Rape of the Countryside

I see from an article in today's Independent newspaper that it isn't the pollen of oilseed rape which causes us all to suffer from so much coughing and spluttering but that the "oilseed rape does give off volatile organic compounds such as terpenes and aldehydes which could account for its irritant effect on the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth and throat." So, it may not be hay fever but an irritable response from the mucous membranes! Whatever, I just know that my symptoms appear as if from nowhere. I then find a field of rape within minutes of the onset of streaming eyes, nose and choking fits where I and my companions believe I'm breathing my last. And that is why I will never again visit East Anglia during the rape growing season.

Its Good to Be Back ...

..... in the balmy south west again. I was almost 'north' - in fact I was in East Anglia for 4 days. During which time, although the sun shone, I was bl***y freezing from the strong biting NE winds. So much so I caught a cold which then graduated to sinusitis. As the Wife/Strife Up North say 'it's grim' - and I was only half way up t'north. I blame my cold virus on a weakened immune system due to bad hay fever. As soon as I hit Suffolk my hay fever went into overdrive. The fields were covered in a bright garish yellow as far as the eye could see. From here to there and back again. Horizon to horizon full of rape fields. I definitely will not holiday in Suffolk again. If you want to steer clear of rape seed allergy then I suggest you also avoid Suffolk April/May. Officially - 'they' say that rapeseed does not cause hay fever. 'They' blame it on birch or other grasses and tree pollens. In which case why was I perfectly free of hay fever in mixed woodlands /gardens in Surrey but had bad reaction in parts of Sussex, a great deal of Essex and most of Suffolk?