Monday, October 29, 2012

Vignette #2

The wind has been picking up quite a bit just in the past hour. I’ve heard on the news that over 22,000 homes are without power in Maryland and for the first time in memory, the bridge on I-95 that traverses the Susquehanna River, the Tydings Bridge, is going to be shut down. The worst of the storm is supposed to happen around 6 tonight when it slams into the coast just south of Atlantic City and then makes its way directly over our heads. I’ve heard different landfall prediction times. And it’s at high tide with a full moon. Geez Louise.

I am comforted by the fact that I’m in a house that has been weathering storms since 1769, some of which had to have been pretty darn bad. Our walls are thick and I can’t hear the full force of it until I step outside which I did just now while taking that last photo and nearly got blown over as a big gust came through the very moment I got out there.

I spent a good part of today in the kitchen.



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For those new to this blog, the pink countertops came with the house. We've been here four years and I’m almost used to them.

I made a homemade egg mcmuffin for brunch today, heating up some of the bacon I cooked earlier.



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Snarf. (I love these).


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Made some chicken salad with the leftovers from last night’s dinner, followed by an apple pie. Along with the usual storm preparedness, I had made sure to have the right apples in the house ~ my favorite, Stayman Winesap.



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I have the recipe {here} if you’re into this sort of thing.


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Then I got really industrious and made some Ghirardelli chocolate chip cookies with pecan chunks.
You know, just in case.



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I took the shot below standing on the little back porch.

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The hurricane is picking up strength and speed as it heads our way. And I’ve noticed the lights beginning to dim and then quickly coming back to full strength. That doesn’t bode well for the power ~

The worst is supposed to come tonight. Things are always more scary in the dark, aren’t they? I’m just glad my husband is still here with me.


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Keeping the fires burning here in Maryland ~

How are things in your neck of the woods?

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30 comments:

Carolynn Anctil said...

Excellent weather commentary, complete with recipes - CNN could learn a thing or two from you.

As long as I have a light source - be it candle or flashlight, I'm okay when the lights go out. It happened here the other day and I was all alone. For a while there, I thought I was going to have to go down to the scary 100 year old basement to fiddle with the control panel. Fortunately, that didn't happen.

Annie said...

All the best Kate. Thinking of you and your family..and friends like CBW. Photos coming through on the TV this morning. It's all on the news here.

Some wonderful fall photos in your previous posts. Lovely!

Time for me to get out of bed and get ready for tennis this morning.

Connie in Hartwood said...

What is it about being homebound by a storm that puts us in the mood to cook our brains out? Been doing it myself all day, too ... and decluttering and laundry.

I love the thought that your house has withstood so many years of weather and storms. Our house old, but not as old as yours, and I love that sentiment. We plan to be snuggled in for the night, as the storm rages outside. I hope you are, too, and that everything is fine for you in the morning.

Nellie said...

Still sending you the best, Kate, as this storm heads your way! Nothing like apple pie and chocolate chip cookies to help one through a storm! They look absolutely delicious, by the way.:) Hugs, Nellie

Lili said...

It sounds and looks very comforting at your place tonight. We lost our power about 1/2 hour ago, but have the generator going so all is good. If I were there I would need those choc. chip cookies right now! ha! xo

Anonymous said...

Will dip down to 36 degrees here in Roanoke tonite but feels as though it's already here. Cold and a bit blustery today but nothing that has dimmed the lights or brought down any trees as they said may happen. Hubby is home from work and we just had chicken with mashed potatoes and chicken gravy and some broccoli. Cold weather always makes us eat more. *burpsy wurpsy* Your pie looks fab.

May your lights stay on and your computer keep humming.

Unknown said...

I'll be thinking of you until this is over Kate.
We will get a fraction of what you are and will.
Candle lit for everyone in the storm's path

Cloudia said...

poignant and wise. Glad your husband is with you too.

Aged buildings, customs, things & people can confer a LOT of confidence and comfort. May angels continue to shield your home.


Aloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral

> < } } ( ° >

> < } } (°>


Barb T. said...

It just rained fairly heavily up here in western Maine. The wind began picking up a couple of hours ago. The news out of Portland said the worst would be between now and midnight. Still have power here; keeping fingers crossed for safety of all in and around the storm's path. Stay warm and cozy.
Oh, thank heavens we're not looking at snow!!!

Sabrina Steyling said...

In my part of NJ, some of my friends in other parts of town have lost their power and have had downed trees, but luckily all we've had here are a couple of hiccups with the power where they dimmed or went out and then came right back up like yours did. I figure it's only a matter of time before we lose power completely, though. Most of the schools are closed until Wednesday around here, and parts of the major roadways are closed down too. Yikes! I can't wait until Sandy leaves - she's already worn out her welcome here.

