More rain expected/One lady's success at becoming author

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
No tropical development in Atlantic or Pacific.

Well the jet stream/upper flow continues it's ridge west and trough east pattern. By early next week, the pattern shifts to more of an omega pattern--ridges west and east coasts and trough in the middle US. This will bring more rain/storms to the central and south-central US in the coming week.

Friday will be hot from Texas through the desert southwest highs in the 90s and 100s. Look for some thunderstorms Texas and Florida and some potentially severe weather Iowa. northwest Illinois and Wisconsin. Highs will be in the 60s and 70s west coast of California, Great Lakes and northeast. Elsewhere, highs will be in the 90s.

Houston will be steamy on Friday with a few thunderstorms possible. There were so heavy downpours on Thursday--Bellaire picked up almost 2 inches. The grass is loving it. There will be a few showers/thunderstorms through the weekend and the upcoming week looks rainy as the upper trough moves into position over the central US.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do author or escritor, pronounced ehs-cree-TORE. Do you want to be an escritor? Find out how one woman did--see the And More section.

Authors love words/language. And one way to help your children learn language structure is to expose them to more than one language. A good start is our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Order your copy from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,%20www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
For all you aspiring writers, I have a story for you...a while back I was introduced to the mother of a friend. I found out she is a much published author. But I had never heard of her. Well, about 4 decades ago, she had written some children's books and a novel and approached a publishing company (about getting them published). They said they liked her children's books but they had way more than they needed. Then they asked her if she would be willing to try her hand at writing biographies for children. Well, she decided to give it a try. And, she succeeded! From then on , she made a career of writing biographies for children--she found a niche. She is still writing today (even though she is in her 80s). I am enjoying one of her books right now--a biography of Abner Doubleday. She said she never did get that novel published, but she has had a very successful writing career.

Happy reading and writing!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

More Rain/No Sales Tax Weekend

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
In the Atlantic, two areas of disturbed weather are close to land. In fact one will bring heavy rains to Puerto Rico and Hispanola early Wednesday. According to the National Hurricane Center both have less than a 30% chance of developing.

On Wednesday, it will be very hot in the Intermountain Region and desert southwest--100+. Pleasant along the west coast. South will be warm and humid with highs in the 80s and 90s with thunderstorms. Mild in the Midwest, Great Lakes and Northeast with highs in the 60s and 70s and low 80s.

Houston, I think there will be some showers in the morning...from the outflow from storms to the north late Tuesday. There is a slight chance for showers and thunderstorms through the weekend with a better chance early in the coming week. Temperatures will be warm and conditions muggy.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do shopping or compra, pronounced COHM-prah. Thinking about back to school compra -- you might want to plan it for the no sales tax weekend--find out when that is in the AND MORE section.

Shopping for educational products for your children can be overwhelming. But when it comes to learning languages, here's a product that has received awards from people who know about educating our little ones--it's our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco. Order your copy from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,%20www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
In Texas, if you are thinking about back to school shopping already...you might want to wait until the 2nd to the last weekend of August (right before most public schools are starting). Since I have retail sales, I got a notice from the state saying this is when the no sales tax weekend is.

Happy Shopping!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

More rain/Lightning Safety/What is a severe storm?

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There is one area of disturbed weather east of the tropics. Odds of development are low. Looking at the long range steering pattern, I do see an important (if only temporary) shift coming up. According to at least one long range model--at the end of July, the ridge (which is now over the western US) looks like it will shift eastward so that it is positioned over the southeastern US. This is not good news for Texas as anything that moves/develops in the Caribbean/Gulf could be steered toward Texas. So, I will watch this very closely.

On Monday, the ridge continues to bring 100+ weather to the southwest, Intermountain Region and interior Oregon. West coast of California will still be nice and mild with highs in the 70s and most of the northeast, Great Lakes, northern plains will have highs in the 70s and 80s. The southeast and Texas will have highs in the 80s and 90s. Look for some severe weather mainly in the central US. There will also be some thunderstorms in the southeast.

