Top 10 Weather Events Last Decade/Weekend Forecast/Why 2010 will save you time

WEATHER
Winter Storm Watches or Warnings are in event for portions of the Ohio Valley, northeast, and northwest. On Friday (New Year's Day), highs in the northern plains and western Great Lakes states will only be in the negative single digits and single digits. There will be some snow from St. Louis into the Great Lakes and the Intermountain Region and northern Rockies. There could be some severe storms in Florida. Highs will be in the teens and 20s from the northern Rockies into the central plains and into the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes.

Houston will be sunny on New Year's Day and Saturday. Highs will be in the 50s to low 60s. Lows will be in the 40s Friday and 30s on Saturday. Sunday, clouds and some showers will return. Around Wednesday or Thursday of the first week, an arctic air mass will bring some very chilly air...stay tuned.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do Happy New Year or feliz año nuevo, pronounced feh-LEEZ AN-yo new-EH-voh. Feliz año nuevo everyone!

Don't forget to answer my New Year's poll at right. And here's another resolution you should make...expose the young ones in your world to the joys and benefits of early language learning. Our DVD series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco is a perfect way to get started. And, you'll feel good about purchasing it, knowing that it has won awards from Dr. Toy and homeschool.com as a best educational product. You can find Volumes 1 or 2 at 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
Cecilia's End of Year Science Experiment:
Well, this is great news!!! We are going to save 8.7 minutes in 2010 (as compared to 2009). How you ask? Well, I did an experiment. I looked at the number 2009 and the number 2010 and noticed that if you consider the last 2 digits, there is one less stroke when you write 2010. So, I made a hypothesis that writing 2010 all year instead of 2009 will save time (or writing 10 instead of 09). My scientific method was to set a timer for 1 minute and write 09 as many times as possible and then do the same writing 10 as many times as possible. I wrote 09 60 times in one minute. I wrote 10 84 times in one minute. So it takes about 1 second to write 09 and .714 seconds to write 10. Assuming an average of writing these numbers 5 times per day, 365 days in a year...this results in a savings of 8.7 minutes for writing 10 in the year 2010.

So, what will you do with that extra 8.7 minutes? I already used some of the time to do this experiment. Oh well, maybe you can reap the reward of my effort. This is my gift to you!!!

Sarah and I headed to Sugar Land Town Center this evening to celebrate New Year's Eve. On the hour between 5 and 8, they did a countdown (for whatever place in the world was bringing in the New Year). They had a DJ with singing and dancing. There was an interesting and unusual lady made up like a statue with classical music while water streamed out of her fingers. There were men in dinosaur body puppet figures walking on stilts through the crowds. Sugar Land was also celebrating the 50th anniversary of getting its city charter.

The National Weather Service has taken a look back at 2009 and the last decade of weather. The following are some of the big highlights of 2009. (NOTE I DECODED A
COUPLE THINGS SO YOU COULD READ THIS MORE EASILY). Thanks National Weather Service for putting this together for everyone.

AVERAGE TEMP FOR BUSH AIRPORT DECEMBER JUST MISSED THE TOP TEN COOLEST AT 50.2
DEGREES. HOUSTON HOBBY HAD ITS SIXTH COOLEST DEC AND COLLEGE STATION HAD ITS
NINTH COOLEST DECEMBER. TEMPS WERE ABOUT 4 TO 5 DEGREES BELOW
NORMAL. DESPITE A FOUR MONTH DROUGHT FROM MAY 1ST THROUGH SEPT
1ST...THE ANNUAL RAINFALL CAME PRETTY CLOSE TO NORMAL. BOTH COLLEGE STATION AND
BUSH AIRPORT WERE WITHIN AN INCH OF THE ANNUAL AVERAGE. GALVESTON WAS STILL ABOUT
6 INCHES BELOW THEIR ANNUAL AVERAGE RAINFALL.

The discussion for the decade is long but fascinating. So, I am putting the link here. Just so you know, Hurricane Ike made #1, Tropical Storm Allison of 2001 made #2 and the Christmas Snow of 2004 made #3. To see more, check out the full report:

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/productview.php?pil=HGXPNSHGX

Here's hoping for an interesting but safe weather in 2010!

Happy New Year everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Winter Storm Threat/Rain for Houston/Definition of Severe Changing

WEATHER
Travel could be dangerous from New Mexico to eastern Oklahoma on Tuesday as a storm system drops snow. Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Storm Watches have been issued by the National Weather Service. (See figure at right and remember it is dated: effective Mon. Evening 12/28). So, if you are planning to travel in NM, north TX or most of Oklahoma on Tuesday, you might want to see if you can delay your travel until Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Florida will be the warm spot with highs in the 60s and 70s. Southern California and Arizone will have highs in the 60s. Cold spot will be western Great Lakes states and the Great Lakes area with highs in the teens and 20s. There will be snow from New Mexico through north Texas (including Dallas) and Oklahoma. There will also be some snow showers in the New England and the Intermountain Region (including Salt Lake City).

On Tuesday, Houston will be cold with highs in the 40s and rain during the afternoon. Rain is more likely on Wednesday and highs will be in the 50s. Thursday (New Year's Eve), sunshine returns with temperatures warming to the mid-60s. If you are out that evening, temperatures will drop rapidly (into the 40s). New Year's Day and Saturday should be beautiful with lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s. A shower is possible on Sunday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do hail or granizo, pronounced grah-KNEE-zoh. The size of granizo will soon have to be larger if the storm is to be classified as severe. See the AND MORE section to learn more.

Don't forget to answer my New Year's poll at right. And here's another resolution you should make...expose the young ones in your world to the joys and benefits of early language learning. Our DVD series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco is a perfect way to get started. And, you'll feel good about purchasing it, knowing that it has won awards from Dr. Toy and homeschool.com as a best educational product. You can find Volumes 1 or 2 at 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
Spoke to one of my sisters-in-law about the snowstorm in Iowa over Christmas. She says it is being called the worst since one in the 40s. Conditions were so dangerous on Christmas that many people stayed home and only today celebrated Christmas with family and friends.

The National Weather Service is changing its definition of a severe thunderstorm effective Jan. 5, 2010. The change has to do with how large hail has to be in order to get the storm designated as severe. It used to be that a nickel size hail stone (3/4") was the cutoff. As of Jan. 5th, it will have to be at least a quarter size (1" diameter). The other criteria are winds of at least 58 mph or tornadoes. The reason for the change is that research shows significant damage is not done until the hailstones are at least an inch in diameter. For more on this change, go to:

http://www.weather.gov/oneinchhail/

Safe travels and Happy New Year everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Blizzard Experience/New Poll/When rain returns to Houston

WEATHER
The figure at right (3rd item down) shows this mornings winter weather adviories (blue) and blizzard warnings (red) across the northern plains. Remember, this is a dated product--dated Saturday morning 12/26.

Chilly across most of the nation on Sunday with highs in the teens and 20s for the northern plains into the Great Lakes states. Highs will be in the 30s from the Pacific Northwest, the Intermountain Region, the central plains, the Midwest, Ohio Valley and northern New England. Highs will be in the 40s, 50s and 60s along the west coast, the southern tier of states and the southeast (southern Florida will have highs in the 70s). There will be some snow from St. Louis, Missouri to Chicago to northern New England and also, there will be some snow in the northern plains.

Houston will get some sunshine and slightly warmer weather (during the afternoons) Sunday and Monday. Next cold front and storm system approach Tuesday and there will be rain late Tuesday into early Wednesday. Through the week, morning lows will be in the 30s and 40s with highs in the upper 50s to upper 40s mid-week. It will stay coolish through the upcoming New Year's weekend. There will be some freezing temperatures Sunday morning.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do blizzard or ventisca, pronounced vehn-TEESE-cah. Have you heard about the ventisca in the northern central US? See the AND MORE section for a personal story.

What better resolution to make than exposing the young ones in your world to the joys and benefits of early language learning. Our DVD series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco is a perfect way to get started. And, you'll feel good about purchasing it, knowing that it has won awards from Dr. Toy and homeschool.com as a best educational product. You can find Volumes 1 or 2 at 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
From the department of guess what Sarah did now?
Christmas morning 3 am, I awakened by "I'm sorry I already opened up my presents?" I jump up and run to the living room to find that Sarah has opened all of her presents (which Santa had only delivered about an hour earlier). I will give her this...she did not open Megan's presents. I sighed and said well, "have fun playing" and then went back to bed. Then, a few minutes later, Sarah comes in and says, "Mommy, I can't stop bleeding". That of course had me bolting upright immediately. Sarah had cut her finger (later I determined it was on large pencil sharpener which went with a large pencil Santa had put in her stocking. Sarah had decided to test it out on her finger). Well, eventually we got the bleeding to stop...she had cut it deeply. For a few minutes, I was actually considering taking her to a 24 hour clinic, but stitches were not required. Bless her heart, she had tried to take care of it herself...I could tell by all the blood and the bloody napkins she had left by the kitchen sink. Don't worry, she's okay.

And if you are wondering about the puppy question. Well, Sarah changed her mind and decided she wanted a stuffed puppy instead. I think the change of heart came after we went to a surprise 30th birthday party for our friend Kim (Happy Birthday Kim!). They have the most adorable Maltese and I spent a fair amount of time loving on it. Well, you have to know that Sarah does not like anyone or anything taking my attention. And the puppy accidentally scratched her. She was quite put off by that. So, overnight, Sarah began asking for a stuffed puppy. So, bottom line, we talked it over with Santa and decided that maybe she is not quite ready for a puppy. And I will tell you that stuffed puppies don't make any messes, don't have medical bills and don't have to be fed. (But the little girl in me was just a tiny bit disappointed...don't worry, I'll deal).

