Memorial Day is a very special holiday. Each of us knows someone who served in the military. On Monday, we remember all who have served. My Dad was a WWII vet serving in the South Pacific.  For all who have served and all remembered, the attached is a beautiful combination of graphics and music. It was submitted to me by a wonderful gentleman who served in World War II and was a guard at the Nuremberg Trials . He was a witness to history. Enjoy.

by pgeiger
No Comments »

Technorati Tags:
Month of May, Full Moon, Summer Weather

No matter where you live, May is a month that offers change. In the Southeast and Southwest, the torrid temperatures of summer are yet to come. In the Northern states, the trees are budding and flowers are forming and the aroma of fresh grass makes a “walk in the park”, the thing to do. It also encourages all of us to open windows, get off the couch and start to exercise, even if it’s in the form of a nightly walk.

If you wonder what the summer will bring, let me refer you to our website www.farmersalmanac.com. We will post the US and Canadian maps within the next few days. There is also an article under weather regarding how hot it has been the last few years. Check it out.

I will be traveling without my laptop until May 26th. So, let me point out that the Full Flower Moon will occur on May 19th at 10:11pm. This refers to the abundance of flowers everywhere and the sheer beauty of May. This along with more rain than usual, gets our summer off to a beautiful start. Enjoy.

My next report will be on May 26th.

by pgeiger
No Comments »

Technorati Tags:
Camping, Summer Hints, Sunburn, Bugs, Grass Stains

Here is one more for summer suggestions:

Summer Hints

Soda 

A neat trick for motorists: When you stop for refreshments, save the last of your soda to clean the bugs off the windshield.  Carbonated beverages cut through grime and film better than conventional cleaners.  Of course you need to wipe the glass clean with a rag.  1979 FA 

Camping Out 

Campers, washing clothes couldn’t be easier! Find a pail with a tight fitting lid. Fill it half full with soapy water and laundry.  Wedge it in a corner of the trailer and drive off.  The clothes wash as they slosh. 

Don’t panic when there is no ketchup for the hot dogs.  Make a quick substitute by stirring together ½ cup tomato sauce, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of vinegar, and a few shakes of cinnamon and cloves. 

Camping Clothespin Hint

• Clip clothespins to paper plates so they hold the plates down and don’t blow away.
• Clip wet towels, bathing suits, etc., on thin tree branches.
• Use one to hold short matches when lighting candles, lanterns, or campfires.
• Use a clothespin as an emergency safety pin or hairclip.

Start a campfire with Doritos.Doritos tortilla chips works as kindling.  They burn long enough to start damp wood on fire. 

Sunburns 

To avoid sunburn, have your children use sunscreen with a rating of 15 or higher and make them wear hats and protective clothing when playing outdoors, even on cloudy days. 

Grass Stains 

Q. How can I get grass stains out of clothes?A. Try presoaking the stained clothing in cold water for at least 30 minutes. Then rinse and pre-treat with a detergent.
Wash, using detergent, hot water, and a fabric-safe bleach. On acetate and colored fabrics, use 1 part alcohol to 2 parts of water.

by pgeiger
No Comments »

Our hearts go out to those living in Missouri and Arkansas hit by the weekend tornados. As with earthquakes, people who live in the area know what to do. But, in the middle of the night, there was little or no warning. In the 2007 Farmers’ Almanac we ran an article with tornado survival tips:

Before

> Designate a spot within your home that is considered safe and practice having the family rush there. Discuss the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.

> Have disaster supplies including flashlights, , battery operated radio and plenty of batteries. Also, a non electric can opener, emergency water and canned goods. Be sure you have ample supplies of medicine.

> Have a family communication plan. Use cell phones. Designate out of state  relatives to serve as contact points should the family be scattered during a storm.

Watches and Warnings

A tornado watch is issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms. This is the time to remind family members where the safest places are to go during a storm and listen for developments. A tornado warning is issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.

During

> If at home go to the basement, storm cellar or lowest level of the building. If no basement, go to to  an inner hallway or smaller inner room without windows such as a bathroom or closet. Stay away from windows and move to the center of a room. If possible get under a sturdy piece of furniture such as a workbench.

> If at work or school go to a basement or inner hallway at the lowest building level. Avoid areas with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, etc.

> If outdoors, get inside of a building. If none are close, lie in a ditch or low-lying area or crouch near a strong building. Be aware of potential flooding.

> If in a car, never try to outdrive a tornado. Tornadoes can change directions quickly and can easily lift a car or truck and flip it through the air. Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building. If no building, follow above advise by  lying in a ditch, etc..

When a tornado is coming you have only a few moments to make life and death decisions. Advance planning and a quick response are keys to survival. If you go to our home page, test your knowledge about tornadoes. We see this as a busy tornado year - please be prepared.

by pgeiger
No Comments »

 One of the great dangers of the summer weather season is lightening. I have spoken about it in the past but want to share a piece from the 1987 Farmers’ Almanac. After attending the Weather Spotter training, I realize that lightening can travel 10 miles from it’s origins and strike a victim. It is possible that you might not even be aware of a storm but still feel the outcome. It is always wise to pay attention to the NWS call for storms in your region.

 When you are outdoors:

• Seek shelter in a building, preferably a metal frame one, or one with lightning rods. If neither of these is nearby, pick the largest structure you can find.
• Stay away from isolated trees. It is better to lie in a ditch or to crouch in a hollow in the open than to stand under a tall tree. A cave or base of a cliff also offers some protection.
• Stay away from wire fences, overhead telephone and electrical wires, isolated sheds and hilltops.
• Stay out of the water and small boats. Do not ride a bicycle, a horse, or drive a plow or tractor.
• Stay in your automobile if you are driving (a car’s tires insulate it). Do not stop under a tree or on the top of a hill.
• Do not use metal items, such as golf clubs, fishing rods or garden tools.

When you are indoors:

• Stay away from open doors and windows, fireplaces, radio and television sets, lamps and other electrical equipment, telephone, radiators, water pipes and stoves.
• Do not take showers or baths. Do not wash dishes.
• Stay in the basement or lowest floor of your house.

by pgeiger
No Comments »

You know you live in a rural state when you get excited by a train ride. In Maine, passenger rail service ended in 1959 and in recent years was re-established. It is called the Downeaster by Amtrak. I attended an Education Conference on Rigor in downtown Boston. The ride brought me to the hotel. No traffic. My last blog was about summer. Today, let me continue with summer hints.  Here is what to watch for as you spend more time outdoors.

Clouds:

High small cumulus clouds with West to Northwest wind insure fair/ weather.

The higher the clouds the dryer the air.

Uniform and oval-top clouds are not immediate rain threats.

Dew is a sign of a fair tomorrow.

Scattered sparse “mare’s tail” cirrus clouds, if high enough and flow with prevailing wind, it will be fair. When they congeal into webby over- cast they become signs of rain.  

If smoke curls downward, it will rain.

If smoke curls up and disappears, it will be fair.

When cumulus clouds become tufted or chaotic like shell burst, expect rain.

Halo around the sun or moon especially in the Summer predicts the coming of rain.

Lightning from West or Northwest is from a storm that will strike. Lightning from East or South is from a storm that will usually miss you.

by pgeiger
No Comments »