The Fresh Loaf

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A "long" pause from Baking

Mebake's picture
Mebake

A "long" pause from Baking

Dear TFL'ers

I'm on an obligatory pause from baking, as i've underwent a spinal fusion Surgery in my lower back. Can't bake nothing now, nor bend forward... It is a dead pause for 3 months at least!  I'm bound to this dreadful back brace, so the only bread related activity i'll do is watch TFL, and learn more, take it easy, and enjoy some time in some personal reflection (remembering how vulnerable we are as humans, and that without God's mercy and grace, we are helpless).

In the meantime, my dried starters are now dormant in my freezer, and i'm looking forward to the day when i'm ready to fire them up again :)

My thoughts and wishes to you all, especially those of you experiencing tough times.

Khalid

 

 

Comments

Mebake's picture
Mebake

God bless you too!

Khalid

dosidough's picture
dosidough

a full and robust recovery. I'm sure TFL can help to fill this baking void for you with some inspiration for later. I enjoy your posts and insightful comments, so I await them when you're feeling better. Till then you always have a lot to share in enthusiasm and support. Take care of yourself well, Khalid.

Dosi

Mebake's picture
Mebake

I thank you. The journey to full recovery and baking is long, longer than i anticipated. I will console myself with reading posts here.

Your words are much appreciated,

Khalid 

copyu's picture
copyu

You're an inspiration to many TFLers and I am so sorry to hear that you can't get your hands into a pile of dough, or bend over to check a loaf or a thermometer, or even to open the oven door. I can only imagine your frustration! I have a former colleague and a close relative who have also undergone this surgery, but that was decades ago (back in the 20th century! Heheh!) Both of these folks are now 'as good as gold', after following their surgeons' orders. I feel sure that you will also be one of the 'good as gold' patients. I certainly hope and pray that it is so!

Can you co-opt your wife, or a friend/relative/neighbor to do some "no-knead breads" with you? You'll be the chief of operations, the master of the formula, the judge of the timings...At least, then you'll have the "home-made" stamp of quality and taste in your daily bread, which you made [almost] by yourself!

Sincere best wishes for a 100% recovery, sir!

Adam

 

Mebake's picture
Mebake

Thanks for your kinds words, Adam. It is you, TFL members who inspired and encouraged me to take home baking seriously, i owe this community so much. It is frustrating, not being able to eat real bread for months, however, i did contemplate inviting some relatives over to bake me/ them some bread under my supervision, and it does sound like a good idea. 

Thanks, once more for the encouraging words, Adam.

Khalid

 

shansen10's picture
shansen10

Although I don't consider myself in a class with you, Varda, Janet, dabrownman, breadsong, MiniOven, to name justg a few,  I am an avid follower of TFL and love to bake bread, especially sourdough.  

I wish you words of encouragement for a speedy recovery.

Sue

Mebake's picture
Mebake

Your kind words are much appreciated, sue, thanks!

Khalid

 

AnnaInNC's picture
AnnaInNC

and hope for a very speedy recovery.  Will physical therapy be involved afterwards ?  Probably more for your limbs to get them strong and moving again.  Hopefully, you also have someone to take good care of you and spoil you a little bit in the process.  And now is the perfect time to reach for all those books you had been meaning to read :)

All the best !!

Anna

 

Mebake's picture
Mebake

Yep, some Physio-therapy for me down the road, probably starting from week 8 post-op. Thankfully, My wife is very understanding, and helpful. I won't expect pampering, though, she has enough responsibilities as it is :D.

Another good suggestion, Anna! I'll "try" to read when i'm not sketching ;)!

Thanks alot for the warm words, Anna.

Khalid

dstroy's picture
dstroy

Wishing you a speedy recovery, Khalid!

Mebake's picture
Mebake

My best wishes to you, and Floyd on thanksgiving day.

Khalid

hanseata's picture
hanseata

to learn about your predicament, Khalid. I remember that you mentioned your back problems a while ago. I'm glad to hear that you feel a little better already, and do hope your recovery will make steady progress.

I worked at a neurological hospital department as a doctor, and saw a lot of patients with spinal problems.Our recommendation for our patients was always to change their position often, and regular swimming to relax the spine when it is supported in the water.

Best wishes,

Karin

 

Mebake's picture
Mebake

Thanks Karin! I appreciate your kind words and concerns.

Thank God, i'm on the right track to recovery (so far), It will be months from today, however, when i'll be able to bake again. 

So, you are a doctor? :) this site does bring people together from various professions, languages, and cultures! we, TFL'rs are bread bakers in essence. I will gladly take note of your advices.

Thank you, Karin!

Khalid

Song Of The Baker's picture
Song Of The Baker

Khalid.  I am sorry for your situation, and hope you experience a speedy recovery.  You were one of the first members to comment and help me out in my beginnings here.  I thank you for that and wish you all the best.

John

Mebake's picture
Mebake

I'd be honored to be of any assistance to you, John :)

Thanks for your warm wishes,

Khalid

mimifix's picture
mimifix

Greetings Khalid, I hope you are feeling somewhat better now. I understand your pain and frustration; our bodies decide when "enough is enough." I've been away from TFL for quite a while taking care of other business... I was a commercial and home baker for many years but   after several hand surgeries I was forced to make major changes. After you heal you will probably need to adjust to a different bake schedule (which will no doubt be hard for you) but your love for baking will never change. My best to you, and a speedy recovery. Mimi  

Mebake's picture
Mebake

I'm doing quite well, thank you Mimi! 

I was contemplating the idea,  Mimi. My bread Baking schedules will have to be reworked, I can't expect myself to be or to perform the way i did pre-op. My back will never be as flexible as new again.

I hope your hand is now healed from the surgeries, and that may bake bread for as long as you draw breath, Mimi.

Khalid

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