do want to try it sometime.

Are there others in the community who are dancers, or enjoy dancing?

IAMGROOT comments on Apr 24, 2018:

I like the night life (well, I used to), I like to Boogie (and that's about the extent of it). LOL! But my daughter is a bit like you. She has been doing some form of dance since age 4 or 5. She has turned into quite a tap-dancer and is taking some advanced tap, and also jazz. She even took some ...

graceylou replies on Apr 24, 2018:

Your daughter sounds amazing. I’m quite a bit too old to be buds with a 16 year old though. Best of luck to her.

Any crafters out there?

VNCallan comments on Apr 24, 2018:

I guess that will do I made lampwork beads. I need a proper setup now that I have moved. The blanket is crocheted I made it for my mom but my aunt was dying of lung cancer so I gave it to her instead. :( Mom now has it. The bunny is crocheted out of a single strand of embroidery thread it it is ...

graceylou replies on Apr 24, 2018:

I’ve always wanted to learn lampwork. Haven’t gotten that far yet. I just enjoy making beaded jewelry and some beadweaving.

Are there others in the community who are dancers, or enjoy dancing?

Suffolkian comments on Apr 24, 2018:

Not only am i left handed.... I'm a little left footed as well. I have, as it's been called, terminal white boy dance syndrome.

graceylou replies on Apr 24, 2018:

You don’t have to be good to enjoy dancing. Kinda like people who sing in the shower. You don’t have to be Pavarotti.

Are there others in the community who are dancers, or enjoy dancing?

tioteo comments on Apr 24, 2018:

I like to dance. I've never had much formal instruction, but I love polkas, cha-chas, waltz.

graceylou replies on Apr 24, 2018:

Don’t need formal instruction. Enjoyment is all that’s needed.

Are there others in the community who are dancers, or enjoy dancing?

JustADreamer comments on Apr 24, 2018:

I enjoy dancing when cleaning my home. Nothing professional. Before I became disabled, I really enjoyed going to the clubs and dancing all night long. :)

graceylou replies on Apr 24, 2018:

Oh yes. I do that too. Can hardly put on music and not dance to it. I used to go to clubs when I was younger. Now it’s mostly dance classes and stage only.

Are there others in the community who are dancers, or enjoy dancing?

JoeMastle comments on Apr 24, 2018:

Is Drunk a style?

graceylou replies on Apr 24, 2018:

You could start a new dance fad.

Are there others in the community who are dancers, or enjoy dancing?

The_Antichrist comments on Apr 24, 2018:

I enjoy pole dancing.

graceylou replies on Apr 24, 2018:

Doing or watching? Seriously it’s a great form of evercise and takes a lot of skill.

My Nhandu tripepii (Brazilian Giant ) Champagne is finally out and about.

walklightly comments on Apr 24, 2018:

fluffy teddy spider :)

graceylou replies on Apr 24, 2018:

She reminds me of an orangutan. These guys have the most irritating urticating hairs of all species.

My Nhandu tripepii (Brazilian Giant ) Champagne is finally out and about.

SurvivorSteph comments on Apr 24, 2018:

She's beautiful. How long have you had her?

graceylou replies on Apr 24, 2018:

@SurvivorSteph Yes I do keep them when I can. Some fall apart when I try to take them out.

My Nhandu tripepii (Brazilian Giant ) Champagne is finally out and about.

OpposingOpposum comments on Apr 24, 2018:

Impressive! She looks healthy.

graceylou replies on Apr 24, 2018:

Her abdomen is a bit small. She hadn’t eaten much over winter. But she seems healthy.

My Nhandu tripepii (Brazilian Giant ) Champagne is finally out and about.

SurvivorSteph comments on Apr 24, 2018:

She's beautiful. How long have you had her?

graceylou replies on Apr 24, 2018:

I think I got her as a juvenile in the fall of 2015. She was may be 2 inches.

Some of my kitties: Lucy (Lucifer), Salem, Mittens, Turtle

LeighShelton comments on Apr 22, 2018:

how many have you got?

graceylou replies on Apr 23, 2018:

@LeighShelton She has employees and volunteers I believe and her own vet in residence. I’m not sure I can handle that many cats.

Some of my kitties: Lucy (Lucifer), Salem, Mittens, Turtle

LeighShelton comments on Apr 22, 2018:

how many have you got?

graceylou replies on Apr 23, 2018:

@LeighShelton I’m familiar with The Cat House on the Kings. I don’t think I love cats enough to do that.

My big baby Spencer. And his little boss Belle.

Stevil comments on Apr 21, 2018:

Belle can boss me too!

graceylou replies on Apr 22, 2018:

@Stevil We are not trying. LOL.

