About Me

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Delta, British Columbia, Canada
I took very early retirement from teaching in '06 and did some traveling in Europe and the UK before settling down to do some private tutoring. As a voracious reader, I have many books waiting in line for me to read. Tell me I shouldn't read something, and I will. I'm a happy, optimistic person and I love to travel and through that believe that life can be a continuous learning experience. I'm looking forward to traveling more some day. I enjoy walking, cycling, water aerobics & and sports like tennis, volleyball, and fastpitch/baseball. I'm just getting into photography as a hobby and I'm enjoying learning all the bits and bobs of my digital camera. My family is everything to me and I'm delighted to be the mother of two girls and the Gramma of a boy and a girl. I may be a Gramma, but I'm at heart just a girl who wants to have fun.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

ABC Wednesday - Rash and Reflections

As some of my regular readers will remember, I've been ravaged since late summer with a rash that has rendered regions of my body unattractive. I won't repulse you with any photos of it but rather will simply tell the story.
The rash seemed random in that it started with large red areas under one arm, one inner knee, and one hip. It's red, round, and raised in some areas, but remarkably not itchy. I never felt run-down or rotten, health-wise, so didn't go to the doctor about it at first. But when smaller red spots started appearing and it began to spread around one side, I rallied myself and reached out to my doctor to reveal the repellent sight to him. I was relying on him to rectify the riddle of the rash. He was very receptive and his first attack to remedy my problem was to have me relinquish some meds I'd been taking for years. Didn't work. He next reasoned I should try a regimen of prednisone. You might recall my P is for Prednisone post. Well, the rash did begin to fade but never disappeared. As I have eased off on the dosage, it appears to be coming back a bit.
So today I saw my GP again and he has rewarded me with a name for this revolting rash. After ruling out various ailments, I'm relieved to say that it's a viral thing called Pityriasis Rosea, a common and non-contagious skin condition. Apparently, it usually affects adolescents and young adults and is extremely rare to affect anyone over the age of 60. Now aren't I the lucky one! It's also supposed to run its course in two to four weeks and it's usually completely gone in six to fourteen weeks. Occasionally, it can last for many many months. Again, aren't I the lucky random recipient!
So, the doctor's recommendation is to let it run its course and eventually, the redness will reduce and recede. I'm resigned now to wait for my body to right itself. I still have a rocky road ahead with my back surgery looming in January, but I just have to reconcile myself to remain patient over the next several months. The result, hopefully, will be a healthier and more robust body that will carry me through to a ripe old age. I'm going to be shopping for a new tennis racket next summer.

On now to something totally unrelated. I love photographs of reflections so will share with you a few of my favourite shots. Much better to leave off with beautiful images. Be sure to click on them to see them full size.
Top left is the Deas Slough last fall. The rest were taken within the last week. Top right is the Bathgate marina on the Sunshine Coast at the Skookumchuck Narrows.
Bottom left is also at Bathgate marina and bottom right is Canoe Pass, a float home area on the south arm of the Fraser River just outside my village of Ladner.



























28 comments:

Flea said...

I don't think the bovines have ever been to Canada. Their itinerary is full through most of winter, but they might be interested in stopping by. If you'd like.

Jo said...

Leslie, those are four of the most beautiful photographs you have ever taken! Especially the one at the bottom. Omigosh!

You need to have them properly matted, framed and displayed.

Goodness!

photowannabe said...

Reflections are prettier than rashes I would say.
So happy you have finally gotten an answer to your malady. Hang in there.

Jane Hards Photography said...

Well I'm glad you finally nailed that rash down. A for the images, you know I haker for a reflection and these are sensational.

naturglede/Randi Lind said...

I am so happy that you found out about the rush. It will take its time, but you are ok! Wish you the beste, and hope you can swing your tennisracket in the next summer. Have a nice day!

Rosie said...

I bet you'll be glad when you can stop taking the P...it used to make me feel very angry when I took it, but everyone has different side effects!

Rune Eide said...

The Reflections were very nice - I hope they also Reflect on Recuperation of the Rash!

Miss_Yves said...

Lots of "r"!Good RecoveR!
I love all your photos of reflections !

Liz Hinds said...

We saw float homes in Victoria. Are they commonplace in Canada?

Hope it doesn't take too long for your rash to recede!

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

Oh no Leslie, thats all you need!!!

Lovely photos..reflections of life!

meggie said...

Your reflections are just beautiful!
I am so glad your red patches are not as itchy as my patches were!

Keep on keeping on. hugsxx

Gemma Wiseman said...

Your photos represent such beautiful reflections! really magical!

Hope you recover soon from the rash revolution!

Brian said...

Just stunning reflections great photos.

Thanks for coments on my R blog = Red and Restful Sunsets

Brian

Raquel Sabino Pereira said...

Hello, Leslie!!!
Loved your choice and tour post!!!!

Anonymous said...

There you are, you see - you are not just young at heart... :)

antigoni said...

Excellent post and photos.

mannanan said...

Great reflection photos, I especially like the last one of the waterside houses. Hope the rash clears soon....

Neva said...

Leslie, you are quite the writer! I loved your description of your revolting rash! Hope it goes away soon! and I love the reflection photos! nicely done.

Bear Naked said...

Those REFLECTION photos are WONDERFUL.
You are a very good photographer Leslie.

Bear((( )))

Ellee Seymour said...

Sorry to hear about your rash Leslie. I love the photos, they are so lovely. I posted a couple of mine yesterday and today.

Gordon said...

I hope your rash recovery is sooner rather than later. Your reflection shots are great.

Mickle in NZ said...

Thank you for the wonderful photos. You live in a beautiful part of our world.

ayamlin said...

Hello Leslie!
Oh, you live in Canada!
I really love Canada.
I've been to Canada many times.
I wanted to go to Whisler on December. but I can't take a week off.....
I wish it didn't take time to go to Canada!
By the way your pictures are really beautiful!
I wanna go see the scenery!

CherryPie said...

You are in the wars a bit, hope it sorts itself out soon :-)

Those photos are fantastic!

kml said...

Love to first reflection photo!

Keep up your positive attitude with your rash - hope it fades quickly!

Carver said...

These are wonderful reflection shots Leslie. I'm sorry you are dealing with a rash. I hope it gets better soon.

Claudia said...

Leslie,
Wonderful reflection shots. I couldn't get organized this week. Too bad about your rash, I feel for you as I have Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris,
luckily right now I'm in remission.

Annie said...

Love those photos, Leslie! Sorry to hear about the rash.

Annie