Weekend Forecast/Tropical Development/Inflation at the Car Wash

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
High pressure will build toward the eastern US over the weekend. On Saturday, there will be some storms from Texas to the eastern seaboard. On Sunday that line shifts further east so that the eastern seaboard and Gulf states get wet. Saturday, it will be hot and humid ahead of this rain area. Very pleasant along the west coast and in the northern states and Rockies. Sunday, the pleasant weather pushes further east.

Houston, pleasant weather returns Sunday!!! Look for lows in the 50s and 60s next week with highs in the low 80s climbing to upper 80s by week's end. There will be some showers and thunderstorms mainly late Saturday into Sunday morning. A few showers are still possible during the day on Sunday.


SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do swim or nadar, pronounced nah-DAHR. Time to nadar...it's hot!!!

We have some action scenes of kids swimming in our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Kids love watching other kids do fun things...I think that is why the DVD is so well received. You can order your copy 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/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Been very busy with wedding festivities for my niece, Courtney. Saturday is the big day and Sarah is a flower girl. I'll let you know how her trip down the aisle goes.

The National Hurricane Center is experimentally going to use the wind ranges for the Saffir-Simpson scale only. They say this is to avoid confusion because the original scale had pressure and storm surge factored in as well. I personally think this is the exact opposite of what we need to do. I think we should re-familiarize everyone with the original 3 parameters and that the Hurricane Center should issue statements with the worst case deciding the category. If storm surge had been used to categorize Hurricane Ike, it would have been rated a Category 4 storm. Instead, it officially goes down as a Category 2 even though it is the 3rd or 4th most costly storm on record!

Speaking of storms, models are hinting at tropical development in the northeastern Gulf or over Florida early to middle of next week. Conditions aren't great and it would happen before the official start of hurricane season which is June 1st. But, if nothing else, look for some rainy weather in Florida and the southeast US next week.

I've been meaning to let you know that the Mister Carwash on Dulles in Missouri City has now gone up to $5. Remember, it started at $1 and then went to $3. Even at $5, it is still a good deal with people hand drying the car and free vacuums.

Happy Weekend everyone!!!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Relief on the Way/Tax Credit Stimulus Recovery/Corn Crop

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There is a moderate risk for severe weather for a portion of Missouri and Illinois on Wednesday. Highs will be it the 40s, 50s and 60 across the northern 2 rows of states and in California. Look for some thunderstorms in Florida and some showers in the Pacific Northwest, northern Rockies and northern Plains.

Houston will be hot and humid again. But there is some big news!!! Less humid air will arrive early in the coming week, giving us mornings in the middle 60s and more pleasant conditions into Wednesday. Afternoons will still be in the 80s. This might be our last real break before the onslaught of summer. So, get ready to enjoy! A few showers and thunderstorms are possible over the weekend.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do corn or elote, pronounced eh-LOW-tay. I've got a miniature corn crop growing in my backyard. See AND MORE section for more information.

Our kids grow as fast as weeds. Time is short, especially the optimal time for learning languages--primarily before the age of 8...that is when 80% of neurological development has occurred. Brain scans show that children who learn multiple languages have more neurological development in their brains. So get going...stimulate those young minds! Order our award winning DVD, 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/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
I am growing corn in the backyard (as mentioned in previous posts). Check out the latest photo at right. The instructions say you need a minimum of 4 rows. I have exactly that. I may help the fertilization process along by using a Qtip to swab from tassle to tassle. But I did see a good sign...wasps buzzing around. They can serve as that mechanism.

We have a leak in our ac coil and are considering replacing the entire system. I did some checking and this is a good time to do so. In fact, if you use approved products, you can deduct 30% up to $1500 for an installed AC system (labor is included). This is part of the stimulus recovery. And you can do this through 12/31/10. Also, if you have been recharging you system, you should know that the ozone harming R22 will be phased out in about 2 years...then you will have to buy a converter so that your system will be able to handle the more environmentally friendly type of freon. This should cost about $700.