My big baby Spencer. And his little boss Belle.

Stevil comments on Apr 21, 2018:

Belle can boss me too!

graceylou replies on Apr 22, 2018:

@Stevil Wow that is so sad. I would like to volunteer in Bali or Bulgaria to work with rescuing street dogs. One day that will happen. As I said, the big issue around here is with stray and feral cats. I've rescued so many freezing to death or covered in frost bites. I've taken in pregnant females and adopt out the kittens when they were old enough. I keep the mothers as being feral they are not sociable. I'm by far a dog person but I think cats have chosen me.

Some of my kitties: Lucy (Lucifer), Salem, Mittens, Turtle

JK666 comments on Apr 22, 2018:

Pretty Kittehs!

graceylou replies on Apr 22, 2018:

Thanks.

Some of my kitties: Lucy (Lucifer), Salem, Mittens, Turtle

LeighShelton comments on Apr 22, 2018:

how many have you got?

graceylou replies on Apr 22, 2018:

Way too many. I'm a sucker for taking in kitties in need. All the kitties in the pics were strays or ferals or offspring of such.

My big baby Spencer. And his little boss Belle.

Stevil comments on Apr 21, 2018:

Belle can boss me too!

graceylou replies on Apr 22, 2018:

@Stevil I take dogs they way they are. Just like my men. LOL.

My big baby Spencer. And his little boss Belle.

Stevil comments on Apr 21, 2018:

Belle can boss me too!

graceylou replies on Apr 22, 2018:

@Stevil She’s sweet and adorable.....when she’s asleep. Her nicknames are Bellegator, Belle the Destroyer, Bellesaurus Rex.

Once upon a time I had the silly idea of having my dogs’ portraits painted.

LeighShelton comments on Apr 21, 2018:

it's not silly, I do draw animal pictures of peoples dogs or used too anyway.

graceylou replies on Apr 22, 2018:

Nice work. A friend of mine painted my dogs’ portraits. My dogs are such goofs so I wanted them painted acting or looking silly. I love colourful silliness.

My big baby Spencer. And his little boss Belle.

Stevil comments on Apr 21, 2018:

Belle can boss me too!

graceylou replies on Apr 22, 2018:

@Stevil I work with a lot of dogs of all breeds. I have never had any issues with pits. We don’t breed discriminate at my work place. Belle was suspected to be a pit mix though she’s small-medium and only 37 lbs. Some rescues would not take pits, rotties, etc. I had her DNA tested and she’s a Boston terrier/ heeler mix. She’s bossy and gets herself into trouble but for the most part gets along with everyone. You’re such a good person for rescuing your dog. She sounded like a lovely lady. I have never been in a situation where I needed to rescue a dog in such a predicament. I have however rescued many cats and kittens from unsavoury circumstances.

My big baby Spencer. And his little boss Belle.

Stevil comments on Apr 21, 2018:

Belle can boss me too!

graceylou replies on Apr 21, 2018:

@Stevil Awwww. Your dog kinda looks like my dog. Belle is very cute but hides an evil side. Lol. She was a stray turned to where I work. We tried to look for the owners for over a month. A rescue took her but returned her the very next morning due to her being too aggressive. We were told she needed to be an only pet. I took her home one day and she’s lived with my many pets for 4 years now.

My big baby Spencer. And his little boss Belle.

Stevil comments on Apr 21, 2018:

Belle can boss me too!

graceylou replies on Apr 21, 2018:

And she will too. She thinks she owns everyone.

Two of my girls. Leia (border collie mix) and Star (German Shepherd mix).

Stevil comments on Apr 21, 2018:

What pretty girls

graceylou replies on Apr 21, 2018:

All my pups are pure rescued mutts.

I want to come over and watch too. C'mon pretty, please with cookies on top?

graceylou comments on Apr 20, 2018:

Sloths are so adorable. I visited the sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica and met so many lovely residents, including tiny babies.

graceylou replies on Apr 21, 2018:

@BettyColeman Some of the babies in their care. So adorable. Sloths are my favourite animals.

I want to come over and watch too. C'mon pretty, please with cookies on top?

graceylou comments on Apr 20, 2018:

Sloths are so adorable. I visited the sloth sanctuary in Costa Rica and met so many lovely residents, including tiny babies.

graceylou replies on Apr 20, 2018:

@BettyColeman No, you can be close but not touch them. These sloths are being rehabilitated for injuries and illnesses so they worry about infections and such.

When I tell people that I am vegan, many would say that I must eat very healthy foods.

