Winter Recharging Batteries...

After an extended 3-4 week cold spell Dec. 7-Jan. 5^th, We have enjoyed some fairly “typical” January temperatures the last 7-10 days.  However, that is not likely to last as the long range model guidance (10-14 days) is bringing back the big dip over the Great Lakes & Northeast.  Why does that make me nervous?  Because the bitterly cold Arctic air (45-50 below zero) is building over Alaska & northern Canada.  A return of the east coast trough will allow that air to flow southward back over the lower 48 states, including us.   More pipe busting freezes are possible during the 1^st 2 -3 weeks of February so I would be very cautious replanting any flowers, shrubs & trees that were damaged during the recent freezes.   It’s likely we will have several more mornings in February where we will have to take full precautions (cover outside faucets, drip inside water).  We have about another 4-5 weeks before the higher sun angle will prevent the hard freezes over the South shore.  That doesn’t mean we won’t enjoy some mild days ahead.    It’s just a warning to not put away your parkas, sweaters & mittens just yet.

 

We’ll be slightly below our “normal” highs for the rest of this week with a warming trend arriving on Friday.  Unfortunately, at this time of the year, warmer air usually means higher rain chances and that will be the case by Saturday.  Another Pacific front arrives for Sunday-Monday, but the real cold won’t arrive until the following week…just in time for the Mardi Gras Parades! 

 

Last year my wife & her girlfriend went to see Neil Diamond in the Smoothie King Center during his 50^th anniversary tour.  Today it was announced Neil has to cancel the remaining part of his tour due to developing Parkinson’s Disease.  What a pity, what a talent!   His songs are so memorable.  Who doesn’t know the words to Sweet Caroline or You don’t Bring Me Flowers Anymore?   My favorite growing up was Bobby Vee (Veline).  Most of you don’t know Bobby’s band was called to replace/fill in for Buddy Holly, Richie Valens & the Big Bopper after their plane crashed in Iowa.   You can go on line and listen to Bobby’s songs (Rubber Ball, Take Good Care of My Baby, Run to Him) and remember the words like yesterday.  Bobby died a little over a year ago.  It’s sad to watch the great ones leave us, yet their talent’s live on through the internet & You Tube.  Stay tuned!