Heavy Rain Returns/Halloween Forecast/Swine Flu Vaccine Experience

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Tropical Atlantic and Pacific are quiet.

Cold front will be moving eastward across the Plains on Monday. It will bring thunderstorms and some heavy rain to Texas and Louisiana. Highs will be in the 80s in Florida. Highs will be in the 40s and 50s from the Great Lakes through the northwest and southward into Texas, behind the cold front. Ahead of the front, it will be breezy, humid and mild. Highs along the west coast and in the northeast and east will be in the 60s and 70s. Extreme northern New England will have highs in the upper 30s.

Much of Texas is under a Flash Flood Watch or will be under one on Monday. The following counties in southeast Texas are under that watch from Monday morning until Monday evening:
FLASH FLOOD WATCH FOR A PORTION OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS...INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES...AUSTIN...BRAZORIA...BRAZOS... BURLESON...CHAMBERS...COLORADO...FORT BEND...GALVESTON... GRIMES...HARRIS...HOUSTON...JACKSON...LIBERTY...MADISON... MATAGORDA...MONTGOMERY...POLK...SAN JACINTO...TRINITY... WALKER...WALLER...WASHINGTON AND WHARTON.
There could be an average of 1 to 3 inches with some spots picking up 5+ inches on Monday. In the aftermath of last week's heavy rains, there isn't much wiggle room. So, be on the lookout for sudden flooding. Remember the rule of thumb, "Turn Around, Don't Drown!" if you encounter a flooded roadway either on foot or in a vehicle.

For Houston, I think the heaviest rain will fall between 2 and 5 pm on Monday.

For Houston, Tuesday will in the 60s and then warming on Wednesday with more rain Thursday. Friday through Saturday will be pleasant and dry. Trick or Treat forecast is temperatures in the 60s with light wind and no rain.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do vaccine or vacuna, pronounced vah-COO-nah. Find out about our experience with the Swine Flu vacuna in the And More section.

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AND MORE
Our poll on how you plan to observe Halloween is closed. More than one answer was allowed. 44% said they plan to take their kids trick or treating. 22% said they are going to give out treats. 0% said they would have a party. 11% said they will go to a party. 22% said they, themselves were going to wear a costume. 11% said they would watch a scary movie. 11% said they would eat candy. 33% said they won't celebrate Halloween at all. Thanks to all who participated.

Our new poll is about flu season...have you gotten vaccinations or how will you? More than one answer is allowed. Thanks in advance for participating.

Late Thursday we get a call from Sarah's pediatrician. The swine flu vaccine has finally arrived and because Sarah is considered "high risk", they want us to get her in for a shot right away. I called my sister, a nurse practioner who works in a public health clinic. I am just a little nervous about having her get something that does not have a long track record. My sister is adamant--get it right away! She had been seeing a lot of the swine flu in the clinic.

So, Friday afternoon I took her right after school. I explained to her that there are two bad flus this year (a simplification for a 2nd grader). And that this would be her last flu shot. The shot was quick and minimally painful. But then, the nurse tells me that since this if her first time getting the Swine Flu shot, that we will have to come back in a month to get the other half of the dose. Mommy is a big liar!!! The nurse also says Sarah might run a low grade fever.

Well anyway, Sarah and I did some running around afterward (the silver lining was she got to go to Target and use a gift card from her birthday). Then, I had promised her that I would try to find a place to get my regular flu shot. The doctor's office hadn't had any of the regular vaccine available and the 24 hour Walgreen's was out. But, I had remembered that Randall's had a sign that said "flu vaccine available--walk-ins welcome". So, I called them and they said come on down. This was the one on Highway 6 in Sugar Land at Williams Trace. If you want to check, their number is:
281-980-1800

It was quick and easy. Then, I took Sarah directly to her hour long dance class at 5:30, and she was just fine. When we got home, I gave her a dose of Tylenol. She was pooped and didn't even eat supper. She just fell right to sleep. Then at around 10, she got up and ate a little. She slept good that night.

Saturday morning, Sarah's cheeks are red and she is running a low grade fever. Gave her some more Tylenol but she really didn't like the taste. She naps some during the day and goes from having cabin fever to being lethargic. This lasts through the entire weekend. We really don't take her out, except for a drive-through run to Burger King to get a happy meal with Sponge Bob toy (she got Gary the snail by the way).

Other than the low grade fever, Sarah has had some congestion and a slightly runny nose. She's been a bit moody and had a couple crying jags.

I get the regular flu shot every year. I just can't face the prospect of taking care of Sarah while being super sick. This year it hit me a bit harder. I was very lethargic both Saturday and Sunday mornings and more tired than usual both days. That's about it...no fever or nausea or anything like that.

I'm just really glad we got Sarah innoculated on a Friday afternoon.

Have a healthy week everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman