Blood & Burns!

After weeks of worrying about loosing bloods, I've lost a lot more today as clumsy me cut off the top of my left fore finger whilst preparing a breakfast fresh fruit salad!!!
How clutesy can you be & no alcohol was involved @ that time of the day either!
It's like the last straw in a series of health misadventures/misfortunes that's befallen me lately.
Back to Casualty I went, as could not stem the bleeding - the red stuff was every where.
Hours & three stitches later I'm home again & in no mood to photo this latest scar.
It's now added to healing finger burns, due to a near blackout when cooking supper & to steady myself putting my left hand down on a hot plate .
This year is not going well!

POSTSCRIPT - 3 March @ 7:30am
Thanks for all your concern & well wishes - they are much appreciated.
Overnight had regretted posting the above, done in a fit of self pity & buoyed by early afternoon wine, and had intended to delete it this morning, but after reading all my Comments, I've just edited/tidied it up.
My finger throbs & feels mighty sore but it'll heal & join my other scars on my left hand, thankfully I am right handed!

Wordless Wednesday - The Truth Hurts!

"Throw moderation to the winds, & the greatest pleasures bring the greatest pains."!

Democritus - Ancient Greek philosopher
[460 BC - 370 BC]

As I suspected, suddenly taking my love of walking to a more serious level has caused my acute discomfort & lameness.
My doctor this morning confirmed, that I have Tendonitis @ the point where the Achilles tendon attaches to my heel bone, and the inflammation has spread hence the pain & swelling.
Apparently, it frequently affects the middle aged who dramatically change or increase their exercise regime as, as we age our tendons, become less flexible, more rigid, & more susceptible to injury, so I've done it to myself as moderation is not a word in my vocabulary.
The Doc's recommendation frozen Pea ice packs, rest & anti-inflamitory drugs!
Have to see her again on Thursday.

Camera Critters Sunday - The Goose-Step!

Goosey Goosey Gander stepped out to see me off, as I passed by his resting place on the banks of the Isis earlier this week...Camera Critters host is Misty Dawn, the blog HERE

I've always thought the military march, the Goose-Step looked funny, but I'd be happy to be able to do it @ the moment as I've gone a tad lame this last day or two!

After a Summer of inactivity [no swimming or putting in my normal daily miles of walking, not just a stroll to town] due to depression & drinking too much, I've piled the weight on; so this month, I took myself in hand and decided to try & walk off some of my porky pounds.

I've been out every day, doing between 5 or 6 of brisk walking.

And, I've obviously over done it as I'm now in discomfort & limping badly!

The sides of my left heel are hot, swollen & very tender, and putting my foot flat to the floor & stretching my calf muscle is painful.

I suspect a visit to the doctors is called for.

Sky Watch Friday - Apologies to my Limeys +++!

I omitted this image of Spring LIME Lawns & Blue Skies from yesterday's post.
Maybe, it was fortuitous.
I hadn't actually thought Sky Watch re it!!!
But, now, I can post it re both, as a Peace 0ffering!!!

I, APOLOGISE here, to all this weeks True Colours Thursday participants for not visiting them.
Each week, I do, sincerely try as meme host, to see what everyone has come up with.
It's always an entertaining & enjoyable experience, as the variety of content never fails to amaze/surprise me.
But, this time, good intentions fail me, as I feel continuously tired.
My Sunday fall has had that repercussion.
And, my latest news have downed me further.
So, PLEASE forgive my neglect.

I hesitate to share!
But, as an explanation...
This afternoon, I did visit my doctor.
No, not to actually, report my recent accident & subsequent supsected concussion.
It was to hear results to tests, taken the previous week; the appointment being postponed from yesterday, as the Easter Holiday had delayed things.

My Bloods, as usual for me, showed my White Cell count is abnormally low.

It is every time - so, nothing new to worry about.

Other more important tests were inclusive & have to be re-done.

But, once Dr Lean caught sight of me, she took a different tack.

A severe telling off ensured.

She told me to, to report to Casualty asap - even wrote for me a letter to take.
And, advised me not to air travel.
This creates a new personal crisis/ dilemma .
I really want to SCREAM out loud!
No, no, no never!
You see, I have another 'Adventure' lined up.
All my life, has been 'Feast or Famine / All or Nothing'.
Last year, Little Buddy, almost disappeared off my radar, due to his retirement.
This year, I have a second chance to meet him within two months!
Am, I going to give up an opportunity like this???
I think NOT!
The plan - I fly to Canada this Sunday, and we do a 10 day road trip to Vancouver together & back.
Have personally, done the drive over the Rockies & across BC before - not once, but on several vacations.
But, they were in the 1980/90's & never with LB.
Frown / Scold me, may be - what ever!!!
I'm NOT letting this one off chance pass me by.
I think living is for the living.
And, I, live when I am with him.
Soooooooooooooo, fly I will, no matter what!

Am Still Here!

To everyone, who left me caring concerned comments, about my latest, of seemingly long line of personal mishaps/health issues reported - Many, Many Thanks.
They were appreciated.
In truth, I did think twice yesterday, about posting about the accident, as do not seek sympathy.
But, I know, the likes of BJ, do worry if I don't blog, on a daily basis without just reason.

As Little Buddy, jokingly said last night, to make light, hopefully, of his own concern, upon learning of my head long crash & I suspect, several hours of concussion - I never need to worry about any Illness getting me, accident prone me will see my-self off first.
It's probably a very profound truism!
Especially, as despite all the good & sound advise, gratefully received, I've of course NOT been to see my Doctor.
Or, visited my local hospital's Accident & Emergency/Casualty/Emergency Room, whatever you want to call it.
Well, it is, now well over 60 hours since the incident!
So, the fatalist in me, tends to think, if I was to have any severe side effects, they would have showed up by now.
Hence, the Grim Reaper hasn't got me this time.
Shocking, as it may sound, I would rather die young.
Err, well, youngish, as am no Spring Chicken now.
But, the total isolation of Old Age does scare me more than death.

Moving quickly on.
Yesterday evening, Pussycat Paul called in on me to retrieve his garden strimmer borrowed by me last Autumn & not returned.
Opps, bad neighbour me!
He had a FIT @ my changed appearance, since Easter Sunday lunchtime.
And, poor Little Miss Sunshine who accompanied, was pretty upset by my new ghoulish look.
Infact, she went home crying to Mummy!
Always knew I was not child friendly.
PP, bless him, is checking in on me again tonight.
We can go for weeks without any contact, despite living only two doors away from each other.
However, I know I can always call on him & ask for help.
Well, as a lawyer he is executor to my Will!

Today, the left hand side of my skull & temporal lobe is still tender & swollen to the touch.
My eye-socket & lid are very puffy, have a huge water bag/sack under my eye & all are a fine shade of reddish purple.
Otherwise, am doing okay - dizzy spells have gone, just a bit/very tired.
But, managed to venture out earlier, to the Corner Store for milk & bread .
I did mind, wear dark glasses, as didn't want to scare the Locals & set the pups barking!
Yes, I do @ mo, I look that awful.

A Tale of Mis-Adventure - Again!

No Memes posts today, as am a little, NO, big time Black & Blue!

Talk about being accident prone!!!
I may need my own carerer soooooooooooooooner, than later.
This, Sunday evening I had another domestic mishap.
It wasn't WINE related - I, slipped, on my kitchen floor, due to a tomato slice, lost whilst making late supper sandwich!
How innocent, silly is that???
Hit my head big time - must have been out for a couple of dark hours @ least.
Came to, dizzy, looking @ my solid concrete lino-ed floor!
At the time, just wondered - "What I was doing sleeping there!!! "
And, took myself off to bed.
During the night, due to a painful cauliflower, feeling left ear & sore head - events slowly returned to me.
The evidence, awaited me to on getting up & returning to the scene of the crime.
One squiggy tomato slice splattered & my skid marks!
Yesterday, despite a HUGE blue/purple/red veined bruise on my temple lob, I did not feel too bad.
Amazingly, no, serious headache, just a sore skull/tender face.
And, surprisingly no other bruises.
Or, thankfully, broken bones for a supposedly brittle boned soul.
But, I do realise it might have been lots worse.
I could have easily, cracked my skull on the concrete & bleed to death.
Sounds over dramatic, but it is truthful!!!
As it was - all I did, was miss two phonecalls from Little Buddy!
However, 24 hours plus on, the real swelling has come out!!!
This morning, I couldn't open my left eye - it was BIG & BLACK!
LOL - look as if I've done ten rounds with boxer Mike Tyson in his heyday!!!
Am, now it's going a deep black reddish PURPLE & have 50/50 vision.
And, for my next TRICK, I plan...

Saturday Photo Hunters - Stripes!

Till I saw host tnchicks prompt for this week, I'd completely forgotten my deckchair with its scarlet stripes...

Hopefully it won't be long before it's again gracing my patio.

Basking in the sunshine is a favourite pastime.

So, roll on Summer!

Postscript...

I did manage to see my doctor yesterday.

My Blood Pressure is up, a first; and she wants bloods & other things asap.

But, as I'm feeling more human this morning, I am heading off for cuddles from my 'niece' Molly & 'nephew' Taffy.

