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"You can tell a lot about the weather by the clouds," says Russ Christie, meteorologist and cataloguer for weather enthusiasts.

Rain, snow, freezing temperatures...and spring thaws...or fall chills that chase birds south and bring a rosy blush to the tree tops.

Weather in your backyard has a big impact on the beauty and comfort of your days. We notice change in the weather...and take the boredom of day after day of the same cloudiness or the same heat for granted.

But that "status quo" of weather is what makes gardens flourish, animals able to feed their families and each local ecosystem able to provide the intricate web of water, sunshine, and air in just the right mix to create the supportive plant growth for very specific plants and animals. Momentum, momentum, momentum. Just think about it...if the weather changed every day...tomatos couldn't ripen, trees wouldn't grow big and lush...and you would never know what to wear!

Change is so much more interesting!

A lot of gardeners and farmers--large and small, like to keep track of moisture... rain, snow, sleet, dew... all needed for vibrant plant growth. A Weather Diary will help you track unique weather patterns in your neck of the woods. My father kept a weather record on his wall calendar for more than 20 years...every day of sunshine, every day of rain.

If you would like to learn about the affect of "weather effects" you might like to check out the specialized tools for kids, homeowners, and serious weather buffs at:

Weather Matrix, A collection of articles and tools for weather enthusiasts http://www.weathermatrix.net/

You will enjoy exploring this unique and helpful collection of weather related tools, ... and if you need a fun summer project (for outside use, of course)... construct an authentic weather station.

Native tribes from Chile used musical rainsticks to bring moisture from the heavens. They are still used today in ceremonies to bring on badly needed rain to the northern deserts. Construct your own rainstick using the same materials -- or items you find around the house. Weather Effects also has kits that include the skeleton of Copado cactus, pebbles from river beds, and cactus thorns. Decorate with yarn and pray for rain.

There are also a number of online weather forecast and reporting services. One that lets you create a link to your local weather report right on your startup screen is:

Wunderground weather station:

http://www.wunderground.com

Enjoy summer's gorgeous clouds, sunshine, sprinkles and blazing sun...when you take your daily nature break to wonder about the wonders surrounding you!

For more articles about ENJOYING NATURE