(Skip to the Recipe)
When John was about 20 his father went on sabbatical to Paris for a year to study holograms. It’s what physicists did in those days. He was a university lecturer and had 3 kids and a wife and a house and a car and there wasn’t much money for such an adventure.
He went anyway and with the blessings of his wife and children. He lived in a 1-star hotel and ate at the cheapest places in Paris so that he’d have enough money to explore the city. He did more than that, he explored all of Europe and studied and worked with people he’s still communicating with. They were much younger for at 94, there aren’t many of his peers left.
In those days in Melbourne, Australia calling long distance was really rare and required contacting the operator who would call back once the line was connected. It was also expensive so it was done for hatches and dispatches (births and deaths) and not much more.
On John’s mother’s birthday the three children were all gathered at the house for dinner to celebrate the occasion and one of them, probably John, suggested they call dad as a gift for their mum. There was much excitement as the call to the operator was made and then there was the wait for the return call to say they’d connected.
Rob did research at a university lab and the phone was connected to the receptionist. With the Shaw’s broken French and her broken English the receptionist realized who they wanted to talk to. It was getting exciting at the Shaw household as they hadn’t talked with Rob for months.
After what seemed an eternity, Rob picked up the phone and said hello.
Joan said hello and he said, “Who’s this?”
She was a bit indignant and said in a rather loud voice, “It’s Joan!”
wait for it…
Rob said, “Joan WHO??”
It’s a family joke John’s mother has never gotten over. Rob’s paid for that mistake with gifts for nearly 40 years. I laugh every time I remember the story and every time it gets told, it gets funnier.
He had no expectation that it was a long distance call and he was sure he didn’t know whose voice it was.
I’ve taken a couple of days off from blogging. I needed a break because the reality of what happened to John sunk in once he was okay and I went through the ‘what if’s and ‘what would become of me’s. I figured a day or so to read, swim with the dog, meditate and rest would do me good and you wouldn’t miss me.
This is not the healthy breakfasts we’ve been having since John’s heart attack. I took these photos back when Rob came to spend the night and this was my bacon, egg and cheese breakfast. I know this isn’t a proper Orgasmic Chef recipe but these aren’t proper times. We’ll get better, I promise.
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon water
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 slice of American cheese
- 3 slices bacon, cooked crispy
- 2 slices of toast
- 1 teaspoon butter
- Whisk egg and water and pour into a heated non-stick pan. Season with salt and pepper. When the egg is just set on top, flip for just a few seconds and slide onto a plate and fold into a toast sized square shape.
- Butter toast and place the cheese on buttered side of one toast
- Add the hot egg and then bacon and top with the other toast.
- Slice and enjoy.
I have been sharing so many photos of Charlie and I told you about he and Lucy. I thought I’d show you what this poor dog has to put up with. Naughty kitty showing her goods! It’s no wonder he gets all lured in to misbehavior.
So yummy looking! This is actually one of my favorite type of breakfasts to whip up.. so quick and easy! It’s usually my go to when I have a small number of guests over.. I switch up cheeses and meats to preference! Thanks for sharing! – http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com
Maureen, I’ve missed a few days in the blogosphere myself, so your news about John is news to me! I’ll have to go back and catch up on some posts, I guess. Hope he is recovering well. Having such a hilarious wife is bound to set him right!
Oh, my dear Maureen…. first the story was priceless – JOAN WHO? deserves to become a line for the whole family to repeat decades to come…
but your bit about needing some time off – I just knew you were going to pass through this phase, it is something that had to happen, and you will get out of it bravely and cheerfully as you do with all things that hit you in life.
a super warm hug (and trust me, I had to gather all my energy to warm anything here, it’s freaking cold and I cannot stand it much longer)
What a great story – Maureen – I hate to say it but I can remember those days of long distance calls – I had an aunt who lived in the UK and the ritual each Christmas was to call her!
This sambo looks delicious – and good on you for taking time out – love to you all (including Charlie:)xxx
What a fun story, Maureen! A day or more off is so important. I pulled back a little lately myself. Hugs.
I’m glad you’re taking a rest and sharing this simple yet perfectly toasted toast, egg and bacon sandwich. It’s one of my favourite breakfast or lunch sandwiches. Or even a quick wrap in pita bread when I can scramble a couple of eggs and fill it to bursting. Good luck with getting John to eat properly. This is a nice temptation.
Thanks for sharing the picture of Lucy even if she’s not in her most elegant post. She is a fine looking lady.
The best sandwiches are often the best ones.
Hahahaha…. Isn’t it amazing how we’ve come closer through technology… I remember back in the 80s, my dad used to work in KSA and we are in Egypt, he phoned us only once every week and it was very expensive. We used to exchange letters back then 🙂 aaah good old days. Although this is not an orgasmic chef recipe, the photos are so mouth watering and I would like a bite of this now for lunch. Nice to see you back, take care.
I always enjoy reading your interesting posts. =)
And your Breakfast Sandwich looks so good!! I have taken Bacon off of my diet, but I used to love it!
