Coming of age...

For some unknown reason, I waited until my forties to experience some things that you would imagine a child would have discovered. The first one was an ear infection about two years ago, twice actually, and I did manage to survive that, although it was pretty horrific. The latest nonsense I have been dealing with has been poison ivy. Now, I was a Girl Scout, and I am pretty familiar with outdoors things. I work outdoors, I shower within half an hour- better safe than sorry, right? Well, for some unknown reason, a week and two days ago, this normal progression of events didn't make a bit of difference. I knew on Wednesday that I was sunburned, and I tended to my skin, since I didn't want to be in pain and peel and all that fun stuff. I also bought sunblock, after the fact, but in preparation for the next go-round! Well, Thursday I woke up with a few little blisters on my inner arm...I went to my mom, the Queen of Poison Ivy, and got a diagnosis, and her stash of potions and sprays and ointments and soaps, went home and scrubbed. Sadly, a week later, I finally broke down and called the doctors office, got in to see the nurse practitioner, and he hooked me up with some Prednisone. He also said it was one of the worst cases he'd seen in a while. I was thrilled to hear that I did it SO WELL my first time out. HA. Today is day two after medical intervention, and I am getting better- no new blisters this evening, just a few this morning, but I do now have healing places on my skin. I also got some lye soap to wash with as I heal, and after I do any more yard work! Yes, color me paranoid...
Anyway, here is a link I found with plenty of pictures for you to be able to identify this horrid culprit, and avoid it as often as possible.
I wonder what childhood plague is next on my horizon?

How to Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

So this May 5th is a celebration here in the US not only for Mexicans, but also for those who consider it another drinking holiday, which of course is not how it started.
The other thing it is here in Portsmouth is the primary election for several things, most notably a judge and the Mayor. I am astounded by the lack of voter turnout at past local primary elections, and hope that perhaps the enthusiasm which was generated during the recent presidential election will carry over locally. Obviously, I have my preferences, but my biggest hope is that you do go out and vote. So many people do not feel like their vote counts, but I believe that you must be heard, you must participate. It is a privilege to be able to do so, and you should appreciate the right to do so. Please, exercise your right to be heard. Vote in your local elections!