Weekend Weather/Drought Outlook/Income Tax Outcome

WEATHER
Fairly mild weather for most of the US this Saturday with the most common high being in the 70s. Cool spots will be the Rockies/northern plains and northeast with highs in the 40s and 50s. There could be a few storms over the Rockies, the Midwest, and deep south Texas.

Houston, if allergies aren't killing you, Saturday and Sunday will be quite pleasant with comfortable humidity levels, lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s. Next chance for rain is midweek...but it is not a big chance. Tree pollen allergan levels have been dropping but are still extremely heavy (most is oak pollen). So, take heart that the numbers are going down...should be getting better just about every day.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do refund or reembolso, pronounced ray-ehm-BOWL-sew. Are you getting a reembolso on your tax return. To answer, check out my new poll.

We are being picked up by Wonderscape Entertainment. They are going to approach companies not exclusive through our other 2 distributors. Find out what the excitement is all about! Help your children learn to love languages. Order our 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 had some equipment issues this last week and also visiting family and of course, Easter activities. Sorry, I've been so long getting this post out. Hoping to get back to a more regular schedule now.

My poll on favorite Easter activity is closed. 50% said their favorite activity is the Easter service. 33% said they liked eating a special Easter meal the most. 16% said their favorite thing was eating Easter eggs (btw, we are still eating our Easter eggs--good thing Gordy likes egg salad....mmmmmmm). 0% said their favorite was ending Lenten efforts, egg hunts, eating candy, or wearing special Easter clothes. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is about income taxes again. Are you getting a refund, paying, or breaking even? Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Well, I have enjoyed the end of my Lenten resolution to not eat chocolate. I picked this for the 2nd year in a row because I can discuss it with my young CCE students and they really get what a sacrifice that would be. Well, I am now back to my normal chocolate consumption. Someone just told me that it looks like I have lost weight. Maybe I should give up chocolate all the time. Ha! Fat chance!!!

On Easter Sunday, we headed to my niece Courtney's place in the country outside College Station. Courtney and her husband of less than a year were gracious hosts to a hoard of little ones. The Easter bunny had a bunch of older helpers. Yes I say older because the older grandkids did the hiding and they are now all young adults. Looking at my siblings who were there, I realized that the last 20 or so years have really flown by!!! That's why I enjoyed the following article from Leslie Williams. It is about Sugar Mill Elementary's plans to auction off items from a 25 year old time capsule, unearthed at their school. Some of the items inside include a President Reagan election remembrance and other things from that era. There are some recordings on cassette tapes, which they are planning to dub to a more permanent device. Thanks Leslie for the trip down memory lane.
http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2010/04/wow-has-it-been-25-years-already

I posted the new drought figures...first one shows the drought status and notice that most of the drought areas are out west with only 2 little spots in Texas. There aren't very many areas with severe drought. The 2nd figure is the outlook through June and most locations should hold steady or see an improvement.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Easter weekend forecast/Biggest Easter Egg Hunt

WEATHER
On Friday, cold front moving across the central US will bring some stormy weather to the nation's mid-section down to Texas. It will be mild to hot east of the front with highs in the 70s and 80s and even low 90s around D.C. Even as far north as Maine the mercury will sore into the 60s. In the southwest, look for highs in the 60s and 70s. There could be some snow flurries in south and north Dakota. Highs will be in the 40s and 50s for the northern plains, central plains, Rockies and northwest.

On Easter Sunday, looks like there will be some showers for the Pacific Northwest and a few for the Great Lakes. It will be mild to warm across most of the country with the warmest temperatures east of the Rockies to the eastern seaboard. It will be coolest over the Rockies.

On Friday, Houston will be breezy, mild and muggy with some showers and possible a thunderstorm in the afternoon or early evening. Cold front moves through early Saturday--with a drop in humidity which will make for a pleasant Saturday and Easter Sunday. Lows will be in the 50s and highs in the 80s both Saturday and Sunday. Humidity will be slightly higher with some clouds returning Sunday as winds increase from the south.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do color or color, pronounced coh-LORE. What is your favorite color of Easter egg?

