Weekend Weather/Severe Reports/James Drury, The Virginian Turning 75!

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Severe weather is moving through the southeast as I write this blog this Friday evening. One tornado in Chelsea, Alabama and baseball sized hail in Demopolis Alabama have been confirmed.

Saturday, the stormy weather will be over the southeast with some of the worst being in Georgia and northern Florida. Highs over the northern plains will be in the single digits and teens. There will be snow over a few spots around St. Louis. There will be rain further east. Sunday, a new storm moves onto the west coast and look for rain/snow mix along the eastern seaboard--lookout Boston and New York.

Houston hit 85 on Friday, one degree shy of the record. Saturday will be cool and windy--starting cloudy with sunshine in the afternoon--highs will be in the low 60s. Sunday morning lows will be in the middle 30s. Highs will be in the 60s. There is a Red Flag Warning for counties west of Houston--combination of wind and dry vegetation will make the fire danger very high.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do cowboy or vaquero, pronounced vah-care-ROH. I some interesting information about a beloved TV vaquero (see the AND MORE section).

In our award-winning educational DVD for children, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, we use horse and rooster puppets to narrate. The horse comes with a Texas twang (even though the voice is created by a man from Iowa). Do you know who it is? I'll have the answer in my next blog. You can get your copy at www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
This youtube trip down memory lane is for my sister Liz...this is the Season 8 theme song from The Virginian.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ynyq7je37Hk&feature=related
Interesting trivia--in this season Tim Matheson is there and in season nine, Lee Majors is there.

Well guess what everyone?! I did some digging and James Drury has a myspace page. Here is the link:
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=214232626
And his 75th birthday is coming up April 18th. Here are the instructions on how you can send him a special birthday greeting:

Mr. Drury's birthday is April 18. We are starting early to get the word out. Making it possible for all James Drury's friends to have time to get their birthday cards in the mail to arrive on time.We are setting a deadline so we'll have time to compile and mail all the cards to Mr. Drury.
The Deadline is April 4, 2009
Mail Birthday Cards To:
James Drury
P. O. Box 822
London, OH 43140 USA

I think he still lives here in the Houston area (oh yeah, he moved here and dealt in oil and gas for a while). I think that London address is for his fan mail staff. This is all just speculation. Maybe he has moved to Ohio.

Have a great weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Forecast/Megan's Big Award/Extremely Important Safety Tips

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Severe weather is possible across the lower Mississippi Valley and some southeastern states. As I write this there have been a couple dozen reports of hail and high wind ahead of an advancing cold front. Biggest threat on Friday should be hail. It will be very cold over the northern plains--highs in the single digits. There will be some snow showers around the Great Lakes and northern New England as well as in the Denver area. There will be rain along the eastern seaboard (especially the northern half).

Houston hit 81 on Thursday and will likely make 83 on Friday. It will be warm and muggy. Cold front arrives early Saturday but rain will be limited. Highs on Saturday will be in the 60s with sunshine returning in the afternoon. Sunday will be sunny and cool with a light freeze possible early for outlying areas. Highs will be in the 60s.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do poem or poema, pronounced poh-ay-MAH. Congratulations to my step-daughter Megan on her award winning poema (see AND MORE for more details).

Correction on yesterday's word--accent belongs on the last syllable.

Speaking of award-winning, have our mentioned that our educational DVD for children won 2 major awards? Yes, you can get your copies of Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
In reference to yesterday's blog about 809 area code scam, special thanks to "Scott" for his comment on yesterday's blog. He gave a link for a site you can use to check out specific phone numbers and he reminded us that you can always google the phone number itself to see what comes up. Thanks Scott!

CONGRATULATIONS to my step-daughter Megan, who was a winner in the Hilary Duff With Love Valentine's poetry contest. Extra points were give for poems which included the words "with love". Megan won some free Hilary Duff perfume stuff. Way to go Megan and you smell so good!!! Here's the poem!

Our friendship may have started only 1 year ago,
But as of today you are my sister this I know,
We have been together through good times and bad,
You are the one true friend I will always have
With Love

Okay, I know you just loved hearing the Daniel Boone theme song. Well here is the one for Davy Crockett (also with Fess Parker). Now, dusting off the cobwebs, I think there was a movie and a TV show. This link is for the movie version--it is longer (and slightly repetitious) but still good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwy8-Y8XTto&feature=related

My friend whose car was burglarized Monday (with purse snatched) summarized her entire experience and also gave out some valuable tips. Just so you know, they are pretty sure they saw the man who did it as he walked by where they were picnicking and said hi--scoping out the situation. The police officer assigned to the case says that they did not hear him break the window because it is tempered glass and all you need to do is tap it just right with a key or something hard. So here are her 3 main points:

Please pass this on to everyone you know.
If you don't want to send the whole thing (it's long, I know) send this:
1) A popular new way for someone to steal your stuff is for them to camp out in parking lots (of parks, gyms, stores, Home Depot, etc.) & for the thief to watch what you do with your personal belongings. You might think you are safe to "lock" your purse/wallet in your trunk, but the thief is watching you put it in your trunk after you pull up! He knows it's there, so after you walk away, he can shatter your window, access the trunk button & off he goes. Also, be careful about bringing shopping bags back to your car from one store, & heading into another store. Same concept...they're watching you put the bags in the car, so they know what to take & where it will be.
2) If you have your stuff stolen, be sure to set up a fraud alert thru Experian/Equifax or Transunion. Plug their ph#'s into your cell ph along with 800#'s for your credit card accts & bank branch you bank thru...this will help, so you don't waste valuable time calling 1411 while the thief is spending all your money!! Their ph#'s are listed on this website: http://www.dmv.org/news-alerts/identity-theft.php
3) If you can, try not to carry your ATM card on you, b/c it can act as a debit card, & often the theif does not need your pin# to make a purchase, just your zip code (which he can access from your drivers license.) This is the quickest way that they drain people's accounts! Also, NEVER CARRY YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD, or anything with your social security # on it.
Good advice!!! Thanks so much!

Have a safe Friday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Storm Threat on Thursday/Scam Clarified/Daniel Boone's Great Theme Song

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
More widespread wintry weather on Thursday across the northern 1 to 2 tiers of states. Very cold in North Dakota with highs in the negative single digits. There could be some severe storms in Missouri, Illinois, Arkansas, Tennessee. Very mild across the south with highs in the 70s and 80s.

Tomball made it to 80 on Wednesday. Houston will be even warmer Thursday. Lows will be in the 60s and highs will be in the 80s with high humidity. Next cold front arrives early Saturday. Weekend will turn cooler.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do scheming or maquinador, pronounced mah-key-NAH-door. Watch out for people who are maquinador. See the AND MORE section to learn more about it.

We're not scheming but we sure are planning. We have met with a publisher who wants to sell our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, directly to various school districts. But don't wait for it to come to your school. Order your own copy for your youngsters from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Lydia Baehr put together a wonderful video of The Groudhog Day Gala. You can watch it on Youtube via the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Nd3qiwQHj4.
There is a very nice sound bite from Mayor Bill White (about 1/3 of the way in).

