Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Sunday 19 August 2018

Sunday Selections #393

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.  Clicking on any of the photos will make them embiggen. 
 
Like River I usually run with a theme.  Mostly snippets again this week.


Our weather has been variable.  Last Sunday our nearby hills were dusted with snow.





It was pretty, but didn't last.

As always we have spent (lots of) time watching the birds.  The next two photos are of a rare visitor.  I was struggling to identify it, but the lovely dinahmow nailed it for me.  We have a female Satin Bowerbird.  I hope to see her mate as well.  Isn't that blue eye lovely?




And then a red wattlebird which was intent on grooming for a considerable period of time.







I am fond of the wattlebirds.  They are often the first bird I hear in the morning (considerably before sparrow-fart) and the last in the evening.  

The last photo is a blatant sympathy ploy.  I have developed a sensitivity to something.  We cannot identify what it is, but there is obviously a LOT of it about.  It started on my lower back (which remains the worst).  I now have rashes on my arms, my legs, my hands, my feet, my neck, my shoulders, my butt, my boobs, my back and through my hair.  The itch is intolerable and they have been driving me bat-shit crazy and making me more bad tempered than usual.  Anti-histamines and soothing creams are providing limited relief.  Cross your fingers that we can identify and remove the culprit soon.



In much better news, my eldest brother who has been through a much more serious medical mystery is finally out of hospital.  He still has a long way to go, but recent progress has all been in the right direction.

165 comments:

  1. Hmm... have you been eating someting different, like strawberries or something with artifical colors in it? I am not a doctor, but this is the Internet, so I will say random things that may or may not be helpful. A new laundry detergent? Bug spray? Smoke in the air from someone burning poison ivy? Ok...I think Harvard should give me an honorary medical degree. What do you think? ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandi: Wear your honorary medical degree with pride. Those are teh same questions that my doctor and I asked. We do have a new laundry detergent, but have been using it for well over a month now. Just the same I am leaning towards it being the culprit.

      Delete
    2. aha! go ahead and ignore my comment far below and change back to the original detergent, wash everything a couple of times to remove traces of the new detergent and see it that helps. I'm happy that my washing machine does three rinses to remove all soap traces.

      Delete
    3. River: Our washing machine does two rinses, and I think gets most of the suds out - which is why it took over a month for the nastiness to appear.

      Delete
  2. Oh my gosh, EC! That must feel ghastly. Have you been to a doctor? Do oatmeal baths help at all?
    So glad to hear about your brother. What a relief.

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    1. Sandra Cox: It doesn't feel good at all. Blood tests (yes I have been to the doctor) haven't identified the culprit yet. As I said to Sandi we are leaning towards laundry detergent.
      It is wonderful news about my brother, but he has a long road ahead of him still.

      Delete
  3. Beautiful pictures of birds and the mountain pics are good, too.

    Hope you feel better soon.

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    Replies
    1. Jamie Ghione: Thank you. There is snow on the hills again this morning.

      Delete
  4. Oh EC - that looks awful ... and a rash all over must be so tiresome ... and yes I sincerely hope it can be identified soon and you feel easier. Good luck with that. Your brother - that is good news.

    The dusting of snow looks just beautiful, while your bowerbird is very pretty - I love her colouring, as too that blue eye.

    Take care and all the best with that very nasty looking rash ... with calming and healing thoughts from here - Hilary

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    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: Isn't the bowerbird lovely. She doesn't stay long, but is very welcome. Thank you for your calming and healing thoughts.
      We are all very happy that my brother is improving. It has been a scary time.

      Delete
  5. Gahhhh! That looks simply awful! I sure hope they can figure out what it is, and it does sound systemic, since you have it in so many places. It's time for the dermatologist, methinks. But love your pretty birds nevertheless. :-)

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    1. DJan: There is a six month wait to get into the dermatologist so I hope I am on top of this well before that. And there are signs that it is abating.

      Delete
  6. I hope that rash clears soon. It’s a long shot but look up Fifth Disease. It is something that usually happens in children but adults can get it as well.

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    1. Birdie: I looked up Fifth Disease. Thank you. It looks similar but I am not running a temperature so probably not. And it is (finally) starting to retreat.

