HurricanesSpanishandMore

Drought Outlook/Is It Okay to Wear Blue Jean Shorts?

2011-08-14T14:59:00.005-05:00

WEATHER

Hey everyone--well a good buddy of mine sent me an email recently and said "come on girl, get your head back in the game". The truth is that I am constantly looking at the weather...but I have just been very busy with my new full time job/life in Austin. One neat thing is that I am handling my brother's social media business page in Facebook and 'also his Twitter account. I will frequently post concise weather updates as his "meteorologist mortgage partner". So, if you ever want to see any of those go to Facebook and look for Sam Whitworth with Guaranty Mortgage.

I see things all the time which I would like to share with you. Know that I miss posting here so much and as I said before, I'll do the best I can to post when I can.

I've had a lot of guilt about this and one friend of mine who is a mom of special needs child told me not to be so hard on myself--we have a very good reason to be busy "elsewhere".

Anyway, I've really been watching the tropics--especially with the worst drought ever in Texas--looking for some tropical rains! Dr. Jeff Masters of The Tropical Weather Underground recently pointed out that more than 75% of Texas is in the Exceptional drought category. That is the worst possible category! I have more on the drought situation in my AND MORE section.

In the tropics, as I write this post, within the last hour or so, the National Hurricane Center announced that Tropical Depression #7 has become Tropical Storm Gert. This storm will bring rain and gusty winds to Bermuda tonight. About a day's travel to the southeast is another area of disturbed weather which The National Hurricane Center says has only a 30% chance of developing. Over the next day or so, the only threat to land from both of these systems is to Bermuda.

There was another area of disturbed weather in the eastern Atlantic. But it fell apart. I'll keep watching to see if there will be any redevelopment as that area had the best chance of threatening the mainland U.S. eventually.

For those of you in Austin...we finally dropped below 100 on Saturday (yesterday)...the high was only 97. It was cloudy almost all day with some high cloudy outflow from decaying storms to the north. I took Sarah to the pool and I actually caught a chill a couple times. Brrrrr....

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY

Let's do drought or sequía, pronounced say-KWEE-ah. This sequía is beyond dry, it's just downright pitiful. To learn about the drought, go to the AND MORE section.

We now have available Volumes 1, 2, and 3 of our DVD education videos for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco as well as the CD of the music from Volume 1 through 3 on our web site, www.frankandpaco.com. Buy volumes 1 through 3 and get the music CD free. We call it the bundle.

You can also find this award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com. P.S. THEY MAKE TERRIFIC GIFTS!!!

AND MORE
Prayer Request
Please pray for my mother-in-law, Mary Ann. She was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma and it came over her in the span of 2 to 3 weeks. She has been such an amazing woman...raising 5 fantastic children and worked as the Director of Religious Education at her church. It is very difficult to see someone so full of life and vigor become so weak. I am praying for her to not lose heart and for the strength of all of her family who are working so hard to get her through her illness and treatment.

Drought Update and Outlook
I have posted the most recent drought update and outlook. First, some good news for New Mexico and part of the southeast as some improvement is expected through October 31st. For Texas, however, only persistence is expected during this time period.

3 Month Temperatures and Precipitation Outlooks
I have also posted the 3 month temperature and precipitation outlooks. For most of the south above normal temperatures are expected, while above normal precipitation is expected for the northern plains.

Is it Wrong to Wear Blue Jean Shorts
My brother recently informed my husband that it is not cool to wear blue jean shorts. Then, shortly after that, we saw a billboard in Austin which said "It is Never Okay to Wear Blue Jean Shorts". And yet, when I was shopping recently, I saw blue jean shorts on the sales rack. What do you think? Please answer my latest poll about this very important matter. Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

My poll about paying attention to hurricane season this year compared to last year is closed. 40% of respondents said they are are (60% said they aren't). Thanks to all who participated.

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

2011 Hurricane Season/Black Cat Sighting/Sonic Skaters

2011-06-01T06:57:00.005-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER

Hi again everyone! It has been nearly 3 months since I last posted. We moved into our new home on March 25th and between all of that, new job and lots of family events, I have not been able to carve out any time to blog. But I have thought of things I want to share a million times.

Of course today is very important as it marks the beginning of the 2011 Hurricane Season for the Atlantic basic (Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico). As we kick it off, the Atlantic basin has a small area of low pressure just off the coast of the Carolinas. See figure at right. According to the National Hurricane Center, this area only has a 10% chance of developing as it drifts westward into land over the next day or so.

For a complete discussion of the forecast for this hurricane season, see my AND MORE section.

Weather wise, there is a slight risk for severe storms for west Texas and extreme eastern New Mexico. There is also a slight risk for eastern Michigan.

Houston and Austin will continue on the dry side through the week with and increased chance for rain late in the weekend and early in the coming week. Houston has a better chance for thunderstorms, but Austin has at least a chance. Lows will be in the low 70s with highs primarily in the low 90s. Austin hit a record high of 100 early last week. Hopefully, this is not a sign of things to come this summer. See the AND MORE section for a discussion of the Climate Prediction Center's 3 months outlooks.

For the next few days, there will be some troughiness out west and that will allow rain for parts of the west. Just a few days ago, my sister sent me a photo of her kids playing in the new snow in the Lake Tahoe area. They have had a ridiculous number of snow days and the kids will be going school at least until mid June.

The Midwest has been unusually cold and as we know wet. At my nephew's graduation celebration a week ago Friday in Council Bluffs, Iowa it was in the 50s and windy.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY

Let's go with vacation or de vacaciones , pronounced day vah-cah-see-OWN-ehs. Woohoo, it is time for de vacaciones. Be safe and have fun!

We have released our Volume 3 DVD and Volumes 1 through 3 music review CD for Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. We have a special at our web site. Buy the bundle--Volumes 1 through 3 and get the music review CD for FREE!!! To take advantage of that offer, go to our web site:

http://www.frankandpaco.com

You can also find my award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volumes 1 and 2, on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com. P.S. THEY MAKE TERRIFIC GIFTS!!!

AND MORE
Summary
There are several forecasts for the 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season. To summarize, all three of my favorites are forecasting an above normal hurricane season. The main reason for this is that the water temperatures are still running above normal, we continue in a multi-decadal pattern of above normal activity and even though the La Nina episode is winding down, the effect of it (which is reduced wind shear in the Atlantic basic) is expected to linger through the summer.

National Hurricane Center 2011 Hurricane Forecast
The following was copied directly from the National Hurricane Center's web site. Special shout-out to my friend Bill Read, director of the National Hurricane Center. I am so proud of you and wish you all the best this season.

Across the entire Atlantic Basin for the six-month season, which begins June 1, NOAA is predicting the following ranges this year:

•12 to 18 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which:

•6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including:

•3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher)
Each of these ranges has a 70 percent likelihood, and indicate that activity will exceed the seasonal average of 11 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

“The United States was fortunate last year. Winds steered most of the season’s tropical storms and all hurricanes away from our coastlines,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “However we can’t count on luck to get us through this season. We need to be prepared, especially with this above-normal outlook.”

2011 Hurricane Season Forecast from the Weather Research Center

The following are the chances for a tropical storm to strike these locations (first number) and the average chance of same is the 2nd number.

Texas 70% 51%
Mexico 40% 40%
Louisiana to Alabama 90% 59%
West Florida 90% 71%
East Florida 60% 41%
Georgia to N. Carolina 70% 56%
East Coast of U.S. 30% 36%

The figure at right shows the areas with highest strike probability in red.

And here is their forecast for the total number of storms.
Number of Named Storms 10
Number Intensifying into Hurricanes 6

Dr. William Gray's team's 2011 Hurricane Forecast

16 named storms
9 become hurricanes
5 of those develop into major hurricanes.

72% probability that one of those major hurricanes will strike somewhere along the entire U.S. east coast, from Brownsville, Texas to northern Maine

48% chance of a major hurricane striking somewhere along the U.S. east coast

2011 Hurricane Season Names

The World Meteorological Organization puts out lists of names for the Atlantic season in 6 year sets. If a given year produces a particularly bad storm for a given name, then that name is retired and 6 years later a new name is inserted. It has been 6 years since Katrina and Rita--notice the new names in their place--Katia and Rina. Here is the set of names for this year.

Arlene
Bret
Cindy
Don
Emily
Franklin
Gert
Harvey
Irene
Jose
Katia
Lee
Maria
Nate
Ophelia
Philippe
Rina
Sean
Tammy
Vince
Whitney

Climate Prediction Center 3 Month Outlooks - June, July and August
The outlook is above normal temps for the southwest into the southeast and cooler than normal for the Midwest into the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys. The Northwest is expected to have above normal rain chances. See figures at right

Drought Assessment and Outlook
There is exceptional drought right now for much of Texas and New Mexico. The outlook is for some easing of that drought in central and eastern Texas. Keep your fingers crossed.

2nd Annual National Flood Workshop
The Weather Research Center is holding their 2nd annual National Flood Workshop in Houston from February 27th through March 1st in Houston. Abstracts are due in August. I attended the 1st one, and it was outstanding! To learn more, go to:
http://www.wxresearch.com/nfw/

News Other Than Weather Forecasts and Hurricane Season
We are really enjoying living near Brushy Creek north of Austin. The area is full of nature and yet you are very close to modern conveniences. Gordy and I both saw some kind of wild black cat when we were getting the mail. It was not a housecat...being much larger but not as large as what I would consider a mountain lion. It was not a bobcat as it had a long tail. I looked on the Internet and it said that there have never "officially" been any black jaguars in Texas. But we know what we saw. Some neighbors told us there have been news stories about this black cat...I have not looked them up yet, but I will let you know. Bottom line is that there is a lot of wildlife out here. We see deer all the time.

Finally, in case you were wondering about those skaters at Sonic, I did my own little interview recently. The guy told me that at least for their store the manager requires at least one employee to skate per shift. Everyone is expected to be able to skate, but usually the best skater is chosen. All I know is that I would kill myself doing that.

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

3 Month Precipitation/Temperature Outlooks/Poll on Charlie Sheen/We are in Austin

2011-03-05T10:14:00.003-06:00

WEATHER
Sunday will be a wet day for the eastern seaboard from Florida to Massachusetts. Very cold for the northern plains with highs in the single digits. Pleasant for the south central and southwest with low humidity, sunshine and highs in the 60s and 70s and 80s. Look for snow for the Rockies, northern plains into the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes.

Houston and Austin, rain is either coming to an end or has already ended. A windy day today and then pleasant on Sunday with chilly morning temperatures and highs in the 60s and 70s. Some rain possible mainly for Houson middle of the coming week. Next best chance for T-Storms a week from Monday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do toiler paper or papel higiénico, pronounced pah-PELL ee-hee-EHN-ee-coh. Find out where I saw the best papel higiénico dispenser ever in the AND MORE section.

Very excited developments for my DVD Spanish language series...we received our first royalty check from a company called Wonderscape Entertainement--woohoo!

We have released our Volume 3 DVD and Volumes 1 through 3 music review CD for Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. We have a special at our web site. Buy the bundle--Volumes 1 through 3 and get the music review CD for FREE!!! To take advantage of that offer, go to our web site:

http://www.frankandpaco.com

You can also find my award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volumes 1 and 2, on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com. P.S. THEY MAKE TERRIFIC GIFTS!!!

AND MORE
Cecilia is now in Austin
I am now resurfacing after completing (well almost completing) the rigors of a city to city move. We are staying with my sister Liz thanks sis!) in Austin until our house is done being built. We should be getting into it at the end of the month. Her apartment is super nice (much nicer than anything I ever stayed in). It is 2 bedrooms and 2 baths...so we have our own space. We eased into this living arrangement very easily.

Sarah has completed her first week at her new school. She made an amazingly smooth transition and is very happy.

I start my new job on Monday.

This week we finalized the closing of our house in Missouri City. We have been enjoying the Brushy Creek part area which is close to where we will be living. It is an amazing never to be developed area complete with lake, dam and 8 mile running trail. The weather has been amazing.

Overall, the lifestyle seems to be more laid back here and that is nice for us in our old age. Ha! Ha!

Of course we have been eating out, enjoying new restaurants. The picture at right is of an amazing toilet paper dispenser I saw in a restaurant yesterday. What a great design...no more fumbling to find the end of the toilet paper roll...no more mess. Love it! Who know such a simple thing could make my day so much.

We are amazed at how many restaurants, retail stores and especially pharmacies there are around here. Are people sick more often in Austin?

I can tell the air is cleaner. My allergies are almost non-existent (at least at the moment).

I will be working full time. So, I won't promise frequent posts. But I will do what I can as I love to discuss the weather.

Gave my first weather forecast to the general contractor working on our new home. He had to pour some concrete and needed to know when it would rain. I think I nailed it...hope it worked out for him.

New Poll
My poll on whether you enjoyed being off the last dangerous winter weather day is closed. 77% said they did. 0% said they did not. And 22% said they did not get the day off. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is about Charlie Sheen. I will give you my thoughts about his situation after the poll closes as I don't want to skew the answers. Do you think his recent problems will result in a positive impact on people with addictions? Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

3 Month Temperature/Precipitation Forecasts
The March through May temperature from the Climate Prediction Center calls for above normal temperatures for much of the southern half of the country and below normal tempeatures for the Pacific northwest through the western Great Lakes states and for the southern half of Alaska. For precipitation, the outlook is for drier than normal conditions for all of the south and into the central plains and also for coastal Alaska.

Drought-wise, from Arizona to Florida and northward through Virginia there will be persistence to development of drought. Northern Alabama and western Tennessee and Hawaii will experience an improvement in conditions.

This tree is not dead
Our new house has a Gum Bumelia tree. At first we thought it was a dead oak tree, but then we figured out what it was. These kinds of trees are all over around here and there is often mistletoe in the branches. I was interested to read that the sap was often chewed like gum. The attached link says that it is an evergreen but the ones around here have no leaves right now.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/natives/bumelialanuginosa.htm

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Icey roadways possible this afternoon through Thurs. morning

2011-02-09T12:22:00.003-06:00

A dicey situation today, Wed. 2/9 as light freezing rain is falling (as I write this post) at locations as close in to Houston as Tomball.

Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect this afternoon. If you are driving anywhere this afternoon, except the immediate coast, be especially careful about driving over bridges and overpasses. Pay attention as temperatures will continue to drop as cold air filters into the area with a cold front. At the same time, a drying trend will begin with rain/sleet ending area wide by 6 pm.

Problems to watch out for overnight and early Thursday are any locations which have ice remaining. Temperatures will fall into the mid to upper 20s across most of the area tonight.

So, take side roads if needed and if possible, just stay home.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Week's Weather/Winter Storm Photos/Favorite Super Bowl Snack

2011-02-06T14:18:00.008-06:00

WEATHER
Very cold start to the week for the northern plains and Great Lakes with highs near zero in North Dakota and single digits to teens elsewhere in the area. Look for snow around the Great Lakes and southward to Cincinnati. Also some snow showers around Boise Idaho. Some thunderstorms are possible from New Orleans into Florida. Pleasant for California and the southwest with highs in the 60s and 70s (except New Mexico will be in the 30s and 40s). The southeast and southern plains will have highs mainly in the 50s while the Pacific Northwest will have highs in the 40s and the Rockies will be mainly in the 30s. The Northeast will have highs in the 20s and 30s while the East Coast will have highs in the 40s and 50s. The Midwest and Ohio Valley will have highs in the 20s and 30s.

Nice warmup this Sunday in Houston. But a new cold front arrives in a few hours. Might get a sprinkle or too. Today was the first day in 5 days that the low was not in the 20s. Low at Bush IAH airport this morning was a balmy 32. Cooler on Monday. Then a slight warmup Tuesday before another cold front arrives Wednesday into Thursday. Look for some showers on Wednesday. But, it does not look like there will be an ice storm.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do snack or merienda, pronounced mare-ee-EHN-dah. What is your favorite Super Bowl merienda? I love guacomole!

We have released our Volume 3 DVD and Volumes 1 through 3 music review CD for Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. We have a special at our web site. Buy the bundle--Volumes 1 through 3 and get the music review CD for FREE!!! To take advantage of that offer, go to our web site:

http://www.frankandpaco.com

You can also find my award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volumes 1 and 2, on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com. P.S. THEY MAKE TERRIFIC GIFTS!!!

AND MORE
Friday's ice storm in Houston just shows that it doesn't take much ice to make a big mess. Most precipitation amounts in the area were less than 1/10 of an inch. Snow did not materialize around Houston...just too warm aloft. But as we saw, it was plenty cold at the surface to freeze the rain on contact with the ground. Hope you enjoy the photos at right.

My poll on whether you think the economy is rebounding is closed. 50% of you said they think it is. 25% said they don't think it is. And 25% said they are not sure. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is about the recent winter storms that hit much of the nation. Did you enjoy getting a day off from work or school. Or did you get a day off? I realize that many of you may have had several days off. So, please excuse the fact that I said day off instead of day(s) off. Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for particpating.

Hope you enjoyed the Super Bowl. Have a great week everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

What winter weather to expect through Fri. 2/4/11

2011-02-03T10:52:00.005-06:00

Hello everyone -
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for southeast Texas effective from noon today through noon Friday.

The warning means that dangerous winter weather like ice is expected.

I think the timing of the worst of the weather will be from 9 pm tonight through 6 am Friday. Problem is that even if the precpitation stops at 6 am, there will be a lot of icey roads. So, I wouldn't be surprised if there are lots and lots of school and even business cancellations. Conditions should be vastly improved by Friday afternoon.

Snow is possible (several inches), especially for area north of the 59 corridor. But the biggest concern is ice. The 1000-500 mb thicknesses south of the 59 corridor may not ever be low enough for snow production. But, the low level temperatures will be below freezing for a good portion of the area. And, that means that if cold rain falls, it has a good chance of turning into ice, especially for exposed bridges and overpasses.

Be safe everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Storms/Arctic Cold/Snow Houston Area

2011-01-31T18:11:00.003-06:00

Hello all -
Big, big changes coming...

First slight risk for severe storms Tuesday morning.
Lows in 20s for most of Houston area Wed./Thurs/and Fri mornings and highs Wed and Thurs mainly in 30s. Coldest feeling day will be Wed. as it will be quite windy.

Snow possible Thursday pm into Friday morning...will have to keep checking this...but could get an inch or more in Houston area depending on how things come together.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

February through April Temperature and Precipitation Outlooks/The Big Move

2011-01-25T07:25:00.005-06:00

WEATHER
Chilly this Tuesday across the Great Lakes and northeast with highs in the teens and 20s. There will also be snow around northern Minnesota, the Great Lakes and over to Boston. There is a slight risk for severe storms in Florida through the overnight hours.

Houston, the sunshine will return today, but it will be breezy and chilly. Into the weekend, lows will be in the 30s and highs will be in the 60s (starting Wednesday). Look for a light freeze in outlying areas Wed., Thurs. and Fri. mornings. Clouds return Saturday will some rain beginning Saturday night and continuing through Sunday. There will be lingering cloudiness and some rain through the middle of the coming week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do move out or mudarse, pronunced moo-DAHR-say. It is time for us to mudarse of our house. Find out why in the AND MORE section.

We have released our Volume 3 DVD and Volumes 1 through 3 music review CD for Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. We have a special at our web site. Buy the bundle--Volumes 1 through 3 and get the music review CD for FREE!!! To take advantage of that offer, go to our web site:

http://www.frankandpaco.com

You can also find my award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volumes 1 and 2, on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com. P.S. THEY MAKE TERRIFIC GIFTS!!!

AND MORE
New Poll
My new poll is about the economy...do you think it is really getting better? Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Meteorology Meeting in Houston
The Houston Chapter of the American Meteorological Society will have its monthly meeting on Monday, Jan. 31st at Saltgrass Steak House at 20241 Gulf Freeway in Webster. Dinner will be at 6:00 pm and the meeting will be at 7:00 pm. The topic will be "Hurricane Ike and Some Comparisons" presented by Lance Wood, Science and Operations Officer at the National Weather Service.

How to Find Out What It is Like to be a Sheriff
My buddy Leslie Williams, Houston Chronicle writer, sent me this link to one of her recent articles--it's about a program where kids can ride along and find out what it is like to be a sheriff. Here's the link and thanks Leslie!
http://ultimatecyfair.com/stories/228277-residents-invited-to-learn-what-it-s-like-to-be-a-sheriff-s-deputy

New Climate Outlooks and Drought Maps
I have posted at right the latest Feb. through April temperature and precipitation outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center. Much of the south is expected to have above normal temperatures with below normal precipitation. The west coast and western Alaska are supposed to have below normal temperatures. The Rockies and Great Lakes into Ohio Vally are supposed to be wetter than normal.

Drought is expected to persist for much of Texas and southern states. New drought will develop for a part of Nebraska and into northern Texas and westward to Arizona. Drought problems should improve in parts of Hawaii.

3rd Annual Groundhog Gala at Rice Hotel Feb. 2, 2011
It's almost time for the 3rd annual Groundhog Gala which will be held again at the Rice Hotel's crystal ballroom this Feb. 2nd. There is expected to be a huge crowd this year. So, it will be quite the event!

I'm Moving to Austin and Some Observations and Tips
My husband recently took early retirement. Congratulations Gordy!!! As he takes over a lot of our duties with Sarah, I have taken a full time position with Guaranty Bank. My brother is actually the one who pulled me in...I will be his Production Partner to get mortgages processed. Much of his business is through the Austin/San Antonio corridor and he has been super busy. I think it is because that is one of the economically healthier places in the country and a lot of people are moving there for that reason. Once we are settled, then Gordy is going to begin one of the new ventures he has been considering. BTW, if you know someone who loves variety and has good people and computer skills, they are looking to replace me. So let me know!

Being employed in the business sector is a natural for me. I am hoping that I will get to use some of what I learned from my MBA program. I have also worked in the business sector before--accounting firm, banking, and most recently as a law clerk. By the way, I want to thank my dear friend Marilyn for letting me work part time at Griffin and Griffin law firm. That has been a super fun job and I have learned so much!!! Gordy and I are very grateful for these last 2 years.

So, you can imagine that we have been very busy with trying to sell our house. And, it looks like we finally have. We have also purchased a home in the Austin area.

Our realtor, Susan Greer, with Coldwell Bankers has been phenomenal. She always uses a stager. So, after we thoroughly decluttered, the stager came in and made our house look like a model home. Gordy was amazing with painting and fixing up the house. It really did look brand new.

In the process of decluttering/staging, I learned the following:
-I took 7 large boxes of clothing out of our master closet. Neither Gordy nor I missed a thing. Obviously we had way more than we needed.
-We decided to move our bathing operations to a smaller secondary bath and leave the master bath clean and neat...this proved quite valuable when we were having to clean up and get out within 30 minutes
-Get some new range top burner trays and put those in for showings and use your old ones when cooking. It was an amazing face lift for the range top...looked brand new. When we did take the time to cook, I just put the old ones back in. That way I didn't have to worry about messing up. After dinner and dishes, I just popped the new ones back in.
-Eat dinner together at a table with the TV off. We had gotten into a terrible habit of eating in front of the TV. What a blessing it was to be forced to eat at the table. We sat and visited and rediscovered each other as a family. We have decided to keep this up after we move.

So, my dear friends, I am going to be very busy. But I will try to post as often as possible. I will also keep my ties with the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association. I will always love meteorology.

Have a great week!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Heavy Rain Threat/Winter Weather/New Year's Resolutions

2011-01-08T08:36:00.003-06:00

WEATHER

Good morning everyone! Sorry to be such a stranger, but we are in the middle of trying to sell our house, and between that, work, business and just life, I am struggling to keep up.

Big weather story for southeast Texas is the heavy rain expected overnight tonight and early Sunday and the potential for wintry weather (sleet/freezing rain/snow) for areas well north of Houston tonight and Sunday and then the slight possibility of some sleet/snow for Houston area mid-week.

A cold front is already affecting the Houston area and as an upper storm approaches today, skies will turn cloudy by late afternoon. Overnight and through early afternoon Sunday, there could be some very heavy rain (2 to 3 inches) and there is a slight possibility of some tornadoes due to turning in the atmosphere. There is not a tornado watch issued as I write this post, but just be aware that might be a possiblity. The biggest threat is the heavy rain which according to the National Weather Service, could cause some minor flooding. If you plan to drive north into northeast Texas (on I45 or Highway 59), be aware that you could run into some icey roads and nasty travel conditions. If you are driving up there during the day tomorrow, conditions should improve, but you might see some snow flurries as far south as Huntsville.

The other big story is the dramatic change in temperature. Highs on Sunday will not get out of the 40s and I think it is possible that much of the area will stay in the 30s. It is also going to be very windy and there could be some coastal flooding due to high surf. Monday, there will likely be some sunshine and slightly warmer conditions but then a reinforcing shot of cold air will bring temperatures back down for the rest of the week and there will be some persistent cloudiness mid-week into the end of the week with a slight chance of precipitation Wed/Thurs. With temperatures being so cold, I won't rule out some snow flurries mid-week, but the air will be very dry. So, anything that falls will likely evaporate before you even see it. But I will keep and eye on those developments.

So, to sum it up:
Overnight and into early Sunday, heavy rain and flooding for Houston and surrounding areas
Wintry travel weather north of Houston tonight and even Sunday as far south as College Station to Huntsville to Livingston

AND MORE
Just a quick mention that our New Year's Resolutions poll is closed. 0% said they kept their resolutions for an entire year. 16% said they kept for a few months. 16% said they kept for a few weeks. 0% said they kept for a few days. 16% said they kept for one day. And, 50% said they never start. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

I'll try to have a new poll on my next poll.

