Whew. I’m back to say hello. I’ve been missing in action for a couple of weeks. These lovely black-eyed Susans are currently blooming in our garden in North Carolina and their smiling faces are from me to you to say how I’ve missed visiting with each of you and dropping by your blogs to see what’s happening in your world.
I am finally feeling a bit better and some of the constant nausea that has plagued me for the last six weeks has subsided. I don’t normally talk about my health. In fact when anyone asks how I feel, I always answer with a cheery, “I’m fine” and smile no matter what. The Bahamians have a saying, “Don’t put mouth on it,” meaning if you say it, it might come true. Perhaps that’s why I always say I’m fine, even when I’m not. But in truth I suffer from chronic back pain and my doctor is constantly searching for new medications that give me some relief. The latest one apparently collided with something else I take, causing my sodium levels to plummet and I ended up spending the weekend in the hospital.
Meakin bought a bottle of Chateau St. Jean, one of our favorite Sonoma Chardonnays, and we planned a little celebration of my being home and not spending this weekend in the hospital. Just as I was beginning to feel like my old feisty self again the call came from the doctor’s office. “Follow a diet of “clear liquids only” over the weekend. Your blood test indicated you have an irritated pancreas. If you begin to feel worse (worse? I just started to feel better!), go to the emergency room and tell them Dr. Larson said to put you in the hospital.” Great- what a way to spend the weekend, drinking dinner (what a shame wine doesn’t count) and worrying and wondering if or when I’ll start to feel worse.
I miss each of you and hope to be back in the swing of things really, really soon. In the meantime, enjoy this lovely photo of a market in France. Believe me, I wish I was in the south of France strolling the streets of Saint Remy with my husband, holding hands, and shopping in this lovely market this very minute instead of at home in North Carolina on a clear liquid diet. Jell-O anyone?
Sam
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Oh Sam! I am so sorry to hear you don't feel up to par. And to have to do a liquid diet, is definately no fun, especially for someone who loves to cook! I hope you are feeling better soon...
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Penny
Sam, I just knew something was not quite right with you. Isn't it funny, how bloggers know things like that? Sorry about the wine. It will keep. St. Jean is a favorite of ours also. Follow directions and I pray you will be better soon. Hugs. Susan
ReplyDeleteQuel bummer! I shall hold out hopes that the liquid diet gets called off soon. And that you are truly back in good health!
ReplyDeleteSam - Sorry to here you've been ailing and I've been wondering where you were. I don't care what anyone says, white wine is clear liquid :-), but I'd probably listen to the doctor rather than fool around with my pancreas. Hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteDitto to what Larry said, no foolin around with that pancreas. I'm so sorry this is all going on with you, hope you're back to normal sooner than soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to read that you are not feeling well. I sure hope that you are feeling much better soon and can indulge in some terrific eats and wonderful wine. Take care!!
ReplyDeleteThe wine will keep... Take care, thanks for checking in, and hope to see you back in the kitchen soon
ReplyDeleteOf all things--you not being able to eat wonderful food and drink wine! But, this will pass. You don't want to get that pancreas upset!
ReplyDeleteTake care! Looking forward to your column when you are up to it. Really, you could just write us--we would be pleased to hear from you!
I really hope you are 100% soon Sam.
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll soon feel better.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Rosa
I hope you are good as new in no time. And that is such great photo of the market. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteSam, I am so sorry to hear that you have been so ill. I hope that you have a speedly recovery....white wine is very clear...so is white grape juice! The later being the better choice at the moment!
ReplyDeleteSam - how lovely to see your blog updated. hope you feel as cheery as those gorgeous black-eyed Susans very soon. And - I love the intent - but no jello!
ReplyDeleteOh Sam, I've been missing you. I hope you get better soon!
ReplyDeleteI had an episode of pancreatitis in May, came on suddenly and drs.don't know why I got it. I am real familiar with clear liquid diets.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you back for a quick note!
Sam, I too knew something was not right. Susan is right, we get used to the rhythms of our blogging friends and just feel it when something is wrong. Hope you are feeling better soon. David is also plagued with chronic back pain and it is not fun. Hope the pancreatis clears up soon and you can drink your wine!
ReplyDeleteHope you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are back...missed your interesting commentary. Hope you are feeling better too.
ReplyDeleteBack pain is terrible! I am gladd you're feeling alittle better and can share with us the mouthful of beautiful yellow flowers!
ReplyDeleteLove your photographs, thanks for sharing. I hope you're feeling better and "back in the saddle again", look forward to seeing your posts, take care, Patty
ReplyDeleteFell better Sam! It is hard missing all the great food and wines.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your blog!
Patty in Hope Town
photokunstler.com
Sam - so sorry to hear that you've been feeling under the weather. Hopefully you'll be back on top of the world any day now. Thanks for the lovely shot of the Black Eyed Susans. They are my other favorite (next to sunflowers) but I've had a bit of trouble getting them to take in my garden. Fortunately, photos like this can satisfy my craving! Please take care! T.W.
ReplyDeleteGet well soon. I have missed you! Thank you for the black-eyed suzies! One of my favorite flowers.
ReplyDeleteSam, sending healing thoughts your way. It's really annoying when things get out of whack. Too bad that Chateau St. Jean didn't qualify as a clear liquid!! I hope that you are back to a good place (including St Remy) very soon.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
Dear Sam - I do hope you feel better soon and can enjoy your bottle of wine. Chronic back pain is miserable and a liquid diet isn't any fun. Sorry you are under the weather.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well! I'm hoping your fully restored to health as soon as possible!
ReplyDeleteSam, I am so sorry, and I hope and pray that you are feeling better very soon. Sending you warm hugs across the miles...
ReplyDeleteXO,
Sheila
I am so sorry to hear of your hospital stay and the liquid diet to boot. I hope you are feeling better and found some relief with the help of your doctor.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes,
Merisi
Sam, I'm so sorry to hear that you've not been well. Do as your doctor says and hopefully you'll be ready to run a marathon before the month is over. Hugs and healing wishes...Mary
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you are not well! Stick to what the doctor says and you will soon be A for AWAY!!
ReplyDeleteSam, Your Black Eyed Susans cheer me. I have missed you very much, first gone traveling and then gone, gone. At least I have proof of life, having seen you with my own eyes, in the doctor's office.
ReplyDeleteHi Sam, sorry to hear that you are not feeling well...hope you feel better soon :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that you haven't been feeling well -- and how lovely of you to offer up this beautiful photo of flowers. We should be bringing them to you!
ReplyDeleteAll the best to you!
Very soon Sam...you'll be back to yourself again and entertaining us with your posts ;o)
ReplyDeleteFrom the great response...you can see that we're all rooting for you!
Ciao for now,
Claudia
Best of luck to you for a speedy recovery. Health is most important without a doubt.
ReplyDeleteDelightful photos. Love a day in the sun at a farmers market.
Be well!
So sorry that you are not feeling well......I hope you are 100% very, very soon and trot off to the South of France and share more wonderful photos with us!
ReplyDeleteThose back eye susans are beautiful and that market bring back great memories. I am sending you good vibes that you get better real soon.
ReplyDeleteRita
so sorry dear Sam love you and your blog dearly will pray for you
ReplyDeletehugs Rebecca
Sam, I am so sorry to hear that! I hope you are on the mend soon and off the clear liquid diet. Sending good wishes your way...
ReplyDeleteOh Sam, it sounds like you're having a really hard time. I hope your husband is cooking up some amazing soups for you... I'll send lots of positive vibes your way, and hope you feel better soon. We miss you too!
ReplyDeleteRobynx
My appendix got seriously pissed off once but I've never had an irritated pancreas.
ReplyDeleteI vote to count white wine as a clear liquid.
So sorry to hear that! Hope you are feeling much, much better:) I know what that chronic pain thing & it is certainly a challenge. Hope you are getting some relief & happy to see you are blogging again. I really do love to read your posts. Take care of yourself & hope you are drinking that Chardonnay in the very near future - Cheers!
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