Road Construction

The Kids went back to school today and the city of Manassas is getting back to normal

Today they began road refinishing on our street.  The electricity is on for almost every one in the 

area.  As I hear more and see more on the news about the devastation north of us I feel blessed

But concerned for others effected by this storm. 

The repaving of our front road begins 2 days after Hurricane Sandy
passes.  The black top is being removed. 

The big trucks move in and spend the day, taking the neighborhood
from silent to loud for an entire day.

I don't know what this machine is called but it is huge.
It grinds op the blacktop and puts it into a dump truck.

On Friday they paved the road.  It was cool to see the
steam rise off the road.  It's crazy to see how many people it takes
to pave the road.

The Basement

I took advantage of the kids being home for another day and we cleaned the basement.  I know there are still millions without power and homeless.  I'm sure that there will be a way to help others when some of the rescue personal say it is okay.  Tomorrow the kids will probably be back to school and life around here will get back to normal.  

Here's the basement.  Now the kids can play games.

Sandy has left our area

We made it through the night!  Everything around the house looks fine.  We lost some shingles and a few branches from one of the trees in the back yard  and a piece of the fence fell over.  There is no water in the basement and we didn't lose power at all.  I don't say this to brag or because I'm delighting in others tragedy, I only say it so that those out there who don't have a place with power or warmth or a place to cook can know that our house is you house.  Please come over!
  It is still raining, I guess sprinkling is a better word, and the wind has died down.  What a blessing for those trying to restore power to the millions of people without it.  We do have a lake of water in the backyard and a small river to the side, but over time it will dissipate.
  The children slept in the living room on the couches, a slumber party of sorts.  Roxie our dog hates storms so she kept me up most of the night trying to decide where to sleep in our room or with the kids.   Bill went to work bright and early this morning.  Like I said yesterday Micron doesn't shut down for anything and life continues on.  We are grateful that Micron keeps us going and that they are still up and running as usual.

  Well it's time for me to check on some friends.  I hope that all is well with them.  If not I hope they will join us in our home or we can help them in some other way.  We pray for all those who are still in the storm that they will be safe.  

passing time

Sweet caramel popcorn never tasted so good! It's been years since I've made this!

I just wanted to give you an update about us and Hurricane Sandy.  It has been raining on and off most of the day.  The wind has been picking up for the last hour and will continue to pick up throughout the night.  It's miserable outside but it's been nice having time with the kids.  We made caramel popcorn and watched the movie True Grit!  I encouraged Willy to get his homework done while the power is still on but to no avail because school is canceled tomorrow.  We also did some cleaning, laundry, and dishes.  The kids must be rather bored because they have been eating like crazy.   Bill is even coming home from work early!  Micron never stops even when the federal government shuts down it continues producing.  Most of the stores are closed in the area.  It's the anticipation that can drive you crazy.  It's like if the storm would pass you could get to the clean up of it and on with your life.  Even if life may be more difficult the anticipation and the waiting to see would be over and you would know what you needed to do to move on.  But inside the weather is fine and the children are enthralled with anything electronic or mind bending.  They just started the movie DR DOOLITTLE.   It's great to take a break and enjoy being home.  It's 4:30 October 29th and we are happy that we still have electricity and hope for the safety and well being of all who are being effected by this huge storm.

Hurricane Sandy preperation

Wow I never thought I would have to prepare and then live through a Hurricane.  I think we are ready I will do a little more stuff tomorrow morning.  I think in some ways denial is what I am in even though I've checked the batteries and flashlights.  The boys have gone through the yard and moved items.  Willy brought in firewood and I have stocked the food, but the kids are going through it because of anxiety.  If there is any stuff left in the stores tomorrow I'll have to pick up a couple of cases of soda for Bill.  I just wanted you to know that we are as ready as we are going to be!  We will be having lots of wind and rain.  We are praying that if the electricity goes out that it won't be too long and that the basement wont flood.  The roof may fly away but as long as we all we make it without being hurt the rest can be fixed, mended or rebuilt.  I pray for our other ward members and want them to know that they are welcome to come on over and play some games and eat and get warm.  The kids are happy about a few other things that they do not have school tomorrow.  I know that it will all work out.  It may not work out the way we plan but it will work out.

Crochet Projects

I love this throw I completed the other day!  It is so soft and cozy and the colors are fabulous.  This is so simple and fast to crochet that I think I can crochet a couple more of them before Christmas!  I hope I can find the yarn I love on sale.    This throw is so warm that and pretty is just says use me.

I wanted to try something a little unusual so I found this cool spiral pattern  There are four balls of yarn going at the same time.  It's so cool to watch it grow!  I think I might try this in red and white for a mint candy look for Christmas   I also want to crochet some slippers or socking slippers for Christmas   I have crocheted a few scarfs.  I can't sit down without something to do in my hands or I'm stuffing my face so I'm keeping my self creating something!

Levi Quilt #1 Finished

 I love the way this Quilt turned out.  I used the rag quilting method on it.  It was like doing a quilt all wrong first you quilt the block by putting the green fleece block and the Levi block together and sewing an X from corner to corner then you sew the blocks together by putting the two fleece side together so the seam allowance shows on the levi side.  After you have them sewn all together you snip the seam allowance  so that the Levis ravel it's a fun look!  Now I put this away until Christmas.   Now onto Austin's Levi Quilt