Sadly, there’s almost nothing in my kitchen for June. My back is healing but because of my inability to follow the rules, I’ve caused a few problems for myself and that led to a bit of what my dad would call the ‘can’t help its’ or being down in the dumps. I’m bored shitless and I go from walking to lying down. Sitting is at a bare minimum – meals and the toilet.
I saw the surgeon on Thursday and he’s happy with my progress but says the nerves were so compressed it could take months for the pain to go away. I still have no pain in my legs but I still have the occasional electric shock from not yet healed nerves.
I apologize for my disappearance but it will have to continue for a bit. I can’t risk all the money I’ve spent and not have a good outcome. So, June will be the last In My Kitchen for a couple of months. If Celia wants to restart, I’ll let you know, otherwise September will be the next In My Kitchen. You’ll have plenty of nifty things saved up by then.
Remember when Celia from Fig Jam and Lime Cordial showed us her bun stamps ages ago? I couldn’t find any locally and then I saw them online from China with free delivery from Ask Absolutely for under $4 but IĀ haven’t tried it yet. Kneading is still off the allowable list. 
I’ve wanted polycarbonate chocolate moulds for a long time and I got these two as a gift. Mini peanut butter cups will be available at my house one day soon. The other mould is wafer sized and I’m not sure what to do with that one. 
I got this little tool to make a watermelon basket. It’s a common Asian tool but hard to find around here. 
I tried LorAnn oils in the past and I really like the flavors so I spoiled myself and bought several. Not sure what I’m going to do with them yet but it’s nice to know they’re in the drawer. 
I took a cake decorating class a couple of years ago and I learned to make gum paste flowers but the tools to shape the petals were plastic. The lady next to me had these nifty metal ones that are heavy and her flowers looked better than mine. I found them online for $5.47, free shipping. 
As I share my photo of my second best friend Charlie, I can’t help but think of Sally from Bewitching Kitchen who lost her 2nd best friend Chief this week. Yes, he was old but he was so full of love for Sally and Phil. They are brokenhearted and I wish I could bring over a cake or a bowl of stew.
Charlie is fine. He quite likes having mummy going walking or lying down. I can’t use the leash yet so we have to go to the park where he can run free. As if that would bother him. In five minutes he can read every tree’s peemail and leave a reply. He needs a haircut in the worst way but you can tell he’s got a wagger! 
If you’d like to be linked here with your own In My Kitchen post, just leave the link in the comments before the 10th of the month. After June, the next In My Kitchen will be September.
Maureen that’s just no fun at all – but it sounds like with a little patience the patient will get there? It must be so frustrating for you. You’ve been busy stocking up on gadgets though I see š Look after yourself and see you in September xx
PS my post will be up in the morning.
OK I got there! https://www.plusatesix.com/2016/06/kitchen-june-2016/
Sitting inside a plane waiting for take off I find myself fighting back tears, as today for the first time I dropped only two pups with them. There was a warm hug from the owner of the place and a few more tears
Thank you so much for your words…. Thinking of you, non stop! TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!
Sending hugs of encouragement! Behave and take much care of yourself now because we want our Maureen back in the kitchen and feeling 100% as soon as it is physically possible!
We will be here, waiting “patiently” for your return. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Shopping therapy is always good. That seems to be working well so far. …..your fan in AZ.
Maureen, I’ve been wondering about you. As frustrating as your back situation is, you are so sweet and kind to think of taking over cake or stew to Sally and Phil. I hope your back mends quickly and you are feeling better soon! xx
Glad to hear you’re making progress, albeit slowly. Also glad you’re rearranging your schedule so you can heal properly. It pains you, I know, but I think that’s really wise. See you in September!
Oh darling, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been blue and sore. Please take care and rest well – we’ll see you in September! I’m glad you’re taking time to heal, although I can imagine how bored you are! Please let me know if there’s anything I can do.. much love xxx
I understand your pain, Maureen. In 2001 I was flat on my stomach and in bed for 5 months with a pinched nerve. I have never before or since had pain that bad. I did heal naturally w/o surgery. I also had a great chiropractor.
So just rest, hon. I will be sending you good vibes from America.
All you need is time. And then you’ll be able to do all those great things you enjoy without any discomfort.
