My neighborhood is so beautiful right now. Before we lived here, we’d ride our bikes through and admire the trees arching over the road and the wisteria in bloom. It’s like a carnival of spring colors. I never though I’d dread seeing the blooms. But this year, basically the day that the azaleas and dogwoods and cherry blossoms and a blossoms on the tree our neighbor calls a tulip tree came out, I started sneezing and sniffing. And rubbing my eyes like a toddler ready for bed– ooh the agony, the constancy, the intensity of the itching!

“Uh, you ok?” Brian asked as i stumbled out of bed with bloodshot eyes, or jumped up in the middle of the night for more Kleenex. It was urgent. I basically had “surfer nose” without the surfing. (Surfer nose: when all the water that made its way into your sinus cavities while you were in the ocean makes a sudden re-appearance via your drippy nose. Especially problematic if you surfed before work or on your lunch break.) “I just feel like I’m in a fog,” I complained to Nini (my sister Stephanie, but the Auntie name, NiNi, has just really stuck) who told me “You sound like a Claritin commercial.” But without the Claritin. I’ve been hesitant to take meds because, though several are safe with breastfeeding, they can also adversely affect the milk supply. And Asher, who has cut two teeth now, is not hesitant to let me know if he’s still hungry. Chosen method of communicating dissatisfaction: biting and tugging. Simultaneously. Oh. my. goodness. And ouch.

I think the allergies are waning. And I’ll tell you this: for allergies I can now recommend the Neti Pot, a “natural sinus wash.” Also Reed’s Ginger Beer. Which is not really beer, in the sense that it is non-alcoholic, but is potent stuff. The label says it contains 26 grams of fresh ginger, which is supposed to help burn off congestion. And if you’re really brave, or really desperate, you might try the “Garlic Challenge” a try: eat one clove of raw garlic (a potent natural infection and inflammation fighter.) Though wouldn’t try it if you’re pregnant or sensitive of stomach. And perhaps have something nearby to chase it, cause, again, ouch. But it does help clear things up.

Is it the ginger or is it the rain washing tons of yellow pollen away? I don’t know, but I’m beginning to appreciate spring flowers again.