Ten Minute Gardening

Barely had our feet touched the grass when we were viciously attacked by swarming mosquitoes! Attempting to ward them off by flailing my arms around in the fashion of a very primitive dance did little to deter the biting monsters. My dance developed into an interesting blend of awkward movements that included shushing mosquitoes away from Misha while attempting to outrun them myself. This did little to help prevent either of us from being accosted. Within minutes he was standing by the door, wanted to be let in again. When Misha wants inside, you know it’s bad! In he went, but I, being ever so tough, watered plants. Bad move. Mosquitoes love water. Then I decided to trim a yew hedge. Another bad move. The mosquitoes live in that hedge I swear. So, on to weeding the herb garden. As long as I kept moving, the buzzing and biting wasn’t too bad. The very second I stopped to inspect my efforts, back they came, bringing reinforcements with them. I did eventually finish weeding the herb garden. As I made my way to the perennial gardens, dancing my mosquito dance with the scuffler in my hand adding to the ridiculous sight I made, I decided I’m not as tough as I like to think. So here I am, at the computer, calamine lotion caked on my arms, waiting for the mosquitoes to subside. In another hour or so, Misha and I will head outside and try once more to putter in the gardens. Before we do, I’ll be putting in place every effective anti-blood sucking creature repellent method I know of.

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