Checked in with the in-laws in Council Bluffs, Iowa on Christmas Day. They had had so much snow and it was so windy that they were dealing with blizzard conditions (officially the National Weather Service had 10 inches for their area for the 48 hours ending 6 am Christmas Day). The wind was so bad Christmas evening, that when I called them, the signal was very poor and we were disconnected 4 times. Gordy's folks and 4 siblings (with their kids) had all managed to get together at one place as some of them have 4 wheel drives. So, they were all together on Christmas despite the bad weather. Well, we checked in with them this morning. Late last night, my mom and dad-in-law were getting a ride home with one of the sons in his 4 wheel drive when they ran off the road into a ditch. They weren't able to get oyut without help. Fortunately, they were rescued but not without some serious effort. I'm so glad they are all okay.

My poll on holiday spending is closed. 37% said they spent between $100 and $500 this season. 50% spent between $500 and $1000. 12% spent nothing. 0% spent more than $1000, had no idea or spent less than $100. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is about New Year's Resolutions. Which ones on the list I provided are you planning to make? More than one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Wherever you are this holiday season, I wish you safe travels and the joy and love of family and friends.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

US Travel Weather/Catch Santa in the Act/Track Santa

WEATHER
Happy 1st full day of Winter -- Winter began yesterday, December 21st at 11:47 am central. In general, the earth's axis (from pole to pole) is tilted at 23.5 degrees relative to a line perpendicular to the line connecting to the sun. On the Winter Solstice, that 23.5 degree angle has the North Pole tilted away from the sun at an angle of 23.5 degrees. The sun makes its lowest path across the sky and thus, this is considered the day of the year with the shortest amount of daylight. Please note that the length of days just before and after this point are nearly equal. But technically, from this point on, the days will slowly start to get longer. The speed with which the length of day increases will increase as we get closer to the vernal equinox (the start of spring).

The northern Rockies, northern and central plains and upper Midwest as well as western Great Lakes states are, right on time, threatened with winter weather. On Wednesday, there will be some snow from Salt Lake City to Chicago. Look for airport delays, especially as some major hubs will be affected. Meanwhile from east Texas to Louisiana, there could be some severe storms. Highs will be in the 20s and 30s for the northern tier of states (some single digits in Montana and 40s for coastal northwest). Highs will be in the 50s for the southeast and Texas. Albuquerque should reach about 40 while L.A. will be in the low 60s.

On Thursday, Christmas Eve, some of the travel trouble spots for snow will be the same as the storm system makes limited progress lifting to the northeast. That means another day and probably the worst day for snow around Chicago. Finally on Christmas Day, some cold rain for New York and snow for Boston and then deteriorating even more in the northeast on Monday.

Houston will be mild, muggy and wet on Wednesday with highs in the low 70s. There is a slight risk for severe weather into Thursday morning. Rain tapers off on Thursday, Christmas Eve with a cold front arriving in the morning. Highs will be in the 50s. Clearing and chilly on Christmas Day with lows in the 30s and highs in the 50s. Enjoy!

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do saint or santo, pronounced SAHN-toe. What famous Christmas character is named after a santo. Why Santa Claus (remember he is also known as Saint Nick).

As you start making New Year's resolutions, don't forget about your intention to bring the world of language to your children. Order our award winning series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volumes 1 or 2 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 was sad to hear about Brittany Murphy's passing. I thought she was a very funny actress and really enjoyed her in Just Married with Ashton Kutcher.

On a happier note, with Christmas almost upon us, I have a fun idea if you would like to "catch" Santa in your own home. A friend gave me a free photo pass, but you can get one for $9.99. Just take a picture of a scene where you would like to "catch" Santa. Then, go to the web site and upload that image and pick one of the Santa poses. I picked the one where Santa is bending over his sack but looking at the camera with a smile on his face. Then, follow the instructions. I downloaded the photo and printed it right away, so I can have it at the ready come Christmas morning. They also do other scenes for other holidays.
http://www.icaughtsanta.com/

And of course, we're eagerly awaiting Santa's arrival. You can get geared up to do some Norad tracking by going to the following site.
http://www.noradsanta.org/en/index.html
Even though the official tracking has yet to begin, there are some activities which your kids might enjoy right away...so get started! One that I checked out had a map with places all over the world with cities named after holiday and winter themes. It's fun!

Don't forget to vote in the poll about how much you are spending on the holidays. The poll will close in just a few hours. So far, the range $500 to $1000 is in the lead.

Happy Holidays and safe travel everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

How long will sunshine last?/Christmas forecast/3 Month Temperature and Precipitation Outlooks

WEATHER
A zonal pattern of temperatures this weekend with teens and 20s over the northern tier of states (warmer in the Pacific Northwest). 30s and 40s for the middle stretch and highs inthe 50s to 70s across the southern states (with most of coastal California in the 60s and 70s). There will be some snow showers from Detroit to Chicago to Cincinnati to DC to NYC and in the northern plains and Intermountain Region. A Cold rain for the mid-Atlantic and lower elevations of Oregon.

Hooray! The sun was back out in Houston today!!! The dry weather and sunshine will be with us through the weekend. Mornings will be chilly...look for a light freeze early Sunday for outlying areas (possibly Saturday morning as well). Highs will be in the 60s both days. Moisture and milder weather return Tuesday and Wednesday. There will be rain Tuesday and Wednesday with a few thunderstorms possible. Cold weather arrives late in the coming week. Christmas Day should be dry with lows in the 30s (a freeze is possible early) and highs in the 50s.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do crackers or las galletas, lahs gah-YEH-tahs. I found a new kind of galletas that I like. See the AND MORE section for details.

Some exciting news...our DVD series (Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco) is going to get a positive review The Old Schoolhouse magazine. I'll let you know the release date as soon as I find out. The review writer told me, "We enjoyed your product." How about that? Yay!!!

Don't forget that I am running a holiday special on the DVDs Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Just send me an email to info@frankandpaco.com and enjoy the pre-Christmas special (through Dec. 22nd) to get our award winning volume 1 DVD or newly released volume 2 DVD of the Frank & Paco series for $10 (even--that includes the tax in Texas--outside of Texas it will be even lower than $10) and free shipping. I will send it to you and you can mail me a check or money order.

AND MORE
Climate Prediction Center has released the new 3 Month Outlooks (January, February, March) for Temperature and Precipitation. Houston area is expected to have below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation. See figures at right to see what the outlook is for your part of the country.

Have you seen the new multi-grain saltines? I like these a lot better than regular saltines. The multigrain and 5 grain wheat thins are also fantastic...very crispy.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Sunshine Schedule/Should Santa Bring a Puppy?

WEATHER
A chilly Wednesday on the way for the northern plains and Great Lakes states with highs in the single digits and teens. Meanwhile, southern California and Arizona and Florida will enjoy highs in the 70s (and even 80s for extreme southern Florida). Some rain in coastal Texas, southern Florida and along the west coast with snow showers over the northern Rockies and Intermountain Region.

Houston, hang on...the sunshine will return but it looks like we will have to wait until Friday when a backdoor shot of dry air arrives. Chilly the next 2 days with the clouds lingering (some showers are possible too). We'll be lucky if we break 50 on Wednesday. Weekend looks spectacular with lows in the 30s and 40s and highs in the low 60s and sunshine.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do puppy or cacharro, pronounced cah-CHOR-row. Don't forget to roll the rr. Someone very dear to me wants Santa to bring her a puppy for Christmas. See the AND MORE section for more.

Some exciting news...our DVD series (Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco) is getting a positive review in a widely read magazine...as soon as I get all of the details, I'll let you know.

Don't forget that I am running a holiday special on the DVDs Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Just send me an email to info@frankandpaco.com and enjoy the pre-Christmas special (through Dec. 22nd) to get our award winning volume 1 DVD or newly released volume 2 DVD of the Frank & Paco series for $10 (even--that includes the tax in Texas--outside of Texas it will be even lower than $10) and free shipping. I will send it to you and you can mail me a check or money order.

Or you can order via the following web sites for a higher amount: http://www.frankandpaco.com
, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/.

AND MORE
My poll on favorite classic Christmas shows is closed. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer won hands down with 100% of the vote. The other choices were Frosty the Snowman and Charlie Brown Christmas. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

The new poll is about Christmas spending. How much are you spending or are you spending at all? Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Okay...I need your advice. Sarah has written her letter to Santa and the only thing she wants is a puppy (a real one as she puts it). Sarah is 8 years old now. Do you think Santa should bring her one? We have a fenced in backyard but indoors there is a lot of carpet. Would appreciate your advice.

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

When Sunshine Will Return/Christmas Outlook/Easy Holiday Baking Idea

WEATHER
Very cold in the northern plains and western Great Lakes states with higs in the single digits. Florida will be balmy with highs in the 80s. Some thunderstorms from Texas to South Carolina and the northern half of Florida. Snow for the Intermountain region and Sierra Nevada. 50s and 60s from southern California through Texas and into the eastern seaboard. Colder for the Pacific Northwest through the central US into the northeast with highs in the teens to 40s.

The weather has been quite Seattle like for central, southern and east Texas for days. The good news after a very drippy weekend, the coming weekend will be sunny and dry.

Houston, today will be cloudy and wet. In fact, there is a new cold front approaching that could bring a few thunderstorms (although severe ones are not expected) later this afternoon and overnight. Look for more fog tonight. Still some clouds and rain around into at least early Wednesday. But Thursday through the coming Monday should be sunny and dry with lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s. Today will be a bit milder with highs in the 60s. Tuesday and Wednesday will be cool with highs in the 50s.

Christmas Outlook for Houston--some rain and mild to muggy. (sorry...doesn't look like we are going to get that White Christmas you've been asking about). But, it is still a long way off. So, I will update again soon!

