In 'da' I noticed today that I can gather wood in the forest. That makes me feel good.

Speaking of the forest, I grew up in Oregon, and loved the forest. I could spot poison oak a mile off, and there wasn't much beyond that that I had to worry about.

Here in Missouri they've got ticks. What a royal pain. Bugs are fine, but ticks will sneak onto your body and infect you with life-altering diseases. At least, it's a possibility.

Now, for the first time ever, I find myself not as drawn to the forest. It's green and beautiful here, but ticks. If only they could get rid of the ticks.