Articles — News and Society_Weather(9)

It is amazing how quickly summer left us, and fall moved in.  We all knew it was coming but the transition seemed to occur so quickly.  One day our air conditioners were humming, and we were enjoying the outdoors in light clothing and before we knew it, the air cooled to the point that we now need warm jackets. My patio has been transformed from a comfortable garden lounge to an area devoid of plants, umbrellas and brightly-coloured cushions. And now we are waiting for yet another seasonal change – winter Some changes occur so often and repetitively that we...

When I was a child we always talked about March as coming in like a lion and going out like a lamb.  Since then, there has been a great deal of controversy about weather patterns and some rather strange events. Recently, Texas experienced a horrible snowstorm that was unusual for them.   Because they were “off the grid” and had invested in solar panels and wind turbines, they were in trouble!   The solar panels were covered with piles or snow and the blades on windmills were frozen.   The fact that electricity was out for many hours and houses weren’t insulated to...

Remember those cold, snowy days of January? It was then that we wished for summer and now that it has arrived, it's time to enjoy it to the fullest. There is really nothing that can compare with the smell and taste that comes from the barbecue and this week was no exception. We soaked everything up, as well as the pleasant evening, while sitting on the deck and watching the river flow past. A few days later, my son's family and I went to one of the city's water parks. It was so interesting to watch the little children race...

Recently North America was surprised to learn that there was snow in forty-nine of the fifty states and in most of Canada at the same time. Not everyone was prepared for this. Well, I grew up in Saskatchewan where we had extremely cold winters and lots of snow! There are some things that would be important for you to do before and while the snow is falling: Make sure that you have some supplies in the house in case you can't get to a store for a long period of time. Keep a little extra food in the pantry and...

Many years ago, I moved from Saskatchewan to Alberta because of the weather. Well, after the last couple of winters I am beginning to wonder what has happening. It seems that there is more cold and snow than I really want. And is it just me, or is this going on longer and longer than ever? Well, I decided that even though the weather isn't cooperating with my hopes there are things that I can do while longing for spring so today I will share these with you. Perhaps you might latch onto some of the ideas and make the...

When people from warm countries hear me mention that I live in Canada, I am usually confronted about questions regarding winter and freezing temperatures. It seems that those who have not been to my country assume that all of Canada experiences the weather that is often portrayed in movies for being extreme conditions that greatly limit mobility. I remember a trip to Florida where a lady innocently asked, "Do you travel by dog sleds?" and I jokingly replied: "When the weather's good". I live in Medicine Hat, Alberta. It is a city of about 60,000 residents which is approximately 20...

When I was a little girl, growing up on the prairies in Canada, I remember the extremity of the weather. In minutes, fingers and noses would freeze and skin would turn from red to white quickly. Snowbanks were deep and snow fell frequently during the winter months. I remember watching plows work feverishly to clean roads so that families and vehicles were freed from their captivity within houses that were surrounded with banks of the white stuff. There were times when one could easily walk up a drift onto the roof of a bungalow. Winter was strong and fierce! Summers...

It's winter! That cold and snowy time of year when people change their lifestyle to suit the environment and wonder about times past and future. We welcome the sight of pure white snow piled in amazing configurations over ground and trees. Jack Frost paints his masterpieces on windowpanes for our delight. We watch children with red cheeks build forts and snowmen. Furs and touques, mitts and scarves cover bodies with fading tans. Winter brings the sounds of snow crunching under boots, graders searching for traffic lanes and children yelling jovial threats as they prepare piles of snowballs for the fight...

Psychology focuses on a person's thinking, feeling and behaviours and there is no doubt that the summer season affects all three. "Those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer" are upon us again and very few individuals seem to be complaining. Out, come the golf clubs, bathing suits and convertibles. It's time for sandals, boating and maybe even some summer love. Resorts that were ignored for months are now humming with life. There are sounds that we only hear in the summer - like droning insects, water sprinklers and lawnmowers. Hammering and machinery as new construction occurs. Piano music through open...