Blizzard Experience/New Poll/When rain returns to Houston

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

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

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

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

What better resolution to make than exposing the young ones in your world to the joys and benefits of early language learning. Our DVD series, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco is a perfect way to get started. And, you'll feel good about purchasing it, knowing that it has won awards from Dr. Toy and homeschool.com as a best educational product. You can find Volumes 1 or 2 at http://www.frankandpaco.com
, http://www.amazon.com, http://www.bn.com, http://www.bestbuy.com, or http://www.ebay.com/. Our ESL (English as a Second Language) version can be found at http://www.frankypaco.com.

AND MORE
From the department of guess what Sarah did now?
Christmas morning 3 am, I awakened by "I'm sorry I already opened up my presents?" I jump up and run to the living room to find that Sarah has opened all of her presents (which Santa had only delivered about an hour earlier). I will give her this...she did not open Megan's presents. I sighed and said well, "have fun playing" and then went back to bed. Then, a few minutes later, Sarah comes in and says, "Mommy, I can't stop bleeding". That of course had me bolting upright immediately. Sarah had cut her finger (later I determined it was on large pencil sharpener which went with a large pencil Santa had put in her stocking. Sarah had decided to test it out on her finger). Well, eventually we got the bleeding to stop...she had cut it deeply. For a few minutes, I was actually considering taking her to a 24 hour clinic, but stitches were not required. Bless her heart, she had tried to take care of it herself...I could tell by all the blood and the bloody napkins she had left by the kitchen sink. Don't worry, she's okay.

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

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

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

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

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

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman