Sick Days
Sometimes it seems that with all of our technology there is nothing that humanity could not accomplish if it did not have the will to do so. We have walked on the moon, conquered smallpox, and created such culinary delights as Velveeta. But this week I have been reminded that for all of our powers we are still very much a part of the natural world and subject to its whims. Specifically, the whims of viruses. At the moment, between the three (or 3.75 of us) we’ve got three viral infections, two infected ears, and two sinus infections with one pregnant lady who still(at 31.5 weeks) cannot eat before 11:00 am without unfortunate results, thrown in for good measure. Between the sickness, the pregnancy, and my generally diseased state I am short of breath and sapped of energy. I stayed home from work on Tuesday and Thursday. I was unable to realistically care for Thomas on Wednesday so Jeff declared it “take your toddler to work day” and he and Thomas drove off to play post-doc. Bonus: Thomas learned some new words including “mass spectrometer” and “peristaltic pump”. Today Jeff needed to do work that did not involve spinning a two year old round and round in a office chair so Thomas and I roughed it at home. After two hours, I grew weary of building yet another “super big” tower of Lego’s and suggested that we bake something. Always up for a chance to use the stand mixer and lick a beater, Thomas suggested bread. Bread wasn’t quite what I wanted and then I remembered the comfort of the soft pretzels my mom used to make. Unfortunately, they contain the forbidden eggs, so feeling inspired I decided to cobble together a few pretzel recipes along with some inspiration and make us some egg-free soft pretzels.
How did they turn out? Well, let’s just say that Jeff had better hurry home from work tonight or else there won’t be any left for him.
February 13th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Those pretzels we use to make were really good, weren’t they? Especially with honey and lots of butter! I will have to try your recipe that does not have eggs.
So sorry you were not feeling well. If I were only closer, I could help you out. We have to do something about that!
We had 9 students out of my first grade class one day, all sick with a virus. Of course, in a few weeks we’ll have a bunch of kids sneezing not with colds, but with allergies.
Give that little boy a big kiss from his Grandma Marie and Papa Dave. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Love, Mom
February 15th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Did you have some spicy brown mustard to go with those pretzels. so far everything you make without eggs seems to work out great and taste good and you know how picky I am.
Both Grandma Marie and I need to be closer so we can help you out. Thomas and I couold go out train watching snd ride the metro to give you some time, we will be down in march and you and Mom can make more of those pretzels and make some of them turtle shaped for Thomas.
Take care of your self and we love you all
Love Dad