My friend Cat and I were talking over email today and the following transpired. I thought it fitting to post here given the weight of my previous posts:

Me

I am sick. Have been for days, and my company insists that I come in anyway so I'm not really getting better. I should be ok by the weekend though at which point I'll be heading out to Langley (ew) to practise with my old choir so we can go caroling later in the month (it's a thing we do).

Her response

Ew. That really sucks. Drink some Horrible Tea.

Horrible Tea

• 1 clove garlic
• 1 thumb-sized piece gingerroot
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 large spoons honey

Roughly chop the garlic and gingerroot. Steep all ingredients in boiling water under a cover for about 2 minutes, then drink. You can strain if you like, although I think it works best if you don't. STIR WELL. The honey keeps it from tasting too bad. Drink this twice a day until you feel better, and then for another day or so afterward.

You will need a new toothbrush after you get better, though.

Long forgotten by most of the planet, Green Goddess is probably the best salad dressing ever made. I used to have the recipe in my computer somewhere, but I've done too many hardware upgrades -- I appear to have lost my only copy.

Thankfully, Melanie helped me dig it up online last night. I've posted it below for posterity and for my own records. Please feel free to try this at home:

• 1 c. Real Mayonnaise
• 1/2 c. parsley sprigs
• 2 green onions, cut up
• 2 tbsp. tarragon vinegar
• 2 tsp. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. dry mustard
• 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 1/2 c. plain yogurt
• Place first 9 ingredients in blender container; cover. Blend until smooth.
• Fold in yogurt. Cover; chill. Makes 1 1/2 cups.

Note that the yogurt ingredient above can be substituted with sour cream if you're so inclined.