Hi Maureen, I’ve missed a bit of what is going on; so sorry to hear of John’s health. Things like this remind us of how precious life is and those who surround us. You’re taking time for yourself is a wonderful thing. I take alot of breaks..too many, but have realized that when I pop back in, you all are right there. Take care of yourself and John. We are all right here—-regardless of what you cook, your stories are just the best!!
It’s good to see that John is doing alright, but I completely understand how upsetting and jarring this whole ordeal must have been. I hope you’re both able to rest and eat lots of good, healthy things. Wishing you all the best Maureen.
I think egg , bacon and cheese are making such a good combination for breakfast .. one of my favorites too.. Wish you all the best !!
I am glad that John is doing better…positive attitude is very important…
This is my kind of weekend breakfast hehehe!
I love the look of your sandwich and I think a bacon and egg sandwich/roll is one of the best ways to start the day. I’m not surprised you needed some ‘down-time’ after what you went through with John. I always find I’m good ‘in the moment’ but crash and burn after the event xx
We did miss you. BUT I am glad you took a day to recuperate. You should do that more often. 🙂 PS He was worth investing in those long distance calls!
Joan WHO?? – I love it! My father-in-law once called my mother-in-law ‘Mary Ellen’, her name is ‘Mary Helen’ – but they’d only been married for 38 years. These things take time you know. 😉
This sandwich is one of my favorite things to have for breakfast (or lunch or dinner)!
And that cat! What a little vixen… 🙂
It’s been a while since I’ve been here, or to any blogs, but I love your new site! This sandwich looks SO GOOD and it makes me very said that I’m currently not allowed to eat dairy 🙁 I miss cheesy things so much! Hehe, my kitty always poses like that too! I thought I commented on your post about the heart attack but my comment seems nowhere to be found…but I’m glad he’s ok and doing better. What an ordeal to go through…for both of you!
Fun story… and I was picturing dear (old) Rob on the phone… bacon and egg on a toastie is rather delicious… but I did wonder if it was pre or post heart attack food. Make sure you get plenty of rest, dear lady. Take all the time you need, we’ll still be here, promise xo
What a fun story, it’s amazing what technology does…
I hope your family is doing ok!
Love the sandwich, wonder why I rarely make this type of breakfast sandwich 🙂
I remember those expensive long distance call days (of course, I was only a child back then), dad would get the stop watch and we’d all sit around as the parental units would call. It was very exciting; such excitement the kids today won’t experience.
I think of you often and understand the anxiety you felt after John was back on his feet, we had a setback a couple of years ago and I felt as if the world had pulled the rug out from under my feet. Even riding on the subway with hundreds of people, I felt alone. I’m so happy your John is better. And with your gourmet cooking (albeit healthier) you will nurse him back to 100%!
The egg dish is wonderful, once in a while we do it too and it tastes heavenly.
Thanks, Eva, it’s times like that when I wish I had family close by. I know it sounds self centered but I did wonder what would become of me if anything happened to him.
hehehe “Joan who?” I’m sure he has been paying for that one!
#hugs x
You made me laugh. In fact I am still making laughing noises as I am typing. That is soooooo funny. I think I might have to retell that story. Proper sandwich or not—-it looks delish. I of course know that it is. Moderation is my mantra. It levels everything out. Aaaah I don’t blame you for thinking about the ‘what if’s’ after a crises.
I hope what it clarified the preciousness of the NOW. We often talk about it, but you have to feel it from the inside out. I never ever take it for grant it, when I am gathered with family for even the smallest reason. It’s a gift to be with them. Personally I don’t make long range plans anymore. Some loosey goosey dates for a few events and that is pretty much it. It’s good you took that time to center and re-evaluate. I am an animal lover, so I love all your animal pics and anecdotes.
Sorry to hear about what happened. 🙁 Take care of yourself and of John.
The picture of Lucy the naughty cat is funny!
Thanks, Kate, we’re fine. 🙂
What a gorgeous story. I have lots of memories of my Mum receiving tapes from my Nanna who was in the UK (we were in Australia). It was too expensive to call regularly and this was such a lovely way for my Mum to hear her Mum’s voice. Amazing what we now take for granted. Hope John is on the mend – what a scary experience. And a delicious sandwich like this is just what is called for at times. We forget how good the simple can taste.
The picture of the saucy kitty is what popped up in my reader today and I thought, “Well, this is interesting!” 😉 Glad to hear you and your husband are doing well – take time to relax! P.S. Great sandwich – love me some bacon and eggs between two slices of toast!
Isn’t that funny! I didn’t choose that as the featured image and it wasn’t the first image in the post. I can’t imagine how the kitty turned up. LOL
Kitties do like to show their goods, don’t they? I think because they can. 😉 Ours does the same thing. In the middle of the floor. When company is visiting. Anyway, this sandwich looks just fine to me! Loads of flavor. Thanks for it, and such a funny story!
I love easy breakfasts, this one looks perfect! I’m always on the go in the mornings, so this would be perfect to take to work. Beautiful pictures too!
Haha… What a great story. Poor Rob, that’ll be a story the family will tell for ever. 🙂
Good you took some time out for you, and hot diggity, I heart the bajinkas outta your breakfast. You had me at Bacon. YARM!
screw proper. That’s a damn fine sandwich. And life is precious- it’s hard when the reminder of that comes with a heavy hand. Best to you Maureen. wendy
So glad you have wisely taken some time for yourself precious lady, & as always, thanks for your delightful stories :)) xx
Don’t feel like you have to do something just to please some notion of expectations. We read because we want to hear about you and besides, this sounds perfectly orgasmic anyway x
Thanks for that. I’m a lot like you though, I like pottering in the kitchen and coming up with new things.
You sure know how to do breakfast! 😉
Maureen, it is a bit scary isn’t it? Take time to reflect, the blogging world can wait a bit. All the best to John.
It’s funny, every time I feel something in my chest I think, “Is it happening to me too?” 🙂
A lovely story, & a yummy recipe……. I love your cat, she looks like she’s warming up to do a pole dance !!
Thanks so much, Jeni!!
Hatches and dispatches… I love it. Never heard of it but I love it! What a wonderful experience he must have had especially if he’d forgotten his own wife. Glad to hear you’ve taken some time out xx
Sounds like quite an ordeal your going through at the moment Maureen.. on a lighter note though, this is one incredibly delicious looking sandwich. Weekends are my indulgent times, so I’m glad its Saturday tomorrow – so I can make this for breakfast!
You deserve a little time off—you’ve had some major changes in your life. Please take care of yourself, too <3
Bill makes a similar sandwich but without the cheese—I have a feeling he'd be willing to add a slice or two 🙂 And thanks for sharing beautiful Lucy–she and Charlie must keep you well entertained!!! xo
I loved everything about this post. Most especially The Goods.
My son would love this breakfast Maureen!
Aww love your stories!:)
Have a nice break! You and John deserve it!
Here is summer to.I hope to take some days off in february!
Oh Maureen – glad you took/take some time off to tend to those you love! Life is short and time is fleeting!
Love the story of John’s dad and mom – I’m hoping that maybe the quality of the phone line distorted Joan’s voice? At least that would be a plausible excuse right?
Btw – anything with bacon is pretty “orgasmic” for me!
I love breakfast sandwiches, such a yummy and easy way to start the day.
Oh, no! I’ve missed a lot of posts lately, and am so sorry to hear about John’s heart attack – how very, very scary! Definitely a few days off are the very least you must need! This mouthwatering sandwich can keep us all pacified for a few days, I’m sure! Please take care – of both yourself and John … and I’ll look forward to more of your wonderful posts soon.
Love the story, so funny! Love the sandwich too. It looks quite proper to me and is making my mouth water even though I’m supposed to be getting ready for bed 🙂
Yummy looking indeed! I enjoyed your story so much, and yes, you needed a rest from it all. Hoping you are feeling much better, and that John continues to heal well, get stronger and stronger. God is good, isn’t He!
SImply damn delicious to starting a day!!!!
You should definitely take all the time you need. Sometimes you do need to switch off, unwind, and spend time – IRL! – with loved ones. And that telephone story is a classic 😀
Poor Joan! I would have made him pay for sure 🙂 What a naughty but nice breakfast indeed, my husband would love it.
I’m glad Joh.n is feeling better and I’m not suprised you’ve needed some time to process it. Enjoy each day and each other and ease back to regular life slowly, you both deserve it 🙂 x
What a great family story, I bet he paid for that for sure!! It always seems the shock comes later on, once things have settled down and you’re not in “fight and flight” mode. I’m so glad all turned out well and love this sandwich breakfast. We all need a treat now and then! xx
Love these sammies for breakfast! Now I’m craving one. Maybe I should make breakfast for dinner tonight.
OH yes…This would be a pleasure to wake up to!
I can relate to how John feels. Bobby’s dad, a man I’ve known since I was 14, doesn’t know either me nor his son Bobby. It’s very distressing and does require a few days to recover from. My hugs to you and John.
There is nothing like a bacon, egg, a cheese sandwich in the morning. Great recipe.
LOL at the kitty photo…And at your story of Joan and Rob…But moved by your words about the (gorgeous looking) breakfast sandwich. So glad you took some time. You need it. And this Ninja Baker can always go for melted cheese and (turkey) bacon on anything!
<3
what a a gorgeous cat. very sexy. any recipe is an orgasmic chef recipe if you have made it and eaten it! i think we are all guilty of adding the occasional naughty little post that isn’t quite what it should be. all the best re your MILs health. mine also seems to be on the downhill slide and says she doesn’t want to go on. oh so hard!
I do understand. When my mother was 91 she was told she had congestive heart failure and had to go into a nursing home for full-time care. She refused and while in the hospital, starved herself to death. It took 4 1/2 weeks. I’d vote for voluntary euthanasia if I had a chance.
Craving your sandwich right now Maureen. *bigeyes*
What a great experience ! A year for explorer Europe ! It’s great ! I’m glad to listen that John is better 🙂
This sandwich looks really good and is perfect for breakfast with a coffe of course 😉
Really can’t go wrong with this one!
A great guide and recipe for breakfast. I really like this recipe. Egg is my favorite in breakfast. Thank you for sharing this wonderful article. I really enjoy this reading.