Larkspur in Eden
- Thread starter Kathy in FL
- Start date
The kind originally instigated by a heretofore undiagnosed "severe" allergy to oak pollen and oak mold. I knew I reacted to it pretty fiercely some years but while at our BOL I turned a minor cold into full blown bronchitis (nearly pneumonia) after helping hubby pressure wash the house. I must have inhaled too many particulates or whatever and created the perfect breeding ground for what got me.
The original problem however is a result of getting the pandemic flu in '68 when I was about 18 months old. Wound up nearly dead of bronchial pneumonia ... the doctors had given up on me and only an old retired army nurse wouldn't let my parents lose hope and she stayed after her shift to give me 24 hour care. I lived but was a very sick kid off and on until I graduated from the germ factory known as public school. By the time I was 21 I only occasionally fell as ill as I would as a kid. As I age however my immunity is taking a beating and I need to build it back up and stop being so destructive (stress, not enough sleep, etc.). There's payback for everything in life ... sometimes good pay back and sometimes bad. I need to use more commonsense or by the time I hit 50 in a couple of years I am going to be one very sorry clucker.
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Kathy glad to here that you are feeling better, we are continuing to pray for your health and also a strengthened immune system. Rest as much as you need, don't write for us at your heaths expenses, we can and will wait until your are healed. You are a vary special person to us and we don't want any thing to happen to you. Thanks for your time.
Wayne
Wayne
Nancy in OK
Senior Member
We've had that nasty stuff here too Kathy! After steriods and antibiotics and some killer cough syrup I think we are on the mend. Hope you do too.
Dang it Kathy! I had the Asian flu in 1955 or so and when Mom took me to the hospital they said "Take her home, this is the worse place for her". St. John's hospital in Springfield Mo was full up with people sick with it. They told her to feed me surbert, 7-UP and anything I wanted.
You need to use a mask when doing power washing from now on.
Get well and have a heck of a time in Alaska.
You need to use a mask when doing power washing from now on.
Get well and have a heck of a time in Alaska.
kyrsyan
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Yuck, yuck and more yuck. Sorry that it hit you. I've been that sick once or twice just by pure luck and things that didn't respond to antibiotics. But for me it's normally because a doc didn't realize how bad it was and started on something that was too weak. And by the time they realized what was going on I was going for a third or fourth antibiotic.
And yeah getting older can definitely weaken the body in some areas, especially if you pair it with stress.
Fingers crossed that this antibiotic does the job. No fun spending time in a hospital bed.
And yeah getting older can definitely weaken the body in some areas, especially if you pair it with stress.
Fingers crossed that this antibiotic does the job. No fun spending time in a hospital bed.
Genevieve
working on it
Oak trees are bad for me too. All trees give me allergic problems but oaks are the worst.
I had that flu in '68 myself and got rheumatic fever from it. Wound up with a mitral valve prolapse ( murmur). Now I turn red or very pink when I do anything lol Even something as simple as sweeping the floor I turn colors.
Definitely need to use the masks. I use one when I weed whack, otherwise I have a hard time breathing afterwards from all the crap I stir up when I do it. Also safety glasses to stop any poison oak or ivy from hitting my eyes. Don't need that! lol
I had that flu in '68 myself and got rheumatic fever from it. Wound up with a mitral valve prolapse ( murmur). Now I turn red or very pink when I do anything lol Even something as simple as sweeping the floor I turn colors.
Definitely need to use the masks. I use one when I weed whack, otherwise I have a hard time breathing afterwards from all the crap I stir up when I do it. Also safety glasses to stop any poison oak or ivy from hitting my eyes. Don't need that! lol
Siskiyoumom
Veteran Member
If you are prone to sea/car sickness you may want to get an rx for medicine to combat it.
I use Dramamine and these handy dandy elastic wrist bands that have button sewn in it to press on a pressure point in the wrist to fight the nausea. Candied or non candies ginger works well, as does ground up toasted chia seeds.
Hope Saturday was a blast for you and next Tuesday will be a blessing as well. And of course safe travels on your upcoming Alaska adventure.
I use Dramamine and these handy dandy elastic wrist bands that have button sewn in it to press on a pressure point in the wrist to fight the nausea. Candied or non candies ginger works well, as does ground up toasted chia seeds.
Hope Saturday was a blast for you and next Tuesday will be a blessing as well. And of course safe travels on your upcoming Alaska adventure.
Sully
Veteran Member
juco
Veteran Member
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
Me to, keep looking and hoping.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
“Should we be out this far Yulee?”
“Do you want to eat?”
“Huh?”
“Jasmine you’ve seen how everything is picked over closer to the cabin. It is either go further out or give up anything fresh for the munch and meals. And with so many to cook for …”
The young girl groaned. “Why do they have to stay here?”
I thought that some were finally beginning to realize what work a crowd really took to take care of. “Because if they didn’t some would surely die. Which of the ones that you’ve come to know would you sentence to death? Which of your brothers and sisters would you sentence to death by sending away the extra protectors?”
“I’d never …”
“But that is what you were saying. If they leave here of their own free will that is one thing … and I think soon they may just do that very thing. Gerry has heartburn over all the lost business. But Gid and Jace can’t guard the rest of us alone – even with help from the rest of the older brothers. So when Gerry and his men go we may very well be digging graves for our own.”
“No. That’s … that’s just not fair.”
“Nothing in life ever is. One of my aunt’s men used to call it being damned whether you do or don’t. Now we should stop speaking and remain quiet. We are out to gather greens but I wouldn’t mind bringing in a hare or two to lighten the men’s load.”
The girl fell silent. In truth it wasn’t a hare so much I wanted to catch but raiders that I wanted to avoid. She was right that we were further from the cabin than normal and were taking a chance. It was a necessary chance however because I hadn’t been understating how difficult it was becoming to find edibles nearer the cabin. We were out an hour when I caught a sour smell on the air. I pulled Jasmine to me and showed her how to hide in the briers like a jackthumper. Putting my finger to my lips I hushed the questions that wanted to spill out.
I smelled sickness. The kind that comes from a festering wound or puke that’s not been buried and left to rot in the open. Then I heard them. They were seasoned raiders and knew their trade well but my father had taught me his trade as well. I’ll never be as good at it as he but life had made sure I was better at it than I should have needed to be.
Jasmine’s quivering let me know she’d spotted them as well. It was a test of my will against hers but she didn’t try and run or squeak and give our position away. The three raiders angled away from us heading toward the cabin. I wondered if there were more or if they were setting to make an assault until I caught their garbled speech.
“I’m hungry.”
“We all are. Supplies are running low. I’m done listening to Novak. He says we wait ‘em out or take ‘em one by one. Well time for that is over. Yesterday there was only Bonner that was sick. Today five more joined him. I told the fools not to eat that bear, that sompin’ was off about it. If ever man that did eat of it comes down with the bloody runs like these have we need to take what we can get and be gone from here.”
“I only got a few bites but I ain’t sickening.”
The other two looked at him sideways and as the third man turned away in fear I could see he lied. He held himself like one that had to go to the outhouse but who was afraid to let go. The man’s facial tattoo stood out from his gray coloring almost like it was freshly done though with a healed scar running through it I knew that couldn’t be so.
The one acting as a leader shook his head, “Don’t matter. We all gotta die sometime. Would you rather die a puking coward or as a man in battle.”
The sick man did stand a bit straighter though I could tell it cost him. “If it be my time I won’t be going alone.”
And the three then commenced building themselves up for what I knew they planned to be a deadly attack on our home. But they were overconfident. I’d have to hit them just right to get penetration with my arrows. Their furs and other bits and pieces they wore were thick like armor. It also had to be done quiet just in case these three weren’t the only ones about.
I made Jasmine stay put and close to the ground while I changed position quietly and followed them down the trail a bit. I got two before they could turn a bend in the trail and the third immediately after the bend. I ran forward and cut the throat of the one still thrashing and then also the other two just to make certain. A quick turn to get Jasmine I snatched my arrows and we ran for the cabin.
I expected a lecture and a lecture I got.
“What were you thinking woman?!”
I kept my quiet as I knew I deserved the tongue lashing for worrying Gid. It didn’t matter that Jasmine and I had brought back enough provision for a couple of days of fresh munches. I hadn’t asked him first.
“And you just sit there saying nothing!”
“There’s nothing that I can say Gid. I knew what I was doing. We need the fresh. You men can only do so much and still keep us safe.”
Almost like he hadn’t heard my admission he said, “And three … THREE … raiders?!!!”
“I couldn’t risk them getting through our line and cutting off our return.”
Gid went on for a bit more but eventually he calmed but couldn’t or wouldn’t let me far from him for the rest of the day. That night in front of the fire we all spoke more calmly about what I’d heard that day.
Gerry scratched his chin and said, “There’s sickness in their camp. Would that we could take advantage of that but we don’t know their numbers.”
Tad nodded, “A small recee would be good. Even if we didn’t attack the camp at least we could know their strength.”
Gid looked at me and then sighed. “Tell again what you think.”
I shrugged. “The same thing that happens during a siege when a commander can’t provide for his men. They’re getting dissatisfied with their lot. I couldn’t tell if this Novak was a strong man or not but I didn’t hear any fear in the voice of the man who mentioned him. He could be weak, sick, or not in the area but only having his orders followed through messengers.”
Jace said, “If he isn’t about that means there will be at least one raider group at some distance. If they don’t share the illness they will be a force to be reckoned with.”
Ern grumped, “There’s a pleasant thought to go with all the others.”
I let the men do their men talking but I knew what I would do if I wore their boots. Knowledge is power. Even if we only knew about some of the raiders in the area it would still be better than the blindness we currently suffered from.
It was frustrating not to have my say and keep my counsel. Gid and I went off to our bed and he insisted on helping me undress. He kissed the nape of my neck and said, “I yelled ‘cause you caused me worry.”
“I know. I’m sorry for you feeling worry.”
“But not for the deed which caused it.”
I was silent for a bit then said since his hands were still being gentle, “We’ve needs. The family can’t keep going like it is. The youngest are already showing signs of missing foods that keep them healthy. I’m doing my best to save them from the scurvy and rickets but I can’t do it without going further afield.”
“The littles are in danger?” he asked with quiet concentration on the problem.
“Some. All the worry and fear they see on the faces of the rest of us does not help. Ned does his best but he said their attention and ability to concentrate is being affected. The Sisters always knew when a sickness was brewing in the village children just from monitoring the school. And another cow has gone dry.”
“This siege needs to end,” he said with finality. “Need to go have some words with the others.”
I sat and took time with my Creator. I’d nearly sweated through my blouse trying to keep my words behind my teeth and needed a bit of quiet to compose myself. Slowly in my mind’s eye a memory formed. I must have been very small because I sensed my grandfather was sitting in a corner rocking and smoking his pipe. My grandmother and Old Annie sat with my mother on a bench near the door.
“Will it work?” Mam asked her Mam.
In her correct speech she said, “It has never failed to work with your father. A kind word turns away wrath and a quiet word can lead a conversation in the way you wish it to go.”
“I don’t want to tell him what to do.”
“And you won’t. You are simply leading him to the same conclusion that you have come to. Let him choose dear. He needs to be the man. Do not nag him. The men know what needs to be done, it is merely taking them longer to make the decision than it did for us women.”
And then it clicked. There had been some sort of scandal, one children were not privy to, but in hindsight I believe it was between one of the Brothers and Sisters and that enough people suspected but the men didn’t want to touch it and the women wanted it dealt with. I can’t remember the exact trail of events but I do remember that there was a wedding not long afterwards that was much remarked on.
I must have dozed because I woke with a start when I heard something outside the shutters.
“Should we be out this far Yulee?”
“Do you want to eat?”
“Huh?”
“Jasmine you’ve seen how everything is picked over closer to the cabin. It is either go further out or give up anything fresh for the munch and meals. And with so many to cook for …”
The young girl groaned. “Why do they have to stay here?”
I thought that some were finally beginning to realize what work a crowd really took to take care of. “Because if they didn’t some would surely die. Which of the ones that you’ve come to know would you sentence to death? Which of your brothers and sisters would you sentence to death by sending away the extra protectors?”
“I’d never …”
“But that is what you were saying. If they leave here of their own free will that is one thing … and I think soon they may just do that very thing. Gerry has heartburn over all the lost business. But Gid and Jace can’t guard the rest of us alone – even with help from the rest of the older brothers. So when Gerry and his men go we may very well be digging graves for our own.”
“No. That’s … that’s just not fair.”
“Nothing in life ever is. One of my aunt’s men used to call it being damned whether you do or don’t. Now we should stop speaking and remain quiet. We are out to gather greens but I wouldn’t mind bringing in a hare or two to lighten the men’s load.”
The girl fell silent. In truth it wasn’t a hare so much I wanted to catch but raiders that I wanted to avoid. She was right that we were further from the cabin than normal and were taking a chance. It was a necessary chance however because I hadn’t been understating how difficult it was becoming to find edibles nearer the cabin. We were out an hour when I caught a sour smell on the air. I pulled Jasmine to me and showed her how to hide in the briers like a jackthumper. Putting my finger to my lips I hushed the questions that wanted to spill out.
I smelled sickness. The kind that comes from a festering wound or puke that’s not been buried and left to rot in the open. Then I heard them. They were seasoned raiders and knew their trade well but my father had taught me his trade as well. I’ll never be as good at it as he but life had made sure I was better at it than I should have needed to be.
Jasmine’s quivering let me know she’d spotted them as well. It was a test of my will against hers but she didn’t try and run or squeak and give our position away. The three raiders angled away from us heading toward the cabin. I wondered if there were more or if they were setting to make an assault until I caught their garbled speech.
“I’m hungry.”
“We all are. Supplies are running low. I’m done listening to Novak. He says we wait ‘em out or take ‘em one by one. Well time for that is over. Yesterday there was only Bonner that was sick. Today five more joined him. I told the fools not to eat that bear, that sompin’ was off about it. If ever man that did eat of it comes down with the bloody runs like these have we need to take what we can get and be gone from here.”
“I only got a few bites but I ain’t sickening.”
The other two looked at him sideways and as the third man turned away in fear I could see he lied. He held himself like one that had to go to the outhouse but who was afraid to let go. The man’s facial tattoo stood out from his gray coloring almost like it was freshly done though with a healed scar running through it I knew that couldn’t be so.
The one acting as a leader shook his head, “Don’t matter. We all gotta die sometime. Would you rather die a puking coward or as a man in battle.”
The sick man did stand a bit straighter though I could tell it cost him. “If it be my time I won’t be going alone.”
And the three then commenced building themselves up for what I knew they planned to be a deadly attack on our home. But they were overconfident. I’d have to hit them just right to get penetration with my arrows. Their furs and other bits and pieces they wore were thick like armor. It also had to be done quiet just in case these three weren’t the only ones about.
I made Jasmine stay put and close to the ground while I changed position quietly and followed them down the trail a bit. I got two before they could turn a bend in the trail and the third immediately after the bend. I ran forward and cut the throat of the one still thrashing and then also the other two just to make certain. A quick turn to get Jasmine I snatched my arrows and we ran for the cabin.
I expected a lecture and a lecture I got.
“What were you thinking woman?!”
I kept my quiet as I knew I deserved the tongue lashing for worrying Gid. It didn’t matter that Jasmine and I had brought back enough provision for a couple of days of fresh munches. I hadn’t asked him first.
“And you just sit there saying nothing!”
“There’s nothing that I can say Gid. I knew what I was doing. We need the fresh. You men can only do so much and still keep us safe.”
Almost like he hadn’t heard my admission he said, “And three … THREE … raiders?!!!”
“I couldn’t risk them getting through our line and cutting off our return.”
Gid went on for a bit more but eventually he calmed but couldn’t or wouldn’t let me far from him for the rest of the day. That night in front of the fire we all spoke more calmly about what I’d heard that day.
Gerry scratched his chin and said, “There’s sickness in their camp. Would that we could take advantage of that but we don’t know their numbers.”
Tad nodded, “A small recee would be good. Even if we didn’t attack the camp at least we could know their strength.”
Gid looked at me and then sighed. “Tell again what you think.”
I shrugged. “The same thing that happens during a siege when a commander can’t provide for his men. They’re getting dissatisfied with their lot. I couldn’t tell if this Novak was a strong man or not but I didn’t hear any fear in the voice of the man who mentioned him. He could be weak, sick, or not in the area but only having his orders followed through messengers.”
Jace said, “If he isn’t about that means there will be at least one raider group at some distance. If they don’t share the illness they will be a force to be reckoned with.”
Ern grumped, “There’s a pleasant thought to go with all the others.”
I let the men do their men talking but I knew what I would do if I wore their boots. Knowledge is power. Even if we only knew about some of the raiders in the area it would still be better than the blindness we currently suffered from.
It was frustrating not to have my say and keep my counsel. Gid and I went off to our bed and he insisted on helping me undress. He kissed the nape of my neck and said, “I yelled ‘cause you caused me worry.”
“I know. I’m sorry for you feeling worry.”
“But not for the deed which caused it.”
I was silent for a bit then said since his hands were still being gentle, “We’ve needs. The family can’t keep going like it is. The youngest are already showing signs of missing foods that keep them healthy. I’m doing my best to save them from the scurvy and rickets but I can’t do it without going further afield.”
“The littles are in danger?” he asked with quiet concentration on the problem.
“Some. All the worry and fear they see on the faces of the rest of us does not help. Ned does his best but he said their attention and ability to concentrate is being affected. The Sisters always knew when a sickness was brewing in the village children just from monitoring the school. And another cow has gone dry.”
“This siege needs to end,” he said with finality. “Need to go have some words with the others.”
I sat and took time with my Creator. I’d nearly sweated through my blouse trying to keep my words behind my teeth and needed a bit of quiet to compose myself. Slowly in my mind’s eye a memory formed. I must have been very small because I sensed my grandfather was sitting in a corner rocking and smoking his pipe. My grandmother and Old Annie sat with my mother on a bench near the door.
“Will it work?” Mam asked her Mam.
In her correct speech she said, “It has never failed to work with your father. A kind word turns away wrath and a quiet word can lead a conversation in the way you wish it to go.”
“I don’t want to tell him what to do.”
“And you won’t. You are simply leading him to the same conclusion that you have come to. Let him choose dear. He needs to be the man. Do not nag him. The men know what needs to be done, it is merely taking them longer to make the decision than it did for us women.”
And then it clicked. There had been some sort of scandal, one children were not privy to, but in hindsight I believe it was between one of the Brothers and Sisters and that enough people suspected but the men didn’t want to touch it and the women wanted it dealt with. I can’t remember the exact trail of events but I do remember that there was a wedding not long afterwards that was much remarked on.
I must have dozed because I woke with a start when I heard something outside the shutters.
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
OHHHHHHHHHHHH sweet Kathy, thank you sooo much.
stjwelding
Veteran Member
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, Kathy it is great to to read more of your story this morning it was worth the wait. I hope that you are well and life is allowing you some peace. Looking forward to more it as soon as you can thanks for your time and for sharing your gift with us.
Wayne
Wayne
ForgeCorvus
Member
New Chapter 
Cliff
Welcome back Kathy, hope you and yours are doing well
Cliff
Welcome back Kathy, hope you and yours are doing well
goinpostal
Contributing Member
Thank You Kathy!!
I hope You,and your Hubby had a grande vacation.
Matt
I hope You,and your Hubby had a grande vacation.
Matt
Lakewalker
Contributing Member
Yay, so glad you are back Kathy. My husband introduced me to This is me surviving and I've been addicted to your stories ever since.
!!!!! happy !!D'oh! I thought Kathy said this was a finished story-in the comments she left in the other new zombie story...? That's why I started reading this one cuz frankly, me heart can't take another unfinished story! See I'm plum addicted to Kathy's stories like crack or umm chocolate, *hiccup* and um, *sniff*, uh I need just a lil fixx *scratch* to get thru!
Sorry for my whiny comment causing anyone to think there's moar story posted!
*sits pitifully in corner licking chocolate from fingers & day old hershey wrapper*
Sorry for my whiny comment causing anyone to think there's moar story posted!
*sits pitifully in corner licking chocolate from fingers & day old hershey wrapper*
I am so jealous anyone even has a Hershey wrapper. Mine got sacrificed to be opened to put on top of the French Silk Pie for the 17 yr old gd's birthday pie tonight. The extra pieces (after the first part gets shaved) go onto her piece of pie. I got reminded she really is my granddaughter. Chocolate is her weakness, too. Sigh, enjoy your wrapper. Now, I can double mourn. No story and no chocolate!
sssarawolf
Has No Life - Lives on TB
ohhh thats dirty lol
I actually found a picture that could be described as that <cough cough> not really appropriate....or so I thought.... so I did not add it.
but, yeah, that WOULD be nice...... lol!