A Break in the Weather/Longest Running Mayor

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Focal area for storms on Friday will extend from the southern plains to the Tennessee Valley. Plenty of warm weather across the south, including 90s in south Texas and the desert Southwest. Highs for the northern plains and western Great Lakes states will be in the 50s.

No big downpours in Houston today!!! Looks like the next round of the rain will be late Sunday, early Monday as the jet takes a slight dip over the southern plains. Some slightly drier air early next week but the warm afternoons will continue.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do mayor or alcalde, pronounced ahl-CAHL-day. Who is the longest running alcalde on record? You might be surprised at what I learned today. See AND MORE section for details.

We haven't won any recognition for longevity, but our DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, has been honored as one of the Top 10 Educational Products of 2008 from Dr. Toy. We also were recognized as a Top 15 Educational product by Homeschool.com. Order your copy from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/,http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
My dear friend Evelyn Traylor gave me an interesting tip. She recently attended an event held in the home of Richmond mayor, Hilmar Moore. Now, here is the amazing thing--he has been mayor since September 22, 1949. So this Setpember 22nd, he will have been mayor for 60 continuous years!!! Some sources say he is the record holder for longest running mayor in Texas (some say in the U.S.). Check out this link for more:

http://www.ci.richmond.tx.us/hilbio.htm

Photo at right is of Teddy with the bigger of the two twins I announced last Friday. That's little Michael there. Alexander isn't quite up to that level of brotherly love yet. But, he will be soon! Can't wait to hug them all!

Have a fantastic Friday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Will It Rain Thursday?/Toads are Back/Swine Flu

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Really feeling like spring (with a hint of summer for many areas). One more day to get those April showers for those May flowers and there will be rain for the central and southern plains and the midwest. Some of this will be from severe storms. The coolest areas will be over the northern Rockies and northern plains with highs in the 30s and 40s. Highs in the 60s and 70s for much of the west coast, eastern seaboard (except the southern part), Great Lakes and northeast. Highs will be in the 80s and 90s over the southern states.

Jet stream is flattening and positioning itself over the northern third of the country. There will be dips from time to time (over the next week or so), mainly over the Rockies or northern plains. This will allow storms to travel a bit further south.

Today, Houston got that much needed respite from rain but I think there will be some thunderstorms Thursday afternoon. So, keep a watchful eye on those flood trouble spots and be ready to seek shelter if storms become intense. Otherwise it will be warm and muggy and that is the outlook through the weekend. Look for another round of rain on Sunday--although I don't expect a big rain event.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do hunt or caza, pronunced CAH-zah. Sarah and I went on a caza for toads this evening. See AND MORE section to find out how we did.

You can expose your child to the wonderful world of language in a number of ways...watching programs in Spanish is one way. PBS offers some children's programming in Spanish. And some of your DVDs may have an option to switch the language. Also, don't forget, you can watch our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Many of the libraries in Fort Bend County have donated copies. And of course, you can order your copy from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/,http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Well, the weather is warm and the toads are out. I sure hope they are in an eating mood..there have been so many mosquitos with this rain. We found two...we thought the first one was a girl and we named it Star from the Sprout Channel Goodnight Show. That one was very sluggish--hope that is because it had a tummy full of mosquitoes. The second one was big and tough looking. So, we named "him" Bruiser. He worked hard at trying to get away. Just so you know, the female toads, on average, are bigger than the males. You can learn more about toads by checking out Sarah and my www.youtube.com videos. Just do a search for 'TOAD HUNTERS". Make sure you capitalize those letters. Also, I have a link to one of them (in the links list at right).

Okay, here are my 2 cents on the Swine Flu. I grew up in the valley and we had a round of the swine flu in the 70s. It is another flu like any other--dangerous to the very young and old and sick. From what I have read, Tamiflu is effective in knocking it down if you start taking it within 24 hours. A friend of mine asked me if I would go to the Rio Grande Valley because a little girl who died from it recently, had just been in the valley. I most certainly will go to the valley and plan to soon for my niece's wedding. My sister who is a nurse practioner said practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and don't touch your nose or eyes.

Have a healthy and toad filled Thursday everyone.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Prospects for Flood Relief/Rain Totals Houston Area

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
The focal point for storms in Texas early this evening has been north of Houston. One tornado was confirmed in Robertson, Texas.

On Wednesday, look for storms from Texas to Illinois. Some showers and/or thunderstorms are also possible around DC, New York, Norfolk, Boston and in South Dakota, the northern Rockies and the Pacific Northwest. It will be cool over the northern Rockies with highs in the 30s and 40s. It will be pleasantly cool in New England and along the west coast with highs in the 50s and 60s. Lots of 80s across the southern states and muggy conditions from Texas through the southeast.

Houston is cringing at the thought of more rain. Overnight, there was over 10 inches in Jersey Village (a suburb northwest of Houston)! Houston has lots of bayous and creeks and there are rivers east and west of the city. I can tell you from driving to the medical center this morning, that Brays Bayou was way up and looked quite angry. (Yes...it was Brays Bayou, not Buffalo Bayou as I mistakenly said in a previous post). Anyway, what a mess! The AND MORE section has a list of rain totals for the 24 hour period ending early this morning. But for those of you around Clear Creek to the southeast of Houston, I checked the total rain for the week, and you had about 9 inches! So, basically the entire area is quite saturated.

Jet stream will start to flatten on Thursday...that will help us get out of the line of fire for these disturbances. Still have to get through Wednesday and early Thursday as there is still some troughiness over W. Texas/New Mexico and Houston is downstream from that slingshot. There is lots of moisture in the air and leftover boundaries from previous storms could be just enough to create more heavy downpours. Still, I think we are in much better shape prospect wise than we were 24 hours ago. Jet stream dips a bit late in the weekend...enough that Sunday could bring another round of storms. Stay tuned!

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do warning or aviso, pronounced ah-VEE-soh. Be sure to pay attention to any aviso issued by the National Weather Service.

The key to safety is being aware and knowing what to do in dangerous situations. In our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, we teach the spanish word for stop and even go over safety tips for crossing the road. Order your copy from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/,http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
To see rainfall totals from the Harris County Office of Emergency Management (and you can specify different time periods), click on this link:
http://www.hcoem.org/HCRainfall.aspx

The following information (issued at 9 am this Tuesday morning) was taken from the National Weather Service web site for Houston/Galveston:

SOME LOCATIONS IN AND AROUND THE HOUSTON AREA EXPERIENCED ANOTHER HEAVYRAIN EVENT OVERNIGHT...THE THIRD SUCH EVENT IN THE PAST TWELVE DAYS.BETWEEN 7 AND 11 INCHES HAVE FALLEN ACROSS A LARGE PORTION OF WESTERNHARRIS COUNTY. LOCATIONS ACROSS SOUTHEAST HOUSTON WERE NOT LEFT OUTOF THIS HEAVY RAIN EVENT AS HOUSTON HOBBY AIRPORT CONTINUES TO ADD TOTHEIR RECORD BREAKING MONTHLY RAINFALL TOTAL FOR APRIL. THROUGH THISMORNING...HOBBY AIRPORT`S APRIL RAINFALL TOTAL STANDS AT 15.57 INCHES.BEFORE 2009...THE WETTEST APRIL WAS IN 1973 WHEN 10.49 INCHES OF RAINWAS RECORDED.THE FOLLOWING ARE AREA 24 HOUR RAINFALL TOTALS ENDING ABOUT 700 AMCDT THIS MORNING.

