Day 12

Annoying

Bothersome

Irritating

Misery

Torment

And...

Sheer Hell

These are all words that come to mind when I am having to deal with the aggravating irritation of...

Mosquito Bites!

I knew living in South Carolina that mosquito's were called the 'state bird' because they freely roamed! What I was unaware of was how much they would 'freely roam' every inch of my uncovered skin. When we first arrived I expected a few bites and after one uncovered night in the garage and a very unsettling week of itching I purchased bug spray.
I made the mistake of getting the run of the mill kind that most people could use. For normal people this would provide a shield of protection...for me... it was like a challenge to the pesky little bloodsuckers!
They infiltrated my measly attempt at safety!
I went back to the store... I purchased Off this time...deep woods! This stuff is supposed to be like the difference between a BB gun and an Sniper Rifle! It stinks to high heavens, leaves me sticky and totally WORKS!
I have been very good about putting my "Ode De Off" on before leaving and have survived with very little bug bites.
But last night...
well last night I was forgetful...
I was care free and went out all willy nilly
NO PROTECTION!
(my mother taught me better)

Now I type this with 16... yes 16! I counted! 16 Mosquito bites!

They are up and down my legs. Currently my legs are covered in lemon juice and deodorant.
(I'll explain)
As you can see by the picture I have an arsenal of things to "Fight the Bite".
Calamine Lotion....While I love looking like I am 12 and have the chicken pox, it didn't stop the itch!
Caladryl...It doesn't leave me looking like Barney's pink sister and it doesn't stop the itch!
After bite pen...burns like hell! Seriously.. like the surface of the sun! Not cool.
Cortizone... Awww sweet relief... feels so good... for 20 minutes.
Epson salt, baking soda, peroxide, toothpaste...nope, nope, nada... not happening....
DOESN'T STOP THE ITCH!
It was time to resort to drastic measures...home remedies!
Apple cider vinegar...not bad.. but yeah now I want pie!
Rubbing citronella wax on them...I don't recommend this.. really don't try this at home, there should be a warning label on those darn candles!
Lemon juice... ok this works on some mild bites. (not the speed bumps currently inhabiting my body)
Deodorant... while unconventional I believe we have a winner! One... I smell like wild jasmine...Two...I don't have a lick of sweat.. anywhere Three...THIS WORKS! and an added bonus, it goes on clear and stays clear..no more Barney legs!

So to my poor friends who deal with this...get yourself some Off Deep Woods (honestly that's twice I put a sales plug in for them...I'll take a lifetime supply for FREE now, Thanks!) and grab your deodorant if they infiltrate! Enjoy the cool summer nights, I got you covered!

Fight the itch!