I got an alarming email about an 809 area code scam. The real truth is not quite as bad as the email that is circulating, but you can get the nitty gritty details at this SNOPES link:
http://www.snopes.com/fraud/telephone/809.asp
Basically, the 809 area code is in the Dominican Republic and because of that, there is no required disclosure of fees etc. You will usually get some enticing message which motivates you to dial a certain number. And when you do, you are given tricky information that encourages you to stay on the line for a long time--meanwhile you are being charged. AT&T also has info. on their web site. Bottom line is don't return a call unless you know the number you are calling. There are also a couple other area codes being used to this end. Be careful.

My sister Liz recently purchased the Daniel Boone show on DVD. I loved the theme song from that and was singing it. Sarah wanted to know more. So, we pulled it up on youtube. Here's the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhYRDPG8Mu0
Enjoy your trip down memory lane.

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

Turning Warm and Muggy/How to Butcher a Chicken

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There's a slight dip in the jet stream over the eastern U.S. So there is some rain in the southeast. As a warm front pushes northward Wednesday, there will be few thunderstorms in the mid-Mississippi valley. Highs over the northern plains will be in the single digits and teens. There will be a few snow showers over the Great Lakes and some rain/snow from the Pacific Northwest to the northern Plains. The south will be warm/balmy over the southern Plains and southeast.

Houston will be warm and muggy on Wednesday with a low near 60 and high in the upper 70s. Look for more warm weather through Saturday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do chicken or gallina, pronounced gah-yee-NAH. Want to know how to butcher a gallina? Read my AND MORE section. By the way, chicken you eat is pollo, pronounced poy-YOH.

We have a lot of words for eating in our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. So kids can really relate to that. You can get your copy at www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
When the going gets tough, can we get tough enough and down to earth enough? There are so many lost abilities. I look back on my childhood. My mother made our clothes (or we wore hand me downs from cousins). Of course nowadays with consignment and thrift shops, you can buy clothes cheaper than making them. We had homemade cakes and haircuts. We had birthday parties at home. We washed our own cars--mowed our own lawns. Many of my friends did not even have a home telephone. Cable wasn't even available until I was in high school. For many years, we had one portable black and white television--that's it! We never did get cable.

Now on food, we had a lot of advantages. My grandfather would butcher a young bull every year or so. We would get the meat for $1/pound. Now that was everything including the yucky liver. None of us liked it, except my Dad. I think it annoyed him that we carried on about how bad it tasted. Once when we had taken in some dogs, my mom let us feed it to them. I don't think she liked it either. We had plenty of fruit, because my grandfather grew citrus and that lasted for months. My mother made homemade cinnamon rolls or pumpkin bread for us to snack on every day when we got home from school. There was no junk food in our house--no cookies or chips or soda. We ate peanut butter sandwiches for snacks. She did buy lots of bread. She bought extra loaves and froze them. We drank powdered milk, when regular milk was too expensive. Adding a teaspoon of vanilla to each gallon made it taste more creamy.

We always had some sort of vegetables growing like Mexican squash and cucumber. My mother made exactly the right amount of food for our family of 8. We didn't eat seconds. We didn't have dessert except on birthdays and holidays.

We bought used cars and prayed they didn't break down. One car I drove in college was so rusted that my dad cut out a coffee can bottom and nailed it to the hood so the engine wouldn't get wet. When I took it for inspection, the man told me, I would like to fail this car, but technically it passes. I was just glad to have a car that could get me to and from school and work. After I graduated and bought a car, my sister took it cross country for 2 years. Then she sold it.

My mom and dad would not say "if you get a scholarship", they would say "when you get your scholarship(s)".

And how about raising your own chickens and butchering them? Well I know how to do that because I spent some summer weeks on my uncle's farm. One time, we butchered a couple dozen chickens. You have a big vat of bowling water ready. You grab the chicken by the head and then snap it really hard. It should pop right off. Now, be decisive because you want to make it quick. The bottom will bounce around for a while because the nerves are still working. Then you put the body in boiling water. That gets the feathers loose so you can pluck them. The nerves are still working so the body will react when it hits that hot water. Then you pluck it. Then, you gut it. That I have not done. But I have cut up whole chickens. So, I think I could figure it out. My grandmother loved doing the gutting part. She was such a character.

Well, that's about enough. Bottom line is that it's amazing how little you really need and what you can do it you have to.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Jet stream flattens/Poll Results/New Poll/Robbery

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There is a fairly zonal pattern over the U.S. and that will be the case for several days. The polar jet stream cuts the country in half and the the small dips (troughs) are where the weather will be on Tuesday...mainly northern Great Lakes and northern New England and the Pacific Northwest. Highs will be in the teens and 20s over the northern plains and Great Lakes and northern New England. The southern tier of states will have highs in the 60s, 70s and even 80s (Arizona).

On Tuesday, Houston will be partly to mostly cloudy and more humid with lows near 50 and highs in the low 70s. It will be even warmer on Wednesday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do robber or atracador, pronounced ah-trah-CAH-door. An atracador broke into my friend's car today.

That is a serious word, no doubt. The words in our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, are serious for kids because they are about things that kids care about deeply--things like food and drink, family members and home and playing. You can get your copy at www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/.

Some good news today about our bilingual product. I finally located some companies that deal in ESL (English as a Second Language) products. I sent copies to several of these companies at the end of last week. I already got a call today from one such company in California. They are going to feature our DVD, Aprendamos Inglés con Frank y Paco, Volumen 1, in their Fall catalog. This is also a useful DVD if you are more interested in a full immersion type product. To see more, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Big correction to yesterday's post...that puppy dog is a Golden Retriver (not Irish Setter). My sister tells me that Irish Setters are actually hard to come by and they aren't an optimal choice for kids.

A good friend of mine who lives in Missouri City, had an unfortunate incident today. She, her children and some friends were at a park in Quail Valley. She left her purse in the car (but it was covered). Still, someone broke her window, found her purse and took it. She did all the right things...calling the credit card companies etc. Even though she reported right away, the robber had already used one of the credit cards--a fast acting robber that one. She filed a police report. The police officer came down and did a very thorough report. He was with them for a couple hours. He told me that the streets were quiet so he was able to get a lot of information this time.

A friend of mine in South America said the weather has been blazing hot. Remember, it's the Southern Hemisphere and they are in summer. He said they have been doing a lot of swimming and beach going. The sad thing is, our turn is next. Yikes! But hey, sweating is good for the skin.

My favorite dress at the Oscars last night was the one worn by Amy Adams...a striking dark red number. But I thought the necklace was too fat and chunky and too many colors. My least favorite dress was the one Miley Cyrus wore--just didn't that super layered look. I like sleek, elegant gowns at the Oscars.

