National Weatherperson's Day

I have to admit this day kinda snuck up on me. But as I write this, I am enjoying a delicious cup of Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream. More on the sweat treat later. On to this National Weatherperson's Day.

On this date February 5, we commemorate the birth date of John Jeffries. Born in Boston in 1741, Jeffries would be educated in Great Britain and return to Boston as a physician and surgeon. He treated one of the Americans wounded in the Boston Massacre and would later testify for the defense at the famous trial. Loyal to the King he would be exiled to England and left the Colonies to become a surgeon for the British Navy.


OK... so you are saying "what in the world does this have to do with me eating Blue Bell Ice Cream ?"...patience please.


Jeffries was an avid weather observer, one of the first in America. In fact, he began taking daily weather observations in Boston in 1774. When he was exiled to England, he took his passion for weather and put it to use for the English as a weather forecaster.

Jeffries was also a balloonist and combined the two intrests to take the first high altitude weather observation. In November 1784, Jeffries along with French balloonist Jean Pierre Blanchard, rose to an altitude of 9309 feet above London. The pair would later take the first aerial crossing of the English Channel in 1785.


So today we give homage to the weather forecaster and their public service. National Weatherperson's Day established to recognize the meteorologist, weather forecaster, weather observer, weatherman, or any of my brothers!!! :)

OK... on to Blue Bell. Each year, on National Weatherperson's Day, the Blue Bell Ice Cream company sends out their reps to TV stations all over the country (including the one I work at) and gives the meteorologists ice cream as a way to say "thanks". It is also very savvy marketing because TV people are usually very eager to take free things and will give quality on-air exposure to the Blue Bell folks for some tasty frozen dessert items.


I found these neat things on About.com that your can do as a family for some National Weatherperson's Day fun! Click HERE!!!

So that's it, my ice cream is all gone, and this entry is all done.