Swine flu

We’re following news about the swine flu with interest, just like everyone else. An announcement at church reminded us that there are Presbyterian mission workers in Guatemala – many of whom we know – and the flu is starting to extend not only into the U.S., Canada, and Spain, but also – apparently more heavily – into Guatemala, where our church’s new partners in Izabal also are. Of course, I was in Guatemala exactly one month ago this weekend, and Stephanie got two new students two weeks ago who had just left Mexico.We’ll be thinking of these folks and others – including no doubt family members of Stephanie’s students threatened by the illness. We’ll also be listening for President Obama’s words about this global health threat and U.S. homeland security threat, as well as watching our own health. One reason I’ll try to go into the doctor this week about an apparent ear infection is the flu threat.A variety of additional events upcoming related to the health of the three of us and our home: I head to the surgeon this week about my groin and to the dentist next week about my mouth guard and allergist for an annual check-up. Stephanie heads to the dentist next week for her first step towards getting a crown over her root-canaled tooth. And Vincent heads today and next week to his weekly counseling visit and perhaps next week to the psychiatrist. We’ve called about getting Vincent’s toilet seat fixed and getting our central A/C fixed. In bathroom news, we picked up on elevated toilet seat for use when Mom comes to visit late next month (although possible hernia surgery has raised some questions about a swirl of activity planned during the furlough later next month).

P.S. It turns out that the original source of the swine flu may have been a Mexican pig farm – owned by a Virginia company – that neighbors have been complaining about for years. Chalk about another victory by U.S. agribusiness – and the penchant of we U.S. consumers for cheap hot dogs and bacon – over rural 3rd World people and – in this case – probably the global economy.

-- Perry