Kiva, This One's for You

I double-posted the mushroom photos, here and on Maraca, as few people have found Havenwood yet. Over there, my friend Kiva left a comment that gave me pause:

"I definitely like the results of your new set priorities. I've never seen so many different types of mushrooms in one single area. I especially like the orange color on that one mushroom.

Do you think the mosquitoes were actually fairies teasing you?

Motherly nag: If they were mosquitoes, you better get some insect repellent with Deet in it. It's not good to be bitten. They carry all sort of nasty things including West Nile."

Oh ... yeah. West Nile. I forgot about that. Way back when I was a kid, mosquito bites were a minor nuisance and a badge of honor. We'd count them, and the kid with the most bites won.

So how serious could it be, really? I did a quick Google, and discovered that while most people have mild symptoms, the few who have severe reactions are in deep poo-doo. And people over 50 are more likely to have severe symptoms. (Great. Another reason to love getting old.)

I rummaged out the black fly defensive gear left from vacation this summer, and now I wear it all and douse it in industrial strength Deet before I go mucking around in the woods. It may not be pretty, but it's much more attractive than a hospital gown, don't you think? Now, I just have to convince my kids to take precautions.

Kiva, thanks for the motherly nag. Moms always do know best.

P.S. Hanna at This Garden Is Illegal recommends Mosquito Dunks, among other things. You can bet I'll be stocking up on those, too. Thanks, Hanna!