Speaking of brightly colored things like Easter eggs, bright colors are very appealing to young children. That is one of the reasons children are so attracted to our 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 Aunt Awanda passed away Sunday night. She leaves behind 11 younger siblings, my Uncle Charles, her six children and their spouses and 20 grandchildren. Awanda Whitworth is well known in Houston for her mission work. She has worked for Catholic Charities and Casa Juan Diego among others. Her rosary and funeral were attended by family and friends including many Mary Knoll nuns. It was wonderful hearing about her life's work. I did not even know about many of her efforts. Even with so many close family members, she always had time to talk to me...for an hour at a time. She once gave me some advice which has helped me keep my volunteer efforts under control--"Charity begins at home". Please keep her family, especially her husband Charles, in your prayers. I miss her very much.

My poll on favorite teen personality is closed. 25% had Miley Cyrus as their favorite, 50% said their favorite was Selena Gomez and 25% said other. No one selected Demi Lovato, Miranda Cosgrove, Jeanette McCury, Zach and Cody, Justin Bieber, Emily Osment, Mitchell Musso, Jason Earles or Keke Palmer. Only one answer is allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

The new poll is about Easter...what is your favorite part of it? Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Planning a big Easter egg hunt? I got to wondering what the World Record Easter egg hunt was. It happened in Winter Haven Florida at Cypress Gardens with some 510,000 filled eggs (1000 of which had prizes--one was a scholarship to a 2 year community college). 9700 people participated. Here is the link to learn more:
http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/adjudications/070401easteregg_hunt.aspx

Whether your egg hunt is big or small, may peace and joy be with you as we begin the Easter season.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Forecast/Special Needs Amusement Park in Texas/Hurricane Forecast

WEATHER
On Saturday, highs will be in the 20s and 30s across the northern New England. Higs will be in the 60s, 70s and/or 80s across the southern plains and southwest and southeast. Northern plains and Rockies will have highs in the 40s and 50s central plains and western Great Lakes states.

Houston, here is another Chamber of Commerce weekend for you. Lows will be in the low 50s and highs in the upper 70s to near 80 Saturday and low 70s on Sunday. Weak cold front will move through early Sunday. There is a slight chance (20%) for rain primarily late Saturday into early Sunday. Expect some showers and thundestorms this coming Friday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do park or parque, pronounced PAR-kay. There is a very special amusement parque opening in San Antonio. Read the AND MORE section to learn more.

Learning languages has been shown by research to improve cognitive development and much more. Help your children learn to love languages. Order our 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
A very special amusement park is opening in San Antonio in 14 days. It's Morgan's Wonderland. There have already been some preview days and my brother, Sam, who has three sons (one with autism) has already visited it--during some special pre-opening days. The price for his autistic son--$0 and for everyone else $5 each. Sam said the best part was--no long lines. The park has a special easy access carousel and sensory area. You can't just show up. You have to register in advance. It was inspired by a man who has a special needs daughter when he realized that she wanted to interact with others and join in their fun, but sometimes just couldn't. The daughter's name is Morgan. To learn more, go to this link:
http://morganswonderland.com/index.html

Hurricane season begins June 1st and the Weather Research Center (WRC) has released it's 2010 hurricane season forecast: calling for 8 named storms--five of them hurricanes. The Texas coast has a 60% chance of getting hit by a tropical storm (51% is the chance in an average year). The highest chance will be 90% for western Florida (average chance is 71%). To learn more about the WRC and the John C. Freeman Weather Museum, go to: http://www.wxresearch.com/mainwrc.html

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Next rain/Sarah Meets Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber!

