This week when we had absolufabulous weather that seemed more like July than October, cynics were heard to say, "This might be the last good day we'll have." Do you ever hear people say that about crummy weather? "Oh, the rain is blowin' sideways and 80-foot waves are crashin' on the Spit. This might be the last horrible day we'll have."

Of course not. We're Alaskans. Situation normal from Adak to Anaktuvik is chance of snow, lows in the ohmigod it can't be this cold, and snow turning to icebergs breaking off your roof and impaling you -- and that's for August. As the Betster has said time and again, we expect horrible weather, we glory in horrible weather and we brag about horrible weather.

Did you ever think that because we believe the weather to be bad the weather becomes bad? Did you ever notice how when you say, "It looks like it's going to be a nice day," it, in fact, becomes a nice day? Maybe weather is like quantum physics and exists simultaneously as both horrible and wonderful, and we don't know which until we say so.

So, quit all this grumping. The next time we have great weather, say, "This could be the first day of an incredible string of great weather." If we have lousy weather, say, "This might be the last bad day we'll have." Go ahead: free your inner Pollyanna, even if as the Betster writes this it's blowing rain sideways and there are 80-foot waves crashing on the Spit. Rain or shine, the weather always will be perfect for a rippin' time in Homer, like some of these Best Bets:

BEST VERSIMILITUDE BET: If you want to suck the reader into your made-up world, you had better get your research right. Learn how to research for fiction with two of Homer's top writers, Ann Keffer and Joyce Porte, in a workshop at 6 p.m. today at the Homer Public Library.

BEST PEACE ON, DUDE BET: They call T. Harvey the Texas Blues Hippie. He'll be rewriting the concept of "live music" at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Alibi -- or so the gang at the Pioneer Avenue bar says. Check it out.

BEST DON'T BE RUDE BET: No, just because the Down East is giving away free homemade brats starting at 4 p.m. Saturday doesn't mean it's a hot dog eating contest, bro'. You'll want to savor the fine cuisine, so take them slow. It's part of the East End Road bar's Oktoberfest celebration. Love Life Music performs at 7 p.m.

BEST RIGHT ATTITUDE BET: The whole idea with ice skating is to have fun and stay on your feet. If you just moved up here from Key West and the only ice you've ever seen was in a glass tumbler at Sloppy Joe's, learn to ice skate starting at 2:45 p.m. Friday at the Kevin Bell Ice Arena. Helmet and gloves are recommended.

BEST IN THE MOOD BET: That "Cows With Guns" guy Dana Lyons is really coming to Homer this time after canceling his previous gig. Learn the finer points about song writing. Does it have a snappy beat? Does it involve bovine revolution? The workshop is 7-9 p.m. Wednesday at the Homer Council on the Arts. Call 235-4288 to register.