While Memorial Day is the “official start to summer”, Labor Day has become the “official end”. So, don’t let it go without  some rest and relaxation. The first Labor Day was celebrated with parades, picnics and fireworks. Today, Labor Day is celebrated in many different ways but is still a day set aside to appreciate the advancements, freedoms and prosperity our country experiences. Despite any current economic woes, this is still  a great country made up of women and men who work hard for their families and as a community help one another.

So, this Labor Day, look around and remember that life is good

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Official End to Summer, Labor day

by pgeiger
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This week has been a fantastically rewarding week. I get to talk to people (mostly in the media) from all over North America. From television in Boston, to radio in Portland, ME; Utica , NY; Wayne, NE; and a newspaper in Toronto, Canada, I’ve literally “been there.” Each interview has been great – highlighting first and foremost our weather predictions, but then going into more of what makes this year’s Farmers’ Almanac a “must-read.”

One question I often get and would like to share with you is the name of our publication – Farmers’ Almanac. Sometimes as an interview continues (especially radio),  is “this isn’t really just for farmers is it?” My answer is always “absolutely not.”

When the Farmers’ Almanac started 192 years ago, it was named after the people of its day- farmers. Farmers were and still are hard-working and honest people. As years passed and farming gave way to more industrial jobs,  our content changed but we kept our name. It’s part of our tradition, part of our history.

The Farmers’  Almanac isn’t a farming publication. We do offer tons of gardening tips, a gardening calendar and our exclusive gardening by the moon calendar, but we also offer gardening advice for all types of “gardeners” including thus without any land (patio gardens, etc.).  We also have fishing information,  helpful hints for around the house, natural cures, recipes and articles on ways to live more resourcefully (and sustainably), and much more.

We know that many of our readers and web visitors come from big cities and many from rural and suburban areas. We also know that some of our readers have “gone back to the land” and are actually  raising a few traditional farm animals such as chickens, rabbits and goats.  We also know that many of our readers who live in urban areas want to learn more about ways to conserve, reuse and live more in harmony with our planet. Thus we are for “farmers” in a sense that we are for good, honest, hard working people.

If you haven’t bought a Farmers’ Almanac or read one in awhile, you should. Then you can learn for yourself what a Farmers ’  Almanac really is.

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Farmers, City Folks, Must Read, Rural vs City

by pgeiger
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New England Cable News, Matt Noyes, Wedding Weather
Like that famous pink bunny in a battery commercial, Farmers’ Almanac editors have to be built for endurance. Since we live in such a fast-paced, 24/7 society, we are now asked to be on TV shows, radio shows and other media outlets at all times of the day and night.
 
Years ago, my Dad would travel 180 days a year going from city-to-city, talking about the Farmers’ Almanac. Today, the way we communicate is much different. In fact, with all the delays at airports, I am not sure it would be possible to accomplish what was once possible - running from plane to plane. Now I can do a radio, even TV interviews from the comfort of my own city. But, this morning, I got up at 2:30am to drive to Newton, Mass. to be on my favorite networks - New England Cable News.

Some interviews just have lots of energy. Matt Noyes is the network’s morning meteorologist. He was also featured in the 2008 Farmers’ Almanac article Everything Ice. While our weather outlook for the upcoming year seems to be the talk of most interviews, there are many other great features in the Farmers’ Almanac. Matt took the time to get into these articles and share some other non-weather related items. It was a great interview.

Matt got married on August 16th. It turned out to be a perfect wedding day. He didn’t ask me for the best day. But if he had, it would have been August 16th. Here is the NECN interview. http://www.necn.com/Boston/Weather/A-sitdown-with-the-new-Farmers-Almanac/1219836433.html <http://www.necn.com/Boston/Weather/A-sitdown-with-the-new-Farmers-Almanac/1219836433.html>

Speaking of weddings, here is a note from a friend of a friend who said… “I caught the headlines of the Farmers Almanac. There seems to be some dissension between the Almanac and the National Weather Service. I can honestly say that I used the almanac to plan my wedding and it was just as the almanac said it would be, a perfect day. I don’t know if I trust the NWS that much.”
 
Keep watching, listening, and reading for more interviews, tips and advice from you ever “ready” Almanac editor. Stay tuned ….

by pgeiger
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Signs of Nature, Harsh Winter, Woollybear Caterpillars, Acorns

Ok, the Farmers’ Almanac prediction for a Numbingly Cold winter is out, but what are the real experts saying?  A wonderful friend of Ray Geiger, ( Cleveland weather guru - Dick Goddard) put together a laundry list of “signs” of nature. We featured these in the 1978 edition and it is still relevant today. here are the 20 Signs of A Hard Winter.

