If April showers bring May flowers, then what do May flowers bring?

Pilgrims, of course!

But, since we’re in the South, probably watery eyes, a runny nose, congested head, sneezing, and all of those other allergy symptoms that descend upon us in a cloud of yellow pollen this time of year.

We are well into allergy season, as if anybody had to be alerted to that fact. We’ve seen all of you out there waving your white flags of surrender! An earlier-than-normal spring sent pine trees, bushes, and shrubs into overdrive, which left our cars, driveways, and streets speckled with lots of yellow pollen (unfortunately, that wasn’t a yellow brick road!) and our heads filled with lots of congestion. But it might be time to visit the Wizard, if that’s how we want to refer to those wonderful medical professionals in white coats who prescribe antibiotics, shots, or lots of Vitamin C to help us get over this seasonal allergy hump.

You’ve been coughing, sneezing, and carrying a box of tissues around to negate those runny nose symptoms. The seasonal crud has hit you hard. No, this isn’t an excuse to quit those outdoor chores that roll around this time of year. But you do need to find a way to get this malady, also known as hay fever, under control or at least at bay. For many, Mississippi’s allergy season runs from February through November for those things like grass, trees, and weed allergies, which throw their pollen to and fro like Mardi Gras beads from mid-March until June.