Preparing for a Hurricane

It's been a big week on the East Coast! On Tuesday we felt tremors resulting from an earthquake that originated in Virginia. Our lab is located on the 6th floor and we all felt the building shaking. After hanging out under doorways for a few minutes, we self-evacuated (which is apparently NOT what you're supposed to do in an earthquake). Hospital security and engineering came over and checked for structural and electrical damage before we were allowed back in the building 45 minutes later.

This weekend Hurricane Irene is making her way up the eastern seaboard.

Northeast U.S. Threat Level

We got groceries yesterday and have dug out flashlights, batteries and candles. I'm making a run to Toys 'R Us this afternoon to pick up stuff for a hurricane art project. After enjoying so much lovely time outside this summer, I am dreading being shut in for 24-36 hours once the storm hits. Derek works Saturday night and Sunday night - I would feel much better if he were home safe with us. But, I've lived through plenty of severe weather, including countless blizzards, tornado warnings, thunderstorms, and a catstrophic flood in 1997, so I know I can handle it alone.

Sorlie Bridge over the Red River of the North at high flow in 1997

Sorlie Bridge over the Red River of the North at high flow in 1997

Aerial view of East Grand Forks, Minnesota during 1997 flooding of the Red River of the North

1997 Red River of the North Flood Aftermath

Meanwhile, S&Z are happy as clams :)

Comments

Silas' Blog

Well it's been a busy 3 years since I last posted! Stay tuned as we may have more posts coming now that it looks like I have a new contributor... Silas recently read a book called "Starting Your Own Blog", and now he is bound and determined for us to let him start his own blog! We convinced him that he should start out by drafting content and a posting calendar. We made templates this morning and he wrote his first "post" today!

Go-To Crockpot Meals

A friend of mine recently purchased a crockpot and is looking for some good recipes. As usual, I am posting my favorites with links here! Slow Cooker Pulled Pork - this is best served with cole slaw on top or on the side. Our favorite is Mann's Rainbow Salad mix, to which we add sliced red onion and diced granny smith apple, dressed with a good store-bought cole slaw dressing. It really takes the pork to another level! Crockpot Refried Beans - I prefer to use black beans instead of pinto beans. You can do a lot with a pot of beans - one of my favorites is quesadillas or baked tostadas with caramelized red onion and cheese of choice. Chicken Verde - so simple, use a jar of Trader Joe's salsa verde and serve over rice. Spaghetti Squash Curry - a great side dish to use in place of rice. Chickpeas in Curried Coconut Broth - need I say more? The last one is delicious but I have no idea where I got the recipe - I don't have a direct link in Pepperplate, so I'm pas...

Auntie Tracy's Visit

Tracy is one of my best friends, but I haven't seen her in person in two years ! This means that I hadn't met her daughter, Brynn, who turns 2 in June. I was sooooooooo excited when I found out that Tracy and Brynn would be visiting Tracy's sister, Timery this weekend. We decided to meet at Mall Tots again so that the kids could run around and we could catch up. It's a 45 minute drive and it was a beautiful day, so the kids were hunkered down with sunglasses, snack and stuffed animals on the ride up. Zoe and Brynn initially got acquainted in the bouncy house, And then Zoe pushed her around in a car. Of course my kids (and husband!) had plenty of distraction with the video games too. We packed up the kids and then had lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings before heading back home. Timery and Tracy are like sisters to me. What a fantastic day!!!

The Zoe and Silas Show

Search This Blog