A LABOR OF LOVE...

No matter what the occasion or time of year, you won't find a holiday weekend of weather any better than what we just experienced. Our Labor Day was graced by blue skies, a nice breeze, comfortable temperatures, and minimal humidity. It doesn't get any better than that. The official Swails-ometer ranks it a perfect 10 out of 10. I hope you had a chance to enjoy it!

Now that we are in the throes of September, these user-friendly conditions become more and more common, with the sun slowly but surely losing its summer power. Just look at what's happened over the past week. The low Monday morning at the NWS in the Quad Cities was 49 compared with 75 the previous Monday. Highs today will be around 77 compared to the 98 we saw last Tuesday. That's what I call significant progress! An even stronger push of cool air is anticipated this weekend, with the potential for lows to drop well into the 40s.

Meantime, after another exceptional day Tuesday in the mid 70s, the upper air flow flattens ahead of the coming push of cool air. The westerly flow initiates a warm-up that allows temperatures to modify nicely by Thursday.

Wednesday highs go into the upper 70s to low 80s before surging towards a peak in the low to mid 80s Thursday. Thursday night, the next shot of cold air arrives, providing the forcing for scattered showers and storms ahead of the front. Return moisture is limited so despite the strength of the front, rainfall is expected to be light, 1/4" or less on average. Here's what models are indicating for rain Thursday night. The GFS is far more bullish than the EURO for amounts. I am leaning heavily on the drier solution of the EURO and NBM blend at this point.

The EURO

THE NBM (National blend of models)

The GFS

Behind the front Friday, a potent, 1030mb high is building over southern Canada. A strong northerly circulation around it is tapping the coolest air in approximately 4 months.

This weekend, temperature departures up to 20 degrees below normal are being felt around the Midwest.

The GFS shows lows Saturday morning in the 40s and Sunday morning (below) in the upper 30s to low 40s. That's a wake-up call!

Highs will be plenty crisp as well, with readings in the low 60s depicted Saturday afternoon.

While it's a long shot, the GFS even indicates a bit of snow just northeast of the Canadian border, not far from St. Ste Marie, Michigan. A sign of things to come.

You can see the upward and downward trends in temperatures we'll experience the next week on the GFS. A nice 44 degree spread in readings from a high of 86 Thursday to a low of 42 next Sunday.

It does appear we'll recover nicely from the fall preview of the weekend to what's coming the following week, when temperatures return to more seasonal levels. However, the pattern looks moisture challenged, and I look for well below normal precipitation over the next 2 weeks. The GFS has rainfall departures like this through September 18th.

The Climate Prediction Center indicates some of the driest weather nationally centered near this part of the Midwest.

At least for the next 2 days, more of this stunning September weather is on that table before we take a big step backwards in the coming weekend. Back to work everybody and roll weather...TS

PEOPLE LOVE IT. OUR AIRBNB IS A MOST LOVED GUEST FAVORITE!

ANOTHER 5-STAR REVIEW....thanks Myriam

AIRBNB has rated my renovated church in Galena A GUEST FAVORITE, A MOST LOVED home according to visitors. Check out some of our reviews and get in on the flexible deals we have available below.

Christa-Monument, Colorado

The Little White Church is amazing!!!! Pictures do not do it justice. I would absolutely recommend it to my friends and family. It is just so unique. Carolyn is an amazing host and super responsive. I would give our experience 6 out of 5 stars if I could.

Phillip-Queensland, Australia

Amazing and thoughtful renovation. Stayed in a piece of history. Great location and modern amenities. Would stay again!

Jill

The Little White Church is beautiful. The decorations are perfect, and it was redone with impeccable taste. Carolyn was a great host.

Brent

Such a gem. Relaxing in the countryside in a historic church that was beautifully decorated and recently renovated was exactly what we experienced. Everyone loved our stay, and we will be back!!!

Leigh

Beautiful and unique. We were all captivated by the adorable chapel turned AIRBNB

Jenny-Frisco, Texas

It was a magical place for our family to celebrate Christmas!

Kelly

What a gem! The Little White Church exceeded our expectations. It was the perfect spot to meet up with another couple to relax and explore nearby Galena. We enjoyed the beautiful great room with its fireplace and amazing views of the rolling countryside. (The photos simply can't do it justice). The charming church/home was quiet, well appointed and clean. And Carolyn was proactive with instructions and a terrific communicator. We will definitely be back!

John

Absolutely incredible! Loved the tranquility and the beautiful views. The decor was so inviting. AND the bell tower works!! Would 100% stay here again!

Tori-Cedar Falls

This place is so beautiful! Carolyn and Terry were so thoughtful and kind to let us have our wedding at the church. They even provided extra supplies in case we needed them. The private garden worked perfectly for our ceremony, and the backyard easily fit our reception needs. Not to mention, the balconies make perfect photo spots! My husband and I recommend the Little White Church and will be telling all our friends about it.

Mahesh-Buffalo Grove

Carolyn was a great host, very flexible! The place is super clean, spacious with a private backyard overlooking the fields and bluffs! We spent a lot of time on the deck. Great kitchen, clean bedrooms and baths. Highly recommend the place.

William

Great place. Great host. Will definitely book again and tell our friends.

Miriam

Carolyn and Terry's place is BEAUTIFUL! The Little White Church is a wonderful place, way more beautiful than the pictures. Everything is brand new and extremely clean. Staying at the church was a unique experience and I would love to come back soon. I strongly recommend the place if you are looking for a 5-star location!

Vanessa-Chicago

Carolyn was great! Absolutely beautiful place! I would not hesitate to go back. We spent Thanksgiving and the next night. Very well stocked and above and beyond with extras included. Thank you!

MAKE US AN OFFER...

What about pricing? Right now, we are able to offer you our best pricing ever. We have 3 nights for the price of 2 which, depending on the days, can save as much as $300-$400 dollars. If you book directly through us, you can also eliminate booking fees and taxes that the big chains charge. Cleaning fees are also drastically reduced. It all adds up to exceptional deals at a destination worth visiting. Let us assist in finding a time and price that works for you. Here's a link to some pictures. https://www.tswails.com/galena-airbnb

Carolyn and I will do all we can to make sure your stay is a memorable one. Please call or text Carolyn for more details and options and get a prime date while they are still available. Again, that's Carolyn at 563-676-3320. Or carolynswettstone@yahoo.com

Now that it's vacation season, there is no better place to visit than Galena and no better place to stay than my newly renovated AIRBNB, the Little White Church. We are located in the bluffs, just 5 miles from the 2nd largest tourism destination in Illinois. In fact, "Tourist Destination", rated Galena as the 2023 top place to visit in the entire Midwest.

Now is the best time to enjoy all there is to offer, and my 5-star AIRBNB is the perfect location to stay. Set in the rolling hills just outside of town, our completely renovated church is designed for you to unwind and relax.

Again, we are an AIRBNB Super host and can accommodate up to 8 guests. We've got cable, hi-speed WIFI, Sirius XM and a sparkling full kitchen. We are a home away from home and take great pride in cleanliness and comfort. All of our ratings have attained perfect 5-star status!

Hope to see you soon,

Terry and Carolyn

7 GREAT REASONS TO VISIT GALENA

1. It’s Steeped In History

2. It’s Home To One Of The Best Main Streets In America

3. The Restaurants Are Amazing

4. There’s A Lot To Do Outdoors

5. You Don’t Have To Travel To The Mountains To Go Skiing

6. It’s A Great Place To Spend The Fourth Of July

7. Did I Mention The Shopping?