It has been a long process, but it has been fun and yielded a “winner”. Last fall we rolled out the Farmers’ Almanac Worst Wedding Weather Contest. It was based on the premise that every bride and groom wants a warm sunshine filled day for the exchange of their nuptials. But, sometimes (actually, many times) the weather makes the day gloomy and/ or downright nasty/ disastrous.

So, we asked couples, young and old, to submit a 350 word description of their wedding day experience and heard from 500+. Each 350 word story carried passion and it soon became clear that while the weather was less than cooperative, it was the one thing that everyone remembered about their day.

Our experts narrowed the list down to the “Top 10″ and then America voted for their favorite. On February 29th a press release was sent to the local media and couples were interviewed as local human interest stories. So after 6 weeks of voting, our home page reports on the winners. But, all of the stories were engaging and I thank all 500 couples for touching our lives with their very personal and sometimes funny stories of woe.

The winners:

Marianne and Joe Trovato of Bensalem - A record 21 inch snowstorm (February 1983) couldn’t put a freeze on their wedding day plans. This young couple got more than 2 years worth of snow all in one day but they were determined to get married and 25 years later they will celebrate on a Royal Caribbean ship for 7 nights. Congratulations.

Stacy and Clifford White of Petersburg, Indiana - Talk about wedding weather disasters, this couple faced death as a F-4 tornado tore into their wedding reception on June 2, 1990. As the reception started a tornado warning was issued. Everyone rushed to the church basement as the stormed hit and leveled much of the town, parts of the hall and many vehicles in the parking lot. The bridesmaids were nurses and started treating the injured. They are the recipients of a gift card from LL Bean.

Christine and Otis Hoffmann of New Braunfels, Texas - October 17th, 1998 was not only the day for their wedding but for the greatest flood in San Antonio history.Some guests made it while many others could not navigate the waters. Eventually, a trip to the local gas station provided the “food” for the reception. We are treating Christine and Otis to a romantic dinner for two in a favorite restaurant.

Each of our couples have a story of survival. And, each has a marriage that has stood the test of time. Be sure to go to our website and read about how even the worst weather cannot undue the best laid plans of young couples in love. Congratulations to all who participated.

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by pgeiger
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Although we are receiving one lasts bout of snow today,  I saw my first ant in my home which has me thinking about the joys of spring and summer. So, how do you keep ants outside your home?

Ant invasions (ok I had one) frequently occur when the weather changes, sending the critters in search of food, shelter and water. Ants often build their nests next to or under buildings. To keep ants from invading your space, try some of the following: Caulk cracks around the foundation and in the kitchen with silicone sealant; store sweet foods in clean, tightly closed, ant-proof containers; prevent tree branches from touching your house allowing ants to crawl into it; repair faucets and pipes, as water attracts thirsty ants; rinse recyclables; and keep garbage outside.

If the ant army is inside, sprinkle red pepper where floors and counters meet the wall. I also have used powered soap on the floor. They carry the grains back to their nest. When it gets wet, pow, it destroys their home. You can also strew the following natural ant repellents in the infested areas: catnip, mint, camphor, strips of cucumber peel, tansy, sweet fern, rue or crushed egg shells.

I’ll discuss other pest repellents as we move into spring and summer,

by pgeiger
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Many times I speak about the weather conditions in Northern New England because I live and  feel it every day. Recently, I provided information about Flood Awareness Week. While we are still sitting on huge mounds of snow on the ground,  Caribou (Maine) set an all time winter snow record with 187.5 inches of snow, it is still rather chilly here and the flood potential is yet to come.

Our attention goes to the Midwest where floods are happening today and will not abate anytime soon. The Midwest floods are  a combination of heavy rain on top of the snow. A couple weeks ago, Columbus (Ohio) broke an all-time 24 hour snowfall. The old record was a little 15 inches in 1910. 2008 will go into the books with 21 inches of snow. The annual average for this community is 28 inches.

Wisconsin has a number of communities with record snows as well.  So, there you go - too much snow, plus an onset of spring warmth and rains = trouble.  We have had big snows in other years but the manner in which is melts can and makes all the difference. The national weather service has mapped the problem area as they see it for the next 10 days.

by pgeiger
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When I was growing up,  Spring was always on March 21st. I have had a number of inquiries about why it is  on March 20th.  As we learned earlier with a Leap Day, years do not come in even numbers and neither do the seasons. The earth’s elliptical orbit is another reason. In winter, the earth travels around the sun more quickly than it does in the summer. Since the seasons are defined by precise positions of the earth and sun, it takes less time for the faster moving earth to go from winter solstice to the first day of spring.

