November Rain (Well, almost.....)

......and I'm not talking about November Rain by Guns & Roses!  Looks like we are in for an onslaught from Sandy......

from www.weather.com

Time to batten down the hatches!  I guess I'm going to have to make sure that my Nook is charged just in case the power really does go out.  (Thankfully, we are on the same grid as the only hospital in our city. So, if it goes out, it won't be for long.)  Otherwise it is going to be a great weekend for stitching!

Stay safe everyone!

Cold Crumbs

Brr!  It's cold outside!  We have been treated to such a mild winter this year so when last night's cold front hit the Mid-Atlantic, we were in for a shock.  Our temperatures dropped 20 degrees in an instant, the winds started howling, and we experienced thunder and lighting.  That's right, we had Thundersnow!  Unbelievable!

This morning I woke up to this.....(remember, this is a lot of snow for us!)

Don't look too close, my windows are in horrible shape!  They aren't dirty, they are full of condensation.  I've been living here 14 years.....it is time for new windows.  Just another thing to keep me from buying more stash.

Of course, I didn't let a little snow or bad windows stop me from picking up a few crumbs on the way home from work last night.  I managed to snag these in less than five minutes, just before the quilt shop closed for the night.

That's right!  I've finally gotten my grubby little hands of some of this yummy Blueberry Crumb Cake fabric from Blackbird Designs.  I just adore those lovely ladies!  They make the most scrumptious fabric and patterns.  They have shown a sneak peak of their newest book that will be released at Nashville and I've already put my order in over at The Attic.

Even though I've been at work over 65 hours this week, I have managed a few stitches on The Counting House.  Here's my progress:

I'm hoping for a little down time on this cold Sunday.  I've got stitching to do!  Unfortunately, I hear the shower running, so I'm sure that means Hubby has other plans.

I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Happy stitches!

All Is Well

We made it through and didn't lose power.  I can't say as much for others.  Praying for family still in Irene's path.

Leave of Absence

Please excuse my temporary leave of absence as my family prepares for Hurricane Irene.  I hope that damage will be minimal and that I will be back online after the weekend.

Shake It Up Baby!

At 1:51pm this afternoon I experienced something that I have never experienced before in my life........AN EARTHQUAKE!  I know!  I can't believe it either!  There was a 5.8 earthquake on the east coast!

It was the craziest thing.  I was sitting at my desk responding to an email when I noticed the building shaking.  I really thought I was having an episode with my equilibrium like I did over the weekend, but then I heard everyone else freaking out.  It was only 30 seconds, but it was the longest 30 seconds of my life!

All I can say about the whole episode is that I never want to do that again!

And if an earthquake was not enough, most of us on the east coast are closely watching Hurricane Irene.  She is slated to hit sometime this weekend.  Hopefully her path will move towards the west and out to sea instead of coming onshore in Florida, North Carolina, or Virginia.  There are already evacuation warnings for parts of the Outer Banks.  Luckily, we are on the same electrical grid as the hospital, so if it hits and if our power does go out we will be one of the first to get power back.  Quite a few years ago during Hurricane Isabel we only lost power for 6 hours and that was mainly overnight.  Still, I'm going to make sure that we have the cars fully gassed up just in case we need to go west.  I'm also going to pull out some extra cash because you never know.  We already have water, but it won't hurt to get a little bit more along with some non perishable items.  I guess I'll have to make sure to charge up our phones, the laptops and my nook.

Sigh......did I mention August stinks???

What Happened to "Global Warming"?

It's cold......darn cold!  We are running around 20 degrees below our normal temperatures and we've already broken at least one record low this week.  This "southerner" is not game for these tempuratures.  Not only that, but it has snowed twice already this month and it is snowing again today to make the third time a charm.  It NEVER snows here this time of year!

Don't laugh....it's not funny!  All we need is a dusting around here and people get all crazy and wacked out!  The "snowy tundra" this is not.

So, Mr. Gore, where is my warmth?

