Stifling summer sickness, Warning, I

(WARNING: All of the prescribed and OTC medications I've taken in the past few weeks come with instructions and clearly labeled "Side effects" and "Warning" sections, about side effects, mixing and matching, what not to take at the same time, dosage stuff, and so on. Check one of your Rx bottles, and you'll see.
This is such a multi-faceted warning to readers of this blog for a few posts, as I react to our ordeal with a serious infection that has stifled our summer, including canceling a long planned trip to the UK.
First, Coffee with Clark as a blog is a personal column--a very personal column in the old newspaper sense, reflecting my personal views. I am not out to convert anyone, to change your opinions. I don't really care if you agree or disagree with me. I'm writing because I write for myself, because I have to write, like to tell stories, and hope I provoke thoughts, whether about art, traveling, or any other subject. I'm a journalist...I want to be read.)
 To be continued... .