Fred's sick. Stalwart soul that he is, he made it through Christmas. But on Chrismas night, the Stoic Story fell prey to the insidious respiratory/sinus sludge that is tallying up new victims every day in Charlotte, NC.

I had it. For three miserable weeks. Not Not NOT fun.

So prepare yourself. Stock up on Echinacea. Set aside a few good books and magazines in case the Echinacea fails. Buy stock in Kleenex. Buy stock in Musinex. And if you're not already coughing, light some incense and repeat your preferred protective mantra. Do it over and over and over again.

May Resistance be with you.

( no pictures here. You wouldn't want to see 'em)