JERSEY VILLAGE 6.2 W 10.13
BUNKER HILL VILL 3.6 NNW 9.74
HOU-BUFFALO BYU @ WEST BELT DR 9.41
HOU - SPRING BRANCH @ BINGLE 8.07
HOCKLEY-CYPRESS CK @ SHARP RD 7.96
HOU-BUFFALO BAYOU @ SAN FELIPE 7.67
TOMBALL 6.2 W 7.48
HOU - LITTLE CYPRESS @ KLUGE 7.44
HOCKLEY - CYPRESS CREEK 7.36
MISSION BEND 1.4 N 7.19
KATY 6.95
HOUSTON HEIGHTS 5.91
HOU-IH 10 @ UPRR BRIDGE 5.91
JERSEY VILLAGE-WHITE OAK BAYOU 5.63
BUFFALO BAYOU NEAR KATY 5.47
HOU-BRICKHOUSE @ COSTA RICA 5.35
HOU-KEEGANS BAYOU@KEEGANS RD 5.20
HOU - COLE CREEK AT DIEHL DR 5.11
HILSHIRE VILLAGE 1 SE 5.00
TOMBALL 0.6 W 4.90
CYPRESS-CYPRESS CK@STEUBNER RD 4.68
SOUTHSIDE PLACE 0.2 W 4.61
HOU-WHITE OAK BAYOU @ ELLA RD 4.60
HOU-IH 10 NR WASHINGTON AVE 4.45
HOU-BRAYS BAYOU @ RICE AVE 4.29
HOU - VOGEL CK @ GULF BANK RD 4.09
SPRING - PANTHER BRANCH 3.92
NEW CANEY 2 E 3.80
CONROE 3.78
THE WOODLANDS-PANTHER BRANCH 3.66
HOU-WHITE OAK BAYOU @ PINEMONT 3.58
HOU-BRAYS BAYOU @ STELLA LINK 3.54
KINGWOOD 1.8 E 3.33
HOUSTON 13 NE 3.33
WALLER-SPRING CK @ HEGAR RD 3.31
HOU-LITTLE MOUND CK@BETKA RD 3.31
BUFFALO BYU @ SHEPHERD DR-HOU 3.23
CLEVELAND 2 S 3.14
HOUSTON WESTBURY 3.13
PEARLAND-SIMS BAYOU @ SH 288 3.03
HOU - RELIANT PARK 2.99
MEYERLAND 1 SSE - WILLOWBEND 2.96
CLEVELAND 2.85
HOUSTON 5.8 SE 2.79
KINGWOOD 3.9 S 2.74
SUGARLAND 1 NW - OYSTER CREEK 2.64
HOU-BRAYS BAYOU @ MAIN ST 2.56
HOU-BRAYS BAYOU @ S MCGREGOR 2.52
BELLAIRE - METRO RAIL @ FANNIN 2.48
CONROE 2.47
HOU-BUFFALO BAYOU TURN BASIN 2.40
CLEVELAND 0.9 SW 2.39
HOU-KEEGANS BAYOU @ ROARK RD 2.35
CONROE - WEST FORK SAN JACINTO 2.33
SOUTH HOUSTON 4 SSW 2.25
HOU-SH 288 @ MCGOWEN 2.21
MONTGOMERY 2.12
MOSES LAKE TIDE GAGE 2.12
RICHMOND 5.6 ESE 2.10
CLEVELAND - E FK SAN JACINTO 2.06
DACUS 2.05
LEAGUE CITY 1.2 N 2.03
HOU-CLEAR CK @ BAY AREA BLVD 1.82
HOUSTON - SIMMS BAYOU AT SH 35 1.81
SUGARLAND 3 SSE 1.74
WEBSTER 0.4 NW 1.71
RICHMOND - BRAZOS RIVER 1.70
SUGARLAND 1 SSW - OYSTER CREEK 1.70
SUGARLAND 1.70
SUGARLAND 1 W 1.70
LEAGUE CITY 2.4 W 1.68
SUGARLAND 1 N - OYSTER CREEK 1.62
SUGARLAND 2 SE - WILLIAMS TR 1.54
SUGARLAND 3 SSW-BULLHEAD BAYOU 1.53

Have a safe Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

River Flood Conditions/Flood Warning In Effect

Flood Warnings remain in effect across the Houston area...primarily because of ongoing river flooding. We were trying to get up to Texas Children's this morning (on Highway 90). It was deadlocked as we got in closer to the loop. So we took another route. I have a feeling Buffalo Bayou was causing some flooding, but it might have been street flooding. Anyway, we found another way to get there. We did cross Buffalo Bayou and it was high and running fast. Please go to this link for more information on river flooding.

http://forecast.weather.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=TXZ213&warncounty=TXC201&firewxzone=TXZ213&local_place1=5+Miles+NNW+Sheldon+TX&product1=Flood+Warning

One of our blog followers commented on CyFair School District. They were also closed today. Overnight there was very heavy rain over the Cypress Creek and White Oak Bayou Water Sheds. Piney Point Village and Highland Village were particularly hard hit.

Remember the rule of thumb to "Turn Around, Don't Drown" when encountering flooded roadways.

More rain is possible later tonight into early Wednesday with leftover boundaries and plenty of moisture. Will note that models are drying us out, but they didn't do a great job of catching what developed overnight. Will say there was an indication of more rain--just not 8 to 9 inches in a few hours.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Flash Flooding Prompts Closure of All Fort Bend ISD Schools

This was posted on the Fort Bend ISD web site:

"Fort Bend ISD is Closed Today, Tuesday, April 28, due to inclement weather conditions!Due to inclement weather conditions, all schools and support facilities in Fort Bend ISD are CLOSED today. Safety for students and staff is our main concern."

I did check the HISD inclement weather hotline (713-267-1704 ) and they are still open as of 7:11 am.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

More Thunderstorms/Global Warming Poll Results/New Poll about Twilight

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
So far only one official severe weather report in the Houston area...high wind that took down a tree. Have to wonder after Hurricane Ike if this tree was not already weakened. Also, we've had a lot of rain and that makes it harder for the roots to stay in the ground (when the wind blows).

Disturbances traveling around the western trough and along the jet stream are helping to kick up storms. Look for thunderstorms on Tuesday from the southern plains into the Ohio Valley and lower Mississippi Valley. There will also be some showers and thunderstorms in the Pacific Northwest and northern Intermountain Region. Highs over the southern states and eastern seaboard will be in the 80s. It will be in the 30s to over the Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies.

In Houston, look for some more thunderstorms...starting in the morning. After that, looks like less of the wet stuff until a weak front approaches over the weekend. Well have better timing in a day or so. It will continue to be warm, muggy and breezy.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do twilight or crepúsculo, pronounced cray-POOS-coo-low. Have you read or seen crepúsculo? See And More section for details.

Being entertained is fun...it's even better when you learn at the same time. That's a big reason why parents and children love our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. It is filled with inviting, entertaining details for children. Meanwhile they reap rewards from early language learning. Order your copy from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/,http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Our poll on global warming is closed. 30% think it is real and we need to respond now! 70% think it is a naturally occurring cycle of nature. 0% weren't sure if it is real or not. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks so much for responding!

Our new poll has to do with the Twilight craze (book and movie about forbidden love--vampires are a big part of the story line). Among girlfriends and family members, Twilight has been a big hit. I got a chance to watch the movie over the weekend when my stepdaughter brought it over. So what do you think? There is an answer or answers for any experience you may or may not have had. Multiple answers are allowed. Have fun!

Have a safe Tuesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

TORNADO THREAT!

