Cooler Weather Coming/Dream League Big Success/Holi Days

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
A big contrast in conditions across the nation Monday as very cold air sits over the northern Rockies and northern Plains. Highs in parts of Montana and North Dakota will be in the single digits. There will be snow showers in these areas and rain in the Pacific Northwest. Over the southeast, south, lots of warm temperatures...many locations in the 80s. Look out for severe storms in parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas and Missouri.

Houston--Last week at this time, it was cool and dry. Today, was very much spring weather...warm and muggy with a bit of breeze if you were in an open area. Look for more warm weather on Monday...some storms on Tuesday as the next cold front approaches. Temperatures drop Wednesday and biggest line of storms passes. It will be cool with showers on and off into the early part of the coming week (the beginning of spring break).

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do color or color, pronounced coh-LORE. There was a lot of color at the park today (see And More section to learn more).

We are busy editing the next volumes of our DVDs for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Volume 3 will have colors as well as alphabets and number. The first volume has chapters on home/family, eating/drinking and play. It has won 2 major awards. You can order your's today from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Saturday was the opening ceremonies for this year's Dream League games. I have to tell you that I was so impressed with how big a deal was made of it all. The Houston Astros provided a very professional announcer. Every child was given a nickname...Sarah's is Sarah Pure Speed. And all the kids had a fantastic time. There are no outs, everyone makes a homerun every time they come up to bat, and every game ends in a tie. And the smiles on their faces were just priceless!!! That's Coach Lambert giving direction to the runners on base and in the foreground, one of Sarah's angels cheering her on. Thanks so much to everyone who makes it happen. Sarah had a wonderful time and can't wait to play in the next game.

So, we're driving down Highway 6 in Sugar Land, passing Oyster Creek Park, and there is a huge backup as a long line of cars is turning into the parking area. People are parking in all the grassy areas. It is packed!!! We are wondering--what could be going on? This crowd almost looks bigger than the one on the 4th of July. So, we headed home and walked on over. We see all these people with bright colors on the faces, in their hair and on their clothes. So, we ask some of them what is going on. They tell us it is the Holi Days, Festival of Colors, kind of a celebration of spring. So, I looked it up and found that this is celebrated on the first full moon of March. The young people really seemed to be having fun. They told us the colors wash off very easily. It certainly was a spring day--very warm and muggy but there was a breeze. I found an interesting web site if you would like to learn more.

http://www.happyholi.com/index.php/tradition_of_holi/holi_pooja_process/

Have a wonderful week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Weather/What You Don't Know about Daylight Saving Time

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Jet stream is tilting more to the right...Kansas and Missouri and southern Iowa will be the focal point for severe weather on Saturday. Greatest threat will be large hail. But there could be a few tornadoes. On Sunday, the severe threat shifts eastward and includes Illinois. On Saturday, there will be showers and thunderstorms from Oklahoma to Illinois. There will be a few snow/rain showers over the northern Rockies and northern Plains. Highs will be in the 20s and 30s across the northern tier of states while all of the south will be in the 70s and 80s. From DC to Cincinnati and southward, highs will be in the 70s...a spectacular weekend for the south and southeast.

Houston will be breezy and warm over the weekend. Rain is not likely until the middle of the coming week. Enjoy!

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's day sunrise or amanecer, pronounced ah-mah-neh-SAIR. Read my "And More" section to find out how early the sun would rise if it weren't for Daylight Saving Time.

One of the wonderful things about kids is their boundless energy (time change or not). And their minds really are like sponges, especially when it comes to language learning. So, give them best--they'll enjoy it and you'll know you've done something really good for them--order our award winning DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
This is your final reminder that the time change is coming this weekend!!! You will spring forward one hour (move the clocks ahead one hour) before you go to bed Saturday night.

Now, here is something that is keeping me awake at night. Should it be called Daylight Saving Time or Daylight Savings Time. I consulted 3 calendars--they all said Daylight Savings Time. Yet, I know it is Daylight Saving Time. A previous boss once sent out a stern note that it is Daylight Saving Time--say it right dad gummit!!! But somehow saying Savings just feels more comfortable. What do you think?

Well, anyway, National Geographic News says that Hawaii, Arizona, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not observe Daylight Saving Time. According to the same source, it has been shown to increase energy savings while decreasing the number of traffic accidents, traffic fatalities and crimes.

Now consider this...if we did not make this time change, then in the month of June, the sun would rise at 5:20 am in Houston and at 4:25 am in New York!!! Yikes!!! Okay. Maybe I can handle this time change.

Got my spring allergy shot today. So, in 10 years, when I'm playing some professional sport, you can say that you knew I was using steroids! I only get this shot once a year, but boy do I need it. Once that oak pollen gets going, I'm a goner (unless I've had the shot). I know some people who are so severely affected that they actually leave town for a couple weeks. You can check allergy levels (as measured in the medical center area), by calling 713-247-5846.

Have a great weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Warm Weather-How Long?/Wonder Waste Woman

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Still warm for much of the country on Friday, but there is chilly air over the northern Rockies. Montana highs will be in the teens and 20s. There will be snow over the Rockies and western Great Lakes. There will be showers in South Dakota and Oregon.

Houston will continue with its spring balminess from now through the middle of the coming week. Showers will be more likely starting Sunday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do waste or desperdicio, pronounced dehs-per-dee-SEE-oh. Try to recycle and not make desperdicio.

Not enhancing a child's mind to the fullest is certainly a waste. By the age of 8, 80% of neurological development has occurred and one of the best ways to enhance that development is through language learning. You can do that the fun and easy way through our award winning DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Order today from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
I used to work in the Air Quality field as an Air Dispersion Meteorologist. My sister, Julie, worked in the water and solid waste side of the environmental world. Now, she and her husband are leading experts on how to get rid of dangerous waste. She works for a small sector of the government that is getting sources of radioactive materials (so attractive to terrorists) out of other countries. She frequently testifies in D.C. before The Department of Homeland Security.
I call my sister, Julie Whitworth, Wonder Waste Woman. Together, we make an unbeatable team!!!

Check out this article about her team.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-plutonium3-2009mar03,0,678423.story

Have a fantastic Friday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Nice Warmup Everywhere/Dream League is Dream Come True!

HURRICANES AND WEATHER

The country is enjoying a nice warm-up...of course it's more for some of us. But it is all relative. 35 degrees is a lot more bearable than zero.



The west coast storm will have shifted eastward on Thursday. There will be snow and rain from the Intermountain Region into the northern plains and northern Great Lakes states. The coolest spot will be northern Maine with highs in the 20s. The south will be in the 70s and 80s.



Houston will be partly to mostly cloudy with highs in the upper 70s. The mild weather will continue into Tuesday. Look for rain over the weekend, with the highest chance being on Sunday.



SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY

Let's do dream or sueño, pronounce swen-NYO. I had a very nice sueño.



In Volume 2, one chapter will be about a child's day. It will have terms for waking up and going to sleep (hopefully to dream nice sueños). Until that is complete, you can order our award winning DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volume 1, from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.



AND MORE

Today, Sarah had her first (and only) Dream League practice. It was the neatest thing. These special teams are assisted by regular little league teams and many volunteers. These helpers are called the angels. Since the little league uses the names of the major league teams, the dream teamers also get to be in one of those teams. So, Sarah is a New York Yankee. Check out the photo at right. The practice consisted of learning to go around the bases while making sure to touch all of them. Sarah did that 3 times. They also got to hit off the t-ball pipe. And Sarah was ecstatic about getting her uniform. The angels were so sweet...they really were angels. They made Sarah feel like the most important person in the universe. Sarah ate it up. I am so grateful to all the volunteers. The Dream League is a dream come true!



On Sunday's post, I'll have a full report on the first game this weekend.



Have a terrific Thursday everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair

Wonder Weather Woman

Warming Trend Continues/Happy About McDonald's Happy Meals

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
The jet stream will continue digging over the west and that means snow and rain out west on Wednesday. Cool spot will be northern Maine with highs in the teens. The south and southwest will be warm with highs in the 70s and 80s.

Houston is being dominated by the flow around high pressure to the east. Humidity and temperatures will climb. Lows will be in the 50s on Wednesday, and highs will be in the 70s. As the jet stream moves edges eastward htly by weekend's end, we should get some rain and even a few thunderstorms.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do baseball or béisbol, pronounced BAZE-bowl. I love this time of year, when we start gearing up to watch béisbol.

Children love games. See the AND MORE section to hear about what Sarah will be playing soon. We thought about this love of games when we put together our award winning DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. That's why the very first volume has a chapter devoted to play. We find that kids love to watch other kids play. And while they watch, they learn Spanish. Order Volume 1 today from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Sarah has her first softball/t-ball practice with the Dream League tomorrow evening. She is super excited. The first games are this Saturday. I'll let you know how that all turns out.

Did you know that the small hamburgers at McDonald's have only 9 grams of fat? I've known this for a while and here is my healthy meal when I go there. I get a hamburger kid's meal with milk and apples. That is very healthy--especially if you don't eat the caramel dip (that comes with the apples). They don't care that I order it and sometimes there are cookies which I can take home and share. And the bonus is that I get a kid's toy which I promptly give to some deserving kid (like Sarah). So, don't tell me that you can't eat healthy at McDonald's. The salads are good too but watch out for those full fat salad dressings--they can have more fat than an entire happy meal (with fries).

Why am I so observant about all of this? Well, I have high cholesterol and don't want to go on the medicine. I've been trying to be more and more careful with diet (even though I've never been too careless). So if you see me with a french fry, just whack it out of my hand.

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

A Warmup/Poll Results/New Poll/You Knew It Wouldn't Last

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Big troubles today (even some fatalities) as the early March snow storm moved up the east coast. Tonight, it has wound down a lot. Focal point for wet weather on Tuesday will be extreme northern Maine and the west and Intermountain Region. It has really been coming down in north central California--so much so that several flood warnings were issued. This could become a big weather news spot over the next few days as the rain/snow aren't over yet. There will also be showers in Denver and Vegas--but wow, the highs there will be in the 70s.

Houston will be mild with some clouds. Lows will be in the 40s and highs will be in the upper 60s to low 70s. Expect temperatures and humidity levels to climb during the week. There will be some showers this weekend--Sunday being the most likely day.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do employment or empleo, pronounced ehm-PLAY-oh. Now if you are looking for employment, it is buscar trabajo, pronounced boo-SCAR trah-BAH-ho.

Well, I am trying to be self-employed and have thoroughly enjoyed working on our award winning DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Today, we began the process for editing the last 2 volumes. We have figured out an optimal way to proceed. I'll have more soon. In the meantime, order Volume 1 today from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Our poll about favorite pets has closed. Dog was the favorite, hands-down, with 64% of the vote. Cats and fish each came in at 14%. 8% said no pet was best. And no one selected bird, rabbit, hamster, snake, lizard or other as a favorite. I'm surprised about bird. I had 2 parakeets growing up. They were super easy to care for--just change out the newspaper, give them fresh water and food, and cover at night (also keep from drafts). Mine would fly around the room and land on my finger. And they sang so pretty. I never could get mine to talk. I wish I could have seen/heard that. Thanks for participating everyone.

Well, our new poll is about employment. Tonight, I ran into a neighbor, working at Walgreen's. I didn't know she was working there. She said that she and her husband were both in mortgage brokering and she lost her job. She said that it is best to work somewhere. I am so proud of her!!! I have been doing some part time work for a friend who owns a law firm, and I am having a ball...learning so much. I had never worked in a law office before. I have worked for a bank, at KFC, at a CPA firm, doing environmental consulting and of course, broadcasting. Producing my own DVD has been a combination of production, writing, financing, accounting, trademarking and more. Every job has been fun and fascinating. I love adding new feathers to my cap. So tonight, our new poll is about what you plan to do if you become unemployed. You may select more than one answer. Enjoy!

Congratulations to my step-daughter Megan. She is about halfway through her veterinary technician program and already making successful diagnoses. Her dog was rubbing its ear a lot. And Megan took it upon herself to get it checked out. She suspected ear mites--and guess what?! Bingo! She nailed it! Way to go Megan!!!

Well you knew it wouldn't last...that $1 Mister Carwash on Dulles has raised its prices. Now the price has gone up to a whopping $3!!! That's still the best price for a wash and hand dry by workers. Gordy tells me there is a carwash on Kirby that does the same for $4.

Have a terrific Tuesday everyone!!!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Week's Weather/Voice of Frank/Time Change Soon

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
March began with snow in Alabama and Georgia. Now the same storm causing the snow is winding up the eastern seaboard. It is going to be a difficult travel day on Monday. If you have flight plans, make sure to call your airline ahead of time. There will also be snow and some thunderstorms out west. In the middle of the country and through the southern states--nice quiet weather. Phoenix should make it into the low 90s. It will be coldest in the northeast and the Great Lakes with highs in the teens and 20s.

Houston will enjoy another sunny, dry day. As I write this, the entire area is under a Red Flag Warning due to high winds and dry conditions. Monday, the winds will die down. Look for a light freeze in outlying areas--protect those new plantings. Highs will be in the 60s. Temperatures will warm gradually during the week. There will be some showers by late in the weekend.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do savings or ahorros, pronounced ah-OR-ros. Don't forget to roll that rr. Soon, it will be time ahorros time again.

In my last blog, I promised to reveal the voice behind Frank the Horse in our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. It belongs to none other than my better half--Mr. Gordy Poole. I think he did such a good job that when I watch it, I forget that he is the one who did the voice. Gordy was always a big fan of Jim Henson with his muppets. He also counts meeting Mel Blanc as the one of the most memorable moments of his career. Gordy was so impressed that Mel came up with all of those Looney Tunes voices. I hope someday the world will get to hear all the voices Gordy can do.

Order your copy of the DVD today from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Well heads up...next Sunday morning at 2 am, Daylight Savings Time returns. You will move your clocks ahead, i.e. spring forward one hour. So, we will lose an hour of sleep that night. For a while it will feel like we are waking up earlier and going to bed earlier. To me, this time change is harder to adjust to.

Only one more day for the pet poll...don't forget to vote.

Have a great week everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman