The Weather - The weatherpeople were correct when they predicted rain for today. It is very wet outside!

Current forecasts indicate several storms will drop as much as 13 inches of rain in this area! (Northern California) Rain is predicted through the weekend—with the heaviest rainfall expected on Thursday. Fortunately, temperatures are expected to be relatively warm— with lows in the range of 48° to 50° and highs of 55° to 60°. Wind advisories predict winds to be 10 to 30 MPH. Wind gusts are expected to reach 35 to 40 MPH.

Flooding is not expected to be an issue here in Corning, but the outlying areas may well suffer flooding. Flooding is uncommon here, but it does happen. If memory serves me correctly, it has been around 10 years since last there was flooding in this area. Flooding within the city limits of Corning takes place when the rainfall exceeds the capability of the sewer system. It is advisable to be prepared, and several locations are producing and providing sandbags.



When I see reporting on television of the devastating flooding that has taken place in other areas, I thank God that we are fortunate to live in an area that suffers very little from weather conditions.

I then ask myself why people chose to live where weather poses a significant and predictable threat. I would move elsewhere.

Where do the hummers go when the weather is bad?

Addiction Counselor Charged with Murder in DUI - I stared at this headline—imagining that the pressures involved with counseling people suffering from addictions had taken a toll upon this person and "driven him to drink," as it were. I was completely unprepared for the story behind the headline!

The convertible the addiction counselor was driving hit the victim so hard that it knocked him out of his shoes and lodged him in the windshield. As he lay dying on the hood, police said, the counselor drove another two miles—until other motorists swarmed her car at a traffic light and grabbed her keys.

The counselor was charged with DUI and murder. She had a blood alcohol content of over twice the legal limit. She had a history of drug addiction and criminal activity. She was convicted of first-degree burglary in 1989 and a month later of having narcotics while in custody. In 1994, she was convicted on one count of burglary and given nine years in prison.

This story particularly saddened me—not simply because of the tragic, unnecessary death of the victim—but because someone with such a history of drug addiction and criminal activity would be placed in the position of counselor to addicts. This seems so absurd to me that I simply cannot imagine the vetting process under which such a person would be found acceptable for such a position.

I followed the story online and determined that such appointments are commonplace.

Why???????

The meteorologist for a local television station, Rob Blair, said this morning that this might well be the last day of 80-degree weather and to expect upper 50-degree weather by the weekend. This displeased me greatly, but it made Laura smile broadly!

I have noticed that I no longer enjoy the extremely hot weather we often have here--100+degree weather. Mid-to-high 80-degree weather, however, I enjoy greatly. I once frolicked mirthfully in the extreme weather and find that I now eschew anything much past 90 degrees.

Today will hopefully find us visited by hummingbirds. If this takes place, I shall perch myself in an appropriate spot and capture the delightful creatures photographically.

I am watching Deadtime Stories by George Romero. I shall report on it following my viewing.

Laura began making breakfast each morning a few months ago. Prior to that, we did not follow a breakfast routine and often skipped breakfast. Laura developed a breakfast that is such a delight that I awaken drooling copiously thinking of it and am barely able to contain myself while perched at the dining table awaiting it to appear before me! At times, we have dry cereal with strawberry or banana slices and Silk milk substitute. Generally, however, Laura produces this incredibly tasty and healthful item: Click to enlarge!

I have journeyed far and wide, and never have I encountered a more delicious and healthful breakfast treat! Laura toasts an English muffin--atop one half of which she places a fried egg, topped with a ham slice, spinach, and cheddar cheese. At the table, we add fresh salsa. As you can see from the photograph, it is beautiful. And it tastes easily as good as it looks!