Friday, October 12, 2012

Some Changes


Today is our anniversary.  We spent it quietly.  Since last time I posted we have been to doctors and had tests for v.  He's been very tired and very pale but very upbeat, it's the way he is.  Instead of spending our usual Tuesday at the aquarium we spent a long day at the hospital in Monterey.  That hospital is amazing. It doesn't look like a hospital at all, it looks like a five star resort complete with world class artwork everywhere.  The staff are amazing as well, kind, knowledgeable, efficient, and attentive.  

Wednesday we had to go back to the hospital, early, for a scan.  We still haven't heard anything.  It's hard not knowing.

Our friends and our neighbors are wonderful.  They stop by to keep us company.  They bring us comfort and support.  They keep us from feeling that peculiar isolation that comes with illness and fear.  They keep the shadows at bay.  

I have a new challenge in the kitchen. v has acupuncture treatments as well as conventional Western medical treatments.  Our acupuncturist treats him holistically and has advised that he not ingest spices.  At first I thought this is not a problem, until I spoke with her today and "no spices" includes herbs.  And shock of shock: No Garlic!  No pan frying.  Thank God today was the Farmers' Market.  I loaded up with root vegetables to roast and I have been roasting all afternoon.  Julia Child came to the rescue for chicken breasts. Throwing out all the herbs except lemon and salt shortened the prep time for the poaching. One of our friends gave us a huge basket full of pears from her tree and they stewed in simple syrup with a splash of strawberry balsamic. And we can still have our grilled sweet peppers drizzled with a little olive oil.  I'm thankful for this time of year and the bountiful harvest at the markets.

In bocca al lupo.  m & v

2 comments:

  1. So roasted veggies, yum, tomatoes sweeten right up and so do parsnips and carrots - and onions, I bet, maybe the Hawaiian variety, aren't they supposed to be unusually sweet? Oh, and try cucumbers, too, I've used them in stir fry, but they might be a good roasting veg. Cucumber in Greek yoghurt would be cooling, I think, guessing that the acupuncturist wouldn't want anything creating too much warmth. I'll be seeing you...m-e

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    1. Thank you for your suggestions. Cucumber with our Greek yogurt would be delicious. Soon...m

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