I spent some time Monday morning using Google to search out several nonsense topics for my column this week.
Usually, I write from a “stream of consciousness” standpoint and can usually manage 500-plus words with ease.
But, I was stumped Monday and my mom said that my broken leg chronicles were probably getting boring for our readers.
In my defense, I can’t experience much outside of the house without several mobility aides and am still on restricted weight bearing – but I decided to oblige her this week.
Hence the Google search until something clicked and the words started to flow!
Well, that and I spent some time checking out the weather for this week to see if I can get out to some events finally.
As long as it stays humid in the air and not on the ground with precipitation then I’m pretty much cleared to venture outside and hobble with my cane and walking cast.
And while we’re having some uncharacteristically warm weather this week, forecasters are expecting a cold snap just in time for Christmas.
Not to mention that even then, those predictions are falling in line with the Farmer’s Almanac’s annual projections.
I vaguely remember learning the basics of the Farmer’s Almanac in U.S. history during class way back in junior high, but the memory of the lesson escapes me at the moment.
I just know that mom follows the book each year for the best times to plant her garden to ensure the vegetables make the most bang for their buck.
So far, the book has proven fairly reliable even with the constraints of global warming.
First published in 1818, the periodical is well known for its extended weather forecasts and claims that its largest readership is in Texas.
According to this year’s forecast, Texas is in store for a chilly winter with normal precipitation.
North Texas has the most potential for snow and ice storms throughout the season.
January is looking downright miserable for North and Central Texas areas, but we’re all going to be feeling that wintry grip well into February.
According to the Almanac, January 2023 looks to be the stormiest for many areas, including Texas and Oklahoma, where heavy snow is predicted during the first week.
So, on one hand, I’m hoping for a white Christmas this year and on the other, I’m really not.
Mostly because I have fond memories of our snowfall in 2004 and partially because it would be hilarious to see how the cocker spaniel Penny reacts to all of the snow.
After all, if we have a repeat of last year’s horrible Winter Storm Uri and the power grid fails again, I don’t know what we’re going to do.
I mean we’ll probably manage the same as everyone else, but I’m not a fan of being without power when it’s terribly cold outside.
Well, that and I’d like to avoid the loss of water for three weeks, too.
But, again, these have all been vague forecasts and we never truly know what Mother Nature will throw at us.