Have a safe weekend everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

New Year's Eve forecast/New Year's Resolutions

2010-12-29T21:54:00.003-06:00

A quick post this evening to let you know that the heavy rain for the Houston area is over. There is only a slight chance for showers on Thursday. On New Year's Eve, there will be some thunderstorms during the day as the next cold front approaches. There will mild weather until the front passes...then a cold front arrives by New Year's eve evening. The rain should be over in time for going out on New Year's Eve evening. Take a jacket because by midnight, temperatures will be in the 50s. New Year's Day will be dry and cool. For several days, lows will be in the 40s and highs in the 50s and 60s into the middle of the coming week.

Next rain for Houston will come in the middle of the coming week.

For nation, trough out west will be in place for the next week or so...that means it will be chilly over the Rockies and northern plains and much of the west for the next week or so. The northeast will also have rounds of cold weather. Thursday, there will be snow over the northern Rockies and northern plains. DC/New York/NJ will have highs in the 30s and 40s and no snow.

My poll on when Christmas gifts are opened is closed. I think I accidentally allowed more than one answer because the percentages added up to more than 100. 74% said they open all gifts on Christmas Day, 28% said they open on Christmas Eve and 14% said they open at all different times. No one said they don't open Christmas gifts, open over the 12 days of Christmas or a little each day until Christmas.

My new poll is about New Year's Resolutions. How long do you usually keep your's or do you even get started.

Happy New Year everyone!!!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

A Wet Christmas Eve for Houston

2010-12-23T22:40:00.003-06:00

Just a quick note this evening to let you know that there will be some storms--looks like from 5 pm to around 2 am Christmas morning. There could even be some thunderstorms in the mix. However, National Weather Service is not predicting severe storms. If you plan to go to church services Friday evening, take your umbrella...for Christmas morning, take a coat.

Much colder and windy on Saturday, Christmas Day--highs may not break 50. Sun should come out in the afternoon. Then chilly but not windy on Sunday with freezing outlying areas early Sunday morning. Also expect freezing for outlying areas early on Monday.

Expect rain to return mid-week with milder temperatures.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Christmas Week Forecast/Weather Travel Trouble Spots/Winter Begins

2010-12-18T07:30:00.004-06:00

WEATHER
This weekend, the coldest air will be over the northern states. Highs will be in the teens for the northern plains and twenties for the Great Lakes and much of New England. Today (Saturday) look for snow over the Sierra Nevada and Intermountain Region as well as over the Great Lakes. On Sunday, there will be snow over Sierra Nevada into the Rockies.

Worst travel days this coming week will be over southern California, the Southwest and southern Rockies on Tuesday and Wednesday and and over the Ohio Valley on Christmas Eve into New York early on Christmas.

Houston, the weather this week will be very pleasant. Lows will be in the 40s and 30s for most of the week and highs will be in the 50s into the 70s. Another shot of cool air will arrive for Christmas Day making the lows in the 40s and highs in the 50s. Rain chances through the coming weekend are almost nil.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do cold or frio, pronounced FREE-oh. It is going to be very frio in the northern states of the US this week.

Our Volume 3 DVD and Volumes 1 through 3 music review CD have arrived!!! We have 1000 copies of each. Within the next few days, our web site will have these available and if you buy Volumes 1 through 3, you will get the music review CD for free. In the meantime, you can find my award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volumes 1 and 2, on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com. P.S. THEY MAKE TERRIFIC GIFTS!!!

AND MORE
New Poll
My poll on Christmas cards is closed. 100% of respondents said they send their Christmas cards via mail. No one said they send their's by email or combination or not at all. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is about when you open Christmas gifts...Christmas Eve, Christmas Day or some other combination. Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Storm Cheer Special Needs APEX Team Wows Crowds
Sarah's special needs cheerleading team had another exhibition last weekend at the United Cheer competition held at the Merrill Center in Katy, Texas. This was a really big event with competitors coming from as far as Lubbock, Texas. Sarah's team came out and gave a superb performance which prompted a standing ovation. As we looked around we saw tears streaming down the faces of the audience. Everyone was so gracious and so kind. It was truly a wonderful day! Special thanks to Storm Cheer for sponsoring this team! The coaches, Jennifer and Brian, have been particularly awesome!!!

Winter Officially Begins Tuesday Dec. 21st
According to the US Naval Observatory, the Winter Solstice ("shortest day of the year" and official start of Winter) will begin on Tuesday, the 21st at 6:38 pm. From there on, the amount of daylight will increase slightly each day (although early one the change will won't be very apparent).

New 3 Month Outlooks and Drought Outlook
The Climate Prediction Center has put out the January through March outlooks for temperature and precipitation. Looks like the south central US will have above normal temperatures while the west and northwest and Alaska will have below normal temperatures. The Ohio Valley and Northwest will have above normal precipitation with much of the south experiencing below normal precipitation chances. Drought- wise, Texas is developing drought again with either persistence or a worsening of conditions expected. There are many other areas increasing in drought--see figure at right.

Safe travels and Happy Holidays to all of you!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Cold Weather Returning/Very Special Cheerleading Team

2010-12-10T18:23:00.007-06:00

WEATHER
Western ridge/eastern trough pattern continues into early next week. That will keep the really cold air riding up over the northern Rockies into the Midwest and southward to the eastern Gulf coastal states and into the northeast. It means over the weekend places like Montana and Minnesota will have areas where the high never gets above zero or the low single digits. It means snow for the Rockies, Great Lakes and northern New England this weekend. Meanwhile, much of the southwest will and southeast will enjoy mild afternoons.

Pattern starts changing early in the coming week as the western ridge flattens allowing the cold air to move further south--into the following weekend.

Houston, we'll get a glancing blow of colder air via a cold front on the backside of the eastern trough. This means chilly and windy weather for Sunday with some mid 20s lows for areas north of Houston Sunday night into Monday morning. Bottom line, if you don't like it cold, do your running around on Saturday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do team spirit or espíritu de equipo, pronounced ehs-PEE-ree-tu DAY eh-KEE-poh. To ready a beautiful story about espíritu de equipo, go to the AND MORE section.

Our Volume 3 DVD and Volumes 1 through 3 music review CD should be arriving this week. We have ordered 1000 copies of each. In the meantime, you can find my award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volumes 1 and 2, on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com. P.S. THEY MAKE TERRIFIC GIFTS!!!

AND MORE
Storm Cheer Special Needs APEX Gets Standing Ovation at American Spirit Competition
Last Saturday, Sarah was part of a special performance at the American Spirit Cheerleading Competition held at Houston's Astro Arena. Storm Cheer has a special team called Apex, made of up of children with disabilities and volunteer high school cheerleaders. Sarah has a wonderful partner Lauren, who gives up her valuable time one day each week to help Sarah enjoy cheerleading. The team is also coached by Jennifer and Brian at Storm Cheer, whose enthusiasm is tremendously appreciated. The team made everyone proud as they did their sommersaults and pyramids. It was absolutely awesome!!! They have another exhibition this weekend. Go Storm Cheer Apex team!

Have a great weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Long Dry Spell/Recycling hazardous waste/Large Furniture Pickup and Tax Deduction

2010-12-04T21:42:00.004-06:00

WEATHER
We are finished with the Atlantic basin hurricane season as of November 30th. So, until June 1, 2011, the start of the next hurricane season, this section will just be about non-tropical cyclone weather.

The US weather pattern is stuck in a rut with a persistent cold trough over the northeastern US and a part of a smaller trough over the eastern US. This also means that the wet weather will be riding over northern California and then up into the Rockies and through the Midwest and down to the Tennessee Valley and into the eastern seaboard for the next week of so. Just talked to my brother last night. He and his wife Wanda are back up at Mayo doing a followup to her thyroid removal for cancer. He said it was snowing like crazy and it was that really neat dry, powdery snow. Mayo Clinic is in Minnesota. Btw, Wanda is doing very well but is very tired as not being allowed to take hormones right now as part of the treatment. Please keep them in your prayers.

Anyway, it will be very cold over the western Great Lakes states and northeast on Sunday with highs in the teens and 30s. There will be snow over parts of the Great Lakes states. Meanwhile, dry and pleasant across the southwest and southern plains with highs in the 50s to 70s.

Houston, next week will be on the cool side with Sunday through Tuesday highs only in the 50s and lows in the 30s...bundle up Sunday as it will be breezy. Don't look for rain for at least 9 days...very dry pattern in place.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do window blinds or persianas de la ventana, pronounced pair-see-ah-NAHS day lah vehn-TAH-na. Having a problem with your persianas de la ventana. Check the AND MORE section for the name of an excellent repair person.

Spoke to our CD production guy and he said they are printing the graphic inserts for the front covers of our new Volume 3 DVD and soon to be released music review CD. Very soon, we will have 1000 copies of our new Volume 3 DVD and Music CD for Volumes 1, 2 and 3. In the meantime, you can find my award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volumes 1 and 2, on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com. P.S. THEY MAKE TERRIFIC GIFTS!!!

AND MORE
New Poll
My poll on method for gift shopping is closed. 100% of respondents said they are doing most of their shopping by Internet. No one said they were doing most of their shopping in person at stores, making homemade, by catalog or not giving gifts. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is about how you send Christmas or New Year's greetings--or do you do this at all? Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

How to Get Window Blind Strings Repaired
We have lovely wide Levolor window blinds in our home. The problem is that they are fairly heavy and occasionally a string (used to adjust the blinds) breaks. It took me a while to find someone who wanted to work such a small job as fixing a broken string or pulley, but I have a great guy for this. He just fixed up two of our windows. His name is Larry Thomas and he is the owner of City Blind Repair 713-664-0444. Give him a call and get those windows working again!

Get rid of that heavy furniture and get a nice tax deduction
Gordy and I just got rid of a bunch of old furniture. One was a sectional sofa with sleeper sofa on one side. We didn't want to pay to have these carted off and we didn't have a truck we could use to move them. So, I contacted The Salvation Army at 713-869-3551. They will schedule large furniture pickups. If you call, make sure you tell them everything you want picked up. And don't expect to get any computer desks picked up. Apparently, they have had trouble getting rid of those and they end up costing them money to unload. You can also schedule the pickup online by emailing SAtruck.org. In Houston, the furniture is taken to a huge warehouse. There are 20 trucks running every day and they fill them up about twice a day. The proceeds go to Adult Rehabilitation Centers Comman. According to long time employee, David, the books are zeroed out each month. Any profit left over is given to the other efforts of the Salvation Army such as disaster relief.

Side note on the huge computer desk I no longer needed. We put it out with the garbage the night before the weekly large item garbage pickup and within 10 minutes, someone had taken it away. Glad someone found it useful!

Properly dispose of Hazardous Waste
While cleaning out junk in my home, I came across 5 portable DVD player batteries and an empty propane can. All said to dispose of properly and NOT put in the trash. Well Sugar Land and Missouri City had no place for dropping off this kind of waste. So I went to the City of Houston web site and they have 2 hazardous waste disposal centers. One is on the north side and one is at Highway 90 and Post Oak. That location takes waste from 9 am to 3 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday and they also have some Friday hours. It is super easy...you just drive through this long open warehouse. You stop at a designated point and they open your trunk and take the bad stuff away for proper disposal. They also take leftover paint. Certain days of the month they give the public the opportunity to take away any unused paint for personal use.

Here's to getting all those deductions by year end and reusing through recycling!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Thanksgiving Weekend Forecast/La Nina Winter Impact

2010-11-23T22:12:00.003-06:00

WEATHER
The Atlantic basin hurricane season officially ends November 30th and currently Atlantic and Pacific are quiet.

Meanwhile a big winter storm is pushing into the western US and blizzard warnings and winter storm warnings have been issued for the Wasatch and Rocky Mountain ranges. Also, there are winter storm warnings for the Sierra Nevada. This storm system will make its way eastward over the first part of the holiday weekend, bringing some of the coldest temperatures so far this year to much of the country.

On Wednesday, look for winter travel troubles in the Rockies and Wasatch ranges as well as the Sierra Nevada. Also, there is a slight risk for severe storms for eastern Oklahoma, extreme southeastern Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas. Very cold for the northern Rockies and northern plains with highs in the single digits and teens. While it will be very warm across the south and southeast. The northeast will be chilly and windy with highs in the 30s and 40s.

On Thanksgiving Day, look for some snow for the western Great Lakes states and the Lakes into upstate New York. There will be some thunderstorms from Texas into the Ohio Valley.

Tuesday brought record tieing warm to Houston with a high of 85 (last time that warm this date was 1973). Houston will be warm, muggy and breezy on Wednesday through daytime Thursday. Cold front arrives Thursday evening. Look for some thunderstorms Thursday afternoon and evening. Starting out in the 40s on Friday morning...should be a dry and pleasantly cool shopping day--don't forget your jacket. Saturday morning will be coolest morning this season with some locations hitting the freezing mark. Average first freeze for Bush Airport is usually Dec. 1. So, we will be a little early this year. Outlying areas should plan to protect delicate plants on Friday evening. Then, a slight warmup through the weekend--should be really nice. Some showers Monday as next cold front arrives, bringing another drop in temperatures for the coming Tuesday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do thank you or gracias, pronounced grah-SEE-ahs. Don't forget to say gracias for all your many blessings this Thanksgiving Day.

And talk about grateful. I am so glad we have now shipped the master of our DVD and CD to our disk creation partner. In about 2 weeks, we should have 1000 copies of our new Volume 3 DVD and Music CD for Volumes 1, 2 and 3. In the meantime, you can find my award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volumes 1 and 2, on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com. P.S. THEY MAKE TERRIFIC GIFTS!!!

AND MORE
La Nina and Information from Climate Prediction Center
Looks like we are having a moderate to strong La Nina episode this winter. La Nina is in essence the opposite of El Nino. Just like with El Nino, there can be extremes in weather conditions. This winter, the Climate Prediction Center is predicting above normal temperatures for the southern states and south central US with cooler than normal weather for the northwest. It also looks like it will be drier than normal over much of the south and that will aggravate drought conditions or at least cause persistence in drought.

I pulled the following regional impact discussion from the Climate Prediction Center's section on La Nina:

•Pacific Northwest: colder and wetter than average. La Niña often brings lower than average temperatures and increased mountain snow to the Pacific Northwest and western Montana during the winter months, which is good for the replenishment of water resources and winter recreation but can also lead to greater flooding and avalanche concerns;
•Southwest: warmer and drier than average. This will likely exacerbate drought conditions in these areas. All southern states are at risk of having above normal wildfire conditions starting this winter and lasting into the spring;
•Northern Plains: colder and wetter than average. Likely to see increased storminess and flooding;
•Southern Plains, Gulf Coast States & Southeast: warmer and drier than average. This will likely exacerbate drought conditions in these areas. All southern states are at risk of having above normal wildfire conditions starting this winter and lasting into the spring;
•Florida: drier than average, with an equal chance for above-, near-, or below-normal temperatures. Above normal wildfire conditions;
•Ohio and Tennessee Valleys: warmer and wetter than average. Likely to see increased storminess and flooding;
•Northeast and Mid-Atlantic: equal chances for above-, near-, or below-normal temperatures and precipitation. Winter weather for these regions is often driven not by La Niña but by weather patterns over the northern Atlantic Ocean and Arctic. These are often more short-term, and are generally predictable only a week or so in advance. If enough cold air and moisture are in place, areas north of the Ohio Valley and into the Northeast could see above-average snow;
•Central U.S.: equal chances of above-near-or below normal temperatures and precipitation;
•Hawaii: drier than normal through November, then wetter than normal December through February. Statewide, the current drought is expected to continue through the winter, with several locations remaining on track to become the driest year on record. Drought recovery is more likely on the smaller islands of Kauai and Molokai, and over the windward slopes of the Big Island and Maui;
•Alaska: odds favor colder than average temperatures with equal chances of above or below normal precipitation. The interior and southern portions of the state are currently drier than normal. A dry winter may set Alaska up for a greater chance of above normal wildfire conditions in the spring.

November 17th Has Been Designated Smith-Magenis Syndrome Awareness Day
Smith-Magenis Syndrome is an underdiagnosed syndrome characterized by a micro-deletion on the 17th chromosome or an RAI1 gene mutation on the 17th chromosome. My daughter, Sarah, has this syndrome. And because we were able to get this diagnosed early, we were able to find out about a serious ureter condition which might have led to the destruction of her kidneys. Early diagnosis prevented this dangerous development and we are so grateful. Of course there is much, much more to know about this syndrome...not only physical concerns but behavioral and cognitive as well. If you know someone who is dealing with a child who has been undiagnosed and possibly given a broad spectrum label like PDD or autism or as a baby has been thought to have Down Syndrome, please have them check out the following web site:
http://prisms.org/start.htm

November is National Adoption Month
Adoption is a loving choice and I can tell you first hand, its is the most worthwhile and joyful thing I have ever done. When I worked at FOX, I did a monthly feature on adoption working with DePelchin.org. What I learned is that many people want to adopt, but they fear the cost. What they don't realize is that for minorities and older children, there is often no cost and there are lots of financial incentives like paid college tuition for a Texas school. To learn more, go to DePelchin's web site:
http://www.depelchin.org/Home-1.html
Don't forget there is always a need for foster homes as well.

New Poll
My poll on selling your gold is closed. 40% said they had already sold their gold. 40% said they don't have any to sell. 20% said they are considering selling the gold they have. And 0% said they are definitely selling their gold. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is about holiday shopping. How do you do most of your shopping? Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Thanksgiving Reflection
Tomorrow, the 24th, would have been my Dad's 74th birthday. He died nine years ago, right before Sarah came into our life. I still think of my Dad almost every day. He taught me the old saying of "Life is Not Fair". This has been very helpful to me in times when well, things have just not been fair. I think if more people would think of this, they would stop walking around acting and feeling like victims and maybe concentrate more on their many blessings. This is not to say that they aren't suffering, but rather, that they are not wallowing in their suffering and choosing to concentrate on the positive.

And I am of course grateful for the other Dads in my life--my wonderful stepdad Gerry and father-in-law Dale...both whom I love dearly.

I am grateful for all of my family and friends, my faith (which I must never forget), and all of my countless blessings.

Wishing all of you a very happy, grateful, and safe Thanksgiving!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Clouds/Rain Returning/Sell Your Gold?/Special Work of Photographer

2010-11-13T21:11:00.004-06:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Sorry for the delay folks...have had so much going on--including working hard on the release of my next DVD.

There is an area of disturbed weather in the western Caribbean which the National Hurricane Center says has a 40% chance of developing into a tropical storm within the next 48 hours.

The tropical Pacific is quiet.

In the United States, some snow has been falling over the western Great Lakes states and there is are Winter Storm Warnings and Advisories for parts of Minnesota and Wisconsin. No thunderstorms are predicted for Sunday, but there could be snow around Minneapolis and some rain from the Great Lakes southward to the north central Gulf and south Texas.

In Houston, look for the clouds and even some rain to return by late afternoon. There will be some rain overnight Sunday into early Monday. Then look for sunshine to return by Tuesday with lows in the 40s and 50s and highs in the 60s into the coming weekend. There could be some showers the following Sunday/Monday time frame.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's go with gold or oro, pronounced OR-oh. Find out how much I got for the oro just sitting in my jewelry box.

Finally! This week we are submitting our order for Volume 3 of our award winning DVD series for children. And we got a large order from Barnes and Noble for their special holiday promotion. You can find my award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volumes 1 and 2, on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com. P.S. THEY MAKE TERRIFIC GIFTS!!!

AND MORE
Fashion Photographer Celebrates Special Needs and Differences
Fashion Photographer Rick Guidotti of Positive Exposures and Dr. Lorraine Potocki, Baylor Geneticist, were special guests at the 7th annual Houston SMS picnic. Gray skies cleared quickly...giving way to perfect fall temperatures and beautiful blue skies. Rick whipped out his camera and started clicking aways as SMS children and their siblings went on a scavenger hunt, played picture bingo, sticker attack, cookie walk and yes, even jeopardy. We can't wait to see all the happy faces he caught. Rick is passionate about capturing all people as the vibrant individuals they are. Rick Guidotti of Positive Exposures will be in Houston on Friday Nov 12th and Saturday Nov 13th. Rick flew into Houston from NYC on Friday to give the Compassion and Art of Medicine Lecture called "The Spirit of Difference".

We sure enjoyed meeting Rick. When he wasn't capturing our families at play, he was busy trying to play himself. But I had to disqualify him from sticker attack--he tried to get credit for a page of stickers that had come straight from a book. Rick, you rascal. When I asked him if he had any children, he hugged Sarah and said, all of these kids are my children.

To see his work, go to: www.positiveexposure.org

Want Extra Cash--Sell Your Gold
A friend of mine had a show where many of her friends brought their line of products and sold them all at the same time. She had done this once before and I had missed the opportunity to sell my gold. Well, I had several pieces of gold jewelry which I never wear just collecting dust in my jewelry armoire. So, I pulled them out and gave them to my friend and she got them sold--$560 worth. Trust me folks--it wasn't much jewelry. They even popped out the gems for me and returned them. Then, the other day, I saw a business called We Buy Gold on FM1960 close to the intersection with Eldridge. A quick google revealed there are lots of places which will buy gold. And I even found a calculator which suggested I could sell one ounce of gold for $900. So with gold valued at an old time high (it least some time in the last few weeks), why not sell what you don't use? Like my investment manager said, you can't eat gold. Amen brother!

Polls
My poll on whether you think the holidays are coming too fast is closed. 100% answered yes. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is about your desire (or lack of desire to sell any gold you have). Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Sunshine Returns/Tomas Trouble/Time Change

2010-11-03T21:46:00.004-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
In the central Atlantic, Tomas had weakened but is now back to tropical storm status. It will like cross over Hispaniola in the next couple days bringing heavy rain, flooding, even mudslides to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Then, it should cross the Bahamas and head out to sea.

Tropical Pacific is quiet.

On Thursday, there will be some showers and thunderstorms across the aoutheastern US. Cool spot in the nation will be the Northern Plains, Great Lakes and northern New England with highs in the 30s and 40s. Elsewhere, 50s up to 80s...very pleasant. Kind of windy though from Texas up to Chicago.

Houston, low pressure in western Gulf will lift out to the northeast on Thursday allowing the sunshine to return. Kind of breezy on Thursday but pleasantly cool. Chilly mornings Friday through Sunday with lows in the 50s. Highs will be in the 60s, 70s, 80s. Warmer and more humid early in the coming week with some thunderstorms possibly on the ocming Thursday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do gymnastics or gimnasia, pronounced heem-nah-SEE-ah. Find out about a special gimnasia program and the even more special girl who attends in the AND MORE section.

On Monday night, Sarah and I reviewed the nearly complete Volume 3 of our award winning DVD for children. She was mesmorized! So, now we just have to put on the finishing touches and then it is off to the editor. Teachers Discovery, one of my product purchasers, already gave me a PO to purchase the first batch of Volume 3. Woohoo!!! In the meantime, you can find my award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volumes 1 and 2, on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Fall Back 1 Hour This Weekend

Daylight Saving Time Ends on Sunday morning Nov. 7 at 2 am. You will want to set your clocks back 1 hour (fall back 1 hour) before you go to bed on Saturday night. It will get light one hour earlier and get dark one hour earlier. I don't know about you but I don't like it when the Sun goes down so early. But it could be worse. When I was living in Connecticut, it got dark by 4 pm. Darkness comes earlier and earlier as you head further north.

Inspiration

I take Sarah to a cheerleading program especially designed for children with disabilities. She absolutely loves it and would like to go every day. Each child in the program is paired with a high school gymnastics team member. There are even "competitions" (purely exhibition) with each participating child getting a trophy.

Well tonight a little girl in a wheelchair arrived. She was the first one in a wheelchair to attend class. She had these amazing muscular arms but had no use of her legs. Well that little girl went into the gym and then popped out of her chair and used her arms and swinging her legs forward to move across the floor. She did everything the rest of the team did. She also walked around on her hands several times. She had the biggest smile on her face. I visited with her mom who is on oxygen due to a chronic ailment. She said her little girl (who is 8) has been begging to take gymnastics just like her friends at school. When the mom heard about this program (called Storm Cheer), she had to bring her. The mom also has 4 other children. She told me her daughter had been born with Spina Bifida and had had to endure many surgeries. I was just blown away by this little girl and her family...so determined to live life to the fullest.

Have a great week and weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Storms and Cooler Weather In Forecast/3 Month Temperature and Precipitation Outlooks

2010-10-31T23:42:00.004-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Tomas is weakening in the eastern Caribbean. The National Hurricane Center has it moving basically westward and then turning toward the northeast in about 4 to 5 days. This would take it over the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

On Monday, the coolest area of the country will be the northeast with highs in the 40s The rest of the northern 2/3rds of the country will have highs in the 50s and 60s. The west coast will have highs in the 50s, 60s and 70s. The southwest, south and southeast will have highs mainly in the 70s and 80s. There is a slight risk of severe storms in eastern Texas.

Houston, Monday will be warm and humid with a slight risk of severe storms (mainly in the late afternoon and evening). Cold front moves through early Tuesday, bringing less humid weather and cooler temperatures. The rest of the week into the weekend will be delightful with cool morning and mild sunny and dry afternoons.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do palm tree or palmera, pronounced pahl-MAIR-ah. Could growing palmeras be the key to your retirement? See my idea in the AND MORE section.