      Delete
  7. That rash certainly sounds systemic and yet I’m sure you’ve already been over anything you might have done differently lately. Hugs to you (gently, without producing itchiness)

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    1. River Fairchild: Hearing the doctor say 'Spectacular' as she viewed the rashes was decidedly not what I wanted to hear. Fingers and toes crossed we may have found the culprit.

      Delete
  8. Oh my EC. I can sympathize. I recently developed a reaction to eggs and chocolate, two staples of my diet. Life is more limited eating wise but less itchy. It took a time to find the culprits and there being two of them made it really tough. There were times I felt like I was going insane with the itching and nothing helped much.

    Hope you find the offender(s) soon.

    Glad your brother is on the mend too EC.

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    Replies
    1. Marie Smith: Eggs AND chocolate? That is so unfair. Fortunately neither of them are my trigger. I hear you on the itching though. And nothing does help for long.

      Delete
  9. Your rash looks nasty, EC. I hope it clears up soon. It must be very annoying and it must be getting on your nerves. Take care.

    Lovely bird photos. So bush fires around everywhere at present...I hope they soon get cleared up, too.

    I hope the coming week is easier on you than the last. Good news your brother is out of hospital...may everything progress positively for him. Cuddles to Jazz. :)

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    1. Lee: I expect fires each year, but this is frighteningly early. And already a firefighter has lost his life.
      Fingers and toes crossed for better times for everyone.

      Delete
    2. I meant to type - "so many bush fires around". They are very early this year, as you say. It is so sad about the helicopter pilot losing his life. From all reports he was a much-loved, fine man.

      On top of the drought being experienced throughout our country, they are unwelcome, that is for sure.

      Delete
    3. Lee: Sadly carelessness and deliberately lit fires account for some each year too. Hiss and spit doesn't begin to cover the way I feel about that.

      Delete
  10. Thanks for the pictures of the birds I hope to be seeing soon. Your rash looks quite awful. I can only hope that it gets better soon. Perhaps if you find out exactly what caused it it will help in treating it.

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    1. David Gascoigne: I hope that your birding in Australia more than lives up to your expectations and am looking forward to hearing about your trip.

      Delete
  11. Fingers are crossed!

    Also: the bird's blue eye looks to be an amazing violet (kinda like Liz Taylor's).

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    1. Bea: Isn't it a beautiful colour. I really didn't notice it until I was looking at the photo, and was blown away.

      Delete
  12. Good to hear of your brother's progress. Not good about the skin problem. It certainly looks like an allergic reaction to something. Wattle birds are terribly aggressive and yes, often the first bird to be heard in the mornings. I love the snow on your hills. Put some blue bits and pieces out for bower decoration to attract the male satin bower bird and you might see him.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Andrew: More snow this morning. I may have to hunt out some blue bibs and bobs because I would love to see the male bowerbird.
      You are right about how agressive the wattlebirds are, but they are bullied shamefully by the lorikeets here.
      The news about my brother is wonderful, and more than we were hoping for.

      Delete
    2. The lids from water bottles are perfect to put out for the male to collect. :)

      Delete
    3. Snoskred: Thank you. We don't buy water bottles so I will have to look for an alternative. I may sacrifice our blue pegs.

      Delete
  13. Very good news about your brother, EC. I do hope he continues to improve. Your skin problem looks so painful, though; fingers crossed for finding the cause and getting rid of it very, very soon!

    We have some lovely birds in NZ, but I have to admit that yours are beautiful - so interesting and varied, and often really stunning! The bowerbird's eye almost looks purple in your photo.

    Wishing you a week which is less itchy and irritating, and full of happy skies, flowers and birds...

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Alexia: You do indeed have some lovely birds. Birds I would like to see for myself. Isn't that eye colour spectacular. And I really liked her plumage too.
      I am hoping that laundry detergent is the cause. It will be irritating to throw out and nearly new box, and rewash rather a lot of things but is an easy solution.

      Delete
  14. Good news about your brother …
    Not nice seeing that rash on you, it does look like an allergic reaction - hope it clears up real soon for you.

    I loved seeing all of your photographs the snow looks so pretty and the selection of colourful birds was just lovely.

    Take care, my good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    1. lowcarb team member ~Jan: Thank you. On all counts.

      Delete
  15. What a beautiful color that bird's eye is!! Good news about your brother; hoping for some good news about you soon!!

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    1. fishducky: Isn't it a spectacular coloured eye? I am so very happy that my brother's health has improved and hope it continues. I am hopeful about my own much less significant (but uncomfortable) condition too.

      Delete
  16. Sounds like the laundry soap - sometimes it takes a bit for something to really 'get under your skin.' Could mean washing everything you can remember that you laundered to do it all over. Sigh ... could also be a combo of things ...

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    1. Sharon: I hope it is the laundry powder. Rewashing things is a bit of a blight, but no more. The combination thought makes me shudder. That would be incredibly difficult to track down.

      Delete
  17. That looks so unpleasant. I hope you and the docs sort it out quickly.

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    1. e: Thank you. It is a minor issue but boht unpleasant and uncomfortable. Hopefully we will get it sorted quickly.

      Delete
  18. Beautiful birds, and my sympathy on the rash. Found out the hard way (rash and breathing trouble) that i am allergic to pussy willow. Our Bigger Girl used to break out in hives suddenly and we never figured out why, but she got relief from Benadryl when it happened and seems to have outgrown it.

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    1. messymimi: I had a lot of plant sensitivities but had a course of desentsitising injections decades ago which made spring pleasant again. I am glad that your Bigger Girl gets relief from Benadryl, and am sorry that pussy willow gives you grief.

      Delete
  19. Those are both interesting birds with which I am not familiar - love that blue eye and softly mottled colouring on the satin bowerbird's belly, and the yellow splotch on the wattlebird and the series of photos as he groomed, his head disappearing round the back :) Your hills are very pretty with the snow also.

    I hope you have indeed found the culprit (detergent) causing your rashes. Would that account for the rash in your hair also? If you have to discard the detergent, maybe the food bank would accept it. Here they package it up in smaller lots anyway to distribute.

    I'm keeping my fingers crossed for relief from your itchiness and for your brother's continued progress.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. jenny_o: I think that my pillow-cases could account for the rash on my head if laundry detergent is the culprit. We have rewashed a number of things using a different detergent and there are some signs of improvement.
      Aren't the birds lovely? The wattlebirds are here often, but the satin bowerbird is a much less frequent visitor - though she was here this morning as well.

      Delete
    2. Oh yes, pillowcases - of course!

      Delete
    3. jenny_o: It took me a while too.

      Delete
  20. I wish you relief from the rash. The trigger can be a hard to detect. That is good news about your older brother. I do wish better days for us all.

    The birds were quite lovely. I liked the fella (or gal) who took their time preening.

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    1. Ann Bennett: Thank you. It really was a very long grooming session and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it.
      I do hope that we have found the trigger, but there is still considerable rash and itching to contend with.

      Delete
  21. Six months is a long time to wait. I would think they would give you priority. Have you taken Benadryl?
    I hope that goes away fast. I am glad about your brother.

    The birds are lovely. I have never seen those birds until now.

    Be well

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    Replies
    1. Caterina: I do love our birds. We see the wattlebird often, but the satin bowerbird is a much less regular visitor. There is only one dermatologist in town and he is booked solidly. Hopefully I won't need him.

      Delete
  22. love the new birds, especially the blue eyed bower bird, the rash looks systemic, like a pesticide or herbicide allergy; I once got a severe allergic allergy to an apple I ate, apparently apples are the most sprayed fruits of them all. who knew

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    1. Linda Starr: We think (hope) it is laundry detergent which is the problem. I did know that apples are sprayed widely. Which I hate.

      Delete
  23. The birds are so pretty!
    The rash looks awful and being so widespread I'd suspect something in the water or perhaps your soap or shampoo, possibly your laundry powder. but if none of those have changed I can only suggest a new food allergy or something in the garden. New mulch? but that would surely only affect your hands...
    German measles?
    I'd be at the doctor with a rash that widespread if it lasted more than a day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River: It took several days to get in to see the doctor, but as the rash spread I started becoming morfe insistent.

      Delete
  24. Perhaps an injection of stronger antihistamine would help with the itching. Similar to what a vet would give; Lola had one for hayfever symptoms last year, she just about scratched her ears off.

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    1. River: I have strong antihistamines and on the doctors advice I am taking twice the usual dose. Slowly the itches and the rashes are shrinking.

      Delete
  25. Oh dear... yes that certainly looks like it might irritate a LOT! Hope you get some relief soon. xx

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    1. CountryMum: It does irritate. Fortunately I think the tide has turned. At last (it is now just over a week).

      Delete
  26. Ouch! No poison oak there, I presume... I hope it's gone quickly. Love the birds!

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    1. Bill: No poison oak fortunately. And I would have to have rolled in any poisonous plant. The birds are a comfort. And a joy.

      Delete
  27. Oh no - that rash looks awful! Hope you can get some relief soon.

    Your mountains with snow sprinkles are gorgeous!

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    1. Lady Fi: There were smaller snow sprinkles this morning. Very, very pretty. And I think/hope the rashes are going.

      Delete
  28. Oh, Sue, I'm so sorry about the rash. Hopefully, changing your detergent will do the trick.

    Love seeing the snow! The heat has gotten a bit better, but the humidity is horrible, so it is hard to tell any difference from the 90s we had last week.

    That blue eye is something else!
    -Marty K

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    1. Marty K: Heat and humidity are vile. I do hope you get some relief.
      Isn't that blue eye amazing. I missed it until I saw the photo on screen and was blown away.
      I have my fingers gently crossed that changing the laundry detergent will do the trick. The early signs are promising.

      Delete
  29. So sorry to hear about the rash. Wishing you fast relief and your brother steady progress.

    The bird photos are magnificent as usual. And the snowdust is uber charming.

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    1. Nilanjana Bose: I spoke to my brother a little while ago. Our family is not noted for our patience, but he went out to IKEA yesterday which I think is a quantum leap forward.
      And I do love the snow. I welcomed it this morning as well.

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    2. Glad to know. I hope you feel better soon too. Take care.

      Delete
  30. Hi Sue I ahve now read al the comments and your replies. The rash certainy ooks terribe so hoping your have found the culprit in the laundry powder but it will stil take aa while to get ou of your system. Love the birds and the snow capped mountains. Hoping to hear better news soon from you.

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    Replies
    1. Margaret Adamson: Thank you. This too will pass. The snow and the birds are a consolation.

      Delete
  31. Dear EC
    I hope you find the culprit soon - I had a similar problem with washing powder and now use a non bio sensitive one. These things can just happen despite having used/eaten the product for ages, which is annoying too. I hope the itching will calm down soon.
    I really enjoy seeing your avian visitors - they are so much more colourful than mine!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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  32. Ellie Foster: Developing a sensitivity to every day items is infuriating isn't it?
    While our birds are often lovely to look at, few of them are songsters.
    I hope the remainder of your weekend is lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I love the shirring noise that Bower Birds make... I can't tell the difference between the young male and the female.. The males don't get their blue plumage until they are old enough to mate apparently. I certainly hope you can work out what caused the rash so you can avoid it.. get well soon

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    Replies
    1. Anna: I don't know that call and will have to look (listen) out for it. The bowerbirds are not regular visitors here by any means.

      Delete
  34. There is a common pregnancy rash which responds well to putting Mylanta on it. I wonder if it would be worth trying some on your rash?
    Itch is absolutely maddening, I really hope you can get it out of your system soon.

    The photos of the wattle bird are just wonderful and I'm pleased your brother is doing better.

    Sending my very best vibes for you all xox

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    Replies
    1. kylie: I hadn't realised Mylanta could be used as an itch cure. I will look out for it. Thank you.

      Delete
  35. So sorry about the rash, hope you get better quickly. Glad to hear good news about your brother. Sending healing wishes for you all. Love the photos, as always. Take care my friend.

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  36. Look at that beautiful female Satin Bowerbird! The blue eye is so bright!

