A gray cloudy chill has settled across the border regions of Mexican California. Ensenada, San Diego, Tijuana, Los Angeles, are all wrapped under cloud and cold wind.

Not freezing cold, except in the mountains, where there is snow, and more snow to come. No, on the coast it is a chilling cold that reaches down toward forty degrees Fahrenheit, and makes fun of our usual sunshine bragging. No sunshine today.

I myself feel it with especial bitterness because I have a cold. Un resfriado. A respiratory virus.

It hit me yesterday and I have been fighting it mightily, but last night was difficult. I kept coughing from the mucus irritation dripping from the back of my nose down my throat. So far my sinuses are not clogged, and my lungs are free, but something is definitely playing havoc with my throat, and my entire system is engaged in battling it ferociously.

This is the first time in almost five years that I have gotten sick. Ever since I quit smoking I have been remarkably resistant. The closest I came was in Guadalajara in October 2010, when I had a scratching throat and irritated nose for two days, before throwing it off.

But this one is putting up more of a fight.

I think because I weakened myself going on the train to Disneyland IN THE RAIN last Monday. That was a bit of a chill-maker. I suspect something snuck in under the radar line and spent two days quietly building up strength in my throat before erupting into geometric multiplication.

A respiratory virus.

I do not think it is the flu because my bones are not aching and my lungs are free.

But you never know.

It ain’t over until the fat lady sings and I am one very fat man. Yes.

Happy Holy Daze!

Yesterday is tomorrow is today. I went to Disneyland again and caught a cold in the rain. Brrrr....

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