Skyepony's WunderBlog

Just stopped by to say Howdy Neighbor!
Glad you got a good view of the Delta launch.
Was a long lovely burn.

If I don't make it back, hope you have a great weekend.
Hug a pony for me!

Fiji Meteorological Services
Tropical Disturbance Summary
TROPICAL DISTURBANCE 06F
9:00 AM FST January 21 2012
=================================

At 21:00 PM UTC, Tropical Disturbance 06 (1004 hPa) located at 15.0S 180.0 is reported as slow moving. Position POOR based on multisatellite infrared/visible and peripheral surface observations. Sea surface temperature is around 28-29C.

Convection remains persistent near the system over the past 24 hours. Organization has not improved much in the last 24 hours. Cyclonic circulation extends to 500 HPA. TD 06F lies along the south pacific convergence zone, under 250 HPA ridge and east of upper trough in a low to moderate sheared environment.

Most models have picked the system and slowly move it southeast with slight intensification.

Potential for this system to develop into a tropical cylone in the next 24 to 48 hours is low to moderate.

Seychelles Meteorological Services
Tropical Cyclone Advisory #12
CYCLONE TROPICAL FUNSO (08-20112012)
22:00 PM RET January 21 2012
=======================================

At 18:00 PM UTC, Tropical Cyclone Funso (954 hPa) located at 18.2S 37.8E has 10 minute sustained winds of 75 knots with gusts of 105 knots. The cyclone is reported as east southeast at 2 knots

Dvorak Intensity: T4.0/5.0/W1.0/6 HRS

Hurricane Force Winds
=====================
20 NM radius from the center

Storm Force Winds
=================
30 NM radius from the center

Gale Force Winds
=================
35 NM radius from the center, extending up to 50 NM in the southern semi-circle and the northeastern quadrant

Near Gale Force Winds
====================
40 NM radius from the center, extending up to 60 to 70 NM in the southern semi-circle and the northeastern quadrant

Forecast and Intensity
=======================

12 HRS: 18.4S 38.3E - 85 knots (Cyclone Tropical)
24 HRS: 18.8S 39.0E - 85 knots (Cyclone Tropical)
48 HRS: 20.7S 39.3E - 90 knots (Cyclone Tropical Intense)
72 HRS: 22.3S 37.9E - 100 knots (Cyclone Tropical Intense)

Additional Information
======================

Cloud pattern has shown sharp signs of weakening of Funso during the past six hours with a warming central overcast. According to the last animated pictures Funso should move slowly southeastward now and the curving band pattern is improving. It is difficult to locate the center precisely.

Funso should track slowly southeastward under the steering influence of the near equatorial mid-tropospheric ridge existing north of the system within the next 36 hours. With restart of movement, system intensity should remain close to the intense cyclone stage with warmer water and upper level conditions remaining good.

On Monday 23, the near equatorial ridge should build to the east and to the south-east of the system and will result on a poleward motion for the system. The re-curve is more or less rapid by different models. At the end of the forecast period (day 4 and day 5), most of the numerical guidance suggest a westward track that should bring the system toward the Mozambican coasts between Beira and Inhambane.

An alternate scenario, suggested by the ECMWF ensemble forecast, could be a weaker than expected mid level ridge located to the south-east of the system and consequently a continuing poleward track at long range that will remain oversea.

ECMWF suggest that system will intensify again between Monday and Wednesday with high ocean heat content.

Inhabitants of the central and southern channel (including Europa island and the southwestern coasts of Madagascar) should closely monitor the progress of this system.

The next tropical cyclone advisory from Seychelles Meteorological Service on TC FUNSO will be issued at 1:00 AM UTC..

Hello Skye,
Happy Saturday to you!!

Finally feeling better and I hope I get to get into the garden Sunday and Monday this weekend.

I never got a chance to plant any lettuce or more green onions and a few other things need to be replanted.

I don't think it is too late for cold weather plants just yet; I will give it a try anyway.

My herbs and one tomato plant is doing great.. The chili pepper plants did great..
and the broccoli and caluiflower are now making heads...

but I still have empty pots and a little space in the raised bed. I must get it planted! LOL

Enjoy your weekend and I know you are like me and you are loving this weather we are having this winter!

