Winter Ends Tonight...

And so we face the final curtain as we exit February and enter March, a time period historically referred to as Meteorological Spring.  Oh sure, we can still see frost & freezes into early April, but we have passed the time of the year when we worry about pipe busting freezes.    For gardeners, March 15^th usually is the time when tomato plants can be put in, perhaps more like April 1^st on the North Shore.   We will see several fronts move through this week, but without any major troughs digging into the Gulf South, no real cold air is expected.   Next week, computer models are indicating a deep trough will develop over the heart of the nation bringing the potential for a widespread severe storms outbreak.  Way too soon to get nervous.  Stay tuned!

Many people are asking what I’m feeling as my broadcast career nears the end.   My emotions run the gauntlet from excitement to anticipation to sorrow.   I’m excited to see where life will take me next.    I anticipate greatly having free time to travel with my wife, to improve my golf game, to enjoy the relaxation fishing provides, the comfort of reading a good book (not weather journals!), and digging in the dirt & watching the wonders of my flower gardens.  The sorrow is not what you think.   I don’t feel bad about leaving the grind of daily weather storytelling.  I feel sorrow about leaving so many great friends, co-workers who have shared my life for 10,20, 30+ years.  That does make me a little sad.   I recognize my leaving will leave many feeling sad.  That is not my intention.  I want to be remembered like Jimmy Davis use to sing…”you are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are gray”.      The Nancy Parker special Wednesday night will highlight my past 38 years in New Orleans.  Set your DVRs for 6-7 PM Wednesday on FOX 8 and then watch at 9 & 10 pm for my final good bye.