A mite-y war

Spider mites are waging a war on my front porch and the little bastards are winning. Two weeks ago my braided trunk Hibiscus would capture the attention and praise of neighbors walking by. It truly was a magnificent specimen. Then came the spider mites. Over night (literally) the trunk, leaves, and buds were covered with the tiny white demons. We've had a few smaller battles but with determination and regular treatment an environmentally-safe pesticide we sent the evil creatures retreating (hopefully onto the front porch of an obnoxious Republican down the street). I've resorted to the big guns now using a systemic fungicide/pest treatment and a very expensive spray chemical that could wipe out an entire city if it got into the water supply. Obviously to no avail as leaves are falling off by the hour and the buds, however plenty they are, wither and drop. I despise spider mites almost as much as I despise loud mouthed Republicans. Evil I tell you. Evil.

On a positive note the draperies for the owner suite are supposed to be installed the latter part of the week. As promised I'll take you on a photo tour of the finished project once everything is in its place.

Last night T & I met some friends for dinner. She is a brilliant, beautiful, and brave young woman of 26. He is a sweet, brave, handsome 35 year old weakened from the ravages of the multiple recurrences of Melanoma. It's now in his liver, bone marrow, lungs, and stomach. It's a matter time as Hospice is coming to their house to control his pain. For as long as we've known him he's been fighting this damn disease. He's tried conventional and experimental treatments and it only gets worse for him. After 5 years of doctors and poisons he's decided to let go. His wife has been his rock through the entire disease. She is positive, has accepted a future without him, and continues to love and support him as he is dying. I so admire this girl and her husband. I so dread the "call" when it comes.

Stay out of the sun and out of the damn tanning beds. I spent years sunning & tanning in beds and now I have 15-20 "spots" to have removed and biopsied in the near future. My doctor says it's probably just sun damage but we won't know until I see a specialist later this month. I see my friends and can only be reminded of what the price of that perfect tan can be. The safe alternative is a spray tan which can still appeal to the vanity inside but won't kill you. Unless, perhaps, the booth falls over on you or one of them Bush terrorists jumps out of the ceiling........