Sprinkles, Woodticks and Projects

The grass is finally turning green. It's been warmer, an actual sprinkle, here and there, so thanks all of you fine folks out there that are praying for rain for north central WI. They say they will not lift the fire ban until we get at least 1/2 an inch of rain in one rainfall. That has not happened yet. There have already been 3 brush fires in our township alone, not good. We are still riding on a wing and a prayer.

The dreaded woodticks are out in full force. They are fast lil buggers. It's the spider-like tick that can be dangerous. We have two types in our woods, the deer tick or (bear tick) which are as small as pinhead sized to half the size of a pencil eraser. They attach to the skin of larger animals and humans. I know, I have been bitten. They survive on blood and the disease carrying ticks, can cause Lyme Disease, which by now, most of you may have heard of.

The other tick we have here, are the dog ticks that also attach to humans but do not carry the Lyme Disease.

The Lyme tick, as they are now called, survive primarily in the northeastern states of the U.S., WI and MI, parts of CA, UT., NE., and parts of Canada. Lyme Disease has been reported in up to 25 of our states, so the ticks are not choosy. I call them vampires, for they are blood suckers.

Living in the great North woods, we have plenty of them. I picked up one of each type yesterday, while walking the edge of our woods. Luckily, I spotted them right away, and they did not have the opportunity to attach themselves to me.

My son has Lymes, as had several members of our family, throughout the years. It is treatable with antibiotics, best caught within the first 3-4 weeks of being bitten.

Symptoms are different for everyone, some getting all, some a few. Andy has had all of them, getting very sick from time to time still today. His bite was from last spring.

Symptoms include:

bullseye rash-can be at the bite site, or not

fever

fatigue

muscle and joint aches and pain

arthritis

irregular heartbeat

sensitivity to the sun

butterfly patch across the bridge of the nose and cheeks

These are the most known symptoms.

Andy still has days when he can hardly get out of bed, and goes on antibiotics again.

So, folks, if you live in tick areas, wear light clothing, tuck in your jeans if you're hiking, or wear your socks over them, not fashionable, but it may save you a lot of agony. Do a tick check not only of yourself after your walks, but of your pets. They will thank you for it.

To read more about the Lyme Disease or the disease carrying ticks in your area, just Google woodticks or check out www.revolutionhealth.com

Don't be afraid to get out there and enjoy the nature around you. Just be aware.

I didn't want you to get that crawly feeling all over, but I do want you to stay healthy.

Now, finally, the reason I was wandering around the woods in the first place., I was looking for a discarded mailbox for my project. Bill is going to help me straighten it out and drill a hole in it for me while I carefully hold it. Hmmmm, maybe I will put it in the vise for that part. The finished project, you will have to wait and see just like I have to do. It will be cool.

Blessings and Be Careful Out There