Sunday Selections was originally brought to us by Kim, of Frogpondsrock, as an ongoing meme where participants could post previously unused photos languishing in their files.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.
Like River I usually run with a theme. At the moment, for something completely different, the skinny one has a health crisis. A new and different one as well as the existing one. He has 'fessed up to having a lump inside his jaw. A lump which is growing and changing texture. And which has been there for months.
We are having a scary, frustrating and expensive time trying to find out what it is. He has had two inconclusive scans. On Thursday he was to have a biopsy. When he got there they realised he has a beard (which they hadn't noticed while they were doing the scans). Apparently they cannot do a biopsy through it. So today he plans to shave as little of his beard as possible and the biopsy has been rescheduled for tomorrow. With another scan. Hiss and spit.
I am frazzled and frantic. So when this dawn materialised a couple of days ago I rushed outside (in bare feet and dressing gown) to do the mad woman with camera dance. Such a hopeful augury for the day. The serenity and the beauty eased my soul and made my heart sing.
The meme is now continued by River at Drifting through life. The rules are so simple as to be almost non-existent. Post some photos under the title Sunday Selections and link back to River.
Like River I usually run with a theme. At the moment, for something completely different, the skinny one has a health crisis. A new and different one as well as the existing one. He has 'fessed up to having a lump inside his jaw. A lump which is growing and changing texture. And which has been there for months.
We are having a scary, frustrating and expensive time trying to find out what it is. He has had two inconclusive scans. On Thursday he was to have a biopsy. When he got there they realised he has a beard (which they hadn't noticed while they were doing the scans). Apparently they cannot do a biopsy through it. So today he plans to shave as little of his beard as possible and the biopsy has been rescheduled for tomorrow. With another scan. Hiss and spit.
I am frazzled and frantic. So when this dawn materialised a couple of days ago I rushed outside (in bare feet and dressing gown) to do the mad woman with camera dance. Such a hopeful augury for the day. The serenity and the beauty eased my soul and made my heart sing.
The beard WILL Grow back. If he has to have surgery to remove it, he will have to shave the whole thing off anyway. I am sorry for the skinny one's misfortunes. I hope it stops soon! Now picturing you doing the camera dance in barefoot, that made me smile.
ReplyDeleteFurry Bottoms: I often do the mad woman with camera dance and, since the view is best there, my sunrise and sunset photos are usually taken from the middle of the road.
DeleteHis beard will regrow - but in over thirty five years I have only seen his chin once before - after another hospital misadventure.
Oh no, not more things to worry about.
ReplyDeleteAnd like Furry Bottoms (unfortunate name - sorry!) said, the beard will grow back.
I'm not picturing you doing the camera dance in barefoot, instead I am wondering when it will all end.
Take care x
Wendy: I would like it to end. I would really, really like it to end - but beauty helps.
DeleteFantastic, fabulous dawn you shared with me here. Another health crisis so soon after the last one? You cannot catch a break, and I understand why you are frazzled. Hopefully it will be nothing serious. I don't understand why they didn't just shave what they needed to shave and gone on with it. You have made me glad I don't have to deal with your doctors. Sending you both lots of positive vibes, that is all I can do. And tell you I care.
ReplyDeleteDJan: It would seem sensible to have just shaved him then and there. Which is probably why it didn't happen. They wouldn't have done it with his care though...
DeleteTruly beautiful and amazing. Let's hope it's a good omen.
ReplyDelete{hugs}
Karen: Thank you - I felt better for seeing it.
Deletethose clouds definitely look like they are drifting through air, I think there is a light behind the clouds ready to burst for you both, fingers' crossed.
ReplyDeleteLinda Starr: It was an incredible start to the day. Some hours after I got up - but the day definitely started then.
DeleteI think the next time you run barefooted outside, EC....it is to let out a few very loud, intense screams...leave the camera behind...and let it all out.
ReplyDeleteBoy, oh boy...what trials and tribulations you and the Skinny One are having to deal with...if it's not one thing, then it's the other. I know it sounds trite for me to say...but try, do try to stay strong....I reckon letting out a few screams...letting of some steam might just help. All the very best, my dear. Life can be such a bastard.
The best time to find some inner peace for yourself is at at day break, I think...that special moment when all is quiet and your soul and mind goes quiet with it.
Take good care...you're both in my thoughts.
Lee: Thank you. I think if I start to scream I will be unable to stop. You and rather a lot of other people) will hear me without the benefit of phone lines.
DeleteAnd yes, dawn is a very special - calming and healing time for me.
Definitely dramatic with the morning sun lighting up incoming clouds.
ReplyDeleteNever knew a beard could block a scan. Hiss and spit, indeed.
Susan Kane: The beard is blocking the biopsy rather than the scan. Hopefully this time round we will get some results. At the moment all they are agreeing on is that there IS a lump where it shouldn't be.
DeleteHI EG I am so sorry to hear the news about the Skinny one, what more could go wrong! I love the dark foliage against the sunrise. Very effective. I hope you have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteMargaret Adamson: It really was quite early - which is why the foliage is still dark. Incredible sky though.
DeleteOh, I am sorry for you, horrible. I love your dawn photos EC.
ReplyDeleteBob Bushell: Thank you - it is the uncertainty which is (most) doing my head in.
DeletePlease 'don't let your head in' EC.
DeleteBob Bushell: Thank you - I will try.
DeleteOh, I love the pink and blue combo in the pictures.
ReplyDeleteBut I am so sorry to hear of another crisis. Wish I could help shoulder it in some way. Please keep us informed as we keep you in our thoughts and prayers!
Bookie: Thank you. The warmth, the wonder, the education and the beauty I find in the blogosphere DOES help. A lot.
DeleteThe waiting for answers is cruel and worrying and hopefully you'll know very soon what the problem is and praying that treatment will be straightforward and not complicated. They say we are given only the load we can carry but gosh sometimes it gets jolly heavy as is the case with you and Skinny one at present EC.
ReplyDeleteI can only but imagine the calm this beautiful dawn brought to your soul. Dance away, mad woman or not.
xx
Rose ~ from Oz: At the moment no-one is even prepared to make a guess at what it might be. And my mind is taking me some dark places.
DeleteDawn is always special to me - but this one more so. And mad woman dances continue.
I'm with you, I get the dark places your mind can take you.
DeleteHang in there, walking beside you.
Rose ~ from Oz: The three am horrors are the worst - but the dawn always comes. Thank you.
DeleteI am so sorry to read about this latest health scare and I do hope it can be resolved quickly so that you can put the worry to rest. I am sending another hug, the process of taking photos is very soothing and your skies are gorgeous. Sending another big hug here, I shall be checking back to see how things go.
ReplyDeleteDeniseinVA: Thank you - it was a beautiful dawn. Today we have grey skies and some welcome rain. Perhaps not as photogenic - but still a delight.
DeleteI will be praying for you both but goodness, glad you saw that beautiful dawn, EC.
ReplyDeleteGillie: It was such a treat. When the glow came through the window it brightened my mood as much (if not more) as it did the sky.
DeleteA beautiful dawn.
ReplyDeleteMen!
My mother said, when we went through the rough patch with my other brother, "When is is all over we'll have our own nervous breakdowns!" Keep your eye on the prize.
Joanne Noragon: I have been thinking about that nervous breakdown for quite some time now.
DeleteA pity I can't come join you in a mad woman dance at dawn; is it okay if I send a hug in my stead? I'm sorry you and the Skinny One are having to deal with even more stupid medical stuff; and understand the dark paths the mind can take you down.
ReplyDeleteHold onto that dawn, Elephant's Child.
Jaquelineand...: Hugs gratefully received - as are other mad dancers. Thank you.
DeleteI was wondering just yesterday about the Skinny One's recovery from his surgery, so it is really coincidental that you post about his "lump" EC. I do hope the biopsy goes well. Lovely sunrises BTW.
ReplyDeleteCarol in Cairns: His other recovery is slow - but mostly moving in the right direction. This other treat is the spanner in the mix - and yes, it was a beautiful dawn.
DeleteDear Sue,
ReplyDeleteMay these frazzled, frantic times be changed to one of peace and contentment for you and your beloved.
The dawn captured in your photos. Symbolic of hopes and a dancing camera.
In peace and hope,
Gary
klahanie: Dear Gary, thank you for stopping in when you are having frazzled, frantic times of your own. The dawn is there for all of us.
DeleteGorgeous! I'd love to see the mad woman with camera dance someday. I wish I could help you unfrazzle. Hang in there. Hugs from me and large quantities of punch from Jezebel.
ReplyDeleteRiver Fairchild: I feel sure that Jezebel's punch would give a fluidity to the dance which it doesn't currently possess. Thank you - and her.
DeleteThey didn't *notice* his beard when they did the scan? ... That takes the cake.
ReplyDeleteHoping for a good result, when you finally get the biopsy results. Just keep swimming; just keep swimming ...
jenny_o: It seems not. Which blows me away. It isn't a subtle beard either. From his perspective it is (was) magnificent and from mine a bushy monstrosity.
DeletePaddling away here. And thank you.
Dear EC - all of the others have said it so well - we all feel for you and wish you every good thing to replace the current, ongoing barrage of nasty stuff.
ReplyDeleteA sunrise like this would at least help to banish the effects of the 3am dark paths.
(Next time you do a mad woman thing, can you put your camera on video and capture a dance-selfie?)
:)
Alexia: It is never ending (or so it seems) but there is always beauty around. For which I am thankful. So very thankful.
DeleteAnd no, no selfie of the mad woman thing. I like to capture beauty.
I am so sorry that you two have to go through even more!!! What did they think he did, grow that beard overnight?? Wishing you the best. I can just see you running out to the middle of the road! I would do a mad women dance also if I had sunrises like that!!
ReplyDeleteTeresa: If any of the neighbours were up at that time it would confirm my mad woman status - and I don't care.
DeleteI think it was slackness on the part of the pathology group. Apart from anything else if beards are a problem then they should ask whether they exist when the appointment is made.
Dearest EC, you know how I feel for you and your SP...
ReplyDeleteMy most heartfelt wishes to you both.
Here's hoping that your clouds have a silver lining, like your beautiful dawn painted ones.
Thinking of you.
Warmest hugs.
Vicki: Thank you so much. Your caring means a lot.
DeleteThose photos are a beautiful clear sky with a storm on the horizon.
ReplyDeleteMuch like your life right now.
How could they not notice the beard when they did the scans? Are they blind?
I hope this new problem is something that can be fixed quickly with no further trouble. Is SP eating better now?
River: I like your analogy - but at the moment the storm seems very close. The smaller portion is (mostly) eating better at the moment. Not necessarily healthily, but he is eating. Which is a start.
DeleteI am still amazed that his beard came as a shock to them. And, as I said in an earlier comment, if they cause problems then the receptionist should ask about beards before she books a biopsy in...
Beautiful - they calm me just looking at the photos. The sky itself in the quiet dawn must have been wonderful. Hang in there - hope all goes well and you both get some answers soon.
ReplyDeleteJackie K: Dawn is often a time of healing for me - calm, quiet beauty. With luck we will have some answers by the middle of the week.
DeleteI do hope that the bearded one's lump is benign. I guess he just "didn't want to worry you", the way men are about lumps and bumps on their bods. Beautiful sunrise. I can just see the neighbours twitching the net curtains at your camera dance.
ReplyDeletelynners: He is a firm believer in denial. Which (sometimes) works for him and is sometimes very dangerous. I hope the neighbours don't see my early dances. Probably (definitely) not a good sight to wake to.
DeleteYou are such a trouper, EC, but this is one more thing you and the SP don't need. Best wishes to you both for this next worrying time, and I can see there are lots of good vibes coming to you from all over. Fingers crossed, toes too! And what a beautiful sunrise...
ReplyDeleteCarol: Thank you - and it was a glorious start to the day.
DeleteBeautiful sky
ReplyDeleteAndrew Maclaren-Scott: Thank you.
DeleteMore problems...poor man....so many troubles. It's a wonder you haven't tried to return him and get your money back lol. Seriously, fingers crossed that this is nothing serious and can be looked after quickly.
ReplyDeleteDelores: I am pretty certain that his warranty has expired.
DeleteHe doesn't want the beard to go, huh? And don't you hate when things like that happen...they should have taken the beard into account already... but now you know and can get it done, & that's the most important thing. Hoping for a speedy and happy outcome for it too!
ReplyDeletemail4rosey: He really, really doesn't want the beard to go. And has trimmed the bare minimum. Which hopefully is enough.
DeleteAt least you covered up. Had I done the same I would have been arrested! :-) It's not only my feet that are bare in bed. But those clouds... they're worth the "mad woman" moment. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
A Cuban in London: Snap. I don't even wear Chanel No 5 to bed.
DeleteForgot to add also that I really do wish him well. It's a difficult moment. I sympathise with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from London.
A Cuban in London: Thank you. It is a new day, a new week and I am full of hope.
DeleteThat's a beauty of a sky - it can be hard to imagine that anything less than wonderful can be happening beneath a sky that magical, but of course we know better. (Pity that's not the rule, though!) Sorry you and the SP have yet another medical ordeal to go through, but like everyone else I hope it turns out to be something simple and easily treated. And I'm also concerned for the hospital staff and hope their vision returns soon, so that they may gaze upon a beard and see it!
ReplyDeleteLaloofah: Thank you. And regardless of what is happening under it, the sky is a joy. This was a private facility rather than a hospital. Sigh. Tarred with the same brush though.
DeleteSending you and him healthy healing thoughts x
ReplyDeletelibrarygirl: Thank you. I know you are not a stranger to medical misadventure and worry.
DeleteSpellbinding photographs. Hope the lump turns out to be nothing. Sounds like our medical professionals, failing to notice a beard! I mean, really.....
ReplyDeleteGrannie Annie: I have my fingers and toes crossed that the lump is nothing. Should know by Wednesday - or so. Thank you.
DeleteI love these beautiful sky photos. So amazing and breathtaking. I am curious why they couldn't have shaved his beard there, or allowed him to shave it there, so he wouldn't have had to reschedule? I sincerely hope the biopsy results show nothing to be worried about!
ReplyDeleteOptimistic Existentialist: Thank you. It would have been simpler for everyone if they could have raised the beard question when he made the appointment - or offered him shaving facilities. They didn't, and we will head off later today.
DeleteSue, I too am sending you vibes of comfort. How nerve-wracking! I just hope things settle wayyyy down soon. That you guys have long, lazy days of gardening, reading, and generally not worrying about *anything*. Hoping for excellent results. P.S. those photos are stunning, as per usual.
ReplyDeleteRaquel Somatra: I am (naturally) still snatching moments in the garden and with books. And with luck things will settle again soon.
DeleteDear, Sue--
ReplyDeletethinking about you in MN.
Sending love, hugs, cat purrs, & kisses. xx00 Meow.
My Inner Chick: Thank you. As always.
DeleteYou must have the patience of a saint. Sending you good thoughts!
ReplyDeleteRiot Kitty: There is nothing remotely saintlike about me. Grump is my first language - and patience a card game.
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear of this. May I ask if he smokes? My dad used to have a Warthin's tumor near is jaw (lower jaw) that was due to smoking. It was mainly harmless, but more about complications and growth. I pray that everything goes away ---- sending positive vibes your way. ((((hugs)))))
ReplyDeleteDeb: He did smoke, but hasn't for years. Thank you for the positive vibes and hugs. Both are welcome.
DeleteHospitals defur parts of people's bodies all the time. Why could they not have done the bit of shave? I hope this growth is not bad news. Maybe it will be something that can be taken care of quickly. I wish he had told you sooner! I will be hearing from a test soon and just know everything is okay. You have to go into the road for pictures? So funny.
ReplyDeletePractical Parsimony: This is a private diagnostic centre and I think they believe it to be 'beneath them'. We have no idea what this growth is - fingers crossed. I wish he had told me sooner too. Good luck with your test results.
DeleteI don't have to go into the road to take my sunrise and sunset photos - but the angle is better. So I do.
I said previously how saddened I was to hear of this latest problem. I was telling Phil about it and he questioned why the people who were going to do the biopsy couldn't have produced an electric razor and shaved off the part of the beard that needed to go. I'm wondering if all the medical type people in Canberra are dodos!!
ReplyDeleteThe biopsy is taking place today and hopefully you will know the answer very soon afterwards as you really can do without more delays.
Please pass on our good wishes to the SP and to you too dear friend.
The fairy floss clouds were delightful and I do hope you are careful of those bare feet when you are frolicking around in your PJs and gown.
Mimsie: He has (finally) had the biopsy. They say they will forward the results to his doctor in a 'few days'. Wednesday or Thursday I suppose. Sigh. I don't like wishing our life away - but it can't come soon enough.
DeleteI too think that they could either have shaved him - or told him when he made the appointment.
I am very glad that you liked my fairy floss sky - and thank you and Phil for your good wishes.
I hope its just a clogged up saliva duct/gland. He's really lucky to have you there, to insist he gets care to save his own skin. I swear sounds like he wouldn't if you were not there. Regardless, I feel for you and all the stress involved in taking care of him. I wonder how you have time to take care of you. I hope you do.
ReplyDeleteStrayer: I hope it is something minor too. Though if it is he will be unimpressed at me badgering him to get it seen to. I am at the back of the to-do list at the moment. But will get to the top again. Someday.
DeleteEC, I want you to know how much I love you, as a friend I've never met in person.
DeleteStrayer: Thank you so much. And snap.
