Travel Weather/Meteor Shower

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Snow will continue to be a problem across the northern Rockies and the Great Lakes and New England on Thursday (New Year's Day). The coldest spot will be northern Maine with highs in the single digits. The northern plains will be in the teens. Highs will be in the 60s and 70s across the southern tier of states.

Meanwhile, Houston will start in the 40s and end in the 60s. A few showers are possible. Friday will be warmer with highs in the 70s. Look for thunderstorms on Saturday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
As 2008 ends, we are reminded that time keeps going by. So, let's do time or tiempo, pronounced tee-EHM-poh. It is tiempo for a new year--2009.

It's a new year and the perfect time to resolve to learn languages and to help your children learn languages--then they will enjoy improvements in memory, higher scores on standardized math and science tests, accurate pronunciation, and enhanced cognitive development. A great way is with our DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, winner of two prestigious educational awards. So, order it now--from our web site www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
With a new moon approaching, the timing could not be better for a special meteor shower on Saturday morning, January 3rd. The view will be especially good for folks in western North America where observers could see as many as 1 to 2 meteors per minute in the predawn sky. This is the expected peak of the Quadrantids.

Nothing like looking forward to another spectacular display in the sky after New Year's Eve fireworks. Happy New Year everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Travel Weather/2009 Hurricane Season Forecast/Brett Favre

HURRICANES AND WEATHER

The Weather Research Center has published its forecast for the 2009 hurricane season. They are calling for a 40% chance of a tropical storm or hurricane hitting Texas. The average chance is 51%. So, the odds are in our favor against getting hit next season. Remember that doesn't guarantee there won't be a strike and any strike can be very serious. The Louisiana/Mississippi/Alabama coast has the highest chance - 70%--average chance is 59%. Here is the link to the article:
http://www.wxresearch.org/press/2009huroutlook.pdf

Trouble spots tonight are around the Great Lakes states, especially Michigan, New York and much of New England and the northern Rockies/Intermountain Region. These will also be the worst areas for winter travel on Wednesday. Be sure to check with your airline especially for flights to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York City and Boston.

The cold spot will be the northern plains with highs in the single digits.

Houston will be very comfortable with lows in the 40s and highs near 60 on Wednesday. It will be a bit cooler on Thursday with more cloud cover. Also, look for some showers on Thursday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do new year or año nuevo, pronounced AHN-yo new-A-voh. It's almost time for the año nuevo.

We are doing a new poll about resolutions for the New Year. If you are resolving to make more money, you might want to know that research shows that people who know more than one language (on average) make more money. So, make your New Year's resolution one of helping your children or grandchildren or other loved ones, learn Spanish. A great way is with our DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, winner of two prestigious educational awards. So, order it now--from our web site www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Does anyone know why Brett Favre's name is pronounced Farv? I know they joked about it in the movie, Something About Mary. But they didn't answer it. I'm sorry but no matter how I look at that name, I just can't reconcile the way it is pronounced. Did someone in the media mispronounce it early on and then Brett just gave up and let it go? I wouldn't even be asking this question except there is a lot of football watching up here in Iowa. And we watched the game with Brett Favre yesterday.

Happy bowl game watching!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Travel Weather/Important Tire Safety Information/Poll Results/New Poll

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
A new mass of cold air is pushing southward. Highs on Tuesday will be in the low single digits over the northern plains. There will be snow over the northern Rockies and northern Intermountain region and some snow/rain/ice in Chicago on Tuesday.

Houston will enjoy another cool morning and mild afternoon. Next front arrives Thursday with storms.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Since most of us eat a lot over the holidays, let's do to eat or comer, pronounced coh-MARE.

Make your New Year's resolution one of helping your children or grandchildren or other loved ones, learn Spanish. A great way is with our DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, winner of two prestigious educational awards. So, order it now--from our web site www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Our latest poll (How do you think 2009 will compare to 2008?) is closed. 66% said they think it will be better and 33% said they think it will be worse...no one thought it would be the same.

Our new poll is about resolutions for the new year...note you can select more than one answer.

My friend Tom Ryan, formerly of the Texas Dept. of Public Safety, sent me a link to a very important safety story about tires (from ABC's 20/20). If you don't want to watch the whole 9 minutes, go to the last 3 and you will learn about a code on the tire which tells you when the tire was made. A British safety council says you should not sell a tire that is 6 or more years old because the tread can fail. Look for numbers at the end of all the other information printed on the tire (it might be on the inside). 3202 means the tire was made in the 32nd week of 2002. 239 means the tire was made int he 23rd week of of 1999 and so on. Thanks Tom! Here is the link:
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4826897

One more news item from Dairy Queen--and I am not being paid for this. They have baby sundaes...you just have to ask for them...just like you can get a kid's cone. That's good to know if your resolution includes eating fewer calories and fat grams.

Have a terrific Tuesday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weather Change Many Will Like/Most Popular Dairy Queen Item

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
The weather will be calm for most of the country on Monday. The coldest spot will be the northern plains with highs in the teens. The weather will be mild and even warm across the southern plains and the southeast. Look for snow over the northern Rockies and Intermountain Region.

Houston will enjoy a gorgeous Monday with a cool morning and mild afternoon. Next front arrives Tuesday. There will be a few showers as early as Wednesday. Rain is most likely on Thursday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
One nice things about vacations is that you usually get to sleep more. So today's word is to sleep or dormir, pronounced door-MERE.

One of the most entertaining ways is through our DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. winner of two prestigious educational awards. So, order it now--from our web site www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
I forgot to mention something else my niece Lindsay said about what she learned from working at Dairy Queen--the most popular item is Blizzards. I would have thought it would be chocolate dip cones. Now I'm wondering what the favorite Blizzard flavor is...I love the butterfinger type. I remember getting dilly bars as a child. There was no such thing as blizzards then.

Brrrr....at least the weather on Tuesday will be warmer for ice cream eating (at least for many locations in the south).

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Severe Storm Outbreak/Malts versus Milkshakes

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
A major outbreak of severe weather along and ahead of the cold front pushing into the Ohio Valley and Mississippi Valley. As I write this, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for western Tennessee and western Kentucky. There were 3 tornadoes reported (3 in Missouri and 1 in Illinois) and several hail reports and dozens of severe wind reports. 2 people were injured in a Texas fireworks stand that was blown over with them inside.

Sunday that line of storms will continue marching eastward although I don't think it will be as severe. Look for rain and thunder from the northeast to the southeastern states.

Meanwhile on Sunday, there will be cool temperatures but a moderation in the midwest. I know where I am in Iowa, the high should reach the low 40s. Today we were in the 20s all day, after some snow showers very early.

There will also be snow showers in the Intermountain Region including Boise, Idaho and Montana, and Utah. The coldest spots will be the northern plains with highs in the 20s. The warm spot will be Florida with highs in the 80s.

Houston will be much more cool and comfortable on Sunday with highs in the 50s. There could be a sprinkle or two. Then look for sunshine and pleasant weather Monday and Tuesday with lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s. Enjoy!!!

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
The word is fire of fuego, pronounced FWAY-go. There is nothing nicer on a cold day than to sit by a nice warm fuego.

We had a sale of our English teaching video on Amazon!!! But, if you are reading this, you probably have English as your native language or primary language of use. And, I just know you want your young ones to learn Spanish while it is super easy for them to do so. One of the most entertaining ways is through our DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. winner of two prestigious educational awards. So, order it now--from our web site www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Are one of those people who believe that malts are thickers than milkshakes? Well, I have it on good authority that they are about the same. My niece, Lindsay, is an experienced malt and shake maker, a retired Dairy Queen employee. She said that many customers order malts believing that the difference is that the malts are thicker. She wants everyone to know that the difference is simply that the malts have malt powder added. Now, I don't know how much they add, but I would suppose if you add enough, it could (theoretically) make the malt thicker. What do you think? I'm telling you, this is one of those things that could keep me awake at night.

OOhhh, thinking about shakes is making me cold. My in-laws have a wonderful fireplace and we had a rip-roaring warm, toasty fire today. It is sooooooooooooooo nice to set on the hearth and warm your back. Love it!

Stay warm (or cool depending on your preference).

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Bad Weather--Good for Me

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Threat of tornadoes early this Saturday morning across Kansas and Missouri. Looks for storms from the Ohio Valley into Texas on Saturday. It will be chilly with some snow in the midwest.
In Houston, another muggy day and then a cold front arrives by late afternoon Saturday. There will be some storms in the afternoon, possibly severe. Then, cooler weather Sunday through Wednesday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
The word is birthday or cumpleaño, pronounced coom-pleh-ahn-YO. We went to my brother-in-law Dave's 50th cumpleaño celebration.

Here's a good new year's resolution--give your youngsters an edge through language learning. Order our Spanish language DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. winner of two prestigious educational awards. So, order it now--from our web site www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
We're in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Our plane was supposed to go through Chicago but because of ice, Southwest called off the stop there. So, we got to shave off that leg of the trip...nice for us but surely a disappointment for folks wanting to get to Chicago or wanting to leave Chicago to go to Omaha. It was a weird flight...only 10 passengers...we hung out with one of the flight attendants, just visiting and passing the time. I've never been on a flight with so few people. Kind of nice--we had all the crackers we could ever want. Ha! Ha!

Happy and safe travels everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Improving Travel Weather/Next Cold Front for Houston

HURRICANES AND MORE
Improved travel weather today around the country and it looks like Friday will be good too. Watch out Saturday as pre-frontal storms march across the midwest and southern plains. Figure to right shows the winter storm watches/warnings as I write this. Michigan has a snow advisory. Remember that the browns are for wind advisories/warnings.

Friday will be warm and balmy across the southern plains and the southeast. There will be a few thunderstorms possible from Texas over to Louisiana and northward into the Ohio Valley. Look for snow with some snow/rain mix around the Great Lakes and some snow over the Rockies. There will be some showers in Seattle and Portland, Oregon. Highs will be in the single digits (northern New England) and teens northern plains.

Houston will be muggy and there could be some fog overnight Thursday into Friday. Cold front arrives Saturday with some thunderstorms in advance. Then it will be lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s starting Sunday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
The word is peace of paz, pronounced PAHZ. After all the excitement, Sarah is napping and I am filled with paz.

As you look ahead to the new year, what could be better than helping your young ones pick up a new language? Before the age of 9, their brains are geared for language learning and when they learn, they reap a multitude of benefits including improved cognitive development and memory. Our Spanish language DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco is the recipient of two prestigious educational awards. So, order it now--from our web site www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
A very Merry Christmas--I hope that you are enjoying the day surrounded by love.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Best Way to Track Santa/Changes in Travel and Local Weather

HURRICANES AND WEATHER

Well, before I do anything else, let's get down to the important business of tracking Santa--here is the link you need to Norad--don't be fooled by imitations. It's really neat because they offer the tracking information in several languages.

http://www.noradsanta.org/

Happy Santa tracking! Ho! Ho! Ho!

Well, back to weather. There are some improvements--a cold front is marching into the eastern U.S. this Christmas Eve afternoon. And although there will be thunderstorms (and there is has already been a high wind report (causing damage) in McCreary, Kentucky--the line is moving fast enough that the storms should be over fairly quickly. It is actually a fairly mild today ahead of the front but it will be noticeably colder after the front passes.

One good thing is that aside from any ice that will freeze from leftover puddles, icing won't be a widespread problem for major population centers. So places like Boston and New York City should be okay for travel on Christmas Day (again watch for patches of ice early). The main trouble spots will be along the Great Lakes and in northern New England. Out west...still lots of winter weather advisories in place--mainly for the higher elevations.

Christmas Day, Thursday, will be in the teens for the northern plains--in the 30s and 40s across the northeast, 20s and 30s northwest, 50s southwest, 20s, 30s and 40s midwest, and 50s, 60s, 70s south and southeast. The wettest areas will be out west and in the Carolinas.

In Houston, we do have a weak cold front approaching. The bad news is that it really is weak. Looks like it will stall close to the coast and then head back north before most of us can even notice a dip in temperatures and humidity. So, we'll start the day in the upper 50s and end up in the 70s with the muggies returning by afternoon. The low clouds and fog will hang around. Stronger cold front arrives (with rain) on Saturday, bringing lows back down to the 40s and highs back down to the 60s.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
The word is anticipation or expectativa, pronounced x-spect-tah-TEE-vah. I can tell you firsthand from dealing with Sarah that expectativa is at an all time high the day before Christmas.

A special thank you to all of you for supporting our endeavor--Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. You believed in us, some of you participated in our shoots and many of you have spread the word about our award winning product. Please continue to tell your friends to go to www.frankandpaco.com and www.frankypaco.com. We are looking forward to many new developments with this line in 2009.

AND MORE
Received 2 packages from the U.S. Postal Service. They rang the doorbell and Sarah and I opened the door and caught the attention of the postal clerk err she drove out of sight. We shouted Thank You and Merry Christmas and she shouted Merry Christmas right back. And to all a good night!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Winter Weather/Travel Troubles/La Posada

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
A wintry travel mess, especially for the Great Lakes and northeast. As I write this, there is freezing rain in Chicago. All of this will be marching eastward during Christmas Eve. So make sure you check with your airline. There are bound to be lots of delays and even cancellations.

The figure to the right shows the weather advisories as of the time I write this...so it is time sensitive. Please note the the brown areas are wind advisories only--not winter weather. Also, note that a couple items down is the color coded radar and that is looping to an up to date point.

A very cold day again on Wednesday for the northern tier of states with snow and freezing rain across the northeast. There will also be rain and even some storms across much of the east.

For Houston, another cool to mild day with some rain--a few thunderstorms are possible as a weak front moves through. It will be cooler and less humid on Christmas Day, but I think we will have trouble shaking free of the clouds. The next front arrives Saturday and it looks like there will be sunshine for at least part of the coming week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
The word is present or regalo, pronunced ray-GAH-low. I think it is more fun to give a regalo than to receive one.

The gift of language is the gift that keeps on giving. You can be the bearer of such a wonderful thing by giving our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Order from our web site www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interesting in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Adriana Gutierrez, Spanish teacher and friend, sent me this wonderful information about a Spanish tradition called Las Posadas. This was celebrated by many of my friends in the Rio Grande Valley, where I grew up. Thank you Adriana!

LA POSADA
A wonderful Mexican Christmas tradition, LA POSADA literally translates in English as "the inn" or "the lodging" and symbolizes the journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for shelter in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus.

The nine-day celebration lasts from December 16 to Christmas Eve (Noche Buena or "Holy Night") and includes a candle-lit procession of children and parents reenacting Mary and Joseph's journey through Bethlehem.

The holiday ritual includes a lively and colorful pageant of children (the "pilgrims" or peregrinos ) - costumed as Joseph, Mary, angels, shepherds and the Three Wise Men - who travel from house to house until they reach a designated home where Las Posadas will be celebrated.

Upon arrival, the hosts or "inn keepers" meet the procession at the door to begin the holiday fiesta with an exchange of lyrics from the traditional Pidiendo Posada:

Outside Singers
En el nombre de el cielo (In the name of heaven), os pido Posada (I ask you for shelter), porque no puede andar (because my beloved wife) mi esposa amada (can continue no longer).

Inside Singers
Aqui no es meson (This is no inn), Sigan adelante (continue on your way). Yo no puedo abrir (I am not about to open.) No sea algun tunate (You may be a scoundrel.)

Upon opening the doors at the final stop, the tune changes, the Joseph, Mary and pilgrims enter,
and all sing these final verses in unison:
Entren santos peregrinos, peregrinos (Enter, holy pilgrims), reciban este rincón (receive this corner), y aunque es pobre la morada, la morada (for though this dwelling is poor), os la doy de corazón. (I offer it with all my heart.)

Soon, everyone begins celebrating with traditional songs & prayers - just before an explosion of merry making that includes Christmas music, piñata bashing and sweet treats!
On Christmas Eve, Las Posadas culminates in all-out feasting at the Cena de Noche Buena when families gather for Christmas Dinner.

Especially in northern Mexico - and in Mexican communities in USA - the festivities may include a Christmas tree, lots of presents, or even a visit by Santa. However, Three Kings Day or Epiphany on January 6 remains a traditional day for gift exchanges in Central and Southern Mexico and throughout Latin America.

Yes indeed...let us never forget the true meaning of Christmas!
Happy Holidays everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Freezing Rain Advisory/Severe Weather Threat/Poll Results/New Poll

A Freezing Rain is in effect for counties north of Houston until 6 am Tuesday morning. Here is the advisory from the National Weather Service.

MOISTURE WILL CONTINUE OVERRIDING THE COLD AIR AT THE SURFACE TONIGHT AND PRODUCE A CHANCE OF PRECIPITATION LATE IN THE EVENING HOURSAND OVERNIGHT. TEMPERATURES WILL PROBABLY BE IN THE 32 TO 36 DEGREE RANGE FOR MOST OF THE NIGHT...BUT COULD DROP TO OR BELOWFREEZING WHERE PRECIPITATION OCCURS. ONCE THE SURFACE TEMPERATUREREACHES 32 DEGREES...THE LIGHT RAINFALL WILL FREEZE ON CONTACT AND POTENTIALLY CAUSE SOME TRAVEL PROBLEMS ACROSS THE ADVISORYAREA. LIGHT ACCUMULATING ICE ON BRIDGES AND OTHER ELEVATED STRUCTURES SHOULD BE THE PRIMARY PROBLEM.

