Friday, July 17, 2015

Desert Trail Column, July 16, 2015

The USDA Food Distribution will take place from 11 to noon at our Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road, on Monday, July 20.

We send out Rainbows-of-Rubies-and-Larkspur to Ronald Rush and to Jayden Root who both celebrate their special days this week. Happy birthday to you both!

Darlene’s Commentary:  What a beautiful and perfectly-timed break in our summer weather this last week, several days in the low 90’s and nights in the 70’s. I had a chance to “crutch” around my yard for a bit and so enjoyed it, as I’ve spent most of the last month indoors due to triple-digits-plus. I never realized that using crutches gives you a lot more than sore armpits and calluses on your hands – you get a free full upper body workout! My arms have more strength and look more toned than they have in a long time. Wow!

Karen’s Commentary:  Okay, here’s my medication story. I was prescribed an antibiotic and a cough syrup, and after one day, I was so hyper I felt like I’d taken a full bottle of caffeine tablets! After being wide awake all night with no thoughts of sleep, I knew I needed rest, so tried closing my eyes. I immediately saw beautiful shooting stars, kaleidoscopes, patterns, swirls, etc. When I’d open my eyes, all was normal, but when I’d close them, the show resumed. The pretty images soon gave way to faces that gradually became sinister, then scary, then gory. The pictures and scenes seemed to be on the inside of my eyelids. Hallucinations are listed as possible side effects on both medications, so I talked to a doctor and was told that I didn’t have to take the cough syrup unless I really needed it, but to keep taking the antibiotic. As it turned out, the cough syrup definitely proved to be the culprit. This is absolutely the freakiest thing I’ve ever had happen with any medication.


Reach Out Morongo Basin will provide free rides to people wishing to go to the 29 Palms Nutrition Site on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Pick up is at 10 am and drop-off at 2 pm, at The Palms, or they will even pick you up at your home. Call 760-361-1410 for further information.

Handy Hint:  Frozen grapes are a great summer treat and can be used in place of ice cubes in any drink, including wine or plain water.

Thought for Today:  All Chinese barcodes start with the number eight, because it is pronounced in Chinese the same way as the word for “prosperity” and considered to be a lucky number.

Until next time . . . remember to take time to enjoy the WONDERs all around us.