Thursday, September 17, 2009

The Day went well.

I could have been nervous at meeting an Emeritus Professor but a bit of googling told me that in addition to the medical publications she has written she has also penned two books about her recalcitrant Golden Retriever puppy – ‘Barking Mad in Barnstaple’ and ‘Still Barking’.


She greeted me with a smile, a warm handshake and asked me if that was really my age – which brightened my day somewhat. After lots of questions and a thorough going over it seems there is a good chance I won’t need an operation but heavy lifting is a no no. I now realise that over the last year when MTL has been less mobile, rather than wait patiently for him to lift something I have done it myself. Only yesterday I struggled to lift a large pile of blankets up a ladder and into a high cupboard but in the end had to call for help.


The good news is that I got five out of five for my pelvic floor strength – all that tightening up whilst standing at the kitchen sink – and if I do the exercises and follow instructions all should be well when I see her in two months time. I’m always game for a new experience but maybe an abdominal operation is a step too far.


On the way home we were overtaken by a police car with sirens blaring which often means the A39 will be paralysed for hours so we took the pretty twisty way through Monksilver. The Notley Arms looked inviting so we dropped in for lunch and had bobotie pronounced ba-boor-tea, the national dish of South Africa; a delicious mixture of curried meat and fruit topped with an egg custard. The blurb said it was a traditional South African/Cape Malay dish. Every housewife’s dish varies and this was Jane’s recipe from Zimbabwe. It was delicious and then he had bread and butter pudding with custard and I had Somerset apple and almond cake with ice cream.

Good job done.

17 comments:

Queenie said...

Yippee! Yes, abdominal operations are definitely not recommended unless absolutely necessary, so I'm really glad you've been able to avoid one. As well as exercising your body, you will need to exercise your patience and wait for YTL or, even better, a handy visitor to do the lifting for you.

Mickle in NZ said...

What great news. I was aware there was the possibility of abdominal surgery hanging over you - have had major stuff myself but was all "keyhole".

So love the way you celebrated, practically with much needed food, and really good food.Yummo!

With care and many gentle huggles, Michelle and Zebbycat in Wellington, xxxx and pretty purring

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you don't have to have surgery. BTW, you shouldn't be lifting stuff, no matter what. Life is easier when stuff is on the floor.

Cheers.

Leah said...

Excellent news, Pat!!

The lunch sounds fab. I don't think I've ever had South African cuisine. Yum.

kenju said...

It's good you won't need surgery! The food sounds very good.

Pat said...

Queenie: the exercising is fine , Just call me Mrs Tight A--e but the patience is a whole new ball game.

Mickle: thank you and Z. Key hole was a great step forward. Scars can be a problem.

Randall: yes that's what my boys used to think:)

Pat said...

Leah: it was yummy. I must take the girls there.

Judy: she didn't say definitely but the gist was if I did all she told me all would be well without a trip to theatre.

angryparsnip said...

I love to stop by here in the morning with coffee and read your blog, and this morning your didn't disappoint.

Your news is very good ! and I really enjoy the lunch trip that just came about because the road was backed up !
The food sound lovely !

cheers parsnip !

Charlie said...

Good news on your health, Pat!

And somehow, you always manage to find a great place for lunch.

Pat said...

Parsnip: yes sometimes fortune smiles. It's nice to think of you having a virtual coffee with me.

Charlie: I'd be happy with that as an epithet.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Yum Yum Yum, about the food you and your dear MTL stopped to eat...And, I'm so bappy to hear you do not need an operation....I'm with you. This is not a "new" experience we want to have, my dear Pat....And isn't that nice that she was surprised at your age....!
BRAVA, My Dear!

New Post Up, dear Pat....some really pretty flowers---if you get a chance, come on by.

lom said...

So glad to hear an op is not on the cards Pat, look after yourself

Pat said...

Naomi: just been over and seen your lovely post
We had a good day out surprisingly.

LOM: thank you dear.

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

Ahhh Pat, you and your energy. Where do you get it? Wonderful!

I tell myself that the lack of energy here is because of this dreadful, sapping heat.

Word verification: hipto

Pat said...

GG: often when I wake in the morning I wonder how I'll get through the day - I've never been a lark, but once I'm up and about I'm OK. I should get to bed earlier. It's after midnight and I'm still dressed.

Kim Ayres said...

Releived to hear you're not having the cesaerian - I can't imagine much good would have come from it.

And I love the idea that a potential traffic jam and tailback is an ideal excuse for lunch :)

Pat said...

Kim: one must grab the opportunity where one can. It was a nice surprise - especially to MTL who thought it was his idea:)