Recently Debbie incurred a tick bite that led to a medical response which landed her in the hospital. We personally thank you all for the prayers, calls, cards and best wishes for her continued recovery.

I pray no one has a similar experience. The particular tick borne illness is related to ticks found in our geographic region. As you may know, ticks are more prevalent in our area especially when there has been a warm winter. Protecting ourselves from ticks and mosquitoes has become a serious consideration as diseases have become more prominent from these critters. Prevention includes covering your body when inhabiting areas of plant growth (trees, grasses, shrubs-bushes and especially in parks, campgrounds and the like). The use of "Deet" is the most recommended chemical defense but be cautious and read the hazard and use labels when using it.

Debbie's unfriendly tick led to the specific tick-disease called: "ehrlichiosis". I commend to you the CDC website for more information about the numerous tick related illnesses and the best ways to protect yourselves from them: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/symptoms.html

Enjoy the outside and please be prepared to follow prevention guidelines for bug related diseases.