So, my two least favorite people showed up at the least opportune time. Within 20 minutes of each other my cousin and my father were in my driveway conferring (Plotting?). When they saw me, I got an earful about consideration and gratefulness and not ignoring people (Apparently including people I don't care about.) But, like the Bene Gesserit of Dune, I let it pass over me and through me. Soon my dad left and I took the first opportunity to slip away (unintentionally, if you can believe it) forgetting my phone in the process. Not long enough apparently.

I returned and I discovered how petty my cousin makes me. While regaling me with strong opinions on moles, grass seed and other stuff that bored me to tears, he was stung on the ear by a wasp. Justified ouch. Justified bad words. Then he loudly proclaims his allergy to bees. It was a wasp. Prepares me for his imminent anaphylactic shock from the bee sting. Again, wasp. Also, five minutes had passed. In my experience, that kind of thing happens quickly. All he had was the ouchie on his ear and his usual sunny disposition. He then turned his attention to the wasp nest. He sprayed it with bug spray and knocked it down. Ok, fair. Then he doused it with gasoline and set it on fire. Alrighty then.

My first thought? Wonder if I can be a beekeeper? How much does Charlotte Hornets memorabilia cost? Bee and/or yellowjacket lawn ornaments? Cost to special deliver "Secret Life of Bees" somewhere?

Then I came to my senses. I'd be spending time and money and effort tormenting a man with nothing. Never went to college. Never showed an interest in anything (save for his gardening and landscaping). No wife and kids. No kids. Barely any friends. A sad existence and no desire to capitalize on the time that's left. That is what gets me.

I will let my fear pass over me and through me.