Dear Patron,
This letter serves to announce that my final weather forecast will be published on October 31, 2025.
My venture called “The Weather Café® ” began during the first week of November 1994. Interestingly, one definition of ‘venture’ (American Heritage Dictionary, 5th Ed.), can mean, “An undertaking that is…of uncertain outcome.” Surely, forecasting weather around the Pacific Northwest can have an uncertain outcome! Over the decades, my forecasts, written in a style mirroring folks sipping morning coffee in a Café discussing weather, became increasingly popular across many sectors of PNW life. Growers, processors, businesses, schools, government agencies, and residents all provided feedback attesting The Weather Café® provided a helpful, free community service. Thousands of Patrons inspired me to continue writing weather forecasts every Monday & Friday.
It's hard to grasp that 31 years have passed! I was 41 in 1994, literally a generation ago. We’ve had several Patrons pass away during that time, as did my first wife, Kay, after 45 years together. Other, current Patrons were not even born when this venture started. Oh, and I had a plenty of hair back in 1994, too!
Over the years, comments of appreciation from Patrons provided the incentive to faithfully publish the forecasts. That’s what makes ending this endeavor so difficult. However, it is prudent to do this on ‘my time’ and not because of a serious illness or sudden passing. I do respect how each Patron will personally take this news, and I am sorry for wanting to 'hang up my umbrella'. As I am nearly 73 years old, freeing up the many hours assigned to prepare each forecast will open up more time to enjoy full retirement. I know this will be understood.
Thanks so much for tolerating the silly grammar & date mistakes made over the years. I especially thank everyone for sharing those morning Mugs with me each week. I close with my favorite tag line: “I work best under high pressure.”
-Rufus
