60 MPH Wind Ghosts? by Author Elaine A. Powers

As a writer, I have learned—many times the hard way—the importance of proofreading. My typing requires checking the auto-correct feature for some interesting word alterations. For instance, I don’t know why my phone insists I want to write “fir” instead of “for.” How many times do we use “fir” in a sentence?

Recently, a local news station made an amusing mistake in their weather forecast. News 4 Tucson posted: “60 mile per hour wind ghosts may be observed in Marana, Tucson, Oro Valley, Tucson Estates, and east of Tombstone.”

The arrival of monsoon season brings interesting weather to the Sonoran Desert. Mostly, the effects are high winds, microbursts, dust storms, land spouts, dust devils and occasionally, some rain that actually reaches the ground. Yes, rain here often doesn’t reach the ground–it’s called virga.

However, I had never heard of monsoons producing wind ghosts! Sure, air currents have been associated with ghosts, but ghosts from the wind? With the history of this area, though, maybe wind ghosts aren’t such a strange idea.

And, maybe we writers should be certain to double-check our writing.

P.S.–I do appreciate the station for leaving the typo up. It brought a lot of amusement to people worried about the drought and fears of another year without much-needed monsoon rain.

Book Note: Would you like to know more about the Sonoran Desert? I have written five books about some aspect of this rich and diverse area. I’ve just released book five: Squirrels of the Sonoran Desert.

My Sonoran Desert books are:

Squirrels of the Sonoran Desert $14.95
Despite their different appearances, all the squirrels native to the Sonoran Desert are ground squirrels! Burrow into this book to learn about their shared and unique features. This is a great family read for ages 5 and up. If your little ones are curious about those borrowing, furry squirrels in your backyard or at your favorite park this book is a great introduction. It’s full of insightful information and wonderful illustrations. Even if younger children won’t remember all of the scientific knowledge contained in this book, it’s important to start imprinting their brain with positive, educational, interesting information about the world around them.

Don’t Make Me Rattle!       
NOW ON SALE: Reg. $14.95–NOW $8.08
People fear rattlesnakes because they don’t understand them. Come inside and learn about these amazing snakes, how they help people, and why the rattlesnake should be respected, not exterminated.

Queen of the Night: The Night-blooming Cereus $14.95
This colorful picture book for all ages teaches about the Sonoran Desert—with a sense of humor. It pits one bumbling human against the desert as he carelessly attempts to photograph an Anna’s Hummingbird. Enjoy the chase as the photographer is tripped up by a rock, stabbed by a Mesquite tree and rattled by a Western Diamondback. Then use the glossary to teach about the rich variety of life in the Sonoran Desert. Humor makes learning fun and easy!

How NOT to Photograph a Hummingbird  $12.95
This colorful picture book for all ages teaches about the Sonoran Desert—with a sense of humor. It pits one bumbling human against the desert as he carelessly attempts to photograph an Anna’s Hummingbird. Enjoy the chase as the photographer is tripped up by a rock, stabbed by a Mesquite tree and rattled by a Western Diamondback. Then use the glossary to teach about the rich variety of life in the Sonoran Desert. Humor makes learning fun and easy!

Don’t Make Me Fly!  $14.95
Roadrunners run. Why don’t they fly? Take a look in this book and you’ll find out why.