I was unwell when writing last week’s lirralirra but I hadn’t realised how much worse I was about to become; not with the dreaded virus but guilty by association.
I am just home from hospital and am slowly recovering but still exhausted. Today I saw a flurry of Superb Fairywrens and a happy pair of Grey Fantails, I didn’t see a spinebill but I love this image and hope you do to. For more information on these beautiful spinebills, and for several gorgeous images please click this link: lirralirra.com/eastern-spinebills
My main reason for writing to you all tonight is to warn you about the increased risk of developing shingles during these stressful times. There is a vaccination available against it, which may be advisable for some of you to discuss with your GPs. It can affect anyone dealing with stress, who has had chicken pox, my youngest daughter had it a few years ago.
I thought I was going well. I have plenty to do on my Land for Wildlife property, which I love doing. My dogs are great company and I enjoy taking them for walks and runs. I’d cycle about 5km a day, uphill and fast on my exercise bike, and I was using my weights several times a day, not to mention hand-holding my long lenses. But the stress of it all caught up with me. I’d self-isolated for a couple of weeks as I’d been in contact with some travellers and by the end of that time things had changed so much that I realised it would be a while before I’d be playing with my beautiful grandies again, including the little toddler and the baby twins who are growing so fast. As a former teacher I spent the week homeschooling, via Skype, one of the older granddaughters, what an awesome student she is. I was behind with gathering supplies because of all this and next thing I knew there was a tingling speck on my face. I thought it must have been spider bite or a blackberry scratch – sadly not.
Shingles on the face is not pleasant, and it can be dangerous. I spent this week in Maroondah Hospital as one of very few patients at the moment. The care I received from the doctors, the nurses and the rest of the team was outstanding – and the ambos too – my grateful thanks to you all. My thanks also to my amazing girls and their families who are helping me now as I slowly recover, and to my dear friend who turned up at the first sign of trouble and to another lovely friend who has spent many hours talking with me on the phone, telling me stories, making me smile and even singing a lullaby.
Please look after yourselves, find lots of good, restful things to do during these crazy times, and chat to your GP about the shingles vac if you think you should.
For the first time ever I’m two weeks behind with answering comments, but I do aim to get to it, as soon as I can.
Thinking of you all, stay home, stay safe
Happy birding from home, Kim
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group Ethical Bird Photography