Tornado Warnings are being issued in the Houston area. I was outside (near Meadows) as the first one was issued and it looked like the storm could produce a tornado. The line is bowing and folks in southern Harris County should be on the lookout until 7 pm. Also, check to right for other warnings being issued by the National Weather Service.
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Severe Weather Threat/The "New" Houston Children's Museum

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
As I write this evening and at last check, there have been 151 reports nationwide of severe weather--10 of those tornadoes. It is going to be a busy night with a bullseye of high risk for severe weather over Oklahoma with moderate areas extending into Kansas and north Texas.

On Monday, there is a slight risk of severe storms from Texas to Illinois. It will be quite warm from the northeast to the southeast U.S. New York should hit 80 and D.C. might reach the low 90s. It will also be quite warm (80s and 90s) over the south and southwest. Highs will be in the 50s and 60s along the west coast and in the 30s, 40s and 50s over the northern Rockies and plains to western Great Lakes States.

Houston will be warm, muggy and windy with some storms as early as the morning. Some of the these storms could become severe and flooding is a possibility. Look for more warm and windy weather with isolated to scattered thunderstorms through Saturday.

SPANISH WORD FOR THE DAY
Let's do museum or museo, pronounced moo-SAY-oh. You should see what they have done to the Houston Children's museo. See the And More section for details.

We love our kids...taking them places like the Children's Museum and the John C. Freeman Weather Museum here in Houston--giving their minds stimulation. It's so neat to watch children enjoy learning. And they really enjoy learning languages while reaping the rewards--like improved cognitive development and memory. You can order our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/,http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
We finally made it to the recently remodeled Houston Children's Museum (open since March 14th). And I was very impressed. They added a wing that doubles the size of the space (in 2 stories!) and they have the outdoor waterworks and ecology centers as well. The new space has atm cards which you can use in a machine that works, museum money, a bank, a hospital, police department, city hall, restaurant, grocery store (completely different from the old one), vetsmart and art studio. Sarah's favorite place was the vetsmart which was more of a clinic. Megan, you would have been tickled. There is this amazing 3 story play structure and much, much more. You could easily spend an entire day there. We closed it down and Sarah definitely did not want to leave. We have been to wonderful children's museums in Austin, Portland, OR, Omaha, and Santa Fe. The Houston one is now the one to beat. Really cool!

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Weather/Welcome Twins!/Golf Tournament

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Another copious round of rain in Houston this evening. Flood Warnings were issued again as rain swollen creeks and rivers received even more rain. Looks like a disturbance that came in from central Texas, combined with plenty of moisture, and unstable atmosphere and very weak cap--were just the right combination. More thunderstorms are possible Saturday pm (but without any shortwave, it shouldn't be as intense). Still severe indices are low and there will be plenty of moisture. So, make a backup plan for outdoor activities just in case.

Weather in Houston this weekend will be warm, breezy and muggy with a few thunderstorms.

The country is divided (diagonally) with warm and moist air (highs in the 80s and 90s) east and cool (highs in the 40s and 50s) west. My sister in Tahoe said it snowed this morning. Look for thunderstorms from Texas to Michigan and slightly eastward (but including Texas) on Sunday. Jet stream pattern is a southward dip over the Rockies. That means the Gulf is "open for business" and that is what we are seeing.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do identical twins or gemelos idénticos, pronounced hay-meh-LOS ee-DEHN-tee-cohs. Congratulations to Ned and Danielle Hibberd on the birth of their identical twins. See AND MORE section for details.

Ned and Danielle, I'm looking ahead to shooting for future volumes of our educational DVD series. Of course, we'll use Teddy again. But it is going to be fun to have twin boys in there! Our Volume 1 had one set of identical twin girls, Samantha and Gabriella. I'm talking about our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, is all about play. You can order your copy from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/,http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
As soon as I get a photo of the twins, I'll be sure to put it in our blog. Congratulations to Ned and Danielle on the birth of Michael Thomas and Alexander James. Now, here is the really amazing thing! Today is their birth day of course. But it is also their big brother Teddy's birthday (he's 3 today) and their Mom's birthday. Happy Birthday Danielle! Wow! You know how to celebrate!

Today was the Weather Museum's Golf Classic at the Wildcat Golf Course. That's me with former Weather Channel celebrities Marshall Seese and Keith Westerledge. And of course, I got my good friend and FOX 26 meteorologist, John Dawson and Benjamin, meteorologist and master golf tournament coordinator from The Weather Museum. Dr. Neil Frank was also there...but I missed him somehow. Thanks so much to all the participants!!!

Have a great weekend everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Hint of Summer/Important and Fun Golf Tournament

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Jet stream is dipping down over the Rockies and that is where the cooler weather (highs in the 40s) will be. Look for some potentially severe weather in the upper Midwest. It will warm and muggy in the south and parts of the southeast. Very pleasant in the northeast and along the west coast with highs in the 60s.

Houston will be breezy, warm and humid. The will be the case through the weekend into the middle of the coming week. An isolated shower or thunderstorm is possible. Look for more storms early in the coming week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do tournament or torneo, pronounced tore-NAY-oh. Did I tell you there is an important golf tournament tomorrow? See AND MORE section for details.

Golf is a fun game. People of all ages can enjoy it. Kids especially love games and play and that is why Chapter 3 of our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, is all about play. You can order your copy from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/,http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Tomorrow is the big day! It will be a scramble at Wildcat Golf Course benefitting the education programs provided by the John C. Freeman Weather Museum. Come on out and play a round. There will be local weather celebrities on hand and a few folks from The Weather Channel. Shotgun start is 1 pm.

Have a fantastic Friday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Record Heat/First Toad Gets a Name from Dragon Tales

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Cool weather is dipping over the Rockies--the northern Rockies will have highs in the 30s and 40s. Most of the rest of the country will be very mild with highs in the 70s and 80s. The northeast and Pacific Northwest will be in the 40s to 60s.

Both Houston Hobby and Bush Airport in Houston had record highs of 90 today (breaking the old records set in 1963 and 1908 respectively). It won't be quite as hot Thursday, but it will be more humid and by Friday it will cloudy, warm and muggy. It will also be very breezy through the weekend.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do toad or sapo, pronounced SAH-poh. We found our first sapo tonight. Read the And More section to find out what we named it.

Sarah is the star of our youtube series, TOAD HUNTERS. You can also see her on our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. In all, 46 kids were involved. You can order your copy from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/,http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
I went to the Earth Day/3rd Anniversary celebration at the Weather Museum today. There were lots of students--many from MacGregor Elementary. The kids really enjoyed the popcorn and bouncee, exhibits by a wildlife expert and some seed to plant as well as games. Don't forget the golf tournament is coming up on Friday. Hope you can come out and play.

Friday, April 24th - Weather Museum Golf Classic at Wildcat Golf Course www.wxresearch.org

Big news!!! Sarah and I found our first toad of the season tonight. We think it was a boy. Sarah named him Max after the little boy on Dragon Tales. Should we start up TOAD HUNTERS again? To see a clip on youtube, see our link at the right.

Have a terrific Thursday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Warming Up!/Earth Week Activities/Just Wondering

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Jet stream begins to flatten and then trough over the western US by week's end. This means the Gulf moisture will flow into the southeast US and really warm up the eastern 2/3 rds of the country.

On Wednesday, look for several spots with isolated thunderstorms...very warm across the south and southeast with highs in the 80s and 90s. Cooler across the Great Lakes and northeast with highs in the 40s, 50s and 60s.

