Melissa Mack's Blog

Finally, I downloaded Lola's 1st day of Kindergarten pics. She is doing so well!  I am proud to have a niece who is so kind, loving, intelligent and beautiful inside and out. :)  Here are some pics from Monday, August 25, 2008...

(Lola and Melissa -aka 'Aunt Lissa')

(Mrs. Davis (Lola's teacher) and Lola)

It was an exciting day for Lola, and a bittersweet day for me.  I can't believe she is 5 years old!  Wasn't she just born yesterday?!?!  I could spend every moment of my life with her.  She makes my life so much BRIGHTER! :)

It's been awhile, but I have just downloaded some awesome pics from WOOLLYBEAR 36 on Sunday, October 5, 2008.  My family ( and I had a wonderful time!  I loved meeting each and every one of you.  If I didn't have a chance to meet you, there's always next year!!! :)

These are pics of Lola (my 5 year old niece), my mom, my dad, and of course, me.  I hope to see all of your pics as well!

Mack :)

I was on vacation just a couple of weeks ago, and it was surely an eventful week.  I was consumed by tears as Lola took her first steps into her Kindergarten classroom...then just days later, we were headed with Lola's best friend (Andrea Dull) and her mom (Marla Dull) to the Vanessa Hudgens/Corbin Bleu concert at the Canfield Fair near Youngstown.  In case you don't know, Vanessa Hudgens and Corbin Bleu are big Disney stars in the movie, High School Musical.

So, here are some pics of us at the concert.  The girls were pumped!...even though it drizzled the entire night!!!

 (Lola, Melissa, Andrea and Andrea's Mom, Marla)

(Andrea, Melissa and Lola)

So, this was Thursday, August 28...more pics to come of Lola's first day of Kindergarten!!! Mack :)

It seems like summer just began, but in a month, we will be welcoming the Autumn season.  Autumn begins September 22 at 11:44am.  Before you know it, the leaves will be chaning colors and the first snowflakes of the season will be falling. 

Lets take a step back for a minute.  Embrace the memories you've made this summer, but also prepare to a make a batch of new memories.  School has started or will be starting for all of the kids.  Think of it as a new beginning...a whole new opportunity to grow and enjoy what life has to offer.  Too many times we spend motionless and not grasping every moment and making the most of it.  That is something I've had to learn through some tough life experiences.  But as the saying goes...'It only makes you stronger'...and that's the truth.

Weatherwise...we have a chance of storms Saturday night through Sunday afternoon.  Otherwise, we are expecting a decent weekend.

I hope you enjoy a wonderful weekend with friends and family. Savor every moment because every moment is a blessing, a gift!

Mack :)

Well, IT is so...It's inevitable.  Kids will be heading back to school within the next couple of weeks.  Summer break goes super fast.  I remember this time of year as a kid...excited yet nervous about starting a new school year.   My favorite part was being able to hang out with friends, friday night football games and shopping for the Homecoming dance which was in late September.  What are some things you or your children are looking forward to this school year?  What are some of your special memories?

So far, so good.  The weather has been very comfortable so far this month.   As we look 8 days ahead, the forecast still looks rather pleasant with the hottest temps in the low to mid 80s. 

Savor the last days of your Summer Break...

Mack :)

Okay, so we are already into the month of August.  Families are packing areas stores getting ready to head back-to-school...picking up clothes, shoes, school supplies, and everything else that goes along with starting a new school year (including my family).  As we prepare for the beginning of school, we don't want to waste any of the time we have left for making summer memories. 

Lola, my niece, starts Kindergarten this year so we are getting a head start on school shopping.  However, I am still trying to squeeze in some last-minute Summer day trips.  One of her favorites was the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. 

(LOLA & I POSING IN FRONT OF THE ELEPHANTS)

(THE LIFE OF A MARSUPIAL!  I AM MAMMA KANGAROO AND LOLA IS BABY KANGAROO.)

We still have a lot planned before the first day of school.  We both agree that time is something that we shouldn't waste...

Mack :)

It's hard to believe it's time to say good-bye to July and hello to August.  Before you know it, kids will be heading back to school!

The first weekend of August is looking good.  There is a slim chance of a leftover shower/storm early Saturday morning.  Otherwise, we are expecting partly cloudy skies with highs near 80F on Saturday, and Sunday is shaping up to be mostly sunny with a high around 85F.  We need to savor every moment because it will be Fall in a flash. 

By the way, a TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE will take place Friday, August 1.  It will not be visible in the U.S. so if you're interested in viewing it...log onto this website... http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/SEmono/TSE2008/TSE2008.h
t
ml

Have a great one...

Mack :)

Well, it's been more than a month since we officially reached the 90F mark (June 9 ... 93F). We are in the midst of a some hazy, hot and humid weather.  We reached 88F on Wednesday, 89F Thursday and we are heading for the low 90s Friday.   If you are hoping that temps drop sometime soon, the 8-day confirms a slow drop thru the 80s starting Saturday.  By Wedensday, we are expecting highs in the upper 70s. 

A few FOX 8 tips to keep yourself safe during these hot summer days:

Keep hydrated, Wear light colored clothing,  Remember the sunscreen,  Check on the elderly and the animals, etc..

Enjoy your weekend!

