August 2006

"When your friends begin to flatter you on how young you look,
it is a sure sign that you're getting old".
                                Mark Twain (1836- 1875)

For the month of August, temperatures will be average with precipitation to be below average.

Weather watch: cooler, showers, storms (1,2,3) followed by fair and very warm weather(4,5,6,7). Rainy and windy (8,9,10) turning fair and hot (11,12,13). Showers and storms at times (14,15,16) returning to fair and warm weather (17,18,19,20,21. More storms, very warm temperatures (22,23), turning fair again with high winds and very warm (24,25,26) with yet more storms and very warm (27,28,29); fair and warm (30,31).

Tornado Watch: Watch for tornado activity during the first week in August. Be especially mindful around the August 1st to the 3rd.

Full Moon: The Full Moon for August has been often referred to as the Full Ripe Moon or Fruit Moon because of the many summer vegetables and fruits that come ripe at this time. It is also known as the Dog Moon for Dog Days, that end on the 11th as well as Sturgeon Moon. August's Full Moon occurs on August 9th at 2 at 4:47AM.

Special Notes: Remember to clean your barbeque grill carefully after each use to remove harmful charred substances that could be potentially carcinogenic. To effectively kill bacteria that may be lurking, heat the grill thoroughly before placing any food on it.

Holidays: Where did the Summer go? Labor Day, which is just around the corner and that signals the end of summer and back to school for many. Get annual physicals and eye exams scheduled now Make a list of school supplies that will be need in those first days. Buy them early to avoid out of stock conditions of the more popular items. Enjoy the last few weeks of the summer and always include safety, common sense, and a good sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) in your plans!

The Garden: If you choose to water your lawn, do so only when wilted or discolored. Be sure to stop feeding trees and shrubs after August 15th. That will encourage new growth that will not have time to mature before winter. Think about potting up herbs you plan to move indoors for the winter. Don't move them in just yet but get them accustomed to their containers early. Rosemary, thyme, and tarragon are the best candidates for this.

J. Grubers' Thought for Today's Living:

"Many people who whistle while they work often do so to keep from swearing!"