Peach Blossoms and Ticks

  Imagine my surprise when I found the peach trees in full bloom.  The goofy trees are thinking it is springtime and have burst forth with their lovely pink blossoms.  While this is encouraging in the fact that spring is near, it is disheartening to know that most of these are likely to be lost with a late freeze.  My meanderings, today, had taken me down behind the canebrake to where the peach orchard once stood.  Time, deer and wood borers have all taken their toll on the poor trees leaving only a few hearty enough to bloom.  With those blooming now, it is likely that we will not see any peaches this summer.  

  While back in that "neck of the woods", the old dog and I decided to venture a bit further down into the creek bed.  The recent rains made it soggy and slippery but I wanted to check for any unusual mosses that may have sprung up since my last visit.  I did not have the opportunity to even search for one moss due to what I did find.  A tick had creepy-crawled up my pants leg and made its way onto my hand.  Ok, time to get the dog out of the area!  Old Mr. PJ does not need ticks and surely does not need to cart any back into the Little Bayou House. 

  Once inside, I did a quick check on the dog but found nary a critter.  The monthly flea and tick medicines must be doing the trick for him but it was best to check him regardless.  Then, a nice hot bath and body-check led me to believe that the tick was an isolated incident and I had not been infested!  The tick that I found crawling on me, today, is a wake up call for me to be diligent when out traipsing the woods.  I will confiscate a pair of Son's long, white socks to wear with jeans tucked inside.  While this may not be a fashion statement, it will, at least, give me an easy way to do a quick check out in the field.  Ticks are no fun!  The dog, however, will most likely be banned to the yard for the duration of warmer weather.  There is no need to put him in the ticks' territory!