h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

One day broe, one day

Absolutely!

This morning was just wonderful. Misty, bordering on foggy, cool, bordering on cold, a little breezy, grey, overcast, downright autumnal

The forecast for this afternoon? Sunny and 90°

Texas at this time of year does my head in

And 90 was indeed the maximum temperature yesterday. Last 90° temperature of the year? Not bloody likely. Oh no. 90 on Sunday, 91 on Monday

I don't think we're going to get an autumn this year We're almost into the last week of October, which ought to be one of the most pleasant months of the year in these parts with temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s, but we're still looking at daily maximum readings of close to 90 from now until Thursday (91 yesterday), and 85 on Friday, then a cold front comes through on Saturday giving us a high of 62, then 65 on Sunday.

November can also be really nice, but, conversely, one of the two ice storms I've experienced since I moved here happened in November. I just want a nice four-week period when I don't have to switch on either the a/c or the heater (except first thing in the morning when I take a shower).

One distinct result of the recent multi-year drought can be seen around here in the form of acorns covering the sidewalks and streets. The oak trees are expressing their stress by dropping and inordinate number of acorns. We're getting a lot of pecans as well.

I haven't noticed more than the usual number of acorns this year, but it is definitely that time of the year. A few years ago though, that summer when it rained nearly every day from spring until half way through July, we were wading ankle deep in acorns come October! Never seen anything quite like it, except for the swarms of ladybirds during the summer of 76.

My parents went out to Brazos Bend State Park today for a bike ride. They also went specifically to see a particular Live Oak tree. They brought back some acorns nearly the size of a racket ball.

Are they going to plant them? I do hope so.

I'm not sure what they're planning on doing with them. I'd be surprised if at least one doesn't get planted. I might just do it myself. I'll need to find a good sized pot to start it in though otherwise it might risk getting mowed.

Speaking of which, a local oak tree was recently saved from the chopper.

http://leaguecity.com/index.aspx?nid=1806

Damn, that's impressive. I can well believe it weighs close to 250 tons. Apart from all the board-feet of timber that's in it there'll be I don't know how many gallons of water. I'd have thought the root ball would be bigger though. I think the rule of thumb with most trees is that it extends out as far as the branches.

I'm sure they had to cut it back. There's also the tap root which should go much deeper. Moving trees is a specialty and I'm sure they know how far back they can cut the roots and still be successful. I've seen some really huge specialty equipment to move trees that cuts, lifts and relocates all in one. Obviously this was too big a job for even those massive machines.

You mean like this? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AwzdPE_UfU (scroll forward to 2'00")

HA!

Nearly... More like this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL6ARIxW5u0

Obviously even that monster machine isn't big enough for a century old oak.

"A true "Blue Norther" blows cold air south across Texas today, arriving here this evening with a world of weather difference for the rest of October. This is the last warm and muggy morning of the month!"

Of the year, I would hope! The duvet comes back out tonight, and finally we get some seasonable temperatures for the next seven or eight days, although they'll be a bit colder than seasonable for the next three days, in the 60s and with a 25°F difference in highs between today and tomorrow.

It's cold(ish) If it got any colder I might strip off and start sunbathing

Yesterday was so perfect - a maximum of 78° and I didn't need to put either the heater or the a/c on all day long. Today though, 86° and the a/c's been on for most of the day. Mind you, I have been doing a fair bit of cooking, but not since about 5pm, and the a/c's still coming at almost midnight, and the forecast for tomorrow and Friday is more of the same.

I've kept my bedroom a/c on though for the last several nights the thermostat kept the compressor off. But yesterday my a/c for the main rooms came back on for the first time in days when I got home after work yesterday. I never got quite so cold as to turn the heater on yet, although I did have a couple of chilly mornings getting out of the shower.

Let the record show: November 1st, maximum temperature of 88°F/31.1°C Forecast of 87F tomorrow and 86 on Saturday. Guess I'd better pack the duvet away... again.

Fog! And fog like I've only seen once or twice since moving to Texas. It makes me feel a little homesick I sure won't be feeling like I'm anywhere near home when it hits the forecast high of 84 this afternoon though.