EdEarl comments on Apr 20, 2018:

My reason for being vegan has nothing to do with animal rights; it is all about the health benefits. See Forks over Knives, on youtube for free and on Netflix if you have it. My health was seriously bad, and is being improved daily a little at a time by eating vegan. Sure it stops people from ...

graceylou replies on Apr 20, 2018:

As long as the end result is a healthier people, unexploited animals, and a healthier planet I think it doesn’t matter what one’s reason is for going vegan. I know enough vegans to know there are many reasons and for some it’s multiple reasons. It seems to me that the health reasons do reach more people nowadays. Still some people think healthy plant based foods are boring and bland. At a staff meeting at work, for example, they brought pizza in and I couldn’t eat it, so they said next time they’d bring in salad for me. You have no idea how much I hate salad. I love showing these people what I actually eat. And by healthy I don’t mean a restricted diet but making sure I get a variety of nutrients and vitamins/minerals, while reducing but not necessarily eliminating junk or processed foods.

I wonder if skeptical, atheist and progressive thinkers are more open to polyamorous situations, ...

Shawno1972 comments on Apr 20, 2018:

I know this subject has been beat to death, but here are a couple of natural tendencies humans exhibit when not influenced by societal restrictions / religion / so-called moral indoctrination: 1. It is in the best interest of a female to mate with the males she believes will help her produce the ...

graceylou replies on Apr 20, 2018:

Do you draw distinction between polyamory and polygamy? They certainly are not the same thing although some aspects overlap.

When I tell people that I am vegan, many would say that I must eat very healthy foods.

JackPedigo comments on Apr 20, 2018:

In the state of the world, especially N. America today, meat is probably one of the least healthy diets. The first thing I noticed when becoming a vegetarian was an increase in energy. All my vital signs improved. The one thing most people are afraid of looking at is the moral and environmental ...

graceylou replies on Apr 20, 2018:

That's great to hear that things are going well for you. After being vegan for 8 years, I feel awesome. In general, my health has always been good. However, it's stress that caused a few issues though nothing that can't be managed. I told a friend about the issues I had to deal with, and he asked me if my issues were because I eat only veggies (of course, I don't eat only veggies but that's what most of them think I eat). I told him, no, it's because I eat only veggies (again, obviously not only veggies) that my condition is not as severe as it could be. If we can show that eating plant-based meals is just as sensuously appealing as eating an omnivorous diet, I feel we can reach more people.

When I tell people that I am vegan, many would say that I must eat very healthy foods.

SkotlandSkye comments on Apr 20, 2018:

I've been an executive chef for 30+ years and vegan for 22 years. While I love the health benefits....I am vegan FIRST for the animals. Health should not be the main focus...it's more just like icing on the proverbial cake! I also promise it's not your job to police other vegans :-) Get ...

graceylou replies on Apr 20, 2018:

Oh I definitely don't believe I should tell other vegans what they can or cannot eat. I still can't help feeling a little uneasy about it. I don't tell other people whether vegan or not what they should eat. Of course, vegan is an ethical stand, not a diet. Plant-based is what we eat. So I totally get that. My health isn't why I'm vegan either but since I am vegan I might as well eat healthy. It just seems easier to have a more positive reaction from my non-vegan peers when they see me as healthy and enjoying what I eat. They seem to be interested in how I make my meals yet turn a blind eye to videos, documentaries, and articles I share. May be that is just me and my peers, I don't know.

Ever been called ugly or some other mean spirited slur to your face?

graceylou comments on Apr 20, 2018:

I was bullied quite a bit as a teenager by schoolmates when I was a relatively newcomer to this country. So yes, I’ve been called ugly and other things. My worst bully though was my own mother who would always remind me that I was ugly and fat (though I never have been overweight). She would tell ...

graceylou replies on Apr 20, 2018:

@MikeMike No problem. You know, sometimes we just think of that one negative thing someone says to you while we forget the many things that are positive in our day, all the people who smile at you, to those who say hello and how are you, those who compliment your clothes or hair or whatever. We just focus on that one bad thing. As I get older I don’t let that bother me as much. Hey, people can have opinions about me. Not everyone is going to be a fan. Thing is, I don’t have to worry about their opinions either.

Some of the snakes in my life.

dalefvictor comments on Apr 18, 2018:

What does ATB mean? I am really afraid of snakes, almost stepped on a coiled rattlesnake once. Now hold the unofficial record for levitation. I came down and could not find the snake. Learned, I hope, they are more afraid of us than we are of them. I do find dandernoodles fascinating, but still fear...

graceylou replies on Apr 18, 2018:

ATB stands for Amazon Tree Boa. They are somewhat akin to Emerald Tree Boas. The same nasty attitude. More a display snake than a much handled pet. But I absolutely love Lestat. He isn't too bad attitude wise. He hasn't bitten me YET. I heard their bite is quite nasty as they have huge teeth. I'm glad you're trying to work on your fear of snakes. At the very least, you seem to respect them. That is always a plus. Strangely enough, I have a bit of a fear of butterflies, especially if they touch me. Still, I respect them and would never think to harm them in any way. I love all snakes, even venomous ones. I wish I could have an eyelash viper here as a pet but they are illegal or special permit only. I tend to like the more aggressive snakes. Then again, I'm not a beginner when it comes to pet snakes.

Whats everyone's favourite animal and what pets do you keep or would like to keep?

graceylou comments on Apr 18, 2018:

I love/respect animals too. My favourites are sharks, sloths, snakes, and spiders. Currently, I have dogs, cats, guinea pigs, chinchillas, tarantulas, snakes, geckos, horses, and a donkey. I would love a pet pig and may be alpacas.

graceylou replies on Apr 18, 2018:

@LeighShelton I have 4 dogs currently. I had 5 but we had to put down our old guy. I work with dogs and cats as well so I’m always surrounded by animals.

Whats everyone's favourite animal and what pets do you keep or would like to keep?

graceylou comments on Apr 18, 2018:

I love/respect animals too. My favourites are sharks, sloths, snakes, and spiders. Currently, I have dogs, cats, guinea pigs, chinchillas, tarantulas, snakes, geckos, horses, and a donkey. I would love a pet pig and may be alpacas.

graceylou replies on Apr 18, 2018:

@LeighShelton I would love to but I already have a zoo as it is. May be one day.

Some of the snakes in my life.

btroje comments on Apr 17, 2018:

Beware the danger noodles. What kinds do yo have?

graceylou replies on Apr 17, 2018:

@btroje no no. Danger noodles are just an affectionate name we call our pet snakes but can also to refer to any snakes. We also call them sneks.

This is Gumby.

btroje comments on Apr 17, 2018:

What happens if a piece stays on?

graceylou replies on Apr 17, 2018:

@btroje If you leave the stuck shed on the toes and tail it can constrict those parts and cut off blood circulation. Those parts will die off and can lead to worse things for the animal. If the ear shed doesn’t come off, it can lead to bacteria hiding there. Again, not good. Everywhere else I try my best to get off but if I risk tearing the skin I would leave stuck shed on and just keep her extra moist so she can rub on things and get it off herself.

This is Gumby.

btroje comments on Apr 17, 2018:

What happens if a piece stays on?

graceylou replies on Apr 17, 2018:

She goes into the sauna for about 20 min (small critter keeper with rough reptile carpet and kept moist). Then I would take her out and work off those stuck sheds with a moistened Q-tip. She has extremely delicate skin like a soft fabric that moves around. So it's quite a tedious operation. I don't worry too much with skin stuck on most of her body except the tail (especially the end of the tail), the toes, and the ear holes. The rest would come off the next good shed. The less I mess around with the skin the better. I've kept conditions the same and sometimes she has amazing clean sheds, sometimes awful sheds. Some people have kept pairs in the same enclosure and conditions and one would have perfect sheds and the other terrible sheds. It's their nature I guess. I wouldn't recommend them for beginners.

Some of the snakes in my life.

btroje comments on Apr 17, 2018:

Beware the danger noodles. What kinds do yo have?

graceylou replies on Apr 17, 2018:

I'm owned by 6 corns (2 ghosts, 1 anery, 1 hypomel, 1 granite, 1 amel supercorn), 2 cali kings, 1 mexican black king,1 variable king, 1 goin's king, 1 pueblan milk, 2 brazilian rainbow boas, 1 dumeril's boa, 1 amazon tree boa.

Some of the snakes in my life.

Islandgurl comments on Apr 17, 2018:

I had a ghost corn named Princess that turned out to be a male lol. It's awesome that you're teaching kids positive things about snakes. One of the drawbacks to living in Hawaii is there are no snakes and it's a felony to own them.

graceylou replies on Apr 17, 2018:

Oh that does happen. I adopted an anery corn male from a rescue and named him Riddick. But Riddick turned out to be a girl. LOL. I kept the name.

This is Gumby.

walklightly comments on Apr 17, 2018:

she looks so sweet - & a bit expectant (not mother,rather a treat).

graceylou replies on Apr 17, 2018:

That’s possible. She’s a day gecko so she’s active during the day unlike most other geckos. She gets her crickets in the morning although she does have a fruit smoothie to free feed on.