Pat Shingleton for Oct. 27, 2012

Relatives in Pennsylvania are preparing for a weather “traffic-jam” as three incoming systems will cause hurricane force winds, flooding and snow. My grandfather believed that weather patterns caused colds and placed a bowl of apples, onions and garlic-laced with whiskey on his nightstand when he experienced chest congestion. As noted in a previous column, Mom would send us to school with Vick’s Vapor Rub piled on our chest and throat, preventing me from getting a “date.” Another application was a “mustard plaster.” This combination included: flour, baking soda, dried mustard and shortening, butter, lard or Oleo. Mixed with hot water, the concoction is placed into muslin or flannelette, then applied to one’s chest; layered with Vaseline. I tried this last week and was escorted from the bedroom. Fastcast: A chill-out

ADDITIONAL WEATHER INFORMATION:

TODAY: Brisk (Sunny Icon) 64/39

SUNDAY: Breezy (Sunny Icon) 65/38

MONDAY: Perfect (Sunny Icon) 67/40

TUESDAY: A Beauty (Sunny Icon) 69/43

WEDNESDAY: Warmer (Sunny Icon) 72/52

THURSDAY: Clouding Up (Partly Cloudy Icon) 74/50