Our poll about the NASA stimulus of $1 billion has closed. 50% thought they should get more. 12% said $1 billion is just the right amount. 12% think they should get less. And 25% think they should get nothing. Here's a little known fact--(I will admit I heard this at a talk and am not sure how this was calculated)...for every $1 spent on space missions, there have been $7 in medical advances. It has to do what they learn from the experiments which are carried into space. Thanks to all who participated in the poll.

Our new poll is about pets...what is your favorite? Now since I am saying favorite, I will allow only one answer. Have fun!

Have a terrific Tuesday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Back to Work Weather/Adorable Irish Setter Puppy

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
A few snow showers over New England on Monday and scattered snow out west on Monday as well. Highs will be in the 20s across the northern plains and Great Lakes States. It will be pleasant across the south.

Houston will be sunny on Monday, lows in the 30s, high in the low 60s. Tuesday will be more humid with lows near 50 and highs near 70. Some clouds will return.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do puppy or cachorro, pronounced cah-chore-ROW (roll that double r). We had fun playing with memaw's Irish Setter cachorro on Saturday.

There is a dog in our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. What you don't know is his name is Max and he is a bichon-frise. He also has a buddy named Molly--but she had other commitments that prevented her from being in the video. Order our DVD today from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Saturday started muggy. Then we headed west to Austin, running through some heavy downpours. In Austin, it was sunny, breezy and dry. Sarah's memaw had purchased a peach tree in her honor. And I supervised while Sarah, Gordy and my nephew Jacob did an excellent job of planting it. Memaw has a 3 month old Irish setter puppy named Boone (after Daniel Boone). He was super excited when Sarah arrived. Weighing 20 pounds already and quite large, he was a little too rambunctious for Sarah's liking. Fortunately, we had watched dozens of episodes of It's Me or the Dog (from Animal Planet). Megan wasn't able to come along with us, but we were happy to report back to her that we were well equipped thanks to watching all those episodes with her. When Boone jumped up on Sarah, she would turn her back and say no and not turn and pet him until he sat down. Soon, he was understanding that if he sat down (and didn't jump) he would get petted and be rewarded with a positive "good boy". He was just adorable. We spent the entire afternoon with him, walking around the property. Then, my brother and his three boys arrived and completely wore him out. That was one pooped puppy as you can see. What a cutie!

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Weather/Restaurants Busy

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There will be snow from northern New England and back through the Great Lakes states to St. Louis and Kansas City. There will be showers further south from Memphis to Texas. Highs over the northern plains were in the teens. There will be some showers in San Francisco. On Sunday most of the rain/snow will be in New England and in the western states. There will be rain in DC and New York.

Houston will be mostly cloudy on Saturday with some rain during the 2nd half of the day. Sunday will be sunny and cool with highs in the low 60s.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do puppets or actuación, pronounced ahk-too-ahc-see-OWN. Frank and Paco had an actuación today at St. Laurence Elementary.

Yes...Frank and Paco are getting very popular. All of the 1st and 3rd graders enjoyed trying them out and taking pictures with them. I'm just waiting for them to get agents. You can see both of them in our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Order it today from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Driving around this evening, I noticed that every popular restaurant parking lot was full. Either people are enjoying themselves no matter what or tonight is their one night a week to splurge. I was happy for the restaurant owners and employees.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Weather/Trash Trouble/FOCA

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Wednesday's severe weather total was 172 (10 of those tornadoes in Georgia--only 1 injury reported). It was high wind that caused 1 death in Georgia -- trees falling on a house. There were NO severe reports today (Thursday).

Friday's weather will be tranquil. There will be scattered snow from the northern Rockies to the Great Lakes to the northeast. There will be rain in St. Louis. Highs will be in the teens across the northern plains while the southern states will be bathed in sunshine and will enjoy highs in the 60s and 70s.

Houston will be pleasant and sunny with a low near 40 and a high in the upper 60s. Clouds return Saturday and there will be showers in the afternoon. Sunday will be cool and sunny with lows near 40 and highs in the low 60s.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do memorial or conmemorativo, pronounced cown-meh-more-ah-tee-VOH. Steve Austin's fathers conmemorativo was very moving.

Here's a little known fact...learning languages improves the ability to hypothesize in science. So, don't just do science fair projects, study language! Order our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Order it today from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Well here is a pet peeve for you...what is up with all the trash? Gordy and I see so much trash on our long walks. We walk along Oyster Creek path and there is trash up and down the banks of the creek. I teased Gordy that I am going to bring along a trash bag as he picks so much stuff up. But seriously folks, how hard is it to put the trash in a trash can? They are everywhere!!! And even if you in a car, you can wait until you get home and throw the items away.

When I went to St. Mary's in Brownsville, Texas, our principal, Sister Antoinette, had a big problem with trash on the school grounds. Frequently, she would have the entire school student body go outside and scour the grounds for trash. Our grounds were immaculate...it was like winning the lottery to find a piece of trash to throw away. We need more Sister Antoinette's in this world.

I am not one to force my religious opinions on others. But even before I knew the official teaching of the Catholic chuch, I was adamantly opposed to abortion. To me, it seemed unbelievable that a life, however dependent, and no matter at what stage of development, could be considered anything but life. At mass this last weekend, our church body signed 3 post cards opposing the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). These cards are going to our various congress people. This is something being undertaken by every Catholic church in America. Even if you are not opposed to abortion, you should know that FOCA will allow girls who are minors to obtain abortions--without parental knowledge and definitely without consent. And, Catholic hospitals will be required to perform abortions. The church is prepared to close every Catholic hospital if this comes to pass.

My mother forwarded the following Associated Press article about Nancy Pelosi's recent visit with the pope.
VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Benedict XVI on Wednesday told U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, a Catholic who supports abortion rights, that Catholic politicians have a duty to protect life "at all stages of its development," the Vatican said.
Pelosi is the first top Democrat to meet with Benedict since the election of Barack Obama, who won a majority of the=2 0Catholic vote despite differences with the Vatican on abortion.
The Vatican released remarks by the pope to Pelosi, saying Benedict spoke of the church's teaching "on the dignity of human life from conception to natural death." That is an expression often used by the pope when expressing opposition to abortion.
Benedict said all Catholics—especially legislators, jurists and political leaders—should work to create "a just system of laws capable of protecting human life at all stages of its development."
Pelosi could not immediately be reached after the 15-minute meeting, which was closed to reporters and photographers. The two met in a small room of a Vatican auditorium after the pope's weekly public audience.
A number of the bishops in the United States have questioned Pelosi's stance on abortion, particularly her theological defense of her support for abortion rights.
Benedict has cautiously welcomed the new Democratic administration, although several American cardinals have sharply criticized its support of abortion rights in a break from former President George W. Bush.

Have a fantastic Friday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weather Change/The Real Steve Austin/Neat Sites to See in Holy Land

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
As I write this, there have been 98 reports of severe weather (mostly hail)--no tornadoes--in Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and South Carolina. These are storms ahead of the next cold front.

Thursday will be more tranquil with a few thunderstorms over Florida. There will be some snow around the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley and a cold rain in New York. Highs for the northern plains will be in the teens while much of Florida will reach the 80s.