So many funny gadgets to play with. š
So sorry you are suffering, Maureen, but pleased to hear you are getting better. And it is always fun to see what is in your kitchen. I hope your therapist is gentle and leads you along slowly–back problems are notoriously slow to hear. Wishing you the best.
I’m sorry that you still have some pain. But, I’m glad to hear that you are getting better!
I’m wishing you a speedy recovery!
Maureen darling, your health comes first… make sure you concentrate on that… I know you know that, but still here you are. Take care and recover my friend xx
Time is a great healer but it must be so frustrating along the way. Being bored is as annoying as pain. I wish you all the best Maureen- please follow the rules for a little longer.
Hi Mauren! Sending good thoughts to you! How is John doing? We are old and feeling it…Gary has to have eye surgery for wrinkled retinas and I am considering an eyelid lift to improve my vision. Crap, getting old sucks! My male dog who is 10 goes in for surgery on June 10 to remove an egg sized cyst from the base of his tail and his mother, my other border, has a recurring benign cyst on her eyelid. All of us here are getting up there in years. On the bright side I still have my mind (mostly) and I can still hear a pin drop! I think of you two often. Rest and get well my friend!
Sorry to hear that your recovery is holding you back from doing all the things you love to do, but you must listen to your advisors and your body. You’re well kitted up for when the time comes to resume normal activity. My IMK post is up for June, take care https://pleasepasstherecipe.com/2016/06/01/in-my-kitchen-june-2016/
I’m sorry for you. I hope you’ll recover soon. You have a lot of kitchen bakery toys to play with. I wish you the best quickest recover.
http://peregrinationgourmande.com/whats-up-in-my-kitchen/
xx cathy
Looks like you’ll have a great time once you can get back to cooking! Hoping everything moves along smoothly for you Maureen!
Sorry to hear your recovery is going to take longer. At least it seems there is hope and the pain isn’t as bad as it was. The flavored oils sound great, I’m sure you’ll come up with some delicious treats once you’re able to be in the kitchen again. Homemade peanut butter cups would disappear in my house, it’s a good thing in I don’t have that mould! Her’s a link to my post this month and get better soon.
https://feedingmy3sons.com/2016/06/02/in-my-kitchen-june-2016-2/
Sorry that you are still in so much pain Maureen. š Please, please take it easy Maureen. The better you follow the rules, the better the outcome. In my kitchen is a series I’ve always enjoyed. Maybe it’s because I’m nosy. š I’m always scoping out other people’s kitchens so getting to snoop into yours and others’ has been fun. I’m not a baker so most of what you are showing today is unknown to me. I see some non-baking tasks for one or two of them. Looking forward to September. Take care of yourself Darlin!
Here is my IMk link Maureen.
Thanks for hosting on behalf of Celia.
http://allotment2kitchen.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/a-scrawny-lemon-verbena-in-my-kitchen.html
I’m so sorry to hear about your ongoing back challenges – what a tough year this is proving for you. You are in my thoughts.
Thanks so much for hosting IMK this month anyway and I’ll look forward to peeking into your kitchen whenever you are well enough to share it. In the meantime, here is my post for June – http://www.bitesizedthoughts.com/2016/06/in-my-kitchen-june-2016.html
Look after yourself xo
Take care and get well soon! Charlie is awesome!
Maureen, you are SUCH a trooper, although I’m sure you’re tired of hearing that by now and just want the whole thing resolved. Cheers to you & Charlie et al for carrying on (with spunk!) in spite of things. Good call on the “break” until September. As busy as everyone is, we ALL appreciate it. (Speaking for myself, of course, lol.) God bless you for that and best wishes and continued prayers for your complete recovery!!! Here’s my link: https://alittlelunch.com/2016/06/02/in-my-kitchen-june-2016/
Feel your pain, Maureen. Just get well and keep Charlie at your side. You will know when you are ready. Summer is a great time to take off, but I guess it is your winter. Well, at least you don’t have to worry about shoveling!
No shoveling but we’ve had a lot of rain this weekend. Good to curl up with a book in front of the heater.
Recovery is something to take seriously… better to have a break because you want to… sort of… than have to.
