Early September, 2024 - Did you happen to notice the tree next to the buried tire in Prequel Part 2? More importantly, did you notice the green vegetation on the ground next to the tree? It's a bit tattered as we had been laying on it while we were digging. This is no ordinary green leaf....or leaves...of three. Toxicodendron pubescens more commonly known as poison oak.
Little did I know my troubles had just begun and were hardly solved by the skilled tow truck driver. It probably didn't help that I wore the same clothes Saturday that I had worn Friday night. Heck, I only had them on for about 6 hours Friday. They were good for another day, right? By Monday (Labor Day...while still at the campground) this red rash started to appear on my arms. It spread...and spread...and spread, and blistered, and oozed. Friday night lights...the first week of the fall football season...the game went on....without me. By Saturday, I was in the hospital with the worst case of poison oak ever witnessed by numerous medical professionals who saw me that night.
After pumping with enough steroids to compete in the Kentucky Derby, the medical team took on the role of Hollywood makeup artists preparing me for the lead role in "Return of the Mummy." Susan Nightengale Braun was a hero throughout the week. Despite making me sleep (and live) in the bedroom down hall, she donned her latex gloves and slathered me in Calamine lotion, and Technu for days. A mere six weeks later, the last of the blisters faded away. The physical signs had diminished...the emotional trauma will likely remain forever.
Lesson#3, 4,5,6....Oh there are too many to enumerate. I'll just avoid all green vegetation from now on.
Despite all that.....Yes, I do still want to tour the country in an RV! Let the adventure commence!
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