The Persimmon Tree Fort!

  Every now and again, you just have to hide.  It was easy during childhood.  Pulling the covers over your head so the bedtime monsters wouldn't get you solved so many problems.  During adulthood, we are told to face our problems headlong.  That is all fine and dandy but so is hiding if it makes things better.  I did, today.  I hid.  In fact, I hid beneath the persimmon tree.  Its long, graceful branches dipped low to the ground and formed a perfect canopy over me.  I hid.  I did not hide from the worries of the world but, instead, from some critters of the Bayou!

  This all started with an early morning hike to take the old dog. Mr. PJ, out to do his business.  He and I meandered down the hillside then he decided that it was time to rest.  Resting near the marsh is not a good idea.  While it did not seem to bother him, the constant barrage of yellow flies and deer flies was irritating to me.  I tried to hurry him along but he was not having it.  He sat and I waited all the while being attacked by the biting flies.  Something had to give!

  I eased my way under the tent like branches and immediately found relief.  The flies stayed on the outside!  Even though there was plenty of open spaces that would have allowed the flies to enter, they seemed to prefer landing on the outer portions of the leaves.  I stayed safely hidden in my new "tree fort"!

  It appears that we have an unusual number of both types of flies this summer.  It is actually not too safe to hike the paths especially if you are allergic to their bites.  I, fortunately, am not but Darling Daughter is.  Let her receive just one bite and her body reacts violently with extreme swelling.  The bites are just highly irritating to me!  The swarms of flies need to leave!