My Woodland Nemesis

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Portrait of Nemesis, black and white

My nemesis: Toxicodendron radicans, known more commonly as poison ivy. I am hyper-allergic to urushiol, the group of chemical compounds found in poison ivy that cause the rash, and have learned from past experiences to pretty much stay out of the woodlands from May to October. If I venture into them, I walk as one treads through a mindfield, look, step, look, step, etc. Judging from what I've seen recently along the Patapsco River and nearby reservoirs, 2017 looks to be a banner year for poison ivy in Maryland. So, to appease the PI gods, I present "Portrait of Nemesis" in the hopes that they leave me alone and I avoid all contact with the plant for this year.

I enjoy reading your comments, and thank you for stopping by.

Best wishes,

       Bob