The Witch Is Out Today

Its roof has lost a lot of its original luster, the antlers have been broken off of the stag mounted at its peak, and the characters on the revolving bar have been glued back into place several times. Despite its condition, I consider this barometer one of my most valuable possessions. It may be very old and looks somewhat ratty, but it still predicts the weather without fail. During my childhood, the farmhouse porch was the home for this simple hut-shaped barometer, and everyone in the family knew what my mother meant when she stated, "The old witch is out today, so be careful" or "It is going to be nice today, the kids are out playing."

This spring, the casual observer might think the barometer is broken because the witch has been out nearly every day since the first of June. She remains out today: it is cold and windy even though the sun is shining. According to the newspaper, today's predicted temperatures were a high of 49 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 40 degrees; that's cold for the 11th of June. The radio announced this morning that the upper, ski run at Jackson Hole will be reopened this weekend due to new snowfall.

My mother's words continue to echo through the chilly air, "The old witch is out today, so be careful!"

Update: August 26, 2008

A similar product can be found at the Vermont Country Store