Thicker than normal corn husks
Woodpeckers sharing a tree
Early arrival of the Snowy owl
Early departure of geese and ducks
Early migration of the Monarch butterfly
Thick hair on the nape (back) of the cow’s neck
Heavy and numerous fogs during August
Raccoons with thick tails and bright bands
Mice eating ravenously into the home
Early arrival of crickets on the hearth
Spiders spinning larger than usual webs and entering the house in great numbers

Pigs gathering sticks
Insects marching a bee line rather than meandering
Early seclusion of bees within the hive
Unusual abundance of acorns
Muskrats burrowing holes high on the river hank
“See how high the hornet’s nest, ‘twill tell how high the snow will rest”
Narrow orange band in the middle of the Woollybear caterpillar warns of heavy snow; fat

and fuzzy caterpillars presage bitter cold
The squirrel gathers nuts early to fortify against a hard winter
Frequent halos or rings around sun or moon forecast numerous snow falls.

I have heard from several parts of North America about what folks are seeing. Example:

 Just reading on AOL that you predict a very harsh winter. We have lived on the Lake at Big Bear Lake, CA  for 10 years.  We are retired so we have time to watch the wildlife. This is the first year that we have had so many baby ducks that we can’t count them all.  They started hatching very early and are still hatching.  We have never seen so many.  Every mother it seems has from 4-9 little ducklings.  We have been wondering why so many. Thanks for your good work. - BJ.

So  what signs of nature are you observing?

by pgeiger
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2008 - 2009 Winter Weather, Hurricane Fey, Signs of Winter

Today, the Associated Press  is  reporting  on the release of the 2009 Farmers’ Almanac. We are in stores and during the next few weeks, Sandi Duncan, Philom. and I will be on news and talk shows in the US and Canada. Once you get your copy of the new edition, I welcome any feedback. What is your overall impression of the new edition? What do you like best and what would you like to see in future editions.

Hurricane Fey has just enjoyed its 15 minutes or days of fame.  In the 2008 Farmers’ Almanac, on page 107, we wrote: “We expect an active tropical season in 2008, with the Gulf Coast directly in the crosshairs for hurricanes in mid-July, mid-August, and mid-September.  The associated tropical moisture from such systems is likely to flow northward, creating a threat of excessive rainfall over many eastern locations.”

Finally, as the news of a colder winter hits the newsstands, here is a comment from Colorado about the upcoming winter.

I completely agree with your prediction about a colder winter approaching. We have seen the migration of birds much earlier this year here in Denver, Colorado. Eastern blue jays, which normally come through in later September, are here now. Pelicans flying south overhead.  My husband and I commented on the unusual migration pattern last week thinking it indicated a colder winter. What plans can we make in Colorado other than to break out the snowboards and skis and get them ready for some great winter fun? Vikki.

What are you seeing in your backyard??  A future blog will feature my 20 Signs of a Hard Winter.

by pgeiger
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A great deal of work goes on behind the scenes to pull together an edition of the Farmers’ Almanac. It is a mini-Olympics. For 9 months we work hard pulling together an array of material that address the overall theme of the Almanac - sustainable living. We have always been about being good to the earth and doing things in a way that allows us to live happy, frugal lives. We protect the formula that Caleb uses to calculate weather predictions two years in advance. It all comes down to the release of the newest edition.

One reader in Alberta comments, “I continue to go on your Internet site and check every thing out. I like your weather a lot. I find it is about 80-90 % right for each month. I have seen you guys forecast events in a month and sometimes they happen a few days off from what you predicted, (mother nature throws you off some times), but you still have very good weather. I can’t wait to see the winter 08-09 forecast next week, I hope it is good for Alberta.”

Like the Olympics, all of the hard work has led to the moment the Farmers’ Almanac lands in stores and the media talks about us. Expect to see coverage of our upcoming winter forecast in the papers, radio, TV and online starting Monday, August 25th. Sandi and I have met with the Associated Press and our website will be peppered with new material as well. For the next few months, we will be doing interviews throughout the US and Canada.

Be sure to get your copy of the 2009 Farmers’ Almanac and let me know what you like and how we can help you. If I am on a radio show in your community, call in and say hello. The fun begins next week and I hope our winter weather helps prepare you for what is coming your way.