Egghead said...

Hold on Kate. We are all praying for everyone on the East Coast. Hugs!

Christie - Fine Lines said...

Sounds like you guys are definitely ready with great food to eat as you weather the next few days. We are keeping fingers crossed for our east coast friends.

Mary said...

We have been watching your weather off and on all day..it seems Sandy is taking her sweet old time to crash into everyone's life there. Prayers for you and everyone there to weather it well!

Your apple pie looks perfect..I can taste and smell how good it is all the way in Indiana!

XOXO Mary Ann

sharon said...

I'm so coming over for dessert tonight. We are cool here. low tonight in the 30's, no storms, just a cool autumn night. ya'll stay safe and warm, hope your power stays on.

beth said...

well, if your power goes out, or is already out, you might not get this for days :(

but whenever you do, know that i am totally thinking of you and your hubby and your son and george with my fingers crossed that the old house continues to protect the loved ones inside !!!

hugs all around !!
and I'm glad your hubby is still there with you, too...xo

Mr. Black said...

Well, since it is now 9:10 pm EST, I hope this storm is moving through and will be done with soon.

I'm on the west coast and nothing happening here. Just a bit of an earthquake the other day.

I like to make my own "McMuffins", too. I usually use Canadian bacon.
I use one of those dinky old-fashioned egg poachers, made of aluminum. A little water in the bottom, a little butter in the 'egg cup' part. And, I use whatever cheese happens to be open in the fridge.Havarti, Monterey Jack. Yum. I have 4 hens, so I have my own fresh eggs (well, when they're laying).

All your food looks delicious.

JaneK said...

Man! I'd love to be stuck inside with you for a few days.... Although I'd be a good 15 pounds heavier!!! Looks like some good "hunkering down" food!

I'm glad you've got your hubby too :)

Unknown said...

Well, it's 8:48 pm here in MN, so it must be 10:48 there? We're all praying for you east coasters and I hope there isn't too terribly much damage. Hang in there and don't eat too much ( that would be a challenge with all that good food).
I clean when ever bad weather is coming ( and I wonder why my dog is a nervous Nellie with storms).

Anonymous said...


So glad you posted and we know you are OK. The Manor house is returning the care that you and hubby have put into her for four years. I pray for everyone in your area.

Hilary said...

We're probably a few hours behind you but it's become quite windy here, as well.. and we're also getting that momentary dimming of power.

Your beautiful old house will keep you safe. And those goodies are mouthwatering .. yum!

DesertHen said...

Cooking and baking bring a since of calm and order when the weather outside decides to become testy! I baked myself silly through a couple of blizzards when we lived in Idaho! Stay safe! Stay warm!

thecatalanway said...

Hi there 4am here in Catalunya. Thinking of you. Yum that food! Love to you all. Hope George can get outside for a pee without any gusts of wind to make it difficult.
Kate x

GailO said...

Boy this storm has been a long slow one hasn't it? You certainly made good use of your time waiting for the storm to hit....a pie AND cookies!! I am impressed...and could use a taste right about now:)

We have been very lucky at our house and haven't even lost our power although all the towns around us have lost it. My biggest concern has been my poor missing scardy cat who I have seen under the porch but I cannot entice her out. I have tried every trick I can think of but she will not come out...I haven't been able to relax at all.

Hope all is well there....
xoxo

BB said...

As you know, we are watching and worrying from afar... glad you are stocked up and together. I know I am weird but I quite like storms (providing no-one gets hurt of course). I don't even mind blackouts... for a few hours anyway.

Stay safe.

BB

Em Parkinson said...

I feel very lucky to be in a country that doesn't really suffer these huge storms. So glad you're okay Kate and my mouth is watering after all your scrummy food pictures!

WPgirl said...

In southwest lower Michigan we are also feeling the effects of Sandy. We are under wind advisory until 5pm today. Sustained winds from 20 to 35 mph with gusts up to 40 to 50 mph. The weather service is calling for 20 to 30 foots waves on Lake Michigan. I know it's nothing like what the east coast is having but it shows us how big that storm is.

becky up the hill said...

Looking forward to hearing from you girlie! (I want pie)

The JR said...

A must in a disaster is to have great food!

Devon said...

I am glad you are not going through this alone... if I am ever hunkering down inside during a natural disaster.. I hope you are there with me! The food looks great!

Stay safe and don't let George blow away!

mrs mediocrity said...

Nest time there is a hurricane warning, I am coming to your house.
xoxo