Wet and Cold/Spring Break Forecast/Franchise Tax Frustration

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Rain is moving across Texas and parts of the south. There will be more rain in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Tennessee on Thursday. Still warm in Florida with highs in the 80s but substantially cooler in the southern plains and midwest. California will be quite pleasant with highs in the 60s.

Houston is in for a wet and chilly Thursday...highs will barely make 50. Friday will be wet and cold with highs in the upper 40s. Saturday will also be wet and chilly. Sunday, rain ends and the spring break week looks sunny, dry and mild. Yay!

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do mistake or error, pronounced AIR-roar. Be sure to roll the rr. I am frustrated by an error made by the Texas Comptroller's office electronic tax filing system.

I just don't like errors one bit. That is why when we created our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, we first put together a team of language experts. If you want to have the correct pronunciation, you need to start language at a young age. You can be sure the pronunciation in our DVDs are error free. 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
So, now I am getting ominous letters from the state comptroller's office. I filed my franchise tax return last May (not owing anything) but failed to print the confirmation #. They had no record and in December sent me a letter with a penalty and demand to file (they said I never filed). So I refiled...this time making sure to print out the return and get a confirmation #. Today, I get a very ominous letter saying I never filed and that they are going to take away my business' registration. At least they are giving me until June 29th to fix it. But I am so annoyed! I plan to personally take this to the nearest office and file it. Wish me luck in getting this straightened out. Grrrrr!!!

Be safe tomorrow everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Cold Snap/Spring Break Outlook/Do this for your yard now!

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Thunderstorms will fire along and ahead of an approaching cold front on Wednesday. Focal point for rain/thunderstorms will be in Arkansas/Oklahoma/Texas. Many places in the south and southeast which have enjoyed warm weather will experience a substantial dip in temperatures for a few days. On Wednesday, highs in North Dakota will only be in the single digits. There will be some snow around the Great Lakes and northern New England and some showers in New York and Boston.

Houston will start mild on Wednesday. Rain begins in the late morning. Heaviest rain will be in the mid to late afternoon as cold front arrives. Expect a much cooler day on Thursday--lows in the 40s and highs in the 50s. Clouds and rain will hang around through Saturday. Look for another round of heavy downpours on Saturday. Highs through Saturday will only be in the 50s. Sunday, sunshine returns and spring break week will be spectacular...lots of sunshine!

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do rabbit or conejo, pronounced cone-NAY-ho. The conejos are starting to appear again.

Nature is a wonder and kids have a natural curiosity about it. They are also very curious and excited about learning languages. And, if they do learn other languages, their brain development is enhanced. So, order our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. They'll learn and have fun at the same time. 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
It's time to put out the weed and feed. Don't delay! Pick some up today and spread over your yard...this is perfect timing with the rain coming in. The weed part will keep weeds out of your lawn until fall. I am always amazed when I see people with weeds growing like crazy in their yards. It is so unnecessary. Just use this product, and you won't be sorry. In the fall...October...you need to apply winterizer. That helps prevent weeds from emerging in the spring.

We like to walk along Oyster Creek Trail. One poor lady walking her dog was really straining. The dog had a wild look it it's eyes. She said "He wants to catch all of them". Yep...it's those rascally rabbits and they are out again! But don't worry folks...spring is going to go on hiatus for a few days here as we get a little cold snap.

Have a safe Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

It's Going to Get Wet/Poll Results/New Poll/A Healthy Trick

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Severe weather threatens the midwest on Tuesday. Most likely type of severe weather is hail. It will be bitterly cold in North Dakota and Montana with some locations not even making it to zero. Nice and warm across the south and southeast, ahead of an approaching cold front. There will be many locations with highs in the 80s. Look for snow from the western Great Lakes across the northern plains and into the Rockies.

Houston will be balmy again. But cold front is on the way...will arrive Wednesday afternoon. Could be a couple thunderstorms before it passes but greatest threat of storms will be to the north. Rain is even more likely at the end of the week and into the first half of the weekend. There could be 1 to 3 inches in spots. I think the wettest day will be Friday. Temperatures will be in the 50s Thursday, Friday and possibly Saturday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do fruit or fruta, pronounced FROO-tah. What is your favorite fruta? Answer today's blog.

Fruta is one of the words introduced in our award winning Volume 1 DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Children love to eat...so they really find the Eating and Drinking chapter very interesting. The first volume has chapters on home/family, eating/drinking and play. 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
The poll about what you will do if you lose your job...is closed. 20% said they would collect unemployment. 40% said they would change careers. 20% said they would take any job they could find. 40% said this does not apply as they are self-employed. No one said they would go back to school or live off of savings. More than one answer was allowed. Thanks to all of you who participated.

Our new poll is more light hearted. Remember how we did a poll about your favorite vegetable (and green beans won by a big margin)? Well, now I want to know what you favorite fruit is. Only one answer is allowed. Enjoy!

Eating healthy is in the news every day. But let me just tell you that while I enjoy whole grain breads, I do not particularly care for whole grain pasta or pancake mixes. Well here's how I get around it. Mix half whole grain with half regular. So when I cook spaghetti (actually we prefer angel hair), I cook half whole wheat and half regular. You almost can't tell there is any of the whole wheat stuff. Try it! You can do the same with pancake mixes...half whole wheat/half regular. And on the mixes, if you want one more good fiber, add a cup or two of cooked oatmeal. It will blend right in...no need to adjust the recipe. Happy healthy cooking!

Have a terrific Tuesday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

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