Mosquito Hawks: Nature's Assassins

Up late against own volition. We've formed quite the habit of watching "Poker After Dark" because of this. (Also, my weird little crush on Antonio Esfandiari.)

Up later because Jaye was getting sick and I rubbed her back for her.

Up even later because *I* couldn't get to sleep. Too nauseated. Even on phenergan.

Awoke, took my pills, limped downstairs (yeah, S.I. joints going off again), battled more ants (that's what I get for not ritually bagging up the trash every night), did some writing, called my Medicaid officer about a mailing I'd received.

You know you're down South when your Medicaid officer never fails to call you "Miss Megan" and gladly spends extra time on the phone with you just shooting the breeze and deciding on the best method to divest your kitchen of giant black tree ants. I'm really being a very good girl. I have a horrible bug phobia so this thing with the ants has been a real test of my mettle.

After writing, I decided to take a break so I went outside for some fresh air and watched Peaches sleeping beneath her favorite tree in the dark earth of a fairy ring. Bonhomie, our giant grey tabby, a very polite sensitive gentleman, greeted me with one quiet chirp and walked down the length of the porch railing to stand at the gate where I could easily reach him. I stroked his soft ears, listening to him purr, as we enjoyed the shade of the house and a remarkably cool breeze.

I've gotten into the habit of rubbing my Mom's cats. Makes me feel calmer for some reason. After such rub fests, I have to wash the hair off of me, so it's into the shower, but something funny happened the other day (citation: bug phobia).

Shower scene, about 10 minutes into said shower, to the tune of "Should I Stay or Should I Go?":

Me: (blithely oblivious and covered in suds) "La! Lalalalla laaaaaaaaalalalalal!!"

Big Bug: *flit flit flit*

Me: (turning to rinse my back) "La lalalalalaaa!" (catching sight of the Borg) [shriek]

Big Bug: *flit flit flit*

Me: [shriek] (flapping of arms and shower curtain)

Big Bug: *flit*.... *swirl, swirl* .... *flitflitflit*

Me: [shriek] (squirting liquid soap on invader like Greek fire)

Big Bug: *decease*

Me: "Ma!"

Mom: (appearing showerside) "Yes?"

Me: (pointing) "What is that...."

Mom: (staring at it) "More like 'was'..."

Me: "C'mon, lady! I can't see..."

Mom: "Hmm. Mosquito hawk." (dryly) "And you've deftly killed it. Good job."

Me: (glaring) "Getouttahere!"

Everyone's a critic.