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Dropping like flies

The common cold has transformed itself into acute bronchitis. I don't need a doctor's diagnosis to know this. It happens every time I get a cold. It has been happening to me for as long as I can remember. It's how I know I'm a genius. I missed several weeks of school every year when I was young with bouts of bronchitis and occasionally pneumonia and still got pretty good grades. See? Genius. Just sailed on through. I was less sickly in high school and didn't miss so much class then. I rarely miss work as an adult. So taking two days off this week was a big deal for me. I plan to hack my way back to the wine factory today. I'm sure the tourists will love that.
Speaking of the winery, even in my isolation here in the rain forest hovel, I've learned that yet another of my comrades has given notice. I do like the job, but it's frustrating when all these people I so enjoy working with leave. Months ago, one colleague left to return to school full time. Another left because he got a job offer in his field of marine biology (although the grant funding that job has expired and he may be returning to us for awhile). A third moved back to California because she couldn't make ends meet here in paradise. One will depart in May for a trip to Thailand and a transfer to school on O'ahu. One more just gave notice and I suspect he's found a much more lucrative job as either a landscaper or mechanic, both fields in which he has experience.
The rain keeps falling and the pooches are restless for a long walk. Ah but I'm on the mend now and should be out slogging through the mud with them soon.

A hui hou. Aloha!
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