While I didn’t mention this last week, I’ve been struggling with a very quick-onset flu-like bug since the middle of last week. I started feeling an unpleasant tickle in the back of my throat as I was leaving Castleburg on Wednesday night, which, over the course of the 20 minutes-or-so drive home, turned into a serious sore throat, and within an hour was well on the way toward stuffed sinuses, body aches, and mucus leaking from every relevant orifice.

That description is actually pretty mild, to be honest.

Of course, I had entirely too much crap to do to close out the work week, so I pushed myself into the office Thursday and Friday, resting where possible, filling the trash can with tissues, and making judicious use of the mute button on conference calls. I did my best to spend my evenings resting and catching up on sleep, but I blew out a bass string earlier last week, so I had to restring the Jazz V, which turned into a soldering adventure (I’m relatively capable with the iron, but I don’t like doing it) when the output jack popped a connection during a routine nut tightening on Friday, as I had to play a gig in Raleigh (as mentioned) on Saturday afternoon.

With the help of cough drops and cold/flu meds, managed to feel mostly human Saturday morning for the drive and through our two sets in the afternoon (along with the talented Kudzu Ramblers), which went pretty well, all told, even if I wasn’t as energetic as usual; I played my parts effectively because, as I’m fond of saying, I’m a goddamned professional. It was also nice to have my lovely spouse along, both because I enjoy her company immensely, and because she provided much welcome support. Also, Yates Mill County Park is gorgeous; I need to go back some day soon.

I struggled a bit with the drive home, but we made it back by early evening and I made an early night of it, getting some more rest and trying to beat this thing. Sunday, the lovely spouse and I took care of the shopping, and I spent most of the rest of the day on my back with a book covered by at least one cat, except when I watched Between Two Ferns: The Movie, which is as hilariously awkward as you’d expect.

I woke (early) on Monday and was at my office desk by 5:30am, because if I’m up, I’m up, and I might as well start. I felt, early on, half-way human; I think this bug is starting to pass, but since I’m an old now, I just don’t bounce back as quickly. I expect I’ll be taking it easy tonight as well; I hope to be back on the fitness routine by mid-week, but honestly, I don’t see it happening before Wednesday.

Unfortunately, I think I have passed it on to the spouse. I feel terrible about that, but it’s kind of a forgone conclusion…