In my search for information, I found a message board for people with knee injuries. The three to four weeks post-surgery, prior to the initiation of physical therapy are known as the dark days. It’s a hard time both physically and emotionally. It involves going through withdrawal from a life full of activity, people, and adventure pre-injury to a life of home isolation, inactivity, and complete dependence on others.
Suggestions for this time period include movie marathons, video games {I’m spookyzen if you want to play Words with Friends with me. ;) }, browsing on the internet, reading, and starting a blog. Hey! I have a blog. As life happens, I now have loads of time to blog but can’t really bake or cook. Luckily, I have a couple of items I haven’t had time to blog.
I’m slowly baking my way through The Bread Baker’s Apprentice as part of the BBA Challenge. The next bread on my list was Pain de Campagne, a French bread known for its crazy shaping abilities. As I tend to be more rustic than artistic, I baked the loaves in basic crazy shapes. A boule with little peaks snipped up by kitchen scissors and the folded-over tabatière. In addition to looking semi-cool, the loaves were delicious. Crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside, just like good French bread.
I’m mid-way through my dark days and I’m starting to see the light. I’m able to tolerate more and more weight bearing on my injured leg, I’ve learned how to get in and out of bed on my own, and I think I should be able to get back to baking soon.
What beautiful bread! I’m sorry you can’t bake yet, but it’s good that you’re still posting! I’m wishing you a speedy recovery!
it looks great! you’ll get through the recovery trust me! been there! you wont think about it afterwards! Have you watched “its complicated” the movie? maybe it’ll cheer you up!
It doesn’t just look semi-cool, it looks really cool!!!! hope you get better soon!!!
Glad you’re starting to feel a little better Wendy. The dark days do not sound like much fun at all :(
That bread is just stunning, I love the little peaks!
These loafs look so cool! I need to do some more bread baking. Hope you’re feeling better!
Wendy, I think this bread looks amazing! I just hate being bored, so I hope you’re feeling better!
Beautiful! Hope you are healing and that the dark days go quickly!!! – mary
Wow, those breads look amazing! I’m also sorry you’re having such a rough time, I can’t even imagine :(
Do you play Draw Something? Let me know and I’ll shoot you over my username :D
It looks delicious! I hope you’re at least able to catch up on some (inactive) things you’ve been wanting to do.
Beautiful bread…love, love, love homemade breads especially when they turn out so pretty and delish.
Well, hope your darkest days are over!!! Good you are catching up on a few inactive things like blogging. I’m sure your days seem long and boring most of the time, but take advantage of reading good books, watching some movies, calling your mother on the phone, knitting…I’m getting desparate trying to suggest something…I guess you should just go crazy for a few days, that’s what I’d do! I hate sitting around and have never had the need to do nothing for a few days…I’d have dark days too. Hope they are over quick! Trying to be cheery, but not doing a good job. Just get better soon!
It’s a beauty! Round breads make me happy :)
Looks like a very beautiful and delicious bread!
The bread is beautiful. I think we might live pretty close to each other so if you need someone to walk your dog or bring you baked goods (or a sourdough starter) let me know! I would offer to do your laundry or clean your house, but I am not sure we are there yet. ;)
The bread looks delightful! I’ve been wanting to check out the Bread Baker’s Apprentice book, too. By the way, I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! http://thisbountifulbackyard.com/2012/04/25/versatile-blogger-award/
Hey, I didn’t know you were doing the BBA Challenge…yay! The boule looks great with the little snips; shaping is always a struggle for me. Hope you’re back on your feet again soon!
This bread looks marvellous. Wishing you a sppedy recovery!
No fun to be laid up. This bread, however, is fun! Didn’t it have the most amazing flavor? Loved this one…your photos are beautiful!