Houston will be delightful--sunshine, low humidity, low near 50 and high in the upper 60s. Expect upper 30s early Friday with a high in the upper 60s and clouds returning late. On Saturday, there will be rain especially during the later half of the day. Sunshine will return on Sunday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do research or investigación, pronounced een-vehs-tee-gah-see-OWN. I have been doing a lot of investigación to find buyers for our English teaching DVD for children. And what I really need to find out is who are the distributors of children's products for Spanish speakers, especially educational DVDs. We have 2 big name distributors for our Spanish teaching DVD. But they don't know what to do with the other version.

We are well established with our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Order it today from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Do you remember that show The Six Million Dollar Man? Well when that show was at its height of popularity, my brother became friends with a young man named Steve Austin. I'll never forget the day Steve first called asking for my brother. When I asked if I could take a message, he replied, "Tell him Steve Austin called". And I said, "Yeah right, and I'm Santa Claus. Who is this really?". After several rounds of him trying to convince me, I finally gave up and wrote it down. Boy was I surprised to find out that really was his name. He was a super nice guy and to this day, my brother is still his close friend.

Well, on a sad note, Steve Austin's father passed away. Steve and his family now live in the Houston area. And my brother is flying up from the valley for the funeral tomorrow. I will go with him. Please keep Steve Austin's family in your prayers.

My mother and stepdad are getting ready to make a trip to the Holy Land. Would you believe you can get your marriage blessed at the location of the Wedding at Cana and priests can renew their Holy Orders at the room where The Last Supper occurred? This is just amazing to me that these places are known to exist. So I will make sure that they take lots of pictures and I will post some of these on the blog. I read a book a few months back called Saving the Holy Sepulchre. I was astounded to find out that there is a church on the grounds where Jesus was crucified. There are many historically significant temples in the church. They will see that as well and I can't wait to hear all about it.

Have a nice Thursday everyone.
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Next cold front/Getting organized/Book Recommendations

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Some severe weather is possible Wednesday and Wednesday night over a portion of the southeast. There will also be many areas with rain and thunderstorms--from Cincinnati to Atlanta and down to new Orleans. Cold spots will be North Dakota and Minnesota with highs in the single digits and teens. There will be snow/rain around the Great Lakes and the Rockies and Intermountain Region.

Houston will start cloudy and mild. Cold front arrives around midday. But it will be a warm afternoon--some low 80s possible. Humidity will drop during the afternoon. So it will be very pleasant. Any rain will be over by noon. Thursday will be delightful--sunshine, low humidity, cool morning and mild/cool afternoon.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do organize or organizar, pronounced or-gah-KNEE-czar. Today it was time to organizar.

Our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, is organized into 3 chapters--home/family, food/drink and play. That is because those are the topics so important to children. Talk about what concerns them and they will listen (and learn). Order it today from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
You know how you are planning to do one thing and then you just have to take care of something else (and let the other thing wait)? Well, I couldn't stand looking at Sarah's avalanche of books in her room anymore. You see, we read a lot and books are very important in our household. But the books had taken over Sarah's room. I am seeing my brother soon and he has 3 little boys (4 and under). So, they are getting Sarah's books for younger children. Well, I spent quite a long time weeding out the easier books, but I can now say that it is all organized. And I can move around in Sarah's room and all of her books are on bookshelves. We'll see how long that lasts. Ha! Books are such treasures. It really is important to read to your children every day.

When I was growing up, we had a small library of books in our house. We didn't have much, but somehow my mom managed to get us some wonderful books. We read them over and over until they were falling apart. My sister Julie was a big time bookworm. She frequently disappeared into her room for hours, reading away. She has a fantastic vocabulary. And my mom, on her own time, coached a spelling bee student all the way to nationals (2 years in a row). The student didn't win 1st place but did do very well.

My favorite book is The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck. Just reading about how much they relished even the simplest things really appealed to me. For example, I remember that the man was about to get married and he decided to splurge and use tea leaves to make himself some tea in the morning--such a luxury. Or how about the Laura Ingalls Wilder series? There was one Christmas where they were so excited because the little cakes had "real white" sugar on them. Oh, and they each got a penny!

By the way, I just finished The Faith Club about 3 ladies, 1 Muslim, 1 Christian and 1 Jewish who really analyze their individual faiths. I recommend this book--I learned a few things--1 of special importance. Special thanks to my friend Marilyn Griffin who loaned it to me. Just so you know Marilyn, my mom is reading it now. Don't worry, she'll get it back to you.

When you get down to it, it's those simple little things in life that we treasure so much--a cup of coffee, a newspaper, a fun blog to read. Ha! You get the big things and the excitement doesn't last long--does it? At the end of your life, you look back and cherish those special times with loved ones--like a simple walk, a smile, a twinkle in the eye.

Happy Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

More Snow Where?/Poll Results/New Poll/Nifty Translation Tool

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
More snow out west and the winter weather advisories/warnings/watches are plentiful. On Tuesday, this area will be dealing with more snow. There will be some snow showers around the Great Lakes. Look for some showers/even a few thunderstorms in Louisiana and Texas.

Tuesday will be cloudy and mild in Houston. Highs will be in the low 70s. There will be some showers. Cold front arrives midday Wednesday. There will be some showers/possibly a few thunderstorms very early. Weather will be dry from then into the weekend.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do translation or traducción, pronounced trah-doo-see-OWN. It helps when you have someone or some way to do a traducción.

The first step to language learning is learning vocabulary. And, it helps when the words are words that are important to you. That's exactly what we came up with (for children) in our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Order it today from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Our poll about favorite vegetables is now closed. Although I couldn't put every possible type of vegetable, I think we listed some of the most popular. Here are the percentages for favorites: 25% green beans, 12% green peas, 12% corn, 12% yellow squash, 12% broccoli, 12% zucchini, 12% carrots. Thanks to all of you who participated.

It looks like NASA will get $1 billion from the stimulus package. How do you feel about that? Is it enough? Too much? Voice your opinion in our new poll.

Our youngest daughter Sarah has a rare syndrome called Smith-Magenis Syndrome and we are very involved with the international organization for it, PRISMS. Through PRISMS we are linked with other affected families. Recently, the president asked me to talk to a mother in Chile, a Spanish speaking mom of an affected child. Well, my Spanish is just not good enough but one of our PRISMS members told me about a nifty program which does free translating. Here is the link:
http://www.freetranslation.com/
There are all kinds of languages available. I just love it!!! Check it out!

In closing, I was reminded today of how truly blessed we are. Every time I visit Texas Children's facilities, I am humbled by the heroic parents and children who face substantial medical difficulties. Today I noticed that a line supplying oxygen to a baby in a stroller was in danger of being cut off by the wheel. So I stopped the mom and she and I untangled it. Then, I looked at the baby and was taken aback. This poor little angel was horribly disfigured with a hugh swollen head--perhaps a tumor growing in her face. I said "Hi Baby" and she happily kicked her feet, oblivious to her disfigurement. I pray that they will find a way to give her as normal a life as possible. God bless all families with children, especially those whose children have medical problems.

