I looked wistfully at the deck and wondered vaguely why I don’t sit there any more.

It’s a beautiful deck, well shaded. And I used to sit here quite often a few years back.

Was it the grief I’d been dealing with back to back: personal grief, a bad break up, a good friend passing and most recently my mom’s passing. I momentarily forgot there was indeed another simpler reason.

I decided I’d use the deck more often. Into the house I trodded, gathered my planner, my journal, a book to read, my phone and a Bluetooth speaker. I quickly swept the deck, made a cup of coffee and off I went.

And 10 minutes later, I remembered why I don’t sit at this well shaded deck that sits under a cottonwood tree that has tiny little bugs that I swear must come straight from hell. I had about 15 bites that were quickly swelling and itching like crazy. I gathered my crap and went to adminster anti-itch relief.

And as though that was not enough, I returned this morning. Dressed in long sleeves, long pants and socks which was a significant improvement than the summer wear I had on yesterday.

So I figured I’d be okay. Nope, I was wrong. I did last a little longer that’s for sure. But 20 minutes later, I had 2 bites on my face, 3 bites on my shoulder, 1 bite on my knee, 2 on my shin and a huge bit on my knuckle! My knuckle you all..I give up! I shall not return to that deck in the summer, I mean it this time!