The Houston area has enjoyed beneficial rains this weekend. There were more rain totals over one inch on Saturday. As I write this, the totals are not final yet for Sunday. There will be scattered storms Monday in the Houston area. Highs will be in the low to middle 90s.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do squat or agacharse, pronounced ah-gah-CHAR-say. In which type of weather, should you agacharse if you can't get to a safe shelter? See the answer in the AND MORE section.

Lightning has electricity and our bodies have electricity. In fact it's those little electrical impluses in our brain that fire when the brain is doing its work. You can stimulate the development and function of those neurological pathways by stimulating it and one of the best ways is through language learning. Give your kids this kind of stimulation. Order our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volume 1 is just the ticket. Order your copy from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,%20www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Thinking about stormy weather reminds me of a funny incident from when I worked at in TV weather. We were having tremendous thunderstorm activity--unbelievable amounts of lightning--like a strobe light. There were no severe thunderstorm warnings being issued by the National Weather Service because technically, this kind of storm did not meet the description of a severe storm. One viewer called and complained--asking why no severe thunderstorm warnings were issued. I told him that the storms did not meet severe criteria and he responded--but this storm has VERY SEVERE lightning. Well I had to agree with him on that one. But in case you were curious, here is the official definition of a severe thunderstorm pulled from the Storm Prediction Center web site:

The term severe thunderstorm refers to a thunderstorm producing hail that is at least penny size, 0.75 inches in diameter or larger, and/or wind gusts to 58 mph or greater, and/or a tornado. Although lightning can be deadly, the NWS doesn't use it to define a severe thunderstorm. If it did, every thnderstorm would be severe, by definition. Also, excessive rainfall may lead to deadly flash flooding, but heavy rain is not a severe criterion either. The flood threat is handled through a separate set of watches and warnings from your lcoal NWS forecast office.

For more information, go to their FAQ page.
http://www.spc.ncep.noaa.gov/faq/

Remember, if there is lightning, the safest place is in a non-metal structure--1st floor, away from windows and doors and stay out of the tube/shower, off land line phones and plugged in appliances. If you can't get indoors, a vehicle is a good alternative--just don't touch the metal parts of the car. If you can't get into a car, get to the safest low spot, away from water and tall objects. Squat down (with as little of your body in contact with the ground as possible), making yourself as small as possible.

Have a great week everyone!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Rain This Weekend/Poll Closes/New Poll/Looking for Kayakers

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There are two areas of disturbed weather in the Atlantic--both are weak and have low prospects for developing.

Big shift west in the jet stream is heating things up out west and allowing cooling rains in Texas. Hooray!!! Texas really needs the drought relief! Highs on Saturday out west will be in the 100s except for the coast of California which will have highs in the 70s. Very pleasant over the eastern US with highs in the 60s (Great Lakes) and 70s. Southeast will have highs in the low 90s. Note the severe storm threat in eastern New Mexico, southeast Colorado, and west Texas.

Houston -- some more thunderstorms over our southern areas on Friday...a whopping 1.7 inches fell in the Friendswood area...hey, share some with the rest of us. Well, it looks like there will be even more showers and thunderstorms this weekend with Sunday being the most likely day. Additional cloud cover with keep highs in the low 90s on Saturday and upper 80s on Sunday.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do skyline or horizonte, pronounced or-ree-ZONE-tay. I think the Houston horizonte is very pretty--but where are the kayakers? See AND MORE section for more on that.

For rainy periods like we are expecting this weekend, our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volume 1 is just the ticket. Order your copy from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,%20www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
Have you been downtown lately? I can't help but me amused (and tell me if I am missing something)...have you seen those banners hanging on the posts? They show a beautiful Houston skyline but the foreground, there are two people kayaking. Now, I'm wondering...do people go kayaking on Buffalo Bayou? More importantly, as visitors see downtown Houston for the first time--do you look around to see where these kayakers are? Just wondering...

Our poll on the tax incentive for trading in high gas using vehicles is closed. 20% said they are considering it and 80% said they are not. Thanks to all who participated.

My new poll is about the demands on our schedules. What takes most of your energy. Only one answer is allowed. Thanks in advancing for answering.

Have a great weekend! Enjoy the rain!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

More rain expected/Princess Oreo/Watching disturbance in Atlantic

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
There is an area of disturbed weather a few hundred miles west of the Cape Verde Islands (in the eastern Atlantic). According to the National Hurricane Center, this area has less than a 30% chance of developing as it moves westward. Will monitor. In the eastern Pacific, Carlos and Dolores have weaked to tropical depressions and are not a concern to land.