Have a wonderful Tuesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weather for the Week/Good News for Ski Resorts/Which Vegetable is Losing

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
The weather is wet in California this Sunday. This is very good news for the ski resorts!!! And there will be another round of snow next weekend. Finally, the west coast is getting some weather! The rest of the country is fairly quiet this Sunday.

On Monday, rain returns to Texas and there will be some showers along the outer banks of the Carolinas, snow showers over the western Great Lakes states and some scattered snow showers and rain out west from California eastward through Nevada. The northern plains and Great Lakes will be the cool spots with highs in the teens and 20s.

Houston will be partly sunny today and then cloudy with showers on Monday. Monday will be chilly with lows in the 40s and highs in the 50s. There will be more showers on Tuesday with lows in the 50s and highs in the 60s. Sunshine returns end of the week and this coming Saturday looks pleasant with sunshine.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do diet (after yesterday's candy and yummy food). Now a regular diet is just dieta, pronounced dee-eh-TAH. But if you are going on a diet, you would say hacer dieta, pronounced AH-ser dee-eh-TAH. I hope to have a better dieta this week!

Of course one of the number one things kids think about is food. That is why the first volume of our award winning DVD has a chapter devoted to food and drink. Kids pay attention because we show them things they care about. Give them the gift of language and entertainment. Order Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
And speaking of food and healthy things, our poll about favorite vegetables will close soon. So far no one has voted for broccoli...poor broccoli, it has so little respect--remember President George Bush senior didn't like it? Get your vote in before the poll closes. I'll have poll results and a new poll tomorrow.

Hope everyone had a fun Valentine's Day. Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Weather/Who Was St. Valentine?

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
A wet Friday for many locations including parts of the south and out west. Saturday, there will be thunderstorms from Texas through the Gulf Coast States to Florida and up the eastern seaboard. There will be snow showers around the Great Lakes and northern New England. Look for more rain and snow (in the higher elevations) out west. Coldest spot will be in the northern plains with highs in the single digits. Sunday, it will still be wet out west. Only wet spot in the southeast will be Florida.

Houston will have a wet Saturday with some storms (2 rounds possible--1 midday through the afternoon and another after midnight Saturday). Then it will be partly cloudy and dry on Sunday. Lows and highs Saturday will be in the 60s. Lows Sunday will be in the 50s with highs in the upper 60s. There could be more showers as early as Monday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
It is love of course--amor, pronounced ah-MORE. Amor will be in the air on Saturday! Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

There is no kissing in our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. But there is plenty of hugging and dancing and singing. That's one of the reasons youngsters enjoy it so much. Give the gift of language and entertainment. Order it from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
I teach a religion class to 1st graders at my church and I got to thinking that I had never heard the story of the Saint Valentine. Come to find out, there is a very good reason why. There are a bunch of stories about possible people who could have been Saint Valentine. For more information, go to this link at Americancatholic.org
http://www.americancatholic.org/Features/ValentinesDay/origins.asp.

On a sad note, Bob Wenzel, passed away. Bob was on the board of The Weather Museum with me. I also saw he and his wife Kathy at church. Bob was a long time supporter of the museum and The Weather Research Center. A memorial service will be held for him on Monday, Feb. 16, 2009 at 6:30p.m. at St. Laurence Catholic Church, located at 3100 Sweetwater Blvd in Sugar Land. Please keep his family in your prayers.

Everyone hug your loved ones very tight this weekend!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Where To Go Ski/Lucky and Unlucky Number 13

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Well, make your ski plans now...because the snow is coming to the Sierra Nevada. A series of storms will bring snow to the higher elevations over the next 5 to 6 days. When you go, don't forget to visit my sister's store (on the north side). It's called Mountain Casuals. There will be a few thunderstorms around southern Louisiana. Look for a few snow showers from northern Minnesota (where highs will be in the teens) to Denver and into the Rockies and Intermountain Region.

Houston will be mild...starting in the 50s and ending in the low 70s. There will be a few showers with rain more likely on Saturday. Next front arrives early Sunday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do thirteen or trece, pronounced threh-SAY. I consider trece to be a very lucky number when that is the number ordered by a distributor.

Yes, we do have a couple distributors of our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. The more orders we get into barnesandnoble.com and bestbuy.com, the more likely it is that the DVD will be allowed to go on their shelves in stores. You can always get it at www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
In honor of Friday the 13th, I did some checking around...the most common reason given that Friday the 13th is considered unlucky is that with Doubting Thomas at the Last Supper, there were 13 people at the table. And, Jesus was crucified on a Friday.

Now consider this...the name Saddam Hussein has 13 letters. Yet, luckily he was caught on December 13, 2003. Here's another favorable use of 13--the United States began with 13 colonies. And for me personally, I can think of at least one very dear person, whose birthday is on the 13th.

If you don't like Friday the 13ths, got a double whammy for you...not only is this Friday a Friday the 13th but because February (non-leap years) only has 28 days, we get another Friday the next month (in March).

Have a safe and happy Friday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Severe Aftermath/Putting a Smile on Their Face

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
More than 300 hundred severe weather reports over the last 2 days...most of them high wind (especially today). But last night produced 6 tornadoes--1 of them deadly in Montague, Texas. Closer to Houston, there were 2 high wind reports...one storm knocked down a tree, trapping the residents inside. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries there.

Tonight, much quieter except for the northeast where the storm is winding northeastward.

Thursday will be chilly across the northern plains with highs in the teens and 20s. There will be snow showers around the Great Lakes, the Rockies and the Intermountain Region. There will be rain around Boston and New York. Gorgeous weather for the southern plains and the southeast.

Houston will be partly cloudy with lows in the 40s and highs in the 70s. Another front moves through early in the weekend. There will be a few showers on Friday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do greeting card or tarjeta de felicitación, pronounced tar-hey-TAH DAY fay-lee-see-tah-see-OWN. It is fun to make your own tarjeta de felicitación.

And it is fun to learn Spanish. When I was at the Pancakes and Pajamas event this past Saturday, it was so cute to see the children become fascinated with our video (which I had playing). The wonderful thing about children is that they are so curious about the world around them and to them, language learning is fun. Throw in all the benefits like enhanced cognitive development and improved memory and you've got a win-win situation.

So, take advantage of all of these things--order our award winning DVD Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco at www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Don't forget to vote in our all important poll about your favorite vegetable. Garden update--our radishes are already germinating...after only 2 days, some little green sprouts were poking up their heads today.

Yesterday, I had my 1st grade religion class students make Valentine's for some nursing home residents. You should have seen their sweet faces as they worked on the cards and the adorable sentiments they wrote. Today, Sarah and I took the cards over to the nursing home which had taken care of my father until he died. I know that these small tokens from innocents have brought tremendous joy to some of them. Let us never forget those who need cheering and love.

