Bessy: And? How does it feel to be back home after such a long time?
Muriel: Hi! The first day was hectic, unpacking, phoning, and so much post to look through... Yesterday I had a medical appointment in York and did a huge shopping on the day back. And today I feel wretched! I've just developed a nasty cold. All symptoms like in a textbook. shit! I hate winter!!!
Bessy: It must have been a shock for you body to be exposed to frost after months of tropical sunshine. Poor dear Mu!
Muriel: And I don't have any single medication left after we'd given everything away in Cuba. Just a rest of nose spray.
Bessy: That should do the trick. If you happen to have fresh ginger, hot ginger tea will sort it.
Muriel: Luckily I got a nice chunk yesterday. How do you prepare it?
Bessy: Sliced fresh ginger steeped in boiling water.
Bessy: I keep shop-bought ginger tea bags as backup.
Muriel: I'll do it immediately. Quite like ginger.
Bessy: If you enjoy honey then it's a great healer for sore throat and cough.
Bessy: Drink as much as you can, hot lemon and that sort of thing.
Bessy: And fresh things like oranges, kiwi, grapefruit.
Muriel: Aye madam.
Muriel: This ginger tea tastes superb. I've sweetened it with honey too.
Bessy: Good girl!
Muriel: Do you believe in garlic? Just munching garlic chopped with salt and spread on buttered bread.
Bessy: Not bad. I'd put a slice of tomato on it and toast it in the microwave.
Muriel: Then it's like a real meal. Good idea! 
Muriel: With all your advice I already feel better.
Bessy: I hope you'll get well soon.
Bessy: Without medicine!
Muriel: I'll still do the nose spray before going to bed.
Bessy: It bedtime here already. Sweet dream tonight dear friend.
Muriel: Sweet dreams for you too!
Muriel got a terrible cold after coming back. She has no medications at home, so will treat herself with ginger, garlic and nose spray. 