Eclipse weather, mercury retrograde, melons

This is an archived issue of our Almanac.com Companion email newsletter.

Daily Newsletter for Monday, August 14, 2017

Many swarms of wild bees descended on our fields:
Stately stood the wheatstalk with head bent high:
Big of heart we laboured at storing mighty yields,
Wool and corn, and clusters to make men cry! 
–George Meredith  (1828–1909)
Monday, August 14, 2017
 226th day of the year


Halle Berry (actress) was born on this day in 1966.
Ron Palillo (actor) died on this day in 2012.
 

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 Total Solar Eclipse 2017 Guide and Map
Ready for the Great American Eclipse? We present The 2017 Total Solar Eclipse Guide by Almanac astronomer Bob Berman, courtesy of The 2017 Old Farmer’s Almanac. This August 21 eclipse—the first to appear over the mainland United States in nearly 40 years—will be a historic event, with or without the media hype. Bob tells you everything you need to know.
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The Old Farmer’s Almanac Gardening Notebook
A gardener’s most useful tool is knowledge from past seasons. Don’t rely on sticky notes or memory! You’ll love our beautiful Gardening Notebook with its waterproof cover—easy to bring to the garden. Keep records so you know when pests arrive and when to put preventative controls in place to avoid damage. Also, track what blossoms when, first and last frost dates, what was planted where, what worked, favorite varieties, what you want to move, and other notes. 
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$14.95
 
Eclipse Weather

 Eclipse 2017 Weather Forecasts
As the total solar eclipse of 2017 inches nearer and nearer, our attention turns to what will make or break the event: the weather! We took a look ahead to see what kind of weather you should expect to see within the eclipse’s path of totality on Monday, August 21. See the eclipse weather forecasts below! Note: Weather forecasts will become more accurate as we approach the date of the eclipse. Please keep an eye on our 7-day forecasts for the latest up-to-date weather information.
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Grow and Harvest Cantaloupe

 Cantaloupes
Cantaloupes—or muskmelons—are a delicious, heat-loving fruit with a relatively long growing season, making them especially well-suited for southern gardeners. Here’s how to grow cantaloupes in your garden!
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The 2020 Old Farmer's Almanac Engagement Calendar
A highly useful daily planner full of humor and useful advice. It’s an indispensable tool for managing your life and keeping yourself organized. Includes plenty of room for jotting down appointments and notes.  
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$9.99 (Save $5)
 
Be Amused

 A Well-Meaning Mother and More Humor
Sometimes, it’s mothers who say the darnedest things. Try not to roll your eyes too hard at this edition of Humor Me!
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The 2018 Old Farmer's Almanac Everyday Calendar
Start each day with a tidbit of Almanac fun: weather wisdom, quirky historical facts, useful hints, and time-tested proverbs.   
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$14.99
 
Mercury is in Retrograde!

 Mercury Retrograde Dates for 2020
Mercury’s retrograde motion will start again on February 17, 2020! According to the age-old practice of astrology, we are all influenced by the effect of Mercury in retrograde.
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The 2020 Old Farmer's Almanac Country Calendar
Scenic photographs, country musings, fun facts, humor, and advice. Plus best days to fish, plant, set eggs, harvest crops, and cut hay.
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$10.99