Houston will be very warm on Wednesday with highs in the middle to upper 80s. Humidity increases substantially on Thursday through the weekend with temperatures staying mild to warm.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do warm-up or calentamiento, pronounced cah-lehn-tah-mee-EHN-tow. You are going to feel the calentamiento this week!

It was hot and humid on the June 23rd when we shot the big party scene for our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Well, right after shooting finished, we had a big thunderstorm with winds which ripped up the set. We sure did breathe a sigh of relief. You can see the party scene and all of the video by ordering your copy from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/,http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
I attended part of today's Climate Change Seminar held at University of St. Thomas. The conference was put on by the Weather Research Center (Weather Museum) and the folks at University of St. Thomas. I really enjoyed what I heard. Here are some highlights:

John Hofmeister, CEO of Citizens for Affordable Energy and former head of Shell Oil - The US and Europe only account for 20% of the world's emissions. No matter how much we are regulated, if other countries don't follow suit, we are wasting our efforts. He also recommended creating an independent (non-political) Federal Energy Reserve Board. He said otherwise we are never going to accomplish the goals we need--with administrations and elected officials changing every 2, 4 and 6 years. He said that if you talk global warming, you get opinions on 2 opposite sides of the spectrum. But, if you say, we need to lower pollution emissions into the air, most people will agree. To learn more about the grass roots effort he is behind, go to www.citizensforaffordableenergy.org.

Barry Lefer of the University of Houston reported that there is a consensus that "warming" is occurring. He did not go into any politics. He explained how ice cores from the ocean floor and Antarctica are showing co2 levels that clearly show the increases changes in co2. He explained that co2 is important even though water vapor is the most abundant greenhouse gas because water vapor recycles every few days while co2 only reduces by 80% in 300 years.

John Neilson-Gammon of Texas A & M said that 2 places have actually cooled--Texas and the southeast US. This has to do with El Nino/La Nina cycles.

Well, there is much more this week:

Wednesday, April 22nd - Free Museum Birthday/Earth Day Festivities at museum with yours truly (at 10 am) as emcee www.wxresearch.org/earthday

Friday, April 24th - Weather Museum Golf Classic at Wildcat Golf Course www.wxresearch.org

Sarah is so silly. She enjoys reading words backwards and usually the words are quite silly. But tonight she saw the word desserts and we discovered that backwards, that spells stressed. I guess if you eat too many desserts, you end up stressed.

Here's another thing I've been wondering. The first name of my Grandma Whitworth (my Dad's mom) was Yuba. Now, I wish so much I had asked her if she knew why her parents named her that. I have never met or even heard of anyone else named Yuba. Have you? I sure would like to know.

Today is Aggie Muster, a day we remember all Aggies who have passed away. I would like to especially remember my cousin, Bruce Whitworth, an Aggie, and his family.

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Loving that Spring Weather/Earth Day and Global Warming

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
A few T-Storms Tuesday in the eastern US and in the western US. Coolest area will be the northeast with highs in the 40s and 50s. Most of the rest of the country will enjoy mild to warm weather.

Houston will be sunny again on Tuesday. Highs will be close to 80. Humidity will creep upward ever so slightly. Jet stream shifts to allow more heat and humidity by the end of the week. A few showers are possible on and off but no big rain events expected.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do global or global, pronounced glow-BAHL. Do you believe in global warming? Check out Tuesday's workshop at University of St. Thomas starting at 1 pm. For more info., see the link in the And More section. I'll be there! Also, be sure to answer our new poll.

We did get our big order from our big distributor--650 units. Yippee! And we got another order from Amazon. Word is spreading about our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. You can see it for yourself by ordering from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/,http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Lots of events being held by The Weather Museum this week to celebrate Earth Day and the museum's 3rd birthday!

On Tuesday, April 21st - Climate Change Seminar www.wxresearch.org/events
Wednesday, April 22nd - Free Museum Birthday/Earth Day Festivities at museum with yours truly as emcee www.wxresearch.org/earthday
Friday, April 24th - Weather Museum Golf Classic at Wildcat Golf Course www.wxresearch.org

Our poll on favorite seasons has closed. Here is the breakdown for favorite season:
33% spring
33% summer
22% fall
11% winter
As for me, I love them all, but I like the refreshing change that fall brings (after the hurricane threat is gone). Only one vote was allowed. Thanks to all who participated.

Our new poll is about global warming--do you believe in it, not sure, or think it is not happening. Voice your opinion. Only one vote allowed.

Have a terrific Tuesday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

This week's weather/Great place to take the Kids!

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Wow! What a difference in Houston...beautiful, dry, sunny Sunday after a frog drowning Saturday. The average rainfall across much of the area was 3 to 4 inches, but there were many locations on the east side of Houston with 6 to 8 inches (8.2 officially at Bush Airport) and even up to 10 and 11 inches further out...especially down around Clear Lake and in Baytown.

Now, we still have numerous River and Creek Flood Warnings in effect. The good news is that most of the rivers have either peaked or already peaking. For those not yet peaking, no homes are threatened. But there will be plenty of roads which continue to be covered with water for a few days.

This week in Houston (even into the middle of the next week) looks dry. It will be really delightful spring weather during this time period with slightly increased humidity levels by the end of the week and over the weekend.

There was one tornado near Hitchcock that blew in some garage doors. In total there were 76 reports of severe weather nationwide Saturday (with 8 of those being tornadoes).

Today (Sunday) the severe weather has been in the lower Mississippi Valley--in Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama. The stormy area on Monday will be along the East Coast. Highs in the northeast Monday will be in the 40s and 50s. Elsewhere in the country, look for 60s, 70s, 80s (and in Arizona and southern Nevada, some 90s).

SPANISH WORD FOR THE DAY
Let's do flooding or inundaciones, pronounced een-oon-dah-see-OWN-nehs. There was a lot of inundaciones in Houston on Saturday.

We shot our award winning Volume 1 of Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco during the summer of 2007. There had been a lot of rain in June and July. So, it was amazingly green. You can see it for yourself by ordering from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/,http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Don't forget to vote for your favorite season in our poll, which closes Monday evening.

Speaking of the flooding on Saturday, our street was flooded. Most of the streets in Houston are designed this way--to keep the water out of the houses. So, we were stuck at home with a very high energy child. Once the rain let up, we headed over to Stomping Grounds. This is a cool place. They have wifi and two wonderful indoor playgrounds for big kids and toddlers. You can buy food if you want--water if free. There is a charge for each child to get in, but parents get in free. The entrance is a locked gate and children and parents have invisible ink applied that is unique for each family. This is a very safe place!!! I love it! The location at Williams Trace and Hwy 59 in Sugar Land is the only one so far.

Have a wonderful week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tornado Watch Issued for Houston, Harris Co. and Surrounding

There have been several radar indicated tornadoes in storms to the west and northwest of Houston (including northern Grimes Co. and northern Colorado Co.). So, the National Weather Service/Storm Prediction Center has issued a Tornado Watch effective through 4 pm for southeast Texas. Storms, producing 2 to 3 inch per hour rainfall rates, will move across southeast and east Texas into Louisiana through this afternoon.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Wet Weather Worries/1st Leg MS 150 Cancelled

HURRICANES AND WEATHER

Storms across the south central US on Saturday with cold rain/snow mix Denver vicinity. Most of country (except Rockies and western plains) enjoying highs in 60s to 80s (even 90s in Phoenix). Cooling down on Sunday in the midwest, northeast where highs will be in the 40s and 50s. On Sunday, look for rain in the southeast (see risk maps to right).