    I am so sorry to hear about your rash. I hope you can discover the cause soon. Just an FYI- my co-author, Stephanie, developed two mysterious rashes. One from head to toe. Her first one had to do with an allergy to fabric softener. The second was to a type of soap she was using (helping the rash to spread everywhere). Just passing that info along in case it helps brainstorm some other reasons for the rash. Good luck! Wonderful news about your brother. :)
    ~Jess

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    Replies
    1. DMS ~Jess: Isn't that blue, blue eye incredible. I liked that other commentators compared it to Elizabeth Taylor's eyes too.
      I suspect that my rash is laundry detergent related. It is easing a bit (after washing things in a different solution). I suspect some rewashes are required.

      Delete
  37. I hope you figure out what is causing the rash. Years ago I started getting a rash and the doc finally figured out it was hives from stress. They just pop up for no reason now.

    Those mountain pictures are so nice.

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    Replies
    1. Mary Kirkland: I wondered about stress, but 'think' that laundry powder is the culprit.
      I do love looking to the hills around us, and do so multiple times each day.

      Delete
  38. Sounds like shingles. But that I'm sure your DR would recognize.

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    1. Author R. Mac Wheeler: I wondered about shingles but am leaning towards allergies. As is the doctor.

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  39. Isn't the bower bird the one that builds elaborate nests full of found objects? Beautiful photos as usual.

    Ah the rash. I can sympathize as I have gotten into poison ivy 3 times this summer (and I see more growing) which gives me painful and itchy blisters for 10 days. Looks different than your rash and I would just have it in small zones. Have they offered you steroid shots? Cold compresses helped numb my itch but I would have it in discrete zones.

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    1. Sue in Italia/In the Land of Cancer: The male Satin Bowerbird collects and displays blue objects in its bower. And having seen the colour of their eye, I understand where the love for the colour comes from.
      Cold helped, but there were/are just too many rashes for it to be practical.

      Delete
  40. Gorgeous photos, as usual. I, too thought of shingles until I saw the rash. I think hell will be constant itching. Hope you find relief--and soon.

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    Replies
    1. Patricia A. Laster: Your description of hell matches at least one of my interpretations. Thank you.

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  41. Those allergic rashes are horrible. Poor you. Both my son and I are prone to have such rashes, and the older I get, the more products I have to remove from my life to stay clean. I wish you find the nasty thing and able to stay away from it.
    Your photos are gorgeous, especially the hills.

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    Replies
    1. Olga Godim: I too have had to remove a number of things from my life. Starting with coffee and oranges decades ago. If, as we suspect, laundry powder is the culprit this time the removal will cause no pangs.
      Thank you for the comment on the photos. I do love our hills and birds.

      Delete
  42. I love your powder sugared mountains! That allergy, on the other hand, is despicable. Glad your brother is on the mend. Wanting you to be, too.

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    1. Joanne Noragon: Thank you so much. You and my brother have MUCH more serious issues to contend with. I hope that both of you continue in your upwards projectory.

      Delete
  43. That looks like a terrible rash. I can imagine that it itches a lot. How I wish for you that you soon know what causes it and can get rid of it. I would be bad tempered big time!
    Your birds, on the other hand, are beautiful. That blue eye is amazing - I don't think I've ever seen such a blue eye in a bird.

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    1. Carola Bartz: Believe me, my skin is no more irritated than I am.
      And yes, the birds ARE beautiful. I am still blown away by that incredibly blue eye.

      Delete
  44. Wonderful photos of the birds and the snow in the mountains lovely and feeling cool in the tropics here in Florida. Sorry about you medical problem I sure hope you can find a solution soon and be well again. Could it possibly be from contact with something in nature?

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    Replies
    1. Rasma Raisters: I don't think it does come from a natural contact. If it was, I would expect my hand/legs to be the most affected.
      Isn't the snow a cooling image? I hope you continue to enjoy the heat (and humidity) in Florida.

      Delete
  45. Do try some good Olive oil in your skin. Works wonders for itches in all my wrong places. Praying for you, and ADORING your post today! Blue eye, mountains (eso first shot) 💓🌺 Good luck!

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    1. Cloudia: Thank you. Is there an itch (of the bodily kind) in the right place? I think not.

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  46. My friend, I am so sorry about your rash!!! This might help with the itch and calm it down. Get baking soda, get into a warm bath and put some in the water, also have some on the side and make like a paste out of it and put it on the bad areas, then wash everything off. I hope this makes sense, and I hope you find out what is going on!!

    I love where you live!! It truly is breath taking! Thank you for sharing your pictures! Makes my day, always!!

    Happy Dance for your brother!! Will keep him in my prayers!

    Big Hugs my friend!

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    1. Magic Love Crow: Thank you. No bath. I can't get into or out of a bath easily anymore, so we replaced it in our bathroom renovation.
      Keep on happy dancing.

      Delete
    2. I'm sorry, I wish I could help!

      Delete
    3. Magic Love Crow: Thank you. I am fine. Really I am. A bit itchy but fine.

      Delete
  47. That's great news about your brother. Now, we need to get you all fixed up. Have you had a doctor look at your rash? If not, you should. Perhaps they'll need to take a biopsy to figure out what it is so you can be properly treated.

    As always your photos are exemplary. I love birds and think your birds are so much more interesting than the ones I see here...woodpeckers, cardinals, blue jays and mockingbirds. Oh yes don't let me forget to mention the seagulls, egrets, pelicans, hawks and the occasional eagle, just to name a few.

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    1. Mildred Ratched: Thank you. I would like to see rather a lot of your birds too. They sound exotic to me, and I am intrigued by the differences between (for example) your magpies and ours, your pelicans and ours.
      I have seen a doctor who said of my rashes 'Spectacular'. Not what I wanted to hear.

      Delete
    2. I'll have to start photographing some of my local Florida feathered beauties so you can see them. Magpies? I know what they are, but I don't think we have magpies here in Florida. I did see an awful lot of them in Ireland. I'll have to do some research and get back to you on magpies.

      Delete
    3. Mildred Ratched: The European magpies are different again. There was a serious lack of originality in your country and mine when we named them. I would love to see your birds.

      Delete
  48. Even your winter birds are beautiful and colorful.

    If this doctor does not give you an answer, please seek help from another. That rash looks so painful. Sending positive thoughts to you, Sue, and hope that you find an answer and medication that will help you quickly.

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    Replies
    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: Thank you. The wattlebirds are with us all year round, and I don't think the bowerbirds migrate either.
      We are leaning towards the rashes being a sensitivity to laundry powder. And I continue to wash/rewash recently laundered items.

      Delete
  49. Try a different laundry product for a while. What a damn nuisance! You're trying to be clean and it backfires on you!!!! Perhaps contact the maker of the laundry product that you have been using and ask if they have made any changes in the formula recently.
    I saw a TV programme about the bowerbird, what a fascinating creature.

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    Replies
    1. Shammickite: We are trying a different laundry product. And have noted that reviews on the one we have been using have talked about itchy rashes.
      And yes, bowerbirds are fascinating. Like so many of our native critters.

      Delete
  50. That is a nasty rash, I use the washing powder you can stick on the garden and i found strawberry soap good for my daughters skin when she was little it was sold at the body shop a few years back not so sure now.
    Merle.........

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    1. Merlesworld: I am in an orgy of washing at the moment. I am using one designed for sensitive skin. Fingers and toes crossed (but loosely so as not to aggravate the rashes).

      Delete
  51. Beautiful images, and, the Satin Bowerbird is wonderful. I love your blog.

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    1. Bob Bushell: Thank you so much. As you know, I marvel at your bird photography.

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  52. Oh my. That is a nasty rash. Perhaps you should have it checked out. Love your pictures. Awesome sky. Nice to have such beautiful scenery to take pictures of.

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    1. mxtodis123: I did see the doctor about it. She ordered blood tests, which gave no help. We think that it might be laundry detergent. I have been busily rewashing things and there is some improvement.

      Delete
  53. Oh I really feel for you...that rash must be driving you insane (trust me, I know. I suffer a similar problem too). Do hope you can find some relief soon.:/
    So good to hear your brother is on the mend...and wishing him a speedy recovery...
    Gorgeous photos...I love those birds, and the mountains. I would so love to visit Australia someday...:))

    A Hug.

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    1. Ygraine: Thank you. The rash is improving but yes, it was/is driving me batty.
      I do hope you can get to my country some day. And stop in here.

      Delete
  54. That first photograph is a purrfect picture.
    I so hope you're feeling better.
    Hugs

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    1. Sandra Cox: Thank you. Getting better, but still itching badly.