Another complication centers around the length of the day on a vernal equinox (Spring). We were always taught that on the first day of spring and fall, there is an exact amount of daylight and darkness…. another not true. On the days of spring and fall equinoxes, the amount of daylight is actually greater than darkness by several minutes.

The reason can be attributed to our atmosphere. If earth did not have an atmosphere, then the length of day and night would be even on the equinox days. However, our atmosphere acts like a lens and bend light around the end of the horizon. This means that when you watch the sun, either coming up above the horizon at sunrise, or going down below the horizon at sunset, you are looking at an illusion - the sun is not really there, rather it is below the horizon. As a result, we end up seeing the sun a few minutes before its disc rises and for a few more minutes after it sets. Thus, the length of the day on any given day is increased by six or seven minutes.

Spring has arrived and yes it is  March 20th. I for one welcome it!

by pgeiger
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I am beginning to see an interesting trend resulting from rough winters. Here is a great question form Montreal, Canada:

Rumors on the streets say that Montreal is expecting another 90 centimeters of snow in the coming weeks…this is, what I am told, the Farmers’ Almanac is reporting… Can you confirm any of these myths?

My response…. if you are going to receive another 90 centimeters, it is not because the Farmers’ Almanac says so. Feel free to go to my website and click on weather and Canada. Then see what we are predicting for the next two months. Last year Denver (Colorado) had major storms all winter and as we got to the end of the season rumors were heard on the streets indicating the Farmers’ Almanac was calling for a storm with 30 inches (76 cm) of snow, then 40 inches (101 cm) and finally a storm with 55 inches (140 cm) of snow. The snowball (storm) got bigger with time. I finally got on Denver media to dispel the rumor.

This has been a rough winter to say the least in many northern US and Canadian regions and we do call for rain/ snow all for the balance of March. But, check out our web and follow what the publication calls for. Of course I don’t make the snow and anything is possible. But, let’s hope the worst is behind us!! At least that is what we believe.

The trend - if there is a tough winter with incredible amounts of snow, a rumor gets started that according to the Farmers’ Almanac, the “big one” will hit at the end. In the case of Denver, it didn’t and I don’t think my Canadian friend are going to get 90 cm. When in doubt, check out our two months of predictions for regions of the US and Canada.

by pgeiger
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One of the features of the 2008 Farmers’ Almanac was a contest to determine the couple who’s nuptials took place during the worst weather Mother Nature could toss their way. Our entries numbered 500 and we narrowed it down to the 10 most (exciting) unusual wedding weather stories. American has now spoken. Voting ended at midnight last night and we are verifying the results. Later this month we will announce the winning couples.

Thanks to everyone involved with this contest. From every bride and groom who submitted stories to the thousands who voted, it as been great fun. Royal Caribbean Cruise and LL Bean have provided prizes. We are grateful for their involvement. From the Today Show announcement to the local media that covered the home time “heroes”, the message spread from Coast to Coast. Now, stay tuned for the big announcement at the end of March.

by pgeiger
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Last week I mentioned how March can bring out the worst in the weather. Let’s add the tornado in Atlanta to that list. In terms of tornado frequency among the states, Georgia is in the middle. It’s not near the top of the list (as is Kansas and Oklahoma, which are in “Tornado Alley”) but it’s not down near the bottom of the list (like Alaska or Washington State).

The greatest threat of a tornado would be in April or May, so Friday’s event is a little unusual. It is even more unusual to have a tornado appear within a major city is extremely uncommon. The last major city to catch a tornado was salt Lake City on August 11, 1999. Having appeared on CNN in Atlanta several times, it is amazing that there wasn’t more damage to this part of town. Thank God. And, no we did not say tornadoes for our predictions - just windy and rain. We are cheering for any rain in the Southeast but the kinder and gentler type is preferred.

This is Flood Awareness Week in New England and elsewhere. Here are some terms ( form the National Weather Service) to remember:

Flood Warnings for major rivers - these warnings are issued specifically for major rivers and include forecasts of water levels and/ or flows at certain points along the river.

Flood Warnings for small rivers and streams - These warnings are issued by your local county for smaller rivers and streams.

Flash Flood Warnings - These are issued for rivers and streams in a specific area when rapid rises are expected to cause flooding and immediate action may be needed to save lives or protect property.

Urban Flood Advisories - these advisories are issued for urban areas or small streams when the normal drainage is unable to handle the volume of runoff from the heavy rain and/ or snowmelt.

