Two more unsuccessful attempts to thread the loom and wind on the warp have made me realize I simply don't have the cognition for this task.
It's frightening but I suspect true. Something I managed fine a few years ago is evidently now beyond me. I simply can't consistently repeat the movements correctly despite all the counting and the reminders I've put in place. The last attempt was better, but not usable.
I wonder if it's the same thing that stopped my Arabic study after that virus. I couldn't retain the learning as I went well enough to progress.
I suspect now there was some left brain cognitive loss, though it didn't seem like a serious virus at the time. And there's a chance it will lift.
Meanwhile I decided today's winnowing is -- a loom! I expect someone will like it and get pleasure from it. There's no point in keeping it lying unused. I can do other forms of weaving, and probably will.
I had a lovely day otherwise, making Shakshuka, from the Meghan's Together cookbook.
As you see
I didn't have green peppers the recipe used, but I used onions, garlic, scallions and leeks, which worked out very well. Served with flatbread, and they also suggest yogurt but I didn't have any left today. The flat bread is to mop up the sauce, vital.
This is supposed to be a breakfast dish, but I think it's a great lunch. Could be brunch, too.
And the Misfits box came
The fettuccine will go great with some of the extra Shakshuka, instead of flatbread. I have other plans for the sausage, probably relating to soup since we continue to have soup weather.
So this is where we are. Beautiful sunshine but cold, in 40s with a wind, so I'm back to a warm coat, scarf and hat for walking today.
I'll mention the cognition thoughts next time I see my doctor, just to alert her.
Meanwhile how about a puzzle?
This will probably leap out at you. Or not!
Happy day everyone, Struggle on!
I agree with you about loss of cognitive function. I had to learn knitting basics from the very beginning which makes it hard to see knitting from three years ago and believe I did it. Drawing and painting are just as difficult, as is reading and many more skills I took for granted before COVID. The loss was more intense the second time around and I have a persistent illness that no antibiotic can touch. I forgot how to make my own cornbread! Don't give up. Sometimes remedial steps help. Be well.
ReplyDeleteThankyou for the encouragement. I had a non covid virus but I wonder if it was related. I won't give up! Just work within my current abilities.
DeleteYour shakshuka looks delicious! I've seen this dish made on various cooking shows but have never attempted it myself. And after being stumped by so many of those darn puzzles, today's was music to my ears!
ReplyDeleteTry the shakshuka, it's so good. Not complicated, just takes a bit of time. Funny clue!
DeleteStrike up the band so we can have music wherever we go!
ReplyDeleteVery good!
DeleteA friend just brought shakshuka to a potluck; it was delicious!
ReplyDeleteThis puzzle struck a chord as it leapt out at me.
Watching several friends over the last couple of years, I'm developing more respect for viruses (that is, a few bad actors, and acknowledging that most viruses are harmless or beneficial) and their ability to cause long-lasting damage. It must be worrisome to find yourself unable to access skills you once had. I'm hopeful that the way you exercise your grey matter, your brain will find workarounds and that deficits will be temporary.
Chris from Boise
That's my hope, too. If not, it's not exactly central to my life. But it's unnerving.
DeleteWell, the weaving may not work but the cooking sure looks terrific. I've never made shakshuka. it sounds delicious!
ReplyDeleteIt's really good, worth trying. Not difficult, just need to take the time.
DeleteI remember when my mother told me that she could not balance her checkbook any more. "My mind is going," she said. I tried to reassure her that all was well. "Oh, that doesn't mean anything," I said.
ReplyDeleteNow I understand. There are things that I absolutely cannot do that I used to do without thought. Words escape me every day. It is scary. It is life, I think. It is also probably a process and if we are lucky, we will be able to bumble on for quite awhile.
And hey- we can both still cook lovely meals. I'm about to go make a salad with greens from the garden and apples and pecans and blue cheese. What are you going to do with your blue cheese crumbles?
Yes, I think there's plenty of ability still there. I've lived so much longer than my parents and most of my siblings that I don't know how they would have been at my age, other than the last sister who lived a very long life, but didn't do stuff I do.
DeleteThe blue cheese crumbles will find themselves sprinkled in pita bread, over pasta, over some of that cantaloupe, all over!
