From JudyB - who doesn't have the ambition to log Charlie out so I can be a guest....

Thank you all for your supportive thoughts and comments. The doctor I consulted (yes, I know - not terribly traditional - but it is MY arm - and my medical problems that I won't bore folks with...) - the doctor thought the rather obvious bite on my arm had become infected, and the red stripe was the infection invading my lymph system - and that sounded potentially serious enough that (in spite of my normal aversion to such things) I decided to take the broad-spectrum antibiotics she prescribed. I should be all better in a couple of days (though I take the pills for a bit longer), and I'm positively impressed by the fact I could wander into a local doctors' office and actually be seen by a doctor within a half-hour.

The tea tree oil did seem to help - but I'm not sure it would have been enough on its own. I'm not about to go chewing blue trees - reminds me way too much of the 60's - though the kangaroo steak was wonderful - and maybe, if it'd applied it to my arm as well as to my mouth....?

By the way, JennyO, I think I left my hat at your place - white with a bit of a drawstring around the top? It was on the chair where I was sitting during the singing just before we left - if you see it, I'd appreciate your sending it back with John (or yourself?) on Thursday when we regroup at the James Craig.

Thanks again for the suggestions, and I hope to see many of you again before we leave.

JudyB