I did get some lettuce and onions in those containers; they should do ok.

I have tried corn 2 yrs in a row and it never did good at all for us. Even tried some in my neighbor's big garden.
I have no idea why corn will not pollinate or even grow properly!

Quoting seflagamma:
I did get some lettuce and onions in those containers; they should do ok.

I have tried corn 2 yrs in a row and it never did good at all for us. Even tried some in my neighbor's big garden.
I have no idea why corn will not pollinate or even grow properly!

Hey Gamma!

Well, I can grow corn here like you wouldn't believe. Just have to plant 4 times as much as I want because the squirrels always get there first.

Hey Rob,
I wonder why my corn does not grow properly and does not mature...
I love sweet fresh corn, maybe I will give it one more try. LOL

Quoting seflagamma:
Hey Rob,
I wonder why my corn does not grow properly and does not mature...
I love sweet fresh corn, maybe I will give it one more try. LOL

Gotta talk to Skye about that sweetie.
I'm not a garden expert...I plant it and it grows or it doesn't.
I'm best with trees.

Seychelles Meteorological Services
Tropical Cyclone Advisory #18
CYCLONE TROPICAL FUNSO (08-20112012)
10:00 AM RET January 23 2012
=======================================

At 6:00 AM UTC, Tropical Cyclone Funso (960 hPa) located at 18.3S 39.2E has 10 minute sustained winds of 80 knots with gusts of 110 knots. The cyclone is reported as moving south southeast at 3 knots

Dvorak Intensity: T5.0/5.0/D0.5/12 HRS

Hurricane Force Winds
=====================
15 NM radius from the center

Storm Force Winds
=================
25 NM radius from the center

Gale Force Winds
=================
40 NM radius from the center

Near Gale Force Winds
====================
50 NM radius from the center, extending up to 60 NM in the northern semi-circle

Forecast and Intensity
=======================

12 HRS: 19.4S 39.2E - 90 knots (Cyclone Tropical Intense)
24 HRS: 20.8S 38.7E - 100 knots (Cyclone Tropical Intense)
48 HRS: 22.7S 37.8E - 110 knots (Cyclone Tropical Intense)
72 HRS: 23.9S 38.0E - 115 knots (Cyclone Tropical Intense)

Additional Information
======================

Funso tracks away from Mozambicans coastline and intensifies again as previously forecast. Inner core remains very small with less than 40 NM diameter (refer to ssmis-f17 0230 AM UTC) with a pinhole eye and a second external convective band (opened southwestward) from 40 to 60 NM radius from the center. Within the next hours, Funso keeps on undergoing the steering influence of the mid-level near-equatorial ridge northeastward, and should track slowly southeastwards.

Beyond, a ridge builds in the east of the system and the track might recurve southwards and then south-westwards. From j+3, a mid-tropospheric ridge rebuilds west of the system and a trough quickly transits south. Both contradictory steering flows might provide deceleration on southward track.

An strong uncertainty exists for the final track (refer to uncertainty cone) and a westward recurve is not totally excluded (like ECMWF forecast and its ensemble) that should steer Funso toward the Mozambique coastlines with a possible landfall in the region of Inhambane on Friday 27th. Current RSMC forecast track remains consistent compare to the previous ones waiting for future numerical weather prediction models runs. Over this track, environmental conditions remains favorable for regular further intensification up to 96 hours encountering again high energetic potential sea surface temperature (29C) and it should regularly intensify.

At the end of the forecast range, system should weaken again as it will track over less warm waters by shifting down toward the south.

Inhabitants of the central and southern channel (including Europa island) should closely monitor the progress of this system.

The next tropical cyclone advisory from Seychelles Meteorological Service on TC FUNSO will be issued at 12:30 PM UTC..

Ponies eating the corn is not such a bad thing...tree rats on the other hand...

Signing off for the night real soon now.
Take good care Skye!

