“If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.” Peace Pilgrim

Snowflakes fell so gently and softly all night! I slipped out of bed and hustled to the window. Winter has its own beauty for us who live with it.

But winter’s beauty tested everyone who battled the drama of a steady screen of falling snow lasting, on and off, for two days. There are tremendously high banks of snow everywhere which makes driving dangerous.

Also with the brisk and biting cold folks were trying to keep pipes from freezing, and trying to keep warm. The obstacles and the long spell of extremely cold weather will be remembered. As stressful as it was, when the sun came out, we gazed at the beautiful branches encased in glittering snow.

We bundled up and watched our breath freeze as we drove to the store. As we hovered near the hearth trying to keep warm we saw the delicate beauty of a pale pink winter sunset. The night was light and silvery outside. Each heart was thankful for the power of electricity touching our homes. The hassles encouraged kindness among friends, neighbors and strangers.

It is my hope that everyone stayed healthy during this stressful, trying time. The media report that there are many cases of the flu among the elderly and the youngsters.

The common cold is a viral infection of the airways. Studies consistently show eating a diet high in fresh fruits, vegetables and garlic holds the key to excellent preventive measures.

In her book “Juicing Bible” by Pat Crocker healing foods are lemons, citrus fruits, carrots, onions and hot honey. We should maximize the following: fresh fruits and vegetables and their juices, hot herbs (cayenne, ginger) to promote body heat and discourage the virus, fluid intake ( drink at least eight large glasses of water, juice and/or herbal tea drink).

In this book, doctors, scientists, naturopaths, nutritionist, and herbalists all agree: to be healthy and prevent disease, a healthy life style is essential. These juices are immune boosters.

Beware the first drink-Allium Antioxidant is very strong. Just preparing it will make your eyes water.

But for antioxidant and antibacterial power, it can’t be beat: 3 stalks celery, ½ onion, 1 clove garlic, 1 spear broccoli, 1 apple. Using juicer process celery, onion, garlic, broccoli and apple. Whisk and pour into a glass.

Another immune booster is Razzy Strawberry: 1 cup hulled strawberries, 1cup hulled raspberries, 1 cup purple grapes, 2 black plums pitted, Using juicer, process strawberries, raspberries, grapes, and plums. Whisk and pour into glasses. This immune booster is called Red Pepper: 1 red pepper trimmed, 2 carrots, 1 apple, 1 spear broccoli, ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.

Using a juicer, process red pepper, carrots, apple and broccoli. Whisk together with cayenne and pour into glass.

The Farmers’ Almanac predicted for last week for the Northeast and New England: Heavy snow, half foot or more for New England.