DeleteI hope you have received positive good news from the scan results. I couldn't help but read your exchange above with Strayer, who I've not had the pleasure of meeting. But I want to echo his/her comments. I couldn't have said it better.
ReplyDeleteCarol Kilgore: Still waiting to here. Wednesday, perhaps Thursday. Strayer is inspirational. She faces physical, emotional, financial challenges and never gives in, and never gives up.
DeleteI forgot to say how much I love your dawn photos :)
ReplyDeleteCarol Kilgore: Wasn't it a stunner - just what I needed.
DeleteTsk I'm too slow here. Bollocks and more bollocks. Just what you didn't need, I hope it turns out to be a benign lump. I get why he didn't say, but would still be tempted to grind my teeth about not knowing sooner. The pictures, the dawn, at least the universe gave you something to raise your heart a little and for that I am pleased. A large hug *hugs X
ReplyDeleteAll Consuming: Naughty words if I knew any. Which I do. So I am turning the air blue rather than grinding my teeth. And am so over waiting.
DeleteHugs gratefully received - and returned.
Keep your heart singing, dear!
ReplyDeleteALOHA from Honolulu
ComfortSpiral
=^..^=
Cloudia: Singing still. Off key, and quietly, but singing still.
DeleteI do hope they find out what is wrong! This pink-clouded augury is fabulous!
ReplyDeleteladyfi: So do we. We are hoping to hear tomorrow - or more likely the next day.
DeleteLovely photos! Thanks so much for sharing. Hope all goes well with you.
ReplyDeleteKaren Lange: Welcome - and thank you.
DeleteAs always, you are in my prayers. Beautiful pictures. Sending you hope...
ReplyDeleteLetting the Words Escape: Thank you. Hope is always welcome - especially in the dark hours before dawn.
DeleteThe colors are spectacular.
ReplyDeleteTake good care, EC.
Rawknrobyn: Thank you. It was a stunning morning. The colours are much more muted today - but still have charm.
Deletelove and prayers and tenderness to you, dearheart, as you wade through the tangles of diagnosis and into some (big hope here) effective treatment
ReplyDeletethat comes with a tall side of peace and comfort. Cheering for you and grateful for the balmy sky that sings over you exactly where you find yourself,
Jennifer
Jennifer Richardson: Thank you. The balmy skies have been such a boon.
DeleteI am crossing my fingers like a madwoman for a good outcome.
ReplyDeleteGo look at the sky, it’ll help keep you grounded and maybe even calm.
Good luck.
Friko: I find serenity and healing in the sky and the garden. And rely on both. Frantic finger crossing here too though. Thank you.
DeleteMy thoughts and hopes are with you both, E-Child. And to still see the beauty in the sky.... you're an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteKath Lockett: I am a beauty addict. It keeps my head above the water (mostly). The results are in - but she won't discuss them over the phone. An appointment late this afternoon. Fingers and toes locked.
DeleteThat is SUCH a beautiful sky. There was a time I used to hunt for sunsets and sunrises like that. They always give me a huge sense of peace and hope.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for the skinny one and for you. Big Dragon Hugs!
Al Diaz: I look to the skies for comfort (and beauty) every day. And find it.
DeleteI'm totally in awe of the photos you post. Clouds are one of my all time favorite subjects. Thank you for sharing your photos with all of us.
ReplyDeleteMildred Ratched: I am more than happy to share my obsessions. Thank you.
DeleteThe wet weather has produced more mozzies than is usual, a week ago I collected more than a dozen bites on my back while in the garden . three days of itching and scratching followed.
ReplyDeleteI have never grown a beard except for three or four days growth on active service, Then beards were called soup filters and many other naughty nautical names..I have been busy sorting out my PC which recently kept eating my posts without warning..
Vest: Wet weather? We have had grey weather, but our rain has been of the incontinent pigeon variety.
DeleteI hope your PC is well and truly sorted.
i could have sworn i left a comment here but maybe i was stunned into silence. what could i possibly say?
ReplyDeletewhat doesnt kill you makes you stronger but sometimes being less strong is mighty attractive?
kylie: Thank you. I hear you. Growing up it was made clear to me that my family considered me weak. Perhaps this testing is them continuing to influence me.
DeleteSending much love to you and the skinny one. I'm glad that nature treated you to such a spectacular sunrise, the images are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteKim: It was a treat. A much needed treat.
DeleteOh the frustration!! Remember to take care of you too, find a way, every day.
ReplyDeleteI tend to catch a cold when I'm too busy doing for others, not resting enough.
Guyana-Gyal: I should have. I really, really should have.
Delete