Where Are All The People?

Photo courtesy of Springfield Patch

Where are all the people? Well this morning they are probably home in bed, but yesterday I know where a lot of them were! I was driving down Baltimore Pike past the Wine and Spirits Shop in Springfield PA and I wondered why the parking lot was mobbed. Then it occurred to me, STORM PARTIES.

Yes, some people, instead of hitting the grocery store were hitting their local liquor store to stock up...just in case (or by the case as I saw). Bad weather brings out all the crazies at the food store, obviously they hit the liquor store as well.

I didn't stop in at the Wine and Spirits Shop, there wasn't a parking space to be seen (and I didn't want any wine or other spirits) but wow, I was amazed at the number of people who were obviously planning on being marooned for a long time based on the quantity of liquor they were buying.

I guess it never occurred to me that stocking up on liquor might be one thing many people consider part of their 'emergency preparedness.' No first aid kits or generators for them, nope, give them those cases of alcoholic beverages of their choice!

So I hope they are all enjoying their wine and other spirits... Different strokes... This blog post was written by the woman who has a bottle of rum at her house, for the sole purpose of making rum cake! So I guess that is why it never occurred to me to make a wine run! Hope everyone enjoys their Frankenstorm partying!

More Water Where?

With all the emergency preparedness happening I am not sure where there is more water, indoors or out. It seems my house has ended up with six cases of water...per person!

If the storm doesn't float us away drinking all that water will.  I made the mistake of sending someone (who shall be nameless) to the store for me for some bottled water. Fine. But I said get six bottles of water... obviously there was a huge misunderstanding! Six bottles turned into six cases of 32 bottles each per person!

I'm the first to admit I drink a lot of water. But...but... not 198 bottles in a few days! Or even a week.  Or two. Or more. So now I have so much water I could refill the cases at a convenience store! The good news, I have plenty of water. The bad news, my grocery budget got seriously depleted for items I didn't need.

 

Preparing for a storm is serious business. We all should consider having some products ready for a storm each season. Get an extra first aid box (be sure to keep your antibiotic ointment current). Keep some dry soups, jerky, peanut butter or whatever your favorite storm food is on hand. Have a lighter, some candles, flashlights, and all the other things you'll need in case of prolonged bad weather. But don't buy as much water as we did... bad idea. Yes, I'm smiling now, but when he came in the door with it...not so much.

 

 

All Alone In Frankenstorm!

The storm, whether you call it 'Sandy' or 'Frankenstorm' has resulted in many people being isolated and away from the rest of the family and friends. Isolation. Not a good thing. For anyone. Especially in a weather emergency.

And then I remembered. Upstairs at my house, all alone, there is... (Well the good news is, it is NOT my mother! She's a smart woman, she's not where the storm can reach her.) It's my daughter's wedding gown. And the wedding gown, like many people in this storm hangs alone. The dress is the lone occupant of the upstairs of our house.

 My daughter, husband and I all decided our best option was to sleep downstairs--but I woke up at 3AM and realized we had left my youngest daughter's wedding gown upstairs. Upstairs where if we get a roof leak it will get damaged.

It was the last thing I thought about as I was getting my house 'storm ready.' No one on the news reminded me to move wedding gowns to a safer location. Frankly I forgot it was up there. Why didn't she keep it at her apartment? Now I have one more thing to worry about.

If I evacuate I can see it now, my husband, my oldest daughter, my guinea pig and 'the dress.' Come on, stop laughing, how could I leave it? But somehow I doubt the people at the shelter will be thrilled. They won't be thrilled with my pet, let alone "the dress." There I'll be, the old lady with the cane, the guinea pig cage in tow and a wedding gown thrown over her shoulder--please pray my roof doesn't leak and we don't have to evacuate!

I wouldn't be so worried if our roof was in better shape. It survives normal storms but this one, I have some serious doubts. So if you see a woman at the shelter where you are, wedding dress and guinea pig in tow, well, you'll know it's me. Come over, say hi, and offer to hold the dress for me, just for a minute. Do you know how heavy those things are?

Thankfully her wedding isn't this weekend. I feel so sorry for brides who were supposed to get married this weekend. Usually this is the perfect time of year to get married--not this year. Not if you live anywhere on the east coast of the United States.

