AWARDS, GOOD FOR THE EGO

We have gone for months without anyone coming to our front door after 6pm. I was relaxing in front of the TV with an alternate cold-abeyance device: 2 ounces of Wild Turkey. There is no hint of a cold, this is merely a preventative measure. A knock on the door! Hmmm. My neighbor came to pick up the new bike we were hiding in our garage. Helped transfer back to his house, then settled down in the recliner. Ding, dong! Dang!! This time UPS had dropped a package (I wasn't supposed to see it came from an online bike accessory place). Ok, it's the season. Just getting to the end of an NCIS rerun: knock, knock, knock.

My furrowed brow smoothed and a smile highlighted my face when the two gentlemen announced that our yard had been voted as having the best Nativity Scene in the (large) neighborhood. I am extremely pleased and gratified that our decision six years ago is enjoyed by so many.

Changing gears to a cycling note: I spent two hours cleaning my bike yesterday, and declined to ride on the wet streets this morning. The 20mph wind also helped in the decision. Hit and miss until January.

DEFENDING AGAINST COLDS AND FLU

Please refer to my posts of Oct 5th and 14th of 2008. This is a variation of the same theme. It has again come to my consciousness because of the myriad of news blurbs touting the need for frequent washing of hands. The same segment will warn of airborne contaminants. Few, if any, go on to tout washing your nasal passages. Specifically, I recommend a neti pot. For those who are squeamish, there is an OTC saline solution you can squirt up your nose.
Bring ginger into your life. Mostly I use dry ginger root but when I need to get serious, I buy fresh ginger and cut a half-dozen slices into a tea pot and brew. Last year I mentioned adding a little honey, but this year I have graduated to taking it straight. There is already too much sugar tempting us this Christmas Season and the three extra pounds the scales have jumped in just five days have gotten my attention.
I hit the Oil of Oregano anytime there is a hint of stuffiness or tightness in my chest. Of course, vitamin C is part of the daily regimen. I'll also increase to significant dosage if exposed to anyone with a cold or feel something coming on.
When the home remedies fail, I'm off to my acupuncturist. My best recollection is that my last cold/flu was seven plus years ago. One visit plus herbs got me going the next day.
I am a walking advertisement for good health. And just like a lot of billboards, no one pays attention. But I keep trying.