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Breathing is good

The respiratory thing that went through my kids hit me over a week ago, and unlike them, I didn’t get well on my own.  A few days in, I was sure I’d be fine like everyone else.  I just needed herbal remedies and maybe some raw honey I decided, to build up my system.  We robbed just a bit of honey from our bees and I started eating it by the spoonful, so pleased that what I was sure would be a miracle cure was available in my own backyard.  I discovered that swallowing honey by the spoonful is surprisingly difficult and it hurts my teeth!  And unfortunately, I was forced to accept that my poor lungs just don’t recover that easily anymore, with or without honey.  For the past ten years or so I have become prone to wheezing, excessive coughing, and sinus infections with what might just be a little head cold for the average person.  I have been spared any really bad episodes for the past year or two and I was optimistic this time.  Anyway, bottom line is that the past two weeks of illness have been rough, but I am finally on the mend thanks to my dad’s help getting my prescriptions in order (he’s an M.D. and my number one doctor) and I am very, very grateful just to breathe.  I am grateful that most of the time my neti pot and other natural remedies are enough, and even more so that there are drugs out there to help me when they aren’t.

So some random things:

Jonny and I finished the last season of Doc Martin over a month ago, and haven’t found another series that interests us.  Thankfully, we discovered JP the beeman.  He’s our new favorite.  We now spend a little time each night after the kids are in bed watching JP and sometimes his partner Schawee removing honeybee colonies, and catching swarms.  JP lives and works in Louisiana, which is where Jonny is originally from, and I think that adds another appealing dimension for him.  I’ve got my knitting and it doesn’t take much to amuse me.  A few of our favorites have been this one, this one, and this one.  Sometimes we let Em-Em watch a kitty cat video too just to be fair.  As hard as it may be to believe, not everyone enjoys watching bee hive removals.  Jonny and I are trying to figure out how we could get down to Louisiana to join JP for some removals.  Yeah, probably not happening.

Silas enjoys Em-Em’s kitten hammock.  I can’t believe it holds all 35 or so pounds of him.

Both of the girls’ bunnies have new knitted dresses now.  They were quick and fun to knit.  The only change I made to the pattern was to knit it in the round rather than flat.  That way there is no seam, and no front or back.

Yesterday was my first day halfway back in commission.  I can’t even remember what we have eaten over the past couple of weeks and my first priority was to clean out the pantry and plan some meals.  Once everything was clean, Seth got out the Practical Paleo cookbook and he and the other kids made a couple of the simple, healthy, treat recipes.  I used our first little harvest of yukon gold potatoes to make the first of what will be many of these tortes.  Jonny surprised the kids by stopping at one of the crab houses near us to buy them some steamed crabs.  Jonny hates seafood (not that he’s tried more than maybe one bite of shrimp one time) so it was a big step for him to buy a bag of crustaceans.  Our kids are more adventurous eaters than both of us and have been wanting to try crabs for a long time.  They were thrilled.

Today I need to clean out the fridge, one of my least favorite jobs, and then try to muster up the energy to visit the grocery store, my other least favorite job.

I guess that’s it.  If everything goes well today, hopefully I will be back tomorrow with a knitting themed baby gender reveal!

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Filed Under: daily life, gardening, knitting · · 39 Comments

Ginny

I believe that when you slow down and savor the small things, you don’t have to wish for a different life; you can discover beauty in the life you already have. {Find out more here...}

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Yang says

    February 14, 2019 at 12:56 am

    Glad you’re feeling better. There are essential oils that may help you with your sinus infections. Some of these oils are Tea Tree Oil and Melaleuca Oil, Oregano, and Menthol.

    Reply
  2. Linda says

    July 4, 2013 at 12:48 pm

    I love the kitty sitting on Johnny’s lap, that is adorable! Such a beautiful kitty. When I was pregnant I developed severe, chronic asthma. In and out of the hospital and emergency room all the time. Be very careful. Your pics as usual are so wonderful.

    Reply
  3. Stephinie {gypsyforest} says

    July 3, 2013 at 11:12 am

    the kitten is so sweet <3
    and now I know what I'm having for dinner….. so glad you are feeling better.
    xo

    Reply
  4. Susan @ Tea & Cake says

    July 2, 2013 at 12:57 pm

    Glad you’re feeling better. *Love* those bunny dresses!

    Reply
  5. Samantha says

    July 2, 2013 at 9:47 am

    Ginny, every time I’m pregnant my allergies and colds become severe and asthmatic-like; sometimes I’ve had to go to the hospital so they can help me breath. When I’m not pregnant I can always weather the storm. You have spent so many years of your life pregnant, with reduced immunity, at this point I wouldn’t be surprised if it has caused your current compromised state. And I guess there are no remedies for pregnancy….. Just the immense love of your new little one to get you through. Hang in there!

