Day 205 Life in the Wilds

7/24/2025

"This is the day the LORD has made;

we will rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

 

Guess what I did today? Any ideas? (Hint provided above!) You're right! My anticipated wait is over, and the green chiles have arrived, early! My son, Daniel lugged out the grill, while I crawled haphazardly up into the attic for the large pot, and then I readied my kitchen. Daniel had purchased charcoal, as we do things the old-fashioned way, plus I doubt anyone here has a roaster! Besides, that takes away half the fun of watching Daniel sweat in the hot sun! Actually, it wasn't a particularly hot or humid day, and he survived rather well. My job was to peel and pack for freezing. We always buy the extra hot chiles, so after he roasts, throws them into a pot of water to loosen the skin, I peel. The peels took awhile, as we had 25 pounds, so, wearing heavy-gloves, I peeled, coughed and hacked from the fumes, while I sneezed, snorted, and my nose ran. As anyone who peels chile knows, we dare not touch any part of our body with chile hands, as the oils in the chile burn something fierce. I did not use gloves the first time we roasted chile, and I thought my hands were going to melt or burn up from the pain. Old skin absorbs faster, so I soaked my hands in milk, water, baking soda, scrubbed with every "remedy" recommended, all to no avail. I had to wait for the burn to leave. It took a couple of days to die down, but I could function after the first day. Trying to sleep with that discomfort was difficult, but I lived to peel another year. Now I am much more careful. Other than hacking up a lung, that is, and having to stop several times, carefully remove the gloves, carefully avoiding contact with my bare hands (after I washed my hands with the gloves on), so I could blow my nose profusely, and carefully put the gloves back on! This is a hazardous to your health job! But one that is well worth the effort if you, like we, enjoy this wonderful vegetable God has provided for our enjoyment. You haven't lived until you've tasted my green chili chicken enchiladas or my chili and cheese fries. Nothing better!

I also spent some time outside admiring my crepe myrtle trees - no longer bushes - the very ones I risked life and limb for getting that nasty vine out that was killing my trees. They hadn't bloomed, and it was late in the season. This vicious vine had wrapped around the tree trunk and lower branches, and it had vines that covered the top of the trees. But now, they are so beautiful and full. 

 

I still have to work on back side of the yard, as there are overgrown, half-way dead bushes with that vine entangled in the top of the tree and vines wrapped around. After I mowed the lawn, I spent considerable time messing with that tree. Sadly the only answer is to cut the bushes down, remove the vines, and save the tree. There are some bird nests in the bushes, but I think they are almost finished with their nesting. They seem to have found homes in the gigantic maple tree in the back yard, so hopefully, I won't disturb their homes. After all, they have squatter's rights! 

Being out in the bushes all afternoon, pulling down those nasty vines, brought dust and critters down on me. I love coming in and taking a nice soak in the tub. But I am scratching my skin off from the voracious  mosquitoes that seem to love me. I am still wondering why God created mosquitoes, but I know He has a purpose for every creature. I should have paid better attention in my botany classes and in the study of insects - entomology. I remember studying the life cycles of certain plants, ginkgo biloba being one. While it was interesting, the field trips fun, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I preferred bodies or even better, microbes. I was great at identifying unknown bacteria. I wish I knew how to identify this vine!! Did you know that there is actually a cell phone app to diagnose sick plants? What will they come up with next?! Actually, I'm a little afraid to ask, as I do not trust AI, and there are some risky social media apps, as well. But that's another rant session for another day.

While I was reading over my post to ensure I had spelled words correctly and that it made sense, a tiny little mosquito-type fly flew by me, a no-see-um I am told. But I saw um, and I squashed it!! Their bites are worse than mosquito bites, as they itch more and last longer. I identified the bites on my arm beside the mosquito bites. I guess I'm the meal of the day!

Once more the time has crept by, and I need to rest these ole bones. Rest properly so I can live to write another day. Hopefully, tomorrow will bring an equally pleasant day. Selah.