I'm thinking, wedding insurance might not be a bad idea. Her wedding is in February. Yes, it is time to buy some wedding insurance. Just in case we get a big snow storm and she can't have her wedding that day.

So, if the dress survives, Tuesday or Wednesday I'll be on the phone getting quotes for insurance. One more wedding expense... If it doesn't survive, I'll have to break the news to my daughter... not so good. Brides don't take kindly to ruined wedding gowns.

Yes, it's been moved now. (I dragged it down the steps in the middle of the night so it could 'sleep' with the rest of the family.) So it wouldn't be isolated and alone if we got leaks. I'm not sure it will save the dress if we get leaks downstairs but I've done my best... one more time.

Fun During Frankenstorm

Who is coming to your door (well your cyber door) during hurricane/tropical storm Sandy (better known as Frankenstorm?) Ding Dong! AVON calling! Yes, it may be pouring rain outside but AVON ladies (and men) are always available. (We are better than the US Mail!)

I admit, this storm is going to be hell! For all of us. So what do we need most? A little retail therapy! Yes, as long as you have a battery in your computer or cell phone you can shop. During any storm some stores stay open 24 hrs (or at least online they do!) And it's so more comfortable to shop from the comfort of your own desk chair.
 
My store will be open, ready and waiting to help you look and feel beautiful. Yes, you can buy AVON during any storm. You can even get it delivered to your front door, no need to have an AVON rep drop it off. I know, sometimes it's hard to find an AVON lady (or man) when you need one. So bookmark this story so you can find one anytime!

How do you get to my store? Here is the address. And the store is lookin' good this week, Bon Jovi is on the front page. I don't know about you, but just looking at that man is enough to make me feel better! I do love eye candy! AVON's newest fragrance is Unplugged by Bon Jovi so you'll see him around a lot. There is also a men's cologne coming out soon, so keep your eyes open!

If you visit my store you can browse every current AVON catalog. Just click on the words eBrochure along the top of the page and the various catalogs will show up. See how easy it is?

Also there is free shipping for $30 orders! Code FS30REP. So take some time and start your holiday shopping during the storm. 24/7 any day, any time, any weather. AVON and their reps really love you!

Fighting Frankenstorm!

As most of you know our area is in the path of Sandy, a tropical storm/hurricane depending on which weather forecast you are listening to. All of us are scrambling around trying to secure items that are outside and get ready for a possible three days of power outages and nasty rain and wind. Here are a few of the things you might want to think about doing (it's never too late to start unless you're at the shore and under mandatory evacuation.

• Matches or something similar to light candles. The last storm (yes, I'll admit to it, we didn't have any matches. Which of course was my fault, I made my husband quit smoking. While in theory it was a great idea, it meant we didn't have matches! Yikes!)
• Batteries for a battery powered radio, clock, or flashlights. (with backups!)
• Food that doesn't need refrigeration. Peanut butter? Beef Jerky? Or something you can keep heated up with Sterno.
• Bottled water.
• A list of emergency phone numbers programmed into your cell phones. Police, ambulance, contractors, tree surgeons, electricians and plumbers, heating contractors and your insurance company. Your phone numbers for family members.
• Rake up leaves that might block sewers once it starts raining. This is critical.
• Have a first aid kit and be ready to use it.
• Have you ice maker keep making ice. Just keep emptying it into zip lock bags. The fuller your freezer the longer your food will last. Have a cooler? Some of those cold blocks you freeze in the summertime? Be sure to have those on hand too.
• Have a basement that floods?(I know mine will if my sump pump isn't working) which happens whenever our electricity goes in the middle of a storm. Either get a pump with a battery back up, or better yet a generator(which will likely cost a fortune.) Also be sure to get a supply of buckets and mops for cleaning up water.
• Bring in or tie down: trash cans, grills, patio furniture or anything else that's loose outside.
• Park your car in your garage or away from large, older homes without a garage park your car as far from trees as possible. This storm may knock down some of the older trees.
• Pack an emergency kit in case of evacuation. All medications, toothbrushes/paste, whatever you think you might need. A first aid kit would be a good idea. Take emergency documents with you. (See www.readypa.org)

This is by no means a comprehensive. Be safe. Be dry.

