Bloooooodddd

I met with the tropical disease doctor at one of the Government hospital in Durban. The hospitals in South Africa used to be top notch but have gone downhill - fast. But fortunately I went to a clinic which although part of the hospital was separate. As this protocol that is used for treating these weird diseases is not approved by mainstream doctors, I was instructed to tell the receptionist that I was there for "a friendly visit" with the doctor, so I didn't get registered into the system.

Dr. Boysen works with Dr. Jadin who is based in Johannesburg and as it would have been a real mission to get there by today, we decided that I would see Dr. Boysen here and have the blood drawn, which would then be couriered to JoBurg. Dr. Boysen was very thorough and I had taken my medical records from Port Townsend. "Very interesting," she said and I thought, "Oh no, not again!" as this is what I heard from the doctors originally. But she was nice and I will see her again, with Dr. Jadin in Pietermaritzburg on May 26 when the blood tests are back.

Well, it seemed like the tech at the lab drew pints of blood - there were a total of 29 tests required and 12 vials of blood. Had to go have a fruit drink after that!

So now I wait.

But the weather is absolutely divine as they say here :) and I have been sitting out in the sun so am not so lily white any more. I also went to a water aerobics class this morning with Zoze and some of the "girls" and once again I was the youngest one there!!! They all noticed how much weight I have lost, which is gratifying. I don't think I have been this slim since my early 30's. Of course, not everything is in the same place...

Farmers Market tomorrow - and there will be pix.

And don't forget to visit The Organic Gang website which is now live.

Everyday Life

The last couple of days have been quiet and relaxing. Hanging around the house and working on the new site getting it ready to send out. Take a look, sign up and give me your critique. I'll be adding content continually.

Today we went to a Canon camera Road Show at the Sibaya Casino just north of Durban. It was pretty interesting and there were a lot of people there. They gave away a goodie bag with a very cool Canon vest and other odds and ends and talked about the newest Canon DSLR 500D that does video as well. Wow - I was drooling. But at least I know I am on the right track as far as video goes - it is something every photographer needs to know. So it's on my list. Canon provided a lunch as well and one of the speakers gave lots of tips for post production in photoshop - also gave us the cd with the info. So I am getting excited about shooting again, even though my camera is not behaving very well and needs servicing. But I think it will survive until I get back to the States.

Tomorrow we go to Baynesfield for a local fair, I guess you can call it. And then I am going to Biff (oldest brother) for a few days. In the meantime Debbie is sorting out an appointment with the tropical disease specialist - whether I need to go to Johannesburg to see her first, or have the blood tests here in Durban and then see her.