Watching Tropics/Drought Report/Twins Update

HURRICANES AND MORE
All eyes are on Invest 90 (as labeled by The National Hurricane Center). This is an area of low pressure over the Bahamas. There is also a 2nd area of low pressure (non-tropical) over Florida. There was a possibility that a recon flight would be sent to the Bahamas low, but that was scrapped as no development is indicated and the area is being absorbed by the Florida system (which by the way has brought welcome rain to drought plagued Florida). We will watch all of this as it drifts western into the Gulf of Mexico. Models are all over the place as to where it will end up. And there might be some development as the system encounters less wind shear over the Gulf waters. Hurricane Center has less than a 30% chance for tropical development--in the near future. So, I will keep a watchful eye.

50s and 60s for highs today west coast, Pacific Northwest, northern states and northeast. Most other areas will have highs in the 70s and 80s...hotter (some 100s southwest). There will be showers and thunderstorms in Florida and over the Rockies and southwest.

Houston will be sunny and pleasant. Wednesday will also be very comfortable. Some higher humidity starting Thursday and possibly a shower. Some showers and thunderstorms end of week and over weekend.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do drought or sequía, pronunced seh-CWEE-ah. There is a terrible sequía around Corpus Christi. See AND MORE section for details.

While we were in the valley, I enjoyed hearing Spanish spoken more frequently. Your child is well equipped to learn more than one language. Research shows that young minds have an amazing ability to do so and they enjoy tremendous benefits such as improved cognitive development. Help your children discover Spanish...order our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Courtney has done missionary work in Mexico and enjoyed learning and speaking more Spanish. 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 am giving up on the polls for a while...sorry I did not get results for the Rockets respect poll. Will let you know when we can try again.

Happy to report that little Michael and Alexander are both home. These are Ned and Danielle's identical twin boys. Their big brother Teddy is very excited they are all together and no more running back and forth to the hospital. Yay!!! Congratulations and welcome home!

Do you remember back in November, I was talking about my cousin who had been in a car accident where 3 of the 5 occupants had been killed? Well I am happy to report that she has made an amazing recovery. I saw her at the wedding reception and she looked fantastic. She said she is still doing therapy to recover from her head injury, but she has made a lot of progress! Well, I could certainly tell and it was just wonderful to see her beautiful face!!!

The photo of the bride and groom is one of my favorites. I always love that moment as the bride and groom cross that threshold from their reception to their new life together. I was right by the door (the threshold) when I took this photo. Hunter had already looked up and could see the crowd which had gathered to congratulate and cheer them on. Courtney had bowed her head (to make sure she wouldn't trip on that beautiful dress) but also I think she was taking a deep breath. This is it!!! Everyone had little cowbells to ring and celebrate the glorious moment. They are now on their honeymoon and we are very happy for them.

Well, when we returned from the wedding festivities, I couldn't wait to check out our corn (even though it was dark). In just 4 days, the plants had grown a foot!!! But, most importantly, we had corn cobs already on 3 plants...see photo. I know those wasps buzzing around helped with the cross-pollination. Thanks wasps. Most of the neighborhood kids have been over to check out the plants and of course, they want to pick the corn. My stepdad Gerry said that you know the corn is ready when the fine hairs, on top of the cob, turn brown. I want to especially thank Gerry for suggesting using the Miracle-Gro spray attachment. I think that helped tremendously. By the way, Gerry wants me to put in a daily forecast for Bandera. Do you think I should do that? Today will be warm, sunny and dry. You're welcome. Ha!

Speaking of dry weather, it rained at Courtney's wedding which was in Harlingen. That area has been suffering with drought for a few years. Someone told me this was the first rain in 2 months. Unfortunately, the Coastal Bend (around Corpus Christi) did not get any. I am telling you all, I have never seen it so dry...it is getting to be like Grapes of Wrath with dirt fields, crops not planted due to lack of irrigation water and what crops have been planted are pathetic little nothings. Even some of the trees are dieing. It's bad!!!

Well, that's all for now.

Have a terrific Tuesday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Frog Weather in Florida/We love you Rockets/Best Wedding Reception Ever

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Hello all -
Well, the really big weather story this week will be what is happening in the southeast...especially in Florida. Models are insisting that an area of low pressure is forming between the Bahamas and Florida and will be a big rainmaker as it slowly moves across Florida and then across the southeast. Conditions are not favorable for a tropical storm to develop. But it still looks like a prolonged period of wet weather.

Meanwhile, most of the country is shifting to dry and pleasant...coolest temperatures across the northern plains and Great Lakes and warm and dry (with cool mornings) across much of the south, midwest, Tennessee and Ohio Valleys. Enjoy!

Houston, the sun will be back out and expect pleasant weather all week...a slow increase in humidity starting mid-week. Lows in the 50s into Thursday morning. Highs in the 80s through Thursday. OOOHHH--AAAHHHHH.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do husband or esposo, pronounced ehs-POH-soh. Congratulations to my niece Courtney, who now has an esposo (Hunter). Happiness Always!!! I will get a photo of the newlyweds up in the next day.

Courtney told me that if she has little ones, she will definitely have them watch our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Courtney has done missionary work in Mexico and enjoyed learning and speaking more Spanish. 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 just want to tell the Rockets that I am so proud of them. They fought the fight. 3 to 4 should demands respect. I know. I know. It's all about the W. But sometimes, even that isn't good enough. Remember how in the mid 90s, Sports Illustrated did the unthinkable and snubbed the champion Rockets. You can't get better than winning it all, but apparently that wasn't enough.

Anyway, I can't close the poll however because the gadget that controls it is acting up. But, I will let you know when I get it changed. Thanks to all who participated.

Really enjoyed the wedding. Sarah was a flower girl. The wedding reception was held at a neat place called Puesto del Sol in western Houston. It is a huge home which is now being used for receptions, corporate get togethers and more. There is lots of stone and western decor. They have a neat pool in the back with a graduated (sloping) entry. The band was outstanding and the dancing went on for hours and hours. I know I can't do what I used to. I think every bone and my muscle was hurting when I woke up this morning. But, it sure was fun!!!

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Saturday Morning Weather Update

Just a quick update this Saturday am...showers and thunderstorms are developing and moving eastward in a line from central Texas into southern Arkansas/northern Louisiana. Storm Prediction Center has not issued in risk areas yet.

For Houston, some drier air on the way!!! It is going to be a very pleasant week. Don't miss it because summer heat and humidity are going to dominate soon.

Have a great weekend!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weekend Forecast/Tropical Development/Inflation at the Car Wash

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
High pressure will build toward the eastern US over the weekend. On Saturday, there will be some storms from Texas to the eastern seaboard. On Sunday that line shifts further east so that the eastern seaboard and Gulf states get wet. Saturday, it will be hot and humid ahead of this rain area. Very pleasant along the west coast and in the northern states and Rockies. Sunday, the pleasant weather pushes further east.

Houston, pleasant weather returns Sunday!!! Look for lows in the 50s and 60s next week with highs in the low 80s climbing to upper 80s by week's end. There will be some showers and thunderstorms mainly late Saturday into Sunday morning. A few showers are still possible during the day on Sunday.


SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do swim or nadar, pronounced nah-DAHR. Time to nadar...it's hot!!!

We have some action scenes of kids swimming in our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Kids love watching other kids do fun things...I think that is why the DVD is so well received. 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
Been very busy with wedding festivities for my niece, Courtney. Saturday is the big day and Sarah is a flower girl. I'll let you know how her trip down the aisle goes.

The National Hurricane Center is experimentally going to use the wind ranges for the Saffir-Simpson scale only. They say this is to avoid confusion because the original scale had pressure and storm surge factored in as well. I personally think this is the exact opposite of what we need to do. I think we should re-familiarize everyone with the original 3 parameters and that the Hurricane Center should issue statements with the worst case deciding the category. If storm surge had been used to categorize Hurricane Ike, it would have been rated a Category 4 storm. Instead, it officially goes down as a Category 2 even though it is the 3rd or 4th most costly storm on record!

Speaking of storms, models are hinting at tropical development in the northeastern Gulf or over Florida early to middle of next week. Conditions aren't great and it would happen before the official start of hurricane season which is June 1st. But, if nothing else, look for some rainy weather in Florida and the southeast US next week.

I've been meaning to let you know that the Mister Carwash on Dulles in Missouri City has now gone up to $5. Remember, it started at $1 and then went to $3. Even at $5, it is still a good deal with people hand drying the car and free vacuums.

Happy Weekend everyone!!!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Relief on the Way/Tax Credit Stimulus Recovery/Corn Crop

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There is a moderate risk for severe weather for a portion of Missouri and Illinois on Wednesday. Highs will be it the 40s, 50s and 60 across the northern 2 rows of states and in California. Look for some thunderstorms in Florida and some showers in the Pacific Northwest, northern Rockies and northern Plains.

Houston will be hot and humid again. But there is some big news!!! Less humid air will arrive early in the coming week, giving us mornings in the middle 60s and more pleasant conditions into Wednesday. Afternoons will still be in the 80s. This might be our last real break before the onslaught of summer. So, get ready to enjoy! A few showers and thunderstorms are possible over the weekend.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do corn or elote, pronounced eh-LOW-tay. I've got a miniature corn crop growing in my backyard. See AND MORE section for more information.

Our kids grow as fast as weeds. Time is short, especially the optimal time for learning languages--primarily before the age of 8...that is when 80% of neurological development has occurred. Brain scans show that children who learn multiple languages have more neurological development in their brains. So get going...stimulate those young minds! 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
I am growing corn in the backyard (as mentioned in previous posts). Check out the latest photo at right. The instructions say you need a minimum of 4 rows. I have exactly that. I may help the fertilization process along by using a Qtip to swab from tassle to tassle. But I did see a good sign...wasps buzzing around. They can serve as that mechanism.

We have a leak in our ac coil and are considering replacing the entire system. I did some checking and this is a good time to do so. In fact, if you use approved products, you can deduct 30% up to $1500 for an installed AC system (labor is included). This is part of the stimulus recovery. And you can do this through 12/31/10. Also, if you have been recharging you system, you should know that the ozone harming R22 will be phased out in about 2 years...then you will have to buy a converter so that your system will be able to handle the more environmentally friendly type of freon. This should cost about $700.

Check out this site for approved HVAC items:
http://www.ceedirectory.org/ceedirectory/pages/cee/ceeSearchMain.aspx

Also for 2009 and 2010, there are similar tax credits for eligible window and doors, insulation, roofs (metal and asphalt), water heaters (non-solar), biomass stoves. Through 2016, you can get credit for geothermal heat pumps, solar panels, solar water heaters, small wind energy systems and fuel cells. For more information, check out this link:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=products.pr_tax_credits

I had the pleasure of visiting with the fine folks at Dow in Freeport this morning. I gave them a presentation on important points from Ike and some things that folks still need to know. I had never driven down to Freeport. So, this was really interesting. The people at Dow were very knowledgeable--asking great questions!!! I enjoyed the visit!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Any Heat Relief Coming?/Rockets vs. Lakers--What Do You Think?

HURRICANES AND MORE
On Tuesday, look for some severe storms in Nebraska and South Dakota. Note that on Wednesday, their is a moderate risk of severe storms in eastern Missouri and western Illinois. There will also be some showers and thunderstorm along the eastern Gulf Coast and a few thunderstorms over the northern Rockies and northern Plains. There also might be a thunderstorm in Boston. Highs across the northern half of the country will be in the 50s and 60s and 70s. Most of the south (except California) will have highs in the 80s, 90s and even 100s (Arizona).

Near Cleveland Monday afternoon, some hail fell. Tuesday should be just another hot and humid day...rain chances very low--about 10%. Long range...there could be some storms over the weekend. Slightly higher humidity is likely early in the coming week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do basketball or baloncesto, pronounced bah-lone-SEHS-toe. What do you think about the Rocket's performance in their series against the Lakers? See AND MORE section to find out how you can voice your opinion.

In the game of life, you need every competitive edge. Research shows that people who learn more than one language are more articulate in their native language and on average, earn more money than someone who is monolingual. Help your favorite youngsters develop a love of languages. Order them 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
Our poll about favorite memories of mom is closed. Only one answer was allowed. 22% said cooking, 11% said energy/enthusiasm, 11% said nurturing, 22% said work ethic and 33% said faith. No one selected hugs/kisses, smile, friendship. Thanks to all who participated.

Our new poll has to do with the Rockets, who as I write this blog are tied 2-2 with the Lakers in their playoff series. What do you think about how the press is responding to the Rocket's performance? Once the series ends, I will terminate the poll. Only one answer is allowed. Enjoy!

Have a terrific Tuesday everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Weather for the Week/Postal Increases/A Ticket to Avoid

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Some tornado warnings have been issued in northern Louisiana this Mother's Day afternoon. On Monday, severe weather will develop in northeast Texas and northern Louisiana. It will be hot across the south with lots of 80s and 90s. Most of the northern 2/3rds of the country will enjoy highs in the 50s, 60s and 70s with some showers in the Pacific Northwest. There will also be some rain in the southeast and around DC and Norfolk.

Houston, it looks like this week will continue hot and humid with very low chances for rain. There is a hint of a few thunderstorms during the coming weekend.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do postage or franqueo, pronounced frahn-CWAY-oh. Don't forget about the increase in franqueo. See And More section for more information.

It is the perfect time to learn Spanish. Don't forget to 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
Did you know that if an officer has his light on at the side of the road, you are supposed to either move over a lane or if in the lane next to the officer's car, you have to reduce your speed to 20 miles below the speed limit. Someone I know got a ticket for not reducing their speed sufficiently. My understanding is this is a fairly recent rule. Now you know!

Postal rates have increased by 2 cents per one ounce piece of mail. The USPS web site says that you can still use your Forever Stamps for 1 ounce pieces of mail--no extra postage required. There is no change for Priority and Express because those went up already in January. If you ship with Paypal, don't forget to go the Shipping Calculator and adjust your rates or you will be paying for the increase in postage. For more information:
http://www.usps.com/prices/pricechanges.htm

Happy Mother's Day! I was treated to breakfast in bed. Sarah brought me the food with Daddy. She added a pink sugary cookie to the plate which she proceeded to eat for me. And, she was very helpful with the eggs too. Too funny! Megan brought me some gifts and a card. It was really special having her with us at lunch, even though she is in the midst of finals. Thanks everyone for making it a great day! Speaking of moms, don't forget to vote in our poll and tell us your favorite memory of Mom. Poll closes late Monday.

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman