I'm sitting here with a "double medicine" headache (the heat didn't help me out today) and my left ankle is hard to find due to some insect that got a hold of it on Saturday. I looked up spider bites on Google and am convinced that nothing that could lead to death got a hold of me, but the swelling and itching sure seem a step up from a mosquito. As it is, I can't stand mosquito bites, I'm certainly more fearful of them than I am of the side effects of 100% DEET. (I remember wearing it while in Yellowstone, it was very effective, but it also stripped the plastic sheen off of my colored bead salvation bracelet, a little scary...). I think there's a life comparison that can be applied to the very short term bliss found in scratching a bite area, and the ramifications of indulging in that bliss. But, darn, it itches!
1. Any horrifying mosquito, bee, or other insect stories - or, any advice on repelling the little beasts, or relieving the itch......
2. What are your Fourth of July plans? Any annual traditions?
1. In high school, a group of about 8 of us,took a 3 day hike to a place called "Tenas Lakes" atop the Cascades. Absolutely beautiful, but, can you say infested? I think we all averaged triple digit mosquito bites. As for advice, I've heard that a product like "icy hot" is good to apply right away. Apparently, your nerve endings can only register one stimulus at a time, so it will take away the itch.
ReplyDelete2. This year, John and I are cashing in a horse back riding certificate and night away on the McKenzie on July 3rd. On the 4th, we'll probably hit the church picnic and head to a friend's house in the evening to set off fireworks.
1. None that I can think of. I got a great email from my uncle last year that talked all about how to avoid mosquitos. The one that stood out to me and I have done ever since is don't eat bananas. Something in them attracts mosquitos through your skin. So I don't let my kids eat bananas during summer.
ReplyDelete2. Butte to Butte. Harlow. Fireworks kind of wherever we end up. Unfortunately this year Aaron won't be able to be around so I'm pretty bummed...
As I sent that, Aaron called and told me he is taking Monday off so he will be here. YIPPEE!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Aaron can make it!
ReplyDelete1. My dad is allergic to wasp stings, so when he got stung one year, his whole face swelled up and he had to be rushed to the hospital. Kind of scary! I think I was about 9 at the time.
ReplyDelete2. Travis and I get to spend the 3rd with Brayden and Kay-Kay, and they get to spend the night at our house for the first time ever! They are so excited to be able to sleep in their own room at our house. I am not sure exactly what we will do on the 4th, either fireworks at a friend's house, or stay home and enjoy each other's company.
I read some where about taking extra Vit B in the summer to ward off mosquitos, so I tried it and it works. I start taking extra vit B during May and throughout the summer. I just read the other day that holding an onion to a bite takes away the swelling and the itch. However, I haven't had occasion to try that one.
ReplyDeleteWe are going over to the beach after the last service on Sunday for a couple of days. Yea!