Wednesday, November 19, 2008

A Milestone and News

I shall toot my own horn for just a minute if you will kindly bare with me. This is my 100th post. And I am kind of proud of myself. Little did I know way back in February with that first tentative post, that I would still be writing now. I thought I would share a few photos, get a few comments and soon lose interest.

My cousin Lisa had stared Greenbow a few months before and I always enjoyed seeing her pictures and reading what she had to say. And it would be a fun way to communicate with her. So I began what has come to be an important part of my life.



One of the very first blogs I came across was Cheryl of My Wildlife Sanctuary. She and I have become fast friends and she has taught me so much about the care and protection of wild life of all kinds. I look forward with great anticipation to her posts. And along the way, I have grown to love her dearly!

Rose, who is my life-long-best-friend-in-the-whole-world(!!), has her own blog now and we share this as well. Her posts always brighten my days and she even occasionally mentions me. :)

And then there are people like Wendy and Beth whose posts I have been reading and enjoying since almost the beginning. Mr. McGregor's Daughter, Marnie, Mary, Carol, Gail and on and on, are more of the ones I value as friends. You can see all the blogs I love to follow on my side bar. If I could put a star besides each one I would.

I guess what I am trying to say, is this is such a great community of wonderful people. If I couldn't keep in touch with all of you, I would be very saddened.

Thank you all for making these 100 posts so enjoyable. I hope to be able to do 100s more!

With all of that out of the way, I had to show you these pictures I took today. I went out with camera in hand (like that is something new!) to see if I could find anything of interest in the garden and was amazed that this Delphinium is still standing and still in flower. I posted it a few days ago and the buds were not yet open. Now some of them are. This is after several nights of killing frost and a light snow. I said last time I thought this was supposed to be magic fountain lavender, and that it had been tagged wrong. Now I think not. I have found the correct tag....


it is Delphinium Candle Larkspur, 'Black Knight". Sorry, my filing system is a little questionable. Which ever name she is, she truly deserves an award for longest lasting flower in my garden!
***********************************************************************************
Another visit to the dermatologist, today and more lab work. The good news is I am getting better-according to him. I don't see much improvement. The not so good news is we are talking a few months yet with this condition. The official name for the rash is Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris.
If you are interested I have some sites where you can read more about it. One of the sights has pictures of a child with it, but it is exactly how it looks on me. You can see and read here, here, and here.
I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. May your holiday be filled with family, love and lots of good food.

38 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Congratulations on your 100th post Beckie. Keep up the good work. I love being able to keep in touch with you in this way.

I hate that your rash is still giving you grief. I guess since it took so long to get into this condition you will have to battle your way out of the condition. Hang in there.

I hope you too have a great Thanksgiving.

Isn't it great that the delphenium is still trying to bloom??? Wow. I can't seem to find a place that they will grow in my garden. You are lucky to have them. They are one of my most coveted flowers. I guess because I can't seem to grow them.

Beth said...

Oh Beckie, congratulations on your 100th post and on being so plucky! I love your pictures and enjoy sharing your life through your stories and hearing about your family but I am so sad about your rash. Please, please take good care of yourself and keep all of your friends in the computer world posted on your progress.

Rose said...

Congratulations, Beckie, and thank YOU for introducing me to this whole wonderful world of blogging! Although we shared a common interest in gardening before, I think blogging has given us another bond--kind of like the secret language between twins--and made us look at the things around us in a whole new, closer light. We have become true nature lovers.

That delphinium is amazing! I think I bought the same one, and I've never seen one sign of it since early summer. You must be doing something right:)

Meems said...

Beckie, Congratulations and a big hug to you for your 100th post. Glad to make the connection between you and Lisa... I always wondered actually and maybe you've mentioned it before and I missed it. Sweetness must run deep in your family because you both got it!

I did know you and Rose were BF. She's a jewel, too.

I know exactly what you mean about that first timid post.Never would I have thought this blogging thing would ever go anywhere with me. HA! It is a wonderful community and even though I don't have much time for browsing around it is what I choose to do with any spare time.

Happy for you that the Delphinium is still blooming for you. It is a perfect stalk of purple. We used them in my daughter's wedding -- along with all things lavender.

Keep getting better- this too shall pass and you will be all ready to meet your spring garden!

Happy day to you. Meems

Susie said...

You are so right Beckie! Blogger friends are the best and I too would be lost without blogging. When I first started blogging I didn't know what to expect either. I, like you, thought it would be fun to keep in contact with my family that I don't see often. Little did I know that it would expand to what it has.

I hope your rash continues to improve(as I'm sure it will). Everything sounds promising.

Delpheniums are great for right now. We have several blooming at work. They are big sellers for us.

If I don't talk to you again before Thanksgiving I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

Roses and Lilacs said...

Wow, a hundred posts. I'm sure glad you liked blogging enough to keep going. I enjoy reading your posts every morning. Congratulations!

I'm so sorry this skin problem has been so long and drawn out. I'm hoping it continues to improve--more quickly.
Marnie

Gail said...

Beckie,

Congratulations...100 is fantastic! Who knew that sharing our gardens, our thoughts and some flower photos would give us such deep satisfaction and wonderful friendships. Blogging has enriched us! I am enriched...

The delphinium proves once and for all...that gardens hold magic and hope! Neither snow nor cold can wipe out the bloom. A wonderful metaphor for your courage my friend! I am glad to hear that the rash treatment is working...I wish it were a bit faster; it sounds terribly uncomfortable.

Warmest wishes for many more posts!

Gail

Cheryl said...

Dear Beckie.....firstly congratulation on your 100th post.....I love coming here....I am not only visiting a blog, I am visiting my friend....someone I have always felt at ease with.....thank you for the kind words.......

Your delphenium must be very sheltered....looks like you have planted it in the perfect place.....

I am so sorry that you still have your rash......I would have thought by now you would be getting some relief.......it saddens me that you are still suffering.......

We do not celebrate Thanksgiving....but I wish you and yours a wonderful time......

tina said...

Congratulations on your 100 posts! It is an important milestone and when you look back, it is hard to believe where blogging will take you. That is neat about your cousin too. So many are related or friends that blog. You and Rose being best friends and all. Meems and Marmee sisters. My sister also blogs. Too cool this blogging. A good way to keep in touch.

Wish you best with the doctor and here's to many, many, more posts! Take care.

beckie said...

Lisa, thank you! I, too, love to be able to see what you are up to. I like that we can be closer and hope you didn't mind I revealed our relationship. The delphinium is on the south side of a mound with an evergreen right behind it. That may be providing some shelter and I think it prvides good drainage. At any rate, it was pure luck me planting it there. Wishing you and DB a wonderful Thanksgiving.

beckie said...

Beth, I'm not so sure about the plucky! More like whine-y. I have so enjoyed finding you and delight in your writings. I always enjoy hearing of your family and all your adventures. The rash will go away, I know. It's just that with the constant itching and peeling it's hard to concentrate on other things. See, there I go complaining again! :)

beckie said...

Rose, what a perfect way to describe our blogging! I love that we can chat about our 'friends' and just think of all we have learned from them. When I think back over the years and all that we have shared, it seems only fitting that we share this too. It's wonderful. As for introducing you to blogging-I knew you would love it! :) Here's to many more posts and finding even more friends!

beckie said...

Meems, thank you so much. I've noticed a lot of us have relatives that also blog. Like you and Marmee. It's another great way to keep in touch.
I was very apprehensive about my first few posts. I think I feared no one would care what I had to say or show. And then it dawned on me that's not what it's all about. It's finding people who share a passion for gardening and along the way sharing ourselves as well. I can tell after just a couple of posts if it's one I want to keep reading-that we have much in common. And I feel so fortunate to have found so many wonderful people like you!

This is becoming a book :) but I did want to say thanks for the suggestion of 'being better to meet my spring garden'. I shall use that as my motto now!

beckie said...

Susie, it was a great day when I found your blog. I love how you save plants and nuture them. I also enjoy seeing life through your eyes. It has been a joy to get to know you.

I am sure going to expand my delphinium area next year. No wonder they sell so well. They really are stars in the garden. Have a great Thanksgiving!

beckie said...

Marnie, thank you! And thank you for your concern about the rash. I'm just not a patient person I guess and should be thankful it's not any more serious than it is.

Isn't blogging great!? I have so enjoyed getting to know you and seeing all your wonderful photos. You are so talented. I am hoping you come to the Spring Fling so we can really get to know each other!

beckie said...

Gail, deep satisfaction, enrichment and wonderful friends-well said!! Excatly my feelings but you put those feelings into words so much better than I. I think that's one of the reasons I love your posts.

It has been a joy to see your garden, the PPPP and all the other remarkable flowers you have. Won't it be great to finally meet next spring? Can't wait!

beckie said...

Dearest Cheryl, I too, know I am visiting a true friend when I visit your blog. Your love and passion for nature has opened a whole other side to gardening for me and I thank you. You always have such words of encouragement and I take much joy from them.

I am so glad you are still writing and sharing with us. We all would have missed you terribly. You have much to teach us yet!

On Thanksgiving day, I will give thanks for being able to call you friend.

beckie said...

Tina, thank you! You are so right about blogging taking us to great things. Finding others who share similar passions has been such a joy. But along the way, I have made wonderful friends with people who don't garden-they have other interests and yet we can communicate with ease. Not saying that quite right, but hope you understand.

Your blog is fairly new to me, Rose has sung your praises and I had to visit. So glad I did and I now count you as a great gardening buddy!

flydragon said...

Hey Beckie
Happy hundred, and I'm looking forward to reading many more!!!

Meems said...

Beckie, Your book matched my book... LOL. Thanks for the sweet reply.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your 100th post milestone Beckie. I never thought to do a post when I reached mine which was 60-80 posts ago, lol. Your Larkspur is very pretty still.

Mr. McGregor's Daughter said...

Congratulations & thanks for the link love! How come I didn't know that Lisa is your cousin? I'm glad that you started blogging, as I've enjoyed reading about your garden & life in Central Illinois (or as we Chicagoans call it "Downstate").
I think your Delphinium is magic to still be blooming.

Mountain Mama said...

I thought I had commented on this post but apparently not. I do want to congratulate you on your 100th post. Isn't it amazing how fast they add up?
I have very little left in my gardens too but haven't had Delpheniums for several years. I love them but apparently they don't like me because I can seem to keep them coming back year after year.

Cosmo said...

Let me add my congratulations, too, Beckie. I always knew delphinium liked cool weather--guess I underestimated HOW cool. I do wish you a quicker recovery.

Amy said...

Congratulations on post number 100!! May there be many more to come :)

Chandramouli S said...

Congratulations on your 100th post, first of all and I'm glad I met your blog at this momentous time.
Hope your rash cures soon. You'll get well soon.

Naturegirl said...

Woo Hoo Beckie..100 posts! I can appreciate your feeling blessed in meeting such a wonderful community of bloggers who have similar interests!
I didn't know that you and Lisa are related!!Love her blog!
Keep up the great postings and happy to hear that your condition is getting better!

beckie said...

Flydragon, thank you and I hope to post many more! You are one of the ones I enjoy reading. Your humor always makes my day.

Meems, you are so welcome!

beckie said...

Racquel, a few posts ago I noticed I was getting close and thought why not. I know you have lots more than I and they are always so interesting. Thanks!

Yes, we down staters love to be called that. :) Yes Lisa and I are 1st cousins-I'm the pretty one and she's the talented one!

beckie said...

Bev, others have said they have touble growing delphiniums. I didn't know they were hard to grow-maybe that's why mine did so well. :) I have tried to leave comments on your site, but about half the time it won't let me even get to the comment section. VERY frustrating!

Cosmo, I didn't know they liked cool weather, but this one seems to be thrilled with the freezing temps. Can't believe it isn't all brown and mushy!

beckie said...

Amy, thank you very much. I so enjoy reading your blog. isn't it great to find new friends?

Chandramouli. thank you for visiting, and for the well wishes. I love your vinning plants or creepers as you call them. That morning glory looks like the one I had this summer called 'Heavenly Blue.'

beckie said...

Naturegirl, I do feel blessed to have met so many wonderful people. Lisa has a wonderful blog and always has such great photos. She was a great inspiration!

Wendy said...

Dear Beckie - congratulations on your l00th blog post! And a big thank you for mentioning me on your blog. I really love coming here. It's like visiting a friend. I have learned so much from you.

I am keeping my fingers crossed so that your rash really disappears for good! No more itching, no more reddness. Be gone rash!!!
Hugs and Hugs to a dear friend.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

beckie said...

Wendy, thanks! I consider you a dear friend also. It is I who has learned so much from you. :0 I always enjoy your posts! Hopefully the rash is on it's way out. Different friends have told me they see an improvement. I guess i am just impatient.

Take care of yourself and have a great Holiday!

joey said...

Where would all your caring friends be if you had not continued on your heartfelt journey, dear Beckie? Missing you and the joy you share with all. Congratulations on your 100th post, knowing how hard many posts must have been. Thank you for sharing, dear friend. Stay well and Happy Thanksgiving.

Jan said...

Beckie, Beckie, Beckie...congratulations! I remember when we corresponded for a little while back in the winter. I was new, also...and was just browsing at some of the garden bloggers. I had no idea how to 'be a part' of the group...until recently!! I've even joined Blotanical lately...which is amazing (although overwhelming!)
You were one of the first and only people I really left comments for, and received...along with a 'few' others. Remember we talked about the Lyrica? I stopped using mine due to a rash, and my hair has thinned and is literally falling out...and I think it may be due to that med. It really helped the nerve pain...but I'm dealing with it ok at the moment...

I am sooo sorry for your skin rash...I feel so bad for you. It must be miserable. I am keeping you in my thoughts for improvement and healing very quickly...ASAP!

Wow, you are so lucky to have your 100th blog post. I LOST all of my posts from last October through this November!!! I had stopped blogging over the summer...was very involved elsewhere and kept it on the back burner. Then, when I started again, I was fooling around with the Labels...trying to condense them, but the instructions were not clear. I ended up hitting 'delete' and every single post was gone for good. I thought I was just deleting a label on the posts...I was shocked. Then, I searched for cached entries, finding only a couple...because I had turned off my feed over the summer. SO now, I've started over, and I like my new blog even better. I hope to be blogging for quite some time now.

I can't believe you have that beautiful delphenium in your garden at this time of year! Too bad you can't flash-freeze it to keep forever!

Take care! Jan

Aiyana said...

Congrats on your 100th post! I've enjoyed visiting over the past year. I sure hope your dermatologist is right and that you are getting better--but then, he's not living in your skin!
Aiyana

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Becky,
I knew I was behind on my blog reading, but didn't realize how far. For some reason, your blog wasn't on the list of blogs I follow, so I wasn't getting your feeds. I just fixed that.

A belated congratulations on your 100th post! Your flowers are quite pretty here. I hope the delphs I planted come up this spring.

I looked at the sites and read about your rash. There is a student at the school I work at who has patches that look like the one in the top row of pictures on the far right.

In a case like this, you want to have a diagnosis, but this isn't necessarily what you want it to be, though. I hope it gets better soon. My daughter, with the severe eczema was recently tested for allergies, and was found to be allergic to wheat, soy, and peanuts. She is finally getting better, but slips up and eats things she shouldn't, and her skin breaks out again. That probably has nothing to do with your condition, though.

Well, I'm off to catch up some more!