U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres gave a solemn speech Monday about the potential catastrophic impacts of climate change, with no shortage of dramatic examples like fire-yell “Fire!” The tone was unmistakable: make no mistake about it; there’s no more if, only when. Unfortunately, Mr Gutteres failed to mention how ticks and poison ivy already benefit from global warming; as an afterthought I still wanted to bury my head into an ocean beach that may soon disappear due to melting ice caps!
Yesterday morning before heading outside to confront ticks and poison ivy, I saw the U.N. Secretary’s message about ticks and poison ivy. Though I wasn’t expecting radiation leakage from a nuclear power plant, but was nonetheless prepared with long sleeves, broad-brim hat, pants tucked into socks treated with permethrin spray to provide some form of protection from toxic elements – something I have done over the years until May rolls around when I decide enough is enough and abandon this effort altogether.
Though I should remain vigilant, the thought of global warming makes my head hurt. I feel helpless to slow rising temperatures; yet, as an earth steward I try my best. While I own solar panels and an all-electric car, this summer may see me board an airplane to visit my son or daughter in London or Seattle – an activity which carries one of the highest carbon loads.
My daughter Molly and her partner Steven both suffer from Lyme disease. Borrelia burdorferi bacterium has lodged itself deep within their tissues. Though both remain positive, living with Lyme can be challenging.
I need to book air travel soon.
My garden has thousands of daffodils in bloom.
Devil may care.
