In the south, they’re saying snow this weekend. Somehow I’m not buying it, considering I was out on the tennis courts in short sleeves yesterday. Everyone is loving the warmer air, the flowers beginning to bloom and the promise that Spring is near. Everyone, that is, without allergies.

There was a child in my daughter’s dance class the other day who was described as having the “Zyrtec face.” I guess that would be the sleepy dark eyes I saw and the lack of energy.  I heard another woman in another place comment on another kid saying “Yep, that’s allergies.” She’s already seeing them in high numbers. Even my dog is showing her allergy signs already.

Newspapers around the country are warning of incoming allergies, what to do, what medicines to take and to make your doctor’s appointments now. People are wishing for at least one more good frost to stall the pollen onslaught that is beginning to show itself.

Many of us are enjoying the nice weather outside, but we’re not enjoying what else it brings: allergies. The season of coughing, itchy eyes and sneezing has officially begun.”If you have bad allergies, pray for some snow storms.”
- http://www.kktv.com/home/headlines/40257662.html; Southern Colorado

Pinellas Park, Florida – As the weather  warms up, allergy sufferers begin their seasonal routine: sneezing, coughing, itchy watery eyes, stuffy and runny nose, and that tired, worn down feeling. Dr. Rima Sanka of Advanced Allergy and Asthma Care in Pinellas Park says this season seems to be more severe.
- www.tampabays10.com/news/columnist/story.aspx?storyid=101060&catid=79

Let the sniffling and sneezing begin. This week’s warming temperatures and blooming trees signal the start of allergy season for thousands of Tulare County residents. It’s no small thing to those who suffer from itchy eyes and a persistent cough this time of year. Now that the pollen has started to take to the air, the waiting rooms of allergy specialists are beginning to fill up.
- www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20090219/NEWS01/902190323/1002; Visalia, CA

Bottom line, get out your tissues and your allergy meds. Allergies are on their way. I’m looking out my window and I don’t see snow. It doesn’t even look cold. It looks like, well, a pretty spring day.