We've all heard the standing joke about our Texas weather, if you don't like it just wait five minutes.  This past summer came barreling in with it's 100 degree days and we waited.  Here came another 100 degree day and another and so on and so forth.  Records were broken and I found myself wishing for a good old-fashioned thunderstorm.  Mother Nature had a  different idea on just how long five minutes was going to be.

Looking at this summer with a more technical objective and the concept that El Nino is in it's normal 3-5 year cycle, then what can be expected for the winter months?  To quote from NOAA, “it typically brings beneficial winter precipitation to the arid Southwest.”  A wetter winter season usually means colder temperatures as well.  Just when we think we get a break from the heat comes the hurricane season with it's storms and a good dose of cold weather.

Snow would be enchanting, especially during the holiday season.  Mother Nature can keep the ice; we Texans are just not that good on ice.  I will be looking forward to the change of the seasons, making my list of house “to-dos” and checking it more than once.  Don't be caught in the last minute rush as that first cold front moves in.  As hard as we try to get to everyone the same day, we can only take so many calls in one day and it is inevitable that someone is left, pardon the pun, “out in the cold.”  As you are preparing for this winter season, please remember to have your heating system checked and serviced early.   It is important for you and your families safety and comfort.

It is hard to believe another year's end is upon us, as always we count all of you among our many blessings and wish a wonderful holiday and a most prosperous 2010.

Shirley Smith