WEATHER
On Wednesday, the cool spot will be over the Rockies with some snow showers possible in Denver. Highs will be in the 30s and 40s from the Rockies to the northern plains and in northern New England. Highs elsewhere will be in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. There is a slight risk for severe weather for north central Texas and southern Oklahoma. There could also be thunderstorms in surrounding areas and states.

Skies will become cloudy in Houston on Wednesday. It will be a breezy, mild afternoon with highs in the 70s. Look for some rain, maybe a thunderstorm Wednesday night into early Thursday as the next cold front arrives. The weather should be sunny and pleasant through the weekend. Another systems passes to the north of Houston over the weekend, but probably will not bring much in the way of rain. Through the weekend, lows will be in the 40s and 50s with highs in the 70s.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do personality as in celebrity, personalidad, pronounced pair-sew-nah-lee-DAHD. Find out about Sarah's meeting with two major personalidads in the AND MORE section.

Help your children learn to love languages. Order our 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
A wonderful surprise on Sunday at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Around the time I purchased tickets for the Selena Gomez/Justin Bieber concert (from Ebay in the nose bleed section), I starting sending inquiries for Sarah to meet Selena Gomez backstage. I kept checking my email and nothing. Luckily, I checked Sunday morning and there was a message from someone named Mark, giving me a phone number and saying to call him at that number at 4:30 pm. Well, I was super excited but also leery, because I had put out several feelers and was worried it might be a cruel joke...especially since The Wiggles had contacted us weeks before their concert.

So, we went to the rodeo and of course, had a great time. And at 4:30 pm on the dot, I called Mark. I got his voice mail. And, it didn't say that it was Mark who works for Selena Gomez. So, again, I wasn't sure if this was legit. I tried again about 4:45 pm...still a voice mail. Then Megan suggested that I text him. So I did...twice.

Luckily at 5:15 when my phone rang...I had it in my lap. I almost dropped it, I was so excited about answering...it was Mark!!! I could barely hear him--it was so noisy. He said to meet him at Section 135 immediately. So, we raced to the elevator (which for the first nail biting 30 seconds didn't seem to be working and even had a sign to that effect). But then it was like the angels sang as the doors opened. We rushed to get to Section 135. Mark was waving his arm and calling me on my cell phone again. Apparently, Selena didn't have much time to visit. So, we really needed to hurry.

We were ushered to right outside her dressing room door. She came right out and gave Sarah and Megan big hugs. I was immediately struck by how tall she was--she must be at least 5'7". I even asked her to show me her heels--only about an inch or so. She was so gracious and sweet. I asked her if she was had super long days and she said "not too bad--only about 10 and half hours and I love what I do. So, it's not bad at all". Then I asked her if she was ready for her concert and she said she was but she was nervous. That really surprised me. But then I remembered how it did seem easier for me to be in front of the camera because it is an inanimate object--much different from looking at thousands of eyes looking back at you. The concert was sold out by the way--70,000 people. I also met Selena's mom and visited with her for a while. She said Selena's schedule was not as grueling travel-wise as Justin Bieber's. The whole entourage really embraced Sarah.

Well then Sarah asked Mark about Justin Bieber. And, Mark introduced us to Scooter, Justin's manager. Scooter said that of course Sarah could meet Justin--but we just had to find him. So, we went wandering around looking for him. Finally Justin showed up and he made Sarah's day for a second time. Sarah has a big crush on him. She really ate up the attention. I asked Justin how he gets his hair to look like that and he joked that he just flicks it forward. Megan and I noticed later at the concert that yes indeed, he was flicking it forward. Scooter, Justin's manager, said they had to grab a private plan to New York right after the concert because Justin was going to be on The View Monday morning. Well anyway, we finally got out of the backstage area at about 6 pm...right before Selena was going on.

Mark, Selena's manager told us not to go back up to the top level and gave us seats in a bottom section. Poor Selena's mom was supposed to sit next to us, but she didn't want to make a scene and chase away 2 kids who were sitting there. So, she and her husband found another place to watch the show. Now that was just so nice! Those kids and their parents had no idea that was Selena's folks.