      Delete
  55. The snow dusted mountains look lovely.
    You should try to keep a food diary to make sure it's not something you're eating.. if it's the outdoors it is so much harder to figure out. My son has many allergies and had to get a skin test done to find out all the various things he is allergic too.
    Great to hear about your brother.

    http://www.henatayeb.blogspot.com

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    1. Hena Tayeb: Welcome and thank you. I haven't changed my diet and blood tests have eliminated most common food allergies. We think the culpit is laundry detergent. I hope your son can live with his sensitivities.

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  56. Sparrow-Fart, haha.
    That rare blue eyes buddy is gorgeous!! Both these are from Australia, which I assume is where you live. Never knew that, greetings from Detroit, Michigan!
    Your rash reminds me of how the zombie virus starts. Dramatic change in appearance, some form of intolerable physical feeling or movements, rage....
    In all seriousness, that worries me. Have you gone to the dermatologist? The fact it's on your scalp makes me cringe from what I believe is a familiar pain. My skin is the worst being a pale ginger and all. I'm not sure what happened to your brother but am excited to hear his tragedy has turned around to the best! Go to the doctor, post an update on your skin. Don't put lotions on it as it could irritate it...maybe an old-school AF type like Vaseline, but not Vaseline. Something just as natural.

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    1. *blue eyed birdie not buddy..

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    2. Harlynn: Thank you. Up before sparrow-fart is a common phrase here, depicting an early start.
      I have had repeated trips to the doctor. And blood tests. We think the problem is laundry detergent. I am busy rewashing rather a lot of things and it is getting better. Slowly.

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  57. Ugh - sorry about that nasty rash. May you get to the root of the probably immediately.
    That's very relieving news about your brother, EC.
    Take care of yourself and demand the attention you deserve from the medical world.

    Hugs.

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    1. Rawknrobyn: Huge thanks. And hugs gratefully received and returned.

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  58. I'm happy to hear the news about your brother. My ex-brother-in-law had surgery this morning and he is doing well! Hurrah for that too (such a relief). He's the baby (youngest of 9) and has recently developed a lot of problems with his heart. I hope you find out what's causing the rash soon!! I'm sure dealing with it is no fun at all! Glad you got the name to the bird in the 1st pic! I miss having a bird feeder (not allowed in the condo we no live in). Birds are nice to watch.

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    1. mail4rosey: Thank you. I hope your ex brother-in-law's surgery goes well.
      Birds are a wonderful thing to watch aren't they? I would feel bereft if we didn't have the feeders.

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  59. Your birds are so pretty! And I am so sorry for your mystery rash! I hope you discover the cause soon.

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    1. mshatch: The world is full of delightful birds. I have serious bird envy for some in your country.
      Fingers and toes crossed for the allergy.

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  60. OMG EC - I'm so sorry that you're so uncomfy, and the reason remains hidden. If it's the laundry detergent, what a bother to have to rewash everything. Ugh! I hate to see you suffering in any way, and sure hope things get better soon. Good news that your brother is home, and I'm sending some cyber hugs his way too. Always amazes me that you can spot the type of birds around the neighborhood with such ease, and those blue eyes are so vivid and beautiful. HUGE Hugs...RO

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    1. RO: Thank you. It does look like the laundry detergent. I am still itching, but much less. And my brother is still far from well but making slow improvement. Which is lovely.
      The birds who visit us are a treat. Hugs to you too.

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  61. I don't comment much these days but I always enjoy scrolling through your Sunday Selections.

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    1. Granny Annie: I am glad. I have missed your comments, but am happy to know you are still visiting.

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  62. Word is getting out in the bird world about the wonderful offerings at your Bird B and B:)
    Hope you're doing better.

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    1. Sandra Cox: Word has certainly got out. Sadly at the moment the garden is tempting the destructive cockatoos. I really resent them beheading my blooms.

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    2. Sandra Cox: Oh no indeed. Beheading flowers and ripping up bulbs and munching on them. Hiss and spit.

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  63. I'm happy to hear your brother is out of hospital but oh dear, you're going through it aren't you? Wishing you a very speedy solution to this. I've had heat rash but this sounds much, much worse. On a happier note your photos are outstanding. Love the pretty female Satin Bowerbird and the Red Wattlebird. The snow on the mountains looks gorgeous! Take good care of yourself and feel better soon.

