Oh yes, I made it.

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(Edited)

I have not been able to walk this far for a long time now, but after the stents that were inserted in my lower abdomen, I can now walk again.
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The high foothills of the mountain were a challenge, but I was determined to give it a go.

It's all a mind matter isn't it? We are free to say yes, I can or no I can't. The first leads to positivity and the latter leads to failure.
I saw this quote and it was my affirmation.

“I have just three things to teach:
Simplicity, patience, compassion.
These three are your greatest treasures.
Simple in actions and in thoughts,
You return to the source of being.
Patient with both friends and enemies,
You accord with the way things are.
Compassionate toward yourself,
You reconcile all beings in the world.”
Lao Tzu

This was the view of a hill opposite the hill that we were on. I say we, as my wife walked every step with me and I know that she was keeping an eye on me, but her excuse was in the case of snakes :)
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This orchard is at the left of the picture above.
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This was the start of our hike, around the dam and up the hill.
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We were headed towards the lower slopes of the mountain.
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One day I will walk that entire track, but today my test run was only 1 kilometer.
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As we went higher some lovely sights appeared such as this bean formed big anthill.
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Yep, the ants work all of the time and I don't know where they were taking that stone. Maybe they are building a stone castle for their queen inside that big mound of clay.
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Burnt out Protea bushes could be seen all over the area, as we had a huge fire here a while ago.
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Once these were colorful proteas, but now only the scorched shells remain.
Some of you have seen the photos that I posted in the past, about the Cape Sugarbirds on the colorful beauty of the protea flowers.
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Views a plenty and this was at the top of the hill where the mountain range appeared in the background.
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A pair of waxbill birds were dining on the long grass stalks. I love their red masks.
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We had reached the turn around spot and this was the scene near the end on our way back down.
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Amazing to watch this moorhen dancing on the water leaves.
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So yeah, I completed the walk with minimal pain, and this means that the blood flow to my legs was restored.
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I deliberately selected rough terrain to do the hike, as I knew that it would test my legs to the limit and I am happy to say that things can from now on only get better where my walking is concerned.
But I am not out of the woods yet as my iron levels are still critical and we have had many setbacks by the doctors attempts to locate the source of my internal bleeding. No, I am not complaining now, as we will in the new week hear if they have found a way for me to go for a nuclear red-cell scan to locate the source of the bleeding.
I am sorry to lay my condition out here, and I need no help, but I only wanted to show the context of my achievement with this walk. So regardless of everything, we are happy with this part of my progress.

I hope that you enjoyed the photos and the walk.

And That's All Friends.

Photos by Zac Smith-All Rights Reserved.

Camera: Canon Powershot SX70HS Bridge camera.

Thank you kindly for supporting a post on behalf of @papilloncharity

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I am glad that you could do the hike! Our bodies are amazing. I am hoping with you that the iron levels will get better.

On a different note, what hiking route is this? Me and @urban.scout are always, well, scouting for new walking routes. And I am very bad at finding new routes even if I only stay a couple of minutes away.

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Thank you and I will not stop to push the legs now my friend.

There are two ways to approach this hike. You can start the hike from the R44 and it crosses the Helderberg mountain into the nature reserve, or you can start the hike from the nature reserve's side where we walked.

Info is here. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/south-africa/western-cape/helderberg-nature-reserve

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Exercise is always the best. I have lapsed into a bad habit of stopping the gym and training to focus on the studies and that did not work out so well. So I have a couple of kilos to shed!

That looks awesome. Me and the girlfriend just returned from a very serious hike! Have you heard of the "Three sisters" in Kleinmond? It is a very hard one. Some steepish places you need to climb going on all fours. And steep cliffs with no railings. The girlfriend was not impressed, but luckily we turned around after getting to the three sisters, as my knees began to give me problems. The last three kilometers were hell as I barely made it back. So as nice as a hike can be so dangerous can it also be.