Seychelles Meteorological Services
Tropical Cyclone Advisory #22
CYCLONE TROPICAL INTENSE FUNSO (08-20112012)
10:00 AM RET January 24 2012
=======================================

At 6:00 AM UTC, Intense Tropical Cyclone Funso (936 hPa) located at 20.5S 39.5E has 10 minute sustained winds of 105 knots with gusts of 140 knots. The cyclone is reported as moving south southeast at 7 knots

Dvorak Intensity: T6.0/6.0/D0.5/12 HRS

Hurricane Force Winds
=====================
18 NM radius from the center

Storm Force Winds
=================
30 NM radius from the center

Gale Force Winds
=================
50 NM radius from the center, extending up to 110 NM in the eastern semi-circle

Near Gale Force Winds
====================
70 NM radius from the center, extending up to 160 NM in the eastern semi-circle

Forecast and Intensity
=======================

12 HRS: 21.5S 39.5E - 110 knots (Cyclone Tropical Intense)
24 HRS: 22.5S 39.2E - 115 knots (Cyclone Tropical Intense)
48 HRS: 24.3S 39.2E - 105 knots (Cyclone Tropical Intense)
72 HRS: 26.0S 40.1E - 90 knots (Cyclone Tropical Intense)

Additional Information
======================

After a maximum at 2030 PM UTC yesterday, system intensity has rapidly fluctuated in relationship with its small size. Eye is still minuscule within a very cold 90 to 120 NM central dense overcast.

Within the next 24 hours, Funso remains under the steering influence of a ridge situated in the east and is expected to keep a southward track. Beyond, ridge moves away eastward as a shallow trough transist in the south of the system from west to east. Funso might decelerate and take a south southeastward track. Within the next 48 hours, environmental conditions remain very favorable under a upper level ridge and over high heat content waters.

From j+3, system should continue to track southeastward by accelerating with a deeper trough coming from the west in the south of the system. At the same time, a westerly vertical wind shear should slowly strengthen and Funso will encounter more and more cold waters. So system might progressively weaken.

Available numerical weather prediction models are now in good agreement for this scenario.

Inhabitants of the central and southern channel (including Europa Island) should closely monitor the progress of this system.

The next tropical cyclone advisory from Seychelles Meteorological Service on TC FUNSO will be issued at 12:30 PM UTC..

Perth Tropical Cyclone Warning Center
Tropical Cyclone Bulletin #1
TROPICAL LOW 11U
3:00 PM WST January 24 2012
================================

At 2:00 PM WST, Tropical Low (996 hPa) located at 16.0S 112.6E or 680 km north northwest of Exmouth has 10 minute sustained winds of 30 knots with gusts of 45 knots. The low is reported as moving west at 13 knots.

Dvorak Intensity: T1.5/1.5/D0.5/6 HRS

Forecast and Intensity:
======================

12 HRS: 16.5S 110.9E - 30 knots (Tropical Low)
24 HRS: 16.9S 109.8E - 40 knots (CAT 1)
48 HRS: 18.5S 109.7E - 55 knots (CAT 2)
72 HRS: 20.1S 109.9E - 75 knots (CAT 3)

Additional Information
========================

System assigned T1.0 at 00Z. Yesterday the cloud system center could not be defined in an area less than 2.5 degrees. Overnight convection consolidated near a developing low level circulation center. ASCAT and visible imagery show the low level circulation center gradually becoming better defined but low level cloud lines are still poorly organized.

The system has shown further improvement over the last 6 hours and FT is set at 1.5. Shear is generally low south of 15S and models indicate the system will experience low shear for the next 72 hours. Combined with sea surface temperatures over 30 degrees the system is expected to develop faster than the standard Dvorak rate and may reach tropical cyclone intensity by early tomorrow.

The subsequent track may develop on the rate of intensification with some models indicating the system will take a southerly or south southeasterly track on Thursday. On Friday the system is likely to be near 20S. Sea surface temperature decrease south of 20S and the system is likely to be slow moving which may cause upwelling and reduce Sea surface temperatures. As shear remains light, weakening in the longer term is more likely to be due to low oceanic heat content.

The monsoon trough is expected to remain strong over the next few days, resulting in strong northwesterly flow extending well to the east of the system center and bringing moderate swell and increased rainfall to coastal areas of the Pilbara and Kimberley.

The next tropical cyclone bulletin/advisory from Perth Tropical Cyclone Warning Center will be issued at around 13:30 PM UTC..

Skye - I can't get into any of the NOAA sites this a.m. Lack of the SPC is a special concern. Any advice? I can't get there through FF or IE, through address bar, bookmarks or links on other sites. Strange.

ADD: I can get to the NWS main page, but the link there to the severe weather page won't load, either. It must be them, but I haven't found anyone else talking about it.

Hey, Skye, how long do I have to leave this foil on my head? So far I still have electricity, internet, cell phone, and Sat TV.

Seychelles Meteorological Services
Tropical Cyclone Advisory #26
CYCLONE TROPICAL FUNSO (08-20112012)
10:00 AM RET January 25 2012
=======================================

At 6:00 AM UTC, Tropical Cyclone Funso (960 hPa) located at 22.6S 38.7E has 10 minute sustained winds of 80 knots with gusts of 95 knots. The cyclone is reported as moving southeast at 3 knots

Dvorak Intensity: T4.5/5.0/W0.5/6 HRS

Hurricane Force Winds
=====================
25 NM radius from the center

Storm Force Winds
=================
50 NM radius from the center

Gale Force Winds
=================
100 NM radius from the center, extending up to 120 NM in the eastern semi-circle

Near Gale Force Winds
====================
120 NM radius from the center, extending up to 160 NM in the eastern semi-circle

Forecast and Intensity
=======================

12 HRS: 23.2S 38.7E - 80 knots (Cyclone Tropical)
24 HRS: 23.6S 38.9E - 90 knots (Cyclone Tropical Intense)
48 HRS: 25.0S 39.1E - 90 knots (Cyclone Tropical Intense)
72 HRS: 26.9S 39.9E - 60 knots (Forte Tempête Tropicale)

Additional Information
======================

System achieved a first ye wall replacement cycle during last night (cf. TRMM at 22.05 PM UTC with the central core disappearing and formation of a 25 NM diameter eye) According to the last satellite multispectral and mw pictures, the radius of maximum winds is narrowing again. TRMM picture at 03.36z suggests that the system is actually undergoing a second eye wall replacement cycle. Consequently system should weaken again during the next few hours and the actual short range intensity forecast takes it in account.

System is tracking globally south southwestwards under the steering influence of a mid-latitude trough transiting in the south and the mid-level ridge existing in its east. The polar trough is expected to achieve to evacuate rapidly. Then, under the only steering influence of the aforementioned ridge, system is expected to shift slowly south southeastwards until day 2. Over this forecast track, environmental conditions are expected to remain favorable under the upper level ridge and sustained by a building second outflow channel poleward this Wednesday 25. This environmental conditions are expected to remain favorable up to friday 27. When the second eyewall replacement cycle will be complete, Funso should start a new intensifying phase.

On and after 60 hours, Funso is expected to accelerate south southeastwards in relationship with a deep trough transiting in the mid-latitude. At this range, system will undergoing both cooler sea surface temperature and an strengthening westerly vertical wind shear in the same time. Funso should weaken and then begin its extra-tropical transition. Available numerical weather prediction models are now in good agreement for this scenario.

According to the current forecast track, Funso is slowly tracking away from Europa Island. Strong winds gusting at about 100/110 km/h should occur today and the next night.

The next tropical cyclone advisory from Seychelles Meteorological Service on TC FUNSO will be issued at 12:30 PM UTC..

Perth Tropical Cyclone Warning Center
Tropical Cyclone Bulletin
TROPICAL LOW 11U
3:00 PM WST January 25 2012
================================

At 2:00 PM WST, Tropical Low (994 hPa) located at 15.9S 108.4E or 900 km northwest of Exmouth has 10 minute sustained winds of 30 knots with gusts of 45 knots. The low is reported as moving west at 7 knots.

Dvorak Intensity: T2.5/2.5/D1.0/24 HRS

Forecast and Intensity:
======================

12 HRS: 16.3S 108.3E - 40 knots (CAT 1)
24 HRS: 17.0S 108.5E - 50 knots (CAT 2)
48 HRS: 18.7S 109.5E - 60 knots (CAT 2)
72 HRS: 20.0S 110.4E - 70 knots (CAT 3)

Additional Information
========================

The low level circulation centre is clearly evident on the eastern edge of the deep convection. A shear pattern analysis gives a DT of 3.0. Curvature is slowly improving and a wrap of 0.4 was obtained over several visible images. Trend is assessed as D- giving a MET of 2.0. PAT is assessed as 2.5 and FT is set to 2.5. Partial ASCAT pass at 0155Z suggests 25-30 knots on the western side under deep convection, with monsoon flow removed to the north.