Just a Bunch of Hot Air

No worries here folks. Hubby, the puppy and I pretty much slept through the worst of Hurricane Earl. We were lucky........THIS TIME! Just rain and some wind. Barely equal to that of a good 'Nor'easter. Of course, if Earl had shifted just a little to the west it might have been a whole different story.

It's still raining now, but it is a light rain that is appreciated by many local farmers. I believe it will continue to rain on and off throughout the morning. Hopefully Earl will be out of here by early afternoon so that everyone can go on with their Holiday Weekend festivities. I know a neighboring city has a whole festival planned for the weekend and it would have been devistating to the economy if Earl had ruined that!

I haven't been outside to assess any damage to our home, but if there is any I'm sure it is very minimal. I'm praying for our friends on the Sourthern OBX and I hope that they can chalk up another grand survival against Hurricane Earl. I'm sure there will be some amazing pictures in the local papers and on the news channels today.

Only one bummer to report.....my work still has power! Guess that means no four day weekend like I had hoped. Oh well, still plenty of time to stitch this weekend with Hubby working those double shifts!

Happy Stitching!

Tracking Hurricane Earl

Looks like Hurricane Earl is headed our way!  Right now he is a strong Cat 3 storm, but earlier today he was showing some signs of weakening.  We are still hoping that the track shifts a little more to the east so that the Southern OBX can be spared.  There have already been evacuations in many areas!

Where I live, we are currently under a Hurricane Watch.  Maybe will stay far enough offshore that we will just get some wind and rain on Thursday night/Friday morning.  I'm also hoping that there won't be too much flooding or coastal erosion during the high tides.

At least we are on the same electric grid as the hospital, so that means our power will be one of the first to be restored if it goes out.  Hmmmm........I guess I'd better charge up my Nook tonight so that I will have something to do if the power goes out.  After all, it is kind of hard to stitch on 40ct without an Ott Light!

Stay safe my fellow East Coast Bloggers!

Happy Stitching!

It's So HOT!

Even our pup is trying to hide from the heat!

Stay cool! Happy Stitching!

Never a Dull Moment

First thing this morning I went back to the Collision Center to get my car fixed.  Maybe I should say it this way.......first thing this morning I went back to the Collision Center and tried to get my car fixed again.  So, do you want the good news or the bad news?

Bad News:  There was a chip in the wheel.  They didn't figure that out until after they had my car back there for almost an hour.  I'll have to go back next week and get it fixed then because they have to reorder the wheel.

Good News:  I'm also getting a new wheel for the other side.  You see, a few months ago Hubby decided to introduce Mr. Wheel to Mr. Curb.  Let's just say that they didn't like each other very much and Mr. Wheel paid for it with scrapes and scratches that became permanent scars.  So, because I had to come back so many times, all I have to pay for is the wheel on the passenger side and the Collision Center will take care of the labor costs.  Woo-Hoo!

Even More Good News:  I had an hour of uninterrupted stitching while waiting for the car that didn't get fixed.  That hour of stitching is probably the reason I was so nice to the lady when she came out to tell me I would have to wait until next week for my car to be fixed!

I also heard from K-G Knitter today.  She received the giveaway package that she won in honor of my first blogoversary.  Sounded to me like she is enjoying her spoils.  This time I stitched and crafted!  I borrowed/copied (with permission) Faye's pin making technique and I sent a set of counting pins along with my goodie package. 

The pattern that I ended up stitching for the giveaway was Count Your Blessings by Shakespeare's Peddler.  This was the first time that I have stitched one of Theresa's patterns.  I really enjoyed it and I'm glad I have a few more of hers in my stash.  This was also my first adventure in finishing a flat fold.  For my first time I thought it came out rather nice.  I'm sure that there was a small learning curve involved, but Vonna's tutorials are the bomb and I had it done in no time.  I know there will be many more flat folds in my future.

Count Your Blessings by Shakespeare's Peddler

Stitched on 40ct Creme Brulee by R&R

Color changes were made on this design

Backing fabric is from Moda and is part of a Blackbird Designs collection

So, with all the craziness of today, I'm going to delay my pictures from the last day of vacation.  I promise to post them soon.

Best wishes for a wonderful weekend.  And if you are in one of the hot areas of the States like I am, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and seek out lots of a/c.  We are looking at triple digits and high humidity here.......I guess we will be suffering through our outside activities this weekend!

Happy Stitching!

Pheromones! Who Knew?

First of all I need to thank Anna over at Stitch Bitch for the article about dogs, fireworks and thunderstorms.  Anna, your comment regarding Melatonin started this whole thing!  If not for you, we might not have gotten to this point so quickly.  Thanks again!!!!

Anyway.............go in your way back machine to this post where I mentioned my pup's fear of thunderstorms.  He was a wreck that night and after reading this article on the Animal Coalition of Delaware's Blog I really got to thinking.  I hate watching my puppy suffer!  In the past the vet never really put much stock in the t-storm anxiety.  But, it has been so much worse lately and now is "boomer season" in our neck of the woods.  So, I called my vet. 

Hubby and I took the Pupster up to the vet last night for a 15 minute meeting that turned into almost an hour.  He sat with us and went over everything from behavior modification (which I have been trying), to natural drugs, to anti-anxiety drugs like zanex and prosaic.  One of the things that he recommended to try first, along with behavior modification, was a D.A.P. Diffuser that contains dog pheromones.  What?  Pheromones?  Seriously?  Well, I must have had SUCKER written on my forehead because I walked out of the office $80 poorer.  But, I had that diffuser and a refill!

We got home and I plugged it in.  Would this thing really work or would I have just pissed away my last $80 until payday?  Well, about a half hour later a batch of t-storms blew thru and some were on the violent side.  We had the ultimate testing grounds! Normally the dog would be all up in my lap while shaking his little brains into jelly and panting until he could barely breathe.  This time when the thunder boomed he sat up and took notice like he normally would.  He also got as close to me as he could get, but he didn't try to get in my lap or walk all over me.  He only gave two minor shakes during the whole storm.  Eventually, in the middle of the storm, I got him to calmly lay down beside me instead of sitting right up against me.  What a difference!  It was amazing!  I can't wait for the next thunderstorm to come our way because I want to make sure it wasn't a one time thing.  I promise to keep you all updated......

Oh, by the way, if you want to try it for yourself, DO NOT buy it at your vet's office.  I found it for half the cost at Amazon.com.  So, if this thing really does work I'll be buying refills next payday!

Happy Stitching!

Spring Is Here......

The ducks are back at the office.  I saw them nesting in our flowerbeds next to the front door at work.  Hopefully this year the nest won't be destroyed by a person who shall remain nameless, but didn't like the fact that the ducks were messing up the flowerbed.  Big fat meanie!!!1

So, aren't these guys cute?  (I'll try to remember my good camera next week, this crappy snappy was taken with my cell phone.....not too bad!)

I had to spend the whole day inside at work today.  Yup, no 70 degree weather for me.  I had to soak up the UV rays through my office window this afternoon.  It is crunch time here!  At least there are only 3 more Saturdays to go until freedom from tax season 2010!  Boy am I looking forward to that!  I need my stitchy time back!

Speaking of stitchy things, did you see the great giveaway at Feather's In The Nest?  Check out Jennifer's blog for details!  By the way.......WELCOME HOME BRANDON AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO THIS GREAT COUNTRY OF OURS!!!!!

I hope you got to enjoy your weekend.  Happy Stitching!

Before I Start My Day

I'm already at work and I really need to get my day started.  But, first, I thought I'd share a few pictures from this past weekend's "Blizzard of 2010" (echo....echo.....echo).......

Here is a shot from our front door early on Saturday morning about 3 hours after the snow started.  Please keep in mind that we hardly ever see snow during the winter and when we do it is just a dusting....mess of ice and slush....trace of an inch or less.

Here we were trying to encourage the dog to go "potty outside".  Needless to say he wasn't a big fan of the snow. I guess I can't blame him.  After all, his "manhood" must have been cold since the snow came up to the bottom of his belly.

Mom........GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!!!!

Ok, ok.....I'll try to find a spot to go, but don't look!  I'm embarrassed enough as it is right now!

I tried to take advantage of my "free" Saturday.  (Typically I work on Saturdays this time of year.)  I used most of the weekend, when I wasn't doing a little work from home, to stitch on SoHRH.  I was hoping to have this block finished by the end of January, but now it looks to be a February finish.  Not too much more to go! 

I thought I had a picture on this camera, but alas.....NO PIC!  I'll try to get one tonight........

Happy Stitching!

P.S.  Regarding Hubby.....we are still hanging in there.....please pray he can find a job soon....his current "job" of driving me crazy is not working out.....I don't want to fire him! LOL!

On Lunch Break

No pictures today, as I don't have my camera in my stitching bag as I normally do.  I took it out to take pictures in the snow and it never made it back to my bag.  After all, you are only missing a bunch of white stuff, some icy slush and the dog trying to find a place to go in the snow! (I promise to post them as soon as I have a chance.)  I also have a more updated picture of SoHRH in there, but that will just have to wait until another day as well.

The forecast is for rain today, so all of our snow should be washed away by tomorrow.  Of course, if the tempertaures get into upper 20's or low 30's tonight it might be a little treacherous on the drive in tomorrow.  And, wouldn't you know it, they are calling for "possible snow" this weekend too. 

We had our time in the snow, wasn't this weekend enough?  As much as I enjoyed my "stitchy weekend", I'm over the snow.  It's my busy time and work and I need to get in the hours.  I can't work all that overtime if I'm stuck at home!

I'm trying to make some up this week by taking a quick 30 minute lunch today.  Let's hope it helps!

Happy Stitching!

P.S.  Where is the spell check on this new version?  I can't find it and would love to have it back!

Blizzard 2010 Update #4 Continued

This is what it looked like at 11am. We tried to take the pup out, but he didn't want to have anything to do with the snow. I sure hope he doesn't have to potty anytime soon!

I talked to my brother (he lives one block away from me)and he said that he had been to the drug store and to McDonald's for breakfast. I wish he ha offered us some! An Egg McMuffin and Hash Browns sound good right about now. He also said that they had plowed the main road and the grocery stores were open. When I asked about my nephew I was told that he is really loving the snow and that they have to drag him in and dry him off every now and then. He is only 7, so he hasn't seen snow like this around here before.

Well, I think I'm going to try and pull out some stitching. I'll try to post more later.

Keep safe and warm. Happy Stitching!

Blizzard 2010 Update #2

It is almost 10pm and we haven't seen a flake of snow. The Doppler radar is showing blue over us, but it has yet to hit the ground. We've had several reports via friends on Facebook that they are now getting snow and that it is on the way. Well, I'm still waiting!!!!!!!!

Blizzard 2010 Update #1

3:45pm........

So much for those beautiful bright blue skies from this morning. I noticed the clouds beginning to invade the horizon on my way back to work at the end of the lunch hour. Now the sky is cloudy and grey with a few light white patches. I don't think that we have that "snow sky" look just yet.

I've been "watching" the weather forecasts online all afternoon. Since this morning the total "accumulation potential" has shifted from 4" - 8" to 6" - 12" for our area.

That having been said, after lunch I decided to go ahead and prepare some work to take home. I've printed all the necessary papers out of all the necessary programs and I've gathered everything that I will need so that I can put in a few "working hours" while I'm at home this weekend (assuming this snow will really fall).

Hopefully I will have some more updates soon.......

Looks can be deceiving

This is a shot (from my phone) out of my office window. Looks like a typical rainy day, right? WRONG!!! Welcome to the November Nor'easter! Winds are gusting to 50 mph and the streets are flooding like they do during a Hurricane. Schools are closed and even the college I went to closed (and they never close)! I think our state may have even declared a "state of emergency" today.

Do you think that my office is closed? No, of course not! If the "big boss" made it in than so can everyone else! Ppfftt!

This would have been a perfect day to jump back into bed and sleep a little later. Then I could have spent my afternoon in front of the TV with some stitching. Wishful thinking!

So, if you live in the Mid-Atlantic, and you have to go to work like me, I wish you safe travel.

Happy stitching!