Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Danger



I am interrupting my time travel posts to send out an important message! Danger lurks all around!! Be careful, let my experiences be helpful information for all. Today, with the weather being in the 80's and no humidity, I decided to do some outside work. Since my ankle isn't swelling so much I am doing a little more work and could not pass up on the beautiful day we were having.

Working outside today was the most difficult time I have ever experienced while doing yard work. I started off by trimming the overhanging limbs on bushes and prickly vines that would scratch me when I would mow. When I was working on one bush I suddenly felt like my underarm was on fire. I wasn't sure if I was bitten by something or if I touched poison ivy. I immediately left the bush, headed for our pool, and put my arm in the cool water. When the burning stopped I investigated the bush and found no poison ivy; maybe something bit me.

With the danger waiting in the bushes, I decided that I would do a little hand mowing around the pond. This might sound like a simple chore but I soon found out that it wasn't the case. After mowing for awhile I suddenly noticed in an instant that I was being stung on my leg, arm, and up under my shirt in a most feminine place by our local bees. Racing away and leaving the lawn mower, I noticed that I had mowed over an area on the ground that was swarming with bees. I didn't know that bees built hives on the ground; I will remember this new piece of information forever.

After heading again for the cool water of my pool to ease the bee stings, a little while later I decided that I would mow for awhile longer. Keeping an eye on the bees and getting as far away as I could from them, I was mowing the grass that was growing on the side of the pond. Although trying to be careful not to get too close to the pond, I managed to stretch too far and could see that if I didn't let go of the hand mower, I would be alongside the mower heading into the pond. Yep, I let go of the mower and watched it head for the pond. Lucky for me, or should I say lucky for Ameridad, the mower didn't go into the pond.

After everything happening I decided to head inside, fix a quick dinner, and talk a long hot bath. I will see what tomorrow brings but I'm not sure I will be ready for yard work. Ill' probably just enjoy the view from the house.



You have all been warned as to some of the hazards of yard work. Please take precautions when you are out in the great outdoors.

4 comments:

Cynthia Rae said...

Sorry you had such a rough day. Hope your bee stings are feeling better. You know, you HAVE been warned about the lawnmower and the pond. Glad to hear that when push came to shove, you let it go.

Love the photo of the pond. You'll have to give me the name of your photographer! hehehehe!

Cyn

Anonymous said...

So sorry you had such a trying time doing yardwork. I had bees in the ground on Courville. Stung me, too. One was resting on the back of the chair I was sitting in and stung me on the shoulder. Ouch. Can't immagine what all of yours combined feel like. Be brave.

Just read Cyn's ad for Esperia Travels. She and Danilo have done a wonderful job. I think I'll sign up as soon as I can walk more. Duh! hope I got the name right...or close.

amy d said...

I'm glad you let go of the mower! Thank goodness it didn't go in the pond. It must be an aggressive season for bees, Owen was stung 3 times one day last month. The travel website looks great. I want to pack a suitcase and go now!

G and G A said...

Yep, it was a bad day working in the yard.