The system is likely to slow and begin to move south or southeastwards overnight as the subtropical ridge to the south erodes. The extratropical transition of ex-TC Ethel and the vigorous monsoon trough, add some uncertainty to the development and movement of the system however, it appears likely the system will move in a southerly or south southeasterly direction over the next 72 hours, closer to northwest cape, whilst intensifying steadily. Relatively shallow sea surface temperature may limit the intensity of this system, particularly if it becomes slow moving over waters south of 20.0S.

Strong monsoonal flow is likely to contribute to a broad area of abnormally high significant wave heights affecting Christmas Island, the west Kimberley, and adjacent Pilbara coasts. The strong monsoon flow may also produce heavy rainfall and strong winds on the coast well to the east of the current low, extending into the Kimberley.

The next tropical cyclone bulletin/advisory from Perth Tropical Cyclone Warning Center will be issued at around 13:30 PM UTC..

Darwin Tropical Warning Center
=================================

At 3:30 pm CST a Tropical Low [994 hPa] was located over land near 14.5S 130.8E, approximately 160 km west of Katherine moving southeast at 7 knots.

The low is expected to continue moving southeast across the northern territory during the next few days.

So how's that hammock working out for you?

It is sure 'nuff warm outside today.
Not that I'm complaining.

Fiji Meteorological Services
======================================

At 11:00 AM FST, Tropical Disturbance 07F (1007 hPa) located at 17.8S 164.0E is reported as slow moving. Position POOR based on multisatellite visible imagery and peripheral surface observations. Sea surface temperature is around 29C.

Organization in past 24 hours has not improved much. Convection remains persistent in the last 24 hours. The system lies under the 250hpa ridge axis and in a moderate sheared environment. Cyclonic circulation extends to 700hpa.

Global models have picked up the system and slowly move it southeast with little intensification.

The potential for this system to develop into a tropical cyclone in the next 24 to 48hours is low.

Looks like Iggy is really starting to pop.


Sorry, I couldn't stop myself. :o)

I noticed that on the radar too. Looked at the screen, looked out the window. The views didn't match!

LOL

Got Rain?

Light and steady since before I crawled out of bed this morning.

Plants are happy...well, except for the ones that the cat killed!

Last winter, I grew some catnip. Cat totally ignored the plant. Thought if I kept it inside she wouldn't mess with my seedling plants. Thought wrong.

BUT. Once I clip it and dehydrate it she goes nuts for it.

Really nice drawing of a shuttle launch!
Thanks for sharing it with us!

Cool, I'll be looking forward to it.
As for cats...a woman's mind is hard enough...no way I'm going to try to figure out cats. I just react to whatever they do.

Perth Tropical Cyclone Warning Center
Tropical Cyclone Advice #25
TROPICAL CYCLONE IGGY, CATEGORY ONE (11U)
3:00 AM WST January 30 2012
=================================

At 2:00 AM WST, Tropical Cyclone Iggy, Category One (977 hPa) located at 20.0S 111.4E or 355 km northwest of Exmouth and 590 km north northwest of Carnarvon has 10 minute sustained winds of 45 knots with gusts of 65 knots. The cyclone is reported as nearly stationary.

Dvorak Intensity: T3.0/3.0/W0.5/24 HRS

Gale Force Winds
--------------------
90 NM from the center

Tropical Cyclone Iggy is expected to continue to move very slowly this morning before taking a more southwesterly track during Monday afternoon.

It is possible that Tropical Cyclone Iggy may move close enough to the coast to cause a period of gales between Exmouth and Coral Bay. Destructive winds are not expected. Gales are not expected to occur between Coral Bay and Carnarvon.

Tides will be higher than expected along the upper west coast.

Tropical Cyclone Watches/Warnings
=================================

A Cyclone WARNING continues for coastal areas from Onslow to Coral Bay, including Exmouth.