Low pressure is developing off the upper Texas coast. That combined with a warm front will warm us up on Tuesday and potentially bring some storms to the area. I think it is most likely that there will be rain. The National Weather Services is especially cautioning about waterspouts (offshore by definition).

The northern states are in the big chill. There is lots of wintry weather--see figure at right. Check your airline for delays--Chicago, Milwaukee and Minneapolis will be trouble spots.

Houston, overnight will be cold. Then, look for a rapid warmup on Tuesday. A weak front will dip temperatures slightly on Christmas Eve...Christmas morning will start in the 50s and end near 70.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Sarah said we should do snowflake. I know we did snow, but humor me. So, the word (phrase) for snowflake is copo de nieve, pronounced COH-poh day knee-A-vay. Every copo de nieve is beautiful and completely unique.

See how fun that was...and it can be even more fun to learn Spanish when you are watching our entertaining and award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interesting in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Our poll about how you think our winter compares to normal is closed. That wasn't really fair for me to ask because officially we have just begun winter (remember that it began yesterday?). So sorry about that. Multiple answers were allowed: 80% of you think this winter is colder than normal, 0% think it is wetter, 20% think it is warmer and 40% think it is drier.

Just for fun, here are some statistics for November and December so far.
The average high for November was 73.3 The normal is 72.0. The average low was 51.6. The normal is 49.8. So, November was warmer than normal. There was 2.92 inches of rain--1.27 below normal.

So far this December, the average high is 65.5 and the average low is 43.6. We will have to have enough cool temperatures to get the average for the entire month down to the normal high of 64.6 and the normal low of 42.8. So, far there has been .90" of rain. The normal for the month is 3.69". So if there is to be a normal amount of rainfall for this December, we will have to get almost 3 more inches before the month ends.

I will revisit all of this once winter is over. Thanks for participating in the poll!

My new poll question is:
Do you think 2009 will be better, the same or worse than 2008?

Be safe everyone, Happy Hanukkah and enjoy the holidays!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weather for the Week/Sarah's list for Santa/Winter Begins

Winter has officially begun (as of 6:04 am central time). And, I'm not talking about the fact that it is cold in Texas...it really is winter now--we have arrived at the Winter Solstice.

The earth's axis (from pole to pole) is tilted at 23.5 degrees relative to a line perpendicular to the line connecting to the sun. In winter that 23.5 degree angle has the North Pole tilted away from the sun at an angle of 23.5 degrees. The sun makes its lowest path across the sky and thus, this is considered the day of the year with the shortest amount of daylight. Please note that the length of days just before and after this point are nearly equal. But technically, from this point on, the days will slowly start to get longer. The speed with which the length of day increases will increase as we get closer to the vernal equinox (the start of spring).

There is certainly plenty of wintry weather to go around...the figure at the right shows the winter weather advisories/watches/warning for the midwest and northeast and for much of the west--as of this Sunday evening. Monday will be a cold day for most of the country except central and southern Florida.

In Houston, look for a cold Hanukkah (Monday, the 22nd)--high near 40, that's it-- and then rain on Tuesday and Wednesday with a rapid warm up. Christmas Day (Thursday) will be mild with a low in the upper 50s and a high near 70. Please note, that winter precipitation will not be a problem--the only caution is that there could be some ice on roadways Monday evening as the rain begins and temperatures remain relatively cool.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do travel or viajes, pronounced vee-ah-HEYS. There is lots of viajes around the holidays.

Got a funny Christmas card note--apparently a friend is driving his wife crazy singing the theme music from Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Please folks--learn Spanish--don't fight!!!

Well the tune is catchy--thanks to the musical talent of Cherish the Music. I think that is one reason kids just love the video. It is one reason they want to watch and an effective way for them to learn Spanish.

So, drive your spouse crazy, order our award winning DVD from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interesting in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
I saw it--with my own eyes. We took Megan's car through the $1 Mister Car Wash on Dulles Ave. near Highway 90. It is a fully automated car wash but get this--they have someone directing you into the wash and they have 2 people drying the car. And then the vacuums are free!!! I just can not believe this is possible. They do have some more elaborate wash packages which go for a whopping $3 and $5--that's it!!!

Here's an amusing anecdote for Christmas. When Sarah saw Santa, he asked her, what presents do you want for Christmas? Sarah answered right back--All of the presents. Well, of course she does! It's frightening how smart she is.

Hope everyone is getting a chance to relax and spend time with loved ones. Be safe in your travels (local or far away).

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Travel Weather/Decorating Holiday Cookies

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
If you have travel plans to Boston, New York, Minneapolis, Seattle, or Portland (either one), there may be travel delays. In fact, for any air travel, you should be checking for delays due to weather because much of the northern tier of states will be dealing with wintry weather today and any flights going through those areas will be affected.

Meanwhile, it is another warm day across the south. But, a cold front is moving through the southern plains and that will cool things down for a couple days.

For Houston, a mild day with the cold front arriving this Saturday evening. It will be cloudy with some light rain Sunday and Monday. Sunday's highs will struggle to break 50. Monday will be even colder with lows in the low to middle 30s and highs near 40. Winter weather advisories may be issued for this time frame. So, stand by for further developments. Temperatures warm a bit. Christmas Day low will be about 50 with a high near 70--a comfortable day.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do frosting or glaseado, pronounced glah-say-AH-doh. I love to eat the glaseado on the cake.

Still looking for feedback on our web site for Spanish speakers who would like to learn English. Go to www.frankypaco.com and let me know what you think. So far we are getting the most hits from the U.S., Mexico, and then Peru.

You can still get our award winning DVD in time for Christmas...just choose priority mail after ordering through our web site, www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. This is truly the gift that keeps on giving because they will benefit from the cognitive improvements, language learning brings, for their entire life. If you are more interesting in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
We had a little gathering last night for our neighbors' children. It is called Cookies and Carols. My mother played carols on the piano and we visited the homes of neighbors and sang boisterously--Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Jingle Bells. Most of the kids rang jingle bells as they sang. We also decorated cookies--thus the word of the day--frosting or glaseado.

I don't have a recipe for homemade frosting but I do make my own sometimes. In a pinch you can use a jar of frosting and just add your own food coloring. Just remember that those few drops of food coloring make it more runny. To make homemade, I use about 2 and half cups of confectioners sugar, a half stick of butter (1/4 cup), a little vanilla (if you want the frosting white--don't use any vanilla), and a little milk. You can adjust the amount of sugar and milk as needed for the desired consistency. Add only a little milk at first and leave room for the food coloring drops (i.e. don't make it too runny before you add the food coloring). Happy Baking!!!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Forecast/Sugar Cookie Baking Tips and Recipe

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Since I know many of you are beginning your holiday travel, tonight I am posting the Storm Prediction Center watch/warning map (to the right). Please remember that this is time sensitive, but it gives you an idea of the trouble spots. Also, want to mention that the brownish color in Texas is for wind advisories. The rest are winter weather advisories/watches/warnings.

A bitterly cold day on the way for Friday across the northern tier of states. Some parts of Montana won't break 0 (Fahrenheit)! Meanwhile across the south it will be warm and balmy. Look out for wintry precipitation across the Sierra Nevada and northern Rockies and Wasatch Range of Utah. There will also be some of the same across the Great Lakes states, Ohio Valley and northeast.

Houston is under another Dense Fog Advisory until 8 am Friday. Look for fog again Saturday morning. It will be a muggy day with highs in the 70s. Cold front arrives Saturday night. Sunday and Monday will be cool with highs in the 50s. There should be some showers on and off into Sunday morning and then some storms are possible on Tuesday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do cookies or galletas, pronounced gah-YET-tahs. I love making and decorating sugar galletas.

If you know any Spanish speakers who would like to learn Spanish, our Spanish site is fully operational from product review through checkout. Go to www.frankypaco.com and let me know what you think.

You can still get our award winning DVD in time for Christmas...just choose priority mail after ordering through our web site, www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. This is truly the gift that keeps on giving because they will benefit from the cognitive improvements, language learning brings, for their entire life. If you are more interesting in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Making some sugar cookies today. The recipe is 2.5 cups of flour, 1.5 cups of confectioner sugar, 1 cup of butter (that's 2 sticks), 1 teaspoon of vanilla, 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon of salt (if desired), 2 teaspoons of baking powder. Now here is one of the things you need to know. When you mix all of this together (and it is recommended to mix the dry ingredients together first), you will have to mix for a long time with your mixer. You may think something is wrong because it will just look like a bunch of dry ingredients and you may think, oh no, I need to add some liquid or another egg or something wet. Don't do it!!!! Just be patient and keep on mixing (maybe for 10 minutes). Soon the dough starts to ball up in tiny pellets which clump and get bigger and bigger until you have a big glob of dough. Form that into a ball and cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours (if you have time)...it just works better when it is cool. When you are ready to roll out the cookies, coat the surface liberally with flour (I work on wax paper), coat your rolling pin (or you can even use a straight sided glass--plastic is safest) with flour, coat your cookie cutters with flour. Press down and lift...if you are lucky the dough will lift with the cutter and you can gently lay it down on the cookie sheet. Keep applying flour to all surfaces as you work. Pick up the unused cookie dough and roll out again and again until you have used it all up. You can apply sprinkles before you bake. Spray the cookies with some cooking spray, sprinkle and press gently. Or you can wait and spray with butter after baking, sprinkle and press gently, or you can apply frosting and add sprinkles/decorations. Cook at 350 for about 7 to 8 minutes. Watch carefully toward the end as you don't want to burn them. Happy Baking!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Change in Christmas Forecast/Surprises at Garden Ridge Pottery

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Most of the western U.S. is under winter weather advisories/watches/warnings. And it is snowing over much of the southwest (especially the higher elevations). Meanwhile flooding remains a concern in southern California and Nevada. Winter weather advisories/watches/warnings are also in effect from Oklahoma through the Midwest and New England.