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    1. Denise inVA: Thank you. The birds and the scenery give me solace on the darkest of days. And there is light at the end of this tunnel now.

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  64. Your pictures of birds are second to none. Love them. :-)

    Greetings from London.

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  65. One hiding place could be hair. If the culprit has teeth it'll be clinging somewhere. I'm happy your brother is doing well.

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    1. Spacer Guy: Eeeuw. Fortunately I am pretty sure that the culprit is toothless.

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  66. I have on occasions been afflicted to this problem too. my problem is with a combination of heat rubber-latex and sweat. which creates a pimply itch on all manner of areas on my person. I was told by my doctor to also change the washing detergent and give the washed clothing etc an extra one or two rinses. The doc also explained that the back comes in closer contact with effected clothes more often when sitting in high back seating when rubbing takes place and causing the itch.
    I hope you get quick relief soon.

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    1. Vest: It isn't a lot of fun is it? It seems to have been the laundry detergent. I am washing and rewashing things and there has been some improvement. Thankfully.

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  67. After reading your comment to Vest, I know your rash is improving, but I hope it clears up entirely, and soon. I've got a long history of mysterious rashes and hives... both small and giant... dating back as long as I can remember. The itch can be maddening, so you're excused for being a tad grumpy.

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    1. Susan: They are a heap of fun aren't they? Mine is still (slowly) receeding.

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  68. I love these birds.

    I hope you find the solution to these dermatitis.
    Abraços
    janicce.

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    1. A Casa Madeira: Thank you so much. We love the birds too. Mostly. I am having a hissy fit at one species at the moment.

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  69. Oh no goodness, those mystery rashes can be so uncomfortable and scary at the same time. They often call them fifth disease around here and often begin 4 to 14 days from your exposure but still offers no real answer to where you caught it! Frustrating. One of my grandson's had a slight dose of it just recently and sure enough we had been to the Minnesota Zoo a few days before the outbreak. But we were careful and washed our hands a lot that day. Who knows. Happy your brother is back home too. Take good care of you.

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    1. Karen S.: We have (we hope) tracked it down. It appears to be a sensitivity to laundry detergent. I am still itching but much less and the rashes are starting to fade.

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  70. A reaction to antibiotics? measles?
    In any case, the rash looks unpleasant. I hope the mystery will be solved and you can get back to normal short temper status soon.

    Sorry.

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    1. Friko: I am already an irritable soul, so this made things worse. Fortunately it is now receding. And definitely a first world issue.

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  71. That blue bird is lovely - and lovely that someone could identify it.

    I hope the rash is better. It's not shingles, I guess? I always fear getting that and have been vaccinated against it.

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    1. Lynn: The bowerbirds have been back often - which I am really happy about. Not shingles. A sensitivity to our laundry detergent.

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  72. The female satin bower bird is just gorgeous - and those hills dusted with snow too. That rash looks EXTREMELY annoying. Hope it's better by now.

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    1. Kalpanaa M: Thank you so much for trawling through older posts. The rash is indeed mostly better. And the bowerbirds are truly gorgeous.

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  73. Ahh - I see from the comments that you now know what caused the rash and that you're better. Glad to hear that.

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    1. Kalpanaa M: It took a while to identify, and some of the rash remains, but it is (mostly) better now. Thank you for your concern.

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  74. Have you had chicken pox as a child? Could it be shingles?

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    1. Cindi Summerlin: I had chicken pox as a child, and gave it to my whole class, including the teacher. Not shingles, but a sensitivity to laundry detergent.

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  75. Dear EC, I'm so relieved to learn that your big brother is out of the hospital. I began to pray for him when I read your earlier posting today. I will continue to do so.

    Why does Australia have such beautiful birds, unlike any we have here? Does it have something to do with how the continents pulled themselves apart????? Peace.

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    1. Dee: Thank you. My poor brother has a long, long way to go.
      On the bird front, I suffer from world-wide avian envy. Each continent has some absolute stunners. I would love, for example, to see hummingbirds. And cardinals. And jays...

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