Burn Baby Burn
Fairly boring post of yardwork and sunburns.
Last Saturday I did a bit of yard work right after getting back from camping with eyeawry. I figured I was sweaty and gross as it is, I might as well just jump right in and knock out a few of the delightful outdoor chores that being a homeowner yields. First, I pulled weeds from the flower bed, which were overshadowing my yellow Lantana camara that I had planted with my parents a few months back. (I'm happy to report that it's actually doing quite well now, after being rather concerned for some time that I was killing it).
I think this is when I got into the poison ivy, but it's possible that I got it on the camping trip as well. Regardless, the contact dermatitis is subsiding and is not itchy anymore.
After weeding, I edged front and back, and then mowed the front. A storm was coming in and I was running late for two parties I obligated myself to go to that evening, so I decided I'd mow the back the next day. Yeah, that didn't happen. Today I woke up and was determined to finish the yard work (of which the front is already needing to be mowed again). I didn't even eat breakfast. I threw on some shorts, sandals (don't mow in sandals, kids, it's not safe), and a hat, and headed out, intending to only spend 20 minutes mowing and bagging.
Considering I hadn't mowed the back in what I think was four weeks, it took considerably more time than I anticipated, having to stop to bag the grass after about 60 seconds of mowing. Then I turned my attention to the weeds, spraying the yard with weed killer for 10-15 minutes. Next on the death list: Ants. They're persistent bastards. I'm using a different chemical (the type where you have to mix it in one of those pressure-sprayers), so we'll see how that does.
I didn't notice until about an hour ago that, in my sans-shirt state, I gave myself a bit of a burn on my back and shoulders. Chest isn't too bad. Face is a little red. I suppose I could use the color (though not the melanoma).
Last Saturday I did a bit of yard work right after getting back from camping with eyeawry. I figured I was sweaty and gross as it is, I might as well just jump right in and knock out a few of the delightful outdoor chores that being a homeowner yields. First, I pulled weeds from the flower bed, which were overshadowing my yellow Lantana camara that I had planted with my parents a few months back. (I'm happy to report that it's actually doing quite well now, after being rather concerned for some time that I was killing it).
I think this is when I got into the poison ivy, but it's possible that I got it on the camping trip as well. Regardless, the contact dermatitis is subsiding and is not itchy anymore.
After weeding, I edged front and back, and then mowed the front. A storm was coming in and I was running late for two parties I obligated myself to go to that evening, so I decided I'd mow the back the next day. Yeah, that didn't happen. Today I woke up and was determined to finish the yard work (of which the front is already needing to be mowed again). I didn't even eat breakfast. I threw on some shorts, sandals (don't mow in sandals, kids, it's not safe), and a hat, and headed out, intending to only spend 20 minutes mowing and bagging.
Considering I hadn't mowed the back in what I think was four weeks, it took considerably more time than I anticipated, having to stop to bag the grass after about 60 seconds of mowing. Then I turned my attention to the weeds, spraying the yard with weed killer for 10-15 minutes. Next on the death list: Ants. They're persistent bastards. I'm using a different chemical (the type where you have to mix it in one of those pressure-sprayers), so we'll see how that does.
I didn't notice until about an hour ago that, in my sans-shirt state, I gave myself a bit of a burn on my back and shoulders. Chest isn't too bad. Face is a little red. I suppose I could use the color (though not the melanoma).