Mother Nature has been angry Downunder ...

[LemonZest11]

Hello Everyone, I’m not sure if you are aware of the challenges that Mother Nature has thrown at Western Australia over the past week? We have had cyclones, bushfires and flooding rains, it has been horrible. Throw in a weeks hard lockdown due to one positive COVID case. My son, his wife and four kids (under 8, yikes), arrived at our house at 2am last Monday morning, having been evacuated due to imminent fire danger. We lost 86 homes in that fire but I am relieved to say that theirs was saved. Bittersweet, given so many families have been left with nothing. I was certain that something would go wrong with my PMR, given considerable stress over the ensuing days, not to mention the children demanding my undying attention! Then the cyclone moved south and we had flooding rains that meant drama for families up north. We though, enjoyed cooler weather after days of high 30sC. The family has since returned home and I continued my very slow taper, thrilled to let you know that I have made it to 3.5mgs. Had to go off the tocillizumab for a couple of weeks due to low white blood cell count, but apparently that is common. Early days at this dose so fingers crossed that things do not deteriorate. I guess Dorathea Mackellar knew something when she wrote of our wide, brown land ... her beauty and her terror. At least we don’t have any COVID community spread at the moment!

[jinasc]

I am so happy to read that you and your family have escaped the worst that can happen and long may it last.

I did know because of the BBC World Service. The radio and TV are just consumed with Covid, Brexit and our specific political problems. That is why I have tuned into the World Service more than ever over the last few months.

You might like to know this. "In Greek mythology, GAIA was the goddess of the earth. In the role of Mother Nature--the progenitor of animals, plants and men. She was also portrayed as a protector of animals and the creator of new plant life."

[LemonZest11 in reply to jinasc]

Thank you jinasc, yes I do know about GAIA. I’m sure she is a protector of new plant life, because after a bushfire in Australia, new life is generated. But that is when our First Nations People burn, they know what they are doing. Unfortunately these bushfires were indiscriminate. I’m so glad that you are listening to BBC World Service, we do too. Good to hear more than just local news.

[jinasc in reply to LemonZest11]

It is amazing how First Nations people in most countries know more than those that followed on and just did not listen or learn. We lost a lot.

[LemonZest11 in reply to jinasc]

Yes, so true. We in Australia especially, need to listen.

[maria40 in reply to LemonZest11]

Do hope you have some respite now. Your problems make our snow and ice seem a doddle.

[LemonZest11 in reply to maria40]

Yes Maria, it can. certainly be challenging and occasionally, life-threatening. But at the moment we are free of the virus so we must be thankful for that. Take care in your beautiful snow and ice. xx

[maria40 in reply to jinasc]

I listen increasingly to the BBC World Service which does give a better and less UK centric view of the world.

[Rugger]

I can't imagine how stressful that must be for you. Take it steady at the very low dose of pred.

I hope you're able to continue with the tocilizumab. My Rheumatologist wasn't too worried when my neutrophil count fell, as she says it's "normal"! The rheumatology nurses were more bothered, as it was flagged up on their algorithm!

Stay safe from Covid as well as Mother Nature's terrors.

[LemonZest11 in reply to Rugger]

Hi Sue, yes, it was stressful but we are moving forward. Back on the tocilizumab for now. My Rheumatologist is amazing. I go and have the tests each week and she rings me the next day to let me know. I hope you are progressing, I know things there with COVID are horrendous. Take care.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I haven't actually been watching news as much as usual - they keep telling me things I've been saying for months. I didn't know - so sorry.

As the elders of my family used to say, we have to be grateful for small mercies at present ...

[LemonZest11 in reply to PMRpro]

Wise words as always.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Keep well, and keep safe.....Mother Nature is cruel sometimes, but as you know from recovery from previous wild fires, can also be a healer.

[LemonZest11 in reply to DorsetLady]

Yes indeed. Australia is a rugged country and we do endure the harshness of nature each year. But we are also fortunate. New beginnings out of disaster.

[Grammy80]

So happy to hear you are all safe despite the losses. We learn what we really need and what is important, don't we. Thoughts and prayers for calm and hope~! Take good care💖

[Meggsy]

Having survived the NSW fires, floods and cyclones of 2020 I do sympathise with you. So pleased things have settled down and your family were able to return home. Stay safe and best wishes for good weather conditions ahead. 🌻

[LemonZest11 in reply to Meggsy]

Thanks Meggsy, it's looking better at the moment, heating up again next week, but that's the way Summer is in Oz. Xx

[SheffieldJane]

Well done you LemonZest11 in spite of all angry Mother Nature can chuck at you, you’ve got to 3.5mgs! A delightful, harmless dose. You are one powerful woman. Keep safe!Australia does not do things by halves. 😱

We have a bit of snow and a lot of COVID.

[LemonZest11 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Hello Jane, I sent you an earlier reply but it looks as though it hasn't gone through. Thank you for always being encouraging. Yes, we live in a rugged country down here but that is just Summer in Oz 🌞⛈🔥. I'm wondering how you are getting along, have you managed to find some relief?

[SheffieldJane]

Things are ok considering. I am falling apart but happy, that’s the main thing! I envy you being up to your neck in grandies even if a dire emergency brought it about.

[LemonZest11 in reply to SheffieldJane]

Well yes, but some relief would be helpful. You are always so encouraging and supportive of others, it must be your turn soon 🙏⚘

[Devonspinner]

Hi, thank goodness your family home was saved. Thinking of you x

[LemonZest11 in reply to Devonspinner]

Thank you 🙏

[Croft9232]

So pleased your family are all safe, I can only imagine the stress of it all.x My family are on the Gold Coast, tame in comparison ! Just hot, humid and or raining in the summer.

Just finished reading a Jane Harper novel..excellent! Just love Aus my second home . We lived in Perth when my boys were little ,my first trip overseas ,arrived January 42c .Boy what an introduction, !.Stay safe. XMargaret.

[LemonZest11 in reply to Croft9232]

Hi Margaret, well then, you know exactly how extreme our conditions can be. I guess we are used to it, until we find ourselves with bushfires, cyclones and all sorts of challenges. But we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else at the moment, living quite freely, covid free 🤞. Take care, Jules xx

[Harrywogan]

Hi there, have friends in your part of Australia and heard how bad things are but have to say you have done very well with the covid far better than us in Scotland,enjoy your weather I would love some heat just now. Take Care x

[LemonZest11 in reply to Harrywogan]

Thank you Harrywogan, yes, we have been fortunate. We have very strong leadership and a compliant population, we're doing well. You take care and come and visit us when things finally settle down.

[Jackoh]

Your life seems to have been full of unavoidable stressful events lately. Well done for keeping on track and that your family still have a home. Must be so difficult for so many. 😘💐

[LemonZest11 in reply to Jackoh]

We have been so lucky, it's been very sad for 86 families, but no loss of lives. You take care.