“Laughing, quaffing all together.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Heedless of the wind and weather.

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la …” 

~ 16th Century Welsh melody, English lyrics written by Scottish musician Thomas Oliphant, 1862

The melody was a well-known one among Welsh miners, but its origins may date from the 16th century. In the 18th century Mozart used the music in his piano and violin duet – “Sonata No. 18.” The English words generally sung today are American in origin. The first publication date of “Deck The Halls” was in 1862. Although there is no particular religious content, the song is one associated with Christmas. 

“Heedless of the wind and weather.” The holidays were set in motion last Saturday night as the 42nd Annual Montrose-Glendale Christmas Parade made its way down Honolulu Avenue. The evening was cold and clear, the wind stayed calm; fortunately, the slight chance for rain had dissipated. Don’t put away your umbrella, though. More is on the way …

I am happy to report the storm systems, prior to the parade, brought the 2018-19 Rain Season Total to an even 3.00 inches.                                  

Yesterday, Wednesday, a low-pressure system was expected to move in, causing light-to-moderate rain to fall over the foothills. Did Robin, once again, remember to wrap the Crescenta Valley Weekly? To add frosting to the “geological cake,” snow in the local mountains is anticipated. While the Sierra received its first snowfall of the season on Thanksgiving, this will be our first. If all goes as planned, today’s precipitation may continue into Friday morning. Did you know precipitation does not apply only to rain; it also includes freezing rain, sleet, hail and snow?

Temperatures will remain on the cool-side to finish off the week. Dry and warmer weather will, once again, return just in time for the weekend. 

Rain or shine, we must continue to “Deck the Halls … fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la.” Our house is almost decorated!

Sue Kilpatrick is a Crescenta Valley resident and  Official Skywarn Spotter for the  National Weather Service. Reach her at  suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.