Excuse Me While I Sneeze

I am not a person who gets hit with allergies. My heart goes out to those people whose eyes swell and their nose turns red as their bodies fight the rising pollen levels. I know that of late when I get into my car there is a fine yellow sheen on my windshield signaling the arrival of pollen season.

Last week I was hit by symptoms similar to allergies. A runny nose, sore throat, sneezing and overall body fatigue kept me from one of my favorite events: the Montrose Brew Fest. That event was held on Sunday and even though I had tickets to go, sadly there was no way I could drag myself out of bed to taste a variety of beers and try all types of food.

Apparently my absence was not missed as hundreds took part in the festivities on Sunday, enjoying warm temperatures, cold brew and delicious food (my mouth waters at the thought!).

But even as I write this I have to deal with an errant sneeze or cough. NyQuil (or a similar remedy) kept me sleeping through the night on Sunday and Monday but gave me a false sense of wellness. For example, on Monday I arrived at the office ready for work but by the end of the day I was exhausted. I stumbled home and into bed and, though I didn’t sleep as well as when my friend NyQuil was with me, I was so much better on Tuesday. In fact, I was well enough that my granddaughter and I were able to do some ceramic painting at Color Me Mine before having dinner at Pepe’s. Afterward we took a long walk, heading down Verdugo Road and across Broadview before popping back onto Honolulu Avenue at Wickham Way (that girl can walk!). As twilight fell we arrived back at my car in the parking lot behind Pepe’s then headed home. What a nice way to end the day.

So despite the occasional sneeze or cough, I’m hopeful that the worst is behind me – and I continue to steer clear of allergies.

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Our son Andy (the chef) stopped at home for two weeks after completing a stint in Big Sky, Montana. The boy arrived on Sunday bearing gifts; namely burgers, a tomahawk steak and some filets. What’s even better was that he cooked! On Sunday night my kitchen was filled with the smell of cooking filets – and I’m here to tell you that they were delicious. He made some type of seasoning salt with which to coat them and that salt brought out the flavor of the meat.

I know we’re not as fancy as the resort where he worked in Big Sky, but we’re just as grateful for his cooking. Welcome home, Andy!