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do wet or mojado, pronounced mow-HA-dough. Boy has it been mojado in Houston lately.

Don't forget that I am running a holiday special on the DVDs Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Just send me an email to info@frankandpaco.com and enjoy the pre-Christmas special (through Dec. 22nd) to get our award winning volume 1 DVD or newly released volume 2 DVD of the Frank & Paco series for $10 (even--that includes the tax in Texas--outside of Texas it will be even lower than $10) and free shipping. I will send it to you and you can mail me a check or money order.

Or you can order via the following web sites for a higher amount: http://www.frankandpaco.com
, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/.

AND MORE
Here's a quick easy way to make your brownies holiday festive. I made my usual batch and then sprinkled green and red M & Ms on top before baking. Voila! Christmas brownies!

To all my Jewish friends, hope you are having a wonderful Hanukkah.

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Here Comes the Rain Again!/Worthwhile Christmas show/

WEATHER
Well you heard it here first...my father-in-law in Council Bluffs, Iowa has offered to send us some snow because they have more than enough of it. They were hit very hard by snow on Wednesday. My mother-in-law said there are huge drifts everywhere and just about everything including the schools, is closed down. She said it is the worst she has seen in a very long time (and she has lived up there all her life).

Well, as I write this blog tonight, there are Winter Storm Warning in effect for upstate NY, much of Michigan and out west, the Sierra Nevada and Cascades in the northwest. The coldest spot on Friday will be the northern plains and western Great Lakes and northern New England with highs in the single digits or teens. Look for some snow around the Great Lakes and northern New England and in the Rockies. There will be some rain and thunderstorms for east Texas and a part of Louisiana. Highs for most of the country will be in the 20s to 40s (warmest further south) with Miami area in the low 80s. Much of coastal California and southern Arizona will be in the 50s.

Houston, here comes the rain again. Timing of heaviest rain on Friday will be early afternoon to late evening. So there will likely be some rain around when you are picking up the kids from school. The National Weather Service has posted the following Hazardous Weather Outlook as low pressure is expected to develop in the western Gulf, catching stronger winds which could lead to coastal flooding:

A COASTAL LOW PRESSURE SYSTEM IS EXPECTED TO DEVELOP IN THE
NORTHERN GULF OF MEXICO ON FRIDAY. STRONG EASTERLY WINDS WILL
DEVELOP AS A RESULT AND ENHANCE TIDE LEVELS ALONG THE UPPER TEXAS
COAST. COASTAL FLOOD WATCHES AND WARNINGS MAY BE NEEDED FOR
FRIDAY AND POSSIBLY SATURDAY MAINLY FOR THE COAST LINES OF
GALVESTON AND BRAZORIA COUNTIES INCLUDING BOLIVAR PENINSULA.
RESIDENTS IN THESE AREAS SHOULD MONITOR FORECASTS FOR ANY COASTAL
FLOOD WATCHES OR WARNINGS.

It will be a very chilly day on Friday with highs in the 40s in Houston...slightly warmer Saturday (highs in the 50s with rain tapering). Sunday will be partly sunny with some showers and mild with highs in the 70s. More rain and cooling Monday and then dry from Tuesday through Friday...sunny on those days!!!

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do true or verdadero, pronounced vair-dah-DARE-oh. Do you know the verdadero meaning of Christmas? Check out the AND MORE section to learn about a special show that teaches just that.

Don't forget that I am running a holiday special on the DVDs Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Just send me an email to info@frankandpaco.com and enjoy the pre-Christmas special (through Dec. 22nd) to get our award winning volume 1 DVD or newly released volume 2 DVD of the Frank & Paco series for $10 (even--that includes the tax in Texas--outside of Texas it will be even lower than $10) and free shipping. I will send it to you and you can mail me a check or money order.

Or you can order via the following web sites for a higher amount: http://www.frankandpaco.com
, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/.

AND MORE

Don't forget to answer my latest blog (3rd item down on the right). You can place your vote for favorite classic Christmas cartoon.

If you are looking for something heartwarming to do this Saturday or Sunday night, head to the First Colony Baptist Church (on First Colony Blvd. in Sugar Land). At 7 pm both nights, there will be a play about getting away from materialism and finding the true meaning of Christmas. Tickets are $5 to $15 with 20% of the sales going to charity. To learn more, check out this link courtesy of my buddy Leslie Williams, who wrote the article for The Houston Chronicle.
http://www.ultimatefortbend.com/2009/12/church-musical-delivers-christmas-message

And if you are looking for something free (although you feel compelled to buy dinner), head to the Sugar Land Chik-Fil-A the next two Monday nights Dec. 14 and 21st). On the 14th there will be Santa cow with elves and on the 21st, there will be Santa family night.

Happy Friday everyone and don't forget your umbrella!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Blizzards blast many areas/New Poll/Need Your Donation

WEATHER

Old man winter has come calling early...the northern plains will be bitterly cold on Wednesday with highs in the single digits. A bit further east, there will be snow and wind with dangerous blizzard conditions. This evening as I write this post, my poor in-laws in the Omaha area are hunkered down with a Blizzard Warning...up to 14 inches of snow possible with high winds...very dangerous. Those Blizzard Warnings extend northward into Minnesota. On Wednesday, worst of it will be in the Ohio Valley and Great Lakes states. Also look for some thunderstorms in the southeast and eastern OH/western PA. Cool and dry across much of the south with highs in the 40s and 50s. Some snow in northern New England and cold rain from Boston to DC. In the 50s along the west coast but dropping a lot just a short way to the east. Very cold also in the Pacific Northwest...talked to a friend in Seattle this morning and they were in the teens!



Houston, how about nice break from the moisture...even some sunshine? Cold front brings dry air early Wednesday. Highs on Wednesday will be in the 50s with a light freeze inland early Thursday. Rain returns on Friday. Looks like an ok weekend. Then another front arrives early in the coming week bringing us Chamber of Commerce weather for most of the week. Still too far out for Christmas...hope to have an outlook soon.



I have updated the Drought information and Texas' drought situation continues to improve with more improvement expected.



SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY

Let's do mold or moho, pronounced MOW-hoe. With all the wet weather, I now have some moho on some of my plants. Find out more in the AND MORE section.

Here's a gift idea that will be much appreciated and won't break the bank...I'm running on holiday special on the DVDs Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Just send me an email to info@frankandpaco.com and enjoy the pre-Christmas special (through Dec. 22nd) to get our award winning volume 1 DVD or newly released volume 2 DVD of the Frank & Paco series for $10 (even--that includes the tax in Texas--outside of Texas it will be even lower than $10) and free shipping. I will send it to you and you can mail me a check or money order.

Or you can order via the following web sites for a higher amount: http://www.frankandpaco.com
, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/.


AND MORE

Our poll on favorite Twilight movie is closed. 12% liked the first movie (Twilight) the best. 12% liked the 2nd movie (New Moon) the best. 37% had not seen either. And 37% had only seen one of the movies. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.



Our new poll is about favorite classic Christmas cartoons. Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.



So, I'm putting out some Christmas lights and get an up close look at my pittosporum bushes. They have that sooty mold all over them. I read up on this quite a bit and apparently wet weather is not their friend. In the past, I applied a fungicide with good results. But, I also read that this is not a good idea during wet weather. So, I guess I'll keep an eye on them and hope for a drying spell. I'm not too optimistic since we are in an El Nino winter. For more information about all matters pittosporum, see the following link:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ep105



The Social Concerns folks at St. Laurence in Sugar Land really need your help. You see they help people from all over the Houston area and the need is very great. Maybe you have some things to donate that would help. Please see the following list from the director Tracy Schindler. (tschindler@stlaurence.org)

Urgent Need for Coats and Blankets!
Please consider cleaning out or at least dig through the closets and donate your gently used/CLEAN blankets and winter coats that are not being used. We have several clients in need of coats and substantial blankets bordering on quilts, bedspreads or comforters. Please forward this email to your friends and neighbors as we need as many as possible by Monday. Then we will continue to collect after that initial delivery.

Furniture Needs for several clients! Please consider also forwarding this request to others as well…I think we may have tapped the social concerns members by now…thank you for your help!! Tracy Schindler

Dresser
Bed side tables
Desk
Office chair
Recliners (2)
Coffee table
TV
Bookcase
Lamps
Microwave
Toaster
Blender
Sofa(s)
Beds (5)
Tables
Lamps
Dinette
Dressers




Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone.



Cecilia Sinclair

Wonder Weather Woman

Weather for the Week/Christmas Shows for Kids

WEATHER
For much of the country, Monday is going to be the coldest day so far this fall season with highs in the negative single digits in parts of Montana and single digits and teens in the northern plains. Warm spot will be southern Florida with highs in the 80s. Elsewhere, the southern tier of states will have highs in the 50s, 60s and 70s. Rest of the country will have highs in the 20s to 40s. Brrr! Look for rain/snow from the west coast to the Rockies and also snow in the Great Lakes. There will be rain along the northern Gulf coast.

On Monday, Houston will be cool with showers mainly early and highs in the 50s. Then, look for another round of rain early Tuesday with highs in the low 70s. It will be drier mid-week with some showers end of the week and then a dry weekend on the way. Lows will be in the 40s and 50s with highs primarily in the 60s through the coming weekend.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do favorite or favorita, pronounced fah-vor-EE-tah. Trying to locate your favorita Christmas shows for your kids. I've got a master list for you in the AND MORE section.

Here's a gift idea that will be much appreciated and won't break the bank...I'm running on holiday special on the DVDs Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Just send me an email to info@frankandpaco.com and enjoy the pre-Christmas special (through Dec. 22nd) to get our award winning volume 1 DVD or newly released volume 2 DVD of the Frank & Paco series for $10 (even--that includes the tax in Texas--outside of Texas it will be even lower than $10) and free shipping. I will send it to you and you can mail me a check or money order.

Or you can order via the following web sites for a higher amount: http://www.frankandpaco.com
, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/.

AND MORE

Well, my 3 hibiscus bushes were so beautiful right before the snow and freeze. Now, they are gone until they bounce back this summer. Wah!!!! I'm wondering what this will do to my broccoli plants, sugar snap peas, and baby spinach. Only time will tell. But the snow was worth it. And, it didn't hang around and become a nuisance. I'll never forget that snow storm in December 1989. I had to fly to Austin that day. I knew we were probably going to have an ice storm. So, I headed to the airport extra, extra early. As I'm getting close to the airport, it starts raining. I knew it was about 27 degrees. I thought uh oh. I could see the car ahead of me start to fishtail almost immediately (the rain had turned to ice upon impact). I managed to limp off the freeway and ease my way along the feeder and back roads until I arrived. Then, they had to de-ice the plane. I returned later the same day to see all the snow. It was really neat.

My friend Tanya went to the trouble to search for all the titles and phrases associated with kids programming that she could think of. She said that she set her DVR to record them all. She suggested I share this list with you on my blog. Tanya...we parents thank you.

Traditional/Santa Themes:

Year Without A Santa (08 Dec 09)
The Year Without Santa (11 Dec 09)
Santa Clause Town (09 Dec 09)
Santa Clause is Coming to Town (10 Dec 09)
Twas the Night Before Christmas (08 Dec 09)
A Miser Brother Christmas (19 Dec 09)
Twice Upon A Christmas (19 Dec 09)
The Town Santa Forgot (20 Dec 09)
The Night before Christmas
The Little Drummer Boy (13 Dec 09)
Greatest Holiday Moments

Rudolph Themes:

Rudolph and the Misfit Toys (09 Dec 09)
Rudolph's Shiny New Year (10 Dec 09)
Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July (13 Dec 09)

Frosty Themes:

Frosty (12 Dec 09)
Frosty Returns (12 Dec 09)
Jack Frost (10 Dec 09)
The Legend of Frosty the Snowman (21 Dec 09)
Frosty's Winter Wonderland (13 Dec 09)


Specialty Themes:

The Polar Express
Pixar Short Films (18 Dec 09)
Scooby Doo Christmas (10 Dec 09)
A Garfield Christmas (09 Dec 09)
Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too (10 Dec 09)
Pinocchio's Christmas (13 Dec 09)
A Jetson Christmas Carol (13 Dec 09)
Mickey's Christmas Carol (16 Dec 09)
Flintstone Christmas (07 Dec 09)
Alvin and the Chipmunks – A Chipmunk Christmas
Shrek the Halls

I know it is hard this time of year to stop and remember the magic of the holidays...but please try. Watch a fun show with your kids...become a kid again. And don't forget about those special religious rituals. We are enjoying lighting our Advent wreath. Your kids won't remember most of the gifts they got, but they will remember these special times you shared with them. My Mom told me she has a friend who gives each kid only three gifts at Christmas. She tells them, Jesus got three gifts when the Three Kings visited. So, that is what you are getting. Something to consider.

Have a great week!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Houston Winter Weather Winding Down 4:30 pm Update

The snow is rapidly coming to an end (where it hasn't already stopped). Now, we're in for a night of freezing temperatures as skies rapidly clear. I can already see thinner and breaking clouds in Sugar Land area. But, remember, that there are many wet spots. So, be on the lookout for icey patches from now through mid-morning on Saturday.

Highs on Saturday will be in the low 50s with sunny skies. Clouds and showers return on Sunday. Lows will be near 40 with highs in the 60s.

Have a great weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Houston Winter Weather Update - 12:20 pm

Was snowing moderately in downtown Houston until about 11:45 am...has let up...just some light sleet falling. But radar shows another band approaching from northwest...eta 2 pm.

HOUSTON WINTER STORM WARNING UNTIL 8 PM FRI. - update

The National Weather Service is maintaining Winter Storm Warning until 8 pm today (Friday). 3 to 4 inch snow accumulations are possible with 1 to 2 inch accumulations common.

Everyone has noticed so far this a.m. the rain and snow mix. As some dry air moves into the area, there will be evaporative cooling and that will cool the air to freezing by late afternoon. This will allow accumulations. It is going to be a tricky commmute home. I think most of the school pickups will work out (3 pm pickups) but after that the snow will start accumulating.

Rapid drying after 9 pm with a clear morning and freezing temperatures ahead. Be careful to watch for icey spots if you are driving overnight and early Saturday (even though the snow will have been over for many hours).

Protect your pets and plants. There will be 10 to 12 hours of freezing temperatures for much of the area with about 3 to 6 hours near the coast and 5 to 9 in Houston. The only areas staying above freezing will be the immediate coast and Galveston.

Be safe everyone.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Winter Storm Warning for Houston

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Houston from 10 am to 8 pm Friday. This means that snow accumulations definitely expected. Some 4 inch totals are possible. See my previous post for other details.
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

WINTER STORM WATCH AND FREEZE WARNING FOR HOUSTON

This is a special update. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch and Freeze Warning for the Houston area. Snow is expected as early as mid-morning Friday and continuing into Friday evening. There is a possibility of accumulation of 1 to 3 inches...especially in the counties closest to the coast (mainly east of the Hwy 59 corridor). Most likely place for accumulations are exposed bridges, roadways and cooler grassy areas.

The National Weather Service also noted that this will be the earliest snowfall in Houston (last year's Dec. 10th was the record for earliest) and it will be the first year for back to back years with accumulations.

I think the majority of the snow will fall between 1 and 6 pm. There will be rapid drying and clearing overnight into Saturday. But, motorists should be on the lookout for ice patches early Saturday.

Be careful everyone and enjoy!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Snow for Houston!/Ghostbusters in Galveston

WEATHER
Okay Houston...here's the deal...yep...it's going to snow Friday afternoon into Friday evening. Probably no accumulations except on exposed surfaces Friday evening because the temperatures the ground will still be too warm. This will not be a pipe freezing situation. Just looked at the latest data and the 1000-500 mb thicknesses and 850 mb temperatures should be low enough to support snow. That combined with an approaching upper storm and enough moisture will all snow as early as early afternoon Friday. This reminds of last December 10th...see my photos way down on the right. It will be short lived just as that was with skies clearing by Saturday morning.

For Houston on Thursday, it will be a chilly day with sunshine. Friday will be cloudy with cold rain turning to snow/rain mix and then snow. Saturday will be sunny and cool with light freeze early. Then some clouds return Sunday with a slight warmup.

In the nation on Thursday, look for highs in the teens over the northern Plains and some snow from the western Great Lakes to Denver. Southern Florida will be balmy in the 80s. Cold air will be in the Rockies, Plains, Great Lakes and Midwest. Highs will be in the 60s and 70s west coast and southern and eastern states.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do snow or nieve , pronounced knee-EH-vay. Let it nieve, let it nieve, let it nieve...doesn't exactly roll off the tongue does it?

No need to head out shopping for the youngsters on your list. Just order send me an email to info@frankandpaco.com and enjoy the pre-Christmas special (through Dec. 22nd) to get our award winning volume 1 DVD or newly released volume 2 DVD of the Frank & Paco series for $10 (even--that includes the tax in Texas--outside of Texas it will be even lower than $10) and free shipping. I will send it to you and you can mail me a check or money order.

Or you can order via the following web sites for a higher amount: http://www.frankandpaco.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bn.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, or http://www.ebay.com/. By the way, I found the DVD on the shelves on another Barnes & Noble store (this one in Sugar Land).

AND MORE
I was so proud of my hurricane expert buddy Lew Fincher, who appeared in Tuesday night's Ghostbusters on Discovery Channel. He was just there to give historical details about the hurricane history of Galveston. The Ghostbusters were checking out some ghostly goings on at The Galvez Hotel. A few years ago, I heard that the new Holiday Inn on the east side is even more haunted. But, I couldn't find anything about it on the net. What I did find is a cool site with all kinds of hauntings in Texas. Check it out:
http://www.texasghosthunters.com/.

Spooky!!!

Have a terrific Thursday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weather this Week/New Poll/Sunflower Surprise/Special on Frank & Paco DVD

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Happy last day of hurricane season. I'll let you know if I do a recap. Tropical Atlantic and Pacific are quiet.

Nice and chilly across much of the US thanks to a cold air mass. A cold front, the leading edge of the cold air mass is pushing into the southeast US and producing some thunderstorms. See Storm Prediction Center forecast figure at right. No severe weather is anticipated. Highs today will be in the 30s across the northern tier of states (except for coastal Washington with highs in the 40s). Warm spot will be Florida with highs in the 70s and 80s. Across Texas, highs will be mainly in the 50s. California will have highs in the 60s.

Houston, there will be rain on and off today with more concentrated rain overnight and on Tuesday. Rain should be gone by Wednesday. It will be chilly...lows in the 40s and highs in the 50s through Thursday and in the 30s (maybe even a light freeze for outlying areas) early Friday. Warming through the weekend with some showers on Sunday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do special or especial, pronounced esh-pehs-see-AL. I have an especial on our DVD for only readers of this blog. See the AND MORE for details.

If don't want to use the special, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volumes 1 and 2 are available from www.frankandpaco.com, www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.bestbuy.com, and www.ebay.com. Also, you can find Volume 1 on the shelf at Barnes and Noble. Volume 2 should be there soon.

AND MORE
Through December 22nd, Special Offer on Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco for Friends and Family - $10 even for each with free shipping! Just email me directly at info@frankandpaco.com. I will invoice you with the shipment and you can send me a check or money order. I can't accept credit cards when I do it this way. Just specify how many of each of the following you want:
Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco Vol. 1
Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco Vol. 2
Aprendamos Ingles con Frank y Paco Vol. 1 (this is the ESL version for Spanish speakers).

Our poll about shopping progress by 10 pm Friday (after Thanksgiving) is closed. 40% said they will have done no shopping at all. 40% said they would have completed just a bit. And 20% said they would have completed most. No one said All, 1/2, or a 1/4. Thanks to all who participated. Only one answer was allowed.

Our new poll comes courtesy of Megan. Which of the Twilight movies did you like more, the first or second or have you only seen one or neither? Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Hope you enjoy the sunflower photo at right. Sarah's class planted these seeds and brought them home. Take a look Mrs. Mantini and Mrs. Cadenhead! I put it in our vegetable garden in the back. This tenacious little bugger has survived chilly weather and at least one child stepping on it.

Have a great week everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Weather Wrapup/Holiday Shopping Progress

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Tropical Atlantic and Pacific are quiet.

A few travel trouble spots on Saturday...some scattered thunderstorms for coastal southern California and parts of New Mexico and Arizona. Temperature wise, we're looking at 40s and a few 30s (extreme north and higher elevations) for the northwest, Rockies, Great Lakes, northeast and northern plains. Elsewhere highs will be in the 50s to 70s.

On Sunday, there will be some thunderstorms and rain from Texas all the way into the Great Lakes. There might even be some rain/snow mix around the Great Lakes. From the Great Lakes west and south in the desert southwest, highs will generally be in the 30s and 40s. The southeast and coastal California will be in the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Houston will be cool early Saturday with increasing humity and some clouds...highs in low 70s. Sunday will be milder with lows in the 60s and highs in the mid to upper 70s and thunderstorms possible later in the day. Look for it to be cool Monday through Wednesday with some rain Monday and Tuesday as a closed low over the southwest US lifts northeastward and produces rain.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do championship or campeonato, pronounced cahmp-pay-oh-NAH-toe. My Aggies didn't win, but I know someone who just won a state campeonato. See the AND MORE section for details.

Judging by the results of our poll on shopping progress at this point, many of you have a long way to go. Let me make your life easier. Your friends and family will thank you win you get them the Volumes 1 and/or 2 DVDs of Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. By the way, big news!!! Megan found one of our DVDs on the shelf of Barnes and Noble store on the west side. You can also order these educational and entertaining DVDS through http://www.frankandpaco.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.ebay.com/, http://www.barnesandnoble.com/, and http://www.bestbuy.com/.

AND MORE
And this one comes to you from the department of "I threw my brain out the window"...driving westbound on Highway 290 (outside Houston) on Thursday afternoon, I become concerned and perplexed as the traffic almost comes to a halt. I decide to get to into the left lane which is moving a bit and I can't help but notice all the Aggie stickers and flags etc. on the cars. And I think, well this is the way you go if you are heading to A & M. But then I start noticing Longhorn stickers etc. and then I realize just where I am...very close to the turnoff to Highway 6 and what is happening in College Station in just a couple hours--why the big Aggie/Longhorn game. And I did get to watch it, once I got to my sister's in Austin. Sorry about how it turned out Aggies. After staying the night and visiting with family all day, Sarah and I headed back home..arriving just a little while ago.

Speaking of football on a more happy note...Congratulations to the St. Albert's football team of Council Bluffs, IA for winning the state football championship. Don't even ask me what division. I have no idea. But, I do know they have a great team, made even better because my nephew Nick is on the team.

Well, did you go shopping today? As I write this post, only a little time left to answer the poll about how much shopping you completed by 10 pm today.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone and safe travel home!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Thanksgiving Weekend Travel Weather/Favorite Thanksgiving Food

HURRICANES AND WEATHER

Tropical Atlantic and Pacific are quiet.


Excellent travel weather on Wednesday. Only potential trouble shots are some scattered storms in central and southern Florida, some rain and possible snow showers in the upper Midwest/western Great Lakes and some showers in the Pacific Northwest. Highs across the northern 2/3rds of states will generally be in the 40s and 50s with 60s and 70s in the south (80 for Florida). Thanksgiving Day looks even better with a few rain showers Chicago and rain/snow showers Great Lakes and some showers Pacific Northwest and extreme southern Florida. For return travel on Sunday, some trouble east Texas into Arkansas with some thunderstorms.




SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY

Let's do gratitude or gratitud, pronounced grah-tee-TOOD. This is a time of gratitud for all of our many blessings.

Make you holiday shopping easy! Get that perfect educational and entertaining gift for the young ones in your life. Order Volumes 1 and/or 2 DVDs of Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco from www.frankandpaco.com, www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.bestbuy.com, www.ebay.com. Note: some Barnes and Noble stores are now carrying Volume 1.

AND MORE

My poll on favorite Thanksgiving food is closed. Stuffing was the big winner with 44% of the vote. Turkey, sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, apple pie, and other dish each got 11%. No one picked cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, broccoli casserole, other casserole, rolls, cherry pie, pecan pie, or other pie of dessert as their favorite. Would whoever picked other dish please give me a comment and tell me what that favorite dish is? If you want to do it privately, you can email cecilia_sinclair@yahoo.com. Let me know if I can tell everyone else what it is. I won't reveal your name. Thanks to all who participated in this poll.



Watching all the ads for Friday sales, the award for earliest opening goes to Toys R Us. They are starting their sale at midnight (the start of Friday). Yikes! Those poor workers. Kohl's and JcPenney are starting at 4 am. Walmart is starting at 5 am.



Well speaking of holiday sales, our new poll has to do with how much holiday shopping you expect to complete by 10 pm on Friday. Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.



I am so very grateful for the many blessings in my life. This Thanksgiving, I am reflecting more than ever on these things. Maybe it has to do with learning life's lessons. I am so grateful that God is in my life...even with all the questions I have. Teaching CCE has reinvigorated my faith. I am grateful for the generous people I meet every day...the ones who are outwardly focused, trying to make life better for others. I am grateful that I see these efforts more than I used to and that I am less cynical. I am grateful for my husband who puts up with me and my family. He is an amazing man, truly the salt of the earth and someone who understands me surprisingly well. I am grateful to be a mother to two beautiful daughters who bring me joy in ways I never imagined possible. I am grateful that we are all healthy and that when our health does suffer, we have access to the best medical care. I am grateful for my parents (that includes you Gerry) and my in-laws and my extended family. I am grateful that my parents sacrificed so much to show me the right way to live and to make sure that I had all the tools I needed. I am grateful for work that is fun and interesting. Let us never forget those who don't have so many of the things I just listed.



And of course, I am grateful that you are reading my blog. I do have a much longer list, but I think you need to get on with your own Thanksgiving celebrations. Enjoy!!!



Be safe everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair

Wonder Weather Woman

Thanksgiving Weather/New Moon/Weather Outlook December-February

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
The official end of hurricane season is November 30th, but I went ahead and took off the Atlantic and Pacific figures. If something pops up, I will put them back on. But for now, all is quiet.

Trough will dip south over the western US on Monday and that will cause some thunderstorms to develop over the eastern part of the central plains into the western midwest. There will also be a few storms in Florida. Highs will generally be in the 40s and 50s across the northern 2/3 of the country with 60s and 70s across the southern 1/3.

For Houston, Dense Fog Advisory is in effect until 9 am Monday. It will be a mild day after a cool morning. Then on Tuesday, look for some showers and thunderstorms in the morning as the next cold front arrives. Lows will be in the 40s for several days with highs in the 70s....very nice even into the long holiday weekend. Enjoy!!!

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do moon or luna, pronounced LOO-nah. Have you seen new luna (I mean the movie).

Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco is now available in 2 volumes...just in time for the holidays. Order the award winning Volume 1 DVD (home/eating/drinking/play) or the newly released Voluem 2 DVD (my day/my body/my feelings) from www.frankypaco.com, www.amazon.com, www.ebay.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.bestbuy.com.

AND MORE
Climate Prediction Center has released its 3 month outlook for temperature and precipitation for the months December, January and February. (see figures at right). After such a chilly summer, I'm sure many folks in the Midwest will be pleased to see that above normal temperatures are expected. Alaska should also be above normal. But, for most of us in Texas, we can expect below normal temperatures. Rain chances are above normal in south Texas, especially for those areas still suffering the most from drought. All of the southern states are expecting above normal precipitation chances.

The John C. Freeman Weather Museum had a special end of hurricane season clean out your pantry recognition day on Friday. Some of the attendees included myself and Gene Norman of Channel 11 KHOU in Houston. Jill Hasling, museum director, gave a presentation on the Weather Research Center's outlooks for the next several hurricane seasons. Texas has one of the lowest chances of getting hit in 2010 but one of the highest in 2011. For more on the Weather Museum and The Weather Research Center, go to www.wxresearch.org and don't forget that the Groundhog Day Gala is coming up on February. Seats are still available. Speaking of the gala, I had the honor of notifying Dr. Steve Lyons of the Weather Channel that he will be honored as a weather hero at this year's gala. So, you can see...there are going to be some big names there. Get your seats now!!!

On Thursday, Megan went to Tyler and saw the midnight showing of New Moon (2nd installment in the Twilight Series). She has some good friends up there and they all headed to the theater at 9 pm (having purchased their tickets the day before). She said they were showing the movie in every theater in the place. I thought that was amazing until I talked to my nephew Taylor's girlfriend Heather. They both live in College Station. She said they had the same thing there (and she was one of the ones who went to a midnight showing), but then when they came out, there were throngs of people there to see a 3 am showing. Yes folks! This movie and series is very popular with the young people.

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Flash Flood Watch and Coastal Flood Warning

Hello everyone -
I am deviating from my usual format because of the weather concerns for southeast TX for the end of this week.

