The adage about the weather _ "Everyone talks about it but nobody does anything about it" _ also seems true for higher gas prices to anyone who’s been at the pump recently.

The national average price for a gallon of unleaded regular was $3.221 on Wednesday, according to AAA’s Fuel Gauge Report. At the same time last year, it was $2.880.

Locally, prices have ranged from just below $3 to almost $3.30.

And they’re expected to rise even more _ maybe up to $4.

But what can really be done about it?

Oil companies are making record profits, but many of their refineries aren’t working properly, causing prices to go up. Global events beyond our control, such as tensions with Iran and militant attacks on oil facilities in Nigeria _ and, of course, the weather _ also make the market jittery.

People can and should conserve by keeping their vehicles well-maintained, consolidating trips and driving more-efficient cars and trucks.

But around here, where most municipalities have no public transportation and bicycling can be dangerous, driving is the only way to get from one place to another.

And we wind up paying more not only for gas, but for things brought to us by trucks, because transporters have to pay more for fuel and pass the cost along.

As the summer driving season kicks off this Memorial Day weekend, there will likely be a lot more talk and complaining about gas prices.

But until the government gets involved _ maybe by imposing a windfall tax on oil companies _ there probably won’t be any real action.

The biggest thing you can do is contact your representatives in Washington and encourage them to act.

Protect pets against rabies

Six cases of rabies have been confirmed in Otsego County this year, the most recent involving a rabid fox biting a man. Delaware County hasn’t had any confirmed cases of rabies this year, but an official there says it’s only a matter of time.

Foxes, raccoons, skunks and bats are among carriers of rabies, a potentially fatal viral infection passed through an infected animal’s bite or scratch or the exposure to broken skin or mucus membranes.

John Lernihan of Mount Vision recently was bitten by a fox while on his porch. He is being treated with shots for his exposure to rabies, and he said it best: ``You don’t fool around with that stuff.’’

Unvaccinated pets in contact with wildlife suspected or confirmed to be rabid must be euthanized or strictly quarantined at the owner’s expense for six months, according to the Otsego County Department of Health.

It is crucial to have pets, including those that stay indoors, be vaccinated against rabies. Local health departments are offering clinics throughout the area to have pets vaccinated for free.

The risks outweigh the costs in time and money to have pets vaccinated. Don’t delay taking this important step toward public safety and that of your family, including pets.