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A mega mosquito magnet I'm not sure if it's been the wet spring, the dry summer, or some other cause that I haven't yet heard about, but it's been a really `buggy' summer. The Sidekick is the best insect barometer on the face of the earth when it comes to mosquitoes. I'd venture to say that mosquitoes hone in on her from a mile away, just because she swells up so nicely when she's bitten. Hamish the dog and I can be sitting on the verandah in the early evening, pondering the day's accomplishments, making a mental `to-do' list, or simply watching the long shadows get longer as the sun sets. She'll lean out the door. "Any bugs out there?" she asks. "Nope, it's great," I reply. "Notta bug in sight." And shore 'nuff, she'll plant herself on one of the wicker rocking chairs, and there will be a zillion mosquitoes on the scene in minutes. She's simply a mega mosquito magnet. "I thought you said there were no bugs out here," she'll invariably say. "Geez, they're all over the place." Although Hamish and I usually exchange glances knowingly, I'm the one who is impacted the most. Hamish doesn't really care about mosquitoes-- they can't bite through his thick coat of dog hair. But I get bitten-- not as much as The Sidekick, but still enough to eventually drive me inside as well. The Sidekick has tried various repellents, including bug repellent spray, citronella candles, and countless other products that claim to drive the little buggers away-- all with less than ideal results. She read somewhere that if you spray Listerine around the area, the bugs won't bother you. She tried it-- I didn't see much difference, but she swore by it-- for a few days. All I figure it did was give the mosquitoes a better smelling breath. The latest gadget she tried was an allethrin lamp distributed by OFF! 7 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, August 11, 2011 Book today to receive up to $1210.00* off per couple on these European coach tours! Ted Brown Designed to look like a little hurricane lamp, it uses a tea candle style flame to activate the chemical repellent card mounted in the top of the lantern. Now we've only used it two nights, but it appears that mosquitoes are steering clear of us, so long as it's a fairly still night and the scent doesn't get blown away. The manufacturer claims it covers a 15 foot radius and lasts for four hours per candle/repellent card. I admit it gives The Sidekick some relief from the bugs, but I'm sure they'll eventually come around again, regardless of what she uses. I suggested she wear long pants, not shorts or capris. But she argues that it's summer and she doesn't wanna wear jeans unless she needs to. I maintain that keeping the bugs from biting constitutes a `needs-to' scenario. And she `needs to' wear jeans. So the debate continues. A few years ago, I think it was 2008, we had the best summer for sitting on the verandah. Countless nights, we'd be out there until 10 or 11 p.m., watching the occasional cars meandering up the road, surveying the barn swallows and later the bats, flying about snagging bugs, as we enjoyed watching the sun setting in the west. But that summer seems a long time ago. I still try to enjoy time on the verandah when I can. And I know The Sidekick will also join Hamish and I, when the bugs permit. But I'm beginning to think there is only one sure-fire solution to totally eliminate the bug problem. And I'm not quite sure I'm ready to screen-in the verandah. SUPER RED HOT SPECIALS 6 Sept ­ 8 day Florence and Venice ­ Reg. $1,725 Sale $1,380... Save $690 per couple 16 Sept ­ 10 day Amazing Spain & Portugal ­ Reg. $1,799 Sale $1,440... Save $718 per couple 2 Sept ­ 13 day Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria Reg $3,025 Sale $2,420... Save $1,210 per couple Call now to take advantage of this Exclusive offer and ask about other tours available at reduced prices! Georgetown Prices are per person, twin share, land only. Deposit required within 7 days of booking or if made within 45 days, full payments required. Offer applies to new bookings made until 31 Aug, 2011 only, is subject to availability and can be withdrawn or amended at any time without notice. Discounts featured in our brochure are subject to conditions. Please quote Red Hot promotional code at time of booking. 905-873-2000 328 Guelph St. Georgetown, ON TICO Reg #50018501 Open Saturdays 9:30am - 3pm w w w. v i s i o n 2 0 0 0 t r a v e l . c o m WATER FILL STATION AUGUST SPECIAL GEORGETOWN STORE ONLY 348 Guelph Street $ ANY SIZE 1 Council approves $324,000 loan Continued from pg. 5 At Monday's meeting, Ward 4 Councillor Bob Inglis said he was impressed with HHGC's business plan as they moved forward. Under the agreement, the Town would to loan required funds to HHGC to cover their operating losses in 2011, 2012 and 2013 to a maximum of $324,000. Of that $124,310 will be given immediately to stave off creditors, and Mayor Rick Bonnette will write a letter about the deal to aid HHGC in this endeavour. Interest will be charged on the full outstanding balance, equal to the then current Canadian Bond rate, but payment can be deferred until 2015. The issuance of funds will be subject to the Town Community Affairs committee's annual review and council approval. When HHGC achieves a surplus that amount will be returned to the Town. Ward 4 Councillor Ann Lawlor was the lone councillor opposing the loan recommendation, with Mayor Rick Bonnette, and Councillors Jon Hurst, Inglis, Moya Johnson, Bryan Lewis, O'Leary and Somerville approving. Councillors Jane Fogal, Dave Kentner and Joan Robson were absent. Warren Harris, manager of Parks and Open Spaces, says the club's needs fulfill the Town policy requirements for aiding a local group, and in turn HHGC provides a recreational sport that's growing in Halton and is not provided elsewhere to its extent in the community. See the full story on www.theifp.ca FREE DELIVERY L Largest Selection S l i of f Patio Furniture in Halton Hills Since 1998 INDOOR & OUTDOOR FURNITURE 136 Guelph St., Georgetown (Across from Christ the King School) 905-873-9791 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK www.furnitureindooroutdoor.ca