ELECTION DAY...
It's Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, (election day in America). Ever wonder why it takes place on a Tuesday in November? According to the founding fathers, in the 1800s, most citizens worked as farmers and lived far from their polling place. Since people often traveled at least a day to vote, lawmakers needed to allow a two-day window for Election Day. Weekends were impractical, since most people spent Sundays in church, and Wednesday was market day for farmers. With this in mind, Tuesday was selected as the first and most convenient day of the week to hold elections.
Farm culture also explains why Election Day always falls in November. Spring and early summer elections were thought to interfere with the planting season, and late summer and early fall elections overlapped with the harvest. That left the late fall month of November — after the harvest was complete, but before the arrival of harsh winter weather — as the best choice.
DAMP BUT MILD THIS ELECTION
The local ballet menu this year includes mild temperatures and a side of showers and storms. For the most part, rainfall looks somewhat banded. That implies pockets of heavier rain in the more significant bands, with much lighter amounts surrounding them. Kind of a tough call until we see the overall set-up later Tuesday morning.
Much of the day, the region is under SW flow due to a full latitude jet that looks like this.
That's been pulling copious amounts of warm moist air northward for multiple days due to the slow movement of the trough. Precipitable water vapor of 1.4 to 2.00 inches is shown around daybreak Tuesday.
In WC Illinois, those levels are unprecedented, pushing 5 standard deviations above normal. The NWS in the Quad Cities indicates the water vapor levels are at 99 percent of the maximum for early November.
That's brought pockets of heavy rain overnight that will continue on a random basis Tuesday. Some areas could see up to another inch. That's on top of these 7 day amounts ending Monday morning, which all told, have produced 5-inches of much-needed rain in Dubuque. Talk about flipping the switch from dry to wet!
Once this latest disturbance departs Tuesday night, we get a good 3 days to dry out before the next system arrives later Saturday. That one emerges from the SW as a cut-off low. As it rolls into the Midwest, it's removed from the westerlies, which tends to slow it down as it wobbles northeast. This system is not as dynamic as the last one, with minimal cold air to work with. Thus, rain will fall, but it should be more moderate than what we've experienced lately. It certainly will have impacts on the coming weekend, with clouds and showers, especially Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning.
Temperatures the next few days, while cooler than in recent weeks, will remain near to above normal. Here's what the EURO indicates for readings through November 15th in the Quad Cities.
You can also note, the EURO shows a dramatic turn to colder weather at the end of the period in mid-November. That's a trend I've observed consitently for several days, but my overall confidence remains low on how cold it gets and for how long. One teleconnection that would support colder weather is the EPO (Eastern Pacific Oscillation). Both the GFS and EURO show it reversing from a mild positive phase to one that is negative around that time. The negative EPO is indicative of a ridge going up off the Pacific NW that would direct colder air into the central U.S. We shall see.
Regardless of the weather, I say get out and vote today if you already haven't. It's your right and your power as an American. If you don't vote, you can't win, but you sure can lose. 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