My IMK post… last also for a while as we’ll be travelling, is up at https://elladeewords.wordpress.com/2016/06/03/in-my-kitchen-i-want-what-i-want-not-what-youve-got-its-my-money/
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Your recovery is much more important than any blogging! Good luck with getting completely well and strong again!
I did post about the kitchen where we are visiting in Israel this week:
http://maefood.blogspot.co.il/2016/06/in-janets-kitchen.html
best… mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Maureen glad that you are putting your health first and wish you a speedy recovery. It must be very difficult at the moment and I am sure with plenty of rest you will be back on your feet. I have the plastic gum paste tools and would imagine the metal are better. Handy little flavoring bottles to have in your store cupboard. Thanks for hosting and take care xx
My June contribution https://foodandtools.com/2016/06/04/in-my-kitchen-june-2016/
Hope your feeling better soon!
Thanks, Jim! I saw the name and thought, ‘Who in the world would be called JJ Kadiddlehopper other than my brother??” Then I saw the email address. I heard you were in New York, have a great summer!
I’m so sorry to hear it’s taking such a long time for you to come right after your surgery and on top, to have had a couple of setbacks. No wonder you’re bored! I hope John’s in good shape after his surgery. Charlie is just looking too cute! Great that there’s an unleashed dog park where he can run around. I love your metal thingies for cake decorating xx
John has another eye surgery scheduled for July 14th and then he only has one more to go and he should have good vision in both eyes. It’s been a long haul but he’s happy now.
I’m thinking of you. I can imagine it gets a bit boring but you’re right, when it’s cost loads in both money and physically you have to take things easy. Charlie looks so cute, I always feel sorry for people when they lose their four legged friend. Not sure what we’d do without ours. GG
Please take care Maureen, listen to your doctor and John. I know it is hard when you can do so little but slowly your back will improve. We all wish you well and look forward to hearing from you in September.
Take care Maureen, doesn’t sound like fun at all. And remember to follow the rules!
http://thoughtsofamoni.blogspot.in/2016/06/in-my-kitchen-june-2016.html
Maureen, wishing you a speedy recovery. Not being able to do things we want to do (at our usual pace!) is so frustrating. Thanks for hosting IMK this month with all that is going on. Your flavour oils look great and I love the little cupcake teatowel. Charlie is a very handsome lad!
I’ve just put up my IMK for this month. See you in September!
http://www.veganopoulous.com/2016/06/06/in-my-kitchen-june-2016/
Just got back from Japan, Maureen. Love that you’ve got a penchant for all things Asian…Sorry to hear the pain continues. Grateful that you are taking a break from blogging and InMyKitchen…Health must come first…Are there TV shows you can catch up on? … I can only imagine the strength required to not move when you are so used to being on the go <3 Sending prayers of healing and Grace to you dear Maureen <3 Ninja hugs! XO Kim
Oh how frustrating it must be but I hope in the long run it will be worth it – best wishes for the patience to have the rest you need so you can use all your wonderful kitchen toys – those oils look really interesting and your watermelon and icing flower tools sound like you will be presenting food like a pro – though I am sorry to hear you having a tough time, it is good to see lots of optomisim in your kitchen purchases
I have done my IMK post – http://gggiraffe.blogspot.com.au/2016/06/in-my-kitchen-june-2016.html
Hello Maureen, I am sorry that this is your last post for the summer, but I do understand. I hope you heal quickly and as expected and that the operation was a success. I hope you enjoy my IMK post.
I forgot to leave my link: http://wp.me/p8neK-3HS
Oh Maureen I’m sorry to hear how frustrating it is hopefully by September you will be in a much better place, slow and steady right! All your tools look very interesting, I remember the watermelon one from my parents kitchen growing up.
For a bit of fluff to read here is my IMK post for the month http://www.boiledeggsandsoldiers.com/2016/06/kitchen-june-2016/
All the best for a good recovery, take care.
Lovely Maureen, take care of yourself and make the most of the enforced rest time. September will come soon enough! Remember all the times when you were so busy you couldn’t even think about taking some time off? Enjoy the opportunity now. Love the peek at all your gadgets and can’t wait until you’re well enough to demonstrate them all. Rest well xx
OMG Charlie is adorable! I have a minature black poodle named Kona Bean. Hope you heal fast!