When Was The Last Time You Said 'I Love You?'

Clipart from Pixabella

Today families that were once close geographically live hundreds if not thousands of miles away from each other. We lose touch with brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and parents.

While the Internet has allowed us all the ability to connect via email or Skype, sometimes it's not the same as 'being there.' And sometimes we don't take the time to connect. We are so....'busy.' How sad!

There's no way to replace that hug, being there in person, or knowing that your closest family live down the street or five minutes away. What I call 'touching distance.'

Several years ago I was watching a talk show, I don't remember which one since I usually blog while the TV is on in the background. It might have been Oprah, but the guest or maybe the host asked 'when was the last time you told someone important to you that you love them.'

Wow, I thought, I am SO GUILTY! I presume they just know. Even when we see each other we are so busy catching up on each other's lives we don't take the time to 'say it.'

Whether it's your son or daughter, your husband, your mom, dad or the rest of your family, often we forget to verbalize those three little words that have such power. Power to heal. Power to support. Power to help in times of stress and distress. Too many times we face regrets after the loss of a loved one that we didn't say 'I love you,' and let our family members know that no matter how far away we may live, or how little we see each other, we still care and are there for them.

After the show aired I took the advice to tell my mom and other family members I loved them. In each situation it ended up with the two of us tearing up and hugging each other. I guess I'd been guilty of not saying it, not showing it, not letting them know just how much I cared.

So if you haven't told your family or good friends you love them, take some time to share your thoughts with them. You will feel good, they will too. After all, who can resist a hug fest and love all around?

Don't wait, sometimes your love will be what helps them through the toughest times when it seems like there's no end to a problem.

Also you never know when it might be the last time you see that person. I lost my dad suddenly as a teen, I went to school one morning and came home to find he'd died. I wondered when was the last time I'd told him I loved him? I was a typical teen, self-involved, not given to telling my parents how much I loved them. I regret not saying it before we left the house in the morning. Hearing that one last silly joke, or getting that last chance to be 'Daddy's Little Girl.' I missed that last chance to tell him, to show him I cared no matter how often we might have disagreed. Don't miss your last chances, you never know what might happen.

So don't put it off. Tell the people you care about that you love them. There's no time like today. Now!

Holiday Fun For The Family

 

 

The American Swedish History Museum celebrates the holidays with some great fun for your family. On November 6, from 10 am - 5 pm Sweden's leading shop for children's wear will join the Swedish History Museum and present a Sample and Warehouse sale of garments made by POLARIN O. PYRET.

 

POLARIN O. PYRET is a classic children's brand of clothing known for durability, comfort and quality. The Sample sale will offer their clothing at up to 75% off regular prices (size newborn to 12 years old.) There will be refreshments, a Swedish fika and free admission to the museum.

 

Help support the Museum and get some of your holiday shopping done!

 

 

One December 7, at 6 PM join the ASHM for a traditional Swedish feast complete with a Christmas Market selling holiday items and baked goods. (YUM!) Tickets are $45 for members, $55 for non-members. Come visit the museum for a very special Swedish holiday tradition. Drinks (a cash bar) and an authentic Christmas smörgåsbord dinner are followed by the Lucia procession.   Register by phone by December 3, 2012.

 

If you can't make it on Friday, come Saturday, December 8 11:30 am to 4:30 pm for the family friendly Lucia processions at 1 pm and 3 pm. The Christmas Market will include favorite holiday deli items, Christmas decorations, gifts and bakery items. The Christmas Cafe will be selling holiday foods and sweets. While reservations are not required, tickets can be purchased in advance online.

 

On December 15, there will be a Holiday Concert at the ASHM. Singers will perform classic Swedish classics and some American favorites with a Swedish twist. Glogg and cookies will be served free with museum admission.

 

Planning a holiday party? The museum can be rented and is the perfect venue for a holiday party that is 'just a bit different.' Tables for cocktails and appetizers can be set up in the lobby and among some of the exhibits. There is a dining room. The museum is handicapped accessible but call ahead, it is a little tricky to find the door.

 

Come see this local museum that too many of us miss! It will be both educational and fun for the kids. Check out their web site and call for additional information and other events.