Mack :)

There's personal success and then there's couple/group success through teamwork...working together towards a common goal.  No matter how you look at it....success takes selflessness, time, patience, and passion for what you are trying to attain.  So, why did I bring this up?  Well, there are a couple of reasons, but I am going to focus on one specific scenario that involved Dick Goddard and myself this past Tuesday.  We knew severe weather was possible (which we all know came to fruition).  I did have to work the morning show and the noon show, but when severe storms began to proliferate, I was out the door and right back in the weather center to assist Dick during a very hectic evening.  I know many of you have emailed  &/or chatted with me asking how I am feeling.  Of course, I am very tired after pulling a long shift.  However, the payoff is success here at FOX 8, and it all starts with selflessness.  It's about pitching in to help others instead of always thinking just about yourself or how it will affect you. 

Another excellent example is being married or in a committed love relationship. Nobody is perfect, but it's our responsibility to forgive our loved one for his/her trespasses,  support them when they are down, offer our compassion, and unconditionally love that person to create and maintain a healthy relationship.  Undoubtedly, the relationship will fail if one falls short of his/her responsibility.  You both must be givers when necessary.  A one-sided relationship usually has a painful outcome.

I hope this gives you a chance to reflect upon your past doings, think of your present state of mind and prepare for your future.  Life is truly complete when you love your own heart and soul...so that you are able to radiate that love unto others.  REMEMBER, YOU MUST LOVE YOURSELF FIRST BEFORE YOU CAN TRULY LOVE SOMEONE ELSE.

How have you helped a co-worker lately?  Are you the person always giving/taking?  Have you told your loved one how much you love them today?

Never take anything for granted...it just may slip away.

Mack :)

(photo compliments of:  www.freedigitalphotos.net)

It's hard to believe the 4th of July is here!  On the bright side, summer just 'officially' started.  We still have more than 2 months of the summer season remaining.  On a dimmer note, many of us consider this summer's mid-point since a lot of kids go back to school next month (or by early September).  That's all the more reason to get out and enjoy all of the 4th of July festivities!

What a challenge it's been...the forecast that is!  Our heads have been spinning in the wx department trying to figure out just how far south this stubborn cold front will move before stalling out.  Right now, it appears the front will push far enough south that most of us will deal with partly sunny skies (w/ just a slight chance of a shower/storm in our southern viewing area).  Saturday is shaping up to be dry, but Sunday will bring us a slim chance of a shower/storm. 

Either way, GOD BLESS AMERICA!   For the Love of Freedom...here in the Land of the Free...

Mack :)

Take a glimpse...(if you get some breaks in the clouds)...of tonight's full moon ('Full Strawberry Moon' and/or Solstice Moon).  The moon is going to look extra large as it rises around 9:33pm.  Why?  Well, this week's high solstice sun provides us with a 'low, horizon-hugging moon and a strong moon illusion.' (www.labspaces.net)  High and low moons make the same sized spot, yet one appears bigger to us...the low moon.

The Full Strawberry Moon...the name was used by every Algonquin tribe.  In Europe, they called it the Rose Moon.  Plus, it's strawberry season!

Send us some pics!

Have a good one...

Mack :)

Father's Day is quickly approaching.  Some of you may already have a special gift for Dad...while many of you, including myself, are still trying to figure out what Dad wants/needs.  With a forecast including partly cloudy skies and a high near 80...maybe you can call your nearest golf course, set up a tee time and spend some quality time with the special guy in your life.  Plus, we know how much Dad loves spending time on the golf course! :)

As we look ahead to the beginning and middle part of next week, models are still hinting at a cooldown starting Monday and lingering through mid-week.  We are talking about highs in the upper 60s on Tuesday and Wednesday!  Now, that's quite a change from this week. 

Happy Father's Day!

Here's my Dad...and Lola, my niece...and of course, me...

Mack :)

In honor of our fallen soldiers, those who have served our country in the past , those who are currently serving our country and those who will serve our country in the future...THANK YOU!  We appreciate each and every one of you. 

In addition, it is the unofficial start to summer!  Yes, it's time time light the grill and enjoy some of our summer favorites.  I wouldn't mind some tasty ribs, chicken, mac n cheese, baked beans, etcetera...you get the drift.   What do you have on your agenda this holiday?  Sadly, we do have showers and thunderstorms in the forecast so you may want to have an alternative plan to your outdoor festivities.

(Find this pic of www.FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Remember, there's a national moment of remembrance at 3 p.m. U.S. Eastern time.

Enjoy...Summer is almost here!

Mack :)

Get ready, Get set...wait, wait, wait!  Not so fast!  It's going to be slow going in the temperature department.  Luckily, it will be heating up for the Memorial Day weekend.  We still have to endure some cooler-than-normal temps mid-week, but who cares?!?!  By Sunday/Memorial Day, we'll be flirting with 80F...and it's even looking dry!!! 

Mmmmm...I can smell it already...ribs, chicken, mac 'n' cheese, baked beans, and a mammoth slice of apple pie (w/ ice cream!).  Yummy!  What's your BBQ tradition?

Besides Memorial Day BBQ's, we are also in the midst of 'open house season'.  Graduation parties are getting closer, and we want to hear all about your plans.  Tell us what's up with your holiday weekend BBQ &/or open houses on the horizon... 

Mack :)

Lets get ready to HEAT UP!  It may seem like the temps are warming up in slow mo, but by the time we approach the end of  the work week, we'll be sweating it out!   We'll start with temps near 60 at the beginning of the week before reaching high 70s/80F as we approach Memorial Day.  So, the unofficial start to summer is going to actually feel like summer. 

If you are just losing your patience with the rain that seems to never go away, look out as we round out the work week.  We will all start drying out between Wednesday and Thursday. So as we kick-off the weekend, we'll be sporting our summer attire along with our shades.  

What are your plans for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend...BBQ, swimming, picnicking, etc.? 

Still Showing LOVE to our Cavs...

Mack :)