You should definitely follow the rules! I’ve been wanting to buy chocolate molds for ages, and trying tempering chocolate. Here is my IMK link for this month: http://thelifeofclare.com.au/kitchen-june-2016/
Maureen, I hope you spend time taking it easy and relaxing – allow yourself to be pampered by the hubby! We’ll see you in September all mended š x
https://missfoodfairy.com/2016/06/08/in-my-kitchen-june-2016/
Take care Maureen and good recovery to you!
Here’s my June In my kitchen post: http://the-veghog.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/in-my-kitchen-in-june.html
I hope you continue to heal, Maureen. I look forward to new posts from you in September. We could all use a new shot of ‘Orgasmic inspiration’ from you!
i hope you are starting to feel better soon maureen. Love your bun stamps and your cute little tools. charlie is looking cute too.
here is my link:
http://sherryspickings.blogspot.com.au/2016/06/in-my-kitchen-june-2016.html
see you in september for IMK!
cheers
sherry
Hi Maureen,
Sorry to hear your recovery is being difficult. You must be bored out of your mind, I know I would. Rest up and try to take it easy.
My IMK post is up at https://cookswithevie.com/2016/06/09/in-my-kitchen-june-2016/. Looking forward to seeing you in September, take care and I hope all is well with you when we meet again.
Lori
Sending you good thoughts for a proper healing, Maureen. And the best for John’s surgery in July too. When you get back in the game after a long respite, you’ll be stronger than ever. See you in September, take care.
Looking forward to news of your awesome recovery/rehab come September. Hang in there, Maureen!
My short post is finally up at
http://otm-inthegalley.blogspot.com/2016/06/in-my-kitchen-june-2016.html
Maureen, good to hear you are recovering. With time and patient you will be back to your best health. Your gadgets or toys look interesting.
Look forward for Sep IMK.
Here is my link for June.
Just do the best you can Maureen and hang in there. I’m intrigued by that watermelon basket tool! Sorry if I’ve missed you mention it before – what breed is Charlie? We’re looking at having a mixed poodle breed join our family in the near future – I can’t quite tell what Charlie’s roots are. He’s so lovely but that goes without saying…
Hi Maureen, miss you – the blogosphere is not the same without you – but I’m happy you’re taking the time off to get better. Hope the time goes quickly and there will be things you can enjoy that you wouldn’t normally have the time for. I’ll be happy to hear you’re back on your feet!
Sorry to hear that you are still bung, Maureen – get well soon.
I’ve not seen those flavoured oils before – are they natural?
I’ve also not heard the term “peemail” before, but I LOVE it and will be appropriating it immediately!
You are playing it smart and safe. I hope your nerves will be healed by the end of the summer! Take care, my friend, and give Charlie a big kiss and scratch from me. xo
Maureen, so sorry this is all taking longer than you’d hoped and is so painful. I do hope you will stay firm in your resolve to be good and take the time necessary! I think that wafer-size mould would be perfect for some type of mints.
green I shall keep everything crossed for you, you are better to be safe than sorry, see you in a few months š
Maureen I shall keep everything crossed for you, you are better to be safe than sorry, see you in a few months š
I continue to think about you and hope you are well. We miss you and your fun posts. Hope the healing is complete!
I’ve been wondering why I haven’t seen anything come across my inbox from you – now I know. I know it’s boring lying around not being able to do much but, it’s best you let everything heal properly so you can get back to doing all the things you like best.
Rather than leaving your site empty all this time why not use Orgasmic Chef as a journal of your recovery and all that led up to your surgery and the days following and life as you hate it right now but know it’s for the best. I’ll bet there are others out there with the same thing that would grasp on to hearing your experience with this. It could be The Orgasmic Chef in Recovery!
Anyway, hope you feel better soon and get to moving around more. I’ll look forward to your next post.
Hi Maureen! You were in my thoughts and just wanted to swing by and wish you well. Hope you are healing well!!
Maureen, you’ve been on my mind. Hope you are recovering patiently. Loved the bit about Charlie reading and replying to all the peemails!
Good to know that you are doing great.