Hollywog's Pond

Itchy.

This one word sums up the aftermath of my weekend away to Lake Ozette. Fading are the memories of the boardwalk to the ocean, the white caps we struggled in the inflatable kayak and the oppressive heat of solely our campsite. Here to torment me are the evil mosquito inflammations on my feet and hands. Gah! I have never, ever had an itch so bad. I have showed remarkable self-restraint and not scratched any of them but have lotioned, salved and ignored my way through them the best I can. I am reaching my breaking point. They are not huge and blistery but they do itch like the dickens! The only suggestion from co-workers I have not tried is ice as I sacrificed the ice cube tray space for butter storage in the freezer. I don't feel like sacrificing my frozen peas to this so I'm hoping the lastest treatment (Gold Bond) will work. Sigh. I did have fun on the trip. Got to set up a tarpaulin fort to beat the heat. There was a constant breeze which was a huge relieft but not enough to make the tent bearable. So the "just in case of rain" tarp was secured to the picnic table and propped up with upside down trekking poles to create a small, squat haven of slightly cooler shade. I have yet to find a suitable sun shade and/or screen house to purchase for this purpose. The reviews are all mediocre. Come on manufacturers! Create a screen house that actually encompasses a real picnic table at a campground! Or a sun shade that shades more than the noon sun! One day I will find it and it will be mine. Preeeeecious.

Saw the movie Up. Great flick. Cried at least three times. The only thing that made me feel better about sobbing silently in the theatre is that EVERY other person in there was being a big baby too. Touching stuff I tell you. Not to say it was all tears. It was a lovely comedy and the dogs were great. Squirrel! So I recommend the movie to all who have not made the effort yet.

The heat is back on in Seattle and I have to say, I'm not really a fan. Though I have two of them running at all times. ;) Where are my overcast skies? Where is my periodic, cleansing rain? What's wrong with tapping out at 80 degrees? The forecast for this weekend looks no better, worse in fact. At least my tomatoes are happy, totally soaking it all in to form the largest so-called cherry tomatoes I have ever seen. Should be delicious. I think the first ones of this latest batch should be ready in a day or two. Mmm mmm.

Trying out a BBQ chicken recipe tomorrow so wish me luck! Also, I am thisclose to getting Sounders Season tickets for the 2010 season. Will have to see when my number comes up what seats are available.

And the biggest news for last... I am an aunt again! My sister had her baby this last week and everyone is doing fine! Yeah! Baby girl Megan will join biggest sister Ashlyn, brother Nathan and sister Lauren to round out the family to four kiddos. She looks super cute and yet again Erika's nose won out - go our genes! Rick contributes in other ways to be sure but I like the round button noses better. :)