Houston is under a Flood Watch through Saturday evening. This means conditions are favorable for heavy rain which could lead to flooding. Look for storms (mainly afternoon)...will say that models have backed off considerably on amount of water. Sunday will be sunny and pleasant with highs in the upper 70s. Enjoy!

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY

Let's do cancel or cancelar, pronounced cahn-see-LAR. Cancelar--that is what they had to do for the MS150 leg scheduled for Saturday. See And More section for more.

One thing we will not cancel is our effort to bring you the next volumes of Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. You can order the award winning Volume 1 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/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
MS 150--first leg on Saturday from Houston to La Grange is cancelled. There was very heavy rain in the La Grange area and the fairground where most of riders spend most of the night Saturday, is a soggy, puddle filled mess. The plan is for the riders to skip Saturday and to go to La Grange and do the 2nd leg on Sunday...weather should be quite nice for that 2nd leg. My friend Kevin, who was training diligently for his first ride, was very disappointed. He said there is no point in showing up in La Grange Saturday morning. He is not planning to do the 2nd leg. So sorry all you MS 150 enthusiasts.

Have a good weekend everyone and be safe!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Severe Weather Update -Fri. 3:45 pm

Some severe storms northwest and north of Houston. These storms have some history of high winds and small hail. There has also been a lot of rain and numerous flood warnings have been issued...see advisory map at right.

Morning will see a break in the weather for Houston but there will be some developing and approaching from the west during the morning hours. MS 150 riders should expect to run into the rain. In Houston, severe weather is possible primarily during the afternoon.

Severe Weather Update

Line of Severe Storm is producing damaging winds in central Texas. New Severe Storm Watch has been issued in central Texas and I would imagine that later this morning a watch will be issued to include southeast Texas and the Houston area. I think the storms will arrive in the Houston area by early afternoon...timing will be a bit tricky with school letting out but I think the worst will be over by 3 pm. Keeping my fingers crossed. Greatest threat is damaging winds and large hail. A few tornadoes are possible.

Saturday (attention MS 150 riders), looks like there will be more storms. You should encounter these by late morning to early afternoon as you head west. Biggest threat is high wind...a few tornadoes and some hail are also possible. Timing for Houston would be afternoon.

I will update later today.
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Severe Threat/Best Impression of John Madden/Hurricane Consulting Guru

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There has been severe weather today (Thursday) in west Texas (including one tornado). On Friday the area of severe weather will shift slightly east. Look out in central Texas and the Texas and Oklahoma Panhandles. It will be chilly over the Rockies and western Plains. There will be snow/rain in Denver. Meanwhile the weather will be delightful in the eastern U.S. and in California with highs in the 60s, 70s and 80s. The Pacific Northwest will be rainy with highs in the 50s and 60s.

Houston will have storms--mainly in the afternoon. Even though The Storm Prediction is not indicating severe weather, be prepared for it anywhere. More rain is likely on Saturday--good luck and safe travel to all of our MS 150 participants. And, Sunday, there will be one more round of storms early and then a sunny and pleasant afternoon.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do impression or imitación, pronounced ee-mee-tah-see-OWN. Frank Caliendo does a very good imitación of John Madden, who is planning to retire.

There is no time like the present to expose your children to early language learning and reap the benefits like improved cognitive development. Order our award winning Volume 1 DVD of Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco 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/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
As we get closer to hurricane season, be sure to contact my good friend, Lew Fincher, for all your hurricane consulting needs. Lew eats, sleeps, and drinks hurricanes and he is definitely a walking encyclopedia. Check out his company's web site:

http://www.hurricaneconsulting.net/hci_main.html

John Madden is retiring. I guess it is a big loss to football. I never thought about him much until I heard Frank Caliendo doing an impression of him. To catch it and more great impressions, check out this link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAMIlPudalQ

Have a fantastic Friday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Return of wet weather/Hurricane Forecasts/Drought Outlook

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
For a special drought and hurricane forecast discussion, see the AND MORE section.

A dip of cooler temperatures over the Rockies (where the jet stream is digging southward) and just east of there and into west Texas will be some storms on Thursday. Notice that on Friday the slight risk for severe storms area pushes a bit eastward and is confined to TX, OK, and KS. It will be pleasantly mild across the west with highs in the 60s and most of the northeast, east and southeast, and south will be in the 60s, 70s and even 80s.

The weather in Houston was just delightful today. It reminded me of Hawaii weather...that kind of wet breeze into air that is dry...causes a delightful and refreshing evaporative cooling effect on your body. Tomorrow, alas, the muggies make a return--as the moisture content of the air increases. It will be mild and breezy in the afternoon with a few showers possible. Look out for potentially severe storms on Friday and possibly Saturday and early Sunday. Later half of Sunday looks sunny and dry and early in the coming week will be delightful (again).

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do improvement or mejora, pronounced may-HOR-ah. I think the economy may be experiencing a slight mejora.

We have had quite a few sales in the last week or so through our retail distributors. Now, these aren't huge orders (except for the anticipated one I mentioned yesterday) but still there is a lot more activity. February was dreadfully slow. So I am encouraged. People want to do things to help their children achieve everything possible. They tell me their children love our award winning Volume 1 DVD of Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. You can order today from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/,http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
I put the Climate Prediction's Center drought outlook figure to the right. Some parts of Texas under extreme drought conditions are expected to have their drought worsen through June. This figure was posted in early April. I will keep checking for updates.

Meanwhile, the Climate Prediction Center also says that the La Nina we are in is weakening...indicating a return to neutral conditions. El Nino or La Nina designation is important for hurricane season because there are implications. During El Nino hurricane seasons, there tend to be fewer storms in the Atlantic basin. This is due to stronger wind shear (and thus more shear to tear storms apart). However, some of the stronger storms to hit Texas have occurred during these times in the years immediately following. In La Nina years, there tend to be more storms due to less shear (to tear hurricanes apart).

Dr. William Gray and his associates from Colorado State University (and mostly it's the associates by the way) are saying that they expect a fairly normal hurricane season. Their 2009 hurricane forecast released about a week ago reflects a decrease in the numbers put out in December 2008. They are saying there will be 12 tropical storms, 6 of those hurricanes and 2 of those major hurricanes. This is also the average for a typical season. They are forecasting a 54% chance of a major hurricane strike anywhere on the US coast (average chance is 52%), a 32% (31% is average) of same for East U.S. coast to Florida and a 31% chance (average is 30%) for Gulf from Florida to Brownsville.

The Weather Research Center (which runs the nation's only weather museum here in Houston) predicts the following chances of a tropical storm strike (note tropical storm includes hurricanes but also just tropical storms).
Louisiana to Alabama 70% (average is 59%)
Texas 40% (51%)
West coast of Florida 60% (71%)
East coast of Florida 30% (41%)
Georgia to North Carolina 50% (56%)
East US 30% (36%)

They also are predicting 7 named tropical storms, 4 of those to become hurricanes.

All I know is that I hope Houston is done for a very long time.

Have a terrific Thursday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Quieter weather but how long/Poll Results/New Poll

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Wednesday will be quieter after severe weather hit the southeast, including 3 tornadoes in Florida. There will be a few snow/rain showers across the Sierra Nevada, Intermountain Region and northern Rockies. Look for showers in NYC, DC and Norfolk. Highs in the northeast will be in the 40s and 50s. There will be 30s to 50s out west. And the southern states will be in the 70s and 80s. IN BANDERA GERRY, it will be quite windy, but mild with highs in the 80s--no rain--sorry.

In Houston, winds come back strong out of the southeast. So it will be a breezy, mild and more humid day. Some showers are possible on Thursday but look for thunderstorms (potentially severe Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Early next week will be delightful-much like the beginning of this week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAYs
Let's do poll or encuesta, pronounced ehn-QWEHS-tah. We have a new poll about favorite seasons.

We got notice from one of our big distributors today that we should be getting a rather large order--about 600 copies for a special--buy one, get one free program which Barnes and Noble will be offering in June. So, you can wait for that and order our award winning Volume 1 DVD of Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco at that time at a 2 for 1 price. Or, you can order today from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/,http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Our poll on favorite Easter candy is closed. 8% liked peeps, 8% liked jelly beans, and 8% liked chocolate covered marshmallows the best. 25% liked chocolate eggs the best. 41% liked chocolate anything the best. 8% like some other type, not listed, the best. And 0% said they never eat candy and 0% said they like chocolate bunnies the best. Only one answer was allowed. Thanks for participating.

The new poll is about favorite seasons. Which one is your favorite? Only one answer is allowed. Enjoy!

Next week is going to be a busy but hectic week for me. You see, I am on the board of the nation's only weather museum and it's right here in Houston--The John C. Freeman Weather Museum.

On Tuesday, April 21st - Climate Change Seminar www.wxresearch.org/events
Wednesday, April 22nd - Free Museum Birthday/Earth Day Festivities at museum with yours truly as emcee www.wxresearch.org/earthday
Friday, April 24th - Weather Museum Golf Classic at Wildcat Golf Course www.wxresearch.org

In January we had a hurricane seminar and it was fantastic! I know that this Climate Change Seminar is going to be equally fascinating! I sure hope you all can check it out.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Forecast for the Week/New Poll

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There was some severe weather in the midwest and southeast today--including 5 tornadoes. Some thunderstorms over the southeast and across the Rockies to the northern plains on Tuesday. Highs will be in the 40s to 60 across the northern states and in the 70s and 80s for the southern half of the country.

Houston will be sunny and dry on Tuesday and there is an ozone watch. Look for rain as early as Thursday but most likely Friday. Some rain is possible over the weekend.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do illness or enfermo, pronounced ehn-FAIR-moh. Sarah had some kind of enfermo last night.

The last chapter of our upcoming Volume 2 will have a chapter on feelings and one of the terms is enfermo. Until that is done, you can order our award winning Volume 1 DVD 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/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Due to technical difficulties, I am unable to see my blog to give you the poll results for favorite Easter candy. I will say that chcocolate of any kind was in the lead. By the way, I am seeing more and more health benefits to eating dark chocolate. I will go ahead with my new poll -- I thought of it because the sun's rays feel noticeably more intense--summer is not far away. That got me to thinking about what my favorite season is...so what is your's. Only one answer is allowed. Have fun!

I'm going to run. Sarah got sick last night and stayed home from school day. She just asked me to rub her tummy--that takes priority over the blog.

Have a terrific Tuesday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weather Forecast/Easter Fun and Too Much Chocolate

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Some storms this evening moving into the southeast (Louisiana/Mississippi/Alabama) and on Monday, focal point for severe weather will be in the southeast and in Illinois, Indiana and Kentucky. There will also be some rain over the northern Rockies and some rain/snow over northern Maine. Most of the country will be mild and in the south, there will be many locations in the 80s.

Severe storms brought penny sized hail to FM 529 and Greenhouse Rd (west side of Houston) and damaging winds to Dayton late morning and early afternoon respectively. My stepdad, Gerry says that Bandera had heavy rain and some rumbles of thunder around daybreak. He also said that if I just start talking about Bandera weather more, I will see more hits coming from Bandera. So, here you go Gerry--I had better see those hits!!!

Houston will be mild on Monday with humidity dropping as a weak cold front arrives. There is a pleasantly cool morning on the way for Tuesday with a mild afternoon--high around 80. Look for sunshine both days. Some storms later in the week and over the weekend.

SPANISH WORD FOR THE DAY
Let's do home or hogar, pronounced ho-GAR. Roll that r a bit at the end. After traveling to Austin, it is good to be at my hogar.

Words associated with home are very important to youngsters. That's why our team of teachers included that in the content of the very first volume of our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. You can order Volume 1 from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/,http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
We went to Memaw's house in Austin for a huge Easter egg hunt this weekend. Children of all ages (including up to 28 years old) enjoyed hunting for eggs. As I took pictures, I was bombarded, no slammed, by confetti eggs. I am still shaking it out of my hair. All, except one, of my five siblings and their children were there. It was just a really good time.

We arrived Saturday and stayed at the Embassy Suites hotel at 290/I35. I was very impressed by the suite...very clean with the nice living area up front, microwave, refrigerator, 2 widescreen TVs, 3 sinks (1 in living area, 1 in bathroom, 1 in bedroom). And perhaps the most surprising part was the free breakfast buffet. We're talking eggs made to order, pancakes and everything your heart could desire for breakfast. With a pullout couch, the place could sleep 6--price $109 per night.

We went to mass at a small church at 8 am. There just weren't that many people there...it was more relaxing than our home parish of St. Laurence--which I'm sure was overflowing today. But, when we left, there were so many people waiting to get in for the Spanish mass. I spoke to one of the parishioners who was a founding member in the 60s of Sacred Heart Parish. She said the parish has evolved over these four decades. It did not start this way, but now the majority of the parishioners are spanish speaking.

I gave up chocolate for Lent...I felt it was something my 1st graders in CCE could comprehend. To be honest, I usually don't give up anything. Well, it proved very, very difficult. Sarah kept reminding me that I could not have chocolate. As we helped the Easter Bunny hide goodies this morning, I had those first few bites---sooooooooooooooooooooooooo good and sooooooooooooooooooooo missed!!! I guess my tummy wasn't used to it, because I didn't feel too good after 20 pieces--just kidding--I think I had 19. I just can't put down the chocolate like I used to. You know, I had perfected my chocolate eating physique. Guess I'd better work on that one. It's going to be a challenge, but I am determined to do it.

Don't eat too much candy everyone! Tomorrow I'll have the results of our Easter candy preference poll.

Have a great week!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Easter Forecast/Hannah Montana Movie Review

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There were 41 tornadoes daybreak Saturday through daybreak Sunday (according to The Storm Prediction Center). Today, the risk is in west Texas and then will be further easter on Sunday. These will be the worst of the weather areas. There will also be showers in the Pacific Northwest, Rockies and northern plains. Highs will be in the 30s through 50s across the northern 2 tiers of states. Highs will be in the 60s to 80s across the southern half of the country.

Houston has cooled down...a pleasantly cool day with a chance for rain and an isolated thunderstorm or two this afternoon. Rain will begin early on Sunday with some severe storm as early as late morning and winding down by late afternoon. Sorry for the soggy forecast. Make a backup plan for an indoor egg hunt.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do Easter or Pascua, pronounced PAHS-cwah. Sunday is the celebration of Pascua.

Gear up for the summer break now--you can entertain and educate your youngsters with our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. You can order Volume 1 from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/,http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. Volume 2 is almost ready for release and Volume 3 will follow soon thereafter!!! For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Saw the new Hannah Montana movie with Megan and Sarah on Friday. It is basically the TV show set in Tennessee and taking longer. Sarah liked it for a while but got bored toward the end. Megan loved it--tears and everything. I thought it was entertaining but could have been about 10 minutes shorter. There isn't a lot of dancing and singing--it's not like the backstage movie that came out a year or so ago.