Have a terrific Thursday everyone.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

After the Severe Storms/New Brilliant Exercise Program

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
As I write this blog this evening (about 9:40 pm), there have been 68 reports of severe weather including 3 tornadoes--2 in Oklahoma and 1 in Texas. Now the Tornado Watch has been extended southward to include the northern counties of southeast Texas...see figure at right. The greatest threat for severe weather remains north of Houston, but there is an impressive line of storms that reaches to the south of San Antonio. I think that will arrive in the Houston metro between 1 and 2 am. There will be some high winds. Some hail and tornadoes are possible.

In contrast, Wednesday will be much quieter for much of the country although there will be some thunderstorms in the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys and southward to New Orleans. Look for snow in the higher elevations of the Rockies and Intermountain Region. Coldest spot will be the northern plains with highs in the 20s. Almost everywhere else will be above freezing.

A delightful day on the way for Houston...rain will be over by daybreak. Temperatures will be in the 50s and highs will be in the 70s. On Thursday, partly cloudy with lows in the 40s and highs in the 60s. Another weak cold front arrives on Friday, bringing some showers.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do the verb to count or contar, pronounced COWN-tar. Sarah and I worked on a homework sheet which required the children contar for one minute.

Our 3rd volume of Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco will have numbers along with alphabet and colors. Until that is done, you can check out our award winning Volume 1 at www.frankandpaco.com/. There are terms for eating, drinking, home, family and play. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Okay...this proves that I do not see things and I'm not crazy. Remember my post about seeing a bobcat along Oyster Creek Trail a few years ago? Well, according to an article in the Chronicle, there have been bobcat sightings along Buffalo Bayou in Katy...ahh haaa! One eyewitness described it almost as I did...small head...walking slowly...turned to look and then continued on into the brush. Ahhhh haaaa!!!

Back to counting--Sarah's class had a fun and very interesting math sheet. You had to guess how many times you could do certain things in one minute. One minute doesn't sound so long...well trust me it is! One of the things we had to do was stand up and sit down as many times as possible in one minute. Well, let me tell you--I run for exercise, but I was downright pooped by all that standing up and sitting down--I did that 25 times and I just know I'll be sore tomorrow. Of course, we had to do the beats of the heart in 1 minute. Well, after all that standing up and sitting down, I just couldn't count that fast! Gee whiz! Oh and you can just forget this one--hopping on one foot. Ow! Ow! Ow! I had to alternate feet...hope that is allowed. I was doing great for the first 5 seconds, but then it was all uphill from there. Hey...maybe we have come up with a multi-million dollar exercise program--it's Cecilia's stand up/sit down workout. You'll hit your target heart rate in 30 seconds--guaranteed.

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Severe Threat Expands/Poll Closes/New Poll

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Severe weather will focus a bulls eye on northeast Texas late Tuesday/early Wednesday. But as the figure at right shows, there are many locations with at least of slight risk of severe storms. Severe storms produce large hail, damaging winds, and/or tornadoes.

Even more moderation of temperatures on Tuesday for much of the country. What has been frigid Maine will make highs in the 20s. There will be highs in the 20s, 30s, and 40s across the north and northeast. And the south and southeast will be in the 60s to the 80s. Look for thunderstorms in Arkansas, Tennessee, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. There will be rain for much of the west and snow in the higher elevations there. There will snow and rain in New Mexico and snow in the northern plains and the western Great Lakes states. There will rain in parts of the northeast including Boston.

Houston will be mostly cloudy and mild with lows in the 60s and highs in the 70s. Storms, some possibly severe will pass through between midnight and 5 am Wednesday morning. Wednesday will be sunny with lows in the upper 50s and highs in the 70s.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do garden or jardín, pronounced har-DEEN. I love working in the jardín. When I lived in the Rio Grande Valley there was a restaurant which made wonderful tacos called Taco Jardín (kind of weird now that I think about it--taco garden--not too appetizing).

Speaking of things to eat, we teach terms for lots of things kids love in our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Check it out at www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Our poll, about President Obama's performance thus far, has closed. 22% think he has taken all the right steps. 33% think he has done some positive things but needs to do more. 11% thought he is not doing enough. And 33% thought he has made some bad choices. Thanks for responding.

Our new poll is more light hearted--what is your favorite vegetable? Don't like vegetables--well there is a choice for you too. Have fun!

Speaking of vegetables, Sarah and I along with Sarah's friend Gabriella, worked in the garden today. The weather is warming up and I would like to get a round or two of radishes out of my sun exposed garden before it gets too hot. We pulled out the weeds, tilled the soil, and mixed in some new soil. We also picked some more pea pods. Sarah is doing her best to eat them all up, but it has been challenging. I cut back the tomato plants...I think they might come back. It would be so nice not to have to start new ones. Will let you know how it goes.

Have a terrific Tuesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Where Severe Weather Will Be/She Met Henry Kissinger/Healthy Banana Bread

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Some severe weather moving through west Texas this evening. Look for severe weather in north Texas on Monday as a cold front marches across the state. Also look for storms in Oklahoma and Kansas. Country is much warmer than it was in early January. Highs will be in the 30s in the northeast and around the Great Lakes. The only exception will be extreme northern New England (Maine) which will be much colder. There will be rain and snow over much of the western U.S. and western Great Lakes states. The snow will be confined to the higher elevations. Nice and warm across the southern Plains and southeast with higher humidity.

Houston will be mostly cloudy and mild on Monday...lows in the 60s and highs in the 70s. There will be a few showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Still, most of the action should be over north Texas. Weak front moves by early Wednesday. Looks like we will only get a glancing blow with a few showers early Wednesday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do retirement or jubilación, pronounced joo-bee-lah-SEE-own. Lyn Ead is jubilant about her jubilación.

It's always fun to learn new things...I know Lyn is a lady who likes to learn. And children love to learn when it is fun. Well, here's a fun way for them to learn Spanish, through our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Check it out at www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
The Pancakes and Pajamas event, benefitting the Fort Bend Rainbow Room, was a big hit with the kids. It was fun to see them running around in their PJs (even at noon!). Frank and Paco (the puppets) had fun visiting with them and even got to be in a parade. We are looking forward to attending next year! Thanks so much to Eleanor Traylor and Kelly Stevenson for inviting us.

Remember my salad recipe of last post? Well I made it for a retirement party for a dear friend, Lyn Ead. Lyn is an amazing lady, who practices martial arts and knows so much about world history. She is even a part of history. She has a photo of herself with Henry Kissinger! Wow! I think the ramen noodle salad was well received. It was so nice to be with Lyn on this special day. It was also fantastic to see so many "old" friends from FOX 26. It was a blast working with all of them. I know they will miss you Lyn.

Speaking of recipes, I made a special banana bread for my Megan today. She has been trying to eat healthier and asked me if I could make a whole wheat, no sugar banana bread. Well I followed the directions on the package but had to make some substitutions. Instead of 1/2 cup brown sugar, I put 15 packets of Splenda. Instead of a stick of butter, I put my best guesstimate of a 1/2 cup of Smart Balance butter. Instead of a 1/2 cup of honey, I put the same amount of sugar free syrup. Then I did something a little naughty. Just to give it a boost, I put in a few semi-sweet chocolate chunk chips. Well, it was pretty good, I must say. I think it is the very best when heated. I sure didn't feel guilty eating that banana bread.