Low pressure off the Texas coast and an upper storm system moving in from the west are going to cause heavy rain to fall in southeast Texas on Friday, including in and around the Houston area. The found out about the following two advisories from the National Weather Service.

A COASTAL FLOOD WARNING is in effect because of strong onshore winds that cause tides to run up to 2 feet above normal. According to the National Weather Service, worst flooding should occur late Friday. Highway 87 and other coastal flood prone areas are at risk.

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH is in effect Friday for southeast Texas. And average of 2 to 4 inches of rain could fall across the area with isolated totals of 5 to 7 inches.

Looking at the latest data, heavy rain could start by daybreak Friday and occur into late Friday evening. Please be extra cautious and remember the rule of thumb of "Turn Around Don't Drown" if you encounter a flooded roadway either in a vehicle or on foot.

I'll get back to my usual format in my next post.

Have a safe weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

More Wet Weather Coming/Drought Update/Favorite Thanksgiving Food

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
All is quiet in the tropical Atlantic and Pacific.

Upper low is lifting eastward from the central US to the Ohio Valley. This means that on Wednesday, there will be rain from the Ohio Valley to the east coast Carolinas. Also, look for some showers in the Pacific Northwest. Chilly for much of the country with highs only in the 40s for the northern Rockies and much of the midwest and northern New England. 70s across the southern states except 80s in Florida. Elsewhere highs will be in the 50s and 60s.

Houston is in line for another sunny, pleasant day. Tuesday morning was the chilliest so far this fall with lows of 39 in Sugar Land, Tomball, and Conroe...even colder in Angleton and Huntsville. There will be some more 30s early Wednesday with highs near 70. Slightly warmer and more humid on Thursday with rain Friday into Saturday. We'll have to keep an eye on the Trinity River...still has Flood Warnings and particularly troublesome are the problem areas near Liberty and Moss Bluff. This rain will be a combination of low pressure (not tropical) in the western Gulf and approaching upper trough. Could get 1 to 2 inches with some higher totals possible...especially coastal and southern counties. A cool and mostly cloudy Saturday with some sunshine Sunday. More rain returns on Tuesday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do food or comida, pronounced coh-MEE-dah. What is your favorite Thanksgiving comida? Voice your opinion in my new poll.

Food is a fascination for children and that is why in our award winning Volume 1 DVD of Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, we made sure to include a chapter about eating and drinking. There are also terms for family and home and play. We also recently released Volume 2 and that covers a child's day, body, and feelings. Order these 2 DVDs for Christmas gifts...they'll be entertained and educated. You can get them from www.frankandpaco.com, www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com (and in some Barnes and Noble stores), www.bestbuy.com and www.ebay.com.

AND MORE
My poll on favorite Sesame Street Characters is closed. Only one answer was allowed. Cookie Monster was the hands down favorite with 44% of the vote. Grover, Oscar, Big Bird, Snuffleupagus, and Ernie each came in with 11% of the vote. No one voted for Elmo, Bert, The Count or other. Only one vote was allowed. Thanks for participating.

By the way, I decided that Ernie is my favorite...love the way he gives Bert a hard time. But I give runner-up to Grover who was pushed aside when Elmo came along. Love that sophisticated humor with good ole Grover. And hey, does anyone remember Kermit being on Sesame Street? I do! What happened to poor Kermit?

Well, on to the next poll. This one is about your favorite Thanksgiving food...what is it? I hope I included your favorite on the list...if not, there are a couple options for other. Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

The latest Drought report is good for most of Texas. Notice that while the Coastal Bend still has exceptional drought, the Drought Outlook calls for improvement into January of the new year. So, we shall see. Houston has definitely gotten out of drought mode. Now, if we can just avoid swinging the pendulum too far the other way.

Well, in the interim, enjoy Wednesday's beautiful weather!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weather This Week/2012 The Movie/Food Drive/Global Warming Talk

HURRICANES AND WEATHER

Tropical Atlantic and Pacific are quiet.



Cutoff low spinning over central US is bringing wintry weather to the nation's mid-section. There are winter storm warnings and advisories in effect this evening for portions Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa.



On Monday, highs will be in the 30s and 40s for the northwest, central and northern plains, parts of the midwest and northeast. Ahead of the front, highs will be in the 50s to 70s. California will be in the 50s and 60s. There will be some storms from Texas to Mississippi. Look for some cold rain in the northwest and Missouri.



Houston, there will be some showers and thunderstorms in the morning. Then it will be dry and pleasant for a few days....lows in the 40s and highs in the low 70s. Tuesday and Wednesday mornings will be in the low 40s in spots...coolest so far this fall. Another round of showers and thunderstorms next Sunday.



SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY

Let's do cookie or galleta, pronounced gah-YEH-tah. The galleta is his favorite treat. Find out who in the AND MORE section.


Make your Christmas gift buying easy and take care of it from the comfort of your home by purchasing our affordable, award winning Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco DVDs. You can order Volumes 1 or 2 from our web site http://www.frankandpaco.com, or from www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, www.barnesandnoble.com.




AND MORE

Only one more day to answer my poll...who is your favorite Sesame Street character...right now Cookie Monster has a strong lead.



Megan and I went to see 2012. Even one of our priests, Fr. Reggie, said he wanted to see it...but he was careful to point out it was because he heard the special effects were so amazing. And, they were!!! It was a very intense and entertaining and at times a thought provoking movie...but for me it was not because of the Mayan prophecy. Plot was very similar to the apocolyptic movies along the order of Meteor, Day After Tomorrow etc. I loved that John Cusack was the lead. I have always liked him. The movie was entertaining and worth seeing for fun. Now here is Megan's review: awesome, loved the special effects, loved John Cusack's character in the movie--he was funny in some parts, loved who played the mom, very touching, loved the scientist/president's daughter's love interest and his moral speech, loved how it it concluded.



Hurricane Season in our part of the world officially ends November 30th. So, what should do with all of those unused items you stocked up on? Give them to a food drive...a special one that runs from November 21 through 30th at The John C. Freeman Weather Museum here in Houston at 5401 Caroline St. In exchange for each item donated, you get a free admission to the museum. So, when you are looking for something to do with the kids during the Thanksgiving break, you can head to the museum, have a cleaned out pantry and entertain/educate the kids for free!!! What a great deal! For more information, go to: http://www.wxresearch.org/.



Don't miss a special meeting of the Houston Chapter of the American Meteorological Society this Thursday, Nov. 19th, dinner at 6 pm, meeting at 7 pm at the Canyon Cafe at 5000 Westheimer, Suite 250. Dr. Gerald North of Texas A & M University will talk about "Global Warming, Lone Star Impacts". You do not have to be a member or a meteorologist to attend. Don't miss it! Should be quite a talk!!!



Have a great week everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair

Wonder Weather Woman

Coolest Fall Day Yet Coming Soon/It Flew On Board the Shuttle/Honest NTB

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Tropical Atlantic and Pacific are quiet.

Beautiful fall weather for much of the country. However, there are winter weather warnings and watches for the Rockies as I write this post this evening. Along the eastern seaboard, bands of what is left of Ida are hammering away, causing heavy rain and rough surf.

The good news is that on Friday, it will be quieter in the east. There could be some thunderstorms from Arizona to Nebraska. Chilliest area will be the northwest and Rockies with highs in the 40s (colder in the higher elevations). The northeast, midwest, Ohio Valley and Great Lakes will be in the 40s and 50s. The rest of the country will be in the 60s to 80s.

Houston, another beautiful fall day is on the way for Friday with highs in the 70s. More humid over the weekend and highs in the low 80s both Saturday and Sunday. A few showers are possible Sunday. Look for thunderstorms on Monday as cutoff low spins a cold front through the area by midday. Tuesday will be the coolest day so far this fall with lows in the 40s and highs only in the low 60s. More cool weather through the week with another week front and some showers toward the end of the week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do flag or bandera, pronounced bahn-DAIR-ah. The U.S. bandera is always special, but this one is extra special. Find out more in the AND MORE section.

Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco might be taking off...we got another big order from our distributor today. Woohoo!!! Don't miss out! Get your copy of Volumes 1 and/or 2 from our web site http://www.frankandpaco.com/ or at http://www.amazon.com/. You can also find these at www.barnesandnoble.com and www.bestbuy.com. Some Barnes and Noble stores also have it on their shelves. Volume 1 has three chapters about Home, Family, Eating/Drinking and Play. Volume 2 has three chapters (and about 50 words/phrases) My Day, My Body, My Feelings.

AND MORE
Very nice surprise from the folks at NTB (National Tire & Battery). I was hearing squeaking noises from what I thought were my rear brakes. It just so happens that I had purchased an NTB coupon card from HEB a few months ago. It cost $39.95 and had 4 coupons for free oil changes along with reduced prices for brake work etc., free inspection of belts and fluids, tire rotation and alignment. So that is a pretty good deal. So I thought, why not see what they have to say about the brakes. The attendant said she thought we would have to replace the rear "shoes" but then later she said that they had found a fistfull of dust in each one and there was still half the pad left. So, I didn't need to replace them yet. Well, I was thrilled!!! The cost--$0. They could have replaced them and I would never have known any better but they were honest. I might add that I had already taken the car in late August for an oil change and they had not come up with anything to fix...the cost $0. It's nice to know they are so honest.

The photo at right is another of my "prized" possessions. I'm not a big material thing kind of person, but this one really is special. In June of 2003, I gave a hurricane talk to several hundred NASA employees. At the end, six time shuttle commander Jim Weatherbee made a special presentation to me of one of 200 flags which had ridden aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor. They also gave me a Certificate of Authenticity to prove it is "real". It says:

This American Flas was flown aboard the United States Space Shuttle, ENDEAVOUR, which was launched at 7:49 pm., November 23, 2002, from the Kennedy Space Center, Florida. For 6 days, 22 hours ENDEAVOUR remained docked with the International Space Station, ALPHA. At 2:37 pm, December 7, 2002, after 216 Earth orbits, ENDEAVOUR landed on runway 33 at the Shuttle Landing Facility, Florida.

There also some notes as follows: Maximum Altitude 249 miles, Maximum Speed 17,085 mph, Distance 5,670,000 miles.

Notice that the flag is beautifully framed along with a certificate of presentation to Cecilia Sinclair for her presentation as well as some gorgeous shuttle photos.

Well, I have to tell you that I had no idea that they would give me such a thing--in fact I expected nothing. I asked the commander, are you sure you want to give me this...it's so very special. And, also, as you might recall, this was not long after the shuttle Columbia explosion of Feburary 1, 2003. No one knew if there would ever be another shuttle flight again.

So, that is my special story. Hope you enjoyed it!

Have a fantastic Friday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Forecast/My Piece of Berlin Wall/New Poll about Sesame Street

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
As of this evening, the National Hurricane Center has issued the last advisory on Ida, now bringing heavy rain to the southeastern US. The storm made 2 landfalls early this morning with the last being southern Alabama. The storm will now be followed by the Hydrometeorological Prediction Center and is expected to move off the eastern US coast by early Thursday and reorganize as it lifts northward. It will cause rough surf and heavy rain for the east and southeast. There is also a new area of non-tropical low pressure with less than a 30% chance of developing.

The tropical Pacific is quiet.

Chilly in the Pacific Northwest with highs in the 40s and some rain for the coastline. Most of the northern two tiers of states will have highs in the 40s and 50s. Mild for the rest of the country with highs in the 60s to 80s. Look for heavy rain and thunderstorms in the southeast and along the mid-Atlantic.

Houston will be mild and sunny on Wednesday. Humidity increases Thursday with winds out of the southeast. There will be a few showers over the weekend (but it won't be a dealbreaker). Next weak front moves through early next week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do wall or muro, pronounced MOO-row. Can you believe it has been 20 years since the Berlin muro fell? See the AND MORE section for more.

Please help get the buzz going on Volume 2 of Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco on Amazon.com. We need some reviews and purchases. People don't know it's there. I remember the slow start we had with Volume 1. Once people starting voicing their opinions, sales picked up. Either volume makes a great gift. You can order Volume 1 or Volume 2 from web site http://www.frankandpaco.com/ or at http://www.amazon.com/. Volume 1 has three chapters about Home, Family, Eating/Drinking and Play. Volume 2 has three chapters (and about 50 words/phrases) My Day, My Body, My Feelings.

AND MORE
Our poll on the Obama Administration and FOX News is closed. 16% said they felt President Obama had voiced valid concerns. 16% said they felt that Obama Administration members had voiced valid concerns. 16% said FOX News should be worried. 33% said FOX News had valid concerns. 50% said FOX News is enjoying the publicity. 50% said that freedom of the press is in danger. 66% said that freedom of the press had been violated. 16% felt that censorship of FOX News is appropriate. More than one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

Our new poll allows only one answer and in light of it being Sesame Street's 40th anniversary, it is one that has been on the minds of many. Just who is your favorite Sesame Street character? Thanks in advance for participating.

Gordy and I love Sesame Street. We think the production values are very high and it is loaded with educational information. Sesame Street went on the air when I was a little girl and I remember that it was one show my mother was happy for me to watch. They still use some of the skits and animations from my childhood. Now, that's timeless. Happy Anniversary Sesame Street!

Well here's something that caught my attention the other day as I collected my mail. A neighbor had their blinds open and inside their house was a lit-up Christmas tree. A friend of mine thought maybe they have to travel over the holidays and wanted to just enjoy the heck out of Christmas while they are at home. Sure hope it is artificial (Gordy came up with that one).

Speaking of anniversaries...wow! has it really been 20 years since the Berlin Wall came down?! I remember where I was. It so happened that I was taking a math course at U of H and my professor was from Germany. He came into class with his eyes so wide and his jaw dropping. He was very happy about it and talked to us about it for nearly the whole class.

Then, I went to Berlin in June of 1994. I was getting my international business credits as I finished up my MBA. It was amazing to see the stark difference between east and west Berlin. The one still dreary and underdeveloped while the other was vibrant and bursting with culture and color. The east side was struggling to rebuild. But, it was going to take a lot of money to undo decades of neglect. While I was there, I bought a baggie of pieces of the Berlin Wall. All of my group was in awe. We had heard so much about the Berlin wall growing up. We just couldn't believe it was down (even nearly 5 years later). I wonder how many of our new generation even get the significance. Just a few days ago I heard a radio host carefully explaining what the Berlin wall was all about. Has everyone already forgotten?!

Well, anyway, I gave all but one of the pieces away. I checked Ebay to see just how much pieces of the wall are going for. I saw anywhere from $5.50 to over $100. Well they can't have mine...I consider it priceless.

On my next blog I'll tell you about another "priceless" object I have.

Happy Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Hurricane Ida Update/Baylor Medical Students Babysit Our Kids/Weather this Week

HURRICANES AND WEATHER

As I write this post, Ida is a hurricane with 105 mph winds (that's a healthy Category 2). It looks like it will strike the northern Gulf coast somewhere between Lousiana and the Florida panhandle very early on Tuesday as a low end Category 1 hurricane. A Hurricane Warning has just been issued for a portion of the Missippi coast to a portion of the Florida coast with a Watch extended further west and east on both sides.

In the Pacific, all is quiet.


For the US, highs will be in the 70s to 80s from the southwest to the northeast (except New England where highs will be in the 50s and 60s). Highs will be in the 50s and 60s out west and north behind an eastward moving cold front and associated upper trough.


For Houston, Monday will be less humid. Cold front arrives overnight Sunday into Monday with rain as it passes. There is a coastal flood warning in effect but this actually has to do with a trough in the western Gulf. After Monday, there will be several days of fair, pleasant fall weather (like last week) and then some showers over the coming weekend.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY

Let's do picnic or picnic, pronounced peek-NEEK. Find out about a special picnic Gordy and I hosted in the AND MORE section.

Spanish is a fun language to learn. Help your kids enjoy it while being entertained and educated through out award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Volumes 1 and 2 are now available at www.frankandpaco.com, www.amazon.com, www.bestbuy.com, www.ebay.com, www.barnesandnoble.com. We also have an ESL version and a special web site, www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE

On Friday night, for the 5th year in a row, Dr. Lorraine Potocki in the Baylor College of Medicine at Texas Children's Hospital and the Baylor Medical Students took care of Smith-Magenis Syndrome and Down Syndrome children so that their parents could have a night out. This year, they really did it up big with Sesame Street characters like Bert and Ernie, unicycle performances, Gymboree entertainment and great food provided by Chick-Fil-A. Each child was paired with at least one medical student partner. Sarah had two helpers, Nina and Zena. Joey and Zara were busy checking in each child. Thank you so much!!!


That night, our group of parents of children with Smith-Magenis Syndrome headed to D'Amico's Italian Restaurant in Rice Village. It is crazy, busy around there on a Friday night, but they cleared a space for us. The food was fantastic and the wait staff excellent.


This year, in our home, we hosted Randy and Mary Beall (president and wife of the president of Parents and Researchers Interested in Smith-Magenis Syndrome). They brought along their 24 year old daughter Laura who has SMS. They also brought another little girl with SMS whose family was busy at a tournament for her sister. We had a great, albeit intense time. You see, people with SMS have a huge zest for life and a persistence to get what they need which I would venture to guess is second to none. Saturday morning, before the picnic, I am making breakfast in the kitchen and at times, I had all three of the girls right on top of me. They were all wonderful of course. But, I must say, it was quite comical at times. We all had a good laugh about it. We also enjoyed seeing the similarities and differences. Such an experience sheds a lot of light on what we deal with day to day, because you see behaviors that they all have in common.

The picnic was wonderful. First of all, it was on Saturday, when the weather was gorgeous! The only problem was that a full bottle of sugary soda got spilled and the bees came in a throng. We finally had to remove the most sticky cooler to a location beyond the children. I washed it off and that helped. The bees weren't mean but they sure knew what they wanted. Last year we had a cotton candy machine. Well, the bees had gone crazy hovering around. One bee landed in a little girl's hand and she started messing with it and it stung her. So, we didn't do the cotton candy this year. We had a scavenger hunt, played fall bingo, did a cookie walk, played a new game called sticker attack, bounced in the moonwalk, and enjoyed favorite songs. Thanks Megan for providing the outstanding selection of music. We had sensory nook with a big tub of bird seed which the kids enjoyed shoveling and digging in (and sometimes sitting in). And there was a reading nook with all kinds of kids books. We also were treated to a wonderful hamburger/hot dog lunch with Gordy and Keith doing the cooking. Everyone brought something and we thank them all for that. Our most distant family came all the way from Mexico City. And, we had several families from the San Antonio area. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year.

Well, you can imagine that we are pretty pooped. So, that's all for now.

Have a great week everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Ida Update/Special Night for Special Needs/Happy Wedding

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Ida became a hurricane on Thursday. Then, it moved into Nicaragua and as I write this post, it is a depression. In another day or two it will be back out over the northwest Caribbean and will move into the Gulf by late Monday. For those of us along the upper Texas coast, I am happy to say that the models are now showing a turn to the northeast which means that Florida is most likely to deal with a strike...and that is what statistics would suggest. The intensification questions is interesting. Some models show strengthening to hurricane force. Wind shear looks to decrease at the time it moves into the southern Gulf and water temperatures are still warm enough. So, we shall see.

Dry and mild on Friday with highs in the 70s and 80s for the southern Plains and central US. Highs will be in the 40s and 50s in the northeast and northwest. Look for some showers in the northwest.

Houston, looks like the chamber of commerce weather will continue through Saturday. Then, there is a chance for some scattered showers and thunderstorms Sunday and Monday. So, plan the outdoor activities for Saturday. I don't think Sunday will be a wash out. So, you might be able to get outside on Sunday too.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do wedding or boda, pronounced BOW-dah. I went to a boda last night. Find out more in the AND MORE section.

TNT Media is one of our DVD distributors. They work for Alliance Entertainment which in tune supplies Barnes and Noble, Best Buy, Target and even Walmart. I am happy to say that we have been getting more orders. So, I suspect the video is starting to take hold in some of the Barnes and Noble stores where they have been giving it some shelf placement. Don't miss out...order Volumes 1 and 2 today from www.barnesandnoble.com, www.bestbuy.com,
www.amazon.com, or our web site www.frankandpaco.com.


AND MORE

This has been a super busy but fun week. Last night, we went to the wedding of an old high school buddy named Vannie. She finally met Mr. Right and they were married last night. My other friend Marilyn went all out to make sure the celebration was perfect. The bride wore black and burgundy....a beautiful combination and that theme was echoed in the bridal party. Congratulations Vannie and Willie. Much happiness!



This is a big weekend for parents of children with Smith-Magenis Syndrome. Gordy and I are hosting the 6th annual SMS picnic for the families of children with SMS. We have a variety of games and activities planned. One of the favorite parts is the sensory area with a large container of bird seed. The kids love to dig in it and let the seeds run through their fingers. At the end, we toss the seeds to the birds. This get together brings people from other states, even other countries. We have a new family joining this year from Mexico City.



Baylor College of Medicine is one of the top 3 research facilities in the world for SMS. At the helm of the research is Dr. Lorraine Potocki. Dr. Potocki is very aware of the stress on the families. So the 2nd year we did the picnic, she started something called Parents Night Out at Baylor. The Baylor medical students watch SMS and Down Syndrome children while the parents get to go out. Many people don't understand how hard it is to get away when you have a special needs child. It can be nearly impossible to find someone qualified to watch them. For some of the participiating parents, this is the only break they ever get. Many of them have families and friends who are just too afraid to watch their special needs child. So, we thank you Dr. Potocki. We are so grateful!!! God bless her and the important work being done in genetics all over the world.



Happy weekend everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair

Wonder Weather Woman

Heads Up - Tropical Storm Ida could strike Gulf Coast

Hello all -
Just a quick update this evening to tell you about unusual Tropical Storm Ida...not because of where it is but because of where it might go. After it hits Nicaragua (overnight) and moves over land, it will probably get out over the northwest Caribbean and then into the Gulf. Forecast models suggest that it will make landfall...possibly upper Texas Coast but more likely somewhere from Louisiana to Alabama coast. If it hits Texas, this will be a new record latest storm...historically latest tropical storm strike was October 17th and latest hurricane was October 15th. The scenario we are facing looks like one of the best chances to break the record. The timing would be around Tuesday/Wednesday.

The other question is how much will it strengthen over the Gulf. Intensity forecasting is a very inexact science. But, I would not rule out a hurricane (at least a low end one).

More to come.
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

More Nice Weather

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There is an area of disturbed weather in the southwest Caribbean that has between a 30 and 50% chance of developing. This area will be fairly stationary over the next day or so. The tropical Pacific is quiet.

Wow! The weather is so quiet all over the US. I feel sorry for the folks working at The Weather Channel. Must be agony to be covering the weather right now.

Highs will be in the 40s and 50s across the northern half of the US and 60s and 70s across the southern half...with low humidity almost everywhere. Trough digs south into the Rockies late in the weekend and brings some rain to the central plains and Texas through Tuesday morning.

Houston, more delightful weather through Saturday...lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s. Some scattered shower on Sunday.

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Chamber of Commerce Weather/Inexpensive Help for Your Feet/Obama Administration and FOX News

HURRICANES AND WEATHER

There is an area in the northern Atlantic which has greater than a 50% chance of developing into a subtropical or tropical storm in the next day or so. If it gets names, it will be called Ida. The system is moving northwest to north...probably won't be a concern for any land areas. Meanwhile, tropical Pacific is quiet.



It could be argued that almost of the all of the country will have Chamber of Commerce weather on Monday. Highs across the southern 1/2 of the country will be primarily in the 70s. Across the northern 1/2, highs will be in the 40s to 60s. There could be a few snow showers in International Falls, Minnesota. There won't be any huge changes over the next few days.

And for Houston that means that all week will be sunny with low humidity with lows in the upper 40s to low 50s and highs in the 70s. Even the upcoming weekend looks very pleasant. Enjoy!



SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY?
Let's do feet or pies, pronunced PEE-ays. Do you pies hurt? See an affordable solution in the AND MORE section.



Just got another order from Amazon for our award winning DVD, Volume 1 of Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Now, I am trying to get the buzz going about our newly released Volume 2. One of the chapters in Volume 2 goes over terms for parts of the body including feet. For Volume 2, we just applied for a new award. Will let you know when I find out. In the meantime, you can order Volume 1 or Volume 2 from web site http://www.frankandpaco.com/ or at http://www.amazon.com/. If you order through Amazon, please help us out and put in some positive comments. It makes a great birthday or holiday gift. Volume 1 has three chapters about Home, Family, Eating/Drinking and Play. Volume 2 has three chapters (and about 50 words/phrases) My Day, My Body, My Feelings.



AND MORE

So did you do a lot of extra walking this weekend (what with it being Halloween and nice weather and all)? Are you feet hurting? Have you been thinking about orthotics but you don't have insurance that will cover. Well, my friend Tanya has come to the rescue! You can make you own custom orthotics using an avoidable kit.


http://www.yoursole.com/

Just click on PRODUCTS and then select FOOTBEDS and/or PLATINUM SANDALS. Tanya said that her's fit great and her feet feel fantastic! So check it out. Thanks Tanya! Many feet will thank you!

Our poll on how you are responding to flu season is closed. 33% said they have gotten their kids the regular flu shot. 111% said they have gotten their kids the swine flu vaccine. 55% said they will get at least one flu vaccine themselves. 11 said they will get their kids the regular flu vaccine. 11 said they will get their kids the swine flu vaccine. 33% said they will not get their kids the regular flu vaccine. 44% said they will not get their kids the swine flu vaccine. 33% said they will not get any flu vaccine for themselves. More than one answer was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

Our new poll is about the Obama administration and FOX News. What are your thoughts and feelings? More than one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Have a great week everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair

Wonder Weather Woman

Next After Rough Weather/Time Change/Origin of Halloween

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Tropical Atlantic is quiet. In the Pacific, there is an area off the western Mexican coast that has less than a 30% chance for developing.

Two big stories tonight...winter weather in the Rockies and severe weather pushing into the southeast US. On Friday, the stormy weather will be over a part of the southeast US. This is in advance of an eastward bound cold front. Ahead of the cold front, highs will be in the 70s and 80s. Behind it, highs will be in the 40s over the Rockies and northern plains and in the 40s to 60s in Texas and the southwest. West coast will be in the 50s and 60s. It will be in the 40s and 50s in the northeast.

Houston is under a Flash Flood Warning and Tornado Watch this evening until 9 pm. Heavy rain is moving through as I write this post. More light to moderate rain is possible until about noon on Friday, but the batch tonight is the worst of it. Friday afternoon, clouds will break and we're in for Chamber of Commerce weather all weekend and through the next week. Lows will be in the 40s and 50s and highs will be in the 60s and 70s.

Houston Trick or Treat forecast...temperatures in the 60s...no rain...low humidity! Trouble spots in US for Saturday...southeastern states--Florida up to Mid-Atlantic.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do change or cambio, pronounced cahm-BEE-oh. Don't forget about the time cambio this weekend! See the AND MORE section for details.

Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco is now being offered on ebay. Take a look and let me know what you think! You can also order Volume 1 or Volume 2 from our award winning series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco from our web site www.frankandpaco.com or at www.amazon.com. If you order through Amazon, please help us out and put in some positive comments. It makes a great birthday or holiday gift. Volume 1 has three chapters about Home, Family, Eating/Drinking and Play. Volume 2 has three chapters (and about 50 words/phrases) My Day, My Body, My Feelings.

AND MORE
Daylight Saving Time Ends on Sunday morning Nov. 1 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. Kind of good timing with Halloween parties etc. For those of you who have no children, this means an extra hour of sleep. For the rest of us...the bosses determine our sleep schedule.

Pizza Hut has a deal on top of a deal! If you order more than $20 on line, you get $4 off your order. So, you could order 4 Pizza Mia pizzas for $20 and get them for $16 (plus tax). Buy some and freeze for later. That's a good deal.

Here's some interesting Halloween origin info. that was given to me by our CCE coordinators at St. Laurence. Back in the early 7th century the Church picked May 13th as a day to honor all of the saints (because there were too many to give a feast day for every day of the calendar). Then, in 835, Pope Gregory moved the feast day to Nov. 1st. He knew that Nov. 1st was a festival of death day for the pagan people who did not believe in God. He wanted to Christianize this day. Today, Catholics celebrate November 1st as All Saints Day. (by the way, all people who have died are remembered on Nov. 2nd--All Souls Day).

Anyway, Halloween is a contraction for "Hallowed Evening". Hallowed is an old english word for "holy" (remember..."Our Father Who Art in Heaven, Hallowed Be Thy Name...")?. Well because Oct. 31st was the eve of the Feast of All Saints (the holy ones), people started calling it All Hallows' Eve. Eventually, that phrase morphed into Halloween.

Whatever you do this weekend, be safe and have fun!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman