Unwelcome Surprise

I vowed I would not just rant and rant about weeding this year. I must not be a woman of my word. It lasted less than 24 hours.

Yes, it's that time of year. And no, it does not involve tinsel, pine trees, or gifts. It involves yard work (my euphemism for weeding).

This year I'm going with a zone defense. I've divided the yard into 5 zones, and will work on one a day. Even if I don't finish that zone I will wait to work on it the next week. I decided this after I took a look at the immense jungle around our pond and waterfall (bear in mind that we inherited this yard). I've got to hit all areas or the weeds may well take over the planet.

Ray and I began working on zone 1 yesterday. Son Ray, not husband Ray. He does the big stuff with the hoe, and I do the small details in and around bushes, flagstones, or whatever is needed. We moved on to zone 2 today. I stifled a few mini-screams as creatures that have not been disturbed for seven months came to the surface. I was very proud of myself. No neighbor had to come running to see if a murder was in progress.

Then I came inside. I decided to check my email before hopping in the shower. I felt a tickle on my leg, and looked down to see a centipede about one and a half inches long starting to crawl up my pant leg (actually at the knee).

Okay, not so stifled this time. And no shoe at hand to beat it to death with. Instead I had to improvise and use the handle of my rotary cutter. Thank heavens I hadn't put it away the last time I used it.

The centipede is no longer. And I am not looking forward to that aspect of the next four months of working in the yard.

Among other things.