I encountered the same problem. I knitted four pairs of felted slippers. Wonderful, thick pattern that requires actually having the knitting doubled, then folded in and the vottom stitched closed. My dear --late--old man LOVED his. Wore a hole in the bottom. I patched it. Then, knitted new bottoms, felted them, sewed them on. While he was wearing them, I attempted to make him a new pair. Had much the same experience you had with the weaving. I spent hours, two different attempts. My last attempt is still here somewhere in a bag. I would never be able to pick up and continue. Sad. And, as an above commenter said, for sure I couldn't repeat the job I did on many other of my projects. You have lots of company; we just have to face reality.
ReplyDeleteIt's more common than I realized. Thank you for sharing. That helps.
DeleteWell, once again you impress me, Liz. Quickly deciding to rehome the loom will help you get on to other things quickly, I imagine. Someone will love that loom, I'm sure. Your dinner looks amazing. I couldn't figure out the puzzle for the life of my until I read Cathy's comment above, then suddenly it was clear as a bell. Or a cymbal. Or a triangle.
ReplyDeleteThe puzzles sometimes work that way, yes. There are at least six people wanting the loom now. It's going today.
DeleteI think as we get older and have so much to remember stuff just goes away to make room. Although I would mention it to the doc. Especially since you noticed it more after being sick.
ReplyDeleteHopefully it’s not a permanent thing and you regain it back quickly
I think I have to deal with it either way, without losing my nerve. That's the goal, anyway!
DeleteIt seems to be cold in the various American blogs that I read. Some are even speaking of frost. We have frost again this morning, but I just said to Sue that I expect that we won’t get too many more.
ReplyDeleteAs for old age braining, my problem seems to be in finding my nouns when I want them. Oddly enough, I can usually insert them when others are stumbling about.
We're still getting frost overnight, though trees are blossoming.
DeleteThat has really made F sit up and pay attention; that someone fit, active, creative of mind and busy physically finds them-self where you were with the weaving (and the Arabic - you were making remarkable strides with that). It is frightening what a single illness can wreak in the way of ongoing detriment. We genuinely hope that this is just a longer recovery than anticipated and that you do recover fully in time.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I've heard of brain fog with other illnesses and after surgery, so maybe it's not permanent. And perhaps I wasn't well when I thought I was. Thank you for the good wishes.
DeleteI am sorry you're having a sad moment about. your abilities. I trust you know well enough what you can do. I still wish you didn't give up weaving so soon. Has your thyroid function been checked recently?
ReplyDeleteOld talk, right away I go to health issues.
You have such a highly creative spirit, whatever next artistic project you weave into your life, will be fabulous!
I had recent bloodwork, all levels fine, but a good idea to think about thyroid, yes. Mine is currently fine. I haven't given up weaving, just that particular loom. And about twenty hours, literally, of attempting to thread it were enough for me! I'll still weave other ways, though.
DeleteI add eggs to various recipes just as you did. We eat little beef these days and rely more on nuts and beans though we do eat chicken and fish.
ReplyDeleteYour table sounds like mine.
DeleteI was fine with the shakshuka until the eggs came in. I'm not having problems with technique but like Ms Moon, words are harder to recall even if it had been in my head five minutes earlier.
ReplyDeleteThat seems to start in midlife, and it's so annoying! I can remember the rhythm and sound and number of syllables and can't get the dang word!
DeleteI've heard of a lot of people who have been left with brain fog after having had one of the super viruses that have been going around (covid included) so you're not alone. Hopefully it goes away.
ReplyDeleteI would have bailed on the weaving project long before you did so I have to admire you for keeping at it despite all the obstacles. I think, like some other things, we have to learn our limitations, hard as that is to accept sometimes.
Stay tuned. More learning has happened.
DeleteYour Shakshuka sounded and looked so tasty that I looked up a recipe online and made a batch for myself last night. Some of my veges were different to yours but it seems to be one of those recipes that you could add almost anything to. The spices made it delicious and I have two more meals in the freezer. Thanks Liz for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you made it, Marrianne. I find it reheats just fine, and the sauce gets better. It's definitely going to be a go to for me.
DeleteI think I will definitely be making it again, especially in the winter months.
Delete