Fleas and ticks seem particularly bad this year. If your cat or small dog seems lethargic, they may be overrun with fleas. They can literally drain the life out of a small animal. Our vet recommends a vet supplied topical treatment rather than OTC medicines from retail stores.

According to several real estate friends and family, the housing market in the SE is starting to cool down. Instead of 10 - 15 offers, they're getting 4 to 5. Homes are staying on the market longer and prices, while not falling, aren't escalating rapidly either. With the overall economy starting to tank, I'm not sure even the experts know where this is going.

"Paper Money" magazine is running an ad for its offerings with fire safety on the cover. I'm sure most of you know or have learned that fire prevention and housekeeping go hand in hand. Dust in an industrial environment is extremely hazardous. With the right temperature and agitation, it can self combust. Yes, I've seen it happen first hand. And unfortunately dust collects in the most inaccessible locations. How do you clean a cable tray on the 14^th level of a boiler building that is 15' above the floor? Of course the answer is: With a very disciplined and faithfully executed housekeeping plan.

Living a long life has some disadvantages, one of them being that you lose friends along the way. I'm not being morbid here but wish to note that most of the friends that I've lost also lived a long life, that is exceeded their life expectancy. I think one of the primary reasons for this is the medical care we've received through the industries we work for. Those of us who are blessed to have this care available throughout our working life and beyond are most likely to live both well and past normal expectations. So what's my point? If you have medical benefits, use them. Don't postpone that annual physical. Don't fail to get immunizations when due. Don't ignore unusual symptoms because seeing a doctor is inconvenient. If you have a family, apply this attitude to them as well. We've all heard it: Well, this (serious medical condition) was caught early so we can treat it successfully.

The last paragraph was inspired by two friends, one over 80 battling cancer and the second a successful HS baseball coach who has defeated colon cancer and continues to positively influence kids to succeed in life. Thanks Steve and Scott.