Weekend links and photos

June 6, 2016

Aimee

by Aimee

The fact that I am only getting around to this list of weekend links at eight-o-clock on Sunday evening says a lot about how my week went: unproductive.

It started at 7am last Monday morning, when I went out to move the chicken coop with Danny, something I’ve done many times before. But this time, I pulled something in my lower back. A strain? A sprain? Whatever happened in that moment felt like my lower backbone had splintered. All symptoms (and Google) pointed toward a herniated disc.

The swelling started, the pain and numbness moved down my right leg and up to my shoulder. I could barely walk. The doctor declared it a bad sprain, ordered bedrest as much as possible, heat to relax the muscles, and prescribed anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants.

Talk about feeling helpless. Simply rolling over in bed was difficult and going to the bathroom an ordeal. I cancelled my plans for the week and focused on keeping the family home up and running as much as possible.

All laundry, cleaning and gardening went on hold. (My poor tomatoes are still in little pots and getting awfully leggy.) Danny and the boys stepped up to do the cooking. Thank goodness they all know a few kitchen basics.

Friends, teach your children to cook, if only to be able to fend for themselves should you be laid up sick. You can start with these posts:

It’s been a week now, and my back is slowly getting better, thanks to plenty of rest and help from loved ones. I’d love your advice on a full recovery and a good stretching routine for the lower back. I want to cautiously build strength, but I admit – I’m a little nervous now!

Weekend Links

Thanks to several days of bedrest this week, I had plenty of time to read. Here are a few favourite recipes and articles from around the web:

Bacon and Egg Pie :: Kitchen Heals Soul ~ Topped with a ramp pesto spiral crust, this pie is indeed a work of art. (pictured above)

Homemade Russian Sauerkraut :: Vikalinka ~ Here’s a recipe everyone could use in their back pocket.

The Unhealthy Truth Behind ‘Wellness’ and ‘Clean Eating’ :: Ruby Tandoh for Vice.com ~ Very interesting; very true.

How I Slowed My Family Down. Like, to the Last Century :: Pam Lobley for HuffPost ~ This is me, every summer.

10 food myths that are hurting your kids :: The Washington Post ~ Thumbs up for carrots & corn! Two favourites around here.

Anything from Hungry Girl pour Vida ~ She is my newest blog crush. I mean, seriously, the lady is talented.

Favourite Photos

Note that most of these were taken before I sprained my back!

This summer it’s all about the homemade hamburger buns. Did you know? These are our favourite, a soft, buttermilk oatmeal bun from my cookbook.

We love homemade pizza, be it spring, summer, fall or winter. In this version, the first of the local asparagus and the last of the spring ramps, married on a whole wheat crust pizza. So unbelievably good.

I’ve been adding my homemade harissa to everything. It sure livened up a couple of grilled pork tenderloins. Together with a tray of oven fries and a salad, they made a fast and simple weeknight dinner.

Dear Maritime friends dropped in for brunch last Saturday and I took the opportunity to make a double batch of waffles. We stuffed ourselves and I froze the remainder for snacking.

Every time I look out into the garden the rhubarb is taller. I simmered a few cups with a bit of water and cane sugar, and then infused it for a blush pink simple syrup. It’s perfect for mixing cocktails, like this G&T which I finished with a spring of bruised lemon balm from the herb bed.

I also used rhubarb and strawberries in a variation of my Triple Berry Scones. Talk about delicious!

What has inspired you this week? Have you encountered any setbacks as I have? I don’t know what the days ahead hold for me, but I’m just grateful to be walking. Everything else is merely details.

Here’s to a great week ahead. And wow – happy June!

Weekend links and photos

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