It's not easy for the self-employed to call in sick -- I'm a tough boss. But the obvious and unwelcome signs of a terrible cold made me reluctant to infect the world with my own misery, and so I reached all the people I was to meet and cancelled. I spent an entire day in bed, arising only to make a batch of pumpkin soup to satisfy my longing for something hot and smooth for my throat.
Today I am not much better, although I am probably not as contagious. I might go to one meeting and stop in at the bank. But, for the most part, I'll be here again, flat on my back, an ideal position from which to cunduct my two teleclasses tonight. Tomorrow is another day, and a full one. I'm going to have to sacrifice most of today to it.
I know that people hardly ever do this: stay home with a cold. I never did, back in the day -- with grim pride, I would tote all my germs and a box of Kleenex to work, and convinced myself that this certified me as a team player. I considered this behavior strong and brave. I did not consider myself a public health menace, which is, of course, exactly what I was.
Not any more. God made the human body with amazing recuperative power, but it doesn't kick in unless you rest. I'm doing everybody a favor
and making myself scarce. Here's the recipe for pumpkin soup. Don't say I never gave you anything.
Pumpkin Soup
In large pot, brown 1 chopped onion in 1 tblsp canola oil.
After five minutes, when onions are soft, add 1 clove garlic, finely chopped.
Cook another two minutes.
Add 1 quart chicken stock and bring to a boil.
Add I large can plain pumpkin and 1 tsp ginger.
Heat to a gentle bubble and cook over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add 1 cup milk and 2 tblsp dill weed. Salt to taste.
Heat to a gentle bubble and cook five more minutes.
It's even better if you let it sit for a couple of hours.
So turn off the fire, go back to bed for a while and heat it up when you wake up.
Serves 6.
Feel better.
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