Time to get caught up on some important "Thank yous", let you know about a couple upcoming events, and answer a recent question or two.

*Thank you to the Silver Sippers of KCK. I had the opportunity to visit with this wonderful group on Tuesday morning. They get together each week for a presentation, coffee and good talk. I was relieved to find out that I wasn't the only one who had trouble saying "Silver Sippers" instead of "Silver Slippers" or "Sliver Sippers" or "Sliver Slippers" which, honestly, sound rather painful.

*Thank you to the Peculiar Senior Citizens. Maybe I should rephrase that: the Senior Citizens of Peculiar. They were a very fun bunch. Wednesday was Hawaiian Luau Day for this monthly luncheon group. They had a couple of hula dancers, just about everybody was dressed in tropical fashions including flowery leis and me. I, apparently, was there to play the role of stuffed pig on a spit.

When I visit with groups like these, I am under no illusions. If they really wanted to learn about the weather, they'd invite Busby or Grigsby or Teachman. When they ask me to come out, it usually means they just want to kill a half hour. Both groups were terrific to visit with and had a lot of interesting questions.

"Why don't you mention Peculiar on the weather?" This is a pretty common question. Just change the name of the town now and then. It is true that, sometimes, weather folks get into a rut and mention the same places over and over and over. It's good to be reminded of that. In the case of Peculiar, I told them that years ago, when I first started at KMBC, I made a little joke about the weather being Peculiar down there. I got a letter from a viewer in that neck of the woods telling me that I wasn't funny or clever or original and just give the weather. Well, the group I visited with Wednesday has given me permission to say the weather is Peculiar down there! So, I will.

"Don't all you people use the same basic information to make your forecasts?" Well, I can't speak for anyone else but I use tea leaves and a dart-board. I used to have a Ouija board, too, but I haven't been able to find it since the big move. Actually, I do think, in addition to all the technology and satellite info, a weathercaster should pay close attention to what the animals are doing and how a person's bones are feeling. When I started doing FirstNews, I'd look at the radar and see big storms bubbling up in Oklahoma and figure we'd have rain by afternoon or see nothing percolating and predict a sunny day. Our legendary camera person, Betty, would come in and ask what the weather was going to be. Many times I would say "A sunny day, Betty" to which she would reply "Wrong. It's going to rain. Your maps are wrong and my bones are right." Her bones were right...a lot. So, I pay attention to all of it. Does it make my guesses any more accurate? No, but it gives me many more variables to blame when I'm wrong.

"How do you like the new building?" I'm just surprised they let me have a key card to get in. It is state-of-the-art technologically speaking. It does feel a little big compared to the old place. Sometimes I think I should be restocking the shelves in the housewares department. My desk is right by the back door...do you think they are trying to tell me something?...so I get to say good morning to everyone. Donna Pitman says she is going to get me an apron like the friendly Wal-Mart greeters wear. The bottom line is I still have a soft spot in my heart, to match the one in my head, for the old stomping grounds. I think I miss the fact that the old weather center was in the basement and I could sneak in and out easier. At the new place I've taken to wearing a false nose and glasses in order to get away.

"Did you meet Charles Gibson?" No. I was on vacation. The station suggested I take vacation at that time. They were afraid I'd get confused about what to call him: "Charles" or "Charlie." They were worried I'd freeze and refer to him as "Chuck." Actually, I briefly met Mr. Gibson many years ago when FirstNews visited Good Morning, America in New York. I'll never forget the sincerity in his voice as he politely asked me to drop the jelly donut and back away from the buffet table.

Again, many thanks to the two groups from KCK and Peculiar.

Now, for the upcoming events: This Sunday, September 23, is the 14th Annual Heartland Run to benefit the children of Clay and Platte counties. It will be at English Landing Park in beautiful Parkville, Missouri. Registration starts at 6:30 with the 5K kicking off at 8:00 a.m. You can find out more by going to www.mararunning.org. It is a super event put on by the Heartland Auxiliary Assistance League of KC. It will be a mild morning so come on out!

Coming up on October 13 is the Jared Coones Pumpkin run. Go to www.pumpkinrunwalk.org for the details. Mark your calendars. This is one of the best and most inspiring charitable events in town. You couldn't ask for a more kind and decent man than Jared's dad, Tom. He and the whole Coones family continue to use the challenges they have faced to make life better for so many others here in our town.

One last mention: Tomorrow morning, I will be out on the streets. No, they haven't fired me...yet. No, it's Red Friday! The Chiefs home opener is Sunday. (It will be 90 degrees!) So, as has been the case for many years, Red Coaters, volunteers, media folks and local sports stars will be out selling a special paper to support Chiefs Children's Charities. If you come across the Broadway Bridge between 5 and 7 in the morning, please, honk your horn and buy a paper for the kids of KC.

Hey, that means I'll be close to the old building. Wonder if I can get in there and find my Ouija board...my forecasts have really been suffering without it.