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2009 Farmers’ Almanac, winter weather, winter 2009, Farmers’ Almanac

by pgeiger
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Full Sturgeon Moon, CFL Bulbs, Mercury

What a great week for sky watching. From August 11 - 13th we were able to witness Perseid Meteor Showers.Hundreds of lights could be witnessed during the dark hours of early morning.  As we end the week the moon takes on a remarkable glow. The Full Sturgeon  Moon occurs at  5:16 pm (Eastern) on August 16th. Watch for it.

Had an interesting call from a reader who took issue with our article about greenhouse emissions. He referred to  page 52 and our recommendation to use Energy Star light bulbs. During the past couple years states have pushed the benefit of CFL lights. They last many times longer than regular bulbs and use less energy to emit light. His point is that while this may be true, these bulbs contain mercury and will pollute landfills. If they break, special cleaning is required and disposal of contaminated carpet or wood is required. He was disappointed that we even suggested it.

I maintain that in terms of sending out less harmful gases, the CFL is best by a mile. The mercury is a concern and I have chosen not to go with these bulbs. In an effort to “save” our earth, there are going to be pros and cons to lots of issues.  Let’s not stop trying to make smart decisions.

Copies of the 2009 Farmers’ Almanac are finding their way into stores. If you see a copy (green/ orange cover), pick up a copy and give me your feedback.

by pgeiger
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Wedding Weather, Buffalo, NY, Accuracy in Weather

Frequently, I am asked what the weather will be on a certain date for a wedding.  I try to “do my best” utilizing our long range weather predictions. Paul Leone is a producer for  FATV. His friends were to be married in Buffalo, NY, today. So months ago he asked and I cheerfully  reported that on August 8th it would be  ”partly sunny” weather - a perfect day. This morning, Paul called because the local weather folks called for rain all day. He was getting ribbed about our “accurate prediction”.  So, I put on my defensive face by saying did “you know that rain on a wedding is good for a bride. Rain equates to blessing and children.” So, I attempted to put a sunny spin on a rather dull day.

Fast forward  a few hours and I get an e-mail from Paul saying that miracle of miracles, it was clearing and going to be just wonderful for the event. As I write this blog, the ceremony is taking place and guess what…. the Farmers’ Almanac is right again. The current temperature is 78 degrees with 9 miles visibility, humidity is 43% and the sun is shining. Perfect day for a wedding!! Chalk one up for the good guys!

If you are planning a wedding or another event in 2009, the new edition will be in stores soon. Plan accordingly.

by pgeiger
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If there is one treat the summer months offer, it is the ability to enjoy the night sky.  Over the weekend I had an exchange with a reader concerning meteor showers. Each year we have a page devoted to the best meteor viewings. In the 2008 edition we placed this within  the calendar pages but in 2009 we will return the familiar meteor information (page 94) section for those who enjoy watching the skies.

On of the best viewings of the year takes place in  August - the Perseid Meteors. They are visible  between the 11th and 13th. Here are the specifics:

In three out of four years, the maximum visibility comes on August 12.  In some years (usually the year before a leap year) the peak comes on August 13.  These dates are for just before dawn (early morning hours).  So in those years when the peak is on August 12, people start looking late on the night of the 11th (before midnight).  In any case, August 11-13 is probably the best range of dates to list for viewing them.  Even on the night before and night after the peak, the meteors are still rather plentiful and worth looking for.

So, get the binoculars out and next week start looking skyward for a meteor show. While the best viewing is pre-dawn on August 12th, you can view showers from the 11th - 13th. If you are interested in meteors, here is a link to learn more www.farmersalmanac.com/astronomy/a/look-its-a-shooting-star.

by pgeiger
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Recipe, Broccoli, Guarantee Hit

If you are attending a party this summer weekend, I have a recipe that will get compliments. Even if  you hate broccoli… this will get raves:  Try it but bring along copies for the asks:

Fresh Broccoli Salad

2 bunches broccoli

1/2 cup chopped, sweet onion

1 pound bacon

1 cup grated sharp or longhorn cheese

Chop tender portions of broccoli into bite size pieces. Fry bacon until crisp; drain on paper towel. Crumble bacon; mix with broccoli, onion and cheese. Add dressing just before serving.

Dressing

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sugar

2 tablespoons vinegar

Stir ingredients well to dissolve sugar.

Done. You can enhance the recipe by adding raisins, chopped walnuts or other items. You can make it a bit healthier by using Miracle Whip vs mayo. And, if you hate the mess of cooking and chopping bacon, go to your supermarket salad bar and buy it chopped. Adjust for larger crowd.

Happy weekend.

by pgeiger
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