Business Growth: We picked up a lot of new clients in the last few months -- especially in Andalusia and Ironwood -- communities where we are the authorized Lifestyle Management Service. And we always have to give a shout out to Alta Verde Builders who refer us to their new home buyers in Palm Springs -- thank you guys!!

Staffing: Even though we really could use another person, we've decided to continue with the staff we have over the summer so our clients will not have any changeover of employees this season. As most of you know, finding good help is a challenge here! And there is a lot to be said for stability. Thankfully, the three people we have are AHhhhMazing.....

Drought: The drought has been tough on everyone. Most of our clients in the mid to East valley are already so far below their target water levels; further reduction in targets doesn't affect them. But for our clients in Palm Springs; that's a whole other kettle of fish. There, DWA limits watering to only three days per week.

Has DWA not noticed it has been nearly 115 degrees every day this week? I do not know how plants can survive on three measly days of water -- but, we're watching closely and alerting anyone whose plants are floundering (ooh "flounder"ing -- kettle of fish... so clever hahaha). Anyway, so far, so good. Many of our clients have drought resistant xeriscape anyway.

Speaking of which, we are doing landscape projects left and right -- removing turf and putting in artificial lawns. Removing water thirsty plants and replacing with desert specific varieties and rock. Changing sprinkler heads for enhanced water efficiency. We're helping our clients in all sorts of ways to reduce their landscape water consumption.

If you opt to replace grass around your home, please be aware that disturbing the earth also disturbs dormant and not so dormant critters. So watch carefully for termites, tarantulas, scorpions and other creepy crawlies. Especially termites. We've seen a lot of homes in the last few years become infested after earth disruption.

Speaking of Bugs: This season is already more bug-y than last year (is that a word? Buggy? Buggie? Ummm... too many bugs?). Especially watch for crickets. If you have crickets, you have black widows. Black widows eat crickets, which is bad for crickets. It's also bad for you if you happen to startle one (tummy full or otherwise) -- nobody wants a black widow bite.

Here in the desert, you really do need monthly pest control -- or every other month at a minimum. We have one home that looks like the haunted mansion at Disneyland. Cobwebs EVERYWHERE and the minute we knock them down, they magically reappear. Thankfully the client is going to let us start pest control. If you need it, we can do it!

Alarm Systems: Did you know the City of Palm Springs requires alarm permits for both commercial and residential alarm systems? And have you heard about their false alarm fees? If you aren't familiar, you can read all about it (and sign up for the permit) here.

And if you live in Cathedral City, Indio or DHS, you may also need a permit. No matter where you live, check your local ordinances. Don't forget too, if you're our client, you can list Executive Errands® as the first call in an emergency. Just use our main line number 760.898.9604. If you're not a client, what are you waiting for?!?

Trees: It's that time of year again when palm trees need to be trimmed. Many of the trees have bloomed and are ready but weirdly many are not. If we haven't yet gotten to your palms, please be patient -- we will do them when they are ready. If you aren't a client but would like a quote to trim your palms and or skin their trunks (wait?!? What?!? does that sound appropriate? Egad!) -- kidding aside, let us know and we'll get you a quote.

AC systems: Oh my goodness, this 115 degree weather is killer on AC systems. (and FYI, as I write this, it was 119 in Thermal today which means La Quinta was quite toasty too). Even at 85 degrees, the temp we recommend for empty summer homes, your system will be running fairly regularly and the condenser is being beaten by the sun more often than not.

We can't tell you how many times we walk into a home and one or another of a client's systems is broken or there is a leak from a plugged up condensate line. Please be sure you are doing HVAC maintenance service at least twice per year. And keep in mind, if we have fires the filters can clog prematurely. Ash and debris are awfully hard on your filtration systems.

Likewise, there is a perpetual fine sand and grit in the air. If it gets windy, there can be more sand than usual and once again, your filters can fill up prematurely. We try to alert you when these weather phenomena occur, but there is no way short of pulling the filters to know for sure. So plan to do maintenance and change filters twice yearly and for the most part, you should be fine.

Oh, shameless plug, if you need someone to do maintenance or repairs or replacements, you know who to call (that's us, not Ghostbusters!)

Pools: Pools are all over the place with rumors and false information about the drought and what is allowed and what is not. Currently, it all depends on the city. We have been able to drain pools and do new construction in Palm Springs but we had to drain all water features and leave them dry. Bermuda Dunes is currently not allowing any pools to be drained until after October. La Quinta is still allowing new construction. So if you want to do something with your pool, let us know and we'll research the current rules for your city.

On the personal front: The bad news, I crunched my car bumper (something about plastic bumpers and boulders and my inability to backup). And yes, this is the second time in the same place (although the first time was not my fault)

Nothing is more embarrassing than having your company name emblazoned across your vehicle and the car be damaged. But, it should be fixed soon and then we will be good to go -- and my lease is up in November so perhaps I should look for a car with collision avoidance features!

The good news, I will be a grandmother again in December (this is number four!). Can't wait! So excited to have a new baby around. My current grandchildren are ages 17, 9 and 6 and I'm not sure who is more excited -- them or me!

Until next time.... Have a safe and sane Fourth of July!!

Executive Errands® is proud to be your Lifestyle Management Company.

For more information, please contact us at 760.898.9604 or visit www.executive-errands.com