Almanacs weather forecast for 2009 missing some good news

There is nothing much one can do about the weather - except complain about it, of course.
After reading the predictions in the 2009 Canadian edition of The Old Farmer's Almanac, there is the expectation of much grumbling and complaining in the next year.
The weather summary suggests winter will be snowier than normal with near-normal temperatures for the residents of Manitoba.
In Saskatchewan and Alberta, the coming winter will be slightly milder and drier than normal with below-normal snowfall.
It would appear that the first half of December and mid-January are the times to head to Hawaii or Arizona for that's when the almanac says the temperatures will be the coldest in Saskatchewan and Alberta. The heaviest snows will be in mid-March. We might not need much sun screen in summer 2009 for the almanac forecast calls for cooler than normal summer temperatures with the hottest of them coming in early July.
Anyone making plans for travel at Christmas will be interested in learning that from Dec. 19-26 there will be snow showers, sun and quite mild temperatures.
There's a chance of rain on the Victoria Day weekend in May, and more rain could possibly dampen the July 1 celebrations. The long weekends in August and September could include thunder storms.
Authors of the almanac claim a traditional 80 per cent accuracy since it began in 1792 although a proviso is attached: "However, neither we nor any other forecasters have as yet gained sufficient insight into the mysteries of the universe to predict the weather with total accuracy . . ."
The almanac's forecasters say they obtain their forecasts from a secret formula which involves study of sunspots. magnetic storms on the surface of the sun. Solar science, climatology and meteorology all contribute to the yearly predictions.
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Even if the weather forecasts might not be a pleasant part of the new almanac, the book contains its usual entertaining and educational components.
For instance, did you know:
• In the United States, more than one-quarter of the nation's dogs sleep in their own beds.
• Pet health insurance policies have increased by 25 per cent since 2007.
• Fashion designers are making repurposed designer clothes from thrift store donations.
• Popular colours for clothing, cars and household goods will be off-whites, sand and brownish greens, a navy blue shade that's almost black, coppery and bronze metallics and rosy pinks, golden yellows and turquoise.
• Toothpaste made with cocoa extract is more effective in fighting cavities than the fluoride type.
• Foods of the future might include duck meatballs, flower flavoured yogurt and water, and haute dogs served with caviar, jalapenos and fresh mango toppings.
• The long, long range forecast is for a big chill, even a mini ice age.
The almanac and its related weather calendar are now available on book stands.
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Whatever the weather will be, several hundred bikers are expected to take part in Saturday's 21st annual toy run for the Salvation Army.
The Moose Jaw Cycle Association, bolstered by friends and supporters from other locations, will ride along Manitoba Street, up Main Street and then along Thatcher Drive to the Salvation Army Citadel.
New toys will be collected and donated to the Salvation Army for distribution with Christmas hampers. Cash donations will also be made and will be supplemented by funds raised at a steak night Saturday evening at the Park Hotel.
The parade begins at 2 p.m. and participants enjoy the welcoming applause along the parade route.
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That season is just around the corner - the season of fowl suppers. A reader called the other day to find out the dates so she and her friends can make plans to travel through the district and around the city to take in as many suppers as possible.
Supper sponsors are invited to send me information about the dates, times and places for this year's feasts of turkey, beef and homemade pies and other desserts.
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Thought for the day: "Action is the foundational key to success." - Pablo Picasso

Joyce Walter can be reached at 691-1259