Well, two weeks from today only the die-hard will be shopping; some people enjoy the rush they get from the holiday crowds just hours before the stores close. My brother Ronnie is one of them.
Every year, after the morning milking on Christmas Eve, he’d hop in his truck and head for the mall in Cornwall, Ont. I’m not sure how he did it, but he was always back in time for the evening chores and his shopping was done. We are similar in many ways but that is not one of them. I plan months in advance and I make an entry in a journal each time I add things to my “gift closet.” For the most part, my shopping is usually wrapped up by Dec. 1.
I thought perhaps I could give you a hand with your shopping – at least toss out some ideas. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that many Maritimers are obsessed with the weather. So, let’s go over a few of my favourite weather gadgets.
I think my favourite weather gift is the Mariner’s Weather Glass. Many years ago, these were state-of-the-art barometers. They were used on ships to warn sailors of impending storms. They work just as well today! Water slowly rises and falls in the spout as the air pressure changes. It comes with a mounting bracket and is available at Home Hardware stores and Lee Valley Tools.
For the gardener on your list, a digital weather station is a neat gift. Across Atlantic Canada, local topography is such that microclimates exist and temperatures vary considerably over a short distance. The same can be said for rainfall. When I visit grade 5 students who are studying the weather unit, I see some pretty fancy homemade rain gauges. I suppose you could make your own or pick one up at a garden centre or hardware store.
In keeping with the rain, how about a pretty umbrella? We’re so particular about accessories, why not have a few colourful umbrellas to brighten up an otherwise dull day? I love a nice umbrella, in fact I collect them!
Now that my offerings are in print and online, why not pick up a newspaper or online subscription for that person who doesn’t want any more “things” but loves to stay informed. It’s a perfect gift for someone who has moved away and … no parcel to mail. Click here https://www.saltwire.com/subscribe/ for more details about that.
Last but not least, may I also suggest a copy of Grandma Says! My little book of weather folklore is back on store shelves, and pretty easy to wrap! You can also order them online through amazon.ca.
I hope one of these suggestions will be the perfect gift for the armchair meteorologist in your life.
