Erik's Cloud 9

LEAVIN' ON A JET PLANE

The other day friend of mine asked me how to get weather forecast for other parts of the country. Although I made sure he knew that MyFox9.com was THE place to go to find the latest Twin Cities forecast AND stay connected with the rest of Minnesota's weather, I told him that the National Weather Service could help him with forecasts of a more national nature. Here's what to do:

Go to www.weather.gov 

You'll see a map of the United States. All you have to do is click the mouse in the area that you wish to travel to. My friend was interested in Kewaunee, Wisconsin. Clicking on that area will get him to the homepage of the nearest National Weather Service office which in this case is Green Bay. With a more local map of the Green Bay weather service office's area of responsibility that shows up right there on their main page the next step is, again, clicking on or near Kewaunee. Doing this gets one to a 7 day forecast page for an area at least nearby Kewaunee if not for the city itself. The default forecast that shows up if you "miss" clicking right on the city is usually for the county. If that's what you get, scroll down to a map on the lower part of the page. On this map Kewaunee shows up as a labeled dot. Clicking right on this dot will get you to the specific city 7-day forecast page for Kewaunee, Wisconsin. Sounds like a lot of work but it's really simple and, of course, works for any other location in the U.S.A. Good luck, and happy landings.

 

COUNTING THE DAYS

I'm not one of those weatherguys that gets big into stats, but there's no doubt about it - this year the stats of interest deal with how many - or how FEW - times we've hit 70 or better in the Twin Cities. For that matter, how 'bout the 80s. I mean for crying out loud it's practically Memorial Day!!! Here's the breakdown - think of a happy place as you see the numbers.

(by May 21st)

2007: 

70s: 1 March, 6 April, 6 May. 80s: 1 March, 2 April, 4 May (2 90+ highs as well). Total: 22 days at or above 70 degrees

2008:

70s: 3 April, 4 May. Total: 7 days of 70 or better, NO 80s or 90s!!!

To 2008, I humbly say Blecchh-Fooey!!!

 

OH MY GOLF!!!

Well,  even though the weather hasn't been great I am looking forward to playing more golf. Armed with my own clubs (no more rentals) I went out and bought a bag, a pull cart, and even golf shoes. One thing I needed was some fresh golf balls for the season. Now,  I don't know why but I've always played Top-Flites. Could be cause when I first golfed as a kid at Hyland Greens in Bloomington I dragged a few Top-Flites from my Father's bag with me. Maybe that's where the bias began.

So, the other day I got a box of 15 new Top-Flites. I was pondering the Titleists for a while but , even though I've been practicing with one and LOVE the way it feels on the club, I just never thought I had a game that let me "deserve" to play a titleist. Upon arriving home I found out that there was about 1/2 an hour til dinner was ready. So, I decided to take my wedge and 1 brand new Top-Flite to the park where over the last few weeks I have polished my short game. I put the ball on the ground, take a few practice swings, and line up for a shot that should put my ball at or near the base of a tree tucked in the corner of the park between a bend in the surrounding pond. Not a tough shot - have already made it plenty of times. This time, I come down and hit the ball with the toe of my wedge and slice it right into the water. One VERY clean ball lost with only 1 club kiss to brag about to his little golf ball friends. I laughed. Turned around and walked home. All along the way pledging to make the Top-Flites my practice balls and go splurge on some Titleists ASAP!!!

Fore,,,,

Erik