Weather Anniversary

So it's "that" time of year again.
"that" being in quotes because I am putting emphasis on it.
"that" is not that in a good way, I'm here to tell you!

Today is actually the one year anniversary of the beginning of the devastating ice storm that hit my area last year. 

Next week, on February 5th to be exact, is the two year anniversary of the devastating F5 tornado that cut through my area in 2008. 

In other words, "that" time of year has not been good in my neck of the woods for the last two years.

Oddly, we are now facing the possibility of more ice this week.

Last year on this date, here is what it looked like:

Two years ago on February 5th it looked more like this:

Personally, I would rather be looking at this:

But "that" is just me!

Yeah Baby

What a fantastic morning!
Me & my cup-o-joe sat outside and felt the warmth of the God's beautiful morning light.
It's going to be a good day. I can just tell.
Just like Angus is looking forward to see what he will get into next, I want to grab this weekend by the horns and enjoy what I can find.
Part of my weekend goal is to take some random photos and thought I would start this morning.
We are attending a little graduation/birthday get together for our friend Dylan today at the river. No, I will probably NOT be sporting a swimsuit just for the record!

Got more accomplished on this list, so I really feel like I can get some much needed R&R the rest of the weekend.

• sleep past 5AM again today, but up earlier.
  
• finish a couple of layouts with my May Crazy Daisy kit. did one!
  
• get some sun on my transparent legs. hopefully this will happen today.
  
• pick up some graduation gifts.
• put together the church directory and print a draft before Sunday. got through the C's!
  
• pedicure (self-inflicted - I don't like others touching my tootsies)
• change sheets & do a little laundry.
  
• give Angus a bath.
• take some random pictures just because. plan to do more of this.
  

I'm really happy to have gotten so much done.
I also did some photo backups which needed to happen.

Added some fun music from my youth to my online playlist: The Cure & Yaz! (total blast from the past!) Even found some Kris Allen on there already! :)

If you are ever interested, head on over to My playlists. I have gotten a lot of this from other online blogs or sites that I frequent. It's really simple to jack a song from someone list to add to your own. I enjoy a variety, so my second list called "mix" is just that: a huge mix. If you have a playlist, let me know, I would love to hear what you are listening to.

Go ME!

Greatest Monday

Something lifted me today.
I know what or should I say Who it was.
My heart has been heavy lately.
I get this way during the dead of winter.
Then with all the ice, cold and craziness that came with it, I've just been in a funk.

After a wonderful Sunday school lesson yesterday about persistence in praying I felt the need to keep the lines of communication open today with God.
It worked people!
I had a great little talk with Him this morning on my way to work, and kept the conversation going all day.
What a novel idea! It's no big secret or new thing, it's just simple praying.
No fancy prayer language and no structure, just a talk with a best friend.

I was determined this day would be a great day:
That I would be productive.
That I would be a beacon of light to others.
That I would fight back ugly thoughts.
That I would think before speaking (okay so I failed on this one).
I think I will try this tomorrow.
If it works on Monday (typically a cruddy day), just think how great Tuesday will be!

Try it for yourself,
Sincere, persistent prayer.

The weather and sunshine also helped as a mood elevator today.
I've officially got it: Spring Fever!
Love looking forward to it - makes me somewhat giddy!

To top off the day I got this in the mail:

Ordered it from the SIS Boutique and am reveling in it's marvel!
The name of the kit is Winter Detox and let me tell you it definitely will make you forget the winter blahs!

Highly recommended!
And what a great way to top off an already good Monday.

Bring on Tuesday - I'm ready for it!

The one about the ice

The one about the ice started last night.
In no time at all, the sleet covered us up.
Luckily, we kept power all night.
And fortunately still have it.
Unlike many, many of our neighbors who have the same electric co-op.
this is also the one about me and my boots and sweats (always fashionable!)

braving the weather to grab some pictures of the damage.

Also the one about Angus braving the weather to find a place to do his business.
(I won't post those pictures, kay?)

See this pine tree limb?
It normally is above my head,
not mere inches from the ground.

and see that squirrel?
No?
look right in the middle there.
normally, I would not be able to hear him jumping from limb to limb.
Today, he sounded like thunder...crackling and popping with every step.

See this net-looking thing?
I have no idea what it is either.
It has no significance.
But it looked real cool covered in ice.
Hubs said it some kind of covering off of something or another.
It was laying on the ground by the shop....and a gas can.

Pretty much everything is covered in ice around these parts.

See these pretty little buds encapsulated in ice?
Aren't they pretty?
They make me sad though.

They make me sad because they are attached to this broken branch.

That means they will die a slow, cold death.

The ice is so pretty and sparkly.
But so destructive to our beautiful timber.

Okay, that was depressing.

And I cannot end this post on a depressing thought.

So I leave you with this:

Now I know it has nothing to do with ice.
But doesn't it make you smile?

....to be continued.

under the weather

is where I have been.
YUCK!
I was down all weekend and finally broke down today and went to the doctor.
That is a rare event with me.
I never ever go to the doctor.
Anyway, it's an upper respiratory infection and I am now on a Z-pack.
Hope to feel better.
I pretty much lost my voice over the weekend.
Today I just sound like a big ole toad.

Not only am I under the weather...I'm also waiting on the weather.
Evidently we have a huge ice storm heading our way.
Must be, because every single human being was in Wal-Mart.
They (whomever "they" are) say we might lose power because of ice on the power lines.
I am pretty sure I might go insane without internet or tv.
Might do us good to have to entertain ourselves.
Game night maybe?

On a crafy note:

Here are some ATC's I did for a Valentine/love swap that this fly diva is hosting. Made 35 of these babies. I wanted to keep it simple so I used my favorite: kraft cardstock, some Hambly, glimmer mist and white pen. I just cut out a heart to use as a mask and glimmer misted my heart out! I kept thinking I would add more, but I just thought the simplicity was pretty cool.

It will be fun to get them all and hope we don't have any flakers!

okay, I'm getting back in my pj's now and finding a quilt...brrrrr.