Thursday highs will be in the single digits for the northern plains and northern Rockies while the northeast will not get out of the 20s. The south will be much more mild (70s and 80s for highs) south and southeast.

A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for the Houston area and coastal counties until 9 am Thursday. A warm front will move through the area overnight bringing some balmy conditions for the end of the week. Next cold front arrives late Saturday. Sunday will be cool (in the 50s). Monday will also be chilly.

HERE'S THE BIG NEWS FOR HOUSTON! Temperatures will warm on Wednesday but it looks like a secondary shot of cool air will arrive in time for Christmas Day. Christmas morning will be in the 30s.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do dense or denso, pronounced DEHN-sew. Yesterday we had niebla for fog. So tonight we have niebla densa.

2008 was a wonderful year for Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. The DVD was recognized as a Top 10 Educational Product by Dr. Toy and a Top 15 Educational Product by Homeschool.com. Don't miss out on the excitement!!! Order your copy from our web site, http://www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. This is truly the gift that keeps on giving because they will benefit from the cognitive improvements, language learning brings, for their entire life. If you are more interesting in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Went into Garden Ridge Pottery for a few last minute Christmas items. First of all, there was lots of stuff 50 and 75% off. But what struck me the most was the spring floral arrangements as I walked into the store. I had to do a double take to remember what time of year it is. And, there wasn't a ton of Christmas stuff left. I asked the cashier if anyone was actually buying the spring stuff and she said, oh yes, we have had quite a few sales. Wow! I am just so not in that mindset right now. You can get some terrific Christmas deals (for this year or next)!

Have a terrific Thursday and safe travels everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Warming Up/Walmart Service Pleasant Surprise

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Friend in Dallas told me his co-worker arrived at the office saying he had just had an accident on the ice. In the just the last hour or so, the temperature in Dallas has finally climbed above freezing and the warming trend should continue overnight as warmer air begins its push back up and over this arctic air mass. Look for dense fog around the Houston area--a Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 6 am. Dallas has a Freezing Fog Advisory but that should be modified to a Dense Fog Advisory overnight as temperatures continue to climb. Bottom line is that if you have to travel overnight, look out for fog. If you are planning to travel northward early Wednesday, ice won't be the problem--it will be dense fog.

Winter Weather Advisories/Watches/Warnings are still in effect for much of the country including a long line from Texas to New England. There are also winter storm warnings for many locations in the Rockies, mountains of Nevada and southern Sierra and the mountains in Idaho, Oregon and Washington state. Flood watches are in effect in Arizona where rain is a problem.

On Wednesday, the bitter cold will persist over the northern plains and western Great Lakes states where highs will only reach the single digits. Temperatures will moderate across the southern plains.

Houston, Wednesday will be much milder with highs near 60 after morning lows in the 40s. Look for balmy conditions Thursday through Saturday. Next cold front arrives Sunday, bringing chilly conditions for Hanukkah. Mild temperatures return by Christmas.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do fog or niebla, pronounced knee-A-blah. Be careful driving tonight. Use those low beams in the niebla.

Give the gift of language this holiday season...order our award winning Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco from our web site, http://www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. This is truly the gift that keeps on giving because they will benefit from the cognitive improvements, language learning brings, for their entire life. If you are more interesting in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Finished up helping Santa today. I was very impressed with the service at Walmart in that I was attended to immediately. I picked out a bicycle and the worker, who helped me, arranged to have it by the gardening checkout so I could finish the rest of my shopping. That just helped so much!

Happy shopping and be careful in that fog!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Freezing Rain Advisory/Bible on One Page/Poll Results and New Poll

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
I'm shivering as I write this...just thinking about how cold it is for much of the country. My sister was visiting from New Mexico and I heard her tell a colleague (over the phone) that it is cold in Houston. Poor thing...she was going right from the cold water into the deep freeze as she was facing snow and ice upon her return home this evening. The problem in Houston is that often when it is cold, it is also humid. And that dampness just goes right through you. Combine that with the wind and it really can be bone chilling even if it is in the 40s.

And the 40s are mainly what we have in the Houston area this evening. But to the north, temperatures could dip to freezing and that combined with some drizzle could cause some slick spots. So, the National Weather Service issued a Freezing Rain Advisory for locations north of a line running from Columbus to Livingston. So...no ice in Houston or even Katy. If you are planning to drive north (say 290 or 45 or 59 north), watch for slick spots on overpasses and bridges. As of 8 pm, I found some freezing drizzle reports around Dallas and as far south as Hearne there was a report of mixed precipitation.

Well, that old shallow arctic air nipped us again. The models just don't see it. So, we have some chilly air very close to the surface. But it could be much worse. My in-laws in Council Bluffs, Iowa awoke to negative single digits. On Tuesday, highs around Minot, North Dakota and International Falls, Minnesota won't get out of the negative single digits.

There is a swath of winter weather advisories, warnings etc. from central Texas into Pennsylvania and then secondary lines through the southern Rockies, mountains of California, Oregon and Washington state, and from Kansas through Nebraska, Iowa and into Michigan. On Tuesday, look for wintry weather from Memphis into the Great Lakes. It will be balmy across the southeast U.S. with thunderstorms possible from New Orleans to Atlanta.

Houston, it will be cold (in the 40s) and cloudy all day on Tuesday. Some light rain is possible. Wednesday will be slightly warmer with balmy, mild conditions returning on Thursday. Look for another dose of cold air Sunday. Hanukkah will be cool, but Christmas will be mild.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
According to the U.S. Naval Observatory, winter doesn't officially start until 6:04 am on December 21, but it sure is wintery around the country. So, let's do winter, or invierno, pronounce een-vee-AIR-noh. Watch for ice on the road during invierno.

It's not too late for Christmas to order our award winning Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco from our web site, http://www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. The youngsters will be entertained (and educated) long after the presents have been opened!!! If you are more interesting in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
If you like to read the Bible, my Aunt Pam sent me this amazing link: http://www.jrsbible.info/bible.htm. You can look up any verse or passage with just a couple clicks--easier than paging through the Bible and not so heavy. Thanks Aunt Pam!!!

Here are the results for what people like the most about the holidays: 55% said seeing family, 11% said seeing friends, 33% said giving gifts and zero percent said getting gifts. Our new poll has to do with how you think this winter compares to what is normal for your area.

I put up a photo of the big full moon a few days ago. Also, there is a photo from the great time at the Ramirez party. Santa Claus showed up and took a picture with Sarah, my niece Sophia and me. Remember how warm it was Saturday? Well, he was mighty toasty in his Santa suit but he was still plenty jolly. He asked Sarah which presents she wanted for Christmas and she said "All of the presents". That had him laughing so hard, his tummy shook like a bowl full of jelly. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Well stay warm everyone and be careful driving!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Unsusually Warm Houston/Bitter Cold Elsewhere/Blue Poinsettias

HURRICANES AND MORE
Big contrast in temperatures across the nation!!! Also wintry weather in Missouri and from the Rockies into the northern Plains (where there are blizzard warnings for the Dakotas and Montana). It is going to be bitterly cold in Montana and the northern Rockies where highs will be in the negative singles and negative teens. I'm shivering just thinking about it.

Houston, we are back to clouds and humidity and Sunday will be unusually mild. There will be some showers but rain is most likely on Monday. A cold front brings some drier air by late Monday. But that will be short lived and it really looks like there will be warm weather through Christmas.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do party or fiesta, pronounced fee-EH-stah. It is one fiesta after another this time of year.

Don't forget to order Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco from our web site, www.frankandpaco.com for fastest delivery. You can also order from www.venturaes.com, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. These DVDs make great stocking stuffers. If you are more interesting in a full immersion type product, go to www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
HEB has the coolest blue poinsettias with glitter on the leaves...so neat! I think they must have fed white poinsettias blue colored water--a technique similar to what they do with carnations. The color is somewhat variegated--a pretty effect.

