Hey Fred,
It's snowing outside right now about 2 hours NW of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I just went outside the igloo to get some wood for the fire, and give the sled dogs some grub.
Naw, just kidding. It's gotta be like 38 degrees Celsius (that's "hot") here, and so humid that you don't notice yourself sweating.
Welcome aboard. I'm new to engines too, though I have a home metal shop and small aluminum foundry to tinker with.
-Brian