This afternoon was really pleasant -- funny, how, after a week of 98 degree temperatures and smog alerts, an 85 degree day can seem almost cool!

So after the kids had dinner, we went out into the backyard. They to play, me to weed.

(I have confessed before that I prefer weeding on shady, cooler days. I just don't have the gumption to sweat so hard over a darned weed)

Maggie's garden is the perfect size for me weed-wise because I can get a thorough job done in 45 minutes to an hour.

But I digress.

With the rainstorm last night (huzzah!) the weeds were loose and easy to pull.

And the mosquitoes were looking for blood.

Specifically, mine.

I am sweet meat for those suckers, and I came in after weeding covered in big red lumps and extra spots of dirt on my face and arms from swatting them.

Has anyone ever installed a bat house successfully? I have one (I hear bats love mosquitoes) but I haven't put it up yet.

Dang! As I was writing this, one just flew in front of me! It must have traveled inside on my hair.

*swat*