A good gulp…

“Suggested remedy for the common cold: A good gulp of whiskey at bedtime – it’s not very scientific, but it helps.”

Alexander Fleming

Bah!

I seem to have acquired a mild but most annoying instance of the common cold.

I say again – Bah!

I write this not to elicit sympathy (though I will naturally not spurn such if offered!) for ’tis but a mild malady and will not last long. I really only mention it because this is the first cold that I have had since moving to Canada more than a year hence. Last winter came and went with not a hint of either a cough or a sniffle.

Such benefits clearly come in part from living in such a healthy environment but I have little doubt that this benediction also emanates from my retirement from a lengthy career in education. For as long as I can recall I have suffered two or three colds a year, one such usually being contracted a couple of weeks subsequent to the start of each term. There is an obvious boon in no longer being forced into extended proximity to a host of germ-laden youngsters!

In any case another consideration must now be borne in mind. The Girl’s new(ish) job brings her into regular and frequent contact with elderly folk. It is clearly imperative that she doesn’t catch anything that might be passed on, so if I do get an attack of the sniffles extra precautions must be taken.

Of course, should that mean taking the occasional additional ‘wee dram’ you would not hear me complaining!