And, to participate in a WELTAF Welsh Terrier walk on Sunday.

Sky Watch Friday - Scarlet Dawn!

Aileni's fearsome sunrise posted for yesterdays True Colours, reminded I'd not shared this one of my own, taken recently from my bedroom window...

"Clouds come floating into my life,

No longer to carry rain or usher storm,

But to add colour to my sunrise & sunset skies."

Rabindranath Tagore - Bengali poet, writer

[1861 - 1941]

Now, I was supposed to be heading down to WelshAire Country today for a long weekend, but having again been laid low with yet another powerful headache & feeling of dizziness, it's to the doctors for me instead.

No Spring in my Step!

The last few days have seen me, feeling seriously out of sorts.
Nothing new, but more depressed & distressed than usual.
Sorry - folks!
So, have made even fewer blog visits & even less comments than norm!
I have continued to blog- as it's a release!
I should go, to see my Doctor?
YES, but for what....
Am soooooooooooooo tired of their diagnosis, medications, treatments/trials - as, have made me feel worse/more out of control, sadier, less healthier and more brain dead.
So, please bare with me again!
And, postscript...
Suddenly, my potenial condition is BIG news!
Everywhere, some-one is coming out with a story.
I, for one don't enjoy the publicity.
Enjoy, while you have control!
I plan too.
And, if drinking wine makes my dementia, worse, so be it.
I have no reason, not to enjoy!
Memories are vague, Heart palpations serious; Life desires few.

A 'Heart' from Eduardo!

When I wrote earlier today about Miss Peach's Purrday, I ended my post with the comment that blogging is like a paperchain, ever growing with links of friendship.

I think it's VERY true.

But, I won't take the credit for this analogy, as it was my UK friend Dina who originally used it, when we were Instant Messaging each other via AOL.

Through blogging, my list of friends keeps increasing; most maybe 'virtual' contacts but I feel the genuine caring warmth of many.

My oldest blog friends have shared my highs - Yes, I do have them - and my many lows.

And, few have done this, more than BJ & H.

But, one fairly new friend, gave me 'leaky eyes' this morning.

Yes, I blubbed over my laptop keys, not for the first time, I'll add.

Thank heavens, it seems rust proof!

Anyway, the reason was Snuggle Puggle Eduardo...

He & his lovely Mommy who has her own health issues - wrote about me on their Fantastic Friday post this week.

Reading of my accident prone nature, latest mishap & getting lots of briuses - all of which are now coming out & turning a nice shade of purple - they wanted make me something to help me & them!

The result - first this...

Then, an even cleverer image with Snuggle Puggle paws...

My THANKS go to you both.

For others, who have wondered how I am fairing..

I'm doing fine - okay.

Being right handed is a huge help & after smashing my left wrist; a sprain is easy-peasy to d/w.

My knee is a still huge & STIFF due to the swelling - we hobble well - won't be taking up kick boxing or the like!

And, my black eyes is becoming increasingly purple.

Am, soooo glad theres no one's around to photo all this!

Discomfort is eased by forbidden Red Wine - please, don't tell & Pain Killers!

As Snowball, my Birthday 'Twinny' said - best to get these mis-adventures over before the Chinese New Year!

I think I agree.

Falls Run in the Family!

Firstly, I want to say a heartfelt THANK -YOU, to all who left me kind caring comments re my latest mishap!
Yes, I'm a clumsy, accident prone klutz - that's me, have been since birth.
I sometimes marvel with my appalling sense of balance, how I ever learnt to walk!!!
My sense of falling head over heals is now so great, my biggest dread is braking an ankle or leg, because wonder if I would I ever get my back on my feet!!!
LOL!
But, as friend Dragonstar commented, maybe my 'firework' drugs for Osteoporosis did help me this fall.
For those who wonder, @ my odd description of my meds; they contain Strontium, which is naturally found in Celestite - I have a piece in my crystal collection...But, it is also present in radio-active fall out & used in pyrotechnics and in the production of flares - produces the red colouration in both, hence my name for the drugs I take!