Check out this site for approved HVAC items:
http://www.ceedirectory.org/ceedirectory/pages/cee/ceeSearchMain.aspx

Also for 2009 and 2010, there are similar tax credits for eligible window and doors, insulation, roofs (metal and asphalt), water heaters (non-solar), biomass stoves. Through 2016, you can get credit for geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar water heaters, small wind energy systems and fuel cells. For more information, check out this link:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits

I had the pleasure of visiting with the fine folks at Dow in Freeport this morning. I gave them a presentation on important points from Ike and some things that folks still need to know. I had never driven down to Freeport. So, this was really interesting. The people at Dow were very knowledgeable--asking great questions!!! I enjoyed the visit!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Any Heat Relief Coming?/Rockets vs. Lakers--What Do You Think?

HURRICANES AND MORE
On Tuesday, look for some severe storms in Nebraska and South Dakota. Note that on Wednesday, their is a moderate risk of severe storms in eastern Missouri and western Illinois. There will also be some showers and thunderstorm along the eastern Gulf Coast and a few thunderstorms over the northern Rockies and northern Plains. There also might be a thunderstorm in Boston. Highs across the northern half of the country will be in the 50s and 60s and 70s. Most of the south (except California) will have highs in the 80s, 90s and even 100s (Arizona).

Near Cleveland Monday afternoon, some hail fell. Tuesday should be just another hot and humid day...rain chances very low--about 10%. Long range...there could be some storms over the weekend. Slightly higher humidity is likely early in the coming week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do basketball or baloncesto, pronounced bah-lone-SEHS-toe. What do you think about the Rocket's performance in their series against the Lakers? See AND MORE section to find out how you can voice your opinion.

In the game of life, you need every competitive edge. Research shows that people who learn more than one language are more articulate in their native language and on average, earn more money than someone who is monolingual. Help your favorite youngsters develop a love of languages. Order them our award winning DVD, 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/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Our poll about favorite memories of mom is closed. Only one answer was allowed. 22% said cooking, 11% said energy/enthusiasm, 11% said nurturing, 22% said work ethic and 33% said faith. No one selected hugs/kisses, smile, friendship. Thanks to all who participated.

Our new poll has to do with the Rockets, who as I write this blog are tied 2-2 with the Lakers in their playoff series. What do you think about how the press is responding to the Rocket's performance? Once the series ends, I will terminate the poll. Only one answer is allowed. Enjoy!

Have a terrific Tuesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weather for the Week/Postal Increases/A Ticket to Avoid

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Some tornado warnings have been issued in northern Louisiana this Mother's Day afternoon. On Monday, severe weather will develop in northeast Texas and northern Louisiana. It will be hot across the south with lots of 80s and 90s. Most of the northern 2/3rds of the country will enjoy highs in the 50s, 60s and 70s with some showers in the Pacific Northwest. There will also be some rain in the southeast and around DC and Norfolk.

Houston, it looks like this week will continue hot and humid with very low chances for rain. There is a hint of a few thunderstorms during the coming weekend.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do postage or franqueo, pronounced frahn-CWAY-oh. Don't forget about the increase in franqueo. See And More section for more information.

It is the perfect time to learn Spanish. Don't forget to order our award winning DVD, 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/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Did you know that if an officer has his light on at the side of the road, you are supposed to either move over a lane or if in the lane next to the officer's car, you have to reduce your speed to 20 miles below the speed limit. Someone I know got a ticket for not reducing their speed sufficiently. My understanding is this is a fairly recent rule. Now you know!

Postal rates have increased by 2 cents per one ounce piece of mail. The USPS web site says that you can still use your Forever Stamps for 1 ounce pieces of mail--no extra postage required. There is no change for Priority and Express because those went up already in January. If you ship with Paypal, don't forget to go the Shipping Calculator and adjust your rates or you will be paying for the increase in postage. For more information:
http://www.usps.com/prices/pricechanges.htm

Happy Mother's Day! I was treated to breakfast in bed. Sarah brought me the food with Daddy. She added a pink sugary cookie to the plate which she proceeded to eat for me. And, she was very helpful with the eggs too. Too funny! Megan brought me some gifts and a card. It was really special having her with us at lunch, even though she is in the midst of finals. Thanks everyone for making it a great day! Speaking of moms, don't forget to vote in our poll and tell us your favorite memory of Mom. Poll closes late Monday.

