Neither drinking alone nor artichokes...though if this doesn't let up I may *start* drinking, alone, or otherwise.

I somehow managed to get spider-bitten, at least I think it was a spider, about six or seven times on the knuckle of my right thumb. Tiiiiiny little bites, and they itch like crazy. I must be memfaulting, because I can't think of anything that would combat the itch. I threw some afta-bite on it (mainly amonia) yesterday, which stung like a bitch and a half. I've held it under very hot (not enough to scald, but nearly) water for a minute or two, and that helped. But it set up itching today and doesn't seem to want to stop. Any ideas for stop-the-itch products?

Oh no, Beverly! I would try maybe a baking soda paste, but I don't really have much faith that it would help. But maybe it would.

Also, anyone who says "Americans eat artichokes wrong" can go to hell.

I am curious - what is the right way to eat artichokes, and who is doing it?

I share Jessica's question, if only so that I may learn a new way to eat artichokes. Seriously doubt I'm giving up my old ways however.

Now I want a stuffed artichoke.

Beverly, I swear by Benadryl antihistamine cream - I use it on mosquito bites in the summer (they think I'm yummy). It might not agree with your skin, however.

Oh yuck, Beverly. Bites on the digits seem extra itchy to me. I use spray Lanacane type stuff, but have also iced the itches with success.

According to this guy, the French just eat the hearts and that is correct.

Ha! I'll take all the yummy petals for myself then. This reminds me of an old boyfriend's family that didn't eat the skins for baked potatoes. I shamelessly ate all of their discarded potato skins. Silly people.

Unrelatedly - I thought I was feeling well enough to go to the store and get some Drano, but now that I have gotten dressed I don't think I am quite up to that. Maybe the tub will drain by tomorrow morning anyway.