LIFE AFTER A ROOT CANAL

Now here's a question some of you may have pondered. The dreaded root canal...a tortuous procedure that makes the toughest cringe at the thought. 

Well I'm about to answer that for you, cause I had my first one this week! But first a little background...

A Big cavity is discovered in my back molar. Seems the little sneak had been gleefully growing under an old filling. The dentist looks doubtful but we try to fill it an hope for the best. No go....root canal or pull the whole thing. I'm going for pulling, but at the ninth hour, when I'm literally about to get the freezing, there is a change of heart and I decide to give this old molar one last chance. 

So off I go to a specialist and let the root canal begin. Ok....not as bad as I thought...I'm well frozen and it seems to me the endodontist is getting a pretty good upper body workout but after about 40-45 minutes the deed is done. 

What remains though is a pretty tender mouth and I've been living off of soft foods for most of the week: oatmeal, yogurt, stuff like that. Since I'm eating this way, might as well make the best of it.

How about a nice risotto with fresh local peas and mushrooms!

Risotto, like a root canal, takes a little time. You start with waking up the rice in a bath of olive oil and white wine:

Now here comes the part that takes a while, you have to add broth (chicken, vegetable) a little at a time and just keep stirring between each and watch the rice get fatter and fatter.

So, just hang out at the stove, pour a little of the wine for yourself and keep stirring. I'm reminded of the scene with Billy Crystal in Princess Bride as he brings Wesley back to life: "Hey! Hello in der?!! What's so important? Whatcha got that's worth livin' for!?" Risotto...I've got Risotto. No need to hurry, I'll just keep stirring and sipping.

Eventually after about 20-25 minutes, you have big, fat, happy rice with mushrooms and peas tucked in, all soft and easy to eat.

Life after a root canal does exist. You may have to change your diet a bit for a while but like Twooo Wove, it's worth livin' for!

A LAKE ROMANCE

Have you ever noticed, some of the best moments, seem timeless? We wrap them up and tuck them away. They are warm and welcoming every time we take them out. 

Cottage time is like that for me. It is a timeless place, warm and welcoming. 

And there's the lake

I love the lake. I love it in the morning with the mist kissing the surface. I sip my coffee wrapped in a blanket and watch it slowly say goodbye as the sun rises.

The clouds start marching by reflecting in the still water

We have lunch down on the dock: all good things with cheeses and bread and fresh fruit and dips

With discretion, my daughter, her long time friend Alyssa and myself slip into the silky water sans bathing suits. I love "vimming"  when I get the chance. We are a funny trio of water naiads indeed. Alyssa a tall statuesque blond, myself with my 50+ body and then there's my daughter. Randi is naturally curvy but having only given birth 3 weeks earlier she is downright voluptuous! She looks like a  grecian goddess come to life; a living renaissance painting. 

I spend most of the day at the lake, enjoying our romance in the short time we have together. I read there, pray there, muse there. I swim. 

I watch my grandson with my daughter, his first visit to this special place.

Like any good romance, my life is changed. My very defined routine is set aside, the demands and timelines are taken from my hands and the lake woos me to slow down and listen.

The sun sets, Cottage time comes to an end.

But don't worry. My romance with the Lake is tucked away, timeless, warm and inviting.

IN THE SUMMERTIME

"Ch..chch uh..ch..chch uh, in the summertime when the weather is fine!" I realize about half of you will recognize that. The other half...not so much! So for you not so much ones or for your nostalgic ones:Mungo Jerry - In The Summertime - YouTube

It's Summertime! And the living is easy! Ella Fitzgerald - Summertime (1968) - YouTube (another classic!)

It's no secret I thrive in summer. Heat? Humidity? bah  - bring it on.  Who needs Central air? I want to feel the thick, sleepy summer breathe on me. I want my windows open and listen to the sound of the wind. I want the fan whining slowly over my head while I doze in an afternoon nap. 

Summer means big brash flowers

Bike rides and canoe trips

It means being at the cottage where coffee time can last up to an hour and a half instead of a quick 15-20 minutes

Walks on the beach 

And watching the Sun set

My wine choice switches up from reds to crisp whites (don't forget to throw in some fresh berries)

And eating Al Fresco, outside every night, be it a light summer meal,

Or a full on hearty barbecued steak!

Winter's are long, cold and damp here in Ontario. Let me put on my short, shorts and hop in my bike or dive into a cool Canadian lake and dry off basking in the sun. Ch..Chch uh... Ch..chch uh....