Dear Diary,

I have to laugh at myself. Several years ago, I thought that a television channel devoted solely to weather was absolutely absurd. I remember asking myself, "Who needs to see a weather forecast 24 hours a day? What a waste of a perfectly good channel." It was akin to how children feel about receiving socks or clothes as Christmas or birthday presents--parents and Santa beware!

I've changed my mind since then. I like being able to get a weather forecast at any time. Having to wait for one of the local news broadcasts is "like living in the dark ages." And I like the specials that the weather channel shows. I've actually learned some things--you mean that television CAN be educational?

Actually I've done such an "about face" regarding the Weather Channel, that I was angry when the cable company serving my mother's area began showing the Weather Channel only late at night. How was I supposed to know what the weather was going to do, especially if I was trying to sleep? I might stay up to watch an old movie on the "Late Show", but the weather? I wondered just how primitive could you get? Here we were almost into the 21st century and this cable station didn't offer an all day weather channel! I was glad that cable company didn't serve my area. Now don't get me wrong, I am definitely NOT a fan of my local cable company; but at least, we do have a 24 hour weather channel. Wait a minute, does this mean that I have to get myself a life?