Voice: Round Four

I went back to my GP to start round four of my battle with my voice. I told him I need his help to arrive at a definitive diagnosis and prognosis. He was very sympathetic. He’s been listening to my speech problems for years.

I told Art (my GP) about my lack of confidence in Dr. Morrison. Dr. Morrison is the senior speech specialist at VGH to whom I was last referred; he is also the guywho misdiagnosed me after virtually no consultation.

Art recommended returning to Dr. Morrison and asked how I felt about that. I asked that he write a letter to Dr. Morrison asking him to take me seriously. Art did that; he wrote a letter listing all the things I have done since 2008 and added that I was justifiably frustrated.

There is one weird thing about the letter. I showed Art things I have discovered about my voice that are strange and embarrassing to share:

•  If I plug my ears really hard, my voice improves.
• If I fake an accent, I can talk but am embarrassed all the time.
• If I say one word at a time, I can talk.
•  If I sing, I can talk.

Weird as these things are, they are true. What was weird to me was that Art listed all these things in his letter to Dr. Morrison. These things that embarrass me are now part of my clinical history and I find that even more embarrassing. But if it helps to diagnose me, it’s okay.

Art and I had a frank talk about returning to Dr. Morrison. Art is diplomatic; he sensitized me to the challenges of presenting to a consulting specialist for a re-diagnosis. Some do not take well to having failed the first time and punish the patient. Plus, after my initial treatment, he asked me to come back but when I did, the secretary would not make an appointment for me. She sent me back to Art. 

So now I wait. Last time I was referred to Dr. Morrison, I had to wait eight months — that would be eight FUCKING months. So this time, anything earlier than October will be an improvement.

Challah Victory

Sunday was a lovely day. It broke so beautifully I was out the door at 8:00 am to walk the wall but for only the second time, I turned back due to rain. I did not have a water-resistant coat on, nor did I have an umbrella, so I came home damp but happy. It was still so warm being damp didn't matter. Besides, I was looking forward to my champagne and treats party in the late afternoon.

To coincide with the arrival of my guests, I decided to try another loaf of challah and this one (see above) turned out really well. I am chuffed. There's plenty of air in the meat of the bread and the crust is fine. I still have problems getting my breads into the oven, even with the peel, but I think with my next bread baking I will succeed by using parchment paper.

My treats, made in class yesterday, went over very well. I felt proud of myself and my decision to take the baking course. Everyone also really enjoyed the novelty of happy hour at 3:30 in the afternoon. We had lots of champagne.

Flora Abundante

It is sunny and warm again today, like yesterday. Yesterday it was 14° — a  bad summer day on March 5th. I walked to school in the morning. I love it when it dawns sunny on Saturdays affording me this wondrous way to begin my favourite day of the week (whilst these classes last). I put on a t-shirt, a light sweater and a spring coat and headed off.

After ten minutes, I was so warm I had to put my jacket into my backpack and then, not much later, my sweater came off too. And I changed in the shade; I, who am cold phobic, was not cold at all. Then I went to my fabulous class.

I wanted to walk home but I always have such a huge box of things to carry back, so I took a cab home. I can proudly report that I only ate one small choux pastry after I got home.

Here are some shots from my walk yesterday.

Baking & Pastry Skill Building Class #4

Today's class involved a different teacher. He, too, is terribly personable and gives a genuine impression of passion for his work as Christine, our regular teacher, does. Today was far more interesting to me in that it is French pastry. Last week's class on muffins and scones was valuable but for me, it was the least interesting class in the curriculum. 

I had an advantage; I've made macarons often in the past.

Ten choux pastries (five with crackle on them)
and four éclairs, (two with crackle). Ready for baking.

The light pink is Italian meringue that is about to be
folded into the darker almond paste mix that is darker
in colour. 

This is lavender flavoured dough. Again, the lighter mix
is Italian meringue and the darker mix is the almond paste.

The éclairs and choux, just out of the oven.

Our teacher made this Paris/Brest to show us how.
We did not make one in class, but I will be making one soon.

I did all these freehand - no guide at all (although I have some
great guides here at home). In the past, I did not use Italian
meringue. It is far, far better to use it but it is scary to make.

The choux, stuffed with pastry cream and crème chantilly.

I'm happy with everything and a proud baker.

I have friends coming over Sunday afternoon to help me
devour as many of these as possible and I have promised
some to a neighbour. We'll be having champagne with them
tomorrow afternoon. I am seriously looking forward to happy
hour tomorrow. Care to drop by?

Challah

Friday was like Christmas and I was Santa. I bussed to Gourmet Warehouse and bought a bread peel. But, of course, I had to look around. I also got some more of the award-winning olive oil, two bars of very fragrant Jasmine soap and a lampe berger. The lampe berger is gorgeous. It is sand-blown glass and shaped like a rock. I got Jasmine sent for it. It is heavenly to light.

And then I went to the aquarium store and got six more tiny red shrimp to add to my breeding stock. Then, when I got home, the intercom rang. It was Purolator with my new little wood (veneer) radio.

I love having the little radio. Who knew? I found CBC FM right away and sat down to decide what to bake whilst listening to my new radio. I decided to try to make a loaf of challah. (See photo above.) As with the baguettes, the look is "C" or "C-" but the taste is good. The texture is not great though. It is too heavy. It should be lighter.

And it's Saturday. Yay. Cooking class. And then a quiet night at home (like every other night).

UPDATE: Challah done better.

First Monday in May

I'm afraid I can't wait. One doesn't drown in the shallow end.

Ozymandias

Click on the first image to enlarge them and read the poem easily.