Unexpected Good News
One of the indicators that one might be infected with Covid-19 is the loss of the sense of smell. For the past two to three weeks I have been bugged by a bad taste in my mouth and the persistent acrid smell of something I can only vaguely recognize. I’ve been distracted by this odor that is only a bit familiar. I thought it might be something foul that I put into the woodstove by accident. Or maybe a desiccated rodent in the clutter of my abode. Whatever it is, I couldn’t shake it out of my head, or nose for that matter.
I was smelling it this morning, in fact, when Nina called to relate some updated news of her own. During our usual multi-minute talk-a-thon this sense was present and only distracted me once or twice but I did finally mention it to her. I said, I still have this taste in my mouth like metal. In our usual manner of speaking with each other she interjected, it’s not taste, it’s smell. It’s the nose that can’t smell, the taste has nothing to do with it. I caught up with her in two steps. I know, I know, I said. I meant smell, not taste. I still smell that thing whatever it is. I changed the subject quickly in order to keep the floor. It didn’t matter. Nina is getting really good at interjecting. I use the word ‘interject’ rather than ‘interrupt’ just to be her friend. Finally, we got far enough off the topic of smell vs. taste to ease back into our conversation.
I told her along the way that I had begun taking a little apple cider vinegar in water to maybe help the thing with the smelling. She responded that she should do that too. So, I have had this smell thing on my mind today and I don’t know what to do about it because there are people clamoring to get into clinics and visit doctors and stuff to get tested for the corona virus so why should my minor complaint about the smelling be of any import? I pushed it back and after a while we both had run out of things to say. We were down to the ah’s and yeah’s and the longer pauses and so’s. Finally, we both said, I promised so-and-so I’d call them. I’m happy we got this time to talk, etc. etc. Bye!!
Still, I continued to smell things that weren’t there. Until, that is, I went outside to enjoy some sun and warm air. I was strolling around the yard doing little jobs and I spied the wood splitter by the back door. It was still covered with a tarp and there was a large piece of firewood lying next to the thing. I also spied the splitting maul nearby. Hey, what a good idea. I think I’ll make some kindling. Opportunity to get a little exercise and some kindling as a payoff.
I uncovered the splitter and proceeded to turn the piece of firewood into kindling. The first whack or two with the maul caused a reek of smell from the red oak log I was splitting. Red oak is also known as ‘piss oak’ around here. For a good reason. When red oak is wet and being freshly cut the inside that is still wet smells like urine. Wicked stuff! I had no trouble smelling that! End of problem. As I continued, I smiled with pleasure with each whack.
Gentle George
April 6, 2020
Playing Fair and Being Kind 