Enjoy the weekend!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Forecast/$1 Car Wash/Biggest Full Moon

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
It's quiet now out east, but the northwest and Rockies and even the southern ranges in California are being hit with wintry weather. The really cold air is sliding south out west, but it looks like it is going to get stuck...an amplified pattern with a fairly deep and persistent trough (containing the cold air) out west and the warm air over the southeast. Climate Prediction Center is forecasting above normal temperatures over the southern Plains and Texas through the 26th of December. So, you probably shouldn't be looking for a white (much less a cold) Hanukkah or Christmas there.

Saturday will be bitterly cold with Cut Bank, Montana not getting out of the single digits. It will also be very chilly across the Great Lakes and northeast. North Dakota won't get out of the teens. Compare that to the southeast and southern plains which will be in the 60s and 70s.

Houston, the weekend will be cool in the mornings and mild in the afternoons. It will become muggy and there could be some showers on Sunday. Look for skies to become cloudy again on Saturday morning.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do moon or luna, pronounced LOO-nah. Be sure to check out the full luna tonight!!! See "And More" section for more about that.

We ship our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, daily. And if you are concerned about getting them in time for Christmas, we offer UPS and USPS priority shipping. Get your copies of Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco from our web site, www.frankandpaco.com. You can also order from www.venturaes.com, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/.

AND MORE
Tonight, Friday, 12/12 will be the biggest full moon since 1993. For more information, go to:
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_11199195. Should be great viewing with the clear skies!

Gordy found the best car wash deal hands down. Mister Car Wash has a $1 wash at their new location on Dulles across from Dulles High School. Yes...it's true and you are not imagining!!! He used it today, and he reports that there are even people drying the car as you come out from the wash. He also said the vacuums are free. I don't know how they can afford to do this, but they are doing it!!!

Happy Weekend!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Forecast/Snow Report

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There was a lot of excitement around here...some of it not so fun. The NWS had to extend the winter weather advisory this a.m. due to so many accidents. NWS says there were between 0.5 and 3 inches across the Houston forecast area. Wow!

The same storm system was responsible for 50 hail reports and at least 1 tornado in the southeast U.S. And there are numerous winter weather advisories/watches/warnings in the east and northeast and southern Mississippi/Alabama. Also, there are winter weather advisories for much of the Rockies and northern Plains, the Intermountain Region/western Oregon.

Friday will be very cold for the Great Lakes and Northern Plains with many locations having highs only in the teens. Look for snow in the northeast and over the Great Lakes and rain in the northwest with snow in the higher elevations.

For Houston, after a morning of freezing temperatures, mainly outlying, a nice warm up into the 60s with sunshine. Saturday will start in the 40s and warm into the 70s with clouds returning. A few showers are possible Sunday. Next front (a weak one) arrives Monday. Weather will be very mild for the next 8 to 10 days.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do ice or hielo, pronounce ee-EH-low. Watch out for hielo on the road.

Kids grow up so fast. Their brains are amazing sponges and research shows that they learn multiple languages easily and effectively. Don't let this gift giving season go by without getting the youngsters you know our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank and Paco, today from our web site, www.frankandpaco.com, and you will get shipping within 24 hours. You can also order from www.venturaes.com, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. Before you know it, they will have outgrown that optimal learning window.

AND MORE
Remember I told you that FortBendNow.com had covered me talking to Lexington Creek Elementary. Well, they put up some video, http://fortbendnow.com/. Look on the right side and you can watch it. You'll learn so much, you'll just be amazed--tee hee!

Happy Friday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

It's Snowing Even More!!! Winter Weather Advisory Issued!!!

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Don't laugh my friends from the north...this is a big deal here in Houston!!!

It is so very pretty, but if you don't have to be out driving this evening, please don't do it! We are now under a Winter Weather Advisory until 4 am Thursday morning. Here is the latest from the local NWS office:
THE WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 4 AM. THURSDAY.SURFACE TEMPERATURES HAVE DROPPED TO FREEZING ACROSS THE AREA.LIGHT SNOW MELTING ON CONTACT WITH THE GROUND HAS BEGUN TO FREEZEON BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES. LIGHT ACCUMULATION OF ICE WILL OCCURON ELEVATED ROADWAY SURFACE SUCH AS BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES. THESNOW IS EXPECTED TO END BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 4 AM CST.ROADS...BRIDGES...AND OVERPASSES IN THE WARNING AREA ARE SLICK AND HAZARDOUS. ACCUMULATION OF ICE ON ROADWAYS...BRIDGES ANDOVERPASSES WILL MAKE TRAVEL TREACHEROUS.

This isn't the same as what happened four years ago on Christmas Eve, but it is really something. Sometimes we miss these things because the upper level disturbances which give them the energy they need to happen, are often not well predicted by the forecast models. Looking back on last night's model runs, I have to tell you that all of the models were showing things drying out by now--before it would have gotten cold enough for snow. Mother Nature still has some tricks up her sleeve. As of about 9 pm this evening just about every location in the Houston area (including Galveston) is reporting light snow. Temperatures are freezing already. So exposed bridges, overpasses will be getting icy. Stay home!!! And watch out for the morning commute in case there are still some icy spots.

Look for sunshine to return in Houston on Thursday. Highs will be in the 50s and freezing temperatures in the morning. Friday will start in the 30s again (freezing for outlying areas) and highs will be reach the 60s. Look for milder temperatures over the weekend.

The weather is very messy and problematic for the southeast and eastern seaboard into New England. There is even a snow warning for Mississippi where a lot of snow will fall. Flood watches are in effect for Alabama, Georgia and much of the southeast. There will be some severe weather in Georgia and Florida.

On Thursday the wettest locations will be in Florida and along the eastern seaboard. It will be bitterly cold in Minnesota with some locations only reaching the single digits.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
It is snow or nieve, pronounced knee-EH-vay. Wow!!! Would you just look at that nieve!!!

And what is better to do on a cold night like this but stay inside and watch entertaining (and educational) videos with your youngsters. You can order your copies of our award winning DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank and Paco, today from our web site, www.frankandpaco.com, and you will get shipping within 24 hours. You can also order from www.venturaes.com, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/.

AND MORE
The snow storm of Christmas 2004 dropped a foot of snow along the coast. Victoria and Brazoria county were some of the hardest hit spots. In Missouri City, we had an accumulation of 1.5 inches. The snow storm of 1895 dropped 10 inches of snow in Galveston and 20 inches in Houston. That is the most snow I have ever heard of for Houston. On average, we get some snow every 3 to 4 years. We average freezing rain about once a year.

Be safe everyone but enjoy the view!!!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

It's Snowing!!!

It is snowing in Missouri City as of 4:45 pm this Wednesday, December 10th. Check out the photos at right.

Here is the official statment from the NWS. More to come!
AN UPPER LEVEL LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM WILL MOVE ACROSS THE REGIONLATE THIS AFTERNOON AND EVENING BRINGING THE POSSIBILITY OF ANYLIGHT RAIN CHANGING OVER TO LIGHT SNOW AND OR A MIX OF LIGHT SNOWAND RAIN. THE SNOW SHOULD BE PRIMARILY CONFINED TO AREAS MAINLYNORTHWEST OF A LINE FROM FREEPORT TO PASADENA TO LIBERTY AND MAINLYFROM AROUND 6 TO 9 PM. TEMPERATURES NEAR THE SURFACE SHOULD REMAINABOVE FREEZING THROUGH MID EVENING. THE SNOW SHOULD BE LIGHT ANDVERY LITTLE IS EXPECTED TO ACCUMULATE ON ANY SURFACE OTHER THAN INFIELDS... YARDS...AND ON THE TOPS OF CARS. NO SNOW IS EXPECTED TOCOLLECT ON ROADS. ANY LEFT OVER WATER ON ROADS COULD POSSIBLYBEGIN TO FREEZE AFTER 11 PM FOR ELEVATED ROADS AS TEMPERATURESDROP TO NEAR FREEZING.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR It's cold!!!

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
As I write this evening, all of the Houston area is under a wind advisory (until 6 am Wednesday morning). This is just to give everyone a heads up that the wind will pose a hazard to safe driving.
This comes from the National Weather Service:
DRIVERS OF VANS...CAMPERS...TRAILERS AND OTHER HIGH-PROFILEVEHICLES SHOULD BE ALERT TO THE DANGER OF THESE STRONG WINDS...ESPECIALLY WHEN DRIVING ALONG EAST TO WEST ORIENTED ROADS.

Cold front moved through Houston this evening and it is going to be a very cold Wednesday with temperatures staying in the 40s. And there will be some rain, but it should taper off in the early afternoon. Wednesday will be breezy but not as windy as overnight. The wind will really add a chill. So be prepared to bundle up.

Elsewhere in the country, there is an ongoing severe weather outbreak from Louisiana and Mississipi and then on to Alabama. Already there have bben several reports of tornadoes, high winds and hail in these areas.

There were a few hail reports in central Texas earlier today. Grayson County had damage and here is a preliminary report from the NWS folks:
THERE IS A SWATH OF DAMAGE FROM SOUTH OF COLLINSVILLE TO SOUTHERNSECTIONS OF DENISON. DUE TO AERIAL FOOTAGE...MOST OF THIS DAMAGEAPPEARS TO BE DOWNBURST RELATED. HOWEVER...DAMAGE ASSESSMENT DOESINDICATE TWO PROBABLE TORNADOES.THE LOCATIONS OF THE TWO PROBABLE TORNADOES AS DETERMINED BY THENWS SURVEY TEAM ARE...1. TWO MILES WEST OF SOUTHMAYD2. SOUTHWEST TO SOUTH CENTRAL PORTIONS OF DENISON.

Just had a call from my mother and she said it is sleeting in Kerrville. Kerrville is officially reporting a mix (sleet and rain) and Burnet is reporting snow flurries. In Terrell and Killeen, mix and sleet are being reported. Near Austin, Lago Vista is reporting a mix. All of this is coming from a line of precipitation which is heading eastward this evening. This will bring cold rain to Houston early Wednesday.

Elsewhere in the country on Wednesday, look for highs in the teens for International Falls and Ste. Saint Marie. There will storms in the southeast (Georgia, Florida). There will wintry weather from the northeast into northern Louisiana.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do dentist or dentista, pronounced dehn-TEES-tah. For Spanish words like taxista, pianista, and dentista, the article will change according to the gender of the person in that occupation. For example, a male taxi driver would be el taxista while a female pianist would be la pianista. Since my dentist is male, he would be la dentista.

It's official: our DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco is now on the Homeschool.com web site for being one of their Top 15 Educational Products for 2008. This is a huge honor as the they are the number one homeschooling web site on the Internet. Here is the link: Please read their review! It is the 7th item on the list.
http://www.homeschool.com/articles/GiftGuide08/default.asp

You can order your copies today from our web site, www.frankandpaco.com, and you will get shipping within 24 hours. You can also order Let's Learn Spanish with Frank and Paco from www.venturaes.com, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/.

AND MORE
All I want for Christmas is free dental work.

Went in for a cleaning and told the dentist about my sensitive tooth. Well guess what? It had a crack. No wonder I jumped 10 feet when I drank some cool water. You say that's not normal? Now I know.

Anyway, my dentist is awesome...Dr. Mehta got my temporary crown put in right away. He is in Sugar Land just off Williams Trace close to 59. I think he does great work. I don't know if he liked that I took a little nap...just so relaxing. Those chairs get me every time. I'm the only person I know who enjoys going to dentist even when it is not for a cleaning.

You know I'm of that age where the dentists ground away every bit of tooth that might be decayed and replaced with fillings. That poor tooth that cracked had more filling than tooth. Play music from 6 million dollar man theme "I can't hold her, she's breaking up, she's breaking up!!!" On the plus side, now that ugly old filling will be gone. Hmmmm...wish I could make all the other ones disappear. Be careful what you wish for right?

Well then I picked Sarah up and took her in for a cleaning. She had a little cavity and that amazing girl was thumbs up when he suggested we go ahead and fill it. She just layed back with her mouth wide open and let him do his thing. By golly, it was a Christmas miracle. (It probably didn't hurt that she was sleepy and that she is fascinated by anything medical).

Well, anyway, we are both doing great but I sure wish insurance paid more than 50% of crowns. I still feel blessed that I even have dental insurance. My poor mom used to just cry when we had cavities after going to the dentist. Yep...she'd troop all 6 of us in there at one time. I think she was praying in the other room while he was cleaning.

Stay warm tomorrow. You can have hot cocoa if you brush your teeth right afterwards!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

A Chilly Day Coming/Who Needs Christmas Stamps?

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect this evening for north central and northeast Texas. A line of storms is moving eastward through this area. Houston may get some of the action early Tuesday but it is looking less and less likely.

Houston will be very cold on Tuesday--from the Great Lakes and especially Minnesota (in the single digits for highs) down to New Mexico there will be snow showers. Numerous winter weather advisories and watches are in the effect from New Mexico northeastward to the Great Lakes.

For Houston, it will be one more mild, muggy day before the ccccccooooooolllllddddd returns. A few thunderstorms are possible early Tuesday but it looks like most of the action will be to our north. Some clouds and rain will linger into Wednesday. Those 2 things combined with a big temperature drop will make it very chilly on Wednesday. It won't get out of the 40s on Wednesday. Tuesday, in contrast will be in the 70s.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
It is stamp or sello, pronounced SAY-yoh. Don't forget to buy sellos for Christmas cards.

We have developed a work around for selling our English teaching DVD. Please feel free to go to http://www.frankypaco.com and let us know what you think.

Of course, most of you are probably more interested in learning Spanish. I may have mentioned, oh just a few times, that we have an award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. You can order your copies today from our web site, www.frankandpaco.com, and you will get shipping within 24 hours. You can also order Let's Learn Spanish with Frank and Paco from www.venturaes.com, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/.

AND MORE
Anyone want some Christmas stamps? I love convenience as much as the next person, but here is what happens if you try to take advantage of it while dealing with a youngster like Sarah.

We went to the post office and I felt very smart because I was ready to buy some Christmas stamps out of the vending machine and avoid that awful long line. Well, I only needed 2 more books. Not having exact change, I gave Sarah a $20 and told her to put it in the machine. She happily helped me purchase 2 books. Well you know those machines only give coins as change. So we had some nice new dollar coins as part of the change. Now, they are pretty and all, but they are heavy. And sorry to say, I would rather have dollar bills.

As I'm packing an order, Sarah zips back over to the machine and puts in one of the dollar coins. Okay...just push the button and get the change back. Guess what? The machine won't let you do that. Hmmmm. I have to spend it. What are my options? Well I could buy 2 50 cent books of 1 cent makeup stamps...didn't really need those. All I had in my wallet was a $20...so I couldn't add just a little more money and get one more book of stamps. By the way, all they had was Christmas stamps. So, I went ahead and bought 2 more books. Well, now I have way more Christmas stamps and dollar coins than I need.

So, if you get a birthday card in July with a Christmas stamp, you know why. Ha!

Have a terrific Tuesday.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Forecast/Wine Tasting Fun

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
It is a wintry day in the midwest--central and eastern Iowa, northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin getting hit with snow. There are winter storm advisories, warning, watches for Montana, Colorado, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Pennsylvania, the Appalachians of West Virginia, many locations in New England. Monday will be in teens and 20s northern Plains and Great Lakes states. There will be some rain developing in Texas and Oklahoma. Look for some snow mixed with rain in Ohio and parts of the Ohio Valley. The Great Lakes will continue to deal with wintry precipitation.

It is going to be a delightful day in Houston...sunshine...mild temperatures. Look for rain to return as early as late Monday with some thunderstorms on Tuesday in the morning and midday before the next cold arrives. It will milder and more muggy Monday and Tuesday before the front arrives.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
It is wine or vino, pronounced VEE-noh. Enjoy the vino but be careful not to drink too much. And never drink and drive.

We continue to work on the work around for selling our English teaching video in countries besides the U.S. We are trying to offer the purchasing instructions in Spanish. Our web site is in Spanish but how can they order if the instructions are in English. Sounds so simple but no vendors offer an automatic setting for this. Will let you know when we get it worked out.

In the meantime, for all of our English speaking friends who would like to give the gift of Spanish language learning to their little ones, check out our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. You can order your copies today from our web site, www.frankandpaco.com, and you will get shipping within 24 hours. You can also order Let's Learn Spanish with Frank and Paco from www.venturaes.com, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/.

AND MORE
Had fun at a wine tasting party last night at the home and Doris and Roy Hood. Wayne Baggett brought wine he had made using grapes he grew himself...delicious. He is a meteorologist but he got a degree in wine making by attending a college program on weekends for 2 years. Wow! I was amused by a little contest they had to see how people would vote their preference for 2 wines--one was expensive and one was not. Both were covered so you couldn't see the label. Well, at first the low budget wine was winning but at the end of the evening the more expensive wine pulled ahead in the voting. The total was very close. Interesting!!! Maybe agonizing over the expense isn't so important. Maybe you can get away with a less expensive wine sometimes.

Don't forget to participate in our new poll about what makes you happiest during the holidays!

Have wonderful week everyone and enjoy the weather.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Weather/Paypal Limitation/Poll Results/New Poll

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Highs on Saturday will only be in the single digits around International Falls. Highs around the Great Lakes will be in the teens and 20s. There will be snow showers around the Great states. winter weather advisories are in effect around the edges of the Great Lakes and in upstate New York and the northern Rockies. There will be rain showers in Seattle.

The sun will be back out in Houston on Saturday. On Friday many locations did not get out of the 40s. Saturday, highs will reach the low 60s and morning lows in the 30s (light freeze for outlying areas). Temperatures will be slightly warmer on Sunday. Look for some thunderstorms Tuesday as the next cold front approaches.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Yesterday we did hot chocolate or chocolate caliente. Well, Sarah said we forgot the marshmallows. So, our word today is marshmallow or dulce de consistencia blanda, pronounced DOOL-say day cohn-sees-tehn-SEE-ah BLAHN-dah. I love dulces de consistencia blanda in my hot chocolate.

We are definitely seeing an increase in the sales of our award winning language DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. People know that language learning tools are wonderful gifts for youngsters. Don't worry...we're keeping up!!! So, order your copies today from our web site, www.frankandpaco.com, and you will get shipping within 24 hours. You can also order Let's Learn Spanish with Frank and Paco from www.venturaes.com, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/.

By the way, we are seeing a lot of interest in our English teaching DVD for Spanish speakers. But here is something frustrating. I am trying to get Paypal to give us a tool so that they can see their ordering instructions in Spanish. Our web site for the Spanish customers is completely in Spanish, but when they go to check out, they see all of the instructions in English. Well, believe it or not, the only way to get this is if I am from a Spanish speaking country (setting up an account with a foreign address). So, the customer service person said they would add that to the list of wanted changes.

Well, I just can't believe they don't support that. So, I did some research and guess what...there don't appear to be any gateway providers that support Spanish checkout. There are plenty for other countries (like Europe, Russia, China). I did see a lot of posts from frustrated computer programmers who were trying to resolve this same problem.

Anyway, we are probably going to do a work around using yahoo business. I'll let you know how that goes.

AND MORE
Our poll about the aggressiveness of shoppers is now closed. (the poll was inspired by reports about tramplings etc.) The results are 40% thought they were just desperate to get a good deal, 40% thought they were caught up in the moment, 20% thought they had forgotten the true meaning of the holidays and 60% thought they were just plain mean and selfish. Please note that respondents were allowed multiple answers (thus the percentages DID NOT add up to 100%).

Our new poll asked what gives you the most happiness during the holidays. Don't forget to share your answer.

Gordy and I saw the most hilarious thing this morning as we were taking our walk. We saw a man with dreadlocks on a motorcycle. He had an incredibly loud stereo and he was bouncing on his seat and dancing. Then as we got closer, we realized he had on a cap that had the dreadlocks. And he was laughing and laughing. Everyone was cracking up. I wonder if that was a one time thing or he does it all the time. And just where do you buy such a cap.

Have a great weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Cold Weather/FortBendNow/Groundhog Day Gala

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
It was delightfully chilly today in the Houston area...at least I thought so. But brrrrrrrrr, they have to be shivering in North Dakota, Minnesota and the Great Lakes states--highs there on Friday will be in the teens and 20s. There are various winter weather advisories for Michigan and upstate New York as well as the Rockies of Colorado.

On Friday look for some snow around the Great Lakes and northeast and some rain in Florida.

It will be another chilly day in Houston with lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s. The weekend looks very nice...lows in the 30s Saturday and 40s Sunday and highs both days in the 60s. There will be a light freeze for outlying areas early Friday and early Saturday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
I know I've done chocolate before, but Sarah just suggested hot chocolate and how perfect is that on a day like today--so we are doing hot chocolate or chocolate caliente, pronounced choh-coh-LAH-tay cah-lee-EHN-tay. There is nothing like chocolate caliente when it is chilly outside.

You just can't do enough for the minds of our youngsters. I gave a talk to the 2nd graders at a local elementary today and their minds are just amazing sponges. Early language learning is especially easy for young ones. So give them the gift of language while they are so ready for it. Order our double award winning spanish teaching DVD from our web site, www.frankandpaco.com, and you will get shipping within 24 hours. You can also order Let's Learn Spanish with Frank and Paco from www.venturaes.com, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/.

AND MORE
Check out http://fortbendnow.com/Friday. They will have a story about the talk I gave today. They have been in business since about 2001 and they have about 11 editors. I had the pleasure of meeting John Pape, one of their wonderful mobile reporters. Just so you know, his name is pronounced pahhhh(like you are saying ahhhh at the doctor's office)-pee--it's German. He said he gets all kinds of interesting pronunciations. Well, now we set the record straight. I'm doing a story on a story. Tee hee!!! Be sure to check out his article!!!

Had a board meeting of The Weather Museum today--we are gearing up for the Groundhog Day gala on February 2nd at The Houston zoo. Bill Read, National Hurricane Director, Mayor Bill White, and Judge Ed Emmett will be honorees. I will have more on this in coming weeks. Dr. Neil Frank is one of the chairs. There are still seats and tables available. Hurry and get your's (get your company to get a table). It is going to be quite the event!!! Go to http://wxresearch.org/ for more information.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Chilly Forecast/New Web Site for Spanish Immersion

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Brrrrrrrr!!!! I am so glad not to be in North Dakota or Minnesota where many locations will not get out of the low teens on Thursday. Look for snow over the Great Lakes States and the upper midwest and parts of Colorado and Wyoming over the next 24 hours. Winter weather advisories are in effect in these areas and there is a winter storm warning for northern Michigan.

It is going to be much cooler in the Houston area on Thursday--lows in the 40s and highs in the 50s with windy conditions. Another chilly day is on the way for Friday with warmer afternoons over the weekend. Next cold front arrives on Tuesday.

Line of showers (and a few thunderstorms) are moving through the area right now...cold front is almost to Houston as I write this blog.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Today's word is shipping or envío, pronounced ehn-VEE-oh. Note that the v is kind of a v along with a b sound at the same time. Try to say both letters at once...kind of weird I know. I often have to use envío by mail.

And if you order our double award winning spanish teaching DVD from our web site, www.frankandpaco.com, you will get shipping within 24 hours. You can also order Let's Learn Spanish with Frank and Paco from www.venturaes.com, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/.

AND MORE
We finally got our Spanish web site fully operational. This site sells our English teaching DVD (for Spanish speakers). It is called Aprendamos Inglés con Frank y Paco. You can check it out at frankypaco.com. We have Spanish clips and everything on there. You can immerse yourself fully in Spanish, when you go to that web site.

I set up the international shipping for Aprendamos Inglés con Frank y Paco. It was amazing how complicated that was...but hey, I'm on the learning curve. I was amazed at how many people in other countries were searching for the term, Aprendamos Inglés, which means Learn English. There really are opportunities in the global market.

Stay warm tomorrow!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Coldest Air Yet Coming/Meeting About Hurricane Ike Recovery Efforts

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
The coldest air so far this season is bringing a big chill for the northern states...on Wednesday look for highs only in the teens in Montana, North Dakota and Minnesota. There will also be snow including a mix of snow and rain as far south as Kansas City. Winter Weather Advisories are in effect from Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin.

After a cool morning, Houston will be mild on Wednesday. But a cold front (with a line of storms) will arrive late Wednesday. Then, get ready for several chilly days with highs only in the 50s.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Today's word is meeting or reunión, pronounced ray-u-knee-OWN. There will be an important Ike related reunión on Wednesday.

Time to get those last holiday gifts ordered. Be sure to order all the copies you need of our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank and Paco. It is a top 10 educational product winner from Dr. Toy and a top 15 educational product winner from Homeschool.com. Remember that early language learning actually improves brain development! You can't go wrong with a gift that helps with that. You can get it from our web site, www.frankandpaco.com or from www.venturaes.com, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/.

AND MORE
Lew Fincher, my good friend from Hurricane Consulting, sent me this announcement about a meeting to be held on Wednesday, December 3rd at 10 am in League City. If you have any concerns about the Hurricane Ike recovery/assistance, you can complain there.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION. State lawmakers to talk about hurricane recovery By<http://galvestondailynews.com/contact.lasso?ewcd=d3b50f42b8a6ebaa14db3521c8>

Rhiannon Meyers The Daily News Published December 2, 2008 LEAGUE CITY - Lawmakers are expected to talk about Hurricane Ike's effectson the Gulf Coast and the efforts to recover at a joint meeting of twolegislative committees Wednesday in League City. A 13-member House committee is charged with reviewing governmental responseto the Sept. 13 hurricane, which roared ashore at Galveston and damaged muchof the state's upper Gulf Coast. The committee will meet next week in Orangeand in Galveston in January before presenting a report to the TexasLegislature, which meets in January. The committee, along with a Senate Subcommittee on Flooding and Evacuations,will hear testimony from local and state officials. At the committees' meeting on Nov. 10 in Houston, state and federallawmakers complained the Federal Emergency Management Agency had notprovided enough money for disaster recovery and had been slow in conductinginspections and providing housing to hurricane victims. Although much of that testimony was about Harris County, lawmakers and thechief of the state's emergency management office testified aboutshortcomings in the Federal Emergency Management Agency's response all alongthe Gulf Coast. +++

