Hello FML - Well, between the blizzard and the flooding, Northern Virginia and Southern Maryland has been getting quite a lot of which most of us are not used to. Since I live close the the river, we were alert to on-rushing waters. Darn, just when we had managed to dig out from under near three feet of snow, it goes and melts and floods us. My ferrets were all appalled. The snow was o.k., but they were steadfast in their opinion about getting wet. There was significant water damage in our area and the G.W. Parkway and many roads were down for awhile, but things are better now. Clean-ups are in progress. And our house, which sits on a rise, was just fine -- with the exception of one gutter collapse. The ferrets were making canoes out of my shoes there for awhile. The worst problem we have experienced, in my opinion, is that stores are totally out of - oh, myGod! - PineFresh litter. We are making do with what we have. Maybe the PineFresh was used to balk the banks of the soggy Potomac. A good test of our Disaster Network ensued, with intrepid Chere McCoy at the helm. Jodi Schroth in Harrisburg and on the Susquehanna - and many friends were in the most danger. Recent reports indicate they are o.k. Everyone was standing ready for aid. Good to know that the communication system works so well! Great Job, Chere and Howard and others! Chere McCoy can be reached at AGE [log in to unmask] if weather turns your area into a disaster. Mason - My technique for getting pills down ferrets is - Hold the ferret firmly. I usually tuck the ferret under my left arm leaving my hand free to hold up head and open mouth by pressing at jaw hinge. Right hand pops the pill in and to the back of the throat. With head elevated and mouth closed, I quickly stroke downward motions on ferret's neck. If ferret does not immediately swallow pill and is trying to work it from back of tongue, I put a drop of linetone quickly on front of ferrets mouth. Can't lick the ferretone unless they swallow first. I don't know if this is a good explanation for you. I am so used to popping pills down ferrets and other pets that I don't really give it much thought. Had to stop and think before I could explain........Anyway, hope this helps some. Regards to all, Meg [Posted in FML issue 1455]