Forecast and Intensity
======================

12 HRS: 20.6S 111.0E - 45 knots (CAT 1)
24 HRS: 21.2S 110.2E - 40 knots (CAT 1)
48 HRS: 23.6S 107.8E - 35 knots (CAT 1)
72 HRS: 26.1S 107.6E - 30 knots (TROPICAL LOW)

Additional Information
=======================

The system has been located by a combination of microwave imagery and ASCAT. Although shear remains low, there has been little sign of intensification. FT number remains at 3.0 based on wrap averaging 0.6-0.7 on images since 0530Z. MET and PAT have generally been around 3.0, and although the latest image could be classified as 3.5, FT and CI is held at 3.0. CIMSS AMSU intensity estimate at 09Z indicated 61 knots 1-min, although previous estimates were a fair bit lower than this. ADT is now at 56 knots 1-min and SATCON 59 knots 1-min. Final intensity estimate is held at 45 knots 10-min mean, which is supported by a 1440Z ASCAT pass which showed no winds above 40 knots around the system.

The lack of development may also be hindered by Iggy's lack of movement, meaning the system remains over the cooler water it has upwelled. Satellite imagery shows a deck of stratocumulus to the SW indicating a stable maritime boundary layer unfavorable for development.

It is possible that Iggy may re-intensify slightly over the next few hours in the diurnally favorable period, but in the longer term it is unlikely that Iggy will significantly intensify, contrary to some model guidance. By Tuesday the system will be moving over much cooler sea surface temperature and may be experiencing stronger wind shear.

TC Iggy has remained near stationary over the last 24 hours but a southwest movement is expected to begin soon. The system should then track southwest away from the coast and weaken below cyclone strength offshore in about 2 to 3 days. It is possible the remnants of Iggy may move back towards the west coast later in the week but it is very unlikely that Iggy would still be a cyclone at this time.

The next tropical cyclone advice from Perth Tropical Cyclone Warning Center on TC IGGY will be issued at 22:30 PM UTC..

Nice Shuttle picture.

Quoting Louisclocks:
Nice Shuttle picture.

Skye Rocks!
(and she's an artist too!)

I can see licensing of soap and cosmetic making for sale to the public, but saying you can't run a small business from a home is kinda stupid. If you are using the same ingredients, the same equipment, etc...what is the difference? A lot of businesses in this country, including some of the biggest corporations started out in a garage. Rest assured though, if you are doing something to make money, someone in government is going to try to find a way to license it, regulate it, and get their share of any potential profit.

I tell the kids that success is not measured in dollars. The successful person is the one that actually likes going to work. Some of the most miserable people I know are wealthy and hate what they do. Some of the happiest barely get by but love it. So find something you love to do, then find a way to make a living at it and you are successful.

Of course, I have found that some things I like aren't much fun when you "HAVE" to do them everyday.

If you are an artistic person, you have to have an outlet for it. I've done some pottery and clay sculpture. I've made some cool stuff but never really made money at it. But still, it's a good creative outlet and once in a while I'll do a project. Like when I made the sink for one of our bathrooms.

I'm getting long winded when I should be working, but I hope you find something that brings you both joy in your heart and $$$ in your pocket!

Looking forward to seeing a lot more of your art!

"art talent & physics infatuation go hand in hand"... SO TRUE!
I really like your charcoal painting! Good luck with your artistic pursuit. We are like fruit trees. Sometimes it takes years to mature enough to give. And it's never too late when fruit is good :) Please post the next part of the art-trilogy.

There's a new button to click. I think you'll like it: RAINFOREST SITE

142. LakeWorthFinn
Took a quick peek. If Angie finds that link I'm in trouble!
LOL

The pen & ink is very nice too. Having a hard time deciding which I like best.

Quoting Skyepony:
Rob~ I'm doing the third a little larger in pencil. Seemed like those usually came out okay.

That will be cool.

Long ago, the only two portraits I've ever done were in soft pencil shaded with charcoal. I'm not good with faces, but two actually turned out nice.

On the political front...I had no idea. I don't usually talk politics on blogs except maybe generalizations because I find it counter productive, but I suppose my basic belief is...if it ain't hurting anyone...leave them the hell alone! I may write some letters...