Only a couple more days to vote on your favorite Easter egg candy--from my friend Marilyn - this is what she likes:

"The malted milk balls that you can lick and smear on your lips and make your lips look like they have blue or yellow etc lipstick!!!!!"

Have fun eating Easter candy tomorrow!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Easter Weekend Forecast/Good Friday Reflection

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There were 25 tornadoes Thursday and so far today there have been 4 mainly in Tennessee. Look at the severe figures at right. Also, note that I added a 3rd figure for Easter Sunday. Today, very stormy over the Tennessee Valley and the southeast. The good news is most of the country is fairly mild to warm. On Sunday the stormy areas will include Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Some of the weather will be severe.

Cold front is slowly pushing through Houston today. The main change will be a drop in humidity. Saturday will be fairly comfortable--cool in the morning, mild in the afternoon. More muggy on Sunday with rain in the morning--do the egg hunts by 10 am and be prepared for a sprinkle or two. Storms begin as soon as late morning with the biggest threat in the afternoon.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do worship or culto, pronounced COOL-toe. For Christians, this is an important day of culto.

Don't forget to order our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. You can order Volume 1 from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/,
http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Today, Christians reflect and remember how Jesus was crucified. This is a time of solemn reflection. Many fast and some abstain from eating certain things like meat. This is not about the meat but to serve as a reminder of how Jesus suffered. Giving up meat is a small sacrifice compared to what he experienced. But we reflect and remember every time we stop ourselves from consuming meat. The same is true for fasting. When I was growing up, our church had a service from 12 noon to 3 pm. It is believed that Jesus finally died at 3 pm. This was an interesting service because ministers from many Christian denominations (not just Catholic) came and spoke. I enjoyed attending every year.

For those who do not believe that Jesus died for our sins, at least we can all reflect on how he lived his life and the simple yet important lessons he taught. He gave us the compassionate God and helps us develop a way of life which is outwardly focused on the needs of others. The world would be a much better place if everyone would live according to his Great Commandment:
Love God with all you heart and soul and
Treat others as you would have them treat you.
Now loving God seems abstract but it is actually very straightforward--pray, worship God as a community (so that we do not become islands) and be kind to others.

Have a good day everyone.
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Severe Weather Update - Late Thursday 4/9

There have been 12 tornadoes from northeast Texas through eastern Oklahoma, eastern Kansas and western Arkansas.

I have updated the severe risk graphics for the next 2 days.

Houston will get a nice wind shift by midday Friday...that will drop humidity a bit. Latest eta model run indicates a heavy downpour in Houston by daybreak Sunday. But other models not so bullish. I would say have an indoor backup plan for that Easter egg hunt. Will update as soon as I can.

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Forecast through Sunday/Passover and Seder Supper

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Some storms are already building in Oklahoma and take note of the moderate and slight risk areas for severe weather (figures at right). There will also be some rain/snow in the Pacific Northwest, Intermountain region, northern Plains, and northern New England. 30s, 40s, and 50s across the northern tier of states but very much spring warmth across the south with highs in the 70s and 80s. Easter Sunday, storms will develop over northwest and north central Texas and western Oklahoma and progress eastward into east Texas, eastern Oklahoma, Arkansas and western Louisiana by late in the day. All of these areas could have some showers at any time on Easter Sunday. So, keep an eye to the sky as you and the Easter Bunny plan those Easter egg hunts.

Houston will be muggy today with highs close to 80. An isolated shower is possible. Weather will stay mild into the weekend. There will be a few showers during the first half of Easter Sunday with some storms later in the day.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do basket or cesta, pronounced SEHS-tah. Don't forget to get your Easter cesta ready for Sunday.

The colors are so vivid right now (at least here in Houston). We've had some rain and mild weather. It reminds me of when we shot our first 3 volumes of our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Everthing was so green from early summer rain!!! Yesterday, we completed the back end editing of the 2nd volume and the front end part is coming along nicely. Will let you know when Volume 2 is ready. In the meantime, you can order Volume 1 from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE

For all of our Jewish friends, I hope you and your families will have a wonderful Passover observance. Contrary to widespread belief, Catholics do notice and sometimes observe Passover. I know that some believe that Catholics don't like Jewish people. But it is definitely not my experience growing up Catholic. In fact, it was always quite clear that Jesus was Jewish and that our faith evolved as a result of his work. We study the Old and New Testaments. And we look back to our Jewish ancestry/base as our beginning.

In my teenage years, our pastor held a Seder supper for the parishioners. My mother and I attended. Unbenownst to me, the pastor was following some sort of formula where you ceremonially drink 4 glasses of fermented beverage--he used burgundy. My mother discretely sipped all of these offerings as she never liked the taste of alcohol. But I in my zeal to observe the ceremony to the fullest, drank all offerings completely. Well, it wasn't until after the four drinks that we ate a Seder supper. I got up to use the restroom and was quite inebbriated. Now, I have to disclose that I was very naive and just had no idea what alcohol can do. So, I was somewhat startled. My mother (who had not really realized what I was doing) kind of clucked her tongue and said to me, "You didn't have to drink all of it!!!" To be honest, I don't remember anything else from that evening. But I will say, it was interesting and I am glad to have grown up with a loving and accepting and respecting parish. This has always been my experience as a Catholic...one of including and embracing people of all faiths, especially the Jewish faith.

Have a great day everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Wednesday and Easter weather/Providing Formula for Needy Infants--Help Needed!

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
A fairly quiet day on Wednesday...just a few showers and thunderstorms over the Rockies. There might be a snow shower or two over the Great Lakes states and northern New England. Easter Sunday looks stormy for Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana. All of the country will be fairly mild Wednesday and on Sunday.

There was frost on the rooftops and grass out here in the Sugar Land area this am...officially Sugar Land's low was 35. Temperatures moderate Wednesday with lows in the 40s and highs in the 70s--lots of sunshine. Thursday, there will be a few thunderstorms. Easter Sunday will be mild, muggy and in the pm--stormy.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do calamity or calamidad, pronounced cah-lah-MEE-dahd. Go to the AND MORE section to find out how to help an important charity keep up it's important work (and avoid a calamidad).

We love the little ones and their are 44 kids in our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Youngsters love to watch it because they love seeing what other kids do. Order your copy from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
My friend Gloria Cotton is the new chairman of the board of Life Houston. She is very concerned because corporate donations have dried up and the charity, now in its 21st year of operation, may be forced to close by next year. Did you know that this is only the only charitable organization which gives away baby formula?! It is NOT The Houston Food Bank (which by the way does a wonderful job and I can't speak highly enough about them). And people who get free formula from the government only get a 3 week supply per month...some of them in desperation give their infant babies juice in week 4...that is just not good for them! Please pass the word that this very important charity needs help! Their number is 713-528-6044 http://www.lifehouston.org/.

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Tuesday and Easter Weather/Poll Results/New Poll

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
A fairly dry Tuesday on the way for much of the country with some snow showers around the Great Lakes and a few showers or thunderstorms on the west coast. That's about it. Temperatures will be moderating and most locations will enjoy a moderation of the winds and cold. Highs in the northeast will be in the 30s and 40s. The southern plains will be in the 70s.

Easter Sunday will be soggy and sometimes stormy for a portion of the country--particularly the southern plains and lower Mississippi Valley. There will also be some rain in the Pacific Northwest and some rain/snow in the northern Rockies. A thunderstorm or two is possible in southern Florida. Highs will be in the 40s across the northeast and northern plains--warm and muggy down south.

