And so we disappeared for several days due to silly technical crap related to domain registration. Now that that’s sorted, we should be good going forward.
It’s unlikely I’ll go back and fill in those Daily Log posts, but I will use this post to highlight some other crap.
Let’s start literally…
One of the chickens lodged a complaint about my next batch of chicken sticks.
Last weekend I staked up the Ruta graveolens that had collapsed in the rain. It was a very sunny day, and I was aware that rue+sun can be problematic, because I’d read:
Eickhorst K, DeLeo V, Csaposs J. Rue the herb: Ruta graveolens–associated phytophototoxicity. Dermatitis. 2007;18(1):52‐55. doi:10.2310/6620.2007.06033
We describe an unusual case of phytophototoxicity induced by an herbal plant, Ruta graveolens, from the Rutaceae family. This common herb, also called rue, can be found throughout rural settings in the United States. When psoralens from rue come in contact with human skin that is subsequently exposed to ultraviolet A light, an impressive photoirritant reaction can occur. This report both clarifies the distinguishing features of photoirritant reactions versus photoallergic reactions and reviews the pathophysiology and clinical presentation of phytophotodermatitis. R. graveolens can be associated with an impressive photoirritant reaction and should not be used as an insect repellent.
I washed my arms off with Joy dish liquid just after finishing the staking. But this was still the result:
Dark red non-blistered areas also formed on my forearms. The good news is this didn’t itch or hurt. It was only uncomfortable if I directly poked a blister, but— you know— don’t DO that.
Lessons learned: wear long sleeves when dealing with rue and/or wait until it isn’t sunny.
Here is why I have to put up ~6″ mulch containment fences:
And, we’ll wrap up with some more literal crap and some of the wonderous things that like to grow in it.
