That's the title of the book I'm now reading (by Kevin Brown). It's actually rather depressing, certainly sad, since it's about the old days of sickness and health at sea.

Smallpox, syphilis, malnutrition, and scurvy are among some of the topics. Amazingly (to me), it took "forever" to discover the cause of scurvy.

They blamed the disease on bad sea air (duh--worse than London air?), dirty clothes, and everything other than diet! Even when someone discovered the cause (in 1747), it took over 50 years before people were convinced. Even then, they thought it was simply a matter of taking two tablespoons of lemon juice per day.

Hundreds of thousands of seafarers died of one thing or another, not to mention slaves and Native Americans exposed to "white man's diseases".

On a more pleasant note, not much going on in my little world. I helped my kids harvest yest. Got enough "bad" strawberries to make a shortcake last night. Yum.
They can't seem to find good help. Their 3 "Mexicans" all quit with no reason. Emily went on Craigs List to find one guy. Nobody wants to work anymore, especially if it's hard work (and hot).

I've already been up and out for a 6 mile walk to beat the heat. Supposed to be over 100 heat index for race day tomorrow. I've been once to the race--50 years ago! That was enough for me. I don't even listen to it anymore (we're blacked out, TV wise).

We have a "no burn" edict for the county. It's bone dry--rare for this time of year. My grass is brown, garden pathetic. Poor Nate and Emily and their vegetables, despite irrigation. Corn, sweet potatoes, etc. all shriveled up. No rain in sight.

Have a good Memorial Day weekend.