Mosquito!

After reading the last blog my sister, who with her husband just started this adventure called full timing, recommended another way to deal with campers.; one she had read about in one of those RV travel magazines.

“Whenever dealing with someone who is simply not getting it” she said “you can impart a little bit of wisdom AND get away with a bit of minor assault by using a vigorous slap quickly followed by the announcement of “Mosquito!” in a somewhat loud voice.”

I've thought about this during our three week trip southward; reflecting on how useful this technique could be not just in camp hosting but pretty much in all aspects of life. There are so many nuances you can utilize; in fact you are pretty much only limited by your own imagination.

Here are a few examples.

The polite planned slap: This is where you are facing the camper listening to what to them is I'm sure a very serious situation but all you hear is “Blah Blah Blah”. Calmly announce “Hold still” then quickly but gently slap the person. You MUST follow this by the obligatory “Mosquito!” else you risk physical confrontation.

The surprise slap: Used in a number of ways and circumstances usually involving the observation of a potentially really stupid activity. A good example is the subject reaching for the black tank valve and not having a drain hose connected. This one is time sensitive so quickly apply the slap and shout in a somewhat louder voice “Mosquito!”.

The gracious slap: Usually used when you are a third party in a conversation and notice the intelligence literally draining out of the involved parties. As the case warrants you can combine the polite planned slap with the surprise slap by announcing “Excuse me” at the exact moment you apply the slap. Then of course, follow the action with the obligatory “Mosquito!”.

As I mentioned, it took us three weeks to get down to the sun belt. Two weeks were used parked in Pahrump Nevada while suffering through then recovering from some nasty colds. Between the long desert drives and the two weeks sequestered, I have given this method some deep thought. I vaguely recalled my mother using something very similar though rarely codified in such a distinct manner. If memory serves (I was usually a little dizzy at the time), she said “I'm applying some common sense.”

My father did the same thing but it usually involved a boot to the rear. He explained the different location as simply going to where my head must be residing.

I can't shake the glimpses in my mind's eye of what the world would be like if we all practiced the mosquito defense. Of course now days we would have to come up with a way to do it online. Hmmm, imagine a computers or phones capable of reaching out and applying a slap – social media would blow up!

Enough for now - today its hello from Yuma Arizona.

Our intention is to meander the southwest and perhaps wander as far east as Rockport Texas this winter season.

Chris is teaching herself how to knit and I'm puttering around fixing things, breaking things or simply just rearranging things.

Who knows, I might just break down and change the Jeep's oil myself.

Mosquito!