My side of the POX

This is for those who read the handy dandy site. Right after Thanksgiving--I developed a case of Shingles---and found out that Shingles is actually an outbreak of the chicken pox virus that I had when I was very small over 40 years ago. This virus sometimes hides out in the spinal cord or brain and then makes a comeback--with a slightly different MO than the chicken pox.--Shingles is not contagious--AS SHINGLES--
but it can spread as CHICKEN POX to those who have never had it.

The good mother that I am--I couldn't remember if Linnea had had the pox when my older 3 had it or not. I was not feeling well and very busy with our Christmas Open House--so I didn't push Linnea to go get the shot (that could have saved her:) And being the "chicken" that she is (pun intended--sorry) she didn't push me to take her to get the shot.

Well, it is about 2 or 3 weeks later--and the chicken pox has struck her down--at a most tragic time of year to be struck.

It has a poignant side to it though--
Just think--The very same virus germ that I had as a wee tot--waited patiently--and is now infecting my own child about 44 years later--which is why Linnea said it was like a family heirloom that maybe one day she could pass on to her children. But alas --the virus may have struck its last blow--as there is now a vaccination you can get.

Now--I have a question that I have not researched yet--
The Aveeno bath for the pox says it is "Colloidal" oatmeal?

Does anyone know what colloidal means--and how is that different from regular oatmeal?

White Snow Bright Snow

Last night it snowed. The Fresh smell of snow in the air is unlike anything else. I thought I could smell it Sunday night--and then Monday it snowed. I don't know how long it will last out there--but it is wonderful.
I am just looking at it this morning--but last night as it began--I did go out and walk around a bit.


It was a wet snow--not crunchy--but the sound and sensation of walking on heavy wet snow has always reminded me of having a filling packed in at the dentist. sort of a heavy low squeak--I don't know how to describe it really--Does anybody out there know what I am talking about--or am I nutty?