Friday, February 20, 2026

Fly On The Wall With A Nasty Flu Bug


Welcome to another edition of Fly On The Wall group blog postings hosted by Karen of Baking In A Tornado. Today, three of us are welcoming you into our homes to see what a fly night see---or overhear!


Y'all, I got SOOOO sick several weeks ago, all from a little mischievous bug that somehow attached to me after a family birthday party. In a little over 24 hours, half my family was down for the count. It started with a wracking chest cough that escalated into daily migraines, body aches, fatigue, chills, high fevers, dizziness, nausea, and diarrhea. I spent a week in bed with numerous Zoom calls to the doctor, who prescribed 2 rounds of steroids, inhalers, and antibiotics. I seriously thought I was going to die---it was a real come-to-Jesus moment, and I immediately understood how people died so easily from Covid. I felt so miserable that I was ready to give up the ghost. 


Before you ask, YES, I've had my flu shot, but I tested positive for Flu A, regardless, and by then it was too late to take Tamiflu. Luckily, Mac's symptoms didn't appear until a day after mine, so he was able to take Tamiflu and thankfully had no further symptoms. The worst part for me was the fluid buildup in my chest---it was so bad that it felt like an elephant was sitting on my ribs. I couldn't breathe very well, and lying down to sleep was impossible. Sadly, the experience made me wonder how my poor sister must have felt in the days before she passed away from pneumonia. I rarely get sick, but this flu was one of the worst bugs I've ever had. It hung around for several weeks, and I'm STILL coughing! Doc says it will take 6 weeks to get out of my system, but at least I'm no longer contagious, and the rest of the family has recovered. 


We did go camping after my worst symptoms had passed ( I refused to let the flu stop me!), and we had a wonderful time despite that crazy Florida cold snap that froze our RV's water lines. But since I've recovered, it's really been a good month — celebrated 2 of my grandbabies' birthdays and had a romantic Valentine's Day with Mac (our 43rd together!). So, here's the latest photo dump of all the fly has witnessed (and believe it or not, the stupid fly buzzed around my bedroom while I was sick!! But you don't need to see photos of THAT). 






Last but not least, I have some VERY exciting news to share: MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER JUST GOT ENGAGED in Costa Rica!!!!!! I'm so happy for Jane and Al,
and I cannot wait to get this wedding started!!!


***WANT MORE MENO MAMA? Check out my latest "anonymous" essay for AARP/Members Edition HERE (or you may be redirected to the main page, so click on the search bar for the title, "After 42 Years, I'm Finally Putting My Husband First"). Over at AARP/The Ethel, I have a Valentine's Day article you can read HERE and 2 others on AARP/The Girlfriend about easy skillet meals that you can read HERE and another on special meals that will bring on a marriage proposal HERE.

Hop on over to Karen and Diane's house to see what the nosy fly has been up to over there!


Baking In A Tornado                                https://www.BakingInATornado.com

                               

On the Border                                         https://dlt-lifeontheranch.blogspot.com/



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12 comments:

  1. Karen BakingInATornadoFebruary 20, 2026 at 9:54 AM

    I can't believe you got that sick, but I know how bad it can be. A year ago when my younger son was visiting from Colorado for the holidays, both of my boys got that sick. It was so difficult watching them suffer and trying to help them as best I could. Glad you're better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. menopausal mamaFebruary 20, 2026 at 9:57 AM

      Thanks---yeah, this particular strain was brutal! Just glad to be over it and out camping again today.

      Delete
  2. Diane Stringam TolleyFebruary 20, 2026 at 12:23 PM

    I am SO SAD you were ill... And infinitely glad you are on the mend!
    Yow!
    Don't do that to us!
    Love the pics. Your family is just the best!
    (Although I'm not too sure about that strange woman in your RV shower...)
    Congratulations to your baby, Jane, and her sweetheart!
    (Can't wait to see the pics from all of THOSE celebrations!!!)

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    Replies
    1. menopausal mamaFebruary 20, 2026 at 5:07 PM

      We are so excited for her and ready to plan a wedding!

      Delete
  3. Laurie StoneFebruary 20, 2026 at 12:51 PM

    So sorry about that flu! It sounds awful, but glad you recovered and were able to take that trip.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Mary KirklandFebruary 20, 2026 at 3:27 PM

    So sorry to hear you got really sick. There's flu going around that the hospitals are warning people about. I'm glad you're feeling better.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jo-Anne's RamblingsFebruary 20, 2026 at 3:33 PM

    Being sick isn't nice but you know that, but as I was scrolling through the photos and had to stop and go back because the thought what there is a phone in the shower, so I go back and check and no phone in the shower silly me

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    Replies
    1. menopausal mamaFebruary 20, 2026 at 5:09 PM

      Haha the shower is very tiny in our RV--but yes, that is the nozzle Mr. Doyle is holding!

      Delete
  6. messymimiFebruary 20, 2026 at 9:57 PM

    Best wishes to your daughter and her sweetheart. It sounds like it's been quite a month, I pray you are fully recovered soon and that your pipes thawed without breaking.

    ReplyDelete

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