This is an old diary entry. I thought it would amuse you.

Wed., 12/1/01

Got sore throat from Ed. Gargled with salt water, took Tylenol. Nothing.

Sat., 12/4
Throat better, chest bad. Coughed up left lung on way to Florida to visit new house. Flight crew considered putting me off plane even though we were still airborne.

Stayed in our house, camping out with borrowed bedding and furniture, courtesy of neighbors and brother-in-law, who lives around the bend. During week managed the days by traveling everywhere with box of Scotties and plastic bag for dirty tissue. Took daily naps and retired early with aches, pains, and constant congestion. Took Robitussin (overrated) and Tylenol (ditto) according to recommended frequency and doses.

Mon., 12/13
Boarded plane for NY, sick as ever. Ed bought me Afrin which helped in descent in New York. During flight coughed up remaining lung. Sympathetic crew member offered to help. “Call 911” I croaked.

At home, rested, did minor chores.

Tuesday, 12/14
Awakened at 5:30 a.m. by car horn and brass band in street below. Shook my head side to side, and heard low-pitched woo-woo-woo in time to motion. Put hands over ears, sounds got louder, “Oh, oh,” I said. Stopped all meds.

Wed., 12/15
Woo-woo getting weaker. I will miss it even though it was not a true A flat. Puttered around, napped some. About 5 p.m. got achy and cold, took hot bath, went to bed, put warm pad on left ear which ached, and another on chest. Put cool cloth on head. Took temp.: 102.6 That’s it. Have been sick for 15 days.

Meanwhile, cats have been on bed with me. They got upset when we were gone even though we had a cat sit person come twice a day. (Incidentally she was so cloyingly sweet that if I was a cat, I’d hide.) Scratch threw up all over apartment and Sniff pooped under bombe commode in living room. Guess he got frightened after knocking over table lamp and causing short.

Thurs., 12/16
Called doctor. Come in, he says. Went in. Not good, he says. Hey, I told you that, I says. Sent me for chest x-ray. Not pneumonia. But gave me antibiotic samples just in case. Gave me better pain killer, gave me decongestant, which helped more than otc stuff.

I am going to live. Goodnight.