Mike Wilhelm's Alabama Weather Blog

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Bamawx.com

Before I get into the weather, I am compelled mention the passing of a wonderful and Godly lady, Evelyn McDonald. I wrote a tribute here. I sincerely hope you read it! In it I also told about my last visit with her Saturday night, just hours before she passed away. I cannot imagine there being a sweeter person than "Mamaw". One of the things I always loved about her was her folksy sense of humor. I posted a clip of her telling a story that describes exactly what I mean. Pardon me while I preach one thing here: tell people you love them now! Don't wait until tomorrow. I almost did and I am so thankful that I didn't wait for the tomorrow that didn't come! Obituary

Alabama has been enjoying a much needed, and frankly deserved, break from the unsettled weather of the first 10 weeks of 2008. It seems as if we have had a tornado outbreak or snow almost every week for two months now. If you know me at all, you are aware that I can always find something to talk about weatherwise, though. Since late last week the weather can best be surprised as "severe clear". This morning's low was an unseasonably cold 29 at my house but we should be back in the 70's by Wednesday. Our next chance of rain is Saturday. At this time, severe weather does not seem to be likely.

I am really looking forward to attending the 2008 Southeast Severe Storms Symposium at Mississippi State University. I have wanted to attend this event for years but this is the first time that I didn't have a conflict. Usually I have my boys or I have had baseball practice for the team I coached. This year I plan on attending. The agenda looks very interesting. I am particularly interested in the presentations about the February 2008 Super Tuesday Outbreak. It seems like the folks attending know how to have fun and plenty of good food too! I hope to meet some of my weather heroes there and enjoy some great fellowship!

I had a great Easter. I had the opportunity to visit what was an historical event here in the county in which I live. Cullman County is relatively small, and there are churches everywhere you look. But in the 20 years or so that I have been around this area, I have never seen an event quite like I saw Sunday. Daystar Church conducted a special Easter Service at the Wallace State University Coliseum in Hanceville. The place holds 5000 people and it was at over half-full. Daystar, when I first visited 20 years ago, was known as Glory Hill Church of God. The attendance back then was around 50. Evidently God is doing some great things through that ministry. I was extremely impressed and thoroughly enjoyed the service, which incorporated music, preaching, teaching, drama, and video. One of my favorite parts was a little video clip of an 80-something year old lady who talked about the church's history. Kudos to the pastor for profiling her and honoring the faithfulness of her and others from the past!