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Easy to fix, as you just have to program your mind with consistent exercise thoughts !LOL

I have a good pastor friend in Kleinmond and we once wanted to buy a house there. But we were put off by the restricted access and departure from the town, as only one road goes through it and when that road is blocked by a protest at both ends, then one is stuck. Even just blocking the one end would mean many miles of a detour to get somewhere. Nope, I don't know the "Three Sisters " hike.
That last three kilometers is how I felt at the start to the end before they opened my leg feed arteries.
Never over exercise your knees, as they will take their revenge on you in later life.

!LOLZ

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That is the biggest problem with Kleinmond. My dad's father bought property there in 1940 or something like that, granddad built the house with his own hands. The last protests there were so close to the house, very scary stuff. And with the mountain road always close to closure due to landslides, it is not optimal.

Oh yes, I am very conscious about the knees. My other granddad (on mom's side) had a knee replacement and the lady next door had two knee replacements. You never really go back to where you were. Eish, the human body is something else.

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Oh yes, ease of access and departure is a priority nowadays and one can never be careful enough. Kleinmond is supposed to be a preachers retirement village, but I for one will not go and live there.
I read an article today in the doctor's rooms about new land invaders that built their shacks around a school and during a riot they first stole most everything in the school and then burned he school down.
I mean what's this? Madness!

Glad that you know about taking care of your knees and I also have some friends that had knee replacements. I joke with them by telling them that the day that they decide to die, to call me first so that I can collect their knees afterwards, as the prices of metals are very high these days 🤣 !LOLZ

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That is truly a shame. People are in desperate need for education to help them in life and then they burn down places of learning and sometimes a safe space for some of those students. It is really a shame to hear about these things.

Oh that can be a very profitable business, but I am sure there are people already in it lol. I will stick to philosophy and see if I can get some people to invest in it so that I can share it with others!

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Yeah, so much trouble in this country and I just don't know where, or when it is all going to end.

Hahaha, I was only joking!

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Maybe the answer is in the big guys making everything private. But then again, that is a very dangerous game to play as well. When was it again, I think last year, when that storm hit Texas and the private power supply companies could not lower the cost and people froze inside of their homes? Pretty scary thought.

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Yep, mankind will never learn from the mistakes of the past and it's so sad about the Texas story.

Is your girl still here? I want to meet you at Imibala to show you around.

!PIZZA

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She, unfortunately, had to go back today. But we can still arrange something! She will return soon. We just need to work out a good plan with classes and work and all that stuff.

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Drat! So you will now have to face a bit of a lonely time, but look at the light, as she will return.

Good and I am sure that can figure something out.

!BEER

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Yes, indeed! It is a struggle though. It is never nice to leave a loved one for so long. The classes I am giving will only end in July, but it is for a better future, I would hope!

That would be lovely! Keep me posted. My days are relatively flexible.

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You are of the right frame of mind when you focus on building the future, as it is so important. A bit of sacrifice now will be sure to result in much happines later.

We are going there at 3pm tomorrow to check up on the coding classes. Can you make it?
If you can then Imibala is in Bright street just off Main street. Coming from the R44 direction, you will pass the police station on the right hand side and at the traffic lights turn right. Imibala is halfway down the block.

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Oh I am so sorry for only responding and seeing this comment now. I really thought my days would be easier. The classes are hectic. Or, I just don't get much time for Hive as I would like to have. I will send you a message on discord, if you are still on there, and we can exchange numbers. If we can message each other directly, I will not miss the opportunity again!

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Nope, no need to apologize as life is indeed hectic nowadays. The months only fly by.
I saw it on discord and you can delete it. Will tip you off when we will go there again.

!PIZZA

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Yes! I am looking forward to it. I will obviously respond much quicker on the phone. I am only young once, so the body can still take this workload, but it is not sustainable in the long run.

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It turned out that your number was already on Marian's phone. (I don't have a phone).
So I will let you know in advance when we will do our next visit to the coding project.
Above all, don't lose your Elan, your fighting spirit and your uniqueness, as they are precious qualities that you were blessed with.

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I am working on them! The academy has a way of biting you as well. I am a newbie in the space and I already understand why most lecturers and proffies are who they are!

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Somehow your replies slipped through the loadshedding net.
Well, even as a newbie, you also have your dad to guide you.
Good that you know that as may be useful one day.

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My dad warned me this morning again about the dangers of burnout and how long the recovery is from it. So I really need to turn down the pace a little and find a working balance.

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Absolute true. Our first burn out was really hard to recover from, but as soon as we started feeling better, we were at it again, working day and night. The second burn out was a totally different thing and I had to go in for a very tricky operation to unblock the right artery that feeds my brain. They said that it would take 3 years to recover, and we are now in the fourth year, and I am still not fully recovered.
So please watch yourself and get the balance right.

!PIZZA

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I think me and the girl had a very productive talk today regarding this issue. I am headed toward this route and it will not be very good for either of us. So I am going to try and find this elusive balance we all search for! No more working 10-12 hours straight even if I miss deadlines.

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Well, do not say that I didn't warn you and I am glad that you and your lady talked it over.
You can only do so much and if you overload yourself, then you are looking for trouble.
Glad that you are cutting the hours and I have also slackened off, as no time to do a post today. So, I will not push it, as in the long run it doesn't matter.

!BEER

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It is funny how university time works. It all happens so fast and quickly in a very short amount of time. 100 essays, 100 tests, 100 exams, and you have only a couple of days to mark. So you "burn out" in those stretches but the rest of the year it is so slow. But yes, getting up after hitting that wall is never a productive thing and the time lost will be far worse than if you just balanced everything out from the start.

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Oy, a far way to go yet. Try 300 essays every 3 month semester, 4 semesters per year.
You just have to work your time out and to find interesting and relaxing time during the slow periods.
Let's hope that the bakery project can be launched this year, as the equipment is ready and waiting.
That should give you something that you love to do during the slow time.
!BEER

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Yes certainly! Crossing all my fingers for the project.

No, I would die with so many students. I remember the ethics exams we talked about when we met up, there were I think 1200 booklets. It was an almost 1-meter-high stack of books. Luckily we were 5 people who marked. But I remember I needed to mark until 5 am the next morning because marks needed to be in at 9 am. It was crazy.

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Hahaha, yes, that marking stint was very valuable, as it taught you what to avoid at all costs in the future. I am going to go and take fresh photos at Imibala to send to you, as the story of William being discovered as way above the normal level needs to be told.

!BEER

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Those stories must be told, you are right. It is amazing how when you give some of these students a bit of confidence and place them in the right framework they will flourish. I have seen it even with older students in my field. People just need the right conditions to flourish in. Obviously, finding out what the right conditions for each student/child are where the hard work lies.

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You won't believe this, as I went to take photos of the art section on Thursday and then I forgot about it. Will send it to you soon my friend.
I think that it is personal interest and care that result in students blooming. Once that they feel the love and the trust, then they perform.
!PIZZA

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Great journeys start a mile at a time!

I hope you get well soon and of course I follow you to stay informed.
I'm close to you friend!
Thank you for sharing your first kilometre, beautiful photographs, I felt like I was there with you.

A hug!

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So right and it indeed has to start from somewhere.

Thank you for the message of support and I am glad that I could inspire you with this hike. Hopefully there will be many more to follow.

A !PIZZA

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I’m happy you are still getting out and about and taking these amazing photos.Wonderful what can be done to help you regain your walking.

Have a great day and keep well Sir Stephen. 😊

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Thank you Lady Jo and it was a painful process to get me this far, but no pain no gain.

You also have a great day and my kindest regards to you 🙏❤️

!PIZZA

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I am proud of you, my friend, and those views are worth the effort. I am glad that Marian took care of you and I hope that one day we'll hike up the Table Mountain together.

!invest_vote

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Thank you Hannes and I try to sound brave, but it is more to convince myself that I can do it. And it works 😊
She is really a great support in my life and I am lucky to have a wife like her. I hope that the one day will indeed arrive as we will spoil you. And of course, you will love Table Mountain !LOLZ

Cheers and thanks.

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I believe you, Zac, and I think as long as you don't do too much it should be alright. You are really lucky with your wife 😊

I have seen videos and photos of the Table Mountain and other areas in South Africa - awesome landscape, amazing wilderness. It surely is something I would love 😀 !LOLZ

Have a !PIZZA from me, served with !LUV
!invest_vote

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With my wife around I can assure you that I will not be allowed to follow my habit of extremes 😉

All that I can say is that you will be mightily impressed and to see it personally is much better than to see it on videos my friend. So, I really hope that one day you will visit us, as you will be sure to have a great experience. They say that once Africa is in your blood, you will never forget it 😮 !LOLZ

Cheers and thanks.

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That's good, very good indeed, my friend, and you should take care that Marian's always with you 😅 !LOLZ

I know that reality is always much better than any photo or video, so let the Hive moon and I will try Africa in my blood 😀

Have a !PIZZA from me, served with !LUV
!invest_vote

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Thank you my friend and be aware that Marian sticks closer to me than my make up 🤣 !LOLZ

We certainly pray that this will happen one day as we will at last meet face to face and I will show you around, not only to nature, but also to some of Papillon's projects.
You will have a great time my friend and you wouldn't want to go back home 😉

Cheers and thanks.

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(Edited)

Although I am quite sure that you don't put make-up on 😅 !LOLZ I know how close she is to you, and that's good 😀

That would really be great, my friend 😀

Have a !PIZZA from me, served with !LUV
!invest_vote

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Well I didn't want to say that she s closer to me than my underpants 🤣 !LOLZ
But I know that you know 😊

Oh yeah, I also think so 👍

Cheers and thanks.

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Good evening Zac,

yep, I know and I say again that it's good that way 👉👍😊 !LOLZ

Have a !PIZZA from me, served with !LUV
!invest_vote

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Good afternoon Hannes,

I am typing this in a power cut, as it is too hot to go outside 😉

I know that you know that I know that you know 🤣 !LOLZ

Cheers and thanks.

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Good evening Zac,

it's too warm here too - we have -1 C and I also don't want to go outside ❄️ !LOLZ

Have a !PIZZA from me, served with !LUV
!invest_vote

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Good afternoon Hannes,

I will have to advise you to seek some psychiatric help, as it is of great concern to me that you think -1C is warm. Maybe you do not get enough sleep methinks 😉 !LOLZ

Cheers and thanks.

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Good evening Zac,

my niece is a psychiatrist and she says nobody can help me - any psychiatrist who tries to help me will get mad too 😂 !LOLZ
Today it was -6 C - that was a bit more wintry 🤣

Have a !PIZZA from me, served with !LUV
!invest_vote

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Good to hear that you’re getting out there and able to do a walk like this! Unfortunate to hear of the health issues, the nuclear scan usually does the trick of finding out where the source is.

Beautiful walk you took with lots of nice scenery around!

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Thank you. As I said elsewhere, one only has to keep on trying.
Yes, agreed, as the doctors also reckon that the scan will be the best way to locate the source of the bleeding.

Thankfully the area is packed with nature from the mountains to the sea and there is always much to see. !LOLZ

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That’s a super achievement Zac, well done. You can be proud of that.
Hope that they can do the scan and find were it is coming from so better treatment is more effective.
Take care my friend 🤗🤗 and have a wonderful new week!

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Thank you Jackie and I will just keep on pushing.
We are also praying that a way to do the scan can be found, but we will wait and see.

Happy unpacking my friend !LOLZ

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You are so welcome Zac 👋🏻😊 let’s hope 🍀🍀🍀🍀

Thanks so much, I have… lots of boxes and items to unwrap hahaha still…
Enjoy your weekend and take care!