Houston--Tuesday will be a delight with sunshine and light winds. It will be cold in the morning--even freezing. A freeze warning is in effect for all counties north of Harris County. The warning is in effect until 9 am. I also think some outlying cities like Sugar Land and Friendswood could dip to 32 for an hour or two. Protect fragile pets and plants. Easter Sunday, there will be some thunderstorms--primarily during the second half of the day. Highs will be near 80. Morning lows will be in the 60s.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do candy or caramelo or dulces, pronounced cah-rah-MEH-low or dool-SEHS. What are your favorite Easter dulces? You can answer in our new poll.

Of course kids love candy. However, that is one word we don't teach in our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. There is however an entire chapter devoted to food and drink. Order your copy from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Our poll asking for the answer to:
How do you feel about the administration's handling of the car manufacturers?
14% said these measures are needed.
14% said there should be more punitive measures.
14% said the administration should not change managment.
57% said the administration should not be involved at all.
Only one answer was allowed. Thanks so much to all who participated.

Now this next question is really, really important (to me). What is your favorite type of Easter candy? Only one answer is allowed. Enjoy! (the candy too).

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

Weather this Week/An Extra Easter Treat/Weather Museum Events

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
It was just downright nasty Saturday and Sunday across the central plains and midwest. My mother-in-law in Council Bluffs, Iowa said it was stormy, wet and then cold. And when I checked this a.m. it was snowing!

Monday, there will be snow over the Great Lakes and possibly as far south as St. Louis. And parts of the southeast (includng Florida) and east could have severe storms. Out west, the weather will be spectacular with sunshine and highs in the 60s. The southern plains will also be quite pleasant.

Houston will start the week dry and sunny. Mornings will be cool. Outlying areas will be in the 30s on Tuesday morning--be alert for a light frost extreme outlying areas like Conroe and Katy. By Thursday and Friday, clouds and humidity increase. There could be a thunderstorm or shower on Easter Sunday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do Easter or Pascua, pronounced PAHS-cwah. Pascua is coming. Make sure you get those special chores done to help the Easter bunny.

Looking for an extra little Easter basket treat? Here's something that won't decay the teeth, but it will enhance the cognitive development of a young mind. Order our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE

I am on the board of the nation's only weather museum and it's right here in Houston--The John C. Freeman Weather Museum. We have some exciting events coming up. So, get out your calendar and write down these dates:
Tuesday, April 21st - Climate Change Seminar
Wednesday, April 22nd - Free Museum Birthday/Earth Day Festivities at museum with yours truly as emcee
Friday, April 24th - Weather Museum Golf Classic at Wildcat Golf Course

Here is some info. from the museum folks:

The earth day/ birthday day site is up on the web at www.wxresearch.org/earthday. In it is information about our events, activities for teachers and a bunch of good conservation/recycling info. The climate change seminar flier is up on the web with registration form, map, and schedule of speakers. This can be found at www.wxresearch.org/events.

So, I sure hope you can participate in some of these wonderful community events! Let me know if you have any questions.

Have a great week!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Forecast/Cancer Relay Fundraiser/Cascarones

HURRICANES ANS WEATHER
Some thunderstorms Saturday mainly over the central plains and midwest. A cool tongue of air will bring highs of 30s the Rockies. On Sunday, there will be some thunderstorms over the southeast. The southeast and southern plains will have highs in the 70s and 80s through the weekend.

Houston will be mild to warm and muggy through the weekend with mostly cloudy skies. Sunshine and dry weather return for the early part of the coming week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do confetti eggs or cascarones, pronounced cahs-cah-rohn-EHS. Guess where I was attacked by cascarones tonight? See the And More section.

When we shot our DVD series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, there had been a lot of rain. Even though much of the shooting was in July, it looked like spring--very lush greens everywhere. That is one of the reasons why the DVD is very visually appealing. Order the award winning Volume 1 from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Sarah's school had a Fun Run Fundraising Event tonight. It was a blast!!! Guess what the hottest selling items are?--silly string and cascarones (confetti eggs). With Easter approaching, I wondered if you knew first of all that HEB sells them at a very reasonable price. If you want to make your own, you can put pin holes on 2 ends of an egg and blow the egg out. Growing up, several weeks before Easter, I would blow out the eggs for my Mom every morning before she cooked breakfast. Then we would stuff them ourselves. These had much smaller openings than the kind you can get at HEB. Regardless, they are all fun!

My reporter friend Leslie Williams has written an exceptional article about an overnight cancer fundraising event which is held at Oyster Creek Park in Sugar Land. There is a relay that goes on through the night. To read more about this very interesting event, go to this link:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/fortbend/news/6349930.html

Good job Leslie!

Have a great weekend everyone!!!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Many threatened by Severe Storms/Waiting for Three Cups of Tea

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Good morning all! It's hard to believe with this rain that in just a few hours Houston will be nice and sunny. A very pleasant Friday on the way with sunshine, a cool morning and highs in the 70s. Weekend will be warm and muggy with a shower possible, mainly later in the weekend. Monday and Tuesday look spectacular. Looking way ahead to Easter Sunday...warm and muggy with a shower possible.

Lots of weather this am across the U.S. It is going to be stormy in much of the southeast and northern Gulf states, Tennessee and Ohio Valleys, Appalachians and Eastern Seaboard. Notice the moderate risk for severe storms (southeast U.S.) on the Storm Prediction Center graphic at right. This will be the area with most intense storms.

Pacific Northwest and northern Rockies will have some showers and snow at the higher elevations.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do umbrella or paraguas, pronounced pah-rah-GWAHS. I hope you had your paraguas this morning.

We are making tremendous progress on finishing Volume 2 of our DVD series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Right after that, we will edit Volume 3. Both have been shot and written...just have to be pieced together. My team has also planned out Volumes 4 through 9 and one of those will have weather terms (of course!!!). In the meantime, you can order the award winning Volume 1 from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, got to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
I finished the book about the 2 Chinese sisters. One thing I took away from it is that life really goes by so quickly. The other is that we are all really so much alike deep down. People have commented to me that our neighborhood is like the United Nations. And, I really agree. I love the way we have so many cultures. Sarah is completely comfortable playing with all of her friends. It is a beautiful thing to see.

Where I grew up (Brownsville and Harlingen in the Rio Grande Valley), it was quite unusual...there were mainly 2 groups--Anglos and Mexican (some Mexican American and some living in this transition zone illegally). Behind our house in Brownsville there was a neighborhood with dirt floors. Sometimes, we would sneak back there and play with the kids who lived there. One day an old woman told me, you should not come back here. The dirt will make you turn brown like us. I looked at her with wonder. Really?! I remember wishing that I had brown hair like all of my friends. As only one of a few blonde girls in the school, I sometimes felt like I would rather be different. I wished I at least had a brown wig.

When I went to Texas A & M for my undergraduate studies in Meteorology, it was quite a change. The school at least at that time was predominately Anglo. But there were also Asians, Hispanics and Indians.

Once I entered the work force, I enjoyed working with many folks from Asian and Indonesian countries, India and Pakistan.

Through all of this, I have learned to thoroughly enjoy the traditions and experiences of other cultures. That is why I often read books about people from other parts of the world.

Yesterday at the library, I took the plunge...I put myself on the waiting list for the book, Three Cups of Tea. I am #23. Will let you know when I get it!

Have a great day everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

T-Storm Watch for Houston Until 10 am

Band of heavy rain moving through right now...check graphic at right for radar and advisories.

Have a safe morning!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman