Morning all, bit chilly what?
Soon be 2012- a frightening prospect when you consider I was born in the 1930s! But then again, look at how many Christmases I have had! YAY!

And another thing Ted! Can you please tell me what LEISHMANIASIS is?
I presume you know as you are 'crunching' for it. It's a new one for me

Leishmaniasis is a disease spread by the bite of the female sandfly.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors
There are different forms of leishmaniasis.

•Cutaneous leishmaniasis affects the skin and mucus membranes. Skin sores usually start at the site of the sandfly bite. In a few people, sores may develop on mucus membranes.

•Systemic, or visceral leishmaniasis affects the entire body. This form occurs 2 - 8 months after a person is bitten by the sandfly. Most people do not remember having a skin sore. This form can lead to deadly complications. The parasites damage the immune system by decreasing the numbers of disease-fighting cells.

Cases of leishmaniasis have been reported on all continents except Australia and Antarctica. In the Americas, leishmaniasis can be found in Mexico and South America. Leishmaniasis has been reported in military personnel returning from the Persian Gulf.

Take care and stay off the beach......

Old Sage

And that goes for me too! What a relief. Well I am now a bit wiser, but unable to pronounce the word methinks!

I have become very aware that those very long distant memories of growing up, and learning new things all the time, and then putting things into practice, and achieving all manor of new accomplishments, are very long since gone! Sad, but I now have to be what I have become; a very old lady, who is constantly asking questions (family are not keen on that, or else it gives a big laugh depending on their moods), and then does not remember what I have been told anyway. Never mind, it should give them all an opportunity to be caring, and kind! Was that pigs I just saw flying across the room?

Mornin... to you too