Cedar birds?

Ya know, people actually travel down south for winter to escape the brutal cold of "up North." They're called "Snow Birds." But what about us Southerners that need to escape the brutal cedar pollen?! I think those of us who suffer from the Cedar Fever should be called Cedar birds and fly somewhere that doesn't have a great cedar population!

For anyone who doesn't know the Texas Hill Country terrain, we have these great smelling weed-like trees called cedars. Some people think you can turn these bushy weeds into true trees by trimming their frizzy limbs on the bottom half. I've even been known to try it myself a time or two. And in this almost desert-like climate, it's nice to have a tree that is drought and disease resistant. And hey, they grow fast and keep our hillsides looking beautiful and green, what more could you ask for?

However, there's a hitch. Sure, you may have survived the main 3 seasons (hot, hotter, and hottest) in this Central Texas area, but can you survive the one cool season we have?! It doesn't get too terribly cold, it doesn't snow. But what's much more debilitating is the cedar pollen! That's right! The one season that is actually decent here in the scenic hill country, you get to experience a full-on attack to your sinuses by those cute little cedars.

Oh, and they are sooo deceptive. In fact, just last Friday, it was so beautiful outside, I just had to take my boys for a walk. We'd been cooped up in the house for too long. It was a beautiful adventure, walking through this quasi-country neighborhood, spotting the deer, dogs, horses, etc. But sometimes things are just too good to be true. By that evening, all three of us had runny noses, and soon the sinus pressure and drainage made it hard to sleep. Since that day, my head has felt like it's been hit by a freight train with every move. So, off I go to the pharmacy, and taking as much medication as I possibly can without overdosing. It all helps enough to the point that I don't want to go play on the interstate anymore, but not enough to allow me to be back to my old self, chasing toddlers and cleaning house. And in these times I make a note that when I get to Heaven, I would really like to know why God created these cedars. Was it really necessary to have them reproduce through pollen? Why not just let them drop acorns like all the good little trees? Even pine cones would've been alright. Ahhh, I guess that will have to wait for now. Until then, I just look out my windows longingly, like a kid who has detention at recess, wishing I could be out enjoying this gorgeous day.

In the meantime, Charlie is with Nana and Big Daddy, giving me a chance to rest and hopefully get over the crude we affectionately call Cedar Fever. I did manage to have a little fun today, and got some shots of Chance in the tub. The light was reflecting off the of the faucet, so it was fun taking shots without the flash (in low light, as Chuck would call it). Enjoy, and may you never contract the Cedar Fever!