Can You Say Pollen?

The winner of last Thursday's drawing for a copy of Summer of Promise by Amanda Cabot is Tammie. I'll email you today to get your mailing address and get the book out to you. Thanks all for commenting. Watch for more book giveaways.

Monday Musing on This ‘N That

Can you say pollen? Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines pollen as a mass of microspores in a seed plant appearing usually as a fine dust. The key words in that definition that mean anything to me are “a mass of fine dust.” And that mass of fine dust in the south is yellow and comes through breezes that pass over plants when they are in the early stages of blooming.

And blooming is expected to begin in spring, not in winter. It’s February! We shouldn’t have pollen in February. But already I’m seeing crocus pushing through the ground and in full bloom. My yellow wisteria is blooming. Even for south Alabama this is not the norm. February is usually our coldest month.

I know winter is not officially over. But all the moderate and downright warm days we’ve had recently have the flowers confused. And therefore, pollen. Just about everyone you talk with mentions they have a sinus infection, which sometimes is just an aggravation or sometimes a full-blown, put-me-in-the-bed, sick.

Our winter has been so mild here in south Alabama and I’ve had two sinus infections that required medical attention and treatment. So, today I have another (my guess) and will be going to see the doctor tomorrow. Last time I got a shot and pills. Hope I get the same tomorrow.

We’ve had ice storms and snows here as late as March and April. We usually get a “cold snap” right before Easter, which is in early April this year. We’ll probably have more cold weather before the weather feels like spring. In the south we need a very cold winter to kill off the bugs. Honestly! I don’t think we’ve killed off very many so far.

I hope you and your families are well and stay well. Here’s to good health for all.

Till next time ... keep on smiling!