A Shivering Reminder of WWIIYesterday morning – I was toweling off after a shower – when I begin shaking and shivering uncontrollably. With great difficulty I managed to get some clothes on – made my way to the indoor patio. Shirley brought tons of covers – which while they didn’t stop my shivering – were certainly welcomed – most of the shivering came from within – hello hot tea! Fortunately this bout lasted several hours - instead of several days. Yes, malaria was just a part of spending time in Pacific islands. Quinine - a bitter-tasting drug made from cinchona bark wasn’t always available – but the mosquitoes were! Malaria is an infectious disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Common in tropical countries, the disease is characterized by recurring chills and fever. In late 1944 – I traveled by bus to Albany – in upstate New York – to spend a long weekend with a charming lady friend. Too much snow on the ground for anything to carry me to her house – so with my wool overcoat and low cut dress shoes – off I went for a little 6 mile hike in the snow. Guess I really wanted to see her again – and shucks – what was a little jaunt in snow drifts to greet that lady. A Marine in a-1 condition wouldn’t let the snow stop him – especially if he was more than half way nuts - like I was. True to my calling – I arrived at the appointed house and found the lady waiting. Was I cold? It would take strong words to tell you how frozen I felt. She quickly put me in bed – where I remained – absolutely out of my head - for the three days of my leave! Oh well – sometimes it feels good to remember some of the ‘good ole days’ – although I will say this wasn’t at all what I had in mind while trudging through those snow drifts. Time does create changes in a person's desire. For instance, in todays economic climate - I feel need of a home based business I can control to supplement my income. |