It is Pollen Season

As the Dogwoods and Bradford Pear trees begin to bloom, we know in the South, that Pollen Season is on the way. Although, I know what is about to happen, I am always amazed when the yellow dusting begins. By the end of April, the amount of pollen on cars, porches, walkways, and decks can be measured by the pound. When the wind blows, there are days when a poor soul can be blinded by the yellow explosions produced from the numerous pine trees. My eyes are watering right now just thinking about it.

Each year the amount of pollen accumulated is all relative to the number of times we have rain. It is not uncommon to hear someone say, " We sure need some rain to wash all this pollen away."

Once, while I was serving as an Athletic Director at a school here in South Carolina, the mother of one our baseball players scheduled a parent conference with me. All day long I wondered why she wanted to meet with me. Once she arrived she wasted no time in letting me know the reason for our conference. She said, " Coach, you need to do something."

I asked, "What do I need to do?"

"You need to do something about all the pollen at the baseball field. For whatever reason, this year we seem to have more pollen than usual. "

"What would you like for me to do about it?"

"I'm not sure, but maybe you could call someone at the Department of Agriculture. Then again, maybe we could spray down all the trees near the baseball field."

I smiled and replied, "Maybe we should consult with a meteorologist, and find out how we could make it rain."

"Heavens no... if we do that, the big game this Friday night could be rained out. I think your best bet would be to consult the Department of Agriculture. Surely they have a chemical available that we could spray to stop all this pollen."

Ironically, the next day, a gully washer of a thunderstorm hit our area. The "pollen crisis" had been averted. We played baseball that Friday night with no problems associated with nature's yellow powder. While I was standing behind the backstop watching the game, the mother, who had been worried about the pollen, approached me and said, "Thank you , Coach."

"For what?"

"For fixing the Pollen problem here at the baseball field."

"You need to thank the Good Lord. I had nothing to do with it."

She smiled and said, "Good one, Coach. Your secret is safe with me."

This Spring, I hope that when the pollen causes you discomfort, please do not contact me. I promise -I do not know how to make it stop. Enjoy those flowers and beautiful plants that Springtime brings, and try to smile when you see that Pollen... Ahchoo!