I just read on livestrong.com that Virginia is on the top 10 worst states for allergies. I can see why on my truck and my wife's car and my neighbors car, and the cars at the grocery store etc. etc. etc. A fine green mist covers my deck, in fact it covers everything outside. It seems that the face of the entire state of Virginia is coated in green pollen.
Not only does this gift from plants make our surroundings look like a scene out of the Wizzard of Oz, but is does wonders on our respiratory system and causes us to sneeze, sneeze, sneeze, and continually wipe or blow our noses from the never ending flow of mucus our bodies are producing to rid ourselves of the green gunk.
My buddy was telling me his wife rarely snores, however during the spring and peak pollen weeks it sounds like a freight train is doing laps in our bed room. He awoke last night in fear of his life that he was either about to be run over by a runaway train or be eaten alive by the Sasquatch in my bedroom. But all kidding aside, she was miserable trying to get a good nights sleep while dealing with this nasty little gift of nature.
According to wisegeek.com:
"Pollen grains are a fine dust that plants typically release in spring. They carry the plant's male DNA from the stamen, or male part of the plant, to the pistil, or female part of the plant, in the process known as pollination. Pollination makes fertilization and reproduction possible in plants. Tree pollen is simply the pollen produced by trees. It is a common allergen, though there are only about 100 species of trees that cause reactions in those who suffer from tree pollen allergies. Tree pollen allergies account for about 20% of hay fever symptoms as well."
Retrieved on April 30, 2015 from:http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-tree-pollen.htm
CBSnews.com reports that this years pollen season may be as green and angry as the Incredible Hulk. Jessica Firger in her March 24, 2015 article wrote that allergy season arrived early this year and may be shorter than normal, however it will be quite intense. If your interested you can read her full article at http://www.cbsnews.com/news/spring-allergy-season-has-arrived/.
So the good news is the pollen may have a shorter than normal life span, the bummer......well just look around, EVERYTHING is GREEN. Keep your chin up.....no really. At night prop up your pillows to foster nasal drainage, keep your tissues handy, and visit your favorite pharmacy for some over the counter medication such at Allegra, Zyrtec, or Claritin and pray for frequent rain showers like we are getting today to cleanse the air, our cars, houses, decks, driveways and on and on and on.....
Till next time.....
