An itch you can't scratch

No, I'm not talking about the sorry state of our economy. I was too enthusiastic in my weeding last weekend and forgot about last year's poison oak or poison sumac (not sure which). I didn't see anything green but there must have been some dead remnants amongst the leaves that I was clearing out. I wore short gloves and in the heat removed the jacket that was covering my arms. I am now blistered with red, itchy, swollen patches that are oozing yellowish fluid. Luckily, my right arm is in better shape than the left and for now the infection in confined to my arms. So, walks this past week were limited. However, I did manage one morning at the river. The Roanoke River was running clear and there were plenty of fishermen wading in it. I saw only lonely mallard duck and I wondered if his mate was somewhere tending a nest. I guess time will tell if I see some ducklings soon.

I also managed one walk at Tanglewood and noticed some activity in the former Steve & Barry's space on the second floor. There was also something going on in the former Walden Books space. Last weekend I attended a seminar in Winston-Salem and I got to spend a short time in the Hanes Mall. The mall seemed very active in comparison to Tanglewood and it was nice to be able to visit Dillard's. The restaurant's I dined in were busy and seemed to be doing well. The signs of our economic climate were definitely not as evident in Winston-Salem as I have found in Roanoke.

I also have signed up to attend the Roanoke Tax Day Tea Party. Hope to see you there!