Skye,
Well, I knew you were an artist I have seen some of your art work outside and wall murals...plus all you do in your everyday life, from sewing, gardening, candles, soaps, etc.. you are an artist by every means.


Your charcole and pen & ink sketches are great!!!

You are so talented in so many ways... and have so many options.

I see what you wrote above:

"I don't think I've ever sold anything. Sometimes I give it to whom ever inspired it. There is a gene that runs in the family..not one of us has done anything to make a living with it. I'm tempted to give it a go with the internet, craft markets & all."

I'm in that boat also.. I've been painting all my life and really got serious in my 20's then agin in my 40's and then the last 2 yrs..
I just don't have time to paint then do the networking it would take to sell them..
and goodness I have given away so many paintings over the past 36 yrs..


I am praying for a "layoff" this year with a "package" so I can give it a real try..
as long as I am working full time I cannot do it I have sincerely tried in 2010....
as I go into retirement then maybe I can pursue my dream.

You have a special talent and skill and your art is so good!!!

Glad you finally posted so we could see!!!

Perth Tropical Cyclone Warning Center
Tropical Cyclone Bulletin
TROPICAL CYCLONE IGGY, CATEGORY ONE (11U)
9:00 AM WST January 31 2012
=================================

At 8:00 AM WST, Tropical Cyclone Iggy, Category One (984 hPa) located at 21.8S 109.4E or 490 km west of Exmouth and 555 km northwest of Carnarvon has 10 minute sustained winds of 45 knots with gusts of 65 knots. The cyclone is reported as moving south southwest at 8 knots.

Dvorak Intensity: T3.0/3.0/S0.0/24 HRS

Gale Force Winds
--------------------
90 NM from the center

Forecast and Intensity
======================

12 HRS: 23.4S 108.5E - 40 knots (CAT 1)
24 HRS: 25.6S 107.7E - 35 knots (CAT 1)
48 HRS: 28.2S 109.5E - 30 knots (TROPICAL LOW)
72 HRS: 27.3S 110.2E - 25 knots (TROPICAL LOW)

Additional Information
=======================

Deep convection has reduced over night and this morning's visible imagery shows limited deep convection near the center despite low shear. Organization is good but the convective signature relatively weak.

Position determined from microwave, animated IR and latest VIS imagery. Excellent microwave fix at 2257Z gives high confidence in position.Curved band wrap of 0.6 to 0.7 consistently obtained over IR imagery 1730-2230Z. MET is 2.0 based on a weakening trend and PAT = 2.5. FT is set at 3.0 and as FT has been lower than CI for over 6 hours CI is now dropped to 3.0. ADT is running at around 2.6-2.8. Latest [17Z] SATCON is 51 knots 1-min mean, with AMSU dominating that estimate at 58 knots 1-min mean. FOV for AMSU was 28 [poor] and a bias correction was applied.

Final intensity estimate set to 45 knots 10-min mean.

Good agreement between the models on the track with majority of models taking the remnant system toward the west coast from Wednesday. Minority of models have the system weakening sufficiently to be steered off to the west. With a passing mid-latitude trough to the south on Wednesday the steering is toward the east at all levels except 850hPa. There is some discrepancy in the SST analyses available from different sources but by Wednesday the sea surface temperatures should also be forcing a strong weakening trend.

The next tropical cyclone advice from Perth Tropical Cyclone Warning Center on TC IGGY will be issued at 6:30 AM UTC..

Finally got your blog to load on the old dinosaur!

I have very limited knowledge, and even less skill when it comes to art, but I like the charcoal one better! Can't explain why, just like it better!

I'm rather incredulous over Florida's ban of making soap for personal use. My grandmother used to make lye soap in the old days, and she lived to be 84! Is it a phosphate issue, or a safety issue?

Can't wait to see the third one!

Skye, your sketches are beautiful! What a talent!
I like the pen and ink one the best, SugarBear likes the charcoal!

I have "0" ability to draw or paint, I am still at the "stick man" stage.:)
My Son has the talent to draw freehand. Go figure.

I have always written stories and poetry so I am happy with the gift I was given.
When you have time you should continue to use your gift and share it with others as you have done for us.