As the winter doldrums approaches, it’s good to make a point of getting out and about, even if we don’t feel like it. Of course, we do tend to get sick more often during rainy or snowy weather. That’s apparently because we gather together in dry, closed in places, often with the heat on, and spread germs and viruses around more readily than we do in the summer. Getting the H1N1 shot that is now combined with the seasonal flu vaccine may be helpful. Although I’m not one to run to the doctor for things like that, last year I walked into a local drugstore to do some shopping and impulsively got the H1N1 shot for $15. I intend to get the combo shot this year, as well.
Even though the human body is a pretty amazing thing when it comes to fighting off germs, some of these viruses are getting tougher to battle. I read that the body depends on homeostasis, which is the ability to maintain itself. Our bodies need to find their energy sources, proper pH and temperatures. As human beings, our normal 98.6 body temperature is usually maintained unless it goes up in an effort to begin to fight infections. Viruses spreading, along with excessive darkness, rain and snow sure make it challenge to fight off infections and depression in the winter time.
Sorry — got off on a tangent. Anyway, a few weeks ago, Paul, my husband, and I decided to fight the cold weather blues and meet some friends at a riverfront bar in Tonawanda. It was a chilly night, and once we arrived, we were ushered into the watering hole by a cold wind that rushed across the river. We went specifically to listen to Exit, a favorite local band. Not only do they write some great music of their own, but they play favorite classic rock numbers. It was the night before Halloween and many patrons were in costume. The band wore tuxedos, as their theme was set to be that of a wedding reception. Trouble was, (supposedly) the bride and groom left before the reception began. During the band’s breaks, the sound system churned out “The Chicken Dance” and other typical wedding reception tunes. There was even wedding cake and a bouquet toss!
A tall guy in costume was cruising through the bar wearing roller blades; he seemed to be getting around more gracefully than those on the dance floor. It was hard to “cut a rug” as the dancing area was actually carpeted. That didn’t stop the lead singer from strutting his stuff across the dance floor, Mick Jagger style, while performing some classic Rolling Stones music. They really are a great band to listen and dance to. I think their next gig is New Year’s Eve at the Hard Rock Café in Niagara Falls. (Yeah free plug!)
The most interesting sight that evening was that of a guy dressed as a pirate and a woman dressed as a nun. Together they milled around outside smoking cigarettes together. What a parody!
We didn’t stay out too late that night, but it was good to stay awake past 10 p.m. for a change and do something different on a cold, fall night. Ahoy, although we landlubbers need to batten down the hatches as the weather becomes harsher, even a nice brisk evening walk with a matey in a well-lit area to breathe in the fresh frosty air can do wonders for ones spirit. But argh, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll encounter any nuns swaggering about with any pirates out there!
Deb Drinkwalter is a Lockport resident. Her column appears every Sunday. Contact her at d.drinkwalter@yahoo.com.
Deb Drinkwalter
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Deb Drinkwalter
DRINKWALTER: ‘So there was this pirate and this nun ...’
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DRINKWALTER: ‘So there was this pirate and this nun ...’
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