Saturday, August 14th

The last two pictures somehow were downloaded and I can't figure out how to unload them so there they are, whaever they are. I took them, but I take a lot that are of no use. I guess it is to show the buds on aquatic plants that will later flower. I guess!
Superstition, Friday the 13 brings about bad things. I think I might believe it now. Tuesday night, my son and I disposed of a house bat. The remains were sent to the state for testing, the results were phoned to us late yesterday afternoon. Yes, you guessed it, it was positive for rabies. So, we had to go to the ER to begin the shot series. 3 shots, to begin with, then another Monday, another in 7 days, another in 14 days and another in 28 days. About 3 hours of our lives wasted at the ER, waiting. The male nurse there said, well what do you expect you come in without an appointment at a busy time. Well, it is news to me that you can anticipate an emergency and make appointments for treatment. Must be a new deal. The doctor told us that 90% of bats have rabies and he has treated a number of people in the last few weeks. So if you come in contact with a bat, you might want to think about treatment. Once you get rabies there is only one result - you are dead!!! Yes, I know there is one case of survival. But that is it: ONE! Between 40,000 and 70,000 people worldwide die from rabies each year. Most from unvaccinated dogs. However, given the fact that most bats carry rabies they may become a bigger problem in the future. Yes, I also know that they are a benefit in their insect eating role. I don't care, I hate them, they are nasty little creatures, who I choose not to let live in my house. Oh, by the way I walked another 4 1/2 miles.