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Severe storms for some/A special mother's day story

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Some storms this weekend from Texas eastward to the East Coast...look out in DC and New York City. Highs--40s to 60s across most of the northern states with 70s to 90s (a few 100s southwest) across the southern 1/2 of the country.

Houston will continue hot and humid after hitting 90 on Friday. A slight cool down and lower humidity (and I do mean slight) early in the coming week. Our a/c will be working hard. A great weekend to hit the pools!

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do love or amor, pronounced ah-MORE. Make sure you show your mom how much amor you have for her.

We love our kids....that's why we moms are looking for every chance to help them be all that they can. You can feel very good about getting them our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Kids who watch the DVD get a kick out of watching what other kids do. Order your copy 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/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
This week, as many moms did, I got to attend my child's mother's day presentation. I have to tell you this was very emotional--of course for me but also because of the moms in the room. We sat in a circle waiting to hear each child read from a special book they had assembled just for their moms. But what touched me so deeply were the looks in the eyes of each mom. You know they say the eyes are the windows to the soul. Well these were souls overflowing with infinitive love...the intensity of this emotion filled the room. One child's mother was late...so much so that I worried for him lest no one show to hear him read. Finally, his mother arrived, on the arm of her husband. As it turns out, she had had surgery and had to have the surgery out of the country. I could tell she was still in pain as she gingerly seated herself in the chair of honor. As her son read to her, tears flowed down her face. As she made way for the next mom and child, she apologized, saying that she had just returned and that it was the first time she had seen her son in a month. She said she was determined not to miss this special presentation. I thought, now that is truly a mother's love.

Happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful "mothers" of the world!

Have a great weekend!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Some 100s/Toad Hunting/Healthy Food Options

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Jet stream will change little over the next week or so. That means that storms will ride across the central plains to the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys and through the Appalachians and the Eastern Seaboard. That will be the case over the next 2 days with 2 areas at a Slight Risk of Severe Storms. Very hot across the southwest and south with highs in the 90s, even some 100s in west Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. Highs will be in the 40s and 50s across the northern plains and northern Rockies...there will be some showers in these locations as well.

Houston will continue with the hot weather...more highs in the 90s...it hit 90 on Thursday. There might slight relief early next week. No big rain events are expected in the next week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do salt or salar, pronounced sah-LAR. Sometimes we eat too much salar. See AND MORE for one solution to that problem.

Kids like to eat and there is a lot of that in our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Kids who watch the DVD get a kick out of watching what other kids do. Order your copy 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/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Sarah and I found 3 toads tonight. We named the first one Houdini because he kept finding ways to get away. We named the second one Don Juan because he was chirping like crazy (a sound only the males make--especially during mating season, which has begun by the way). The last one Sarah named after herself--Sarah. Another way to tell the males and females apart is that the females tend to be the big ones. The males are usually smaller. We made 14 videos about toads--with me narrating and giving information about them. They are on www.youtube.com. Just search for TOAD HUNTERS. Don't forget the caps. I also have a link to one of the videos in the favorite links list at right--scroll way down.

Sarah has gotten into baked sweet potatoes. I've been wanting to introduce these into her diet as they are rich in fiber and Vitamin A. I just bake them in the oven or microwave them. Cut them open and put in some healthy butter like Smart Balance and some salt. She loves 'em!

Speaking of salt--that is the reason canned vegetables are frowned at. But, now there are many options for no salt added. The difference is astounding--per serving the regular veges have about 220 mg of sodium. The no salt added variety has 10 to 15 mg of sodium. So, go ahead and eat that type of canned veges. They are good for you and you can't beat the convenience.

Happy Friday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman