Mosquito report.

It has been raining nearly every night.

Areas of poor and even medium soil that are flat are saturated and often have puddles. Mosquitoes are trying to fly into my car every time the door is open. Some are so slow that they can be caught with the human hand.

I am hoping for less water/better drainage.

Gardening--I am doing it right.

Oh my, I am exhausted from 10 minutes of using a bow saw to reduce branches to the size that our county will pick up. Wow, that's hard work.

ETA: Why do I garden?
a) for the sense of accomplishment
b) for the exercise. I would be sedentary all day if I didn't.
c) to educate Emily
d) to satisfy my biochemical interests

other reasons
e) fresh fruits and vegetables. No, my garden never actually produces.
f) to positively impact the environment. I do really enjoy the idea that I am improving the structure of my soil.
g) to have something to talk about with other stay-at-home moms. No, it becomes pretty obvious that I am a nerd.
h) to keep my yard looking acceptable to the neighbors. Well, maybe.

Late update from CDC

Now, don't panic yet about the increased number of deaths. That doesn't always mean that the flu is more deadly. It can mean that hospitalized people finally died.

Confirmed cases (in the US) 17,855 and 45 deaths. That is a bigger % increase in deaths than in cases. Locations include New York, Massachusetts, Wisconsin (largest number of confirmed cases), Illinois, Washington (state), California and Texas. Substantial increases in deaths in New York.

Attempts to determine prevalence of non-tested cases in New York City resulted in an estimate of 6.9% of the population having a flu-like illness between May 1 and May 20.