    Reply
  6. Wanda says

    July 2, 2013 at 9:02 am

    So glad you are feeling better and on the mend! Can’t wait to hear what the new baby is! If you are on Netflix, there is a great British mystery series called Rosemary and Thyme. It is somewhat predictable, but I love that it is garden based.

    See you tomorrow on Yarn Along!

    Reply
    • Ginny says

      July 2, 2013 at 7:18 pm

      That show looks great! Maybe just what I need. One of the characters is a plant pathologist, and that is what I got my degree in! Neat!

      Reply
  7. Rach @ A Squiggly Blog says

    July 2, 2013 at 5:31 am

    glad you are feeling better…. have you watched ‘Call the Midwife’ it’s a BBC series – I loved it. xxx

    Reply
  8. Anna says

    July 2, 2013 at 2:13 am

    So glad you are on the mend. I do love the bunnies. They are so sweet. Gender reveal…… Yay! ( I do love call the midwife and will look for the others suggested)

    Reply
  9. Nikki says

    July 1, 2013 at 9:21 pm

    I second Call the Midwife!

    Reply
  10. sara says

    July 1, 2013 at 8:55 pm

    Thanks for the torte recipe! It looks great. I just found this sweet potato recipe and made it yeaterday. Delicious! http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-stuffed-sweet-potatoes-with-beans-and-greens-recipes-from-the-kitchn-181845

    p.s. My husband and I met in Louisiana and now live in Virginia.

    Reply
  11. Lisa G says

    July 1, 2013 at 6:39 pm

    I love my neti pot. Like you, I find it typically catches most colds before they get started. I’m sorry you’ve felt poorly for so long, It’s good to hear you’re on the mend. Today’s pictures made me smile. All the kids cooking, Bea and her crab, Silas in the cat hammock. I stared longly at the honeycomb for a long time. I know there is some pretty good glueten free bread you can make–try spreading a little honeycomb on a slice of toast. I find it delicious, your teeth might like it better too.

    Reply
  12. Mirjam says

    July 1, 2013 at 3:56 pm

    Did you watch William & Mary? Martin Clunes as an undertaker falling in love with a midwife. A few kids, a mother in law, a wacky old flame are thrown in the mix for drama and surprises, without getting oversweet.
    A beautiful little story about beginnings and endings and ordinary people with all their strenghts and flaws.
    Highly recommended.

    Hope you get well soon!

    Reply
  13. Eileen says

    July 1, 2013 at 3:23 pm

    glad you are feeling better ! You were on my mind since last week, I was worried -no posts and all, I knew either you were ill or the children were sick ! Glad you are back.

    Reply
  14. megan says

    July 1, 2013 at 2:06 pm

    So glad you are on the mend. I was thinking of you all weekend. I really enjoy Doc Martin too. And I really, really enjoy your blog!

    Peace,
    Megan

    Reply
  15. Emily T. says

    July 1, 2013 at 1:51 pm

    I’ve been dealing with the URI cough for almost two weeks now and finally gave in for a prescription after going the homeopathic/herbal route.

    I hope you feel better soon!

    Reply
  16. tara says

    July 1, 2013 at 1:47 pm

    I hope you are back to your regular, easy breathing self soon!

    Em-Em is soooo cute!! I love that picture of her watching kitty videos. And Silas in that hammock! He looks so pleased with himself.

    How can Johnny not like crab!??! It tastes like butter! (especially if you dip it in melted butter…..)

    Hooray!! Gender reveal!!

    Reply
  17. MamaK says

    July 1, 2013 at 1:40 pm

    One of my kids has an asthmatic type cough which he’s had since he was a baby. It’s usually bothers him in the cold months. The only thing I found that helps is the herbal tincture elecampane. Since we’ve been using it, his cough has become less severe and persistent. I don’t know if it’s safe during pregnancy, but you may want to look into it.

    Reply
  18. Sue says

    July 1, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    Glad you are feeling stronger but try not to overdo things x

    Reply
  19. alisa joy says

    July 1, 2013 at 12:38 pm

    have you watched bbc’s “call the midwife”? if not, you must find it. midwifes, babies and nuns. I think it might be right up your alley.

    Reply
  20. Sophia Penrose says

    July 1, 2013 at 12:31 pm

    I am very much the same with respiratory problems, It does prevent you from getting on with your day to day chores at times, but that’s why they call us ”supermums” because we Rock 🙂
    Hope you have a speedy recovery! x

    Reply
  21. Ellie says

    July 1, 2013 at 12:23 pm

    Oh! My children and I have been suffering from this awful awful respiratory thing since last weekend. We all have asthma to begin with: we have been so sick with the coughing and wheezing and all. Gosh. You have my sympathies! We’re not fully well yet. I’m thinking it’ll be the end of this week before we are. You rest up and take good care!!

    Reply
  22. Susan says

    July 1, 2013 at 12:02 pm

    I am like you in that simple colds go straight to my chest. While I do not know you I have been led this past. Week to keep you in prayer. Now I understand why.

    Reply
  23. heathermama hawkes says

    July 1, 2013 at 11:50 am

    ((hug)) so sorry you were so sick for two weeks. resp stuff is tough. glad to hear you are on the mend. i am 100% behind natural stuff, BUT i am also so glad that their are antibiotics when they are needed. looking forward to the reveal.

    Reply
  24. CathyC says

    July 1, 2013 at 11:44 am

    So glad to hear you are feeling better. The rabbit dolls and dresses are precious!

    Reply
  25. Tonya says

    July 1, 2013 at 11:33 am

    So glad you are feeling better but take it easy as I know it is easy to overdue it while trying to catch up.

    Reply
  26. Dana says

    July 1, 2013 at 10:52 am

    Those videos are CRAZY! But I find I can’t stop watching them! I love honey, but I have no desire to keep bees O.O
    My mom was born & raised in Maine, so we LOVE lobster & crab (but of course, living in Michigan, we rarely eat it)
    I love your wee kitten man! So cute!

    Reply
  27. Elizabeth says

    July 1, 2013 at 10:44 am

    so glad you are beginning to feel better! Love the pictures! You can’t get more local than your local honey 🙂 Hope this Monday is a gentle one for you.

    Reply
  28. Renee says

    July 1, 2013 at 10:32 am

    I couldn’t stop chuckling when I saw the photo of Silas in the kitty swing! That was just too cute! So glad you are feeling better. It just isn’t fun when Mom is sick!! I loved Doc Martin too! I’ve just about finished all the Inspector Lewis series too. I just don’t know what to watch next. Those two series were my favorite ones to watch and knit. I am hopeful you get some good suggestions in your comments.
    Your darling kids are all growing so much. LOVE Your blog. Thanks so much for sharing your insights.

    Reply
  29. Barbara says

    July 1, 2013 at 10:04 am

    So sorry you were so sick. It’s hard to admit that we can not will ourselves to be better. I have a hard time with that. Instead I have to thank God for modern medicine, which keeps us from dying from stuff like colds! 😉

    Have you and Jonny watched Foyle’s War? I can’ remember if I read about it from you, but I just loved it! Also, for lovers of Call the Midwife, London Hospital is pretty good. I must have watched it on amazon as I can’t find it on netflix now.

    Reply
  30. Tracey says

    July 1, 2013 at 9:45 am

    So glad you are feeling better Ginny, being sick is just no fun.

    Hey, want to meet at your yarn store sometime the week of 22nd? I’m headed your way!

    Reply
    • Ginny says

      July 1, 2013 at 9:56 am

      Yes!! Email me with details on your trip!

      Reply
  31. Dawn says

    July 1, 2013 at 9:42 am

    We aren’t far from you (in MD) and my squash and zucchini plants exploded about two-three weeks ago. Sadly, after giving me tons of zucchini, my zucc plants have succumbed to something. I have racked my brain, checked for squash vine borer (my usual pest) and squash bugs (we do have a few but not like years past). I’ve made comfrey tea and been watering with that….I am at a loss. So I bought some sad looking zucc starts (the only ones left and they gave me 80% discount) from my local nursery last week and planted another row. Those little starts are doing amazing so I am hoping the late planting will save these plants from whatever ailed my first plants.

    Glad you are feeling better.

    Reply
  32. annie says

    July 1, 2013 at 9:40 am

    So glad that you are on the mend! And thanks for the torte recipe idea. I was struggling to think of a dinner plan for this evening and I just happen to have all of the ingredients for that on hand. Yay!

    Reply
    • Ginny says

      July 1, 2013 at 9:43 am

      Just so you know, it’s better the second day. So make extra!!

      Reply
  33. Teresa C says

    July 1, 2013 at 9:26 am

    So good you are feeling better. I missed your posts…
    And I can’t wait for the big reveal!!! 🙂

    Reply
  34. Kathleen in Virginia says

    July 1, 2013 at 9:05 am

    Ginny,

    So sorry to hear you are not feeling better! I must say, reading this set off the “mom” in me (actually, I’m probably old enough to be your grandmother!). What does your doctor say? Could it be allergies? Asthma? Respiratory issues like this are nothing to take lightly. Please get a comprehensive checkup, soon. I know this is none of my business, but it is hard to stay silent sometimes – I even give my daughter health advice and she is an RN!

    P.S I love your blog!

    Reply
    • Ginny says

      July 1, 2013 at 9:09 am

      Sorry, if I wasn’t clear in the post. I am feeling much, much better, and I do get regular medical care. I was at the doctor’s office last week and I also consult with my dad who is an MD and obviously the doctor who best knows my longterm medical history. Thank you for your concern!

      Reply
  35. beth lehman says

    July 1, 2013 at 9:03 am

    so glad you are feeling better. and your least favorite jobs are mine, too. gah.

    Reply

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