!ALIVE

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And thank you also Jackie 😀

You will get there eventually 😜

Blessings and another !PIZZA

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Anytime 👋🏻😊
Yep, eventually hahaha 🤣

Thanks a lot Zac
!ALIVE

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No worries as I know that things will sort themselves out. Under your guiding hand of course 😊

My pleasure Jackie.

!PIZZA

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It will 👋🏻😊 thanks Zac 😎

!ALIVE

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Great and blessings to you guys Jackie.

!LOLZ

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(Edited)

PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA! PIZZA!

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after the stents that were inserted in my lower abdomen, I can now walk again.

Yaaaaaaaay!

Compassionate toward yourself,
You reconcile all beings in the world.”

Hmmm, don't most of us need to read this aloud to ourselves most days...

Ants...

Maybe they are building a stone castle for their queen inside that big mound of clay.

I love your imagination.

I completed the walk with minimal pain, and this means that the blood flow to my legs was restored.

Excellent 🙌

I am sorry to lay my condition out here, and I need no help, but I only wanted to show the context of my achievement with this walk. So regardless of everything, we are happy with this part of my progress.

I am grateful that you shared as I had wondered (and worried even without knowing the details). I'm also glad you tell us that you need no help. I can/will just continue to send love from afar. I know this helps anyway 💛 And yes, I think you've done very, very well with the walk, Zac. May they find the source of the bleed and until then (and afterwards) may you continue to be as patient and kind with yourself as you are with others.

!LUV !ALIVE !PIZZA (? is pizza good for you right now? Should I be giving you pizza?! 🤣)

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What a great comment. All neatly laid out in my statements and your answers Lady Caroline.
So much better than the "Nice photos", but we also have to understand that not everyone is first language English speakers. So I always say thank you to them, as at least they have bothered to comment.

I said that I need no help personally, in order to avoid some thinking that I want votes or anything such, as I just wanted to share my current situation.
Thank you for your kind support and it is appreciated and I am glad that you understood my thoughts so well.
Still waiting for the doctor to call, but he is a great guy and I trust him. So somehow, I know that I will get to do the scan. Miracles happen every day 😊
Patience always pays off in the long run and hope is great catalyst.

Thank you in turn for your kindness and the care in your heart.

!LUV !LOLZ !PIZZA and I think that the pizza with the exclamation mark makes it go down better 🤣

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What a great comment. All neatly laid out in my statements and your answers Lady Caroline.
So much better than the "Nice photos"

😀😉😁

but we also have to understand that not everyone is first language English speakers. So I always say thank you to them, as at least they have bothered to comment.

Agreed! I feel the same way. And if I get annoyed with someone's poor English then I ask myself, "How well can you speak their language?" Haha. My annoyance disappears immediately. !LOL

I said that I need no help personally, in order to avoid some thinking that I want votes or anything such, as I just wanted to share my current situation.

Got it. Seems wise.

Thank you for your kind support and it is appreciated and I am glad that you understood my thoughts so well.

I do, get you. Hugs!

Still waiting for the doctor to call, but he is a great guy and I trust him. So somehow, I know that I will get to do the scan. Miracles happen every day 😊

They certainly do! They certainly do.

Patience always pays off in the long run and hope is great catalyst.

100% agree. (And... I should probably print this bit and remind myself the next time I'm going through something massive 😂)

Thank you in turn for your kindness and the care in your heart.

You are so welcome. I love loving people who know how to receive my love.

!PIZZA and I think that the pizza with the exclamation mark makes it go down better 🤣

Haha!

Here's to !ALIVE ness in all we do and all we are 🙏

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I should copy your way of answering messages as it is so good 😊
Hugs also to you and I am glad that you found a reminder in all of my scrawlings ❤️
Thank you for the understanding and the kindness 🙏
Love is what makes the world go around 😉

!LOLZ as I don't have enough ALIVE yet to return.

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!LOLZ Excellent! And just in case it's not obvious, I totally copied this format off other awesome people who replied to me this way. (Not sure who to credit as I saw it from several people many months ago and have been using it semi regularly since - when the mood strikes me, that is 😁)

And here's some more !ALIVE then 😉

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