Spring Time

    Spring is here and so is the pollen. Like most I am battling allergy symptoms due to the tree pollen but if you ask me it is a small price to pay to see the earth become a canvas of beautiful colors. I have seasonal allergies and if it's not tree pollen this season it will be grass this summer and mold this winter. I've suffered with allergies for the past ten years but have discovered a few helpful tricks along the way that ease my symptoms. Honey in tea comforts my throat and if its local honey it provides local allergen immunity due to the local pollination of bees. In other words if you live in Bartow County and buy honey made in Bartow County then the honey contains the same allergens in pollen that you are being attacked by and this results in a gradual buildup of immunity towards the allergens in local pollen. I also take a daily regimen of Allegra and for emergencies I keep on hand sinus headache medicine. Another useful tip I learned is from my chiropractor who suggests applying a small amount of Vaseline along the inside of your nostrils. Notice how I underlined small; there is no need to complicate things by making it harder to breath: ) The Vaseline catches up the pollen and when you blow your nose the pollen leaves with the Vaseline.

    I not only enjoy the beautiful blooms this time year but also the gardening and planting. I do not have a green thumb but my husband does. We usually begin to plant a few fruits and vegetables around this time. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash are a must and this year we are adding cabbage to the list. I'm also ready to take on the challenge of growing blueberries and strawberries. How nice would that be? I could make blueberry pancakes and strawberry milkshakes. OK I know that's not the healthiest way to eat them but I'm just saying occasionally it would be a nice treat. We already have blackberry bushes that ripen in the fall which make the BEST blackberry cobblers. I recommend gardening for everyone because it's therapeutic, good for the environment, and you are rewarded with delicious food to eat for all your hard work. I wish a happy spring to all and hope it's filled with few allergies and lots of soon to be YUMMY home grown fruits and vegetables. Don't forget to take in all the beautiful colors…