Build your immunity, and build your strength!

How is your immunity? The mother in me, still wants to make sure everyone is healthy, happy and well fed...that will probably never change. 

I have been retired for about seven years, now

but honestly the first five were so busy and fast paced it wasn't like being retired at all! We were traveling as National Park Service Volunteers, and along the way moved from Washington state to Montana. More NPS volunteering in Montana and then a move to Wyoming. And of course I have already complained  written about our house freezing in the -35 degree weather that first winter in Wyoming. And about the damage when the thawing and flooding began. 

As it turned out, the whole family, all three generations 

were on the road as NPS volunteers in Arizona when the freeze happened. There was no way to be prepared for the unusual weather that gripped Wyoming that winter. And yes, we had prepared the house for our absence. The heaters were all set to 55 degrees, the toilets had been drained of water and filed with antifreeze. And the lower cupboard doors were open for air flow. But still...

We got the call on Christmas day from our hometown police department, 

who explained what had happened. We gave permission to essentially break into our home to get things drained, which we found out in a lower level/basement is simply take the toilet up and the water has an easy outlet. Why the break-in? Because in that moment of stress, we forgot the code to the key keeper we had placed on the post under the security camera, for emergencies. The point of all this is that you cannot prepare or be prepared for every event, good or bad that may or may not, come your way. 

And of course the real work began when we finally got home. 

After the passes were cleared of snow for travel and after our homes (an over and under duplex) had been repaired. Which took longer than expected with supply chain problems during COVID and the harsh Wyoming winter. We wound up being essentially homeless for about six months after our NPS commitment had been completed. Fortunately we had our RV tiny homes with us! 

The work to clean up a problem can't begin until after learning about it!  

And just like that out of the blue, here it comes! The problem may be something with your health. Or it could be something structural in your home that needs immediate repair. Or even your finances. But until you learn you have a problem, what could there possibly be to worry about? And with nothing to worry about, is there anything to do? 

Fast forward, and we have been in Texas for two years. 

It too has been a busy time, but with one big difference. I spend the majority of my time on our property. I still work hard, which is good physically. But being here as much as I am, has had a side effect, that is just now showing up. I am loosing my immunity edge. Why? Turns out, I do not find myself around other people, that often. And it is the mixing and milling around a crowed area that keeps us exposed to a little dose of everything that is also out and about. That mild and ongoing exposure keeps our systems working to filter it all out, and that filtering process keeps us immunity strong. We stopped at a Bucee's during an afternoon of driving around, and there were six times the number of people in that store than live in my entire hometown! I know that you know, what is coming next....

That night, I felt that little feeling in the back of my throat....

yep, I was coming down with a cold. It had been over five years since my last cold. Always working around lots of folks during my employed years, I had a very strong immunity. And the first few years of retirement were pretty much like my working years. Surrounded by people. But with being here on the property for most of the time, each day, I realized I had begun to lose my immunity strength. And I knew it was time to make plans to change up a few things!

More walking! 

But not only on our country road, just the two of us. We need to walk where other people are also walking. My first choice is the zoo! We have a membership, and usually pack a lunch when we to into Lufkin for groceries and supplies. The zoo is the perfect stop for lunch. It is a great place for a slow stroll or on super busy days just to walk in and use the picnic area. I proposed to my hubby that we enter, walk around the entire zoo with a quick pace, and when we find ourselves back at the entrance, slow down and walk around again, just like tourists! Then stopping for lunch at the picnic area.  

Hit the Mall, but leave your credit card at home!

We are not big shoppers, but Mall walking for us is an easy way to walk where folks are present almost all day long. Including a wide variety of folks, from toddlers to adults. Offering a wide variety of exposure opportunities. Sorry, but there really isn't any other way to say it! Of course a big box store like Home Depot could also work...

Go somewhere different!

You can keep doing what you do, but choose a new place to do it in! Each new environment offers a slightly different exposure. That is exactly how phrases like "community virus" came to be understood and are used. Each community does tend to foster it's own virus. When I mentioned that I had picked up a cold, a blogging friend and her family in Pennsylvania, had been sick for eight days with a virus. And another in New Zealand noted that she had had to stay away from her family who were ill, for the last two weeks as she was planning a trip abroad and could not take the chance of becoming ill herself. So there you have it, Texas, Pennsylvania and New Zealand, all with a virus going around, and each one most likely different from the other. 

Think of immunity as your very own superhero!

You don't see him or her, but they are protecting you 24/7. But you must also do your part. Keep moving (I know hearing this repeatedly can be soooo boring!), get some sunshine, everyday if possible, And eat healthy foods, keeping snack foods to the once in awhile treat category. And yes, when needed, get some rest. None of this is too hard, doesn't take much if any money at all and it is something you can do, control and be in charge of. 

Thanks for stopping by, I always appreciate it!

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