April / Early May2004

Temperatures have reached the 70s and the color is green everywhere - Soon, I'll be unable or unwilling to travel in my favorite cold season areas because the grass and nettle overtake the free spaces and there's so much poison ivy that I venture more carefully - speaking of which, I've found that it's possible to walk carefully through those large patches of  Rhus Toxicodendron, without later regret. . .just be gentle and respectful - brushing it aside and stepping easily is okay. 

Here's a site with a wealth of information - but, beware - such site-makers tend to be scaremongers, promoting fear and excessive care, creating undo disdain for this beautiful and interesting plant.