Volume 3 of our award winning DVD for children is really close to being finished. Our editor just gave us the complete final draft (with all chaptes!!!). So, now we just have to put on the finishing touches and then it is off to the editor. Woohoo!!! In the meantime, you can find my award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volumes 1 and 2, on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE

Palm Trees as An Investment
So I'm running on the treadmill and partaking of one of my guilty pleasures...watching HGTV when whom do I see? Why it's Vanilla Ice with his own show. Yes, that's right Vanilla Ice--remember "Ice, Ice Baby". Well apparently he is an expert on landscaping and that his is daytime job. He has this crew working on fixing up the landscaping on the property of a very expensive house which has been vacant for 2 years. He points out a rare palm tree...he says it takes a long time to grow and would cost thousands of dollars. So, I'm thinking. Wow! You could just grow a few of those bad boys, sell them and retire. Unfortunately, I did not catch the name of that particular palm. So, I did some research. Come to find out there are many rare and slow growing palms. One is the Canary Island Date palm. I found a smaller one on one web site for $1000. Another web site had a bunch of different palms for sale. Most of the starting prices were $300 or $400. Well, I have a 4 palms in my backyard that are getting big. If anyone wants to buy them for $300 or $400, let me know. Ha! Don't think our's are that rare. Anyway, here are the links, if you want to check it out.
http://www.horizontreeservices.com.au/gallery.html

http://www.junglemusic.net/Box%20Palms.htm

http://trees-for-sale.net/Trees/Palm-Trees

3 Month Temperature and Precipitation Outlooks
Just now getting these outlooks out to you. Looks like a warmer and drier than normal November through January on the way for the Houston area. In fact much of the southeast is supposed to be warmer than normal while the west coast and much of Alaska is supposed to be cooler than normal. There is a pocket of above normal precipitation chance for the Ohio Valley, but just to the south it looks drier than normal. That leads me to the drought situation. Eastern Texas is not in a drought again...with conditions expected to become even drier through January. See all figures at right.

New Poll
Gordy and I made the early voting by the skin of our teeth--on Friday. The polling place was busy and we actually waited in line a couple minutes. My poll on whether you will vote or not is closed. 83% said they will vote and the rest said they wouldn't. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is about the upcoming holiday season. Does it feel like it is coming fast? Thanks in advance for participating.

Have a safe Monday everyone.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Next Cold Front/Tropical Storm Richard/No Fire at this McDonald's

2010-10-25T08:18:00.004-05:00

Good Morning All -
Attending the First Annual Flood Workshop in Houston...so I need to post and get going.

First of all, Richard has been downgraded to a tropical storm and is now weakening over Guatemala. It was a hurricane yesterday. National Hurricane Center forecast back takes it into the Gulf this week and has it decaying. Will keep an eye on it for you.

There is another area of disturbed weather way out in the Atlantic with only a minimal chance of developing in the next 48 hours. The Pacific is quiet this Monday.

There is a slight risk for severe storms this Monday from northeast Texas northward to Illinois and southward to the northern Gulf coast all the way eastward to Alabama. On Tuesday, there will be two slight risk areas, one over the Midwest and the other over the southeastern states. See figures at right.

Back to the National Flood Workshop being held here in Houston. I attended the short course on storm surge flooding yesterday. Some of the other course attendees including Houston Channel 11's Chief Meteorologist Gene Norman and Meteorologist Mario Gomez. Also in attendance was Meteorologist Anthony Yanez from Channel 2. There were 2 other short course being held at the same time, one on Hurricane Impacts for Inland Communities and one on Floodplain Management. The storm surge course I attended was given by Jamie Rhome of the National Hurricane Center. He works closely with National Hurricane Center director Bill Read. At the end of the course, we had an opportunity to discuss some of the problems with presenting storm surge information to the public. Jamie said that they are working closely with social sciences to learn how to better convey vital safety information to the public. Having been a broadcast meteorologist for years, I know this is a constant effort. Psychology plays a huge role in how the public responds. We also talked about how to most effectively disseminate the information. One of the attendees mentioned reverse 911...where people in critical areas are called via and automated system when they are threatened. We noted that the poor often don't have phones. So, reaching the poor continues to be a big problem. Jamie Rhome gave a fantastic talk--the 4 hours just flew by. By the way, he is the one who came up with the Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook (see figure at top right). He said it is probably the most popular figure provided on the National Hurricane Center's web site.

The remodeled McDonald's in Sugar Land opened this last week. But, I was a little disappointed. It did not have a faux fireplace like the one we saw last week in Round Rock (near Austin). We were there about a week ago visited my brother's family. We went to the McDonald's there and they had an electric fireplace...see photo of Gordy at right as he pretend warms his hands. I told my brother Sam that it was the fanciest McDonald's I had ever seen.

Houston, a cold front will arrive early Thursday, bringing the humidity down and the morning temperatures down into the 50s. It will be shortlived as higher humidity levels return on Saturday and into Sunday. Halloween will be mild with lows in the 60s and highs in the 80s. Only a slight chance for rain through early Thursday. Then, sunny and dry for the end of the week. And then only a slight chance for rain over the weekend.

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Storm Richard Update/Weekend Forecast

2010-10-22T08:36:00.003-05:00

Good Morning All -
Just a quick update this am as Tropical Storm Richard has formed in the western Caribbean. Latest forecast path from the National Hurricane Center takes the storm across the Yucatan late in the weekend and into early in the coming week.

For southeast Texas, approaching upper trough mid-week will probably push the storm northeastward in into the southeast US. Will of course keep an eye on this!

Weekend will be warm and muggy for Houston area with a few showers or thunderstorms mainly west.

Please keep my sister-in-law Wanda in your prayers as she is having her thyroid removed today.

Have a great weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Mild and Sometimes Muggy/Too Tall for Honda Civic?

2010-10-17T23:36:00.004-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Just a couple of disturbed areas--western Caribbean and central Atlantic...according to National Hurricane Center, not much chance for development of either in the next 48 hours.

Tropical Pacific is quiet.

Meanwhile in the US, trough is digging in the Rockies and bringing some cooler weather ane rain from Reno to Vegas and Salt Lake City to Denver. This trough will spin off a cut off low which will hang out over the southwest for several days before lifting northeastward. On Monday, a cool area will extend from the Northwest and across Rockies across the northern plains and Great Lakes into New England with highs in the 40s and 50s and 60s. Look for rain in Chicago and Detroit. The west coast will also be pleasantly cool. Southeast and southern US will be mild to warm with highs in the 80s.

Houston will be on the muggy side this week with lows in the 60s and highs in the 80s. Look for a few showers end of the week and into the early part of the coming week. Next cool snap arrives early to middle of the coming week (not this week).

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do tall or alto, pronounced AHL-toe. One of my nephews is so alto, he almost didn't fit into my car. Find out in the AND MORE section.

I have a lot of nephews and nieces. One is especially lucky as he is enrolled in kindergarten at a dual language learning school. I am super excited for him due to all of the cognitive development enhancements that will provide. For those of you who don't have a dual language option, here is something you can do at home. You can watch my award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
I have a nephew who is 6'10". Last week, I had to pick him up from the airport in my Honda Civic. I have to admit I was a bit concerned as to whether or not he would fit. But he did! However, I know it was not comfortable for him. His knees were up against the dash with the seat all the way back and tilted back. And his head was against the ceiling of the car. He never complains about his height. And he is infinitely patient about comments which are a constant. He went to watch Sarah at her cheerleading class and afterward, we took a friend of Sarah's along with us to dinner. Right from the beginning, she looked up at him and stated -- You're tall. He good naturedly replied...I've been told that. I asked him how it is when he flies. He said that he tries to sit on the emergency exit row. But, if that is full, he just squeezes into a seat and deals. He said he is very embarassed when the flight attendants demand that someone in the emergency exit row give him their seat. I asked him what is the longest flight he ever took and he said to Hawaii. When I asked how that was, he replied, "pretty uncomfortable". But he admits that the hardest part is being able to rest well if he is not sleeping on his own bed. Most beds are just too small. Yep. Us short people sure have it made!!!

My poll on the favorite scenes from the Sound of Music is closed. The following scenes got 20% of the vote each: the panoramic open, Maria singing "My Favorite Things" to the kids, the puppet show, the kids performing "So Long, Farewell" at the party, and Marie and Captain Von Trapp singing Something Good. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is about the upcoming elections. Are you planning to vote? Only one answer is allowed--yes or no. Thanks in advance for participating.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Hurricane Paula Forms in Western Caribbean

2010-10-12T09:11:00.003-05:00

Hurricane Paula has formed in the western Caribbean. The National Hurricane Center is forecasting that it will move in a clockwise circle...staying in the western Caribbean. Most long range models suggest this. But, I will keep an eye on it.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Storms and Cold Front Coming/Secretariat Review/Breaking Glass with Newspaper

2010-10-10T22:13:00.005-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
The National Hurricane Center is no longer issuing advisories on Otto, the remnants of which are moving across the northern Atlantic.

Meanwhile, the National Hurricane Center is giving a disturbance in the western Caribbean a 50% chance of becoming a tropical storm in the next 48 hours. Models suggest it will either get lifted northward and then over Florida or that it will track westward across Mexico.

The last Hurricane to hit Texas was Jerry on October 15, 1989. So statistically, the Texas hurricane season should be coming to an end. Remember, the official end of the Atlantic hurricane season is Nov. 30th.

The tropical Pacific is quiet.

Monday, there will be some severe storms in east Texas including the Dallas area. There will also be a few storms across the midwest into the Great Lakes and over the northern Intermountain Region. Highs will be in the 70s and 80s for most of the country (90s desert Southwest) and 50s northern Rockies and Intermountain Region.

Houston, the humidity has been slowly rising. Next cold front arrives Tuesday morning, dropping humidity for the rest of the week through the coming weekend (lows in the 50s and low 60s and highs in the low 80s). Look for some thunderstorms Monday and Monday night. Can't rule out some of these being severe.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY

Let's do sing or cantar, pronounced cahn-TAR. If you like cantar, you probably like The Sound of Music...you might learn something new about it if you read my AND MORE section.

Volume 3 DVD of my award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, will be released soon. A CD of music from volumes 1 through 3 will be released at the same time. Volume 3 will cover the alphabet (with words beginning with those letters), numbers 1 through 20 and colors. Until it's ready for release, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
How to Break a Window with Newspaper
Well, it's not that hard...at least it looked easy when my Dad did it. Sarah and I were talking about an episode of ICarly where there was no fly swatter to kill a fly and that brought back a memory from my childhood--funny when I look back on it, but not so funny at the time. There was a nagging fly in our kitchen, and my Dad got frustrated and looked for the first weapon. He decided upon a newspaper, rolling it up and smacking it hard on the kitchen window...so hard, he broke the window. Did he kill the fly? I think so...my Mom might remember. But, of course, there was a lot of upset because we would have to replace the glass. So, don't try that at home.

Congratulations Taylor and Our Empty Nest
It has been a bit empty in our house this week. You see, a week ago, my nephew Taylor graduated from Universal Technical Institute new Bush Airport. He had been with us since last January and was like the big brother Sarah has never had (he's her cousin). We liked having him around late in the evening...I say late because this was his schedule for the first half of his stay. Up at 4:45 am and in class on the other side of town at 6:30 am...ending at 12:45 pm and then heading to work as a valet in the med center until 7:30 pm and then coming home...eating dinner and hitting the hay. Then, he decided to double up his schooling so he could graduate sooner and that meant, he did a 2nd shift of classtime from 2:00 pm until 8:15 pm which means he did not get home until at least 9 pm. It was a grueling schedule, and we are all so proud of him for finishing!!! He is gone now...staying with friends and looking for a job. Congratulations Taylor, and we miss you!!!

Galveston Didn't Get Much Help Recovering from Ike
I have enjoyed reading Infinite Monster by Leigh Jones and Rhiannon Meyers. It is about how Hurricane Ike affected Galveston Island. According to the book, there were 2 things working against financial help after Ike. While Presidents Clinton and Bush managed to raise $130 million of relief in the wake of Katrina. They were only able to raise $2.2 million after Ike. Some of it they attribute to hurricane relief burnout. But also, the financial collapse occurred just 2 days after Ike...and the entire nation's focus was on the collapse and fear of financial ruin. Galveston has really been alone in it's attempts to recover.

According to the National Hurricane Center, Katrina is the most expensive hurricane in modern times with $81 billion in damage. Andrew is 2nd with $26.5 billion. But Ike is third at $25 billion. Please note these numbers are not adjusted for inflation. Taking all storm data into account, a 1926 storm that pummeled Florida and Alabama would be #1 with $165 Billion (2006 dollars normalized for inflation, population and wealth), the Great Galveston hurricane of 1900 would be 2nd at $104 billion and Katrina would be 3rd at $85 billion.

Also from the National Hurricane Center, the 1900 storm was the most deadly with a death toll from 8,000 to 12,000. The 1928 Florida/Lake Okeechobee storm is 2nd with 2550 to 3000 and Katrina is 3rd with 1500. Ike's death toll was 41.

Happy 45th Anniversary Sound of Music, the movie
Sarah and I have rediscovered the Sound of Music and I was interested to learn according to the following article:

http://cinematreasures.org/print/23149_0_1_0/

that it was the 1st motion picture to gross $100 million. It was first released in 1965. Then, it was re-released in 1973 (that's when My Grandma Yuba Whitworth took me to see it). It made it's TV debut in 1976 and had another cinema release in 1978. Adjusted for inflation, it was the 3rd highest grossing box office performance after #1 Star Wars and #2 Gone with the Wind.

I also looked up some Wikipedia info. on the Von Trapp family. Maria and Captain Von Trapp married in 1927 and had a child in 1928 (most likely...there are some discrepancies in the records). They also had two more children later...these 3 were in addition to the 7 children he had. In 1935, he lost nearly all of his wealth after loaning money to a friend in the banking industry. They started performing in 1935 to make a living. Most likely, they left in 1938 due to the changing political environment. Eventually, they ended up in the United States. To learn more, see the following link:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maria_von_Trapp

Polls
My poll on what used to be the planet Pluto is closed. 100% of respondents felt that it should be reinstated as the 9th planet. Thanks to all who participated. My new poll is about the Sound of Music. What is your favorite scene? Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Saw Secretariat
I enjoyed this movie...although I don't know how Penny Tweedy could leave her children so much. That would kill me. I did love her line about "Running At the Future". I agree...that is how you get things done!

Groundhog Gala Kickoff
I enjoyed attending the Kickoff party for the upcoming Groundhog Gala which will be held Feb. 2, 2011 at the Rice Hotel. Special attendess included well known public speaker and author John Bradshaw and his lovely wife Karen. Gala Committee Chairwoman Carol Barndollar shared the good news that the Gala is much further along this year than last year at this time. So, we are all very excited. The gala will benefit the Education Programs provided by the John C. Freeman Weather Museum and Weather Research Center. There are still tables left, but they are going fast. So, let me know if you want to attend.

May you enjoy all your "favorite things" in the coming week.
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Awesome weather!/Comparing Hot Summers/My Experience--Internet Scam

2010-10-03T10:36:00.003-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
The tropical Atlantic is fairly quiet with only 2 areas in the Atlantic with a 10% chance of developing in the next 48 hours.

Tropical Pacific has no disturbances.

Hot spot in the country with be the desert southwest with some highs in the 80s. There will be showers and thunderstorms over the Rockies and in the northeast and Mid-Atlantic. A thunderstorm or two for Miami. Most of the country will have highs in the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s with low humidity...enjoy!

Houston, this will be the coolest week yet with lows in the 50s and highs in the upper 70s to low 80s most of the week--and low humidity...yay!!! Dry weather should last into at least the early part of next week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do scam or estafa, pronounced ehs-TAH-fah. Find out about my personal experience with a common estafa in the AND MORE section.

Volume 3 DVD of my award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, will be released soon. A CD of music from volumes 1 through 3 will be released at the same time. Volume 3 will cover the alphabet (with words beginning with those letters), numbers 1 through 20 and colors. Until it's ready for release, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
COMPARISON OF HOT SUMMERS
So, now that cooler weather has descended on most of the country (including Houston), I thought it would be interesting to compare Houston's summer to previous summers. This year's summer seemed particularly hot to me.

Well, August was very hot in Houston--in fact it was the hottest month ever on record. Now, this means that if you average all of the highs and lows for the month, that average was higher than that found in any other month. It was 87.7 degrees. In comparison, 1980 had the 6th hottest August with an average of 86.6 and 2009 (just last year) was the 8th hottest with an average of 86.2.

Those 2 years, 1980 amd 2009 show up again in the top 10 July's and June's. 1980 had the hottest July with an average of 87.5. Notice that is below this year's hottest ever month (August) with the average of 87.7. 2009 had the second hottest July ever with an average of 87.4. 2010's July did not make the top 10 hottest list.

For Junes, 2009 had the 2nd hottest June with an average of 85.6. 1980 had the 4th hottest June with and average of 85.1 and this year, 2010, had the 6th hottest June with an average of 84.7.

MY PERSONAL INTERNET SELLING SCAM EXPERIENCE
I am trying to sell a wedding dress either on Craig's List of Yesbride.com for $100. Don't worry--it's not the dress for Gordy and me. Anyway, the original price was $600. Well, I got a couple of earnest replies. One was not very suspicious at first as the guy asked lots of detailed questions about the dress...looked like he was very interested. But then, he talked about wiring money--immediate red flags. I had worked at a bank years ago as a teller, and I am aware of lots of tricks that people try to pull.

But a 2nd lady had me a bit more convinced as she never mentioned wiring money. In fact, she talked about her upcoming wedding and how she would send me a check and I could make sure it cleared and then she would have someone pick it up. Check out this email stream:

I was checking through Yesbride and i saw the wedding dress posted for sale. please i will like to know if its still available, its present condition and the last asking price you re willing to let go of it. Email me if its still available and also a new pictures of it, if you have any.

(So I thought well errors in her grammar but ok...maybe this is a prospect. Here is her next message).

Sorry for the late response, i have been very busy with shopping and planning for my wedding but anyway thanks for the response I am okay with the condition and price of it. I want you to know that i am really interested in wedding dress and I would really not want to lose the sale. I want you to remove the advert from web and consider it sold to me, I'll have my secretary send you a Bank Certified Check and the check payment will deliver to you as soon as possible via Courier service. I will need you to send the following information needed below in other to make/send payment ASAP.

1. Name to be on the check
2. Contact Address(street,apt #,City,State,Zip code):
3. Contact telephone number:(home,cell or work...)

***Note*** I want you to know that i would be responsible for the pickup. When you confirm that you received, cleared and cashed the Check, I will have my someone or my shipping agent come for the pickup at your location. I'm out of town right now but do not worry I'll handle things myself,I will be waiting to read from you as soon as possible so that the payment can be issued out and this transaction can come to an end.

(So I'm thinking she must be a foreigner but that's not a problem and as long as I can make sure the check is cleared, then no problem. So here's the next message).

How are you doing? I have sent out the payment i think the delay is from the UPS ..i will try and find out, why the payment hasn't gotten to your place yet. i will get back to you. enjoy your weekend.

(so at this point, it had been a couple weeks. I saw a red flag with UPS...why not just mail it? Here is her next message).

I think it might have gotten lost in the mail. because the tracking information given to me did not track am confused at the moment . please bear with me. am very much interested in buying the dress from you. I have resend the payment again. kindly bear with me.

Thanks for your time and understanding.

(okay...she's a busy bride. here is her next message).
Hello Cecilia,

How are you today? I want you to know that the check will be delivered to you today via Ups , Am very sorry for the delay .

Here is the Ups tracking number for the Payment: J-174-992-815-5

Upon receipt of the payment today you are to take it to your bank for cashing, after cashing at your bank you deduct your own money from the fund cashed and proceed to the nearest western union agent location close to you and have the excess of the fund sent to my shipping agent using the information below.

Name: Paula Scapicchio
Address: 3150 Plaza Blanca,
Santa Fe, NM 87507

After you have sent the money for shipment through western union , i will require the following details from you :

1. Sender's name and address (your full name and address used in wiring the funds )
2. Receiver's name (Paula Scapicchio)
3. MTCN ( money transfer control number ).
4. Test question and answer(E.g : THE WORLDS GREATEST ).Answer ( AMERICA )
5. Total Amount sent..........
6. A scanned copy of the western union receipt..............

Note: I want you to know that there will be some charges for getting the funds transferred by western union to the shipper , that should be deducted from the funds you will be sending down to her, So the western union charges should be deducted from the excess funds that you will be sending to her.

I await your soonest response, this is because my shipper has to be in your location for the pickup in the next 24 hours upon the receipt of the funds via western union.

I look forward to your email as soon as you have sent the funds today.

Thank you.

Okay, it's me again. I immediately knew this was trouble. You never ever cash a check on your account and then immediately send money. And get this, the check that arrived was $1830 via UPS worldwide overnight express.

So, I would be wiring about $1700 back to her with the fund in my checking account the backup in case the check bounced. No way!!! Run, run like the wind. She has sent a couple more emails which of course I am not responding to.

So, be careful everyone!!! If you ever take a check...always, always make sure it clears first.

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Even More Pleasant Weather/10 ounce versus 12 ounce beer/In Defense of Pluto

2010-09-28T22:45:00.008-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Tropical Depression #16 formed today in the western Caribbean...this is not the remnants of Tropical Storm Matthew which has brought deadly mudslides to Central America. The National Hurricane Center is forecasting that this storm will be drawn northward across Florida, back over the Atlantic and then into the Carolinas (which have had very heavy rain recently). Models and ensembles are all in fairly close agreement. T.D. #16 will probably become Tropical Storm Nicole on Wednesday.

Another new disturbance in the central Atlantic has a 10% chance of becoming a tropical storm in the next 48 hours.

In the eastern Pacific, there are 2 areas of disturbed weather with a 10% chance of becoming a tropical storm in the next 48 hours.

On Wednesday, just a few areas of the country will get wet...eastern seaboard (including Florida), western Great Lakes, and southern California. Ridge of high pressure will bring more 100+ readings to part of the southwest and 90s all the way up to Medford, Oregon. L.A. will only have highs in the 90s after it's all time record heat on Monday. The eastern 2/3 of the country will be pleasant with highs in the 60s, 70s and 80s and comfortable levels of humidity.

Tuesday began in the 50s for most of the Houston area. Houston will continue to be very pleasant into the coming week. In fact, a reinforcing shot of cool and dry air will arrive Saturday. And there will be plenty of mornings in the 50s and highs in the low 80s starting on Saturday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do planet or planeta, pronounced plah-NAY-taah. Do you miss Pluto as a planeta? I've got some thoughts on the matter in the AND MORE section.

Volume 3 DVD of my award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, will be released soon. A CD of music from volumes 1 through 3 will be released at the same time. Volume 3 will cover the alphabet (with words beginning with those letters), numbers 1 through 20 and colors. Until it's ready for release, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Polls
My poll, on how far the Houston Texans football team will go, is closed. 40% said they thought they will make the playoffs. 20% said they will make the AFC Championship. 20% said they will make the Super Bowl. And 20% said they will win the Super Bowl. Thanks to all who responded.

My new poll is on the planet Pluto. Do you think it should be reinstated as the
9th planet? Thanks in advance for answering.

Pluto-9th Planet or Not
Unless you've been under a rock or a small planet, you probably heard that back in 2006, Pluto lost its status as the 9th planet of our solar system. I was devastated and grieve to this day. It was one of the platforms of my childhood. How many solar systems did I build with 9 planets...how many models did I see with 9 planets...how many science fairs did I attend with dozens of 9 planet solar systems? And the name Pluto...it was just perfect for a tiny little 9th planet at the end of our solar system. Everything was right in my world and in my solar system. The loss of that 9th planet Pluto shook me to my core. Well, recently I was excited to see that the New Horizon spacecraft (launched in 2006) has only 5 more years until it passes by Pluto and makes some observations. I thought finally this dear little planet will be vindicated and claim its rightly place in the planet hierarchy. But alas, it looks like even New Horizon can't save it. Upon further investigation, I learned that Pluto is one of what are believed to be more than 40 dwarf planets. So, if we were to be fair, we would have to induct those other 40+ dwarf planets onto our list, including the asteroid Ceres and Pluto's moon Charon. Ceres is actually larger than Pluto. Okay, let's say we just took in the top 3 dwarf planets (that we know of). then we would have 11 planets. Nahhhhhh...you can't go home. The damage has been done and Pluto has been permanently demoted to dwarf planet. I'll revisit this topic when New Horizon reports back in 2015. Don't worry...the time will fly.

10 ounce versus 12 ounce beers
My nephew Taylor (of legal age by the way) just told me that his friend from Louisiana told him about 10 ounce beers which are the only size sold where he lives in Louisiana. Well as I had never seen this, I was quite intrigued. He said that his friend prefers it...saying that you can drink 10 ounces fast enough that it is cold the whole time. But that last 2 ounces in a 12 ounce...well it just gets warm and yucky. Others say it just tastes better. And some people just prefer the feel of the more slender can. Bottom line, they'll take the 10 ounce beer even at the same price.

