It was nearly 2 am. The bedside lamp bathed the room in an orangey hue. I watched as she rubbed the moisturiser onto the dry peeling skin on my legs. I have little sensation there. Everytime she applied the moisturiser, there was a faint tingling and I knew some parts of my leg no longer looked dry and chapped, the peeling bits masked by the thick cream temporarily.

When she had finished with both legs, she came close and rested her head on my shoulder. The moisturiser’s sweet fragrance wafted in the air, intermingling with the odour of the cold from the air conditioner.

In that affectionate instance, I asked her, “How long have we been together?”

She started counting, “1998… 99… Six years.”

There was a moment of silence.

“Why do you ask?” She turned her head, gazed into my eyes and then snuggled closer.

We both knew the answer. That was something that we do occasionally to reassure ourselves that this is all for real. I smiled at her and looked into the distance lazily again, counting my blessings and all the love that she had showered on me.

It is difficult to keep to a regimented diet when there is so much good food out there. Nevertheless, I have faithfully kept to the prescribed dos and don’ts in order to maintain my deteriorating kidneys’ health. Tasteless foods have never tasted better. Meats have never been so appreciated.

Today I got to eat a dish that I have been craving for. It is one that I should eat very little of because of the coconut milk and dried prawns. I had to forgo some of the ingredients to suit my needs. It tasted quite as nice. Its spiciness was just right and the lack of saltiness did not affect the flavour much.

Daun Ubi Masak Lemak (Sweet Potato Leaves in Coconut Milk) is one of my Peranakan favourites. Sweet potato leaves and sweet potatoes are simmered in a potage of chilli paste and coconut milk. The potato leaves can be substituted with spinach and it will taste just as delicious. It is easy to prepare and cook.

This by itself can make a one dish one rice meal which was what Wuan and I had for lunch. We did not cook anything else. Wuan has been here since Wednesday and will be going back tomorrow. After this, it is back to days and days of insipid food again.

Daun Ubi Masak Lemak

Ingredients:
500g young sweet potato leaves
6 medium sized sweet potatoes, cubed

milk from 1 coconut

Heat oil. Fry paste until fragrant. Add water and chicken stock granules. Add sweet potatoes. Let simmer until potatoes are soft. Add coconut milk and bring to boil. Add potato leaves and cook for another 5 minutes. Serve with rice.

At the One-Utama Bloggers Meet, 1203, January 16, 2005. This entry is posted simultaneously with Marita Paige’s entry on the same topic.

That is me taking a photo of Marita taking

a photo of me taking a photo of her.

That is Marita taking a photo of me taking

a photo of her taking a photo of me.

The following are photos of andrographis paniculata that are flourishing in Wuan’s garden. Among others it is also known as King of Bitters, hempedu bumi in Malay and chuan xin lian in Mandarin. This plant can be found in India and east Asia. It is used extensively in those regions for the treatment of ailments such as fever, hypertension, diabetes and skin problems. All photos taken by Wuan.

Andrographis paniculata.

Close up shot.

Flower and seed.

Pets are more than mere companions. Over the years, Mum had kept dogs and cats. They were great teachers especially on instinctive survival at its most basic. They never ever whimpered or howled incessantly when ill. They would seek out their favourite spots and recuperate quietly there.

They seldom needed to see the veterinarian. One that did died. She was hale and hearty when we sent her in to have her ingrown nail problem treated. The vet gave her an injection and she went to dog heaven afterwards. He gave some lame excuses about her having a weak heart and all. Truthfully, it was more like she died of an allergic reaction to the antibiotics.

Pets are great teachers because they still listen to their own bodies. By observing them, I learnt a lot. Their domestication had not taken away those primal natures that are essential to their continued existence. They eat when hungry, sleep when tired and do everything else in between. I thought how wonderful it would be if I could listen to my own body just like them.

Emulate them I did the past week. I have been seeking my favourite spot to recuperate – my bed. I have been taking long naps in the afternoon. Those extended siestas were refreshing. I woke up with a slightly less dull mind and more vigour to carry me through to dinner for my next energy boost. The only drawback is that I have very little time for anything else.

In time, I hope my body will adapt better to Detrusitol and the diet. The side effects have become less apparent. I am slowly getting used to taking less meat and more meals. I am performing my intermittent catheterisation diligently and according to schedule. I have done my part. That is all I can do. The rest, I leave to God’s Providence.