Apparently “teeming” in this case is another word for 3 or 4 very small spots. This has been one of the weakest sun cycles in recent history, and the next one appears as though it will be weaker yet (early indicators of the next cycle are already observable, as sun cycles start at the sun’s poles and progress towards the sun’s equator).
Given past history, there’s a pretty strong correlation between a weak solar cycle and a pronounced cold spell on the Earth. Lock in your propane/NatGas/heating oil price now (and do what you can to make sure your company will honor the price lock; a few years ago some companies unilaterally abrogated their price contracts and consumers ended up with no recourse), and put up an extra cord or two of wood now.
Our firewood supplier has a lower supply then usual. Orders in early June were quoted as deliverable by 8/1. That is now extended to 9/1. Reason: Amish source has less than usual, due to less business and Amish source also sells retail firewood.
Our propane supplier hasn’t offered either *summer fill* prices or a locked-in price for years, now. Last year, during the shortage, the price changed daily. Most of us are still paying off winter bills.
For those who switched to electric heat, the cost per KwH increases slowly, but the *facility fee*, the cost of service before any usage at all, increases steadily, month by month. Fees and taxes also increase steadily, albeit in small increments (which add up over time, of course).
Friends in town report high natural gas costs. $350-$500 month combined heat/electric bills are common. The $350 is for a small house turned into a business. The $500 is for a large Victorian, but only two people live there and when they went on a 2-week vacation, the bill barely budged.
The State Media abounds with articles telling us how being cold and sleeping cold both contribute to weight loss.
There is no escape.
It’s pretty cool for July in Chicago. 65 degrees right now.