I mentioned pain yesterday. One of the manifestations of the crud I picked up, has been an ear infection. It has been pretty uncomfortable for days, but, last night, I couldn’t stand it anymore. By the time I was home from supper and trying to settle down for the night, the discomfort had grown extremely distracting. Furthermore, my other ear was feeling “muffled” and my throat was getting tight and uncomfortable.
So, I finally texted to an MD in town who, having read of my plight, had reached out to me. Bless this fellow, he went out in the middle of the night and came to where I am staying. He did an exam of the ear(s) and throat and prescribed some things to deal with the problem and to relieve the symptoms. This was a real work of corporal mercy. I was becoming alarmed because I have an international flight coming up. The prospect of flying with ear problems was not attractive and, frankly, it hurt like hell.
So, after first round of new meds and a halfway decent night’s sleep, I am feeling much better. I need to improve throughout the day, so I would appreciate your prayers. And add an Ave for the sawbones who came to see me at zero dark.
That said… today might be busy. I am determined to see the Moroni exhibit I missed yesterday. Tonight there is a Mass at Brompton Oratory in thanksgiving for the canonization of an Oratorian, St. Joseph Vaz. Then we must hie ourselves to the National Gallery for the Rembrandt exhibit.
Meanwhile… a view of the National Gallery after a rain shower.
Some commentary.
Speaking of “smokiest”, yesterday I dashed to Waterloo Station to meet a clerical friend who was passing through London from the North to the South. We wound up a pub that had a coal fire… a particular smell! You don’t find too many coal fires around now.
And would that my scones turned out this light. I am a hopeless baker.
UPDATE
Today I made my way to the Royal Academy for the Moroni exhibit. I was glad I did. It was exquisite.
Alas I could not take photos inside.
Lunch with friends included oysters!
In the evening off to Brompton Oratory for a Mass in honor of the canonization of St. Joseph Vax, an Oratorian. Action shot.
Action shot, after Mass… Te Deum and veneration of the relic of the new saint.
Action shot.
A friend who was there sent this.
A marvelous church.
Then, we dashed to the National Gallery for our appointment to see the Rembrandt exhibit, which is about to end. My appreciation of the artist grew after this. Again, I could not take photos, but I took copious notes in the notebooks you readers send me from my wish list. I take lots of notes in museums.
Tonight, after the exhibit… therefore late… Welsh Rarebit. Simple and good.
I am ready to hit the hay, and my ear is still bothering me… but it is better. Time for antibios and drops.
I ask that you might stop and stay a prayer for God to heal my ear and take away this infection.
Finally…
You were very close to Masters, in Waterloo Road, said to be one of the best fish and chip eateries and favoured by cabbies. Just the thing to help you get over your infection! Prayers it clears up soon.
Father, if your scones do not end well, simply call them English muffins.
Love the Brompton Oratory (the ‘High’ Mass in the OF is not to be missed…those priests know how to read Mass in both forms), and the Science Museum is not to be missed (IIRC, right near the Victoria and Albert).
Along Knightsbridge, on some of the side streets, are some interesting ‘local’ pub haunts (off the beaten track) that the desk clerk at the hotel I stay at keeps recommending.
Prayers that your current bug beats a hasty retreat.
1 pound 15 for a scone?
Father, the secret is the less you stir the better!
£1.15 for a scone is totally outrageous. Fr Z, you are only allowed to pay that much if you needed serious cheering up with the ear infection.
Hmm, atrocious price for a scone!
Recipe, works brilliantly every time (and the secret ingredient, which I only just decided to start using after 40 odd years of dense scones, is the buttermilk!)
8 oz self raising flour + 1 level tsp baking powder
1 to 2 oz butter
pinch of salt
1 to 2 level tbsps caster sugar
2 oz butter
1 beaten egg mixed with buttermilk – enough to make the dough wet but not too sticky.
I expect you know the method, if you’ve attempted them before, but keep hands and dough as cool as possible, and don’t roll out too thinly. Cook in a very hot oven 230 degrees C. about 8 – 10 mins.
Give it a try when you get home, and let us see a photo of the results!
A Mass was also offered this morning at Washington’s Oratory-in-Formation in honor of newest Oratorian saint Joseph Vaz. I offered up your intentions, Fr. Z., at the Memento, as well as in a decade of the Rosary before Mass. May you be restored fully and swiftly to full health of body and soul.
Father Z- 3 Aves for you and for your health, strength, and wellness. As a former aviator, I concur that is no fun at all to fly with sinusitis , a head cold, or an ear infection. Peace be with you.
Saying prayers for you, and and said Ave the doctor who came to your aid.
If you have any tine to spare you might enjoy the stunning exhibition of Victorian painting at the Leighton Gallery in Holland Park. The gallery itself is a stunning jewel.
So sorry to hear that your illness worsened into crud plus painful ear infection, Fr. Z. What a relief to have been seen by that kind doctor and treatment underway. I hope it clears up well before liftoff.
Dear Father Z,
It is a bad idea to fly with an ear infection. Just ask my son who blew his eardrum out doing same. Isn’t there a ship, Queen Elizabeth 2 or a cruise ship you can catch a lift on. I will pray that your ear will heal. Afrin nose spray may help on take off and landing. Hate to be a crepe hanger, but ears are very delicate. I spent many early am mornings in the emergency room with my first born and his ear infections.
I just read there is an opening for a new pastor at Christ the King, in Minneapolis as of July 1, 2015. Any chance?
God Bless you and safe trip.
Ear infections are so painful, no wonder babies scream with them. I so hope you are feeling better. Prayers going up for you and the good doctor.
I think Elizzabeth is onto something with the buttermilk. I used buttermilk last summer for biscuits for strawberry shortcake and they came out sweet, light, and absolutely perfect. I credit the buttermilk as well.
Get well Father Z!
I note that Francis waived a second miracle for the canonization of Saint Joseph Vaz. This is a problem to me, waiving the requirement of a second miracle, and has become a bit of a habit with Francis.
Anyway, Saint Joseph Vaz, please heal Father Z’s infection!!
And Father Z, start using Simply Saline when flying in those tiny tubes with their recirculated air. And get some herbal throat spray as well, and use at the first sign of distress.
Golly, what a magnificent Te Deum!
My old parish and I love it. So glad you were there. Sorry about the ear. It is hard to fly when ill and not have something happen to the ears. I love London and miss it so much. Am in Ireland for eight more days myself and the weather is very cold.
God bless your travels.
I used to want to go to Rome; however, the London Oratory would certainly more than make up for that. Saving money for the trip from Texas will definitely be something I must do.
At least the closest Oratorian parish is a two-hour, 130-mile drive for me.