Late winter early spring 2023, my partner who was recovering from cancer and still needed cardiac ablation for tachycardia allowed his Dr. Son persuade him to come babysit his sick granchild, since dad, the doctor, had used up all his sick leave. I was overweight from anxious nibbling, and was above 25 BMI which seems to be critical for poor utilization of Vitamin D3. Partner brought home the cold, I got sick too, and we were coughing for over 3 months. I eventually had bronchitis. First time this century. I lost 25 lbs, and by the time partner brought home his grandon’s bug in the fall we were only sick for month. Partner then promised no more babysitting sick child in winter months.
This January he brought home a bug from a meet-up at a bar/restaurant with friends. We both were sick with a severe cough. It felt like the one 2 winter’s ago, uncontrollable cough, which I tried desperately not to allow to continue, very much hoping to avoid bronchitis again. As usual I was taking the C, D, zinc, quercetin in addition to my usual bunch of vitamins, but this year my blood vitamin D reading was 101 instead of insufficient. We were sick less than 4 weeks. Now I am recovering from another coughing bug which my son says, along with the first one is also going around. This cough was different because it ended up with high production of thick mucous. It started with extremely runny and mucous filled nose for several days, before settling in the lungs. Frequent 1 and 2 gm. C tablets kept the runny nose more or less controlled, but the mucous cough was really troublesome. I finally bought CVS, Long-Acting TUSSIN, Dextromethorphan Hbr, Adult Cough suppressant, no added alcohol, and sugar free. Instructions were 10 ML every 6 to 8 hours, max 40 ML/24 hours. I found it was more effective if I took a smaller amount more frequently—5 ML every 3 or 4 hours. This really helped the troublesome cough and reduced the mucous after several days. I am now mucous and cough free after 2 weeks. Took a long walk today enjoying all the cherry and other trees blooming nearby (83 degrees and 70s Sunday). I don’t know what Fire Cider is.
I love the idea of planting some of the ancient vegetables. Some 5 or 6 feet tall, and would go well against my lower terrace wall which is 4 1/2 feet tall. Some short ones like turnips (for the greens) will go well in my 4’ x 8’ planting boxes. I just hope someone can send me catalog info for a place that carries some of the others to order.
Metmom mentioned removing mulch from some of her asparagus. I planted some last year, but did not think to mulch (zone 7). We seem to be past snow, so I will go see the asparagus. I really did not know what help it needed last fall besides enough water. The lacy fronds were very pretty. Any information appreciated.
In areas where the ground freezes, mulching is essential. Doing do prevents repeated thawing and freezing that will cause the ground to heave and could damage the roots.
I’m guessing in zone 7 you’re OK that way.
I have no idea how asparagus does in warmer climates. We’ve always lives in a zone 5.
One thing to watch for in the spring is asparagus beetles. A jar of soapy water and daily beetle check will go a LONG way to help control them. They’re not as easy to knock into the soapy water as Japanese beetles which have a very nice habit of dropping straight down off plants when disturbed.
The other option is a small hand led vacuum to such them up, such as a dust buster, or small portable either with a long extension cord or rechargeable battery. I got a small unit from my brohter’s estate and have yet to try it.