Pollen, Pollen Everywhere!

  Folks usually have the idea that pollen season is in the spring.  While that may be accurate, it is incomplete.  Pollen can occur any time of year.  Right now, the Bayou is tinted yellow with pollen from ragweed.  Both ragweed and goldenrod are in full bloom around here.  Between the two, ragweed is the bane of all those with allergies.  It is a rare thing for someone to be allergic to goldenrod.  To cause problems, the pollen has to be windblown.  Ragweed does, indeed, have windblown pollen but goldenrod does not.  The goldenrod depends on insects for pollination.  The goldenrod has sweet nectar that attracts the insects to do the job.  The pollen is not floating about the air causing watery eyes, sneezing and headaches.  Put the blame where it belongs...on the ragweed.

  This morning, I headed to the pier to check the crab traps.  At first, I was fully distracted by the big, ole gator that was lingering by the mouth of the Bayou.  This gator demands attention by its sheer size alone.  It is huge!  After a bit, my attention turned to a yellow sheen atop the water.  At the marsh edge, the rising tide left interesting patterns as the filmy pollen wrapped around the grasses.  The long feathery streaks seemed to be clinging for dear life to the grasses.  As I peered into the water, I pondered how many folks would be heading to the drug store this morning asking for their allergy meds. Goofy ragweed and its airborne pollen wreaks havoc on some folks' sinuses.

Sweet Little Tassels!

  People are funny.  It seems that most folks are never satisfied with the way life treats them.  They are always looking for other things and the present situation is not to their liking.  This is especially noticeable with the weather.  Either it is too rainy, too dry, too windy, too cold or too hot.  Complaints run amok  with "I hate winter!"  "Oh, my word!  It is too hot!"  "This humidity is killing me!'  I sort of get tickled since all the complaining in the world has never changed the weather.  What the environment throws at us is the way it is going to be regardless of how much we whine.  

  In the dead of winter, most folks "cannot wait until spring" but, once spring comes and the blooms start to pop out, their love of the season changes.  "I hate pollen!"  Well, sorry folks.  If you are going to have spring, you are going to have pollen.  That is just life renewing itself.  Come on...get a grip and a box of allergy meds.  

  This afternoon, I decided a walk was due to work off a bit of that Easter dinner overload.  As I was wandering the hillside, the hickory trees caught my attention.  They were all heavy with "tassels" or blooms.  Yep, those allergy makers are out again!  For the past month or so, the trees have taken turns at making folks miserable.  Not me.  I find the trees' efforts to reproduce fascinatingly beautiful.  In my thoughts, the tassels are a lot better than the nuts that follow.   Until you have been whacked in the head by a wayward flying hickory nut, you have not felt one of Mother Nature's weirdest pains.  There is the instant of severe pain that comes with impact.  Then, afterward, there is that slow-healing bruised feeling that is aggravated with each touch.  Forget washing the hair with vigor, brushing deeply or styling the hair in any manner....for weeks!  Yes, indeed, the tassels are a lot sweeter!

  For the next few weeks, folks will be whining, sniffling and sneezing once again.  Keep tissues on hand, have a supply of allergy meds and dole them out dutifully while listening to lots of complaints about spring and how folks cannot wait until summer gets here.  (Until it is here along with the good, ole Deep South heat and humidity!)

Pollen Days!

  Here in the Deep South, you may hear us bemoaning the fact that we have no winter (as compared to those cold months our friends to the north have to endure.)  Yes.  We know we are lucky not to have to shovel snow, remove ice and shiver and shake all of the time but an occasional flurry of the white stuff would be a wish come true!  Having to wear a coat more than the one time (two years ago) would be exciting!  Feeling the cold wind blow might be...well, you get the idea.  We would like a smidgen of winter now and again.  Instead, we have a day or so of chilly (sweater) weather then our next season sets in.  Nope.  I am not speaking of spring here.  Instead our season after our two day winter is called "pollen days"!  

  Pollen days can come at any given time.  It is a time when all vehicles in the Deep South match!  For a few weeks, no one drives any car, truck or van that is not yellow!  In fact, it does not stop there.  Houses are yellow, porch furniture is yellow, pets are yellow, people are yellow.  Everything is yellow!  Pollen coats everything and everyone!  There is not much you can do about it either.  This is also the time when a whole lot of folks are walking around bleary-eyed and sniffling.  Thankfully, I have yet to be bothered by the allergies associated with the pollen days.  Just to clarify things, however, it is not the pine pollen that is the culprit.  The oak pollen does cause problems, though, and that is coming next!  

  This morning, Mark and I made a quick trip to the pier.  The tide was low and since the wind was coming out of the west, the water was calm, albeit, yellow.  All along the edge of the marsh was a sprinkling of pollen. This sprinkling will soon turn to a heavy layer of the yellow stuff. Once the winds shake a bit more from the pine trees and the oak trees along the edge of the marsh, everything will look mucky.  Then, as quickly as this season befell us, our next will enter.  Summer!  Yeah.  We rarely have spring.  (Already, the temperatures are reaching the 80s on some days.)

