The Perfect Storm, not the movie

I know it's been a while since I posted.  I've been busy and honestly, nothing has struck me as needing my opinion.

Even today, I don't seem to be conflicted about anything.  I'm concerned though.

Tropical Storm Sandy is headed our way.  Last week I heard about this "depression" and honestly, never gave it another thought.  Then earlier this week, the news started reporting things about the hurricane that might be headed up the coast.  And then, suddenly (to me anyhow) we're battening down the hatches and preparing for what could be the worst storm to hit this part of our state ever.

It seems that the now tropical storm is tracking by DC and headed straight to Central PA where I live.  But what complicates it is that there's another storm west of us that's headed this way, and this one has a cold front.  As I understand it, people south west of us will get snow and we'll get more rain.

The "perfect storm", or Frankenstorm as some are calling it, is due to arrive later today.  Since my husband's surgery, he's been very limited in what he can do so I've been doing nearly everything.  So yesterday, I got everything out from under the tent that I could move, boxed up the decorative things and moved it all to the basement.  I put chairs on the side porch and then took down the mosquito netting and bagged it up.  What concerned me though, was the canvas tent.

I've had offers from friends to come help with that next weekend, but we decided it needed done today and it's something I couldn't do.  So we called my brother, who was able to come and help out and it's all done.  The backyard is as ready as we can get it for the impending storm.

I went out earlier to get a few things that I didn't have time for yesterday-some bottled water, batteries and gas for my car in case I have to charge my cellphone.  I found water at one store out of three (even Wal-Mart was out!!) and when I took mine, there were about 20 cases left.  Not very much.  I never found D batteries so if our electricity goes out, the little lantern will be done when the batteries go.  I also have a nice oil lantern and we have a battery radio.  Lots of water, a gas grill and a wood stove.  We're good to go!

So today my opinion is this-if a storm is coming, pay more attention and start getting ready sooner. And if you're prepared, nothing serious will happen!!

Stay safe, everyone!!

Christmas in October?

It's just my opinion...but I've heard others express it too so I'm putting it in writing.  Christmas stuff?  Already?  Or maybe I should say MORE Christmas stuff.  

It's too early.  I'm older but I can remember when you never even saw a tree up in a store until Black Friday.  Then, the day I turned 40, I went to the mall and saw a major store all decorated for Christmas.  It was mid-October.  I was really shocked. 

One year I saw a store that was decorated at Labor Day.  Granted, that was only one store, and even though it's one of my favorite stores, I walked out, and didn't go back until the 26th of December and bought sale items.

Now you see Christmas items in nearly every store.  Halloween candy is on sale and THAT holiday is two weeks away.  

In my Avon business, it's essential for us to have Christmas on the cover of our brochures in October.  My customers have four more shopping days with me.  They need to shop now.  Mail order catalogs have been showing Christmas for even longer.  I don't mind that.  

I guess what bothers me is that some people have lost sight of what Christmas is.  We celebrate the birth of Christ by giving gifts to our family and friends as the Magi gave gifts to the Christ child.  We don't need to be bombarded by this every time we head to a grocery store or even into Wal-Mart to buy sweatpants.  We don't have to buy all the "stuff" they're showing.  Many can't afford to spend much money and others have enough to buy anything and everything.  But it's not the point of Christmas.  Sure, it's nice to get that special gift from someone, but we don't have to start thinking about it now.

Make/paint/create something if you have the skills-ignore the stores if you can, at least until after Thanksgiving when you turn on the Christmas music and sing along to all the songs.  But not now.

It's just my opinion, but I think that the stores need to back off a little-or a lot...your thoughts?

Just my opinion on politics...

It's just my opinion but I'm so tired of politics right now.

I'm tired of bashing, one-sided slams against the other side (and both sides are equally annoying) and all of the people who don't understand that there are some of us out there who choose to keep our choice to ourselves and will not likely be swayed by what's going on.

It's not just me either.  I talk with people every day who tell me they feel the same way.  

If you've decided who your choice is, I respect that.  I respect everyone who thinks their guy is the best and the other guy isn't.

But I think that the bottom line is this.  Both men want what's best for this country.  Whoever is elected will try their best to do what they can.  I really believe that.  In the past, there were Presidents I didn't agree with.  But I had to agree that they were trying their best, mistakes and all.  

I read this the other day...love it too...

 "Your Facebook status really made me change my political views." Said no one ever.

May the better man win!  (And when it's all over and done, I won't tell you who my choice was anyhow!!)