Very hot on Friday across the southern plains and southwest, Intermountain Region and inland areas of Washington and California. Cool spot will be the northern Great Lakes with highs in the 50s! Southeast will have highs in the upper 80s to low 90s. Elsewhere, look for highs in the 70s and 80s. There is a slight risk for severe weather east of the Rockies and across a portion of the southeast.

Some much needed downpours in Houston on Thursday... from the Harris County Office of Emergency Management rain gauge network, 0.9 inches along I10 just inside Beltway 8 and 0.7 near Channelview, 0.6 in Friendswood. Never fear, there will be more scattered showers and thunderstorms Friday, Saturday and Sunday. At times, temperatures will be decreased by the showers and extra cloud cover will help keep things slightly cooler overall.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do princess or princesa, pronounced preen-CEH-sah. May I introduce you to princesa Oreo? See And More section for more.

While my stepdad is in town doing cancer treatment, he and my mom are having fun doing all kinds of extra things they might not have time for otherwise. Every Tuesday and Thursday night, they take Spanish lessons. Gerry is really making amazing progress! You go Gerry! And the school of research shows that language is very beneficial and stimulating to the neuro-pathways of the brain...improving function and learning--especially in children. So don't let your little ones miss out! Order our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volume 1 from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,%20www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
I was uploading some photos to order hard copies and I had to love the photo at right. I want to tell you about the sweetest, most patient dog I have ever meant. The pretty girl in the middle is Oreo. I think Oreo is 13 years old...really old for a dog. But she still has some get up and go. She never barks. And she puts up with all kinds of abuse like wearing tiaras (you can't see it but there is also a wand in her collar). Sarah always enjoys Oreo so much when we visit cousin Sophia. Oreo loves to snuggle and followed us from room to room. When we went somewhere, she was quick to jump into the car...she loves an adventure. When we got ready to leave, she climbed up into the back seat. The only person who could persuade her to come out was my sister Julie...the person who found her wandering along a road when she only a puppy. Oreo truly is a princess' best friend.

Have a fantastic Friday!
Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

It is going to rain!!!/Pride, Prejudice and a Plot Twist /Bowling Made Better

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
The Atlantic Basin is quiet.

In the Eastern Pacific, Carlos is a hurricane with 105 mph winds. It is eventually expected to weaken as it moves westward. Newly formed Tropical Depression 5E is forecast to move mainly west-northwest and strengthen to a tropical storm.

On Wednesday, with the exception of the west coast of California, all of the southern states should have highs in the 90s and 100s (100s being in Texas, Oklahoma, the southwest and even as far north as inland Oregon). Highs will be in the 60s along the west coast of California, the northern plains, the Great Lakes and the northeast. Look for storms from Colorado to the Ohio Valley and some in the southeast.

Houston had its 5th straight day of 98 degree readings--not the 100s we had but the humidity has been plenty high. Sugar Land has hit 100 2 days in a row. Help!!! We're melting and our grass is burning up! Well here is some good news!!! Looks like the ridge is going to ease back to the west starting Thursday and stay that way for at least a week. That means there could be storms coming down the edge of the ridge and over us as soon as Thursday. Best chances for rain will be end of weekend into middle of the coming week. The rain will also help cool things off.

Bandera report for my step-dad--Gerry, looks like Bandera will get some rain middle to end of the NEXT week.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do hope or esperanza, pronounced s-pehr-RAHN-zah. We have esperanza that it will rain!!!

We all hope for a bright future for our children. Help make that future more promising by encouraging them to learn more than one language. Order our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volume 1 from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,%20www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
We went to one of Sarah's friend's birthday parties last weekend. It was at a bowling alley. Now, I know you've heard of bumpers being put up. But have you ever seen the special launching rack that can be used? You just place the ball on top and let it roll down to the floor with momentum from gravity helping it to roll on down to the lane. Of course this is a great idea for the little ones who have such a hard time swinging a big, heavy bowling ball. And you wouldn't believe all the strikes they made using this contraption! Well, I say, let adults use it. You can even take away my bumper pads. Just think...no more broken fingernails (I always break my thumbnail bowling), no more sore arms, shoulders and hips. I'm thinking this could be an Olympic Event!!! Who's with me?!

