My last EP post

Since it is the end of Emergency Preparedness month (September), this will be my last EP post.  I hope no one ever needs to use any of these tips, but if you do, I hope they were helpful.

In the case of a hurricane, there is a defined season and we also have several days of advanced warning to be able to plan ahead.  At the beginning of the season, I always make sure I have some extra supplies on hand.  These items become hard to find just before hurricane landfall and are sometimes impossible to find after.

1. Bottled water (I use 5 gallon bottles with a hand pump and individual bottles.)
2. Disposable plates, cups and utensils - if clean water is a problem, you will not be able to wash dishes, if you are busy making repairs, you won't have time.
3. Bleach, paper towels and other cleaning supplies - you do not need a closet full, just make sure you have a full spare bottle -- these items fly off the shelves after the storm has passed
4. Garbage bags - if you can find contractor's bags keep small box handy, these are great for heavy items, like throwing out the entire contents of your refrigerator and freezer, construction trash, wet clothes, wet books, etc. 
5. Rubber boots - you really don't want to walk in that water!
6. Large wash tubs or plastic boxes - makes a great outdoor washing station for salvaged items - use one for a bleach mixture and the other for clean water rinsing (if your items are especially dirty, you may want to incorporate a third tub (clean /disinfect /rinse)

Be careful - More injuries are caused during the clean-up than during a hurricane.  (You would be shocked at the number of chain saw injuries following Katrina).  All those commercials about power line safety - they mean it.  Downed power lines can become live once the power company starts restoring service, that goes for power lines that make contact with the trees in your yard.

And finally - Watch out for "widow makers" - large branches that have been weakened or are dangling after the storm.  A dead branch can hold an amazing amount of water and when it finally gives way - - lets just say I have a pot hole in my driveway.  BTW, your insurance company will NOT pay to have these removed, however they will be happy to pay to remove it from your guest bedroom (in addition to the related repairs) after it falls on your house.

We have been very blessed this hurricane season, I hope Nicole is the final storm of the season.

Another Finish!

I have another finish!!



"Sampling Thanksgiving"
Lizzie Kate (Quick-Its)
over 2 threads on Light Mocha Cashel linen
using recommended DMC threads
with supplied acorn charm

 I am planning on stitching this one again (but probably next year) using the recommended WDW threads.  I do like the design and the colors, but I think the varigated colors of the WDW threads will give it more "pop".  Amazing how flat the DMC begins to look when you have been stitching with hand dyeds (mostly WDW, CC, GAST) for the last year.

DS picked a design for his room and in keeping with his new color scheme, I changed all the colors.  I have to stitch it on the sly so it will be a surprise, so no pictures here until it is done.  He might not read my blog, but he does pay attention to the pictures when he sees me posting.

I have a couple of designs that recommend R&R Reproductions fabrics.  I have never used them and my local LNSs do not carry them.  Since it will represent a significant investment, does anyone have any opinions to share on R&R Reproductions or can suggest another fabric that would be close to 18th Century Brown??

Hoffman Distributing publishes a list of new charts every Friday.  Here are a few newbies that caught my eye.

Need a new ornament or want to stitch a meaningful Christmas gift . . .


"Holiest of Nights"
Homespun Elegance

 
For you fellow Austen-ites, here is a new Austen inspired design . . . 

"Jane Bennet Wedding Sampler"
Kit & Bixby


  
How a about a "too cute" Halloween design . . .

"French Country Scaredy Cats"
JBW Designs

 

So, what do you think?

Talking Turkey

Our cool front is finally here!!! Our high temps are in the upper 80s (that is fall in the Deep South).

Fall is my favorite time of year!  I have already roasted a turkey breast with baked sweet potatoes.  I am also gathering up my fall baking recipes (it is too hot to bake here during the summer) - pumpkin cookies, ginger cakes, etc.  In anticipation, I also started stitching on a new design . . .

Sampling Thanksgiving
Lizzie Kate (Quick-It)
stiched over 2 threads on 28 count Cashel linen in Light Mocha
using 2 strands of the recommended DMC threads

It is a fun quick stitch.  I think I might do it again with the recommended WDW threads to see the difference.

This gives me 3 Fall smalls with which to decorate.

I am also starting a new stitching related project that I will share later this week.

Hoping you are enjoying a cool, cinnamon scented breeze of fall.

A Grumbling Weekend Weakness

A Grumbling Weekend Weakness

Welcome Fall

DVD: Pie in the Sky - Series 3

I love this series!

Richard Griffiths plays Detective Inspector Henry Crabbe.  After 25 years on the force he is finally ready to retire and open his dream restaurant.  However, life seldom goes as planned.  Crabbe's superior, Assistant Chief Constable Fisher, is a self-serving, by-the-book and ambitious man who knows that Crabbe is too good to lose.  Can Crabbe, with the help of his junk-food junkie, accountant wife and restaurant staff balance the needs of the restaurant and crime solving?