
Yesterday was my son’s birthday. I was going to repost my son’s birthday story, where he asked to have 50 kids for his second grade birthday party. We had adopted Angus, our yellow lab, from Guide Dogs of the Desert the year before. I wrote about his birthday party in honor of Angus where our son asked for donations to Guide Dogs instead of presents. He raised $1,600. You can read the story HERE.
I remember our family driving to Guide Dogs to meet Angus. I was nervous about the dog and after we had him in the car, I ran back into the office to ask if I could bring him back — if he didn’t work out. The woman looked at me like I was crazy.
Then she said, “Here are his medical records.” I looked at the paperwork and noticed Angus shared the same birthday with my son. I realized that was it. There was no going back.
We loved Angus until after my son went off to college. My daughter was a junior in high school when we had to say good-bye.
When I looked at my posts from last year, I discovered I had COVID this week in 2023. I had traveled to Washington state to spread my mom’s ashes on her birthday and got sick.
Last week, I got sick after my trip to Santa Barbara which I planned for my mom’s birthday. I’m very stuffed up, have a low-grade fever and I’m achy. I can’t stand being sick and this is my second bug since Christmas. Strange that every time I travel, I seem to get sick.
This current bug was because a woman who was on our tour by shuttle bus sneezed and coughed on us. Why she didn’t bow out of activities and stay in the gorgeous hotel was beyond me. I would have.
Actually, I never got sick traveling to Mexico by car. It’s only when I fly somewhere. In Puerto Penasco, our beach get away four hours south, we eat meals outdoors, we stay in a condo and we’re apart from other people. However, I read that last week they found seven bodies outside of town all shot. They were all men, wearing military gear and our government identified them as cartel members. So, no Mexico for me right now.
Do you get sick after traveling? Or is it just me?
What do you think of people who won’t stay home when they’re sick?

I haven’t gotten sick from air travel…yet! The mini hand sanitizer goes everywhere I go though and I use it liberally after touching anything that isn’t mine. I have mixed feelings about staying home if I am sick however. I think in levels I suppose. I’m never going to go out, parade around, sneeze and cough all over but if I need to do an errand and can keep mostly to myself I would go. Really, the times in my life that I have gotten the sickest were when I was taking care of the grands when little or doing home school with them before they moved. I don’t think I’ve had anything since then 🙂
I went to the store this week, but like you, I stayed to myself. I wasn’t coughing or sneezing. I can see how the grandkids could get you sick. My son was full of germs, literally. He had sinus surgery in kindergarten because he had a massive ball of infection.
As I’m traveling in a few weeks and don’t want to jinx myself, I’ll stay mum. If you’re well enough to function, I think it’s ok to be out and about.
Good luck on your upcoming trip. I didn’t appreciate the woman constantly coughing and sneezing. Of course, it could have been anyone who got us sick and not her.
So sorry you’re not feeling well. I hear you…it seems to be pretty common for folks who are flying, especially, but then again…I have a dear friend who travels the world and comes home, goes to one social gathering and gets a colossal cold – every time. Take care of yourself! 🥰
I’m resting most of the time and feeling better, but it’s annoying. Isn’t that something about your friend? I have a neighbor who traveled throughout Europe, came home and went to Ladies’ coffee and got COVID.
Hey — maybe we know the same person, LOL! Not really…but the same story, for sure. 🥰😉🥰
Yes. Here’s to having a productive day today and hopefully feeling better!
🥰🥰🥰
😊
I usually don’t fall sick after traveling.
You’re lucky. I’m seeing a trend for me.
Perhaps you need to boost your immunity. Do consult a physician
I think the years staying home and not being in public during Covid have weakened my immunity.
That could be so. Vit D shortage can also weaken immunity.
I take vitamin D.
That’s good. Hope you feel better soon my friend. Hugs
Thanks!
❤️
I’m so sorry to hear you’re under the weather. I think I must have an over-vigilant immune system, because I haven’t caught a bug in 6 years. I think I’m with Deb–I’ll run a quick errand to pick up something from the pharmacy, but I’ll mindful about avoiding large crowds or immunocompromised populations. Also, so scary about Mexico! A friend is selling his beachfront rental because the condo HOA has been taken over by the cartel and is extorting owners. It sounds like it may be a wise move.
Lucky you to not have a bug for six years. I think we were so careful during the COVID years that it’s a surprise to me to get sick now. That is so scary about the condo HOA being taken over by the cartel. We don’t have plans to go back. Such a shame.
No, a break was sorely needed as I had been working a lot. I look forward to resting again. Rest cures all, mostly.
I agree that rest cures mostly everything.
Well, yes. One day, I may discuss a little what I was diagnosed with by the VA and am being treated for. Treatment ends early June as it was caught early but yes, interesting times! I have been fortunate, though.
👍🏼
Sorry you’re not feeling well. It’s crazy that you get sick flying but not driving. I wonder if it’s the confined nature of the cabin, but you would have the same thing with the car. Feel better.
I think it’s other people’s germs. But I’ll take the bug in the plane over the cartel gunfights ! 😂
I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well. Other than a very brief, almost nothing cold, I haven’t been sick since before the pandemic started. I guess I’ve been very lucky.
I don’t think I would have been very happy sharing an enclosed space with someone who is obviously sick. I agree with you – stay the heck home if you are spewing germs.
You’re lucky! I don’t get sick very often but I sure don’t like it. If I’m sick I isolate!
I think the only time I really traveled while sick was when I was coming home from Washington. My Cousin had been sick and my flight was already scheduled so I had to go. Luckily, I had my own space in the back of the plane.
Lucky you had your own space on the plane.
Happy belated birthday to your son! Mine was on the 25th. 🙂 And I love the story about Angus. But sorry to hear you have been sick since your trip to Santa Barbara. But after reading your post, I think I’ll stay away from Mexico. We had Covid last fall for the first time, and though it was mild, the fatigue knocked us off our feet. I don’t wish it on anyone. But we’re glad to be vaccinated again. Feel better soon! ❤️
Thank you for all your kind thoughts. And Happy Birthday! My husband and another couple are planning a trip to Puerto Penasco in two months. I think they are nuts! Now way.
Oh yes, traveling can be rough on the immune system. Happy birthday to your boy! Hope you’re feeling better. Hugs, c
Thanks! 😊 I’m finally feeling better. I can’t believe how this cold knocked me out.
I’ve had so many instances of falling sick after a trip. Although the vacation was a treat!
It seems to happen to us every time now..
Hope you get better soon after your trips.. I would love to read more.
Hope you get better.. also I would love to read more.
Thanks!