Every business has its high points. For Sandi Duncan and me, the release of the 2008 edition is what we work for for over a year! It begins our dialog with readers and fans that continues all year. While our method of predicting weather is a well-kept secret, the weather for the upcoming year is no longer under lock and key- it’s here and it’s interesting and full of crazy weather.

You may ask “why is the 2008 edition released now?” Well …

* We have 16 months of weather starting with September 1st.

* In many parts of the country the seasons are changing. Yes, it is still warm, but I am already hearing from folks with their observations of nature and the upcoming winter. A future blog will talk about the Top 20 Signs of a Hard Winter.

* We try to precede the first snowfall. Placing ourselves in stores now gives our readers an opportunity to “prepare for winter”.

* And while some of us hate to see it go, the summer is coming to an end.

Our 2008 Farmers’ Almanac is in stores today. In addition to weather, I have always considered us to be an authority on smart living. Fun and favorite items in this issues include:

> What’s That Smell - think you have a skunk in your backyard? Check again. It might just be skunk cabbage, corpse flower, voodoo lily, or another unassuming plant that may have a pretty flower but a fowl smell!
> Greenhouse Gas Emissions - At the Farmers’ Almanac, we stay away from politics. But, there is no question each of us can live smarter and help the environment at the same time. We like to think we were green before anyone knew what green was about. In the 2008 Farmers’ Almanac, we address a growing concern over greenhouse gas emissions and preserving our great earth. It’s a must read.

> Peak foliage - we have a calendar that outlines the peak foliage times thought the US. Plus a great article on why leaves change color each year.
> Butter vs. Margarine - the great debate– who wins?

> Create a Year of Wellness - from heart disease to cholesterol to home safety. Each month offers suggestions for living well.

> My favorite - Farmers’ Almanac Wedding Weather Contest - bring us your soggy, your cold and your miserable. Called a Brides Best friend, we offer long range predictions. But, not everyone consults the Farmers’ Almanac for “their” day and many times the sun doesn’t shine. So, look for our Worst Wedding Weather Contest. If you or a friend had less than sunny conditions (or extreme heat), go to <http://www.farmersalmanac.com/worstweddingweather/ . Submit your story online and enter a chance to win a second honeymoon on Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, an LL Bean gift certificate or Dinner for Two. Lots more on this one as we hope to have America vote for the best of the worst weather wedding days.

Sandi Duncan. Philom.. and I will be doing our media blitz. during the next few weeks. Today, I will be sharing the honors with Mickey Youmans of FATV. We have not only expanded our efforts online but through our TV partners. We hope to connect with you and always welcome comments electronically.

Buyer Beware - the 2008 Farmers’ Almanac has a green/ orange cover. Be sure to get your copy today http://store.farmersalmanac.com/