Quick update on ICarly and Sam, our goldfish. They have survived more than a month now and they are doing very well...still little piglets. ICarly the gold one, is definitely the dominant fish. Whenever I feed them, she kind of nips at Sam until she feels she is getting as much food as she wants. Don't worry, Sam gets enough. ICarly had a very nasty fungus on her back left tail. But I have been diligently adding the fungus fighting liquid and everything is almost completely back to normal. Hope you didn't read this before you ate. Ewwwwww!

Have a great week!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Forecast/You Have Got to Try This Salad!

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
A really nice day shaping up for most of the eastern seaboard...New York will get into the 40s. Trough (almost a cutoff low) is digging deep over southern California/northwest Mexico. Unfortunately for Lake Tahoe ski resorts, it looks like most of the action will slide by to the south. And in fact, many of the winter storm watches/advisories are very far south...see diagram from the Storm Prediction Center (at right). Northern Plains, Great Lakes and northern New England will be the cool spots with highs in the 20s. There will be a spotty snow shower around the Great Lakes, but most of the snow will be over the southern Rockies and southern mountains of California.

Sunday, cool air will shift further southward so that it will be chillier in places like New York and DC. There will also be more widespread snow showers around the Great Lakes.

Houston will enjoy more spring-like days on Saturday and Sunday. Lows will be in the 50s and then 60s respectively. Highs will be in the upper 70s. Next best chance for rain is Wednesday although it probably won't be much. Looking way ahead, might have a very busy, wet day on the 15th. More to come on that.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do salad or ensalada, pronounced ehn-sah-lah-DAH. I love all kinds of ensalada. And check the And More section for a yummy salad I tried for the first time over the holidays.

Tomorrow from 9 am to 2 pm, Frank, Paco, and I will be at Pancakes and Pajamas being held at the Honor Roll school (in the gym), visiting with all the youngsters and teaching them some Spanish. The event benefits the Fort Bend Community Partners Rainbow Room--helping give children from traumatic situations the things that can help make them more comfortable. Children are encouraged to wear their pajamas while enjoying all the fun.

If you can't make Pancakes and Pajamas, you can always catch them on our web site and of course you can order our award winning DVD from there as well. Check out Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco at www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Okay...so have I been totally under a rock? When I went home at Christmas, my in-laws made this awesomely delicious salad called Ramen noodle salad. It is a twist on regular old cole slaw. Let me just say that I don't even like cole slaw. But this salad is amazing!!! I am making it for a party on Sunday. I'll let you know how my version turns out.

There are several variations but I am going with this one from GAgirl's Recipes:
Slaw:
Two 1 pound bags of cole slaw (I didn't even know until tonight that you could buy the bags of pre-shredded slaw--my mom always painstakingly shredded up the cabbage)
1 bunch of chopped green onions (this is optional)

Dressing:
2 packages of Ramen noodle seasoning--I don't have this so I can going to add seasonings to taste
1/3 cup cider vinegar or rice wine vinegar
1/2 cup sugar (more or less to taste)--I like less personally--never liked the sweetness of cole slaw
1/2 cup oil

Crunchies:
2 packages Ramen noodles, broken up (Oriental flavor or 1 oriental, 1 chicken)--I am doing the 1 and 1 version
4 oz package of almond slivers
4 oz package of sunflower seeds (shelled)

Add the dressing and crunchies right before serving--otherwise the crunchies will become soggies. In my opinion, it's the crunchiness of the ramen noodles that makes it taste so incredible.

Enjoy!

Have a great weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Big Weather Pattern Shift/Meet someone special on Facebook

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
From one side of the country to the other...the trough that has been so dominant over the eastern U.S. is flattening and a new trough is digging out west. My sister, who has a retail business on Lake Tahoe, said there has just not been enough snow and that combined with a weakened economy is just killing business. Well the good news is that on Friday there will be snow in the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada, Intermountain Region and Rockies. Don't cancel those spring break skiing plans just yet.

It will be in the 20s and 30s across the northeast on Friday. Out west in the lower elevations, there will be rain and temperatures in the 40s. Southern plains, southwest and southeast will be in the 50s, 60s and 70s with sunshine.

Houston on Friday will be noticeably milder but still very comfortable with lows in the 50s and highs in the 70s. Humidity will be higher. Next front won't arrive until Wednesday. A sprinkle or two is possible each day with the most likely time for rain being on Wednesday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do delightful or muy agradable, pronounced muee ah-grah-dah-BLAY. I think today's weather was muy agradable.

When I was a little girl and my mom had her 5th and 6th children toddling around, we had a Spanish speaking maid--especially since there were some health problems for a while. My little sister and brother often used Spanish instead of English. It was just so cute. Their little minds had no problem handling both languages and research shows that their minds are stimulated and even develop better when exposed to more than one language. Let your kids enjoy a similar experience--order our award-winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco from our web site www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Getting ready for the Pancakes and Pajamas event this Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm. Will have some goodies for the kids (and parents please don't be mad at me). I also got some fun balloons to decorate. Frank and Paco are both so excited. By the way, you can talk to Frank the Horse on Facebook. Yep! He has his own Facebook account. Just go to facebook.com and look for Frank the Horse.

Finally, tonight, I frequently talk about Sarah. But I just want you all to know that I am just as proud of Megan. Megan is working very hard right to become a veterinary assistant. We watch a lot of animal planet and enjoy sharing animal information. I just want to give her a big pat on the back. If all goes well, she will get her certification in August. You go girl!

Happy Friday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

A Taste of Spring/Where Frank and Paco are Having Breakfast Saturday

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There may be 6 more weeks of winter, but the next few days will be more like a taste of spring with much of the country enjoying milder temperatures. There will be some spotty snow Thursday from the Great Lakes to Norfolk, Virginia. Look for rain along the west coast. Coldest temperatures will be in the northeast and around the Great Lakes with highs in the teens and 20s.

Houston will be sunny and delightful...starting at about 40 and ending up close to 70. Temperatures will warm slightly each day into the weekend with some clouds and higher humidity starting on Friday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do pancake or panqueque, pronounced pahn-K-K. If you want some fun and yummy panqueques, don't miss the Junior Service League's pajamas and pancakes event this Saturday 2/7.

And Frank and Paco will be there Saturday, talking to all the girls and boys. DVDs will be on sale with half the proceeds benefitting the event.

If you can't make it Saturday, you can always order our award-winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco from our web site www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Yes indeed, Frank and Paco are very excited about Saturday's Pajamas and Pancakes. Here is some of the information.