Doggy Bronchitis

  I learn something new every day of my life.  Well, I make it a goal to at least try to learn something new and, usually, life presents the opportunity.  Today's lesson was not one that I would have chosen but reality never gives us the choice at times.  

  For the past few days, the old dog, Mr. PJ, has been feeling poorly.  One night, I noticed that he was gagging and coughing.  Hmmm?  At first, I thought he merely had a slight sinus drip but the poor dog could not rest.  It kept up all night.  Thinking it was a temporary situation, I waited.  Two more nights (and days) of the same coughing and I decided it was time for him to see a doctor.  Once there, the doc gave PJ a thorough checkup and decided he had bronchitis.  Hey...I did not even know dogs could get bronchitis!  So..this was the start of a lesson in health.  The vet asked if I habitually use air fresheners or other sprays around the dog.  Nope.  Do you use heavy cleansers around him.  Nope.  Is he around anybody that smokes?  Nope.  How about exhaust fumes?  Does he stay in the garage?  Nope..I don't have a garage.  The list went on and on until he hit upon something that may have irritated the lungs of Mr. PJ.  Has he walked through any tall grass that may have gone to seed?  Yes!!!  Bam!  Allergies may have triggered the bronchitis!

  Mr. PJ and I hike about the hillside on a thrice daily basis.  It is good exercise for him (and me!) and gives me a much needed break from chores.  Recently, we pushed a bit further than our normal course and made our way through a rather weedy patch.  Mr. PJ thought this was great fun as he was interested in the mice that darted in and out of the grass. Although it excited him, he made no attempt to pounce on any as his pouncing days are far behind him.  He did linger longer than usual in the grass patch.  It never occurred to me that this could be a factor in his overall health.  Duh!  I guess I never realized it because none of our other dogs had allergies. 

  So...I learned several things.  Dogs can get bronchitis, there is a myriad of things that can trigger the stuff and tall grass may be a cause of worry.  Ok, Mr. PJ.  Get well soon and we will reroute our hikes to avoid any potential allergy trails for you.

Blaming the Bad One

  Thankfully, (at the moment) I have very few allergies.  I know that could change with the drop of a hat but, for now, I can wander the hillside with little or no ill effects.  This fact was one to ponder today as I sat on the pier.  Throughout the marsh, the yellow blooms of goldenrod were bobbing in the slight breeze.  These gorgeous blooms were intermingled with the (not so showy) ragweed blooms.  As I sat watching the softly swaying blooms, it occurred to me that that poor goldenrod catches so much flack by allergy sufferers.  The accusations are misdirected, however, as it is the ragweed that causes all the sniffling, sneezing and watery eyes.  It is easy to understand the misconception, though, as the two plants usually grow side by side and, since the goldenrod is much more noticeable, folks tend to believe that is the culprit.  Not so.  It is those little nondescript blooms of the ragweed that are the meanies!

  In reality, goldenrod can actually be used as a treatment for the allergy to ragweed.  Many sufferers find great relief when using goldenrod.  While many of us "old-timers" resort to actually using wild plants for our remedies, recently, herbal remedies have hit the market.  Folks are returning to old time cures from our grandparents' era.  Herbal capsules, pills ointments and syrups can be found  lining the drugstore shelves whereas just a few years back, these methods were ridiculed.  A lot changes with time.

  So folks, take you allergy meds as directed but put the blame where it is supposed to be.  Goldenrod is a wonderful plant to have about the place.  If you are sneezing, look closer and you will most likely find a plant that has some teeny, tiny almost green, knotty blooms hidden in with the showy goldenrod blooms.  THAT is the source of your problems and not my pretty goldenrod!

As Good As Gold

  There is just no pleasing so folks.  A throughout the winter, they whined about the cold, ice and snow.  Now that springtime has come, they are whining about the pollen and their allergies.  Granted. folks have been having a rough time with allergies and the symptoms are no fun whatsoever.  Pop always used to say, "Whining just makes things worse.  Instead of complaining, do something to make things better."  He was a wise man.

  Contrary to what a lot of people think, their allergy flareups are not due to goldenrod.  This is another misconception just like the one about pine pollen.  Goldenrod, like pine, can be used to remedy the sniffles, excess mucus and headache that accompany the allergic reactions.  Before you think that I am off on a tangent here, I have tried goldenrod as a home remedy and it works.  Actually, it worked so well, that since the "trial run", I have had no allergy problems.   That was three years ago.  

  Goldenrod is oft maligned as the culprit by folks with allergy problems.  It is not the goldenrod but rather the ragweed that is doing the dirty business.  Ragweed is one of the plants whose pollen is scattered by the wind and, hence, right in your face!  Goldenrod, on the other hand is pollinated by bees and butterflies so the pollen is not "all up in the air". 

  It would not be a bad idea for folks to give the goldenrod a try but I do recommend consulting a doctor before just grabbing a handful of the beautiful blooms from the roadside.  It is best to be aware of any interactions with other medicines before starting a new regimen.

The Evil Ones?

  A lot of folks suffer from allergies this time of year and pollen is the biggest threat to their comfort.  A few weeks back, these folks were in fear of allergy attacks due to the pine pollen that covered just about everything in sight.  Few reports of sniffles, itchy, watery eyes and sneezes resulted from that outburst of pollen flurries since pine pollen is not the culprit.  Now, another layer of pollen.  It seems that the Deep South is spared the heavy snow storms only to endure the onslaught of heavy pollen storms. Once again, everything has been coated yellow.  This does, indeed, make you thankful for the spring rains that also hit the area.  Today, was a nice rainy day.  The latest layer of pollen has been cleansed from outdoor surfaces and people can breathe again!

  This latest bout of complaints of allergies CAN be attributed to the pollen storms of this week.  The oak trees are heavy laden with the pollen makers.  Oak trees make both male and female "flowers" with the male being most noticeable.  The male "flowers' or catkins droop down on all new branches of a mature oak and produce the pollen that causes all the problems for allergy sufferers.  

  This year, if all goes well, it seems as if there will be a bumper crop of acorns for the critters to munch.  Every limb on the oak trees around the Bayou are literally covered with the pollen producing catkins. On sunny, dry days, that pollen floats on the breeze and pollinates the female flowers but, also, coats everything else.  So....it is the oak pollen that folks should deem as the "evil one" even though without it, there would be no acorns.  Things all have a way of working for the good.  Folks, if need be, go take your allergy medicines as it is going to be a rough spring for you.  The oak trees are blooming.

Must be Spring

  It must be spring even though the likelihood of a late freeze or at least a heavy frost is high  I am making my assumption purely on a find in the waters of the Bay.  No, this is not some rare fish that only comes around with warmth of the change of seasons yet, rather, pollen.  A thick layer of the yellow stuff has washed across the Bay and has piled up against the shoreline on my side. Although this makes for an unsightly mess, it is harmless and natural so I do not fret over it.  The next low tide will take it all out to be churned under the waves.  Still, for now, I have a "yellow" Bayou!

  The pollen count for the area is at an all time high and will be for the next few weeks.  This can easily be seen by folks driving around in yellow cars and by the speed at which allergy medicines are flying off the drug stores' shelves.  So far, I just deal with it.  A few herbs now and again to clear the head and I am good.  I had to snicker a bit when an allergist recommended that folks use their air conditioners to filter the pollen. Well, SORRY!  That just ain't happening!  Seriously, it is impossible since the fine cooling system of preference in the Little Bayou House is the cooling breeze coming off the Bay!  There is just not much way to filter that!

  Pollen problems aside, it being springlike has given me the urge to plant.  I am highly anxious to rid the gardens of cabbages and start tomatoes, peppers, squash, okra and the such. Winter has drawn on far too long and the taste for greens and root crops has withered.  I NEED summer veggies!  The gardens are prepped and I shall be seeding the rest of the hotbeds soon.  (Bell peppers and tomato seedlings are already up!) 

  So, Folks, if you are bothered by an allergy to pollen, I have one suggestion.  Think back to the long, hard winter,   If that is not enough to make you appreciate pollen and the coming of spring, I don't know what else to say except, "Here, have a tissue!"

Ahh-choo!

Just about this time every spring, Mark will have a few sneezing fits!  Ahh Choo!  Ahh Choo!  The pollen count is exceedingly high here on the Bayou but there is one bush in particular that usually causes his sneezes!  I have always heard tell that this is called Privet, a type of Ligustrum.  Most folks will recognize Privet as a hedge-type bush but mine grows wild and free!  I did not intentionally plant the shrubs.  Several hurricanes deposited bushes in the yard from parts unknown.  With other debris being more pressing in the need to clear, bushes of any sort are of least concern.  Needless to say, these plants all took root and soon became part of the landscape.  Like I said, they are wild and free which in my way of thinking is the best!  They never need trimming!  With spring comes the Privet blossoms.  Another fine point that folks who hedge their shrubs never see!  Personally, I like the Privet blooms.  The creamy white flowers bloom in fine, triangular-shaped clusters and add a bit of interest to the lower part of the yard.  Once you leave the upper part of the hillside and the intense spicy-sweet smell of the Jasmine, the pungent smell of the Privet begins to take over your senses.  In its own way, the Privet competes with the Jasmine.  Their aromas are in sharp contrast with one another..but in a good way.  One makes you appreciate the other.

Privet is actually not a local plant.  It comes from Asia where a good many of the plants that have adapted so well to our environment originated.  The plant was brought in by landscapers years and years ago to be used in hedgerows.  Now..they are on the invasive species list and without careful tending can spread with wild abandon.  Another drawback to growing them is the fact that the fruit of the Privet is toxic to a certain extent to humans.  The leaves and stems, however, are used a good bit in herbal medicines.  (Birds and wildlife do not seem to be bothered by the fruit and will readily eat the black fruit.)  Then..there is the pollen!  Folks like Mark have problems with allergies to this fine shrub.  The pollen can cause bouts of sneezing or even severe respiratory irritations.  I am one of the fortunate ones that can appreciate the beauty of the bush without the aggravating side effects.  I do pity those with allergy problems..the pollen count is unbelievable!