You are correct ..there is an article on the diseases they carry here if anyone wants to read.
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/volunteer/janfeb02/fn_raccoon.html
My luck I'd use poison ivy for TP *L*
Now getting back to Tx...I'd love to shoot the breeze with you if you have time. My Yahoo messenger is listed if you feel like talking and have that program. I'd like to pick your brain on places there.