Obviously, not all parts of the US and Canada are facing flood problems. But, there are significant areas that have had high moisture content snow and the closer we get to April and quick warming, the greater the potential for minor or major flooding. We had very similar conditions in March of 1987 which led to massive floods in Northern New England.

Be prepared.

by pgeiger
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John Jensenius is a long time friend with the National Weather Service. He reminds me that the week of March 17th is Flood Awareness Week for New England. It is true for other parts of the country as well. Floods kill 74 people annually, so preparing for a flood is best done in advance before anything begins to happen. You don’t have to live in a flood zone to feel the impact of heavy snow and rain.

In advance:

> Check your insurance policy to see where you stand regarding coverage,

> Be sure to keep any drains open and free from ice, leaves and dirt.

> remove snow close to your foundation.

If a flood is imminent:

> Keep valuables on the top floor or move to another property.

> Have an evacuation plan should waters rise quickly.

> Unplug electrical equipment.

> Turn off utilities (gas and electric)

Finally:

> Don’t walk into moving water. Only 6 inches can knock you down or move a car along.

> Six inches of water is enough to come up to the bottom of a car’s door. Don’t feel overly empowered in a truck or SUV. They can float away just as easily.

> Don’t wait for an “official flood warning”. If you think it might happen, go to high grounds.

Almost half of flood deaths occur in vehicles. Driving through running water is dangerous. If your car is swept into raging water, stay calm. Wait for the car to fill with water. Once it fills the doors will open and you can swim to the surface. If you cannot exit the water, cling to a tree or bush until rescuers can get to you.

Remaining calm is your best defense. Let’s hope the Spring brings with it slow melting.

by pgeiger
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Most of this winter I have mentioned how Northern New England has been pounded by snow - 23 plowable storms and in some locations over 140″ of white stuff. But, what happens when you get 146 inches of snow in two weeks. A friend shared scenes from Watertown NY. This storm occurred in 2007 but dropped 146 inches of snow in 2 weeks. A picture is worth a thousand words. Watertown is due north of Syracuse, NY and directly east of Lake Ontario. When it snows, it really snows. This is from last winter but it tells a story. Enjoy!

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lake effect snow, Watertown, NY, snow, Farmers’ Almanac

by pgeiger
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A few days ago, I spoke about the unsettling weather during March. In recent days it has been more than true. A Texas friend, reports that Dallas had 2 inches of snow one day followed by another 6 inches a couple days later. On average, Dallas might see 0.2 inches in March and 2.5 inches for the entire year. At the same time Ohio and Tennessee saw over 1 foot of snow as did Kentucky and other parts of the South… March is a lion going in - we can only hope that the lamb arrives before it is over. But, be prepared.

Soory to vent but one of the more disturbing things I read about (weekly) is the conning of the elders. I read about one lady in our Sunday paper who was fleeced by a caller with a voice that “could make you melt”. He called with a prescription plan that would eliminate all drug costs for life.  He had enough information to convince her that he was the real thing. He knew her bank, a couple numbers of her account, spoke slowly, etc. She bit and was quoted in the paper as saying “Damn it, he’s got me”. She knew these things happen but was powerless. He took her for  $297 and attempted to do additional damage until she changed phone numbers.

It reminds me that last year a foreign entity sent letters to thousands of people telling them they won a lottery. Because they were going to have to pay taxes on their prize, a check was enclosed for $2,000 to cover the taxes, All they had to do is send money to initiate this good fortune  - release the winnings . Sure enough, they took one of my checks, with my signature and made it out to the person. Sorry, it wasn’t really my check and I would never pay someone I don’t know $2,000 so they could win a lottery. But, dozens of people and businesses fell  for the com. I even heard from a police department in Missouri threatening to have me arrested until I explained  it. These things are convincing.

Scams are so prevalent that the consumer has to be aware. Suggestions:

   > If it is too good to be true, it is.
   > Never deal over the phone - insist that it be put in writing before taking any action.

   > Never ever give out personal information over the phone, no matter how convincing the caller sounds. Again, insist that it be sent.

   > Call the police. Some of these frauds are so common, they can be overwhelmed. But, report it because some departments have divisions to deal with such matters.

   > Contact a local Seniors organization who can forewarn others

My heart goes out to people who are convinced over the phone that good luck shines on them. Especially during tough economic times, intelligent people are hoping for relief. If it is too good, it really is. It is unconscionable that a companies and individuals can do this for a living. How one sleeps at night after fleecing our elders, makes no sense. If you have an experience along these lines, I would enjoy learning about it

by pgeiger
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