So, I started checking this out and it turns out this size got popular in St. Mary's County Maryland in the 50s. Today, it is popular around New Orleans, in one other county in Maryland, in parts of Mississippi, in St. Mary's County Maryland, Puerto Rico and a few places in Texas. And get this--all of Budweiser's 10 ounce beers are made in Houston. (But I've never seen one--not that I shop for beer a lot...but I think I would have noticed ha ha).

Anyway, here's the link to the story in Gazette.net.
http://www.gazette.net/stories/111705/busipgl154036_31896.shtml

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Waiting for Matthew to form/Cold Front Heading this Way

2010-09-22T09:15:00.003-05:00

Watching disturbance in the Caribbean this morning as this could become Tropical Storm Matthew by this time Thursday. Hurricane Recon will check it out later today. Big questions are how strong it will get and where it will go. Trough moving across US may eventually steer it northward (toward Florida?) or it could stall out in western Caribbean and eventually be drawn north by a later trough or even another possibility. Models show a variety of possible tracks. So, stay tuned.

Tropical Storm Lisa is way out in Atlantic and not threatening any land areas. Will continue to monitor.

In Pacific, Tropical Depression Georgette is moving northward across the Gulf of California having made landfall on the Baja peninsula as a weak tropical storm. Will likely bring some heavy rain to the southwest US (in particular Arizona) before getting drawn into the trough moving eastward across the US.

Speaking of that trough, it will swing a cold front through Houston on Sunday. Look for some thunderstorms beforehand (especially on Saturday and possibly early Sunday). Then Monday through at least the middle of the coming week...sunshine, low humidity, lows in 60s, highs in 80s.

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

First Cold Front Coming!/3 Month Weather Outlooks/Houston Texans Poll

2010-09-20T09:47:00.005-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Hurricane Igor passed just west of Bermuda late Sunday night as a Category 1 hurricane. Although there has been some damage, it was not nearly as bad as Hurricane Fabian in 2003...the eastern end of this major hurricane with 115 mph winds hit the western part of Bermuda causing major damage. According to the National Hurricane Center, there were 4 fatalities on Bermuda and $300 US of property damage. Prior to Fabian, the worst storm was half a century earlier. From here, Igor will likely move northward and eventually weaken with the remnants bringing rain to Greenland.

Julia is a tropical storm east of Igor which will probably not affect any land areas.

In the far eastern Atlantic, there is an area with an 80% chance of developing (next storm name is Lisa). Most models show it going north...but it is very early. So stay tuned.

I will say that one of the more extended forecast models, shows something developed near Florida in the middle of the coming week (a week from Wednesday). So, I'll be checking that out over the next few days.

In the eastern Pacific, there is a new disturbance brewing which has a good chance of developing and moving northward into the Baja California/western Mexico.

There is a slight risk for severe storms today for Minnesota and Wisconsin. There will be many areas with thunderstorms. Upper 40s today around Cut Bank, Montana while Phoenix should be one of the hottest spots with 100+ readings. 60s for California coast and 50s and 60s for the northern tier of states. Elsewhere, 70s to 90s with southeast and south nice and steamy.

Houston, very warm and muggy into Saturday with scattered showers and thunderstorms each day. First real cold front arrives late Saturday bringing lower humidity and sunshine by Monday (as well as morning lows in the upper 60s). Yay!!!

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do bicycle or bicicleta, pronounced bee-see-CLEH-tah. It can be expensive to ride a bicicleta for a living...find out why in the AND MORE section.

Volume 3 DVD of my award winning education series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, will be released soon. A CD of music from volumes 1 through 3 will be released at the same time. Volume 3 will cover the alphabet (with words beginning with those letters), numbers 1 through 20 and colors. Until it's ready for release, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Poll Results and New Poll
My poll on favorite Dairy Queen Blizzard is closed. 80% of the respondents said they like the kind with candy added the best (my favorite is butterfinger). 20% said they like cookies added the most. No one selected fruit added or chocolate concoction as their favorite. Only only answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

The Texans won their 2nd game of the season on Sunday, 9/19. How far do you think they will go this season. More than one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Fall Official Begins this Wednesday 9/22
According to the U.S. Naval Observatory, fall will officially being this Tuesday, September 22nd at 10:09 pm. This is called the autumnal equinox and it marks the days when the length of day is about equal to the length of night. Happy Autumn!!!

More about Bermuda
Checked Wikipedia and found out that Bermuda is an archipelago made of 138 islands, located about 640 miles east-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. It is only 20.6 square miles in size (i.e. if it was a square, it would be a little over 4 miles by 4 miles in size). There are 67,837 inhabitants (according to the most recent census). The biggest island is often called Bermuda also.

It is expensive to be a bicycle courier
I was talking to a bicycle courier the other day. He said he averages about 50 miles on the bike daily. He was super fit, and he said he can eat whatever he wants. I asked him how often he has to replace his bike tires, and he said about once every 3000 miles (so about every 3 months). He said that the bike tires are almost as expensive as car tires. So, I went online and checked out bike tire prices. The most expensive I saw was $74 but there were some more casual models for only about $10. I figure he is probably not using the latter.

Oct/Nov/Dec Temperature/Precipitation Outlooks
The latest 3 months outlooks for October through December from the Climate Prediction Center indicate cooler than normal conditions for coastal California but warmer than normal for the southwest and south. See figure at right.

For precipitation, the outlook is drier than normal weather for the southwest and south and wetter than normal for the Pacific Northwest. See figure at right.

Drought Monitor and Outlook
Northern Louisiana, northeast West Virginia and western Hawaii are hardest hit by drought. Forecast is for persistence in drought for most of these locations and development of drought in western Arkansas. See figures at right.

Hang in there everyone...the cooler weather is almost here.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Storm Karl Forms in Caribbean

2010-09-14T16:08:00.004-05:00

Tropical Storm formed this afternoon (Tuesday 9/14) in the western Caribbean. There is some good news for Texas and the entire Gulf coast. Looks like the storm will move across the Yucatan as a tropical storm only and then hit northern Mexico once it crosses the southern Gulf. And for Mexico there is good news in that the Yucatan will weaken the storm and it shouldn't have much time to strengthen before it makes its 2nd landfall.

It could however be a big rain producer.

Meanwhile it looks less and less likely that Hurricanes Igor and Julia will strike the mainland US.

I'll have more in my next post.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Major Hurricane Igor, Tropical Storm Julia, Is Karl Next?

2010-09-12T22:22:00.005-05:00

Happy Sunday Evening everyone -
A big change over the last 24 hours with Igor strengthening dramatically and becoming a major hurricane. Everyone from the Mid-Atlantic northward should be watching this storm carefully and reviewing their hurricane plans. It is still too soon to tell if the storm will hit the US.

A new tropical storm named Julia has formed in the eastern Atlantic. This one will probably not be a threat to the US but it is way too early to determine.

In the Caribbean, a disturbance is having a tough time getting its act together. At least one intensity forecasting model is showing it becoming a tropical storm by Monday night. If that happens, it will be named Karl. Forecast models are all saying that it would hit Mexico. We will know a lot more in a few days.

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Update/Mannequin's Day Ruined by Fire

2010-09-11T12:57:00.003-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Tropical Storm Igor is strengthening again. According to the National Hurricane Center, it should be a hurricane by tonight. And, it is forecast to continue getting stronger over the next several days, turning so that the US will likely not be threatened. Meanwhile, watching a disturbance in the eastern Caribbean that has a 60% chance of becoming a tropical storm in the next couple days and a disturbance in the eastern Atlantic that has a 50% chance of becoming a tropical storm in the next couple days. Model and ensemble forecasts suggest that the eastern Caribbean disturbance will track across the Yucatan and into northern Mexico. Stay tuned.

Eastern Pacific is quiet.

Very hot and humid across the south and southeast this Saturday with thunderstorms from Texas to the Ohio Valley and over to the eastern seaboard and through the southeast. Highs in the 60s and 70s for western California, the northern states/New England (including New York and Washington D.C.).

Houston, it is just hot and sticky for no real relief in sight through the coming week. There will be some scattered showers and thunderstorms, but that's it!

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do fire or fuego, pronounced FWAY-goh. Find out how fuego ruined one mannequin's life in the AND MORE section.

If you are in Fort Bend County and you would like to see my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, head to your public library. I donated several copies to the area libraries. Of course, you can always see clips on our web site. I just finished getting some music clips to put on our web site now that my Volume 3 DVD will be released soon. A CD of music from volumes 1 through 3 will be released at the same time. Volume 3 will cover the alphabet (with words beginning with those letters), numbers 1 through 20 and colors. Until it's ready for release, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
I have long wanted to learn more about a store called Bug Time, a do it yourself extermination supply store in Stafford 4647 South Main Street (it's really the feeder road and one of the improved sections of Hwy 90). Their number is 281-565-9061. For at least a year, they have had a mannequin outside, decorated in various ways to bring attention to the shop. For the longest time, there was a male mannequin. That disappeared and was replaced by a female mannequin about 3 months ago. Now I hadn't seen the female mannequin for a couple weeks and there is a reason. Apparently, someone set fire to the truck it was placed on...ruining the truck and burning up all but the head of the mannequin. The male mannequin can't be used as a replacement as it had deteriorated due to the elements.

Owner Ron says they are debating whether or not to order a new mannequin. He said that it was their best advertising...bringing in more business than anything else. He said the nearby Dulles High School kids loved the mannequins and frequently added their own fun decorations. Ron said he would come to work in the morning only to find some new type of decoration that was clever and funny. He said one time he had removed the mannequin for a while and when he put it back, the kids put up signs saying "welcome back" and such.

So, I'll let you know if he gets a new mannequin. The suspense is almost unbearable.

On this September 11th, special prayers that God will bless our country and give comfort to all who are still suffering and grieving.

Have a great weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Hermine Not Done Yet/Hello Igor

2010-09-08T23:03:00.003-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
The National Hurricane Center has issued the last advisory on Hermine. But now it is being tracked by the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, because it still has lots of potential to dump flooding rains. Speaking of rain totals, Georgetown and much of Austin picked up a foot or more of rain. Houston had some 3+ totals but handled it well.

Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Igor has formed in the far eastern Atlantic. Model predictions mostly suggest a turn to the north at some point. Will watch. Too soon to tell for sure.

Two other disturbed areas are being watched including what is left of Gaston now in the Caribbean. The National Hurricane Center says nearly a 0% chance of that developing in the next couple of days. Will keep watching.

Tropical Pacific is quiet.

Slight risk for severe storms for the western northern plains on Thursday. Many areas of the country will also have thunderstorms and flooding rains will threaten the nations mid-section as the remnant of Hermine track northeastward.

Houston will be muggy will only a scattered showers or thunderstorms into the weekend. Long range looks continued warm with some very slightly drier air next week...don't get your hopes up...will still be muggy.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do book or libro, pronounced LEE-bro. Find out about 2 books I really endorse in the AND MORE section.

Getting some music clips to put on our web site now that my Volume 3 DVD will be released soon. A CD of music from volumes 1 through 3 will be released at the same time. Volume 3 will cover the alphabet (with words beginning with those letters), numbers 1 through 20 and colors. Have had a few of Sarah's friends checking out the rough draft of Volume 3 and they were glued to the set. Until it's ready for release, you can order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Today is the 110th anniversary of the Great Galveston Storm of 1900, the worst weather disaster in US history--as many as 12,000 deaths. There were a lot of parallels between Hurricane Ike of 2008 and that storm. Now, I am reading a fascinating book filled with Ike anecdotes and flashbooks to the 1900 Storm and all kinds of interesting connections. It is called Infinite Monster by Leigh Jones and Rhiannon Meyers. Thanks to my buddy and hurricane historian, Lew Fincher, owner of Hurricane Consulting, for giving me the book.

Speaking of books and in honor of Rosh Hashanah, I am also recommending a book called The Lost Cellos of Lev Aronson by Frances Brent. I just finished the book about Lev Aronson, an accomplished cellist, who suffered greatly through the Holocaust. It's a great read and I can't stop thinking about all he endured. May we never forget!

Have a terrific Thursday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Flood and Tornado Threat Update Tuesday Morning 9/07

2010-09-07T08:25:00.003-05:00

Hello everyone -
Rain from the weakening Hermine is bringing a threat of flooding for the next 2 or 3 days. As I write this post this morning, I have not seen any reports of tornadoes, but that could change. The biggest concerns right now are possible tornadoes and flooding.

FLASH FLOOD WATCH THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING 9/08

The following is the advisory from the National Weather Service. Please keep in mind that I am posting this on Tuesday morning. The watch area and timing will likely be modified over the next day or so. Please consult the Houston/Galveston National Weather Service office for the very latest updates.

THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR

* A PORTION OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS...INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING
COUNTIES...AUSTIN...BRAZORIA...COLORADO...FORT BEND...
GALVESTON...HARRIS...JACKSON...MATAGORDA...WALLER AND WHARTON.

* THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING

* THE REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM HERMINE WILL CONTINUE TO MOVE
SLOWLY ACROSS SOUTH TEXAS THIS MORNING AND THEN INTO WEST
CENTRAL TEXAS BY EARLY WEDNESDAY. THE WIDESPREAD PRECIPITATION
OVER SOUTH CENTRAL TEXAS IS EXPECTED TO MOVE INTO SOUTHEAST
TEXAS TODAY AND TONIGHT. LOCALLY HEAVY RAIN AND TRAINING CELLS
ARE LIKELY. EXPECT WIDESPREAD 1 TO 3 INCH RAINFALL AMOUNTS
THROUGH TONIGHT WITH THE POTENTIAL FOR SOME AREAS TO EXPERIENCE
5 TO 10 INCHES WHERE TRAINING PRECIPITATION OCCURS.

TORNADO WATCH
The following is the advisory from the National Weather Service. Please keep in mind that I am posting this on Tuesday morning. The watch area and timing will likely be modified over the next day or so. Please consult the National Weather Service/Storm Prediction Center for the very latest updates.

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch effective until 1 pm Tuesday 9/07 for the following counties:

TEXAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ARANSAS AUSTIN BEE
BRAZORIA CALHOUN COLORADO
DEWITT FAYETTE FORT BEND
GOLIAD GONZALES JACKSON
JIM WELLS KARNES KLEBERG
LAVACA LIVE OAK MATAGORDA
NUECES REFUGIO SAN PATRICIO
VICTORIA WALLER WASHINGTON
WHARTON

Be safe everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Storm Hermine/Flash Flood Watch/DQ Mini-blizzard

2010-09-06T11:09:00.004-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Tropical Storm Hermine is strengthening in the southern Gulf, but it doesn't have much time to strengthen as it should make landfall tonight over northern Mexico or southern Texas. Bottom line...there is going to be a lot of rain. A vast area is under a flash flood watch including the following portion of Houston. The following is the Monday morning advisory from the Houston National Weather Service. Please understand that the watch area and duration will likely change over the next couple of days. So be sure to check with the local media and the Houston National Weather Service for the very latest advisories.

FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH TUESDAY
EVENING...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN HOUSTON/GALVESTON HAS ISSUED A

* FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR A PORTION OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS...INCLUDING
THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES...AUSTIN...BRAZORIA...COLORADO...FORT
BEND...JACKSON...MATAGORDA AND WHARTON.

The watch means that conditions are favorable for heavy rain. Once flooding is occurring or imminent, the National Weather Service will issue Flash Flood Warnings. Once that happens, you should avoid driving and stay at home unless advised to do other wise.

Elsewhere in the Tropical Atlantic, still watching the remnant of Gaston which could become a tropical storm again within the next 2 days as conditions are favorable for that.

Tropical Pacific is quiet.

Houston, heaviest rain will be early Tuesday through Wednesday but there could be scattered showers and thunderstorms thereafter through the coming weekend.

In the nation the Labor Day, many locations will have thunderstorms and there is a slight risk of severe storms for Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do rain or lluvia, pronounced YOU-vee-ah. There will be a lot of lluvia in Texas this week.

Volume 3 will be released soon. Volume 3 will cover the alphabet (with words beginning with those letters), numbers 1 through 20 and colors. Have had a few of Sarah's friends checking out the rough draft of Volume 3 and they were glued to the set. Until it's ready for release, you can order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Mini-blizzard at DQ
I love the mini-blizzard size at Dairy Queen (DQ)...just the right size for portion control. I think the price is a bit high...$2.29 at the DQ we go to. Speaking of that, I was interested in how they grouped the choices for blizzards...4 groups. Which type is your favorite? Put in your vote in my new poll at right. Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Magic Exhibit Coming to an End
This is the last weekend to see the Magic exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. If you are looking for something to do with the kids, I heard it is not to be missed.

Baylor College of Medicine Visit with Medical Students
Thursday, Sarah joined Gordy and me giving a talk to the Baylor College of Medical Students as part of their genetics lecture series. We were joined by two families with adults with Williams Syndrome and one with a little girl, Emma, with velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS). See photo at right and here is the link:
http://vcfsef.org/
VCFS is the 2nd most common syndrome after Down Syndrome. Yet, it is way underdiagnosed. I have written about it previously in my blog--about a year ago.

We were there to speak about living with Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS). For more information, go to prisms.org. Thankfully, our experience has been much easier than that of most families.

Sarah formed a new friendship with medical student, Chaya (see right), who said that she went to the same elementary school that Sarah is attending now. And she had the teacher who is now Sarah's principal. Small world! Good luck in your studies Chaya.

Special thanks to Dr. Lorraine Potocki, her assistant Valerie Price and all the wonderful people at Baylor Genetics for helping to enlighten the next generation of doctors. Interestingly, at our last appointment with Sarah's immunologist, there was a young doctor assisting who said that he remembers us giving the lecture to students when Sarah was a toddler.

Hi-Rise Truck
Just had to share this photo I snapped of a high rise truck...this is one of the highest I have ever seen.

Be safe with the heavy rain everyone. Remember, turn around, don't drown. Never cross a flooded roadway on foot or in a car.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Depression #10 and Wet Week Ahead for TX

2010-09-05T23:51:00.002-05:00

Hello Everyone -
Just a quick update this evening as Tropical Depression #10 has formed in the southern Gulf. It may become Tropical Storm Hermine before moving into Mexico. East Texas will be on the wet side of the flow around this system so more than anything, it looks like much of Texas including Houston area will get drenched this week--especially Tuesday and Wednesday.

More to come!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Watching Gaston/Labor Day Weekend Forecast

2010-09-01T22:48:00.003-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
3 named storms in the Atlantic and possibly a 4th named Hermine in a few days.

Most immediate concern is Earl, a Category 4 hurricane which might hit the outlying areas of the eastern seaboard on Thursday and southern New England on Friday. I am reminded of a great book called Sudden Sea about the 1938 storm that slammed into eastern Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Fiona is not forecast to become a hurricane but it could pass very close to Bermuda.

Finally, I am watching Gaston, pronounce ga-STAWN which is forecast to become a hurricane on Friday and move westward. Long range steering environment could bring it into the Gulf middle of next week. So stay tuned.

Slight risk for severe storms on Thursday from northern Texas to southern Wisconsin. Very hot in the desert Southwest with lots of 100+ readings. Hot and sticky across the south and southeast with highs in the 90s. Very pleasant for most of the west coast, Rockies, central and northern plains and New England with highs in the 60s and 70s and low humidity.

Big trough which will steer Earl northward will also usher an early September "cold" front into Houston late Friday. Lower humidity air arrives in advance--early Friday. But the big improvement will be late Friday and through Sunday. Should be a very pleasant weekend with mild mornings and warm afternoons with low humidity. Look for some rain to return as early as Labor Day Monday and scattered storms Tuesday and Wednesday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do hot or caliente, pronounced cah-lee-EHN-tay. It sure has been caliente this summer. See my global warming poll results in the AND MORE section.

Volume 3 will be released soon. Volume 3 will cover the alphabet (with words beginning with those letters), numbers 1 through 20 and colors. Have had a few of Sarah's friends checking out the rough draft of Volume 3 and they were glued to the set. Until it's ready for release, you can order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
My poll on global warming is closed. 50% said they thought manmade global warming is causing the extreme record heat. 0% said they thought naturally occurring global warming is causing the exreme record heat. And 50% said they were not sure what the cause is. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated. I hope to have a new poll in my next post.

Have a terrific Thursday everyone.
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Labor Day Weekend Forecast/Tropical Update/"New" Wardrobe - No Money

2010-08-30T09:43:00.003-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
In the Atlantic, Danielle is weakening while Earl is forecast to become a major hurricane in the next day. Earl is passing the northeastern Leeward Islands and it is still not clear if it will not hit the U.S. Most models show it missing, but we still need to watch it carefully from the Carolinas to the the coastal New England states. Next disturbance in the central Atlantic will likely become Fiona, but it is less likely (at this point) than Earl to threaten the U.S.

In Eastern Pacific, there is an area of disturbed weather with a slight chance of becoming a named storm in the next 2 days.

Some severe weather is possible today over the northern and central plains. That area shifts eastward on Tuesday. Very hot and steamy across the northeast, east and south today with highs in the 80s and 90s. Pleasant for coastal California, Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies and northern Plains with highs in the 60s and 70s.

Houston, we are back to mega hot and sticky all week. Some dry air arrives late Friday and Saturday will be more comfortable. Look for scattered showers and thunderstorms each afternoon this week. Labor Day weekend, a slight chance for a stray storm on Sunday and t-storms slightly more likely on Monday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do buckle or abrochar, pronounced ah-bro-CHAR. What is the safest way abrochar your child in the car. See the AND MORE section.

Finished all art work for Volume 3 and now just a few more finishing touches on the editing. Volume 3 will cover the alphabet (with words beginning with those letters), numbers 1 through 20 and colors. Have had a few of Sarah's friends checking out the rough draft of Volume 3 and they were glued to the set. Until it's ready for release, you can order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Get "New" Clothing Without Shopping
I'm cleaning out my closet for one of those charity pick-ups. This time I am determined to be ruthless. Get rid of everything I don't wear...no holding back!!! And, I change things around. Moving tops to a location in the closet that is more accessible. Look down on the floor and big bonus, I find 4 tops on the ground. One of them, I thought I had lost on a trip. One I had been trying to find for a while. And two I had completely forgotten about but really loved!!! I have a whole new wardrobe this Monday morning and didn't spend a dime. And, since I am keeping track of what I am giving to charity, I'll have a nice charity deduction come April 15th.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, so rejuvenating!!!

Keep Your Kids Safe in the Car
My sister has 3 little ones and recently asked me about putting her oldest in a booster. Then, I'm driving home and see a billboard for bucklethemright.org. So I check it out and it goes right to the Texas click it or ticket site. There is lots of great information including a clarification of the child safety seat law in Texas. Here is a summary from the site.

Texas is doing its part by requiring every passenger in a vehicle to wear a safety belt. If a rider isn't buckled in, they'll receive a citation. What's more, if a child passenger younger than 8 years old (unless taller than 4 feet, 9 inches) is not buckled up or is buckled in wrong, the driver will be ticketed.

They have information about where you can go to make sure you are buckling your little ones correctly and much more. Here is the link:
http://texasclickitorticket.com/child_safety.html

Rolling Blackouts
We have been having rolling blackouts in the Sugar Land area for a week...but there is nothing on the Centerpoint web site. I called and unquired and they had nothing to say, except they will have someone come out and check our grid. Do they truly not know that there have been rolling blackouts? Do they think that not saying anything will make us not notice? Have any of you been having any regular trouble? I have lived here 10 years and this is the first time I recall this happening in non-severe weather. Will let you know if I find anything out.

Katrina Anniversary
As we mark the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, let us continue to keep all victims of that storm and all natural disasters in our prayers. I'll never forget the family our church assigned to our group of families or the single mom with a grown disabled son who was completely uprooted from a life that was working. Let us never be too busy to lend a helping hand.

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Danielle, Earl, Frank and almost Fiona in Tropics and Weekend Forecast

2010-08-26T23:22:00.005-05:00

As I write this post this evening, we have Hurricane Danielle and Tropical Storm Earl and a storm which will soon be named Fiona in the Atlantic. Meanwhile in the Pacific, there is Hurricane Frank.

The good news in the Atlantic is that it looks like the US has fairly good chances of being spared a direct hit by all three systems. So, I'll keep an eye on the tropics as usual.

In the Pacific, Frank is interesting because it is probably going to move over the Baja peninsula and possibly into the southwest US. The cooler water will kill the winds, but it could be a rainmaker for the southwestern US. So, stay tuned for that.

For Houston, some good news...Friday we will still be enjoying that lower humidity and the "dry heat". Dew points start increasing Saturday--so more humidity and then back to the sauna on Sunday with scattered showers and thunderstorms and that will continue into the early part of the coming week. For Saturday, some thunderstorms over the southeast US and extreme south Texas and the southwest. Highs in the 60s or 70s western California, the Pacific Northwest and the northeast. 100+ for Vegas and 80s and 90s elsewhere.

Happy weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Loving My Eggs/Relief from Houston Heat/Tropical Update

2010-08-24T22:20:00.004-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Danielle dropped to tropical storm strengthen and is now back to hurricane status in the Atlantic. Still not looking like a threat to land. However, long range forecast models have diverged. So, I'll let you know if any land area becomes threatened. Further to the east, National Hurricane Center is giving disturbance 90% of becoming (Earl most likely) a tropical storm in the next 2 days. In the Gulf, a trough of low pressure is being given only a 10% chance of developing in the next 2 days.

In the tropical Pacific, Tropical Storm Frank looks like a non-threat for any direct hits on the west coast.

Big changes shaping up over the US as high pressure builds southward into Texas and then lifts northeastward over the weekend with trough invading the west. Very hot across southern plains and central US and southwest on Wednesday. But, many areas will be enjoying a big drop in the humidity. There will be some thunderstorms for the southwest, southeast and Ohio Valley.

Houston, say finally!!! Drier air arrives on Wednesday and that is going to make this heat more tolerable. Hit 102 (highest temperature so far this year) on Monday, 8/23 with explosive thunderstorms and high wind damage and then round 2 today, Tuesday, 8/24. So enjoy Wednesday through Friday. Then late Friday and into at least early next week, tropical moisture and there will be some storms as a trough of low pressure moves in from Gulf.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do egg or huevo, pronounced HWEH-voh. Find out at least one grocery store which is claiming no worries with their huevos in the AND MORE section.

Working hard on the upcoming launch of the music CD for the first 3 volumes, and Volume 3, which will cover the alphabet (with words beginning with those letters), numbers 1 through 20 and colors. Have had a few of Sarah's friends checking out the rough draft of Volume 3 and they were glued to the set. Until it's ready for release, you can order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Loving My Eggs
We eat eggs regularly. So you can be sure that last week when I heard about the salmonella outbreak, I checked mine immediately. We were okay (good thing as we had already eaten some from the carton). Anyway, just wanted to pass along that HEB had a sign up on Sunday that they do not purchase their eggs from the suspected source egg farms.

Katy High School Graduate Is Named Presidential Scholar
Congratulations to Ellen Liu, a 2010 graduate of James E. Taylor High School from Katy for being named a Presidential Scholar. Only 2 students from each state receive this distinguished title. For more on this amazing young lady who is a huge advocate for adequate education for all students, go to:
http://www.ultimatekaty.com/2010/08/local-grad-named-presidential-scholar
Thanks to my buddy, Leslie Williams, who wrote this article for the Chronicle.

First Ever National Flood Workshop to Be Held Here in Houston October 24-26
Take advantage of less expensive early registration fees by signing up the first ever
National Flood Workshop by the end of this month. And, there are special low rates for students. This is a super exciting event being sponsored in part by The John C. Freeman Weather Museum and Weather Research Center. Here is the link to the site:
http://www.wxresearch.com/nfw/

Temperature and Precipitation Outlooks for the Fall
The good news is that Wednesday is 4 months until Christmas...thinking those cool thoughts and less than a month from the official start of fall. So, I'm checking out the latest 3 month temperature outlook (September through November) from the Climate Prediction Center and there is a large swath of high chances of above normal temperaturs from the southwest through Texas into the northeast. Precipation-wise looks like the northern plains and Pacific Northwest will have above normal chances for this same period. Bottom line...might be running that a/c come Thanksgiving Day if you are in Houston are one of the areas in that region I mentioned.

Drought Monitor and Outlook
Also at right are the latest figures...one of the drier areas in the US has been northern Louisiana, Virginia/NC and western Hawaii. Looks like some relief possible for northern Louisiana, improvement expected for Virginia and NC and persistence for Hawaii.

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Update/Eat, Pray, Love Review/Onion Chopping Eye Relief

2010-08-15T23:04:00.005-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
What was tropical depression #5 and moved into the northern Gulf coast last week, is about to move back out over the open water just south of the Florida panhandle. The National Hurricane Center is giving it a 50% chance of becoming a tropical storm in the next 48 hours. Looks like it will hit southeast Louisiana again.

On Monday, there is a risk of severe storms in the northeast and for eastern Colorado and the corners of surrounding counties. Very hot in Texas and the southwest with plenty of 100+ readings. Steamy for th southeast with highs in the 90s. Pleasant for the Great Lakes and northern New England with highs in the 60s and along the California coast, highs in the 70s. Elsewhere, expect 70s and 80s.

Houston has another Heat Advisory for Monday. On Sunday, it hit 100 for the first time this year...just one degree shy of the record for the day. I would not be surprised if we hit 100 again on Monday. But rain will return this week and there will likely be some scattered storms Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday as more moisture moves into the area along with some weak disturbances in the upper flow...still very hot and humid all week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do pray or rezar, pronounced ray-ZARR. What did I think about Ear, Rezar, Love? See the And More section.

I just finished reviewing the music CD for the first 3 volumes, to be released at about the same time as Volume 3, which will cover the alphabet (with words beginning with those letters), numbers 1 through 20 and colors. In the meantime, you can order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Place to Go for Personalized Gifts, Especially for Baby
Just got back from an out of town baby shower for my nephew Josh and his wife Sarah. They are going to have a little boy in September and are naming him John Mason. I was delighted to see some personalized items that my niece had made for him including the blue and white checked romper shown at right. Turns out she has started a business personalizing bibs, wipey containers and much more. Check out her web site at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/NeedleInACottonPatch
That whole family is very creative. Courtney herself had come up with some super fun baby shower games like modifying Catch Phrase with baby terms, Price is Right like game--gave 5 items and gave 2 prices and we had to pick the right one...whoever got most right--won. It was a fun time.

Eat, Pray, Love Review
I read the book, and I think Julia Roberts did a good job of portraying Elizabeth Gilbert. There were several parts that were glossed over or not even addressed at all. But, I think the movie would have been at least 3 hours if they hadn't done that. And, her love interest was way too good (and young) looking compared to the way he was portrayed in the book. I think it is worth seeing--I don't know if everything was shot on location--but the scenery was great. It is not a completely chick movie. I saw several couples in the theater--those men were so brave.

Minimize Tears While Chopping Onions
So, I'm chopping some onions and trying to remember the tip I saw on Alton Brown's show on the Food Network. I just could not remember. He explained how there are fumes realized that when they hit the eyeballs release sulfur and that is why your eyes burn. He suggested rubbing the cutting surface with vinegar and then said that is too stinky. Then, he said to cut near an open flame to burn up the fumes. Then, he said to cut with a very sharp knife to minimize the release of fumes. You can see him giving this advice on the following link from youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cU-gfFzC6Uw

EPA Sets Emission Limits for Cement Plants - First Ever for Mercury
For the first time ever, the EPA has established emission limits for mercury and other chemicals released from cement plants.

The following is an excerpt from the press release:
EPA estimates that the rules will yield $6.7 billion to $18 billion in health and environmental benefits, with costs estimated at $926 million to $950 million annually in 2013. Another EPA analysis estimates emission reductions and costs will be lower, with costs projected to be $350 million annually.

For the complete press release, see the following link:
http://sn130w.snt130.mail.live.com/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0

Poll Results
My poll about your feelings about Lance Berkman leaving the Astros for the Yankees got the following results:

33% said they were sad. 16% said they were more optimistic about the Astros. 50% said they don't care. No one said they are mad at him, they are less optimistic about the Astros, or they are happy for him. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated. I'll try to put up a new poll in my next post.

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Depression #5 forms in Gulf

2010-08-10T22:59:00.003-05:00

Quick update to tell you that Gulf system is now Tropical Depression #5 (will likely become Tropical Storm Danielle before landfall on Thursday). National Hurricane Center projects that it will most likely hit Louisiana on Thursday afternoon.

There is a new area of disturbed weather just east of the eastern Caribbean Islands.

The other area in the northwest Atlantic is going to move northward (not threatening land).

Houston, it is looking like we will return to a more rainy pattern starting Thursday with at least some scattered storms each day.

Happy Wednesday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Update Monday Evening

2010-08-09T22:41:00.003-05:00

Just a quick note tonight to say keep an eye on the eastern Gulf disturbance. Consensus of models takes to Louisiana in a couple days. Best chance for rain Houston Thursday...some scattered stuff still possible into weekend.

Still very hot through Thursday and National Weather Service has heat advisory for most of Houston area until Tuesday 7 pm. Must of nation's mid-section until head advisories or warnings with ridge of high pressure really doing some cooking.

Have a great (cool) week!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Storm Colin Returns/Federal Building in 2 States/Why I Love Nintendo

2010-08-06T09:26:00.004-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
In the Atlantic, Colin is back! But it is unlikely to affect any land area directly except possibly Bermuda and Newfoundland. And the National Hurricane Center (NHC) is not expecting it to become a hurricane. In the far eastern Atlantic, the NHC is monitoring Invest 93 which they say has a 40% chance of becoming a tropical storm in the next 48 hours. But, the models are indicating it will likely not threaten any land areas, moving through the open waters of the Atlantic (eventually dieing in the northern Atlantic).

In the eastern Pacific is newly formed Tropical Depression 7E. This system should move west-northwest and not threaten any land areas.

Let's start with the coolest areas...west coast California, coastal Washington, northern Great Lakes and norhern New England highs in the 60s and 70s today. 100+ for Dallas and las Vegas. Elsewhere highs in the 80s and 90s. Slight risk for severe storms Montana/South Dakota/North Dakota and the southeastern states.

Houston is under another Heat Advisory this Friday as it is expected to feel like 105 or hotter for much of the afternoon. I wouldn't be surprised if there is another heat advisory for Saturday and possibly Sunday. There is a slight weakness in our high pressure ridge. So, we will probably get some cooling thunderstorms today, Saturday and Sunday. But not everyone will get the rain. Stay cool!

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do service or servicio, pronounced sair-vee-SEE-oh. Find out about some excellent servicio I got in the AND MORE section.

There is a lot of excitement about our soon to be released Volume 3 which will cover the alphabet (with words beginning with those letters), numbers 1 through 20 and colors. We will also have a special music CD release covering all three volumes. In the meantime, you can order my DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
New Poll on Lance Berkman
You have probably already moved on, but I was curious about how you felt about Lance Berkman leaving the Astros. I met him once when I was working a special adoption awareness day on the night of an Astros game. Lance met with me and some children who were hoping to be adopted. The little boy in the group gave him his assessment of things and Lance responded in a way that showed he truly cared about what the little boy had to say. I really respected him for that. And, I have to say I was sad when I heard he had left the Astros. I felt like the soul of the team was gone. So, anyway, here's the new poll. More than one answer is allowed (trying to cover all your possible feelings). Thanks in advance for responding.

Federal Building is in Two States
Sarah loves to pick up postcards when we travel. Looking through them, I found one which showed the Texarkana Post Office and Courthouse lies in Texas and Arkansas. Apparently the state border goes right through the middle of it. I found a web site (Texasescapes.com) which has some neat pictures of the building and state line street and one funny comic strip. Enjoy!
http://www.texasescapes.com/EastTexasTowns/TexarkanaTexas/Texarkana-Texas-Arkansas-State-Line.htm

Old Kimberling City Lies Under 150 Feet of Water
When we go to Table Rock Lake (in Southwest Missouri and just outside of Branson) each summer, we often pass under the Kimberling City bridge opened in 1958. The original bridge is close by...about 150 feet under the water. You see the Corp of Engineers decided to flood that valley in the 1950s so that the area could be opened for recreation. Way down in that valley were villages and another bridge...the old Kimberling City bridge. They say if you were to dive down there, we would find the bridge and some old buildings. They weren't torn down...just allowed to stay in place with the water inundating them. It is kind of creepy to float over that area and realize there are structures down there. I found this Photobucket site with photos of the "new" bridge. Notice how high the water is...I think those were taken during some historic floods 2 years ago. I heard you could take your boat under the bridge and actually hang onto it. The water was so high that for a while they had to close the bridge to traffic.
http://photobucket.com/images/Kimberling%20City%20bridge/

Nintendo DS Fix for Free
I don't know what Sarah may have done to her Nintendo DS Lite (she has only had for 3 months) but it just stopped working. So, I contacted Nintendo and they were so kind. I didn't have a serial number because Sarah had pulled off the sticker and I didn't have a receipt because it was a gift. Well, they didn't care. They sent me a link so I could print my own FedEx label and all I have to do is package it up and they are going to send her a brand new one. Who says there isn't customer service anymore? I am sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo impressed!!!

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Update/HEB Gift Super Gift Card Deal/Seeing Peter Pan

2010-08-03T22:56:00.005-05:00

WEATHER
In the Atlantic, Colin forms and then it fizzles. There is still a possiblity it could reform but for now, the National Hurricane Center, is no longer issuing advisories on it. Track forecast is mainly to miss the US and even to miss Bermuda. Will monitor.

Meanwhile, those of us in Texas need to keep a close eye on the disturbance in the eastern Caribbean. There are indications that it will organize and become a hurricane as it tracks westward and then into the Gulf. Most models at this point have it hitting Mexico but it is way early. Will keep you posted.

Another disturbance in the eastern Pacific has only a 10% chance of developing in the next 48 hours.

On Wednesday, there is a slight risk for severe storms from Iowa and Missouri over to Ohio. Brutally hot in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and the desert Southwest with many 100+ readings. Very hot and and sticky for the eastern US, except the northeast which will have highs in the 70s and 80s. West coast of California will be the cool spot with highs in the 60s. Also pleasant for the northern tier of states with highs in the 70s and 80s.

Houston will continue hot and humid with highs near 97 or 98 through the weekend. Slight risk for rain returns Wednesday through the weekend, but it is low--only 10 to 20%.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do charitable organization or entidad benéfica, pronounced ehn-tee-DAD behn-AY-fee-cah. Learn more about a neat entidad benéfica in the AND MORE section.

Unless you are swimming, it is just too hot to be oustide? Let the kids exercise their brains by watching my award winning Spanish language DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. You can find Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Build-A-Bear Poll Results
My poll on how many Build-A-Bear projects you have purchased is closed. 42% said none. 14% said one. 0% said 2. 28% said 3. And, 14% said more than 3. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to allwho participated.

I'll have a new poll in my next blog.

Great Gift Card Deal at HEB!
If you buy any gift card in any amount at HEB, you will get a $5 coupon off any purchase of at least $15 worth of groceries in the following 2 weeks. Well, I easily spend that each time I go and I get groceries at least once a week. So think about this, this is like getting a $15 gift card for only $10. Great deal!!!

Sarah Meets Cathy Rigby
In a previous posted, I told you how we were driving in Branson and saw that Cathy Rigby was starring in the musical Peter Pan. This was my 12th trip to the area (we go to Table Rock Lake) and I had never been to any show. Well, Sarah decided that she wanted to see it. So, we did! And what a wonderful show it was!!! I was so impressed at the gymnastics being performed by Cathy Rigby--now 57 years old. The end of the show was a big thrill when she walked out for the curtain call and then flew right at us and way to the rear of the audience. I totally did not expect that. She threw fists full of "pixie dust" as she flew overhead and it ended up down my shirt and in my purse. It scared Sarah a bit but she recovered.

Anyway, after the show, people lined up to give a $1 donation to get a picture and autograph from Cathy. I looked into the donation and it was for the Peter Pan Children's Fund which encourages children to be philanthropists and help childrens' hospitals. Here is the link to the web site:
http://www.peterpanchildrensfund.org/

Cathy was very interested in hearing more about Sarah's syndrome and I told her to check out prisms.org. Who knows...maybe the Peter Pan Children's Fund will end up helping the Baylor Genetics department--one of the top 3 research facilities in the country for Smith-Magenis Syndrome.

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Depression #4

2010-08-02T22:41:00.002-05:00

Hello all -
Just a quick update to tell you about Tropical Depression #4 in the Atlantic. Good news is that majority of forecast models are keeping it from making a direct hit on the US (at least so far). And the National Hurricane Center is not forecasting that the storm will become a hurricane (but they are forecasting that it will become a tropical storm).

There is another area with only a 10% chance of developing over the next 48 hours (that area over the southern islands of the eastern Caribbean).

In the Pacific, an area of disturbed weather is only being given a 10% chance of developing in the next 48 hours.

Houston -- hot and mostly rain-free weather will continue through the weekend...highs each day should reach the upper 90s.

My next post will be more complete and will include how Sarah and I saw the Peter Pan performance and met Cathy Rigby.

Have a great week!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Table Rock Lake/Build a Bear Deal/La Nina Update

2010-07-27T18:35:00.004-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Tropical Pacific and Atlantic are quiet.

On Wednesday, severe weather will be a threat from Iowa to New York. There will also be many areas with scattered storms including the southern plains, the Midwest and the northeast. Vegas and Phoenix should top out around 105. Cool spots will be the west coast of California with highs in the 60s and the Great Lakes with highs in the 70s. Expect highs in the 80s for the rest of the northern states and New Mexico and 90s elsewhere.

Houston will be hot and humid with scattered showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday. Much lower rain chances from Thursday through the weekend. Getting hotter at the same time with highs in the upper 90s and some locations could reach 100.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do stuffed animal or animal de peluche, pronounced ah-knee-MAUL DAY peh-LOO-chay. Find out about a deal on making your favorite animal de peluche in the AND MORE section.

Too hot or too rainy (or too many mosquitos) to play outside? Let the kids exercise their brains by watching my award winning Spanish language DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. You can find Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
New Poll
We are in the Branson, Missouri area on vacation. Actually, we spend most of our time outside of Branson at a resort on Table Rock Lake. Today, with a threat of rain, we decided to head into Branson Landing--a shopping/dining area. And, of course when Sarah saw the Build-A-Bear Workshop, we had to visit. I was thinking about how many times we have made some stuffed animals there and I was wondering how many you have made there. So, that is my new poll. Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Special
And one reason I was willing to go there is because they are offering a special through August 5th...for $29.99 you can get a stuffed animal, outfit and shoes for "only" $29.99. If you have ever been there before, you know that is a good deal. We usually never get out of there for under $50 each.

Cabins Becoming a Rarity
This will be our last year at this particular resort because the cabins are being sold off individually. Already about half of them have been sold. People are buying them and fixing them up. Gordy has been coming to this resort for the last 35 years or so. All of his siblings and their kids and his parents come here. So, not staying at this resort is going to be a big change. And many of the other resorts are selling off their cabins too! So, the times are a'changing.

Found - Cathy Rigby
I now know where Cathy Rigby is. She is appearing as Peter Pan in Branson. In case you didn't know, she was an award winning gymnast and represented the US at the 1968 and 1972 Olympics (although she had an injury at the 1972 ones). Anyway, I haven't seen her show but I am impressed that she is still performing that role. She was born in 1952...so she is in her late 50s.

Happy 65th Bubba Sea Dog
Before we left for Table Rock, we headed to Kemah to see our friend Sam's "new" boat. It is actually fairly old but in great shape--a wooden boat 37 ft. long. There is an enclosed cabin with kitchen and bathroom and room for 6 people to sleep. Happy birthday Bubba Sea Dog and enjoy your "yacht club".

Liquid vs. Dry Measuring Cups
You have to rough it a bit in cabins and I forgot to bring my liquid measuring cup. Making a cake for my nephew Will and Ben's birthdays (turning 14 and 11 respectively within 2 weeks of each other). Happy Birthday guys! Anyway, I looked up the difference and there isn't any. It's just harder to measure liquid in a the shape provided with a dry measuring cup and vice versa. So, happy roughing it.

Still Trending La Nina
Latest from Climate Prediction Center, we still appear to be at the beginning of a La Nina episode. Just a refresher, that tends to be more storm in the Atlantic Basin.

3 Month Temperature/Precipitation Outlooks and Drought Outlook
Climate Prediction Center is projecting above normal temperatures for many areas, especially for Florida, Northeast and Arizona and above normal rain for much of the southeast. This will help Louisiana, which is currently dealing with extreme drought and is within the drought outlook area for improvement.

Have a great week everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Depression Bonnie

2010-07-23T21:38:00.003-05:00

Bonnie will have to really hurry if it wants to get it's act together. The storm will probably make a second landfall near New Orleans late Saturday. The storm weakened to just a depression after moving over Florida. National Hurricane Center is forecasting mild strengthening (back to tropical storm status) before the 2nd landfall. More than anything, it will be a rainmaker for Louisiana and then most likely, Arkansas and into Missouri by mid-week.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Storm Bonnie/Best Time for Schlitterbahn/Hole Punch Clouds

2010-07-22T20:38:00.004-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Tropical Pacific is quiet but there is newly formed Tropical Storm Bonnie over the Bahamas on the Atlantic side. The storm will bring rain to Florida over the next day or so and is expected to hit somewhere along the Gulf coast Sunday. Latest cone of uncertainty from The National Hurricane Center takes the center to south central Louisiana on Sunday afternoon. There has been a lot of shear from a nearby upper low but the low may be moving away enough that the storm could intensify more than forecast. Remember, that intensification forecasting is very error prone. Also, most of the most popular tropical forecasting models have the storm hitting Louisiana to Mississippi later in the weekend but the ensemble models (all of the forecasting models) show a spread which includes the upper Texas coast. Bottom line...too soon to tell. So, be prepared for anything at this point.

Houston, there will be some scattered storms on Friday. As we get on the west side of the storms circulation Saturday/Sunday, expect drier air to arrive--but it will be hot! Deviation of path further west, will put us in a wet flow. So stay tuned.

There is also a disturbance in the western Gulf that will be hitting northern Mexico in the next day or so...only a 30% chance of making tropical storm before landfall. Expect rain in northern Mexico and south Texas through the early part of the weekend.

Friday will be hot for the desert southwest with highs 100+ all the way to Reno. Also very hot for DC...could hit the century mark. Stormy for Florida with highs in the 80s. 60s and 70s for coastal California, Pacific Northwest and northern states. Some severe weather possible form the Midwest to New York. Elsewhere, highs mainly in the 90s.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do snake or culebra or serpiente, pronounced coo-LAY-brah or sair-pee-EHN-tay respectively. Where did cold weather help with a culebra problem? Find out in the AND MORE section.

Too hot or too rainy (or too many mosquitos) to play outside? Let the kids exercise their brains by watching my award winning Spanish language DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. You can find Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE

Favorite Thing About Summer Poll - Closed
My poll about what you like most about summer--is closed. 33% of you said swimming or other...gosh I wish I knew what the other thing is!!! 22% said vacation. 11% said the kids being out of school. 0% said summer movies or the heat. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated and I will have a new poll in my next post.

Best Time to Go to Galveston/Schlitterbahn
Sarah and I headed to Galveston this past Monday afternoon--for those of you in Houston, you might recall that it was quite a gully washer that day. Well, everyone thought I was crazy, but I had a pretty good idea that the weather would be fine in Galveston due to the advancement of the sea breeze front (a part of the stormy pattern in Houston). There were a few things going on meteorologically including the high pressure ridge which had brought hot and rain-free weather for days, had weakened. Other contributing factors was a large enough temperature difference between the air over land and over the water...it needs to be at least 6 degrees Fahrenheit. And, a decent onshore flow...in general the winds need to be less than 10 kt flowing offshore to onshore. The stronger the onshore flow, the further inland the storms can penetrate. Around here, the sea breeze front usually comes in during the late morning into the early afternoon. So, if you are heading to Galveston in the afternoon, the storms should have already passed.

And it was a perfect day...the rain in Houston kept the crowds away and there was a residual overcast which kept it cooler. Sarah and I had a ball. We actually made a stop at the beach first...to pick up shells, sand and driftwood for a summer science project--the original reason for our trip. But hey, since we were there--we had to hit Schlitterbahn (doesn't close until 8 pm and believe me, we closed it down).

Come to find out, if you go to Schlitterbahn in Galveston after 3 pm, it is cheaper--$31.99 for 12 to 55 and $25.99 for 3 to 11 or those 55+. If you go all day, the price is $39.99 and $31.99 respectively. But if you go to HEB, you can get those full day summer season tickets for 2 to 3 dollars cheaper. Btw, Schlitterbahn summer season ends September 19th.

Friend's Hole Punch Cloud Photo Makes Cover of June issue of Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society

When I got my latest issue of BAMS, I was excited to a familiar looking photo of a hole punch cloud. I remember seeing the photo when shown by my friend and then co-councilor of the National Weather Association, Alan Sealls. He presented a paper on the topic at one of our annual conferences. In First of all, you have probably seen these kind of configurations before. It is usually an altocumulus or cirrocumulus cloud deck with a hole in it and then some clouds in the middle. It can be quite dramatic. The article in this issue of BAMS provided a complex, technical discussion. One popular school of thought discussed by the article's authors is that there is supercooled air in the hole (air that when hit by the exhaust/particles from aircraft allows the rapid formation of ice cools). The latent heat released from freezing warms the surrounding air sufficiently to evaporate water out of the surrounding air...forming a hole. There is also a similar type of effect in what are called canal clouds...streaks of clear air with a thin line of clouds in the middle where due to the condensation trails from aircraft. Anyway, Alan is still the Chief Meteorologist WKRG in Mobile, AL. To learn more about him, check out the following link:
http://www.wkrg.com/dashboard_main/profile/11/

Last Winter Helped Florida with Python Problem
Also in the June issue of BAMS, a brief report about the benefit of last year's unusually cold winter in Florida. Over the decades, non-native animals such have Burmese and African pythons as well as some non-native iguanas and fish have wreaked havoc on the existing ecosystem. Burmese pythons have been an especially big problem because they have huge appetites and were eating some of the endangered local species (making them more endangered). Where did these animals come from--the speculation is that they were abandoned by pet owners and perhaps escaped from pet shops damaged by hurricanes.

Have a safe weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Update Wed. Evening 7/21/10

2010-07-21T22:38:00.003-05:00

Just a quick update this evening to tell you that the Gulf disturbance will be a rainmaker mainly for northern Mexico and south Texas. Other disturbance over eastern Bahamas will mainly impact Bahamas, Cuba, Florida. Will keep an eye on both.

Houston...more hot and humid weather with scattered showers and thunderstorms through the end of the week. Rain chances slightly lower for weekend.

Will have more in next post.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Update/Rent a Photo Booth/My Oil Platform Visit

2010-07-16T08:14:00.003-05:00

WEATHER
From the National Hurricane Center -
An area of disturbed weather of the western Caribbean has a 10% chance of developing in the next 48 hours (so not a very good chance). But it will be a rainmaker for Central America and the Yucatan. In the Pacific, Tropical Depression 6E is poorly organized and not expected to strengthen as it moves westward. There is also another area off the coast of Mexico with only a 10% chance of developing in 48 hours.

High pressure is dominating the weather over much of the southern 2/3rds of the country. To the north of that...in particular over the upper Midwest and portions of the Great Lakes, there is a slight risk for severe storms today. The high pressure ridge is weakening slightly but will continue to be fairly dominant over the next 5 days or so. All of the country will have highs that are at least in the 70s. Phoenix and Vegas will sore into the 110+ range. The northern tier of states will have highs in the 70s and 80s. Most of the south and southeast and low elevations of the west will hit the 90s.

Houston, look for more hot and humid weather through the weekend. Sunday, there is a slight chance of storms with some scattered storms on Monday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do cup or copa, pronounced KOH-pah. What happens when you take a styrofoam copa down 4800 feet below the ocean surface? Find out in the AND MORE section.

I finished my edits on the text for the soon to be released Volume 3 of Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, my award winning Spanish language DVDs for children. I had to do some slightly different things and it turned out great! You can find Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Answer My Poll
Don't forget to answer my latest poll...closes in 2 days...what is your favorite thing about summer. Hopefully, I included your favorite on the list.

Tourette's Doesn't Stop Him
Met an inspiring man at ChickFilA last night. He works 3 businesses even though he has Tourette's Syndrome. In case you are not familiar, Tourette's can manifest physically in any part of the body and is characterized by involuntary spasms/ticks in the body and even outbursts. Stress tends to make it worse. Sean Wolfson grew up in Sugar Land. His symptoms began at the age of 10 and he was shunned by kids who had been his friends. His teachers struggled to work around his condition...sometimes asking him to move to the back of the classroom so he wouldn't distract the other students. With medication and maturity, he gained some control over his condition and began Wolfson Financial in 2005. Now, he also owns a Photo Booth Rentals company and told me that the photo booth rental business for personal purposes has really exploded in the last year. We went to a wedding in January where a photo booth had been rented. Guests were invited to take a series of pictures and the booth printed out two identical strips of the photos--one to keep and one to put in a special memory book for the bride and groom. I loved the idea!!!

So, Sean gave me his card and told me that his 2 hour rental fee of $450 is much lower than the competition that typically charges about at least $695. For full disclosure, he said that if you contact him and tell him you read my blog, he will give me a $100 referral fee. So help me out!!! Ha! Ha! Anyway, you can call him at 281-732-7808 or 832-642-5761 and check out his website at photoboothrentalsofhouston.com.

My Trip to a Gulf Oil Platform
When I worked at FOX 26, Bill Read, now the Director of the National Hurricane Center called to ask me if I would visit the workers on an oil platform and give them a talk about hurricane safety. He normally would do it, but he had a conflict. So I said yes, not realizing that I would be going to the rig that was the furthest out in Gulf...about 125 miles southeast of Galveston. It was quite an experience making the 90 minute trip out on a Sikorsky S80 helicopter. It was a big chopper with pontoons and 2 engines and 2 pilots. And, it held 14 passengers...most of them guys going out to work. I was told that the pilots made the trip out and back 4 times a day! The scenery did not change once we got out over the Gulf...just water as far as the eye could see and a boat or rig here or there. We flew at about 1000 feet...at that time the optimal height to minimize turbulence.

We had to wear life jackets during the trip ("just in case") and ear protection. I had taken a dramamine because I expected a lot of turbulence. But it was if I was on dry land once we arrived. There was no movement at all. The platform was on a single ballasted column (with sea water) and held perfectly still. I was told that when a storm passed close by, it might sway a bit. We were treated to lunch in the amazing cafeteria. Most of the workers were there for 30 day stints with 12 hour days. As a parting gift they gave me a plastic cube with a tiny styrofoam cup. They had taken a regular coffee cup and taken it to the bottom where they drilled at 4800 feet. The extreme pressure caused by the tremendous weight of water at that depth had compressed the cup to a tiny fraction of its original size. I think of that often as I hear about the difficulties being faced in trying to fix the BP Horizon leak in the Gulf.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Forecast through Weekend/Exotic Hurricane Names/Twilight Poll Results

2010-07-11T21:21:00.005-05:00

WEATHER AND HURRICANES
Tropical Atlantic is quiet but there is an area of disturbed weather in the eastern Tropical Pacific which has a 20% chance of developing (according to the National Hurricane Center).

On Monday, highs will reach the 90s across the southern plains, Rockies, southeast and eastern seaboard up to New York City. There were be 100s in the desert Southwest and 60s along the California coast and Pacific Northwest. Elsewhere expect 70s and 80s. There is a slight risk for severe storms in the central US and Ohio Valley.

Houston will be hot, humid with only the slightest chance for rain through Friday. Expect a few more scattered thunderstorms over the coming weekend.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do name or nombre, prounced NOHM-bray. What are some hurricane nombres from other parts of the world. See the AND MORE section.

Got my first look at the soon to be released Volume 3 of Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, my award winning Spanish language DVDs for children. It was the best one yet!!! I am working on a few more font graphics for my editor. So, I have been really busy with that. You can find Volumes 1 and 2 on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
So we didn't get a Bonnie out of Tropical Depression #2. I got to looking at the names for the rest of the season and then I started looking at the names for storms in other parts of the world. The National Hurricane Center has 10 lists of names for 10 regions of the world. These names are common to that area. Here are some examples of interesting ones:
From the Central Pacific:
Akoni
Ema
Hone
Iona
Keli
Lala
Moke
Nolo
Olana
Pena
Ulana
Wale
I don't know about you, but I've never met anyone with names like these. But you see, these are for the Central Pacific...so many of the names are Hawaiian.

How about these for the western North Pacific? These are names from Japan, Korea, the Phillipines, Cambodia, China, Vietnam and more
Jebi
Mangkhut
Utor
Trami
Kong-rey
Yutu
Toraji
Man-yi
Usagi
Pabuk
Wutip
Sepat
Fitow
Danas
Nari

And here's some from the Fiji region:
Ami
Beni
Cilla
Dovi
Eseta
Fili
Gina
Heta
Ivy
Judy
Kerry
Lola
Meena
Nancy
Olaf
Percy
Rae
Sheila
Tam
Urmil
Vaianu
Wati
Zita

Here's some from Papua New Guinea:
Epi
Guba
Ila
Kama
Matere
Rowe
Tako
Upia

Here's some from the northern Indian Ocean:
Onil
Agni
Hibaru
Pyarr
Baaz
Fanoos
Mala
Mukda

And some from the southwest Indian Ocean:
Anja
Bongani
Cleo
David
Enzani
Fami
Gelane
Hubert
Imani
Joel
Kanja
Lunda
Mohono
Nigel
Olympe
Pamela
Quentin
Rahim
Savana
Themba
Uyapo
Viviane
Walter
Xangy
Yamurai
Zanele

These aren't all by any means...but it is a nice sampling.

The poll on who you considered more attractive from the Twilight series, Jacob the Werewolf or Edward the Vampire, is closed. Only one answer was allowed. 83% said Jacob the Werewolf and 16% said Edward the Vampire. Guess we have a little rounding problem. I ordered a Team Jacob shirt for Megan for her birthday and it is still on back order. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is about summer...what is your favorite thing about it? Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for answering.

And if you have a baby on the way and want a unique name, take a look at the lists above! Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Depression #2 Means Heavy Rain and Coastal Flooding

2010-07-07T23:35:00.003-05:00

Tropical Depression #2 has formed in the Gulf and will probably become Tropical Storm Bonnie before making landfall in northern Mexico or south Texas. Biggest problem will be flooding rains (Houston could get 5 to 6 inches) on top of saturated ground and swollen waterways. The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch which is in effect into Thursday evening. Also, there is coastal flooding already and a Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for Galveston, Chambers and Brazoria counties and a Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for Harris County.

Here is the official advisory:
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN HOUSTON/GALVESTON HAS ISSUED A
COASTAL FLOOD WARNING...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM 7 PM THIS EVENING TO
7 PM CDT THURSDAY. THE COASTAL FLOOD WATCH IS NO LONGER IN EFFECT.

TIDES ARE CURRENTLY RUNNING 2 FEET ABOVE NORMAL. EXPECT LEVELS
TO INCREASE ANOTHER 1/2 FOOT TONIGHT AS MODERATE TO STRONG SOUTHEAST WINDS
AND SEAS INCREASE. AFTER ADDING THE ASTRONOMICAL HIGH TIDE OF AROUND 2 FEET
TO THIS...IT WILL PRODUCE A TOTAL TIDE BETWEEN 4 AND 4.5 FEET ALONG THE GULF
FACING BEACHES WHICH WILL CREATE COASTAL FLOOD PROBLEMS AT THE SUSCEPTIBLE SPOTS.
THIS INCLUDES THE BOLIVAR PENINSULA...WESTERN GALVESTON ISLAND...BLUE WATER HIGHWAY
AND SURFSIDE. WAVE RUN UP WILL ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO EVEN HIGHER LEVELS. THE LOWEST
LYING BAYSIDE LOCATIONS COULD ALSO SEE WATER LEVELS PUSH ABOVE BULKHEADS
AND INTO YARDS AND ROADS. THE HIGHEST THREAT OF FLOODING WILL OCCUR AROUND
HIGH TIDE AT EACH LOCATION. IN ADDITION TO HIGH WATER LEVELS...HIGH SURF WILL
CREATE STRONG RIP CURRENTS SO SWIMMING IS DISCOURAGED.

THIS WARNING MAY NEED TO BE EXTENDED THROUGH THURSDAY NIGHT.

NOTE...HIGH TIDE LEVELS ARE REFERENCED FROM MEAN LOWER LOW WATER.

LOCATION TIDE TIMES EXPECTED
WATER LEVEL
ROLLOVER PASS...
WED 10:50 PM 1.9 FEET
THU 8:59 AM 3.4 FEET

EAGLE POINT...
WED 10:25 PM 2.0 FEET
THU 10:41 AM 3.5 FEET

GALVESTON CHANNEL (PIER 21)...
WED 7:38 PM 1.5 FEET
THU 4:50 AM 3.5 FEET

GALVESTON PLEASURE PIER...
WED 6:31 PM 2.1 FEET
THU 3:14 AM 4.4 FEET

FREEPORT USCG...
WED 6:12 PM 2.1 FEET
THU 3:53 AM 4.1 FEET
THU 6:58 PM 2.1 FEET

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A COASTAL FLOOD WARNING MEANS THAT FLOODING IS OCCURRING OR
IMMINENT. COASTAL RESIDENTS IN THE WARNED AREA SHOULD BE ALERT FOR
RISING WATER...AND TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO PROTECT LIFE AND
PROPERTY.

Rio Grande Valley concerns include a very swollen Rio Grande River.

Pay attention to the weather and remember not to drive through flooded areas.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Systems Mean Heavy Rain

2010-07-06T21:40:00.003-05:00

Just a quick update this evening to tell you that the Texas and Louisiana coasts could get a 1-2 punch...first the tropical wave that will bring some rain (heavy at times) on Wednesday into Thursday morning and then the disturbance moving from the Yucatan into the Gulf (bringing rain as early as Thursday and potentially continuing into the weekend). We've had a lot of rain...so pay attention to what is happening.

Also, there is a coastal flood watch for Galveston and Chambers counties due to the tropical wave just east of the Houston area. Higher than normal tides are expected.

Have a safe Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Here We Go Again in Tropics?/Twilight Cutie Award - Edward or Jacob

2010-07-04T18:09:00.004-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Don't look now but there are 2 systems we are watching on the Atlantic side (note: the Pacific is quiet). Most immediately, there is a non-tropical low south of Louisiana that the National Hurricane Center says will move north or northwest over the next day or so. Models show a northwest movement and rain returning to the Houston area by Tuesday. Fortunately, there is only a 10% chance of development. So, it looks like this one most likely will be a rainmaker.

In the western Caribbean, it's almost deja vu...another system getting it's act together and this one has a 30% chance of development of becoming an organized tropical system within 48 hours. Models show a track across the Yucatan into northern Mexico and strengthening to a hurricane. over the next 5 days. Now, remember that with Alex at this point, the models were all over the place with impact location. So, be prepared for anything!!!

Across the nation on Monday...many areas with scattered thunderstorms...see figure at right. Storms are to the right of the lines with errors. These areas include the plains into the Great Lakes and the southeast. Desert Southwest will be hot with highs in the 100s. Look for 90s in the south and eastern seaboard (New York City in the high 90s--yikes!!!)...also Reno will be in the 90s. Southeast will have highs in the 80s. 60s and 70s for the west coast of California and Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies.

Houston will be hot and humid Monday and Tuesday with highs in the 90s. Some scattered thunderstorms as early as Tuesday with more widespread rain the rest of the week--keep in mind keeping a close eye on tropical developments in the Gulf.
SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do fireworks or fuegos artificiales, pronounced FWAY-gohs are-tee-fee-see-AWL-lehs. Hope you got to enjoy some fuegos artificiales on the 4th!

Going on vacation soon! Take an entertaining and educational DVD with you--my award winning Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco Volume 1 and/or 2. By the way, we just finished the back end graphics and the 1st draft of the front end for Volume 3 (soon to be released). You can find them on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Polls (Results and New Poll)
My poll on when you plan to watch the new Twilight Movie is closed.
0% said they would watch it at the first Midnight showing (which was early Wednesday the 30th). 14% said they would see it on Wednesday 6/30. 14% said they would see it during the July 4th weekend. 14% said they would see it after the July 4th weekend. 28% said they would see it when it comes to video. 28% said they would never see it. Thanks to all who voted. By the way, my buddy Marilyn pointed it that I missed a time on this poll--apparently there was at least one premiere on the 29th--a 9:30 pm showing at the Edward's Theater. Sorry I missed that one folks!

July 2nd was Megan's 22nd birthday. Her Dad had given her an early birthday card (about a week) ago which posed the question: For your birthday, what would you choose--A Smokin' Hot Werewolf or Super Cool Vampire? She has switched recently from Team Edward to Team Jacob--yes there is a lot of Team Jacob and Team Edward hoopla--so, my new poll is about just that. Whom do you find more attractive--Edward the Vampire or Jacob the Werewolf. Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for voting. And Happy Birthday Megan dear!!!

ALERT***ALERT***MOM SPELLING CORRECTION!!!
In my last blog post, I talked about the "dieing" storm Alex. Well, Mom contacted me right away to say that I should have spelled that dying. Whoops!!! I knew better really Mom!!! Did I ever tell you all that my Mom coached a student to the National Spelling Bee twice? Yep!!! We have a very educated reviewer for this blog. Thanks Mom!!!

SPECIAL 4TH OF JULY MESSAGE
My buddies, Lew and Meresa Fincher sent out a special greeting in case we forget what today is all about! 234 years ago today our original 13 colonies declared their independence from Great Britain.

Speaking of that...I remember learning in Middle School that the Declaration of Independence was signed over a period of about one month. Mr. Werner, a history buff to the extreme, was my teacher. He told us that there were actually some signatures on July 2nd, some on July 4th and more in August. Not everyone who signed could be in the same place at the same time. It took some time to get the document in front of everyone.

Great Movie Deal!!!
Gordy and Megan went to see the new Twilight Eclipse movie yesterday morning around 11:30 am. Gordy was thrilled to learn that at AMC theaters, all movies before noon on Saturdays cost only $5. What a deal (at least nowadays)!!! So check it out!!! BTW, he thought the 3rd installment was pretty good.

Remember God and Our Country Are Connected
At church this morning, we sang some patriotic songs and I was happy to notice that they all talked about God and our country. Let us never forget we are One Nation Under God!!!

Have a safe and fun Fourth everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Heavy Rain in Houston Forecast/Twilight Midnight Madness

2010-06-30T22:42:00.003-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
According to the National Hurricane Center, Alex made landfall about 105 miles south of Brownsville this evening and had 105 mph winds at landfall (a Category 2 hurricane). Very heavy rain has fallen in the valley (8 inches as of 8 pm this evening in Cameron County--where I grew up). So far, there have been 3 tornadoes in the valley, one in Refugio, and one in Matagorda. South Texas is under a tornado watch until 4 am. Ongoing concern is flash flooding and numerous counties in Texas are under a flash flood watch (see figure at right). This includes the hill country and counties along the Rio Grande. With weak steering environment, we will have to watch the dieing storm for copious rains that lead to deadly flash flooding. Almost all of the models track the storm west and then northwest and north into just west of the Texas Hill Country.

Houston area, be on the lookout for heavy rain with the heaviest potentially on Friday. Also, there has been some coastal flooding and a coastal flood warning remains in effect.

Here is the advisory from the National Weather Service:
...COASTAL FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THURSDAY...

WATER LEVELS ARE CURRENTLY RUNNING 1.8 TO 2.6 FEET ABOVE NORMAL IN THE BAY
AND 3 FEET ABOVE NORMAL ALONG THE BEACHES. THOUGH MOST AREAS WILL BE
GOING INTO LOW TIDE IN THE NEXT SEVERAL HOURS...EXPECT LEVELS TO REMAIN
ABOUT AS THEY ARE OR SLIGHTLY DROP...THEN GO BACK UP TOWARD HIGH TIDE AROUND
815 AM. THERE IS ONGOING COASTAL FLOODING TAKING PLACE. PORTIONS OF HIGHWAY 87
ON BOLIVAR PENINSULA ARE CLOSED. WATER 18 INCHES DEEP IS BEING OBSERVED COVERING THE
INTERSECTION OF HIGHWAY 87 AND HIGHWAY 124. OTHER COMMUNITIES ON THE WEST END
OF GALVESTON ISLAND ARE REPORTING WATER OVER BULKHEADS AND SOME WATER IN YARDS.
LONG PERIOD SEAS OF 8 TO 14 FT SHOULD PERSIST OVERNIGHT CAUSING WAVE RUN-UP ISSUES
ALONG GULF FACING BEACHES.

THE THREAT OF STRONG RIP CURRENTS IS HIGH WITH THE COMBINATION
OF THE LARGE BATTERING WAVES AND EXTENSIVE BEACH FLOODING. SWIMMERS
SHOULD AVOID THE GULF FACING BEACHES.

THESE HIGH TIDE LEVELS WILL CONTINUE THROUGH THURSDAY AFTERNOON THEN
BEGIN TO VERY SLOWLY RECEDE.

So there have been some flooded roadways in the usual trouble spots.

Some models hint at development that moves up the eastern seaboard middle of the coming week...stay tuned.

On Thursday, there is a risk for severe storms in Montana and North Dakota.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do rain or lluvia, pronounced you-VEE-ah. The lluvia could get very heavy, even in Houston.

Hers's something to do on a rainy day, have your child be entertained and educated by watching Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. I just saw them on the shelf of Barnes and Noble in Sugar Land today. Or, order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Megan and I went to a midnight showing of Twilight (early today). It was amazing how many people were there including mothers with several youngish children (like 9 or 10). The atmosphere was supercharged and there were lots of gals sporting Team Jacob or Team Edward tops. I thought the movie was great and very close to the book with some minimal treatments as necessary so that the film be around 2 hours. Jacob was smoking hot as noted by the screams from the audience every time he made an appearance. I asked one of the theater employees when she would be getting off work and she said 7 am. She added that there would be a 3 am showing and then another showing at 7 am. I would have liked to have seen how many people came for the 7 am. I can tell you that we got into the theater at 11 pm and most of the seats were taken. And when we came out, there were people waiting to see the show at 3 am.

I also noticed at a couple places with Twilight stuff (including Barnes & Noble today), that is there is more Edward than Jacob stuff. That could be because all of the Jacob stuff is getting bought up or the suppliers gave the retail outlets more Edward stuff to sell. What do you think? By the way, I'll have the results of the Twilight poll on my next post.

Have a good Thursday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Alex - Better News for Houston Area

2010-06-29T09:55:00.005-05:00

Houston area breathing a little easier this Tuesday morning with latest round of models indicating northern Mexico/south Texas landfall very early Thursday much more likely. Looks like the storm will be a Category 2 at landfall. If the storm does manage to jog a big further to north and make landfall around Port Mansfield...surge will be much higher toward Corpus and impact will be much improved for lower Rio Grande Valley. Still too soon to tell for sure with error plus/minus about 100 miles at this point.

Houston area impacts...2 to 4 foot storm surge...rain bands.

The storm is large...so all of Texas coast getting some impact.

For lower Texas coast...up to 8 foot storm surge...be ready for it by Wednesday afternoon. Lots of rain and winds could be 95 to 100 at landfall.

Models have come back into agreement this afternoon and the storm is no moving toward northwest (instead of North-northwest)...so turning has begun.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Alex Update

2010-06-29T00:16:00.003-05:00

Technical trouble updating my figures...sorry about that.

I've been watching the models and of course the storm. Very little steering this storm. Models have been all over the place. My feeling is that the storm will move in around Corpus and head north-northwest bringing rain to south and southeast Texas. However, with the last round of model runs...I am seeing at least one favored model supporting a close to valley hit. The storm is having to deal with some wind shear and the fact that it is not moving much is not optimal for development, due to upwelling of cooler water.

Remember that we still have large errors 2 to 3 days out. So, there is still a lot of uncertainty.

At a minimum, get your supplies together and be thinking about potential flooding.

More to come!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weather through Mid-Week/1st Tropical Storm Alex

2010-06-26T16:01:00.003-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Tropical Storm Alex has formed in the western Caribbean. As I write this post on Saturday afternoon, Hurricane Reconaissance report is that the winds are already at 65 mph. If it makes it to 74 mph, then it will be a hurricane. But the storm will be hitting Belize in a few hours and likely crossing over the Yucatan, weakening and moving into the southern Gulf of Mexico. Almost all forecast models now agree on it moving across the southern Gulf into Mexico by mid-week. The National Hurricane Center forecast has it very close to hurricane strength before the 2nd landfall.

In the Pacific, Hurricane Celia is moving westward and weakening. Hurricane Darby has also weakened and is forecast to move west and then turn northeast as it weakens and turns into a rainmaker.

In the US, a moderate risk for severe weather today in the 4 corners region of South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota and Iowa. On Sunday, there will be some storms from the southwest through the Midwest into the Great Lakes and into the southeast. It will be very hot across the southwest with highs in the 100s and 90s for the rest of the south except coastal California which will have highs in the 60s. Highs will be in the 70s and 80s across the northern states.

Houston will be a tiny bit less humid on Sunday with only about a 10% chance for a shower or thunderstorm. On Monday through Wednesday, tropical flow returns with scattered showers and thunderstorms each day.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do hurricane or huracán, pronounced hoo-rah-CAHN. What is the average date of the first huracán forming in the Atlantic basin. Find out in the AND MORE section.

Learning more than one language at an early age has been shown to increase math and science scores on standardized tests during later years. Who knows, your multi-lingual child could solve the big science problems? Get them excited about language early...order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
I'm hearing a lot of grumbling that a storm forming in late June is soooooooooooo unusual. Actually, a storm forms in the Atlantic basin in June once every 2 years. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for years 1966 through 2009, the average 1st named storm is 7/9, 1st hurricane is 8/10 and 1st major hurricane is September 4th. Now, if Alex becomes a hurricane, that will be rather early.

I also looked up the statistics for hurricanes hitting Texas in June. According to George W. Bomar's book Texas Weather, 2nd Edition Revised, here are some June strikes for Texas for the month of June for the years 1900 through 1989:
1913 June 27th Padre Island 100 mph winds at landfall
1921 June 22nd Port O'Connor 110 mph winds at landfall
1929 June 28th Port O'Connor 100 mph winds at landfall
1936 June 27th Port Aransas 80 mph winds at landfall
1957 June 27th Near Sabine Pass 100 mph winds at landfall (Audrey)
1986 June 26th Sea Rim State Park 87 mph winds at landfall (Bonnie)
And, I checked NOAA's archive for 1950 to 2009 and there were no June hurricane strikes from 1990 to 2009.
So, a June hurricane strike on Texas is rare.

Also, another interesting statistic I figured out, between these 2 sources for the total time period 1900 to 2009, there
are no July hurricanes strikes on Texas until at least July 15th.

I have a new poll for Twilight Enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts. Are you planning to see it or not? If so, when? Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Have a great weekend and for all of you heading out on vacation--safe travel.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Western Caribbean Disturbance/3 Month Weather Outlooks

2010-06-24T21:13:00.004-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Western Caribbean system getting it's act together and National Hurricane Center giving it 60% chance of becoming an organized tropical storm within the next 48 hours. Models are still divergent. But the more "reliable" models take it into the Gulf and turn it northward and then northeastward. I don't even like to look at intensity forecasts as they are so unreliable. What I have seen generally shows an increase in strength and then a decrease and then an increase. Might note that early season storms are not known to be super strong wind wise. So that is a comfort. But, we have a lot of hurricane season left.

In the Pacific, Celia is a major hurricane--forecast to move generally westward and then eventually weaken after strengthening a bit more. Then there is the new hurricane...Darby...just off the western Mexican coast. This storm is forecast to strengthen slightly and move northwestward and then weaken as it turns northeast (aiming toward Mexico but due to continued weakening, likely to be nothing more than a rain maker if it makes it to Mexico).

On Friday, look for 60s, 70s and 80s on the west coast and northern states with 80s and 90s elsewhere and some 100s in the southwest. There will be some severe storms in the northern plains over to the western Great Lakes.

Houston will continue to swelter with a few thunderstorms. As I write this block, there are some lovely thunderstorms in the area...the rain sounds wonderful. The grass will be growing fast! A hot and humid weekend on the way with a few showers or thunderstorms each day...better chance midweek as an upper trough swings by to the north.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do debut or debutar, pronounced day-byoo-TAR. When will Positively Houston debutar...why it already did today! Find out more in the AND MORE section.

Your kids will be laughing, singing, dancing and most importantly learning when you order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
I've updated the 3 Month Temperature and Precipitation Outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center. For Houston the outlook is for above normal precipitation and above normal temperatures...yikes...talk about your Amazon rainforest scenario. And it has been just that, with high temperatures (upper 90s) combined with very high humidity levels...making it feel like 105 most of the afternoon. This is that kind of heat and humidity where just being outside, even in the shade, is not comfortable.

I've also updated the drought monitor and outlook. Most of the country is not in severe drought and the outlook is mainly for persistence. So overall, drought not a huge problem nationwide.

The poll on eyelash extensions is closed. 40% of respondents said they would consider getting extensions while 60% said they would not. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated. I'll try to have a new poll in my next post.

Positively Houston premiered tonight! This is the good news program where I helped with the weather portion. Here is an overview of where you can see it from creator Christina Maxwell:

Positively Houston premiered tonight on Houston PBS 8.2 with The Weather Research Center at the John C. Freeman Weather Museum and will run a total of 44 times on the stations below until our next episode. Positively Houston will also air on other networks like HCC Television which are watched by several thousand people. HTV airs in all government buildings in Houston so we are likely to be seen by everyone waiting for Jury Duty as well.

This project is the fruition of 5 years of hard work and vision by Christina Maxwell. Congratulations Christina!!!

Have a fantastic Friday and weekend!!!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Caribbean Disturbance

2010-06-22T23:08:00.004-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Just a quick update this evening to tell you that I am continuing to watch the disturbed area in the Caribbean. In a couple days the environment it is in will be more favorable for development. In the meantime, it is a rainmaker. Run to run, models are very inconsistent. But today's model runs all show it turning after entering the Gulf and veering toward the north central Gulf or northeastern Gulf.

In the Pacific, Hurricane Celia winds are down to 90...a slight increase and then decrease in strength anticipated by hurricane center over the next 5 days...with no threat to land. Further to east, Tropical Depression 5E has formed.

Houston highs have been in the upper 90s for several days...not quite records but very close and feeling like 105 due to the humidity. Wednesday and Thursday, look for some scattered showers and thunderstorms mainly in the afternoon to cool things off.

Moderate risk for severe storms on Wednesday for the southern Great Lakes. And slight risk for a larger area around that.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do summer or verano, pronounced vair-RAH-noh. It's official...we're in verano.

Stimulate young minds over the summer break...order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Summer has arrived...according to the US Naval Observatory, it arrived at 5:28 am yesterday (June 21st). And the Houston area has been sweltering, our family in Iowa has had many days of mild weather so far.

Stay cool!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Hot and Sticky/Hurricane Celia/Houston-Galveston Hurricane Workshop

2010-06-20T22:31:00.005-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Things really getting busy in the Pacific with Hurricane Celia in the eastern Pacific...no threat to land but expected to be a major hurricane (Category 3) on Tuesday. What is left of tropical depression Blas will continue to weaken as it moves westward and there is new area of disturbed weather just west of Acapulco.

In the Atlantic basin, 2 areas of disturbed weather...one threatening heavy rain for Haiti (and already brought heavy rain to Puerto Rico) with almost no chance of developing over the next couple of days as it moves westward and another near the southern Windward Islands. Hi Mollie and Kevin in Trinidad...are you getting wet? That one has less than a 10% chance of developing according to the National Hurricane Center. Long range models show something trying to get organized in the central Gulf next weekend...so stay tuned.

On Monday, very hot and steamy for the southern and eastern US. Pleasant for the west coast and northern Rockies with highs in the 60s up to low 80s. Some severe weather Midwest into the Great Lakes.

Houston, this is the drill and it hurts...hot and humid all week. Maybe a few sea breeze afternoon storms late in the week...no big changes on the horizon.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do oil or petróleo, pronounced peh-TROH-lay-oh. I found out that people are worried about hurricane season and the petróleo spill. Find out how I learned that in the AND MORE section.

Birthday gift or just a special treat...order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
The Houston/Galveston Hurricane Workshop was well attended on Saturday June 19th. It was held in the George R. Brown Convention Center and as you know the building is blocks long. Well, I accidentally walked into the Gun Show and was immediately asked if I would like to sign up for NRA membership. Well, I finally got to the right place and enjoyed working with many of the on air meteorologists in the Houston market. There were two sessions where they fielded questions from an audience and I was the moderator. There was a slightly different mix of on air meteorologists during the 2 sessions due to schedules and autograph signings.

The oil spill was very much on the minds of folks in both sessions. They wanted to know if a hurricane could move the oil toward the Texas coast. Generally, the panel answered that yes it could happen but that depending on the storm, a hurricane might actually help mix the oil out over a larger area. On the down side, oil might be pushed into our estuaries and riverways. One thing that was clarified is that you should not worry about the spill causing oil rain or acid rain.

I remember the oil spell from the Bay of Campeche Explosion in 1979. South Padre Island beaches got dirty and it was a nuisance but generally speaking, we just cleaned the oil off our feet and shoes. Eventually, a storm named Frederick helped disperse the oil. So, looking back on that, maybe a hurricane would be helpful.

I went to Bill Read's talk. He is the head of the National Hurricane Center. He pointed out that for every 4 evacuations you are asked to make, only 1 will be for an actual catastrophic hit. The point was if you have evacuated 2 or 3 times and nothing happened, don't ignore additional evacuations, because that might be the one you really need to make.

Happy Father's Day to all you dads.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tropical Depression 2E/Father's Day Tributes/Fresh Air Program

2010-06-16T19:49:00.004-05:00

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There is a weakening tropical wave in the Atlantic and newly formed Tropical Depression 2-E in the Pacific. This storm is forecast to moved westward and strengthen to a tropical storm tomorrow (Thursday).

Weak trough out west and ridge east is reluctant to move. That means it will continue to be hot and sticky in the southeast for at least a week. It also means fairly comfortable weather for the Rockies and northern plains and some storms on and off from the Rockies to the central plains.

Houston you are part of that hot and sticky scenario with lows in the 70s and highs in the 90s and heat indices (how it feels with the humidity) running close to 105. Stay cool!

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do father or papá, pronounced pah-PAH. Happy papá's day! See the AND MORE section for a description of my favorite dads.

Kids getting restless...tired of swimming and the heat...order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
FRESH AIR FUND NEEDS YOUR HELP
Sarah Wilson sent me a request asking me to publicize the need for help for a special charity which gives inner New York City kids a chance to have some non-city experiences.

In 2009, The Fresh Air Fund's Volunteer Host Family program, called Friendly Town, gave close to 5,000 New York City boys and girls, ages six to 18, free summer experiences in the country and the suburbs. Volunteer host families shared their friendship and homes FOR up to two weeks or more in 13 Northeastern states from Virginia to Maine and Canada.

The Fresh Air Fund relies on donations to provide memorable summers to NYC children.

The Fresh Air Fund needs hosts for the summer of 2010.

More than 65% of all Fresh Air children are reinvited to stay with their host family, year after year.
Here is the link:
http://freshairfundhost.com/

Houston Chapter of the American Meteorological Society Meeting 6/17
You don't want to miss this one!!!

The National Hurricane Program - some thoughts going into my 3rd season
Presented by Bill Read,
Director, National Hurricane Center
Thursday, June 17th
Dinner – 6:00 pm, Meeting 7:00-8:30 pm
Saltgrass Steakhouse
20241 Gulf Freeway
Webster, TX 77598-4809

Houston/Galveston Hurricane Workshop at George R. Brown Sat. 6/19
Come on out for this free workship from 10 am to 3 pm and there is a huge kid zone that is just amazing. I will be hosting 2 sessions of meet the meteorological media. Hope to see you there!!! Admission is free!

Getting my driver's license renewed
At certain times, you have to go to the DPS and get your license renewed...it is as certain as death and taxes. I went to Rosenberg this morning and there was a line out into the parking lot...too hot and slow. So I headed to the office on Dacoma in Houston and at least wait was in the a/c. But it took 2 hours from the time I walked in until the time I left. I got to talking to one 20 year old lady who said she had been trying to pass the written test since 16. She seemed overwhelmed by the booklet and said it was dumb to have to know all of that stuff. Well, all I could think was thank goodness there is a test. And I asked her, Don't you want to know all the rules so you can drive as safely as possible? She just looked at me with a glazed expression. Thank goodness for certain controls!!!

Here's a list of item values for when you itemize charitable contributions
So I ran into this by accident...Goodwill has published this list of how they value items. This way you have a nice guide for putting value on your charitable contributions.
http://www.goodwillncw.org/donationbrochure.pdf

Tribute to my Favorite Dads
No one could ever take the place of my own Dad who passed away 3 weeks before we got Sarah. He was funny and determined to live life by his principles. He was also very smart...loved science and math. Long before I saw my first episode of Star Trek, he told me all about it and made me love it. Then, when I did see it, I loved it more than I could imagine. He went to work every day, even when things were very tough. He was home every night eating dinner with the whole family. He was there when we prayed as a family and when we went to church. I miss my Dad.

Now Gordy is an amazing and passionate dad. He worries unceasingly about both his girls and would do anything for them. He gives hugs and kisses in unlimited quantities and even when exhausted, he gets up every day and takes Sarah to school. He takes his family to church every week. He provides a terrific example by putting others first. The world needs more dads like him!!!

My stepdad, Gerry, is a joy! I can't thank God enough for bringing him and my mom together. He recharged her in a way I could have never hoped. And, he treats all of his kids like his very own. He stepped in and filled a hole in a way I could have never imagined and now I can't imagine our lives without him. He's also an amazing musician!!!

My father-in-law Dale is a big lovable bear. At 75, he still goes to work every day. His favorite thing is to take his family around in his ski boat. He loves to be with family more than anything else. He has infinite patience and love for all of his grandkids. I couldn't have designed a better father-in-law.

The biological father of Sarah is very special to me. He loved her so much that he made the choice to give her the best home he could find. I am so very grateful for his decision and love him very much.

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there!!!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Forecast/Deadly Flash Floods/Eyelash Extensions

2010-06-11T21:40:00.004-05:00

WEATHER
Hot and sticky for the south and southeast US this weekend as the jet stream dips south over the Rockies, keeping the eastern US in the warm, moist flow from the Gulf. Very pleasantly cool for the Rockies and northern plains and intermountain region with highs in the 50s and 60s. West coast will have highs in the 60s to 80s and the northeast will have highs in the 70s. Look for some severe storms from west Texas to Missouri and Iowa.

Houston will be hot and sticky through the weekend with a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms in the afternoons/early evenings.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Instead of a Spanish word of the day, I am going to make a qualification/modification to my last entry. I was talking about a famous psychic living in Sugar Land. My good friend and expert linguist, Raul Feliciano Sanchez told me a better choice than for psychic than parasicológico would be vidente, pronounced vee-DEN-tay. Thanks Raul!!!

Just got another big order from one of my distributors--Don't miss out...order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
My poll on which show/celebrities will lose popularity the fastest is closed. 100% of respondents said that High School Musical will. No one selected Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana or Suite Life on Deck. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is about eyelash extensions. Would you consider getting them? Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

So why you ask...am I doing a poll about eyelash extensions? Well every time I go to the John C. Freeman weather museum, I pass a business on Southmore called Novalash The Academy of Eyelash Arts and Sciences. So I checked it out and Houston, we are the headquarters of this eyelash extension company. They have certified professionals and training programs across the US and even internationally. Who would have thunk it?

Speaking of the John C. Freeman Weather Museum, I was heading there this morning to tape updates for the premier of Positively Houston, a positive variety news program that will air on PBS 8.2 Digital on June 26th. It will also appear on Houston Public Television. I am super excited to be involved in this project after shooting the pilot last year. Hope you will like it too. The museum and Weather Research Center will figure prominently as a focal point for weather information. By the way, don't forget to get your kids enrolled in weather camps at the museum this summer.

Last Sunday, Sarah and I headed to the Children's Museum to use some free passes. It is one of Sarah's favorite places. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the parking and admission were free (courtesy of Target). And there will be Target free days July 16, 17 and 18 and on the first Sunday of August (the 1st). We decided to save our free passes for another day. It was very busy. So, be prepared for that if you go on a free day (trust me, Sarah didn't care). And Family Free Nights are every Thursday 5 to 8 pm.

Today's flooding deaths in Arkansas reminded me of some other deadly river flooding events...August 26, 1998 when the remnants of Tropical Storm Charley cashed flash flooding on the Rio Grande, killing 13 people in Val Verde county (some while they slept) and 7 people on the Mexico side in Ciudad Acuña.

Then, there was the Estes park flooding of 7/31 and 8/1 of 1976. At least 139 people were killed by the flash flooding. My family was in Colorado that summer and my mom said she had looked into going to Estes Park, but she had found a different location for our destination.

Flash flooding is a killer--one that most people don't understand and often don't respect. Remember the rule of thumb if you encounter a flooded roadway, Turn Around, Don't Drown. On the other hand, some of the people who died in the events I mentioned were sleeping at the time...in homes close to waterways. Whether traveling or at home, be aware of the flood history of the area where you are staying and monitor weather via television and radio when you are in flood prone areas. Usually you are safest staying home, even moving up to an attic or the roof if needed. But, if authorities tell you to leave, you should always get out.

Have a safe weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Upper Low Means Rain for Houston

2010-06-07T22:34:00.003-05:00

WEATHER
Very hot across the southwest with lots of 100s. Hot steamy for the south and southeast with highs in the upper 80s and 90s. Mild for the west coast and northern tier with highs in the 60s and 70s. There is a slight risk of severe storms from Colorado down to the panhandle of TX eastward through the Midwest.

Houston, there is an upper low west of us and that means scattered showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon and early evening. The low will be very slow to move out but should be to the northeast of us by the weekend. So, rain chances will decrease some. Highs will be in the upper 80s through Wednesday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do tired or cansado or cansada, pronounced cahn-SAH-dough or cahn-SAH-dah. Tonight I am cansada. So, I am going to keep this blog short.

Don't forget to order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

Have a terrific Tuesday everyone!
P.S. Taylor just told me to tell everyone "hi".

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Heavy Rain Threat/Blowout Blessing/Psychic in the Neighborhood

2010-06-03T21:16:00.004-05:00

WEATHER (INCLUDING TROPICAL CYCLONES)
Atlantic and tropical basins are quiet.

There is an excessive heat advisory for eastern California and southern Nevada (including Las Vegas). The advisory is in effect Saturday afternoon into Monday with temperatures expected to soar to 106 and beyond.

Jet stream is dipping slightly over the northeastern part of the US and that will trigger some severe storms from the Midwest eastward. Very hot across the southern plains and southwest with 90s into the 100s. Pleasant along the west coast and northern states with highs in the 50s to 70s. Steamy in the southeast with highs in the 80s and 90s.

Houston is getting drenched...one check of the radar this evening and you can see the upper low spinning overhead. It's a slow mover so look for more bands and heavy rain but because heavy rain has been spread out fairly evenly...the National Weather Service is not issuing any flood watches (yet). The system is slow moving with more heavy rain possible on Friday. Should see improvement by Sunday. Will update if needed.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY

Let's do psychic or parasicológico, pronounced pah-rah-see-coh-LOW-gee-coh. Find out about a famous para(p)sicológico living in Sugar Land in the AND MORE section.

That reminds me...I predict that you will be proactive and right away, order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
My poll on the impact of reductions in special needs education is closed. More than one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

100% said they believe it will make special needs individuals more dependend on their aging caregivers.
66% said there will be more stress in the classrooms with special needs kids
33% said it will result in a more dependent special needs population, will cause a loss of talent in special needs education, and it will cause net increase in the economic impact of the special needs population. No one said it would cause no changes, result in a net increase in state support of special needs education, or will cause a nedt decrease in the economic impact of the special needs population.

Okay...that was so serious. Now for something more lighthearted--my new poll...which of these celebrities/shows do you think is going to burn out most quickly. Only one asnwer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

I had a blowout yesterday...well maybe not exactly a blowout. I heard a little phish sound and felt a little something and thought I had better exit and check it out. I could not believe how bad my tire looked and how I almost couldn't tell anything was wrong. It looked like someone had slashed it from wheel to edge with a knife. Somehow it was still holding together...that was a Michelin tire by the way. Anyway, I called my hubby and I told him I would put the spare on myself. He said he was on his way. So I thought I would just have the spare on by the time he arrived. Nothing doing...I couldn't budge the lock/lugnut. Well, he couldn't either...we just couldn't get enough torque with the equipment that came in the car. Now, I will admit, we had put on special wheels...so the lugnuts were deeply recessed. Anyway, we went over to a Sears Automotive and they took pity on us and loaned us a cross lugnut undoer (can't remember the real name). Well Gordy was able to pop that puppy right off. And before long we were on our way. Of course, we were both sweatballs...with the humidity and temperature super high.

But, I thought afterward that I was so fortunate--I didn't lose control of my car. And my tire held together until I could safely stop. It happened on a day when Gordy could get away from work to help me. We were able to get someone to take care of Sarah right away (thanks Cindy!). It was a hassle but it could have been so much worse. Plus, I now know what I need to buy for our cars...one of those cross thingeys. It was a blowout blessing.

My buddy and reporter, Leslie Williams, has done it again. She has a fascinating article in the Houston Chronicle about a famous psychic who lives right here in Sugar Land. This lady is famous enough that I had read about her before. Check it out!
http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2010/06/sugar-land-psychic-has-famous-client-list

Well, I have a premonition that it will be the weekend soon! Have a great one!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weather this Week/2010 Hurricane Season Forecast/ChickFila Spicy Chicken

2010-05-31T11:22:00.004-05:00

WEATHER
The jet stream is parked along the northern tier of states with just a slight dip into the western Great Lakes. There will a few spots with slight risks of severe storms. Highs will be in the 70s to 90s from the northeast to the southwest. Highs will be in the 60s along the west coast and over the Rockies with a few cooler spots in the higher elevations.

Houston hit 97 on the 28th (one degree shy of the record). Through the coming weekend, the weather will stay hot and humid with highs in the middle 90s each day and a slight chance for seabreeze type thunderstorms each afternoon and early evening.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do season or estación, pronounced eh-stah-see-OWN. A new estación is about to start and I'm not talking about summer. To learn more, go to the AND MORE section.

Time to get your children entertained and educated--order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
CHICK-FIL-A'S NEW SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH
I got to try the new spicy crispy sandwich premiering at Chick-Fil-A on June 6th. I must say...it is quite delicious!!! It's kind a flavor but if you don't like spicy...stay away because there is an after kick. You can always use the old trick of drinking or eating something with sugar in it. I think it was just right. MMMMMMM!

COUSINS AND THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE
My Aunt Shirley's funeral was beautiful. Got to catch up with lots of first, 2nd and 3rd cousins and once and twice removed and so on. While there, I visited with the daughter's of my great-grandma Tekla's brother. Janie, Esther and Dorothy are the Minten sisters. They referred to my great-grandma as Aunt Tilly and said her formal name Tekla is actually the Dutch equivalent of the English name Matilda.

Anyway, the sisters have an amazing "Christmas" house between Falfurrias and Premont. I've been there and it is amazing!!! Even the closets have Christmas. And they have a Christmas shop! It's a nice cool thought not that we are in the throes of summer heat. The house is open for tours from September into March. But they do open for tours during other months on request. For more information, go to:

http://www.santastxworkshop.blogspot.com/

HURRICANE SEASON FORECASTS
Tomorrow (June 1st) is the first day of the 2010 Atlantic Basin hurricane season (which runs through November 30th). Here is a summary of all the forecasts:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) released its forecast just a few days ago. According to NOAA, the average season has 11 named storms, 6 of them hurricanes, 2 or those major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger--winds of 111 or higher). They are expecting an active to extremely active season with 14 to 23 named storms, 8 to 14 of those hurricanes, 3 to 7 of those major hurricanes. They don't put out a forecast for where they expect landfalls. They are expecting a busy season because of the ending of the El Nino episode (and thus less wind shear), warmer than normal sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic and the fact that we are still in a multi-decadal period of above normal activity. Here is the official report:

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100527_hurricaneoutlook.html

Also here is the official list of names for the 2010 season:
Alex
Bonnie
Colin
Danielle
Earl
Fiona
Gaston
Hermine
Igor
Julia
Karl
Lisa
Matthew
Nicole
Otto
Paula
Richard
Shary
Tomas
Virginie
Walter

Dr. William Gray and his colleagues from Colorado State University are expecting 15 named storms, 8 of those hurricanes and 4 of those major. I will tell you that their revised forecast is coming out on June 2nd (2 days from now) and another on August 4th. They are also forecasting a 69% chance of a major hurricane hitting somewhere along the entire US coastline (52% is the average chance). The chance for Eastern Florida is 45% (average chance is 31%). From the Gulf coast of Florida to Brownsville, Texas the chance is 44% (30% is the average). For more info, check out the following.

http://hurricane.atmos.colostate.edu/Forecasts/2010/april2010/apr2010.pdf

The Weather Research Center/John C. Freeman Weather Museum is forecasting 8 named storms, 5 of those hurricanes, 3 of those major hurricanes. They are forecasting a 60% chance of a tropical storm or stronger hitting Texas (51% is average chance), 90% for West Florida (71% is average), 70% for eastern Florida (41% average), 40% for Louisiana to Alabama (59% is average), 20% for eastern US (36% average), and 20% Georgia to North Carolina (56% average). Here is the report:

http://wxresearch.org/press/2010huroutlook.pdf

Regardless of which one you regard as most likely, it is time to get your hurricane supply kit together and make sure you have a plan in case a hurricane threatens.

God bless all the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom. God bless their families and friends. And God Bless America.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Memorial Weekend Weather/Garage Sale Lessons/Deducting Clothing Donations

2010-05-27T22:31:00.004-05:00

WEATHER
Trough over west and high pressure over east means a contrast in conditions...especially temperature. On Friday, highs in the Pacific Northwest/Intermountain Region/West Coast will be in the 40s to 60s. From the Rockies eastward, highs will be in the 80s and 90s (except for northeast which will have highs in the 60s and 70s).

Houston will be hot and humid through the holiday weekend. Look for a few afternoon and early evening showers and thunderstorms Friday and Saturday. Otherwise, great pool and surf weather. Enjoy! Do keep in mind that we have been having Ozone Watches and air quality problems...this will continue through the weekend. So folks with respiratory problems like asthma, the elderly and young children need to minimize their time outdoors--especially during afternoon hours.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
In my last post, I forgot to give you the Spanish word for aunt. I only provided the pronunciation. Sorry about that!!! So, here is the word: tía

If you are looking for a summer language camp, try The Language Factory. But, if you don't have time or the budget for a camp, try the next best thing...order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Last weekend's garage sale was a huge success. I got to use some of my rusty Spanish and still managed to sell some things and actually come out ahead. Some of our other neighbors also had garage sales. One of my friends sold her son's clothes and she said every piece went. I didn't sell any of Sarah's clothes because I give them to my sisters who have younger daughters. From my sale, I noticed that the toys and furniture items were the first to go. Electronics--phone/computer related were popular. But it took a while to get rid of a printer and an old fax/copy combo.

In the end, the whole experience was so exhausting and yet cathartic. I now have roomy closets and cabinets. I was hoarding all of these empty butter and cool whip containers and never using them...so I recycled those and sold any extra good pieces at the garage sale. Now, when I open my storage container cabinet, it is like a choir of angels is singing Alleluia. I actually feel myself relaxing--not cringing--because I know that a bunch of plastic bowls are not going to fall out. Ahhhhhhhh!

I didn't sell any adult clothes because I knew from a cleanout about 1 year and a half ago that you can probably get more via IRS deduction. But I could have sworn that I had found some prices on the IRS web site. So, I went looking and here is what I found.

"The fair market value of used clothing and other personal items is usually far less than the price you paid for them. There are no fixed formulas or methods for finding the value of items of clothing.
You should claim as the value the price that buyers of used items actually pay in used clothing stores, such as consignment or thrift shops. "

So, I went to an expert...my step-daughter Megan who volunteered in the Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) thrift shop. Casual men, women and children's tops and bottoms were usually priced at $2. Really good shoes might got for $15 to $20 but everyday flip flops would only fetch $1 to $2. Purses...anywhere from $1 to $10, with the exception being knockoff purses like Chanel, Coach, Kate Spade etc. which could go from $15 to $30 each. So now you have your price list...get in there and clean out that closet.

Seriously, you would probably be amazed at how many clothes you could get rid off. When I did that cleanout a year and a half ago, I got rid of 200 items. I'll bet I could do that again.

So, maybe you can use this extra long weekend to do some closet cleanout...just remember to count everything and record for your 2010 tax return. If you have more than $500, you have to fill out IRS form 8832.

My poll on Justin Bieber is closed. 0% said that you had better believe they have Bieber Feber! 16% said only their kids do. 16% asked "What is Bieber Fever?" And, 66% said they don't have the fever and they are sick of hearing about him. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is about the cuts in special needs education budgets and thus staffing. More than one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Have a safe and fun Memorial Weekend, but let us never forget those who bought us our freedom with their lives.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weather this Week/Hurricane Preparedness/Inspirational Man and Aunt

2010-05-24T07:04:00.004-05:00

WEATHER
Ridge over the eastern US and trough out west will stay stubbornly in place this week. Only major modifier is low pressure off the eastern US that will force some slightly drier air southward middle to later part of this week. So east of the Rockies highs will be in the 80s and 90s. Very pleasant only the west coast with highs in the 60s and chilly for the Rockies and northern plains with highs in the 40s and 50s. There are even some high elevation areas that could have wintry weather.

Houston will be hot through the coming weekend with almost no chance for rain. Some slightly drier air arrives Tuesday/Wednesday but it will still be hot and fairly rain free through the weekend.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do aunt or , pronounced TEE-ah. One of my dear passed away this weekend. Find out why she was so extraordinary in the AND MORE section.

Children have an inate ability to copy and learn pronunciations correctly. If you want them to pronounce the words of other languages correctly, you need to start them early. So, don't delay--order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Hurricane Season for the Atlantic/Caribbean/Gulf of Mexico Region begins on June 1st. This is Hurricane Preparation Week and the National Weather Service has posted some valuable information to help you and your family prepare.
http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml

On June 19th, the annual Houston Galveston Hurricane Workshop will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center from 10 am to 3 pm. Admission is free. Once again, I will be here moderating the session for the broadcast meteorologist public meet and greet. So put it on your calendar and get ready to pose questions to your favorite on air meteorologist.

At the pool this weekend, I met an amazing man, his family and friends. He was in a wheelchair and Sarah wanted to know why. Of course, he overheard our conversation. So, I looked him right in the eye and said, "She wants to know why you are in a wheelchair". Very patiently, he told us how he used to be a motorcycle police officer and one day as he drove down the highway, a woman turned right in front of him and he smashed full speed into her car and broke his neck. Now, he is paralyzed from almost the neck down and has only a little use of one arm. He can't regulate his body temperature. So, he has to be careful about being out in the heat. He recognized me from being on FOX. So I told him to look for me on Facebook and he would she my notices when I posted a blog. He was at the pool to watch his grandson. His former home nurse...now a best friend was also their with his wife and son. I was so touched by all of them and rejoiced that they are living life with as much joy as possible and to the fullest. God bless them and all who have had and are having such trials.

My dear Aunt Shirley passed away yesterday. He is what I posted about her this past February. I love you Aunt Shirley.

I was thinking about my Aunt Shirley. I used to visit her family during the summers...often for weeks at a time. I was one of those "city folks". But, my heart was in the country. I loved running around barefoot, collecting eggs from the chickens, picking blackberries from the wild bushes along the back fence, riding Sam the horse bareback and drinking milk (unpasteurized) from the cows. By the way, that milk tastes very different from what you buy in the store.

Anyway, Aunt Shirley was a joy! She had a great sense of humor. I used to ask her why she didn't have a dishwasher and she would answer...I already have 4 dishwashers. When I asked where they were she would point at me and say "you, and her and her and her" (she was pointing at her 3 daughters after pointing at me. Then she would belt out a hearty laugh. We were up around 5 or 5:30 to do "the work" and that was taking care of the animals. Aunt Shirley whipped up these wonderful breakfasts--my favorite was the cream gravy with bits of sausage over biscuits. She packed up huge lunchboxes and sent her 3 boys off to work the farm. During the day, us girls took care of the chore of the day. She had one day devoted to washing clothes. For a long time, she had one of those ringer washers. One day was for going "up to town" to shop for groceries and run errands. My aunt and cousins got dressed up...in dresses! Then, there was alway "the work" at around 5:30 pm which was again taking care of the animals. There was always a wonderful dinner too and usually dessert. Then, Aunt Shirley would stay up until about 12:30 am sewing clothes for extra money on the side. She made outfits for entire dance drill teams and made many wedding dresses. She was extremely good at what she did. Of course when I look back on all of this, I marvel at how hard she worked every minute of every day and yet had a ready laugh that shook the rafters. She was a blast!

Don't forget to hug someone you love extra hard this week.

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Summer Temperature and Precipitation Outlook/Weekend Forecast/La Nina and Hurricane Season

2010-05-20T22:31:00.004-05:00

WEATHER
Troughiness over the western US will be fairly persistent for the next week or so. High pressure will hang over the southeast. Highs will be in the 80s and 90s from the southwest to the southeast. There will be 70s from the Midwest through New England and along the west coast. Highs will be in the 50s and 60s over the Rockies and northwest. There is a slight risk for severe storms from Texas into Wyoming.

Houston will be hot and humid through the weekend and the coming week...with highs in the upper 80s and low 90s. There is only a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms each day. As I write this post this evening, ther are some storms northwest of Houston.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do summer or verano, pronounced vair-RAHN-oh. Invierno is just about here....find out what the Climate Prediction Center is projecting temperature and precipitation wise for the June through August time period in the AND MORE section.

Check out this testimonial I just got from a fan of our award winning DVD series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco.

I have a toddler who loves Vol. 1 (little guy likes it so much that he scratched it trying to put in the player, uhggg) of Frank and Paco. I have been amazed at how quickly he, me included, is picking up the language. While I don’t have a formal “Spanish lesson time” with him, I have it playing in the background. On more than one occasion, we have been at the grocery store, playground, car, etc., and he will use the proper word to describe something he has seen. I have bought many language videos “blindly” and been disappointed because the description on the box wasn’t accurate for what I was looking for. Yours… dead on!!!

So don't miss out...order Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Okay...lots of new figures out today. Climate Prediction Center has posted the new 3 month precipitation and temperature outlooks. See figures at right. Above normal temperatures are expected west and southeast with below normal over the central US.
Rain chances are projected to be above normal from southeast Texas and through the southeast US and over the central US and below normal in the northwest.

The new drought figures are also out...most of the continental US has little to no drought except for UP Michigan and northern Wisconsin. The drought conditions in that area are expected to persist through August.

I also read up on the El Nino/La Nina forecast and it looks like we are in a neutral period with a "significant" percentage of models suggested that we will slip into a La Nina pattern by August. This is important because statistically during La Nina hurricane seasons, more storms tend to form in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico (due to less wind shear caused by the La Nina Pattern). So, we shall see.

It's almost time for my big garage sale with neighbors. I can't believe how much junk I had accumulated. Can't wait to get all this stuff out of here and into homes where it will be appreciated.

Have a great weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Severe Threat/Special Needs Ice Skating/Do You Have Bieber Fever?

2010-05-17T23:10:00.005-05:00

WEATHER
Weak trough over the northwest US with weak surface cold front crossing into Texas. Slight risk of severe storms on Tuesday from Texas to Wyoming. Pleasant for the northeast and Great Lakes with highs in the 50s and 60s. Warm and muggy across the southeast and southern plains. Rockies will be pleasantly cool with highs in the 50s and 60s.

Houston area is under Severe Thunderstorm Watch until 5 am Tuesday. There has been some large hail to the northwest of Houston. My most recent glance at the radar indicated that the bowed line was splitting. Best place to be tonight--indoors. Tuesday will be hot and humid again with another round of late afternoon/early evening storms. Extended through the weekend--hot and humid with only slight chance of showers and thunderstorms each day.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do skate or patinar, pronunced pah-tee-NARRRR. Do you like patinar...I think it is fun. Find out about Sarah's first ice skating experience in the AND MORE section.

By the age of 8, 80% of neurological pathways in the brain have been formed and studies show that the brains of mult-lingual children have more developed pathways. So, stimulate those brains...order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
Saturday was the big special needs ice skating event--1st time in Sugar Land. Many thanks to Cheryl Sewell of the Arc of Fort Bend County and her husband for meeting all the attendees and signing them in. Here is some information about how it got started. It began with a group called STARskaters.

Jim O’Neill, a founder of “STARskaters” ( http://www.STARskaters.org ) is organized this activity. “STARskaters provides an on-ice skating experience for therapy and recreation for children and young adults with any type of physical or developmental disability. The program is open to anyone five years of age or older who would normally be unable to enjoy an on-ice skating experience due to their disability.”

Sarah used the ice walkers and also rode in the ice sleds. It was a lot of fun. I think the sleds were most popular. We are looking forward to a 2nd event next year.

Well I got a big break from Ticketmaster today. I happily ordered Astros tickets for Gordy and me and Megan for Father's Day and then remembering after hitting the Submit button that Gordy's schedule had just changed so that he is now working on Sundays. So I called Ticketmaster which is supposed to have a no refund/exchange policy and explained how I threw my brain out the window. And, hooray! They refunded the money and I was able to order tickets for another time we could all go. Yay!!!

I have been getting ready for a big multi-family garage sale. Oh my goodness, but we have racked up some stuff since we moved into this house almost 10 years ago. It is almost as much work as getting ready to sell your house. But it is going to feel sooooooooooooooooo good to clear out some of these things.

My poll on the BP oil spill is closed. 40% thought they should work faster to fix the problem. 60% said they are doing the best they can. 0% said they are pleased with the progress. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is about Justin Bieber. Are you a part of this Bieber-mania? Voice your opinion. Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Have a terrific Tuesday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Location Severe Storm Risk/Debit v. Credit Cards/Help Get Clean Water Everywhere

2010-05-14T08:18:00.005-05:00

WEATHER
Jet stream is hanging over the northern US border with some minor dips west and east. This means most of the continental US will enjoy mild weather today (Friday). There is a threat of severe weather over southeastern New Mexico and west Texas and from Arkansas to New York City. Highs nationwide will be mainly in the 60s to the 80s. There will be some 90s in the southeast, Texas and the southeast.

Houston will be warm and muggy for the foreseeable future. There will be a few showers and thunderstorms around over the weekend. But it will be hit and miss. Highs will be primarily in the middle to upper 80s.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do debit card or tarjeta de débito, pronounced tar-HEY-tah DAY DAY-bee-toe. Find out why you might want to avoid using your tarjeta de débito, or at least be more careful about checking your bank transactions when using it. See the AND MORE section.

Learning language and math and science skills are linked. Research shows that children who learn more than one language score higher on standardized math and science tests and have improved scientific hypothesizing than children who are monolingual. Help them begin that language learning process--order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
My sister (the world traveler for her work getting radiation sources out of countries where terrorists could get their hands on them) was visiting recently and believe me, she has seen a lot going to Africa and Georgia (old Russia). She said the thing most people don't realize is the extreme lack of clean drinking water in developing/3rd world countries. She said on one trip to Georgia, she was so thirsty, she was dreaming about water. When a hotel manager asked about her visit, she said it was great except she was just so thirsty. He laughed and said ahhhhh and opened a cabinet behind the desk. In it were rows and rows of Evian water. He said he keeps it for visitors from countries like the United States. She was so relieved.

My sister also added that in many countries she has visited, what ends up happening is that people just drink the water anyway. They end up chronically ill with various intestinal maladies. Some cause death.

So truly, this is such a serious problem. As I mentioned in previous posts, my dear Aunt Awanda passed away. She was a huge advocate for mission work and one of her big passions was getting clean water to people in poor countries. So, when I went to make a donation in her memory, I found out that she was a huge advocate for a waterlines, a non-profit, completely volunteer based organization which helps make clean water available around the world. They don't have a "donate now" button. But you can mail a donation to:
302 East Coronado Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505 USA

To learn more, here is the link:
http://www.waterlines.org/

A friend of mine recently said he will not use debit cards because of the lack of protection. I personally only use mine at ATM machines. Plus, I had heard other stories including one where a friend of mine went through a driveup at a fast food restaurant using her debit card to buy a $1 item and how an employee got her information and ran up huge deductions from her account before she realized it.

So, I started checking around and here is what I learned. The big difference between debit and credit cards is that with debit cards, any purchases take the money out of your account immediately. With credit cards, you have until the statement arrives to pay and even then you can choose to pay only part of it and pay interest on the remainder. From an AARP article, I learned that with a debit card, if you report a loss or misuse within 2 days, your maximum out of pocket is $50. If you report within 60 days, your maximum loss is $500. (Note: some states have a $50 limit). If you wait longer than that, you are likely out of luck. Also, if your account becomes overdrawn, you may have to absorb all fees for being overdrawn. Here is the link to that article:

http://www.aarp.org/money/credit_debt/a2002-08-14-ManagingMoneyDebitCards.html

And from Credit Card Forum, with credit cards, you can reverse charges if you receive damaged goods...not usually the case with debit cards. There is much more detail in their article at the following link.

http://creditcardforum.com/credit-card-fraud/23-why-your-debit-card-isnt-safe-any-purchase.html

Now, for both credit and debit cards, who hasn't heard about stories about crafty employees using "skimmers" to copy the scan information off the card? There is more on that in the following snope article:

http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/clear.asp

Bottom line, unless you are vigilant about checking purchases on your debit card account, then it is a race against the clock to minimize the amount of unrecoverable withdrawals from your account, if someone steals your debit card or your debit card information.

So, be careful everyone!

Have a great weekend!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Next Rain for Houston/Worried about Smoothie King Workers/Smoke from Mexico

2010-05-11T22:31:00.005-05:00

WEATHER
Trough over the western US is keeping the cool air locked over that part of the country. Just talked to my sister today (she lives in the Lake Tahoe area of California) and they had 8 inches of snow yesterday (on May 10th!) On Wednesday the chilliest air will be over the Rockies and northern Plains into the Great Lakes into the northeast with highs in the 40s and 50s. In the southeast, highs will be in the 80s and 90s. The west coast will be pleasantly mild with highs in the 60s and 70s.

A hot and windy day in Houston this Tuesday...high at Bush Airport was 91. The weather will continue warm and windy for the next several days with some showers possible as early as Saturday with some showers and thunderstorms possible on Sunday. The weather will continue very warm into the coming week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do smoke or humo, pronounced OO-moh. Humo from Mexico can cause air quality problems in Texas. See the AND MORE section to learn more.

Almost time for summer break--have your tools in place--be ready to educated and entertain the youngsters at the same time. Order my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
So, it was hot and Sarah and I went to Smoothie King. Usually I go through the driveup but there was a super long line. So we parked and went inside. There is no seating inside...just a small area where you can stand and wait. I immediately noticed the excrutiangly loud noise coming from 3 working blenders. My first thought was that I couldn't wait to get Sarah and me out of there--so loud. My second thought was to feel sorry for the three employees working there. I noticed that the blenders had shields (I would assume for noise minimization). But maybe those shields are just for keeping splatters to a minimum because when one employee lowered one down, I could detect absolutely no reduction in the noise level. I asked the workers if the noise hurt their ears or if they thought it was hurting their hearing. The supervisor said that they were doing just fine. The other thing was I just don't know how they could hear to take the orders from the people in the driveup. I know I wouldn't be able to.

So, I did some looking around on the Net and the decibel levels for blenders were listed as either 90 or 100. 90 is supposed to be a level which causes hearing damage if in an eight hour work period. 100 was enough to cause serious damage for an eight hour work day. http://www.dangerousdecibels.org/teachers_guide/DDB_TRG_Appendices_3.pdf
This table was taken from an education section of the web site dangerousdecibels.org which is funded by an award from the National Center for Research Resources.
And here is that web site:
http://www.dangerousdecibels.org/

So OSHA has some standards for which hearing protection is warranted at 90 to 100 db if work place modifications aren't protecting enough...these include hearing protection. I realize that those blenders aren't going 8 hours straight. But, if my child worked there, I would want them putting in those ear plugs like they give you at the chemical plants. You just roll them into a narrow cylinder and insert them in your ear, letting them expand into place. I don't know what the solution would be for the person at the driveup...guess they would have to rotate through that position.

Once your ears are damaged by loud noise, there is no healing process that gets the hearing back.

In other news, May is the month when agricultural fires are burned in Mexico. When the winds come out of the south, Texas can get a lot of smoke. So, I checked the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality's web site to see the forecast and it is either good or moderate air quality for particulates for this week. Here is the link:
http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/compliance/monitoring/air/monops/forecast_today.html

Here's to healthy air.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Forecast/Horizon Deepwater Spill/How to Help Air Quality

2010-05-07T22:46:00.005-05:00

WEATHER
Severe weather hit northeastern Indiana and northern Ohio today as a weak cold front pushed eastward. On Saturday, highs will be in the 40s and 50s over the norhern Rockies, northern plains, northern New England, and upper midwest. There will be several areas with thunderstorms (see map at right) and there is a slight risk for severe storms over the central mid-Atlantic. Highs will be in the 80s and 90s for the southwest, south Texas and the southeast.

Houston, there could be a couple rumbles of thunder over night. Saturday will be pleasantly lower in humidity with highs in the low 80s. Sunday will start pleasant and in the 60s and highs will reach the mid-80s. Skies cloud up and there could be some showers in the late afternoon/evening. Saturday and early Sunday, sky cover will be broken.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do grateful or agradecido, pronounced ah-grah-day-SEE-doh. We are so agradecido for our mothers.

And all mothers want their children to learn as much as possible. And, learning languages is fun and beneficial to cognitive development. And, children are inately adept at acquiring language. So, don't miss this window of opportunity. Start them out with my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com

AND MORE

MOTHER'S DAY POLL RESULTS
My poll on what you value most about your mother is closed. 57% said they value most their mother's abundant love. 28% said hard work and 14% said sense of humor. No one said religious devotion or intelligence. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is on the Horizon Deepwater spill. How do you feel about the containment/cleanup efforts so far? Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

HORIZON OIL SPILL
The following is information I pulled from NOAA regarding the Horizon Deepwater oil spill. Note that they say "1.89 million gallons of oily liquid have been recovered".

The experimental containment dome was lowered to just above the sea floor today. The final positioning will be guided via sensors and video cameras to accurately position the structure. Once in position a mile-long riser pipe will be attached to pump oil to a waiting tank vessel. This piping effort may take several days. Meanwhile, response operations continue at more than a dozen command posts and field staging locations across the affected region. The unified command reports that more than 8,500 responders are working on the incident, and approximately 1.89 million gallons of oily liquid have been recovered.

24 Hour Trajectory Map: Jump down to Current Trajectory Maps on this page for full-sized versions.

Overflight and shoreline surveys have found emulsified oil within the Breton National Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service closed the Refuge today to allow personnel conducting cleanup operations and recovery efforts to work safely and efficiently.

NOAA modified the boundaries of the closed fishing area and is extending the fishing restriction until May 17. The federal and state governments have strong systems in place to test and monitor seafood safety, prohibit harvesting from affected areas, and keep oiled products out of the marketplace. NOAA Fisheries continues to work closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the states to ensure seafood safety, by assessing whether seafood is tainted or contaminated to levels that pose a risk to human health. NOAA will continue to evaluate the need for fisheries closures based on the evolving nature of the spill.

NOAA continues to track the floating oil with aircraft and satellite imagery. Twice daily, NOAA oceanographers continue to release updated trajectory maps showing the predicted trajectory of the oil slick. The latest trajectory forecast shows the oil slick generally centered over the leaking well, but spreading both west and east.

Deepwater Horizon Decision Support

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/lix/?n=embriefing

NOAA restricted fishing in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico directly adjacent to the area closures enacted by Louisiana. The closure, which will be in effect for at least 10 days, is to protect consumers and the seafood industry. NOAA fisheries representatives will be meeting with fishermen this week to assist them.

NOAA Fisheries Service

http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/

AIR QUALITY AWARENESS WEEK
This has been Air Quality Awareness week through the Houston National Weather Service. It was quite timely that high pressure dominated our weather for much of the week and there were several ozone warnings issued for dangerously high levels of ozone. The combination of sunshine, light winds and warm temperaturese can lead to the formation of high concentrations of ozone nesr the surface. This is especially problematic for those with respiratory conditions like asthma, the elderly and young children.

The following is a link to air quality information through the Houston NWS web site. It provides ideas for how you can help improve the air quality.
The Environmental Protection Agency works constantly to make the air cleaner across the country through air quality standards and rules reducing pollution from power plants, industries and diesel trucks, buses and construction equipment. But you have a role to play, too. Any time you use energy – whether it’s gasoline, diesel, electricity or wood -- you contribute to air pollution in your community and communities downwind.

Saving energy reduces pollution – and it can save you money. Use the following guidelines to help keep air cleaner in your community.

You can help reduce pollution in your community by following these guidelines. These recommendations are especially important when ozone is expected to be unhealthy:

Conserve electricity and set your air conditioner at a higher temperature.
Choose a cleaner commute—share a ride to work or use public transportation. Combine errands and reduce trips.
Bicycle or walk to errands when possible.
Defer use of gasoline-powered lawn and garden equipment for later in the day, or for days when the air quality is better.
Refuel cars and trucks after dusk.
Limit engine idling.
Get regular engine tune ups and car maintenance checks (especially for the spark plugs).
Avoid spilling gas and don't "top off" the tank. Replace gas tank cap tightly.
Properly dispose of household paints, solvents and pesticides. Store these materials in airtight containers.
Paint with a brush, not a sprayer.
Buy low VOC paints for indoor and outdoor painting jobs.
You can help prevent or reduce unhealthy levels of particle pollution with these actions: :

Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
Avoid burning leaves, trash and other materials.
Use household, workshop, and garden chemicals in ways that keep evaporation to a minimum, or try to delay using them when poor air quality is forecast.
Replace your car's air filter and oil regularly

WEATHER MUSEUM IN THE NEWS

Congratulations to the Weather Research Center and Weather Museum for the following writeup in the Thursday Houston Chronicle business section. Director Jill Hasling gave a talk at the Offshore Technology Conference about whether the impact of recent hurricanes has anything to global warming.
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/business/6992071.html

To all the moms out there, have a very happy and restful Mother's Day. And to my Mom, I love you and hereby grant unto you my award for Best Mother.

Have a great weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Hot Weather/BP Oil Spill/Music as Language

2010-05-03T23:57:00.005-05:00

WEATHER
On Tuesday, cool spot will be in the Pacific Northwest with highs in the 30s and 40s. There could be some severe weather in Wisconsin. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible in the areas to the right of the lines with arrow (see figure at right). 90s for highs in the desert southwest and southern plains.

Houston, the mercury soared to 92 on Monday...one degree from the record. An upper low will spin some clouds across northeast Texas, but Houston should not be affected. Look for the weather to stay fairly dry through the middle of the coming week. It will be cool in mornings and very warm in the afternoons. No rain is likely until the middle of the coming week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do joy or alegría, ah-lay-GREE-ah. There was much alegría in our household this weekend. See why in the And More section.

Learning languages is fun and beneficial to cognitive development. And, children are inately adept at acquiring language. So, don't miss this window of opportunity. Start them out with my award winning DVDs, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They are on the shelf (in the education section) at Barnes & Noble stores or you can order them from http://www.frankandpaco.com, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com

AND MORE
What a wonderful weekend! Sarah celebrated her First Communion and she was surrounded by family and friends. Sarah has worked hard to prepare and we are very proud of her!

Cousin Sophia was one of Sarah's special visitors over the weekend. And, the girls had so much fun going swimming as the community pools had just opened. I thought the water would be freezing but it was actually tepid.

Friday, the Weather Museum had its annual Golf Classic at Wildcat Golf Course. KSEV went live from Wildcat and they let me sit in on a few conversations. As always, we had a blast. This is the 4th time I've had the privilege of broadcasting with these fellas. They are all super neat and the museum if very grateful to KSEV for going to so much trouble. The tournament benefitted the education programs provided by the museum.

Are you wanting to know as much as possible about the BP Oil Spill. Well, this might be the link for you:
http://www.epa.gov/bpspill/
The EPA has set up the site to help people not only obtain information but also to request information.

Is music a language? I have heard a couple people say this recently. So, I decided to do some investigating. There is no doubt that learning music is very beneficial to the function and development of the brain (a fact well documented in teh research literature). Here is a link to an interesting article that came up on the web. I think it might be someone's research paper:
http://graham.main.nc.us/~bhammel/MUSIC/muslang.html

I personally don't think of it as a language because it can not give certain kinds of information--like "don't forget your doctor's appointment is tomorrow). But, I will say that music can affect my moods. It can be used to manipulate--case in point movie music like that found in Jaws--would the movie have been as memorable without it? Just some food for thought.

Have a terrific Tuesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Houston Friday Morning 4/30 Weather Update

2010-04-30T11:00:00.002-05:00

Hello all -
Okay...here's the deal...big lid on thunderstorm development over most of Houston area...looks like the fun stuff will be north of Houston today. Still some rain around...but mostly just light stuff.

Upper trough will swing a "cold" front through early Sunday. There will be some showers and thunderstorms swinging through with it late Saturday into early Sunday. Right now, still not clear how long it will take the upper trough itself to move through. If it hangs to our west, we will have clouds and even some light rain on Sunday. If it gets going and pushes eastward, then our skies will clear on Sunday. Either way, humidity will be lower on Sunday. Yay! If it is cloudy Sunday, then highs will only be in the upper 70s. Otherwise with clearing skies, highs will reach upper 80s on Sunday.

Low humidity weather through Thursday with cool morning (50s starting Monday) and warm afternoons (mostly upper 80s).