John F Dean

master gardener
+ Follow
since Sep 04, 2017
John F likes ...
goat cat dog chicken composting toilet food preservation pig bee solar wood heat homestead
Merit badge: bb list bbv list
Forum Moderator
Biography
I began homesteading in the early 1980’s. I presently live on 11 acres. I have Nigerian Dwarf Goats, KuneKune Pigs, bees, and an assortment of chickens. My driveway is the boundary between zones 6a and 6b. Annual rainfall for me is at 46 inches.  I don’t consider myself an expert on anything.   I am thoroughly enjoying myself in the adventure I created for myself.
For More
southern Illinois, USA
Apples and Likes
Apples
Total received
1697
In last 30 days
51
Total given
4607
Likes
Total received
13560
Received in last 30 days
433
Total given
64570
Given in last 30 days
3244
Forums and Threads
Scavenger Hunt
expand Pollinator Scavenger Hunt Green check
expand Pioneer Scavenger Hunt Green check
expand First Scavenger Hunt Green check

Recent posts by John F Dean

The sharp stabbing pain is down.   Comparing pictures, it seems to be getting worse.  I sent the photo to my doctor.  I imagine I will be getting a steroid and possibly another antibiotic.
1 hour ago
My main experience with a Brown Recluse was a relative who was bit on the little finger.   The primary discussion with the doctor was how high up the arm the amputation would be.  In the end, amputation was avoided, but the hand remained partially paralyzed.
1 day ago
My feeling is that if I was bit up by a herd of Brown Recluse chomping on my head I wouldn’t be alive.  
1 day ago
Hi Eric,

To be clear, I did notice them.  I have 20/800 vision in my rt eye and had lots of perspiration in both eyes. So, while I noticed  I was encountering something, I could not identify what it was.
1 day ago
Hi Eric,

My thoughts are similar.   I was in my garden, how would the spiders have reached my face?   But, I can’t rule out that I may have brushed against a bush.   I am favoring some kind of fly.  As I write this, I think I will hang up a fly trap in the area I was working in.  It may give me some insight. Iwillneed to check it regularly, I don’t want to trap the wrong creatures.
1 day ago
Hi Pearl,

While I can say with confidence they are not stings …it took about 24 hours to have a noticeable reaction, I really can’t rule out spiders.  
1 day ago
Hi Jordan,

This experience just reinforces what I already knew.  When in the garden, wear hat, gloves, long sleeved shirt, and insect repellant.   As with most accidents I have had, this happened because it was only going to take a minute, so I didn’t take precautions. In the end, it costs more in terms of time and money.
1 day ago
What is strange is that I am not finding any flying critters in the garden with the numbers and ability to do the damage that was done.
1 day ago
Certainly they are bites not stings. Beyond that, we are not sure.
1 day ago