Cherish is my favorite word, and I cherish the ability of turning the routine into a beautiful moment.
Nature creates in me, a spiritual and meditative time to bring peace, harmony and balance, into an otherwise ordinary day~
Mary Howell Cromer







Sunday, April 24, 2016

The Wonderful Bald Eaglets and More~



For those who have been friends and followed me for the past 4 years, I have had at times some things with my health that just did not ever make sense.  For three years I had these very strange events/episodes.  It was thought it could be my heart, but heart was good even after having had surgery to place a monitor in my chest wall and a year later having it removed with no further findings.  Then they thought it was the kind of seizures that happen without the visual tremors.  I was put on anti-seizure medication for right at a month, but no, following an EKG, not seizures.  A year ago this past November out of what seemed like no where, I had a pinched cervical nerve which still is at this time and those events/episodes stopped right then...weird yes!  
I had wanted to wait until this week ending, but nothing will be any different then as it is now, unless my biopsy results from 2 weeks ago are wrong!  I have digested the news as best that I can for now anyway. I am so thankful that I have a loving and supportive family and wonderful group of friends. I am thankful that I also have a strong faith and that I have once the initial tone has been set and I am hit hard with some tears and then a good blow of the nose...I always get a stuffy nose if I do carry on too long and feeling sorry for myself, well it never got me anywhere, so why go there. 
The Dermatologist called Thursday early evening and told me what I had not wanted to learn hear, the biopsy that was taken from the rash that was on the backs of my hands for the past 4 weeks is indeed a Systemic Lupus (unspecified at that time) skin rash. Friday I had extensive blood work done and other tests  done to determine if any other organs are involved, or this may be where it is.  Results will be in mid week.  This is a little scary for me, but that is because it is brand new and I am trying to get my head around it. If it is full blown Lupus, then I will not be able to tolerate steroids and so I will have to work with my special team of wonderful doctors to manage it.  Good thing going for me, I am way past the 6 decades mark and so this should prove to be a mild to moderate, rather than severe from what a few people have indicated, we just have to wait and see.  I am thankful it is not Cancer, and I know that the experts are constantly making new strides with these diseases. I will be optimistic, and I will be OK...I pray that and I claim that~

Remember to double click on the first image, to view a larger slideshow presentation after                                                                you have read the narratives~

I will be linking up with Judith for:

www.lavendercottagegardening.com

&

Stewart for:
   http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.com.au/





My garden art is placed~



Time with my granddaughter Maci last week, such joy~







Redbud and Bradford Pear trees blooming~


Great Blue Heron paid a visit on my little country lane~


My new Lenten Rose~

 Pileated Woodpecker~



Pink/red Dogwoods~


Male Bald Eagle soared right past me last week at the Bald Eagle nest site, on his way to hunt up a meal for his mate and two Eaglets~








Red-bellied Woodpecker~












The Cooper's Hawk hunts right along the pathways of where the Red-Shouldered Hawks have their nest~




Redbud trees~


The Red-Shouldered Hawks are still on the transformer and every day adding twigs to help make it safer~








The drive from home to the big city and back, took me past fields of Mustard Grass this past week~







Along these roads, often times wildlife are accidentally killed and the Turkey Vultures arrive to clean it all up~



Cave Hill Cemetery, a peaceful place, with botanical gardens and tons of wildlife...a visit made last week~


17 comments:

  1. It's such a hard thing, Mary, to get a diagnosis that we aren't expecting. I know that you will handle this and with the help of your doctor you will come through it. Medicine makes advances daily - we used to say that every year things get better, but it is now every day.
    Great photos, as always. I am, as ever, impressed with your patience!

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  2. Dearest Mary. I'm sure your strong spirit and faith will see you through whatever is to be.

    Thank you for sharing your wonderful images and collages.

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  3. Dear Mary, our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery! Apparently you have a fine staff of doctors who are sorting through all of this.
    I am always amazed at the beauty of all your photos_ stunning, all! We sent our blessings.

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  4. Sending prayers and love.

    And of course, I loved your shots.

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  5. Hello, Mary! I believe you are strong and can handle this illness. The medicine and doctors will be there for you too. I will keep you in my pryaers, sending HUGS. I enjoyed your gorgeous photos, the first scene is lovely, your granddaughter is beautiful. Awesome collection of birds. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week ahead!

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  6. Mary I'm sorry to hear your news. I know your strong faith and your family and friends are such a help at a time like this, and good doctors will help you find a treatment plan that will work for you. Your photos are especially vivid and gorgeous today. Spring looks beautiful with its array of colors. The mustard grass is amazing, looks like the rape fields in England.

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  7. I know it is a relief to learn that it is not cancer. Tough news, though. I pray that the lupus will be able to be well managed. You definitely get the purple ribbon for most outstanding mosaics. They're just stunning!

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  8. So sorry to hear you have continuing health wows Mary. But stay strong - you are truly blessed with your family, your beautiful Tingsgrove, your gardens, the gorgeous area where you live, your birds, and the love of your camera in your hands. Enjoy every special moment. Spring is coming to your world - what a truly beautiful time of year full of hope and sunshine. enjoy. x

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  9. Sending love, prayers and healing your way. It will be good to have your answers so that you know what you are dealing with and can better take care of yourself.
    In the meantime, keep celebrating life the way you do, with so many wonderful photos!

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  10. Wonderful shots, thank you. I wish all your health problems ease up. Rely on your good staff of doctors and try to keep a positive mind.

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  11. It sounds like after all this time, you may have some answers soon. I know it has been frustrating for you. Hopefully with a proper diagnosis, you'll be able to deal with it and do what you need to do. I'll keep you in my prayers. Take care of yourself. As always, I have enjoyed your photos. It's so neat to see the young ones in the Spring! Hugs, Diane

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  12. Amazing photos! I hope the colours of splendid shots give you strength for the future.

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  13. I hope you get a handle on the lupus soon -- at least you have a diagnosis. With our family and friends anyway, it has always seemed that not knowing is even harder. I hope your beautiful natural world brings joy and calmness as you deal with this new curve life has thrown you.

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  14. Amazing photos as always to share the beauty, love and joy around you....sending you healing prayers and Hugs!

    Donna@GardensEyeView
    and LivingFromHappiness

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  15. Great set of shots - if a place can help you heal, I am sure you are in the right place!

    Love that hair colour in the second set of pictures of Maci - keep an eye open for some similar ones from me.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  16. I don't know what to say, but you do sound positive and with a good medical team, you will do well. Love the photos of your granddaughter and the hens. She seems to be having a good time.

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  17. Hang in there. I always hate waiting for the results because our minds are very active. And if you are like me, I research online which I have been told NOT to do because I come up with lots of strange diagnosis:) Hopefully it's something that will result in you feeling better and it will get you back to "normal". For now, I am loving your nesting finds. Just let your mind wander while you are outdoors and absorb the now. I'm sending positive thoughts your way. The shots of the kiddo are precious:) Glad you are able to spend some quality time with her. Stay positive:)

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