Jaltemba Times

Last hot, hot summer, Bruce and I took up on an invite from Lenor and Terry Coomber to join with Dawn and Brian Blevings for a trip to the swimming holes up El Monteon Creek.  We had a nice day bobbing around in one of the many pools that people have scooped out of the gravel creek-bed.  We gorged from coolers full of snacks and icy beverages.  We napped on big sunny boulders and marveled at the variety of butterflies that came fluttering by us.  This creek, running cool and clear through the thick, tropical forest seemed to invite further upstream exploration, but it would be several months before I returned.

Doctor,

I took my dog down the dump road after reading Tom Plattenberger's essay lately.  My husband and I were lucky enough not to get chiggers.  But my 14-pound 13-year-old dachshund did!  She's been washed in soapy hot water but not until one day later when I noticed her scratching.  We ourselves have also washed our clothes and linens and still no signs of chiggers on us.

Is there something I can ask for at a Vet's down here to treat/kill the chiggers and/or relieve her itching?

Regards,
Mary in San Pancho