Maybe two days, even. A recurring pain in my shoulder and arm was exacerbated due to, well, stubbornness: I was determined to make candy to give away for Christmas.
One batch of sea-salt caramels and one batch of Scotch brittle later and I am hurtin’ for certain. I underestimated the impact that constant stirring (followed by cutting, rolling and wrapping) would have on my already-sore body parts.
Thus for the next few days I might put up nothing but the weekly giveaway plus a multi-blogger promotion that’s to be announced Monday. It’s not because I don’t have anything to say, but rather that I’m concerned about these aches.
I’ve found some useful shoulder exercises on a university website and will take to heart the advice also found there: If the stretches plus ibuprofen plus ice don’t make a difference within two weeks, go see a doctor.
At least the candy turned out well. I also found that rolling the fresh caramels in finely chopped peanuts produces a treat that’s as tasty as a Squirrel Nut Zipper (the candy, not the band). Sea salt is classier but the peanut version remind me of my childhood. Thank goodness I’m giving most of this stuff away.
And yep, I really did have to make them this early: On Monday I leave for Phoenix, so I can spend the holiday with my daughter and son-in-law. It will be nice to see them. Also to see sidewalks.
Aaaah…. “Squirrel Nut Zippers”….many a tooth filing pulled out by these little gems. DW is an avid baker and has problems with her shoulders as well….”frozen shoulder” as I recall. Funny thing is she goes to the Doc … who shows her some …”exercises” which basically consisted of using a paint roller on a wall to help with stretching. At the time I was doing a lot painting on rentals…WITH a roller… and saw the “killing two birds with one stone” opportunity…. Unfortunately DW did not and declared the Doc…a “quak”.
MAN …frigid Alaska to “balmy” Phoenix ….that’s just crazy…and I’m sure the air fare was too…
I bought the ticket six or seven weeks ago and paid $600 — more than I wanted to pay, but about what I expected. It’s hard to find a cheap fare when you’re starting from the Last Frontier.
However, I really am looking forward to seeing those sidewalks. Hope to take two walks a day: one by myself and one with my daughter.
Rest up and feel better soon. Travel safely!
Enjoy your visit to Arizona and take care of yourself, Donna.
Hope you feel better Donna. I’m glad you were able to finish making the candy. Have a great trip!
I hurt my left arm bicep last year lifting a heavy box too quickly. I was very busy at the time with the move to our new home, so I put off seeing the doctor at that time. I researched the injury online and I believe it was a partial tear of the bicep muscle. Most people recommend letting it heal on it’s own, so I tried not to put too much stress on that arm for awhile. I don’t feel pain anymore now in that arm but I can tell that it’s weaker than my right arm. I think I will still see a physical therapist for strength conditioning exercises.
Funny you should mention that one of the candy’s reminded you of your childhood. I think a great deal of what we, as adults, do for Christmas is to stir pleasurable childhood memories.
Sorry you are hurting. Enjoy the vacation. AND, have a very Merry Christmas!