For all of you romantic lovers of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, here's a book to avoid. (Please note I love it!!!) It is a new Colleen McCullough novel (same lady who wrote The Thornbirds) and all is not happily ever after in the Darcy household. Oh dear...it is not what you might have envisioned. The book is actually about Elizabeth's spinster sister Mary, who ended up taking care of their mother until the mother died. But they do talk about Elizabeth and Fitzwilliams Darcy. The book is called The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet. Check it out---if you dare!!!

Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman

Rain in Forecast/Cool Sugar Land Pools/Facebook Connection/Crazy Gardening

HURRICANES AND WEATHER
Atlantic basin is quiet. Tropical Storm Carlos in the eastern Pacific weakened today...but the National Hurricane Center is still forecasting it to become a hurricane. There is another area of disturbed weather a few hundred miles east of Carlos and that has a chance to develop. Will monitor both.

Monday's highs will be in the 90s and 100s across the southern states (hottest Texas and desert southwest). West coast of California will only reach 70s. Elsewhere highs will be in the 70s and 80s. Look for severe storms in the northern Plains and parts of the southeast and Tennessee Valley.

Houston made the upper 90s today. 100 is possible on Monday. Upper trough backing in from the northeast will cause some scattered showers and thunderstorms end of the week and over the weekend.

SPANISH WORD OF THE DAY
Let's do trip or viaje, pronounced vee-AH-hey. Are you about to go on a viaje? Find out one father's method of coping in the AND MORE section.

If you are going on a trip with the kids, have I got the perfect DVD to have them watch--they'll be entertained and educated by our award winning DVD, Let's Learn Spanish with Frank & Paco, Volume 1 from www.frankandpaco.com/. You can also order from http://www.venturaes.com/, http://www.dololanguages.com/, http://www.carlexonline.com,%20www.thecuriousmindstore.com/, http://www.amazon.com/, http://www.bestbuy.com/, and http://www.barnesandnoble.com/. For our English as a Second Language (ESL) version, go to http://www.frankypaco.com/.

AND MORE
For those of you getting ready to hit the road with your kids, this one comes to you from my cross state travel of the last week. As we were getting ready to leave Amarillo, I ran into a man in the elevator with a cart filled with luggage. He offered that he was about to make an 18 hour road trip. I asked him where he was heading. And he said Columbus, Ohio. Then he added he has 4 kids. I asked him "Are you going to do that all in one stretch?!" and he looked at me with this resigned and numb look--"Why not?" I wonder how that went. Ha! Someone else told me it is probably something like this--what is the best way to take off a bandaid...slowly or just rip it off--I think that is how this man was feeling.

Okay...I know you'll think I'm crazy. But I just started some green pepper plants and some spinach plants. It's too hot for both, but I put them in some planters in a spot on the back porch that has morning sun. I'll let you know if I get any results. The green peppers are supposed to be started indoors in the spring and then transpanted in about 8 weeks...then given 73 days to produce fruit. So, we shall see how this all goes. Spinach is a spring or fall crop in Houston. But, maybe I'll get results if they grow in the shade. I am watering both every day. I just want to grow something and I couldn't find okra seeds. My corn crop is all burned up--I'm about to rework that bed. I love this gardening stuff...if only it weren't so hot.

Lots of swimming lately. Many of my friends are not taking their kids out because the water does not give relief--it is bath water warm--sometimes almost feeling like a lukewarm jacuzzi. But, a lot of the kiddie pools are in shade and their water is nice and cool. And for those of you who like the Magnolia Pool in Sugar Land--they must have changed out the water, because it was pleasantly cool today. Also, The Lakes pool has a fun covered kiddie pool with stone frogs spitting out streams of water...it is quite refreshing. Check it out!

Don't forget to look for me on Facebook. I am trying to get to it as much as possible. I'm still learning. Also, the puppet Frank the Horse is on there too. And, he wants to be your friend.

Well, have a great week everyone!

Cecilia Sinclair
Wonder Weather Woman