Bolaris: A farewell to Philly.com readers

This is my final article for Philly.com.

I really want to thank Philly.com for giving me the opportunity to get back into the weather arena here in Philadelphia. It's been a pure joy to continue my passion for meteorology on a different platform – for readers, instead of viewers or listeners.

It was a tremendous challenge to communicate with you through my columns. And I'm sure it was a challenge for my editors to decipher some really "it's-Greek-to-me" meteorological jargon – and I thank them for their efforts.

Trust me, I was very excited to try to explain the inner workings of what goes through one's meteorological noggin when figuring out if the region was going to get whacked – or not – with major snow, rain, wind, thunderstorms, tornadoes, heat or hurricanes.

Philly.com made me feel good about myself again. I felt part of the Philadelphia fabric. I felt productive again and very proud when I was able to nail a storm, but not so good when I missed the mark.

I want you to know that I agonized over every article and lost sleep worrying about the outcome. When it's "in print," it really stands out.

As I write this, I'm sad and, to be very honest, simply disappointed. This was a great love for me. But the bottom line is that this is a business. And in any business, sometimes there is a change of direction. It's not personal; it's business. I have learned this well over the years.

I personally want to thank all of my readers for trusting me and allowing me into their weather lives. I loved it.

You know what they say: "When one door closes, another opens up." And that open door is one I can't wait to explore.

Thank you and good-bye ... for now.

Your friend,

John Bolaris

"The Sky's The Limit"