At A Glance WHAT: House Select Committee on Hurricane Ike Storm Devastation
WHEN: 10 a.m. Wednesday
WHERE: Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center, 400 W. Walker St., League City
DETAILS: The public is invited to attend and will be allowed to testifyfollowing invited testimony. Those expected to testify at Wednesday's House Select committee on HurricaneIke Storm Devastation meeting at the Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center, 400 W.Walker St., in League City include: . Jack Colley, chief of the Governor's Division of Emergency Management . Jerry Patterson, commissioner, General Land Office . Lyda Ann Thomas, mayor of Galveston . Steve LeBlanc, city manager of Galveston . Jim Yarbrough, Galveston County judge . Vic Pierson, mayor of Jamaica Beach . Toni Randall, mayor of League City . Norman Desormeaux, director of finance for Bayou Vista . Vern Johnson, mayor of Clear Lake Shores . Todd Zacherl, fire chief and emergency management coordinator of La Marque . David Callender, president of The University of Texas Medical Branch . Kenneth Shine, acting chancellor of The University of Texas System . Mike Gerber, executive director of the Texas Department of Housing andCommunity Affairs . Tom Standish, president of CenterPoint Energy . Lynne Cleveland, superintendent of Galveston public schools . Greg Smith, superintendent of Clear Creek public schools . Myles Shelton, president of Galveston College . Tim Kidwell of American Red Cross . Maj. James Taylor, disaster director of The Salvation Army . Arden Stone, director of development for Interfaith Caring Ministries

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Forecast/Toy Drive/Walmart Appraisal

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Snow advisories are in effect for northern Ohio and New York--due to Lake Effect snows. There are also winter weather advisories for eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.

Tuesday will be very cold along the northern tier of states from Montana eastward--highs in the 20s with snow. There will be some rain in the southeast.

Houston will enjoy another pleasantly cool day. It will be a cold morning--starting out in the 30s. Outlying areas could have a brief freeze early. Milder weather is on the way for Wednesday. There should be some showers late Wednesday as the next cold front arrives.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
The word is gift or regalo, pronounced ray-GAH-low. It is the season of regalo giving.

And gift giving is easy, appreciated and just perfect when you give our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank and Paco. It is a top 10 educational product winner from Dr. Toy and a top 15 educational product winner from Homeschool.com. You can get it from our web site, www.frankandpaco.com or from www.venturaes.com, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/.

AND MORE
Sarah and I headed to Walmart to get a little girl's gift for the St. Laurence Wish Upon a Star drive. I think they still need a lot more gift givers...so if you are feeling generous, please give them a call 281-980-9812 or http://www.stlaurenceparish.com/index.cfm?load=page&page=21 and then open the latest bulletin and go to page 11. Every person should get a gift at Christmas. For some of these recipients, these are the only gifts they receive.

Speaking of Walmart, they were super busy as usual. But, we didn't have to wait long to check out...lots of checkout lanes open. They really do have great prices. I stocked up on non-perishable items. My suggestion to them is to get bigger carts (or at least have some available). It took 2 carts to get to my car. And they don't offer any help. I was pushing Sarah with a loaded cart and pulling another loaded cart. Yikes!

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Forecast/Hurricane Season Commentary/DVD wins another award

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Today is the last day of the 2008 hurricane season. Hurricane Season begins again on June 1, 2009. By the way, storms can develop in months outside of the 6 months (from June 1st through November 30th), but it is very rare.

A few weeks ago, I had a good time teasing our new Hurricane Director, Bill Read, that he is the reason it was so busy. In fact, six storms in a row hit the U.S.--Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gustav, Hanna, and Ike. And five of those hit the Gulf coast. All together, there were 8 hurricanes--five of those became major (Category 3 or higher). An average year has only 6 hurricanes with 2 becoming major.

There has been a lot of discussion about whether the use of the Saffir-Simpson scale (for hurricane ratings) should be revisited. What most people don't realize is that the scale also has columns for pressure and storm surge. If you look at the pressure, Ike was a Category 3. If you look at the storm surge, Ike was a Category 4. I'm talking about when it made landfall. Officially, it goes down as a Category 2 hurricane at landfall because the winds were 100 mph. And as you remember, it was a Category 2 for quite a while before it made landfall. Since the surge is what did the most damage, many critics are saying that most people did not realize the impact would be that of a Category 4 storm.

Of course, we can see in hindsight that the storm had a Category 4 storm surge. But, what I would suggest is that we use the storm surge levels predicted by the models and talk about the Saffir-Simpson category that corresponds to its forecasted impact at landfall--whether it be by wind or storm surge.

Bill Read was quoted in the Houston Chronicle today as being concerned about just doing away with the Saffir-Simpson scale since most people are used to it. According to the article, Gene Hafele, long time colleague of Bill Read and now the Meteorologist in Charge at the Houston/Galveston National Weather Service, would like to see the rating system changed. So stay tuned. And, I'll let you know if any changes are implemented.

Case in point--the Fujita-Pearson scale was revised to the Enhanced Fujita scale--the new scale more realistically correlates the amount of damage wrought by certain ranges of wind speed.

You thought it was windy in Houston today, it was even windier to the north of us. In fact there are several almost entire states with wind advisories. There is a threat of tornadoes this evening over the Florida panhandle.

Winter storm warnings/advisories/watches are in effect for parts of the Great Lakes states and northeast, the Appalachians, and the Rockies in Montana. It is very cold in the western Great Lakes states--highs there on Monday will be in the teens and 20s.

It is chilly in the Houston area and it will be in the 40s (maybe some upper 30s in outlying areas) early Monday. Still lots of sunshine but also breezy with highs only in the low 60s. So bundle up the kids before they head back to school. Tuesday will start cold--in the 30s and highs will be in the 70s. Looks for some showers Wednesday and possibly Thursday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
It is the end or el extremo, pronounced l x-TRAY-moh. Thank goodness, it is el extremo of the 2008 Hurricane Season.

We are super excited to announce that Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco has won another award--Top 15 Educational Product of 2008 from Homeschool.com--the largest homeschool Internet supply web site. Check out this congratulatory note:

Congratulations! Your product, Let’s Learn Spanish with Frank and Paco, has been selected as one of Homeschool.com’s Top 15 Educational Gifts of 2008. This means your product will be listed in Homeschool.com’s Gift Guide article next week, which will go out to our 75,000 opt-in subscribers. This article will also appear on the Homeschool.com homepage for a full year under the Articles headline and will be added to the Article Archives section of the Homeschool.com website indefinitely. You are to be commended on the quality and usefulness of your product, as well as its educational value.

So, now you really know which gift to purchase for the little ones on your list: our double award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank and Paco. You can get it from our web site, www.frankandpaco.com or from www.venturaes.com, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/.

AND MORE
I don't have much else or time to write this evening as Sarah is anxious for my attention. She wants you to know that she loves chocolate.

Now, that's a sweet thought.

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Forecast/Poll Results/New Poll

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Line of thunderstorms will push across the southeast U.S. through Sunday. There is a slight risk of severe storms (those producing large hail, high winds and/or tornadoes) in the panhandle of Florida and southern Georgia/Alabama today. Look for thunderstorms from the east coast all the way down to the northern Gulf coast today and storms in Florida on Friday.

Elsewhere, there are winter weather advisories in effect for the mountains of Colorado today.

Houston, the mugginess is gone. I was putting up Christmas lights late Friday and sweating--oh should I say more delicately, perspiring. We had the a/c on and everything. Well, we are back to comfortably cool mornings in the 40s and highs in the 60s for the next 2 days. Look for some lows in the 30s on Monday morning. Humidity will be low and there will be sunshine. So enjoy! Next chance for rain in Houston is around Thursday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
It is shopping or compra, pronounced cohm-PRAH. Compra is just crazy right after Thanksgiving.

So you still have some youngsters to buy for--here's something affordable and beneficial. Order our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank and Paco. You can get it from our web site, www.frankandpaco.com or from www.venturaes.com, www.dololanguages.com, www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/.

By the way, if you want to really work on your Spanish, go to our web site, frankypaco.com. We are still getting the Spanish videos in place, but you can read everything in Spanish.

AND MORE
Our shopping poll has closed--55% of you are planning to spend less this holiday season than you did last year. 44% of you are planning to spend about the same amount. None of you are planning to spend more.

Our new poll was inspired by the shopping frenzy on Friday. Why do you think people have gotten so aggressive about shopping for deals?

Gas prices continue to fall--my friend Dave Gorham said he saw 125 at Highway 3 and Bay Area Blvd., but he thinks it was some kind of promotional deal because the station across the street was charging 165.

Well I saw Dave Schwarz on the Weather Channel on Friday. So, I went to weather.com and there was Cheryl Lemke right at the front with a recorded weathercast. And she, Dave, Eboni are still on the talent page. Maybe they are giving them some time before termination.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman