I hate to be a pest, I know conversation went to more important things - peace in the Middle East. But does anyone have any opinions on my sore throat with the swollen tonsils being related to exposure to the extreme cold? I know I should probably go to the clinic, but I'm so over paying $150 to see the NP for a sore throat. Especially if the real answer is for me to figure out a way to protect my nose and mouth from cold air without fogging up my glasses.

Incidentally, Walmart does not have any face mask hats.

I don't know, Andi. I've had some sore throats that I directly related to the extremely dry air. Have you tried some saline nasal spray? Sometimes, moistening up your nasal passages helps the back of the throat. What you're looking for is a neck gaiter. You can get cheap ones at Menards. You'll still need a hat but they're great for pulling up over the lower part of your face to keep warm.

Here's a good one, Andi. Of course if you have a length of fleece and some fabric glue, you can make one for yourself easy-peasy.

Cash, I've been using a sea salt/baking soda solution in a neti pot to irrigate the nasal passages and sinuses, plus gargling salt water. It helps a bit. Thanks for the link to the neck gaiter thing - and yeah, I can make one. Heh. I have leftover fleece from my latest attempt at making a cat sweater for Harvey. We'll match.

I love the smell of dirt.

Me too. The smell of a damp basement, especially the old stone floored one in our old house in Pennsylvania.

Thanks again, Cash. I didn't have any fabric glue, so I had to stitch it. I think it will help.

We made no-sew hats so I have a TON of fleece. I should make matching gaiters for the kids. We could do that tomorrow for a craft activity since school's been cancelled.

I hope it helps, Andi. Should be nice and cozy.

No wonder the world is so cold lately: We've lost Patrick McGoohan AND Ricardo Montalban - two of the hottest men, ever.

I do think the dryness makes you more susceptible to throat problems. Are you adding humidity inside?

Yeah, we got the humidifier fixed up last week - it helped stave off one round of sore throat, but at the time the outside temperature was above zero, and maybe in the teens.