GINGER

That was the name of a cool dog I had as a kid. It's also the name of this flower: Hawaii Torch Ginger.

So what are my thoughts? Mainly about how helpful ginger is. That's my drink of choice when I fly: ginger ale. It has a settling of the stomach. Not that I need it, having logged a ton of air miles, but old habits die hard, so I automatically order a cup of ginger ale.

Ginger is also supposed to be the best cure for sea sickness. Actually, I 've logged a lot of nautical miles, too, but never have I tried ginger. I really don't care for ginger chicken or the spice ginger at all, but I hear it's great for motion sickness. Most Europeans and Asians swear by its soothing effects. If I knew it would work, I'd put the whole root in my mouth, because sea sickness is no fun.

Ginger, my dog, was ginger colored. I think she was a fox terrier. At least we had a bunch of those dogs over the years. I also went to school with or taught a few Gingers in my day. Most looked like their name could or should have been Ginger.

Does gin have anything to do with Ginger? I really don't know. How about gingivitis? Ok, I'm done now.