"I heard the bells of Christmas Day; their old familiar carols play, and wild and sweet the word repeat of peace on earth, good will to men!"
                               Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1802-1882)

For the month of December, temperatures will be average with Precipitation to be average as well.

Weather Watch: Light snow or rain (1,2) with fair and cool temperatures (3,4). Remaining cool with periods of rain or snow showers (5,6,7,8,9,10). Partly cloudy and again, cool (11,12,13,14,15) turning stormy with rain or snow (16,17,18). Colder, with snow and stormy skies (19,20). Partly cloudy once again, rather cold (21,22,23,24,25). Windy with snow or rain showers at times (26,27,28,29,30,31).

Tornado Watch: No tornado activity forecasted for December, 2006.

Full Moon: December's Full Moon will occur on Monday, the 4th at 7:25PM. Over the years, Native Americans referred to it as the Ice-forming Moon because of the appearance of ice on lakes and ponds at this time of year. It also has been known as that Beaver Moon because, with hibernation season rapidly approaching, beavers are quite active now, working to complete their dams and lodges so that yearlings and kits can be protected during the coming Winter.

Special Notes: If sending Christmas packages through the mail, make sure to send them early and to notify recipients when the packages will arrive. Tip: always insure valuable gifts against breakage, damage, or loss, for their full replacement value.

Holidays: Celebrate Christmas on Monday, December 25th and have a wonderful and safe New Year! Enjoy family and friend during this festive time and try to keep that joyful and giving spirit alive throughout the coming year.

The Garden: Adopt a poinsettia this season! Few plants are as colorful and festive. Be sure to place it near a warm, sunny window (but do not let it touch the glass!). Water only when soil is dry to the touch. To enjoy for another season, stop watering and store in a cool place after the leaves drop off. In the Spring, water and cut stems back to 6" tall. Also pinch back new growth. This will make for a more compact plant with denser blooms. From October to blooming season, place in dark closet for 12 hours each night. Expose to sunlight or place under a grow light for the other 12. Enjoy!

J. Grubers' Thought for Today's Living:

"To give of yourself is perhaps the most precious gift of all"