I’ve had enough of the “Boil Water Advisory” in effect for Bristol County, RI residents.  Like my neighbors, I’m dealing with the inconvenience of not being able to safely use the tap water (3days and counting).  A year ago it probably wouldn’t have impacted me too much… but with an infant at home who is putting EVERYTHING into his mouth, the threat of E.Coli bacteria in our water is stressing me out!! 

From mixing his cereal and bottles…to washing his hands… to sanitizing his toys… to cleaning his veggies, his high chair,  his clothing… we are going through bottled water like crazy!  Not to mention, I haven’t even attempted to give him a bath.  I’m terrified that my boiled water will be too hot, the bottled water too cold and a sponge bath too unenjoyable for all of us!!  But, if this advisory really does continue through the weekend, we’re going to have to figure something out. 

It’s not just the inconvience, it’s also the added worry that he’ll get sick from the tap water.  I guess it’s just another remind that the worries never end when your a parent.

On another note–Go Steelers!

Go Steelers!

For months I have wanted to go and get a manicure/pedicure – but never did because I didn’t want to spend the money. I was being fiscally responsible and not spending my money on frivolous things.

You see - as part of a financial makeover - I am much more frugal than I was even a year ago.  Back then, I would have gone to get my nails done at the first urge. I would have had to charge it because money was tight and my day of pampering would have ended in guilt.

But that was then. For months – I have been strategic shopping, saving my family hundreds of dollars. I’ve also been doing my daughter’s clothes shopping at consignment and trying to pack my lunch on most days. I have even given up my $50 haircut in exchange for a $15 do.

Saving money does feel great. But, then it hit me – what is the point of saving a bunch of money, if I don’t take the time to spoil myself every now again? Isn’t that the point of pinching pennies in some areas, so I can afford the small pleasures in life – without having to turn to my fair-weather friends, Visa and Mastercard?

So with this new revelation, over the weekend I put my daughter to nap, kissed my husband goodbye and went to the salon. I got that mani and pedi. I even sprung for an eyebrow wax. And you know what, for the first time in years, I didn’t feel guilty about it one bit.

THIS EVENING (7PM TO 11PM): Brisk, cool and dry…. Clear to partly cloudy…temps in the 60s. Sunset at 7:05 pm

OVERNIGHT: Partly cloudy..breezy and dry. Very Cool. 50-55. Sunrise at 6:22 am

THURSDAY: Another breezy and dry day…. Partly to mostly sunny skies…highs in the upper 60s to near 70. Northeast winds 10-20mph with gusts to 25mph.

BEACH AND BAY FORECAST

FRIDAY: Cloudy with showers, cool & gusty with highs in the mid to upper 60s

SATURDAY: Mostly cloudy skies..a few showers. Upper 60s

SUNDAY: Much nicer…partly sunny and warmer… upper 70’s

MONDAY: Sunny and seasonably warm… mid 70s

TUESDAY: Chance of scattered showers….73

WEDNESDAY: Sunny…72

Not a drop of rain so far for the month of September. A strong area of Canadian high pressure has brought very dry air into our area. This should stick around thru Thursday. Meanwhile we are still watching a gale center off the New Jersey coast. This will drift slowly towards us on Friday with gusty winds and some showers. The damp weather will extend into Saturday, with Sunday being a much nicer day.

Hurricane Fred has strengthened….but is far out at sea on the “other side” of the Atlantic. He is not expected the make the 3000 mile trip towards the United States.

Tony Petrarca

Look who’s on the move and talking!! 

Our little man began crawling (a bit) over the weekend.  He also said his first “word”… Dadda!  He’s a mini-version of his dad, so it’s only fitting.  As for crawling, he’s still doing it begrudgingly… He hasn’t figured out yet that his new skill makes him mobile, and would much prefer standing up and walking around the room–with mommy’s help of course!  My prediction–he’ll be walking solo by Thanksgiving (10months old).

Hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather over the long holiday weekend. The dry stretch continues with today marking 10 consecutive days of dry skies. We are watching a storm (gale center) off the North Carolina coast. While not purely a tropical storm, it does have some tropical characteristics. Regardless of structure, it is an area of rain and wind. As this storm drifts very slowly to the north..a large area of Canadian high pressure will move in to our north. We will be stuck in between this high to our north and low to our south. The result will be a gusty east-northeast wind and some rain. It looks like the wet weather should hold off until Thursday and Friday. Meanwhile Tropical storm Fred is in the far eastern Atlantic (its actually closer to Africa!!). It is getting stronger and will become a hurricane in 24 hours. Long range outlook suggests “Fred” will not be a factor in the United States.

Tony Petrarca

As we get closer to the long holiday weekend, it looks like the dry weather will extend thru Labor Day Monday. A lot of rain well to our south should stay offshore as large Canadian high pressure builds in keeping things storm free. The only thing we’ll have to watch is a long fetch of easterly breezes off the ocean Sunday..that will bring in cooler temperatures and some extra clouds, but otherwise a dry day. Easterly winds will ease on Labor Day Monday which will offer brighter sun and milder temperatures.

Meanwhile Tropical storm Erika has faded to a depression. Infact the National Hurricane Center is no longer issuing advisories on the system. now located in the Caribbean. We will watch it to see if it makes a come back down the road.

A nice start to the month of September….a Fallish feel this morning with some temperatures in some areas dripped into the 40s. Another very cool night setting up as the weather pattern this week is fairly simple, with a large area of high pressure parking itself right on top of us. High pressure cells normally bring “storm free” weather. This particular high dropped out of Canada so the result is very dry refreshing air…. expect mild afternoons and cool nights. Major heat and humidity not expected this week.

Meanwhile a new tropical storm has formed….her name is Erika with top winds of 50 mph, located in the southwest Atlantic. The storm will come close the Bahamas by Labor Day weekend. We will watch it closely for you.

The 2010 Farmer’s Almanac was released today (Tuesday).  Some weather experts chuckle when they hear that.  There was a time when I would smirk and blow the yearly prognostications off with a shake of my head.  In 2004, I was assigned to do a story about the Almanac and its crazy way of forecasting.  My mind was changed….a little.  I learned that there was at least some science involved.

The Almanac uses sunspot activity and the Earth’s position in its orbit among other factors to make their forecasts.  It’s a super secret scientific formula which they can create 2 years ahead of time.  Here’s the forecast for the upcoming winter:

 The Northeast, according to the Farmers Almanac, will be having a cool and snowy winter (January through March).  I think what they mean by cool is that the average temperature will be cooler than normal. 

What about a Blizzard?
(more…)

I keep watching my 7-month old son rock on his hands and knees and wondering how much longer I have before I’m chasing him around the room.  Not only is he desperately trying to crawl (he gets so frustrated!), but he also loves standing up and walking around the room.  Here’s a picture my hubby sent to me this morning:

I am getting close....

Can you see the drop of drool about to fall off of his chin?  This kid is a drooling machine.  He soaks bibs like it’s his job.  It’s been going on since he was about 3 months old and is showing no signs of easing up.  I can’t wait to put the bibs away and finally be able to see  him in his adorable wardrobe!!