Life Happens 365 - Are You Managing the Risk?

By Diane Tait Image courtesy Pixabay  You may have noticed that gas prices have recently shot up.   What you may not be aware is that part of the cause was related to a hack attack on one of the nation’s key fuel pipelines.   Two weeks ago, Colonial Pipeline Company was forced to shut down 5,500 miles of gas pipeline for several days when a control system was compromised by a cyberattack.   The company was ultimately forced to pay a $5 million ransom to regain control of their pipeline.   What’s even worse is that this kind of corporate disruption is hardly unique.   Attacks against the global financial sector have more than doubled in the past year alone.   If you’re looking to avoid having your world turned upside down by hackers, here are the top-10 things you can do to hack-proof your home.

By Diane Tait Image courtesy Pixabay Did you know last week was National Hurricane Preparedness Week?   Most people didn’t give it a second thought.   But when you realize last year’s hurricane season was a record breaker with thirty named storms in the Atlantic, maybe it’s time to pay attention.   Historically, named storms have caused the most loss of life and property than any other weather-related event.   Due to global warming, NOAA has officially moved the start of hurricane season from June 1 to May 15 for the first time.   With that in mind, I thought I’d take the time to give you a rundown on what the 2020 season produced, as well as the forecast for 2021, plus what you can do to get prepared.     

  By Diane Tait Image courtesy Pixabay I know it’s only a day after Mother’s Day, but pool season has already begun in north Florida.   I know this for a fact since our weekend family get together required a swimsuit.   Our little reunion featured four generations, from my eighty-five-year-old mom, right down to a three-year-old great-grandson.   It even included a Labrador Retriever who spent almost as much time in the pool as did the rest of the family.   Between four kids running around, three dogs running around and five adults who spent most of the afternoon either flipping burgers, tending to a toddler or napping on lounge chairs, it got me to thinking about all the things that could bring our party to an ignominious end.   Below are ten things you should consider before you throw your next pool party.  

  By Diane Tait Image courtesy Pixabay Poet Joyce Kilmer said it best. “I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree.”   Trees are without a doubt a source of joy and wonder.   They provide a home for songbirds, a source of shade, they help mitigate noise and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, plus they protect property from wind and weather.   A live oak can reach sixty feet in height and have a crown spread of one hundred feet or more.   Festooned with long beards of Spanish moss, live oaks are one of the majestic emblems of the deep south.   That being said, when hurricane season rears its ugly head, live oaks and other large shade trees can do a great deal of property damage should they topple over or shed a trunk-like limb.   To help you keep your chi in harmony with your trees, I thought I’d take the time to tell you ten things you need to consider when it comes to maintaining the trees that adorn your property.