Crafty in the Med

I am here to enjoy meeting other bloggers and to share my love of craft ,mostly crochet, my thoughts and my daily happenings here in Alicante,Spain, my adopted country. I belong to a local choir because singing and music makes me happy. Flea markets and book shops are two of my favourite places to be. I read lots......sci´fi/fantasy,buried treasure, and off world adventures. I have a passion for history! I walk and walk and walk for about 10 months per year during the hot months I swim.

Wednesday 17 March 2021

Not quite right II

 I have been feeling a little under the weather these last few weeks.

Over the last 6 months approx I've had recurring stomach problems. I thought perhaps it was stomach flu or similar that hadn't cleared up properly.  However towards the end of February it came back again and rather more severe this time so very reluctantly I decided to speak to my doctor who sent me for some tests.  Last Monday my doctor phoned me and gave me the results of those tests which were really good so my doctor said all but one was negative; Covid test included. The results of that one test she said wasn't so good she said she believed it could be a sign of intestinal inflammation. Mind you that doesn't surprise me a lot considering the ups and downs I have had with my tummy lately!  Therefore she is sending me to the specialist... what joy!... Not!   This Monday she phoned me back to tell me what had been arranged with the specialist. Due to clinic conditions at present (Covid) the specialist doesn't want to see me face-to-face as yet but wants me to repeat that one test again on 8th April. I have been given an anti-inflammatory diet to follow and I hope that will reduce the problem and the test results will be negative.   If not I have to go for other tests to find out more.

 

 
 
 
Unfortunately my mood affects my crochet:

I got fed up with this hat which wasn't going right and I have frogged it! I always feel irritated after frogging a make...sigh! 


Sunday morning 

We were going to go up into the mountains this Sunday to see the almond trees in flower but I woke up with my stomach grumbling again and didn't feel like doing much at all so we went for a stroll around the No Name park(parque sin nombre). Strange name right...but everyone is calling it that because the council still haven't given it a name and it was opened about 5 years ago!  Bureaucracy is so slow here.   It has been awhile since we went there and it was a little dry and sad the last time we went but now it is looking really lovely. It is situated down under the Port flyover very near the San Gabriel beach.

 



It is right beside a very noisy road which does not deter the birds at all as they were merrily serenading the coming of spring.:-)  

 








 

There is even a mini waterfall and I could hear some frogs croaking in the pond.



The play area. There were quite a few people stretched out on the grass enjoying the mild weather.


It is like a haven tucked away from the busy,bustling city.

 


RAOCKS (Random Acts of Crochet Kindness)


I have been crochet doodling again😊 A Little Easter chick just hatched...ready to go out tomorrow smile searching.


 I made this chick taken from a pattern I used when making chicks for my pupils quite awhile ago as seen on this post here. I used Katia Cotton Stretch and a 3,00 hook so it was quite a bit smaller than the chunky chicks I made in the past.
 
 

SPRING FEVER

I think I have the start of spring fever as I am getting that urge again to clean,patch up and renovate things in the home!  

I have started by digging out a pot of the paint that was used on the walls in my daughter's bedroom which is really the spare room and has been for years now but in my mind it continues to be my daughter's room.  I always make sure I keep a pot of paint of the paint used in the different rooms so I can patch up any scratches or marks that have appeared overtime. The paint has weathered well in that room but all the same I have noticed there is an area beside the door which is grubby and soap and water wont get rid of it. A couple of swipes with a paint brush will :-)

😁

 


                                              Keep well

                   

                                              Amanda :-)







45 comments:

  1. So sorry to read about your health issues, hope all goes well with the next test. Such a beautiful wildlife haven so close to the busyness of a sprawling city.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by. I found out later that the council is going to extend that little park further along the port area. I so enjoy seeing that new parks and green areas are popping up in different parts of the city there was very little of this when I first came here to live. A x

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    2. the parks are really wonderful to be added in cities

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    3. The city desperately need good green areas and there have been many changes over the last 20 years. Numerous new parks and lots of bicycle parks all over the city A x

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  2. I'm sorry to hear about your tummy problems Amanda, I can relate, it does affect your whole mood. I hope the diet works it did for me but it did take some time. I'm sorry you had to frog your work it's so frustrating when that happens. The no name Park looks like a lovely place to visit. I keep thinking about doing some Spring cleaning the whole house needs painting really but I don't have the heart for it, the thought of all the upheaval puts me off. That little chick is so cute! Take care and I hope you feel better soon. 🙂 xx

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    1. Hi Linda, Thanks :-) The diet seems to be helping... slowly so time will tell. A x

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  3. I hope you soon get some answers about your stomach trouble. It must be worrying. What a lovely haven the No Name Park is. I could hear the birds and frogs! That chick is cute, someone's going to treasure that! xx

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    1. Hi HH ,thank you :-) At least via the first tests I now know i am not allergic to gluten,I don't have Covid, my cholesterol is back to normal, my blood sugar is normal,iron is as usual,and I have no problems with my liver. They were very thorough! Anyhow I am trying to put it to one side at present and not worry about it. The positive side of this is I have lost weight :-) A x

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    2. Just a thought, I am lactose intolerant. Causes bloating, stomach cramps, diarrhoea etc, etc. I had a hydrogen breath test to diagnose it. I now avoid all dairy and rarely have any problems. Don't know if your tummy troubles are similar, or caused by lactose, but thought I'd mention it just in case. Hope you soon find out the cause. xx

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    3. My doctor put me on lactose intolerant milk and Yoghurt from day 1 but that doesn't seem to have stopped the stomach problems. I haven't eaten anything dairy with the exception of yoghurts for over a month now but I still have problems. I am keeping a food journal at present to log the foods that I eat and the reaction. It is a slow process. A x

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  4. HaHa loved the cartoon. sorry about your stomach issues-no fun, I went through allot of issues about 25 years ago when I discovered on my own I had celiac-no gluten-at that time the doctors couldn't figure it out so I just start from scratch adding foods til I figured out it was gluten. hopefully this will be something easy to get resolved. I loved seeing those palm trees and especially the little waterfall.
    the little chick is too sweet hugs Kathy

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    1. Thanks Kathy. I hope little chick will make someone smile :-) I am keeping a food journal now to try and find out if I am allergic to anything I am eating. I hope it is that and not something more severe. A x

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  5. Your little chick is so cute and is bound to bring a smile to someones face. So sweet. I'm sorry to hear about your medical problems. That's never any fun. I also have tummy issues and have for many years. I have to drink a concoction of a prescription powder in pineapple juice. It tastes terrible but it has helped a little.
    The park is such a nice little oasis. I would love to visit there and see all of the green and happy people. Most things are still brown here with no flowers yet.
    I'll be praying that you will soon be feeling better.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. Hi Betsy, Thanks for dropping in :-) The diet seems to be helping but slowly. I will be glad to get this next test done so I at least have a better idea of what the cause of the problems is. A x

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  6. I am so sorry about your stomach issues. I have big problems with inflammation and really try to eat as clean as possible. I take probiotics and digestive enzymes as much as I can/ I think my inflammation is systemic, I try to do what I can without medication because that makes me feels worse and really tears up my stomach. Sending you positive belly thoughts!

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    1. Hi Mere,Thanks. Like yourself I take probiotics in capsule form (when I have a flare up) and food form daily on a regular basis. I don't medication at all unless I absolutely have to (doctors orders). I prefer a more natural approach:herbal or home remedies. A x

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  7. Oh dear, I so hope it turns out to be nothing serious!
    And it is so nice to see sunny pictures, we could do some of that over here.
    I obviously haven't got the spring fever, no desire to clean anything, I think I just got very comfortable in my lockdown, but the sun does help :-)
    xx

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    1. Hi Radka, I hope so! The diet seems to be helping but can't say I feel on top of the world at present. It will be good to know just what the problem is and go from there. A x

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  8. Good to have lost weight but not so good to feel under the weather. Hope all is resolved soon. Love your chick!

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  9. Hope your health issues are resolved soon. That little park looks so lovely - an oasis of calm. We all need places like that.
    Someone will love to give that chick a good home!
    Best wishes
    Ellie

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    1. Thank you Ellie. Haven't been out dropping off RAOCKs lately because it is raining and I haven't felt so well. Nevertheless my makes go in my stash for my next walk. A x

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  10. I'm so sorry to read of the health issues and am hoping that the measures put in place sort things out for you.
    What lovely photos - and the colour of that sky. Wow!!
    xx

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    1. Hi Joy thank you for calling in :-) The diet I am on seems to be helping slowly never-the-less I will be glad to get the next test done and get to know what is causing the problems. A x

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  11. I'm sorry to hear that you have had some health problems and I hope you can resolve them so that you feel a lot better. Your photos taken when out and about give a good sense of the weather. It's wonderful to see the blue skies. Keep up the good work with the crocheting and crafting.

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    1. Thanks Linda will definitely keep at the crochet. IMO it is the perfect therapy. A x

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  12. Sorry to hear you have not been feeling well, lets hope it can be sorted out soon. Shame you couldn´t visit the mountains but that park looks lovely, brightens the mood when you can visit places like that. Your little chick looks so sweet. Take care xcx

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    1. Hi Chrissie,Thank you. Little chick will be going out soon lets hope it produces smiles to whoever finds it. We'll be off to the mountains next Sunday I hope. A x

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  13. Prayers your intestinal issues are resolved
    Having such a condition can make a misery of life. Until allergy tests showed me I'm allergic to a few of the foods I ate in my regular diet, I was miserable. Once I navigated that, the IBS from fibromyalgia, and reduced stress, the intestinal issues improved.
    Beautiful photos
    Happy Spring!

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    1. Thank for calling in. I am at present keeping a Food journal as requested by the doctor so I'm inclined to think my health issues are related to an allergy or intolerance to something I eat. A x

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  14. Oh Amanda. There are some disguised blessings in this awful COVID time. Do you like to take probiotic? Allison , my daughter finally convinced me to take one and it made a world of difference for my gut.
    I LOVE your doodle crochet.
    And speaking of frogs.....I have been looking to volunteer in a new way. DOn't laugh, oh okay, go ahead: I joined the Wisconsin DNR frog and Toad song count. I have a place very near my home I am to go to 3 times a month and report the toads and frogs sounds I here. I have a lot of little on line classes to watch. When I offered to try to do the wolf count , we decided there we so many prints in the modules we'd never keep them straight. I'd love to identify our peepers

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    1. Hi Kathy. I have been taking probiotics in capsule form for about a month now and they do help. I also eat probiotic yoghurt for breakfast every day. Listening for Toads and Frogs sounds... well...different for sure(I am smiling!!). Do you record them? Actually giving it a bit more thought that is quite fascinating,you know! :-) Thanks for popping in. A x

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  15. Sorry to know about your health issues, hope you feel better soon. The park looks like a nice place to relax.

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    1. Thanks and great to hear from you Preeti. Good to see you are back blogging again I'll pop over to your blog soon. I continued to have you on my reading list but have just put you back on my blog list. A x

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  16. I hope they figure out what is going on with you and get it straightened out. Your little chick in the egg is very clever, good for you! I can relate on doing some Spring cleaning.. I'm trying to tidy up some problem areas, too. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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    1. Hi Teresa,thanks for popping in. I have put my spring cleaning on hold for the moment until I feel more energetic. These constant stomach upsets drain me. On a controlled bland diet for the moment which helps. A x

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  17. I wonder if Kombucha or sauerkraut might make a difference to your poorly tummy. I started making both last year and they are supposedly very good for the gut.

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    1. Thanks Cherie for calling in. I have read that Kombucha and sauerkraut is probiotic and good for stomach troubles. I don't think I could face the sauerkraut though so I am looking at what Kombucha is exactly because I don't know what it is. Thanks for your advice :-) A x

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  18. Hi Amanda, thanks so much for popping over recently I’m sorry I’ve not been back,been struggling with blogging lately, sorry you’ve been poorly too, I pray the dr finds out what is wring with you. It’s hard dealing with upset tummies, I’ve a number of chronic issues and one of them is functional dyspepsia, and it causes tummy pain. Took me a while to be diagnosed.
    Wow that is so weird about a council or whoever is responsible not naming things!,.. here they often put it to vote of people, if issues, fancy five years open and no name, weird plus! Love the photos though very beautiful.
    Thanks for Sharing, God bless and keep you safe, and all those you love, hugs Shaz in Oz.x

    {Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
    {Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

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    1. Hi Shaz. I am keeping a food journal now to see if I am allergic to anything I am eating. The Town Hall council always name the parks here although if there is a proposal from a group of people or organisation they will take it into consideration and possibly approve it. It is issued through that Council though they just haven't got around to issuing that parks name as yet. Very similar to how it is done in the UK . District council's in the UK issue the names of the streets there. A x

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  19. Hi Amanda, just a thought, there is a diet that has really helped me as I have found foods do stir my yum bug Tim. Each one is different as it is with all Gods creation. It’s called the Fodmap die.
    Here is a simplistic one as they’re all not created equal https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/fodmaps-101#low-fodmap-foods
    Big No-Nos for me are onion, fresh apple, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, capsicum, and most things that cause wind like baked beans etc. also go generally low gluten, and low lactose in milk.

    When I’m well I can eat things that are no no’s in the middle of the day like a banana, but never at night. I also take meds prescription and natural to combat it. I’m in good patch now so can be more flexible, like had at 2pm the other day donuts, two, with meds belied and after, now I haven’t had one for decades but was okay .. did have a bit of wind but was controlled quickly, was also from top bakery. Quality matter with food and tummy issues.
    If you reply to this comment in your email I’ve my email embedded in my comments and I’ll get it. I only found this because I’d not closed out of page and it was there when I happened to come on my iPad
    God bless, food diary will help for you personally most of all, but also an understanding and awareness of possibly problem foods will help.
    Prayer hugs Shaz.x

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    1. Many thanks for this advice Shaz :-) I am going to pop in the page and have a look. A x

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  20. Sorry for typos, more haste less speed!,
    ... in first line “certain foods do stir up my tum big time” “Fodmap DIET” not die, second line 😑😆

    “other day donuts with meds BEFORE and after” middle of second paragraph. Hope that’s all!

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  21. I know perfectly well what your stomach issues are.It is not working in harmony with the rest of your body,no wonder you don't feel like starting new projects, you must be very tired.Having said this,I am eager to read another of your exciting posts.Be patient,the good weather is coming😋

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    1. Thanks Tyra. Beach,snow and crochet in my next post :-)

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Thank you for your comments. I do read them and try to reply to all as well.Please keep them coming. Amanda :-)