Now, anyone who has followed /read my blogs for any length of time knows I lack family.
The only remaining bit I have is in Prairieland, Canada.
We seem to share the same accident prone genes - all on my Fathers side, I'll add!
My older cousin, Lucy-Lu, now 91 has fallen & tripped her way through life.
We have joked, she had her nose in the air too much to look where she was going, but fall she has frequently with a variety of breaks!
As I've already said I've been clumsy & top heavy from birth too!
Due to early mis-adventurous climbing, fell out often from my cot & pushchair!
Then, the school playgrounds hard tarmac & I became all too frequently acquainted as I fell with alarming regularity on my head & knees!
Teenage years saw more disasters, re me trying to ride a bike, roller & ice skate - all painful bruising failures with cracked bones & sprains.
My saga of minor & not so accidents has continued on to this day.
But, my other Prairieland Cousin, Headmistress, who is my generation has fared much worse recently.
Several years back, she severely broke her ankle stepping over dogs, but was soon chasing after them again!
Then, eighteen months ago she broke her hip - it just snapped beneath her - no fall!
She doesn't have Osteoporosis unlike me, but Bone Cancer, considered to be in recession.
However, being as she calls herself, a "Tough Old Bird" she was back on her feet & touring the Hawaiian Islands with husband Sir & son Peterpan the following December.
But, fate dealt her another MEAN blow this year - sorry last year, when just before Christmas she broke her other hip!
Like last time - no fall, no slip, no trip, Headmistress's bones just snapped again.
Between the Holidays & her coming out of hospital, it was mooted that I should head out to the frozen wastes of Saskatchewan to act as companion, helper, house-keeper etc during her convalescence, but nothing was settled between us.
What a blessing now that no one invested in my Air Fare!
Sorry Cousin - I'm not the tough nurse you need...But, I'm confident that being your resilient self, you will beat this without my help.

Art work - a watercolour by Peg Lattinville 2003, .

Starting 2009 Well - NOT!

Where to begin here?
Yesterday, I had a letter in the mail - it arrived @ 2pm - whatever happened to post @ breakfast time, the old norm in the UK???
It had also, taken ten days to reach me & came from our wonderful NHS [National Health Service].
I was invited - now, @ one days notice - to go along for an assessment, that might lead me to taking part in a new radical drug trial!!!
This morning was bitter & icy, but I headed out - caught my two buses across town to the John Radcliffe Hospital.
Sat in line for two hours, to be rejected!!!
My Doctor hadn't sent in my full medical history - presume they hadn't the invite till yesterday like me, so no time!
But because I am Osteopathic & take what I call the 'fireworks' drugs, I'm not suitable for the trial.
And, am considered too young too!
So, headed off home, then OPPSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!
That's when I slipped on the Black Ice in the hospital car park.
Crash!
Thankfully, I was carry my wicker shopping basket - planned to buy groceries on way trhough town.
I hit the ground HARD.
My basket - thank heavens - broke my fall on my wrist.
I impacted on my left knee & head instead!
But, @ least I was in the right place - I was quickly scooped up & taken to Casualty [Accident & Emergency]
Several ex-rays & a ambulance taxi home later, I can now report - incredibly NO broken bones.
My left wrist is sprained & swollen nicely.
My knee cap misshapen from previous mis-adventures is HUGE, previous cracks show up on the ex-ray but TY nothing new.
And, my Black Eye - Jeannie, can we exchange profiles, is swelling & throbbing with vengeance.
Ice packs of frozen Peas are the order of the day, along with lots of Paracetamol.
It's only day seven in 2009.
I worry what comes next!
My Christmas Tree remains up!

Monochrome & Odd Shot Monday - Balancing Act!

The street artists are always out @ the weekends to entertain the shopppers in Dreamingspires.
This guy on a bleak day, balancing & fiddling for his funds outside the HSBC Bank struck me as rather ironic in these tough financial times...Aileni is the Monochrome Maniac's mentor, the dedicated site is HERE!
While Odd Shots home & host is Katney.

This morning, I particularly admire the skill of the above artist, as a strange side effect of the Flu and one, I've never experienced before, is that my own balance is severely impaired @ the moment.
It's as though I'm drunk - constantly, lighted headed & disorientated, my co-ordination is shot.
I couldn't walk in a straight line on a pavement to save my life, let alone balance on a rope.
It's a most peculiar feeling and yesterday & right now it's bad.
I need to go out for basics, but am so wobbly, I hesitate to do so.

The Flu Strikes!

Whilst @ the Christmas Market on Sunday, some kind individual had a frantic coughing, sneezing fit right next to me; I could feel the droplets fall on my face!
Yesterday, I began to feel increasingly unwell.
I couldn't complete my afternoon post, went to bed instead.
After an awful night burning up with fever, sneezing repeatedly & literally coughing till I gagged, I feel terrible this morning, have just got up to make a pot of tea!
My throat feels like sandpaper, my neck glands are so, so swollen I can't turn my head, which aches & aches & aches, along with the rest of my body.
And with a my nose running like a tap, my left sinus's throbbing & my temperature still way, way up, I'm crawling back to bed to weather out this virulent flu like virus.

ABC Wednesday posting is out of the question @ mo & just incase I'm not up to True Colours Thursday either, I'm asking my friend BJ here to host it for me!