When I was in the 7th grade, weighing less than 100 lbs at 5'7'' tall, I developed a terrible hacking cough that would take me to near convulsion within minutes. The doctor tried every cough syrup in his dictionary. My mom tried the family concoction, grain alcohol and honey, where the honey cone aged in the bottle of liquor for days or maybe even years. But, I couldn't control it. I never knew when it would start, so I became afraid to speak publicly, even though I was already an accomplished narrator, I would near panic when I coughed even the slightest little cough, not knowing how it would end.
I later learned that I had been a premature baby and was kept in the incubator to help my lungs develop. That likely had a long-lasting affect on my respiratory system. Hence, I began to seek ways to improve my health, at an early age.
I became a vegetarian for a couple of years; for one reason or another. When I was very young, I spent a short period of my life boycotting chicken because of an experience during a routine weekend visit to my uncle's farm in the country. I witnessed the "neck wringing" of a chicken, and the next morning, fried chicken was served the with biscuits, eggs and grits. I didn't eat chicken for several years after that, just kept thinking about the way they killed that chicken. Then, when I went away to college, a couple of my new, really cute friends, were Muslims, and they convinced me that I shouldn't eat pork. Needless to say, I gave up pork for a couple of years. And later, I dated a guy (really cute) who was vegetarian and the rest was history; for a couple of years.
Anyway, 40 years later, I have finally arrived at a legitimate reason why I should change my eating habits. I want to follow God's direction and take care of my temple. I want to continue to look good, think clearly, walk, talk, hear and most importantly (smile), dance, for at least 30 more years. That is why I decided to grow my own groceries and work in the yard for strong bones and overall good health. Come aboard and ride with me on this fantastic voyage as I document my quest to stay healthy. Welcome to my world, as I attempt to live it on my terms, as a City Girl Gardener.