“A flea can trouble a lion more than the lion can harm a flea.”
                                                                   ~ Kenyan proverb

Beautiful spring weather has settled in nicely. Warm days and cool nights, a few light spring showers and passing clouds set against clear skies overcome the days. Our Easter gathering began outside where it was almost too warm. By evening, it was tempting to throw a few logs in the fireplace; instead, coffee warmed us. While enjoying family and friends, a late visitor walked slowly past the bay window. Conversation quickly hushed, as we watched a coyote cross the front yard. A little late for dinner, but its healthy appearance indicated no recent meals were missed.

From one week to the next, I’m never exactly certain as to the subject of my column. Thankfully, a topic will present itself. Interestingly weather can be interwoven into almost any subject, as it impacts and shapes much of life. So as I sat at my desk, waiting for inspiration, I spied … a spider? No, too small and compact. What is that little critter walking by my keyboard? With a coffee mug as my only weapon, I tried to smash it. This little bug was a tough one. A little research revealed its name: American Dog Tick.

With our traditionally dry climate, we typically have lower numbers of ticks and fleas. Not this year! The above-average rain totals for 2016-17 combined with warm weather have provided ideal breeding conditions for a fleas and ticks. These insects reproduce very quickly and pose a serious health risk to your pets and the entire family. Prevention, detection and control are our defenses. Routine use of a topical control product, keeping living areas pest-free and checking your pup or kitty is necessary. Our dogs and local coyotes frequent each other’s living spaces; we take our furry friends hiking and the wild bunch comes for visits.

Spring sunshine and mostly clear skies finish off the work week. An offshore flow with associated high temperatures is expected for much of Los Angeles County over the weekend. Gusty winds and highs well into the 90s are forecast in the valley areas.  Early next week a cool down will begin to settle in as the high pressure weakens allowing for marine air, i.e. sea breezes, to reach inland. Daytime highs in the upper 70s and nights in the 50s are predicted. More of the same is on the horizon.        

Have you noticed? Warmer evenings have prompted cricket chirpings.

Sue Kilpatrick is a
Crescenta Valley resident and
Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.

  Sue Kilpatrick is