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Friday, February 01, 2008

Catching Up...

A whole month into the year, and when I review progress I find I haven't done much towards my goals. The one thing I have done is to increase my level of exercise. I figure that if I manage one thing each month, I will get there in the end.

This weekend, anyway, may be different. I plan on tackling the first chapter of the family history, and I may even tackle a poem for readwritepoem, for the first time in a while. Mostly, I've been using the summer weekends for lawn mowing and gardening. This weekend that's off the agenda, because I made a visit to the doctor, and I have stitches in my back, so no heavy lifting or pushing for a couple of weeks.

I visited the doctor a week or so ago for some asthma medication, and she noticed a suspicious spot on my back which was why I went back to have it removed. When I was a child, it was quite normal to spend all summer on the beach, wih regular doses of sunburn. I recall peeling great strips of skin off with great glee! So I always figured this was going to come sooner or later, and it doesn't appear to be too serious - she thinks it may be a BCC (basal cell carcinoma) which is very slow-growing, but still not something you invite to stay for a long visit.

The trip for the asthma medication was overdue too, but the ongoing saga of the waterbed prompted me to visit - I'll save that one for another post.

In the meantime, here are some photos of the walking track I discovered while orienteering last week. We had another event this week, which was quite different - among flat suburbs with waterways and wetlands interspersed - lots of reeds, waterbirds etc. These Wednesday evening events are a series we have every summer around local streets and parks, and then for the rest of the year we mostly have Sunday events when we get out into the country more.

The track passes the bottom of a garden:



The view from the top:



I have a fascination with roots and rocks:

12 comments:

carmilevy said...

Hi Catherine. I dropped by on this pre-dawn winter's morning to say hi and let you know I'm praying for a happy outcome after your doc's visit. I, too, spent many a summer out in the sun (I was a lifeguard) and I vividly remember the peeling skin and all the joy that went along with it. I've already had the discussion with my doc, so she keeps an eye out for anything amiss at every checkup.

One thing a month: I like your thinking. That you're exercising more is a great accomplishment. And taking pictures as you go? Divine.

I'm looking forward to Michele's next directed visit. Or maybe I'll just drop in on my own!

Anonymous said...

here via michele!
My dad & I used to go golfing when I was young (like 20 years ago) now he had had countless "spots" removed. I hope your stiches heal up nicely so you can go out and do some gardening. But wear sunblock!

Pearl said...

Lovely pics of the walk. I remember peeling sheets of skin off too. Good that spots can be nipped off easily if need be.

Pat said...

We live and learn about sun and skin. My best wishes for a happy conclusion to it. The photographs are lovely and the flowers lift my spirits.
Hi from Michele!

Omykiss said...

hello ... i'm here from michele ... good to see you dealt with the back spot in time ... it's a great pity about the ozone hole that makes our new zealand sun so dangerous .....

aprilbapryll said...

What a beautiful walking area! I love roots as well, although my great affinity is actually for wet rocks. An odd affection, I know, but I love the look of the water running off of them ...

BTW, Michele sent me -- thanks!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely beautiful pictures Catherine. Thank you for sharing them.

Glad to hear you are getting some exercise. I certainly could stand to have more of that in my life!

Michelle sent me and I'm glad to have gotten an opportunity to spend some time at your pleasant blog.

Kay Cooke said...

Thank goodness for a vigilant doctor. Hope the rest of your summer is spent doing the tings you set your heart on. It's a little sad to think we are in the last month of summer already ...

Anonymous said...

lovely photies

mary

Stella Dean said...

Catherine, I love the photos! They're beautiful. PS - Michele sent me.

Anonymous said...

I've had similar sunburns. sounds like your doc has it under control.

Stunning photos. How nice to be out in vistas like these!

Anonymous said...

I have a tendency for sunburns. I have to be always prepared with sunscreens. Which is not practically feasible at times.

Michele sent me here this way for a morning visit.