Both Selena and Justin and their support staff were very down to earth and very kind. We are so grateful.

The concerts were so much fun. The girls everywhere were going crazy over Justin. Sarah just kept looking around watching all of them until she finally got up and started dancing around too.

And of course Megan had a great time. It was a dream come true for her. She is such a huge music fan!

So my new poll is about teen personalities. Who would you most like to meet in person? Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Start of Spring/3 Month Outlooks/Stingrays and Miniature Horses

WEATHER
As I write this post, there are winter storm watches and advisories over the southern Rockies and central US. Next storm system is advancing eastward and there will be some thunderstorms in the southwest and Texas today. Look for some severe weather and thunderstorms over the southern plains and southeast on Saturday. Highs will be in the 30s and 40s across the middle of the country behind a trough with nice, warm 60s, 70s and 80s for the southeast and the part of Texas ahead of the cold front. Out west, highs will be in the 60s and 70s.

Houston, you are starting the day with season, but look for clouds later. Highs will be in the 70s. Enjoy! Saturday, there will be thunderstorm and then much cooler (highs in the 50s for Sunday with sunshine returning). Next rain arrives mid-week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do horse or caballo, pronounced cah-BUY-yo. Look to right to see a photo of a baby miniature caballo. And read the AND MORE section to learn where to see it.

If you are looking for something for your kids to do indoors, try our 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, March 20th, Spring begins at 12:32 central time (this from the U.S. Naval Observatory). It is the vernal equinox. This is the date in the Northern Hemisphere when the length of night and day are approximately the same (12 hours). The length of daylight will now more than the length of night and will continue to increase. So happy spring everyone!

The poll on spring break activities is closed. 20% said they plan to visit local points of interest. 40% said they would finish projects around the house and 80% said they would hang out with their kids. No one said they would go to the beach, go skiing, visit friends or visit family. More than one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated. I'll put up a new poll in my next post.

We have been keeping very busy this spring break. One of the highlights was visiting Kemah. There is a Stingray feeding aquarium right next to the Aquarium Restaurant. Sarah and her friend Hannah had a ball feeding fish to the stingrays. See photo at right. The barbs have been removed. So, it is very safe. There is a pen with smaller, younger stingrays who still have their barbs. But, they are too young to know what to do with them. I found all of this out from one of the employees.

Yesterday, Sarah, her memaw and I headed to Brenham. The Bluebell creamery tours were sold out, but we didn't care as we have already done the tour and Sarah doesn't enjoy those very much. We enjoyed visiting the gift shop and mulling about outside in the beautiful weather. To get to the creamery, take a right onto 577 from 290. It is right as you get to the edge of town (as you approach from Houston). The real excitement was heading a bit further north and taking a right onto 105 and heading east about 4 miles. On the right, is the St. Clare Monastery miniature horse farm. Sarah loved petting the newest addition. See photo at right. It was so beautiful and the weather was just perfect! Here is a link to their web site:
http://www.monasteryminiaturehorses.com/index.html
I did see one of the St. Clare nuns. What a peaceful, quiet life.

I posted the newly released 3 month temperature and precipitation outlooks from the Climate Prediction Center. Looks like the southern and northern plains can expect below normal temperatures for the next 3 months will the west and Alaska should have above normal temperatures. The Rockies and southeast are expected to have above normal precipitation. See figures at right.

Enjoy the rest of Spring Break everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Spring Break Weather Update for Houston

Just a quick update this evening (busy with Spring Break stuff) to tell you that there will be some showers in the Houston area on Tuesday afternoon--doubt there will be any big thunderstorm activity but it could dampen some outdoor plans. Also, cooler with cloud cover...highs in the 60s. So take a jacket and an umbrella before you head out on Tuesday.

Sunshine returns Wednesday and Thursday (slightly warmer on Thursday with highs back up in the 70s). A few showers for the weekend...but no big washouts.

