Today is my last day this year of fishing in Soldotna, Alaska. It was a much smaller sockeye salmon run than normal, but I still had a great time. I enjoy the challenge of catching fish, and this year was a major challenge. I really enjoy the fellowship with the other fishermen who are here at the lodge; people who love to fish are special, and I almost always enjoy spending time with them. The beauty of Alaska is another major plus of being here. But there are some negative things about fishing here. The most negative thing was the mosquitoes. There were lots of them this year. It seems that mosquitoes are more attracted to me than most other people; at least I always seem to have more bites than the others around me. I also seem to have an allergy to mosquito bites. The bites swell up into big bumps and itch terribly. I use a lot of 100% DEET repellent, but I still get 5 or 6 bites every day. The worst time for the mosquitoes is when I am filleting salmon, and both hands are covered in fish blood and slime, and I can’t slap them when they land on me. That drives you crazy when you can feel them on your neck, forehead, and ears, and you can’t do anything about it. The second worst time is when you are just getting ready to fall asleep, and a mosquito starts buzzing in your ear. 

Someone asked me once if I thought the devil created anything. I responded that I was pretty sure that he created mosquitoes. I have no way of backing that theology up, except for my hatred of them. I was in a group discussion once, and the leader asked us to share what we were most excited about concerning heaven. I responded, No mosquitoes. Life has many irritations. Our goal is never to get upset, grumble, or whine, not even a little bit when they happen, but to rejoice always. I have never sworn in my life, but several times in the last couple of weeks I did say crapp when a mosquito bit me.