Dear Reader,
Last week, I explained my current physical health circumstances.
I’m grateful for the comments and direct messages from so many readers.
I received a call from a mate I worked with in the Northern Territory of Australia. He suggested I share what I’m learning in my new circumstances.
What I’ve been watching
I took sick leave this week, so I’ve had time to watch some streaming shows on my tablet.
Ted Lasso
I’ve started a rewatch of the “Ted Lasso” show. What great entertainment. It’s hilarious and heartwarming. You can view “Ted Lasso” on the Apple TV app with an Apple iCloud account.
Reacher
I also rewatched season 1 of “Reacher”. I’ve listened to all the books Lee Child has written in the “Reacher” series. The TV adaptation is entertaining and worth watching.
Season 2 will hopefully be released soon.
You can view “Reacher” on Amazon Prime.
Habits
All my life, I’ve used routines and habits to ensure efficiency.
In my current circumstances, habits are more important to ensure safety. The last thing I want to do is fall and bend my knee.
These eggs have become my morning routine. I can make them using crutches; the protein and fat satiate me until lunch.
Recipe
Equipment
- Bowl
- Frypan
- Chopsticks
- Paper towel
Ingredients
- Eggs ✕ 2
- Cheese – grated
- Cream – pouring cream rather than thickened cream
- Iodised salt – because I know it’s better than the products new age natural therapy advocates recommend
- Freshly ground peppercorns – I have this great Peugeot pepper mill and use black and white peppercorns. I like the white peppercorns because they have a little more “zing”.
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Butter
Instructions
- Rinse a bowl with cold water to wet the inside.
- Add two eggs and beat them with a pair of chopsticks.
- Add a teaspoon of salt and as much cheese as you desire.
- Stir through the salt and cheese with the chopsticks.
- Heat a frypan until the metal surface is hot enough to make floating balls when you sprinkle some water on the surface.
- Add teaspoons of coconut oil rich in medium-chain triglycerides, extra virgin olive oil, and butter.
- When the butter has stopped sizzling, the water has boiled off, and the surface of the frypan is ready for the eggs and cheese.
- Pour in the beaten eggs and cheese.
- Use the chopsticks to pull the solidifying egg across and around the frypan.
- Keep the heat going until all the egg appears to set, and take the pan off the heat. The eggs will continue to cook using residual heat.
- The aim is to allow the cheese to brown a little. It’s not a fancy-pants French omelette, so some colour is good.
- Give thanks to the Lord.
- Eat with chopsticks or a fork. The choice is yours.
Toileting tip
Try to imagine having a brace on your left leg. It reaches right up your posterior thigh to your ankle. Now imagine trying to sit on the toilet without a functioning quadriceps apparatus. The loss of function means you can’t do a straight leg lift. You have to use the other leg to lift the “bad” leg.
After a week, I’ve figured out the best position and posture to open my bowels. The only way to achieve this is with a toilet frame and a footstool. Unfortunately, the only way to finish the task is by standing up.
The other essential part of the equation is ensuring soft, regular stools.
It is very difficult to keep up with routine and efficiency when you are trying to heal. I’m still grumbling about how long it takes to do simple chores! I hope someone comes and helps you if you find something difficult.
Hi Becky,
Thanks. I’m now five weeks in and getting better with my routines. I just need to take everything slowly.
Yes you really appreciate the human body when one part doesn’t function as it should. It’s kind of remarkable how the body works. I’m with you on ted Lasso. I’m sad that the series has ended but it ended well. What do you think of the ending?
Hi Lorraine,
I agree with you about Ted Lasso. I thought the end was good and completes it. I do wonder if there might be a spin off in some way featuring Roy and Beard.
I absolutely love Ted Lasso! It’s one of my favorite TV series. The eggs look soul-satisfying. The addition of cream and the various oils/butters are something I definitely want to try. Cheers!
Hi Cecilia,
I think Ted Lasso ended well too. It feels complete.
You were way wiser than I using crutches and a toilet frame – I thought a Zimmer frame safer and stayed with the ordinary height toilet. Still use the frame at night – not funny having to move that around in a smaller area than yours! Take care and be patient !!!
Hi Eha,
Thanks. I think for a foot problem, a walking frame would work as well as the toilet frame does. I also assume with a foot problem given you can articulate your knee, there is no need for a footstool.
I agree, night manoeuvres make disability aids vital including lighting. The thought of another disabling fall is an ever present concern.
smile Being older than you leads one’s knees and hips being less co-operative and the metatarsals for the longest time refused to understand ‘heal’ !!! But my ‘wretched’ eating habits of lots of good carbs + huge amounts of veges allow me to save money on psyllium !
Fair enough Eha
Once I’m mobile I won’t worry so much about the psyllium.
Becoming adept and maneuvering challenges makes us stronger…easier said than done…everything will get easier. Sounds like you are doing well. Get well, soon.
Hi Alice,
Thanks. I agree, as I heal and get stronger and work out the best positions, tasks are getting easier.
It is amazing how debilitating an injury can be. It is especially difficult living on your own. Best wishes. Prunes help but they are not low in carb.
Hi Katharine,
Thanks. I’ve changed to psyllium husks and they’re having good effect.
It’s good you’ve shared these tips so that others in your predicament may learn from your successes (and failures!) and still receive great joy from the preparation and consumption of tasty food, despite their circumstances!
Hi Drapes,
Thanks very much. Much appreciated.
Dealing with your toileting limitations sounds challenging. Hang in there and I hope your recovery is swift.
Thanks very much. Yes, especially with the need to use crutches.
So far, so good. 😃