Have a great week everyone!

Spring Break Forecast/Lotus Car/Time Change

WEATHER
Not bad...that's what a lot of folks will be saying around the country this week. As I write this post, there are winter weather woes in the western US. For the week, looks like the wettest spots will be along the eastern seaboard. Saturday will be wet and stormy for the Ohio Valley, midwest and northeast. And there will be some snow in the Intermountain Region. Highs will be in the 40s and 50s from the northwest to the northeast. From the southeast to the southwest highs will be in the 60s and 70s.

Houston, this is going to be a Chamber of Commerce Spring Break with lows in the 40s and highs in the 70s for the most part...all the way into the coming weekend. Humidity levels should be very comfortable and rain chances are very low. Enjoy!

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do beach or playa, pronounced PLY-yah. Are you heading to the playa this Spring Break?

If you are looking for something for your kids to do indoors, try our 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
TIME CHANGE
First, let's get some very important business out of the way--Daylight Saving Time is returning (the dreaded time change). It happens this Sunday morning at 2 am. Move your clocks ahead, i.e. spring forward one hour before you go to bed Saturday night. So, we will lose an hour of sleep that night. But you can comfort yourself knowing that in the Houston area, the sun won't be rising at 5:20 am in June. For my readers in northern latitudes...I know, I know...the sun does rise that early or earlier in summer. Shout out to my buddy Barbara in Sitka...any thoughts?

ORNAMENTAL PEAR
And speaking of spring, it sure looks that way in the Houston area. I snapped the photos at right--a very popular ornamental tree. I wasn't sure what it was. So, I called on my number one source--Mom! She said I think that is an ornamental pear. So, I checked it out, and Wikipedia had a Callery Pear with pictures of a tree just like the one I photographed at right. The most popular "cultivar" is the Bradford Pear. But, there are others. According to Wikipedia, it does produce a fruit that is very tiny and eventually eaten by the birds. The white flowers are shortlived, being quickly replaced once emerging leaves replace the blooms. The leaves turn beautiful colors in the fall. It is widely used around the country and even around the world (fyi, it is a native plant in China). But, in many areas where it is not a native plant, it is pushing out and taking over some of the native plants.
Here is the link if you would like to read more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callery_Pear

LOTUS CARS
Today, I saw not one but two Lotus cars driving down the Southwest Freeway. It was pretty obvious they were together. One was a silver blue color and the other was black. Ignorant me, I thought they weren't made any more. So I started looking around to try to remember when I had heard a big deal made about the Lotus. In an article from Car dated 10/20/08, there is a discussion about how the Lotus was featured prominently in 2 James Bond movies. In For Your Eyes Only, there are 2 Lotus cars used but neither is in a chase scene. In The Spy Who Loved Me, the Lotus has the ability to travel underwater. According to Wikipedia, the Lotus cars in both of those movies are Esprit models. But, there is another James Bond movies where a Lotus appears...Casino Royale--however it is driven by one of the shows characters--not James Bond. And, it is the model called a Formula 3. By the way, there is a Lotus dealer in the Houston area--it is located on the Katy Freeway.

COUPONS AT BED, BATH AND BEYOND
Now I know many of you shopping experts know this, but just in case--save all of those Bed, Bath and Beyond coupons. The coupons say they are only good for one purchase. But the truth is, if you take a pile of them to the store and buy a corresponding pile of items, they will let you use as many of the coupons as possible. And, they will let you use expired coupons. Thanks to my friend Kim for reminding me about this. I found out about this by accident one time when I shopped there. I did call today and asked someone at the store about this. I told her I was writing a blog. And, she said they will let "you can use all that can be applied". So, take that as you like. Try it out and be sure to let me know your experience.

Don't forget to answer my poll about what you are doing for spring break (poll closes in 2 days)!

Have a wonderful, safe and fun spring break everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman