(Word to the wise: when you are digging in the garden and the shovel isn’t going into the earth, jumping on the shovel can be a bad idea, especially when the shovel hits the rock that is in the way. Recent experience shows that your back bears the brunt of the recoil.)

After nearly two weeks of acute lower back pain, I’m finally on the mend. I was terribly uncomfortable for days and days. It hurt to sit, it hurt to sleep. It didn’t hurt as much to stand. It didn’t hurt to walk the dog. At work, my friend Eric rigged a set of boxes to prop up my monitor and keyboard so I could work standing up. That setup definitely helped get me through the days.

Since Friday, I’ve been relatively pain-free and almost back to normal. I’m not sure what the turning point was, but I’m happy to have passed it.

We had GREAT weather this weekend, perfect for gardening. However, I resisted the urge to dig or weed in order to rest my healing back a little longer. I did not resist the urge to buy plants, though. I have some new geraniums waiting to be potted, a huge hanging fuschia plant, another fuschia waiting to be repotted, and some small shrubs (‘Ivory Jade’ euonymous and boxwood) to replace the inkberries under the magnolia tree out front. Now I just have to remember to keep everything watered until I can dig some holes.

We had a fun-filled weekend overall. This weekend, Lexington had Open Studios where many local artists showed their work. We visited my friends Cassandra (photography) and Joyce (prints) to see their work and saw others as well. It also was the library book sale, always a highlight for me, especially the $5 bag sale on the last day. I always find some treasures that I didn’t know I couldn’t live without. We met friends for dinner on Saturday and shared a birthday celebration with John, Laury, and Isabel tonight.

This morning, I read this timely blog by one of my favorite cookbook authors Dorie Greenspan. It was about spending the morning shopping, for food and other things, only to arrive home and not have anything to eat for lunch. From a can of salmon and other pantry/refrigerator ingredients, she created a lovely lunch. I found myself in the same situation today. Dorie’s post inspired me to open a can of salmon and do the same. Mine ended up like a sort of salmon guacamole. It was quite tasty.

Salmon Guacamole
Serves 2

1 can (6 oz) salmon, drained (I used Wild Alaska salmon)
1 handful (about 6-8) grape tomatoes, quartered
2 scallions, sliced
1 handful cilantro leaves, chopped (about 2 Tbsp)
1 avocado, diced
1 Tbsp lime juice
Salt & pepper to taste
Sliced Challah

In a medium bowl, mix together all the ingredients, except the bread, with a fork until combined well.

Serve open-faced on slices of challah.