Jump out of bed and join us February 7, 2009 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm for the second annual Pancakes & Pajamas Children's Festival, presented by Fort Bend Junior Service League and Richmond Bone and Joint Clinic. We are excited to announce that The Honor Roll School at 4111 Sweetwater Blvd in Sugar Land, has once again graciously offered their campus for the event.
This year's theme is Pancakes & Pajamas - Clowning Around. The fun-filled day will include a tasty pancake breakfast, make-and-take craft activities, fun and physical activities, concession stands, raffle, book fair, author appearances, contests, door prizes, vendors, and more. Children are encouraged to attend in their best bed-time attire!

This year's event will benefit Fort Bend Community Partners Rainbow Room. The Rainbow Room helps Fort Bend County children and families in crisis by assisting the efforts of Child Protective Services (CPS) caseworkers. The Rainbow Room is available to CPS caseworkers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is stocked with emergency and transitional supplies such as diapers, snacks, school supplies, clothing, toys and other necessary items. For more information on the Rainbow Room, please visit their website at www.fbrr.org.

Event tickets will go on sale December 1, 2008 through FBJSL members and at area merchants, including Grow With Me Toys in Sugar Land. Ticket prices are $15 for an all-inclusive pass, including pancake breakfast and participation in all games and activities. Children 2 and under are free.

For more information, go to: http://www.fbjsl.com/content/fundraisers/pancakes.php

Have a terrific Thursday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Winter Travel Trouble/Good Deal for Eating Out and Entertainment

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Just a quick update this evening to let you know that the northeast (including DC, New York, and Boston) are going to have winter woes over the next day or so. If you have any flight plans, make sure to check with your airline.

Houston weather on Wednesday--cool and sunny--morning lows in the upper 30s and highs in the upper 50s.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do french fries or papas fritas, pronounced PAH-pahs FREE-tahs. Sarah and I enjoyed 2 happy meals at McDonald's--one with papas fritas and one with apples. Guess what she like the most (the apples--because they came with caramel dipping sauce)?

We have all kinds of food terms in our award-winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Order it today from our web site www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Chuck E. Cheese's is putting out some coupons where a family of four can eat and get tokens for under $5 a person. I don't know if this link will go but here goes.
http://email.chuckecheese.com/static/chuckecheese/565551/coupon_nt.htm?roi=echo4-4812926066-4104610-f7d7ba0d39f831abf4e308bd977e2ac7&eemail=foxwxgal@hotmail.com&placement=image

Here is the their main link if that doesn't work:
https://www.chuckecheese.com/

That's a pretty good deal considering you don't have to worry about tips. They are also offering printable Valentine's with free tokens.

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Week's Weather/Poll Results/New Poll/Groundhog Day Gala

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Wintry weather for the Great Lakes and a mix possible for DC, New York and Boston. Cold spot will be the northern Plains and Great Lakes with highs in the single digits and teens.

Houston has Chamber of Commerce weather and will enjoy more of the same through Friday. Highs today will be in the 60s. Reinforcing shot of cool, dry air arrives later today. Wednesday will start at about 40 and highs will only be in the 50s (with sunshine).

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do winter or invierno, pronounced een-vee-air-NOH. According to all Groundhog Day animals, there will be 6 more weeks of winter.

Well what is more fun on a cold winter day than to watch an entertaining DVD? Your youngsters can do just that and be educated through our award-winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco.
Order it today from our web site www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Our technology poll is closed. 40% love new technology and want more, more, more. 40% are managing technological changes and enjoying. 20% are managing but not enjoying. And no one wanted technological change to stop.

Our new poll is about Obama's presidency thus far. Thank you for participating.

Well, Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvania and at The John C. Freeman Weather Museum in Houston, Pacha the Sloth and BK the Owl from the Downtown Aquarium, all saw their shadows yesterday. So, there will be 6 more weeks of winter. There were lots of children in attendance at the Weather Museum event (as you can see from the photo at right).

The Groundhog Day Gala benefiting education programs provided by The John C. Freeman Weather Museum was a huge success. Mayor Bill White, Hurricane Director Bill Read, Houston Meteorologist in Charge Gene Hafele and Judge Ed Emmett were just a few of the VIPs honored as heroes during weather crises. The heroic crew of the Coast Guard helicopter rescue team received an emotional standing ovation. This crew risked their lives to save every occupant of a truck being engulfed by the ocean during Hurricane Ike. They continued their rescue mission even though they were running out of fuel.

Cherish the Music provided the entertainment. They performed a littany of 30+ songs which were weather themed. You can find out more about this marvelous group at
http://cherishthemusic.homestead.com/.

Have a wonderful day!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Punxsatawney Phil Sees His Shadow - 6 More Weeks of Winter

Well somehow he saw his shadow--that means 6 more weeks of winter. That is probably good news for Houston. Ha!

Have a great day!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Cooler Weather/Groundhog Day Prediction/Stolen Chicken Head is Recovered

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Weather is fairly quiet this evening. There is a cold front moving across the south central plains and Texas. Cooler weather will be pushing into the southeast on Monday. Highs Monday will be in the single digits and teens in the northern plains. There will be some snow around the Great Lakes. There will be rain in Seattle, along the eastern seaboard and the southeast.

Houston will be mostly sunny and breezy. Highs will be in the 60s. Tuesday morning will be cooler, in the 30s. Highs on Tuesday will be close to 60. The weather will be cool in the mornings and mild in the afternoons through the week. Over the weekend, the humidity returns and temperatures warm up.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
The word for soccer is fútbol, pronounced FOOT-bowl. But if you are talking about football, as in Super Bowl, it is fútbol americano, pronounced FOOT-bowl ah-mare-ee-cah-NO.

One of the chapters of our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco is all about the physical things kids love like playing, running, swimming etc. The content was created by 2 bilingual educators and a linguist. And, it has been recognized as a top educational product by Dr. Toy and Homeschool.com! Order it today from our web site www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. If you are more interested in a full immersion type product, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Good news for those of you who may have been worried about the big chicken head that was missing from the cadillac in the Bandera Church's chicken. No, it didn't go to the slaughterhouse like its brothers. According to the San Antonio Express-News, it was stolen on New Year's Eve. The locals were quite upset and many just couldn't enjoy their meals the same way. Fortunately, just last week, a 47 year old stocker at the local Super S, happened to spot it in a garbage bin outside a Salvation Army in Kerrville (25 miles away). The owner of the Church's said she and her husband had created the chicken car back in 1994. She gave the stocker a $500 check as a reward. He was glad to have it and planned to use it to pay property taxes.

Well, tomorrow is the big day...but I just can't figure out why I haven't received any Groundhog Day cards yet. Usually my mailbox is just stuffed with them by now.

Don't worry. That won't get me down because there are so many exciting things happening tomorrow. First of all, there is the free Groundhog Day festivities at The Weather Museum. Bring your little ones for a morning of free fun. There will be a couple animals from the zoo. Then in the evening, it's the Groundhog Day gala at the Houston zoo. Proceeds will benefit the education programs offered by the The John C. Freeman Weather Museum and The Weather Research Center. It is going to be wonderful night!

Based on my analysis, I think Punxsatawney Phil will not see his shadow--therefore he will not be frightened and run back in his hole and winter will be over. You heard it here first!

Have a terrific week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman