cisterns, standing water, etc.

I just wanted to put in another note about mosquitoes.  In areas affected by
West Nile virus, you really do have to pay special attention.  I understand
that you can buy mosquito fish, and there are also rings of floating
pesticide.  I only have bird baths to worry about, and like Trevor, I rinse
them out and refill every couple of days during all seasons.  About 5 years
ago, I was infected by West Nile fever, as I am in an infected zone.  They
sprayed several areas near here, but not the State Recreation Area that
comprises much of my running trail along the Natomas River branch of the
Folsom Lake/American River parkway complex.  I have had mumps and chicken
pox as a child, the usual flu viruses at various times, and one really nasty
case of laryngitis, but that episode of West Nile fever was the sickest I
have ever been in my life.  I was not hospitalized, but was coming close,
having awoke one morning, about day 5 of 103 F (39 C) fevers for 4 days
(which was unmoved by Tylenol or Ibuprofen), and my fever was 105 F (41 C)!
I dragged myself out to the swimming pool and slowly, painfully lowered
myself in, shivering and shaking until I felt I had lowered my body temp.
some.  I won't go into all the symptoms, but the most disturbing was that my
lymph nodes swelled up to the size of large marbles and were visible on the
surface of my skin!  Needless to say, it took a couple of weeks to feel
myself again.  Having said all this, my swimming pool is staying a swimming
pool!  Yes, it consumes water in the summer time, but it gives me great
pleasure to jump in on really steamy days after working too late into the
morning in the garden. I love the cool blue look of it, and I love slipping
in and swimming laps in the warm weather.  It may not be very
water-conscious, but I make up for it with no lawn in the back, and very
water-thrifty plantings!

Karrie Reid

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