Sunrise over the backyard this morning.

I know I haven’t posted much over the weekend. Well, okay, not at all. Black Lynne was in residence but I think she’s left now. For those of you who know me personally, you’ll understand. Sometimes there is just a black cloud over my head and no matter how much I try and shake it off, its persistence is maddening. If I dodge left, it follows; dodging right has the same effect. Sometimes it comes with rain, thunder, and even lightning. Thankfully this time there was only a touch of rain.

Perhaps I can blame it on the wind. (Or maybe I should just admit I’m a moody little bugger.)  But I do believe it has something to do with the barometric pressure of which I seem to be closely aligned with. It seems magnified being this close to sea level. The dogs feel it too and get very jumpy. We had a big blow overnight on Friday night into the day on Saturday. The wind woke me up out of a sound sleep. It barreled through the trees with a steady freight train roar, the gusts shaking the house. It woke up the old ghost in the attic, forcing it to walk the floorboards above me. (Not really sure what causes this phenomenon to occur but it happens whenever the wind is really bad, and believe me it sounds like someone is walking in the attic. Creepy.) Phantom tree branches scraped against the house like gnarly fingers on a chalk board. We lost power several times during the day on Saturday but at least we didn’t lose any big trees. Our neighbor across the street lost a big one that came down over the road. We lost a few small ones that got uprooted, and lots of large branches all over the front yard, but thankfully nothing major. Our flag blew right off the flag pole and ended up in the neighbor’s yard across the street: undamaged I might add. I HATE wind.

The wind did cooperate on Sunday and settled down so that we could put up the outside Christmas lights and decorations. All went well except for one small thing. Rick was hanging wreaths above the four downstairs windows and I was holding the ladder for him. When I looked up I caught a blur of motion before I felt something hit my chin hard. ouch! A large flashlight had fallen out of his pocket and found me on its way down. I have a small bruise and a somewhat tender chin—nothing big. I’m just glad it hit me there instead of in the eye or on the nose. But, the outside of the house looks nice and festive!

The wind did knock plenty of pine cones out of our tree which seems to have an overly large supply this year. I picked them all up and saved them for lighting fires in the wood stove. Look at how many!

Bella got her sutures out on Friday, but the vet still insists that we not let her out with the other dogs and to curtail her activity level. I asked the vet if she’d like to come home with us and help out with that. Honestly, Bella is feeling so good it’s a constant struggle to not let her run. The vet was adamant, however, so we will continue to follow instructions for another two weeks. Bella can’t wait to be free again to do as she’d like and I can’t wait for my freedom again either.

Yesterday I boiled down the turkey carcass and made turkey pot pie with the last of the turkey. It was the perfect day for it since it was rainy and grey out. Yum! I love turkey or chicken pot pies made with broth from scratch. The only frozen ingredient is the peas, otherwise I use only fresh carrots, celery, and onions with a biscuit dough topping (also from scratch).  I made extra filling so I could have it to freeze for another meal later on. Rick declared it the best ever but I just think he forgets from year to year how good it is.

I finished one slipper (double sole and all) and started on the next one. I had to remind myself how to roll the cuff and use the same technique to attach the second sole! (Letty, I promise to do a post on this!)

I have most of my Christmas shopping done already. This is the first year I can remember that I’ve been so far ahead of the game. I have to admit that I did most of it online—just too easy!

Johnny gets his winter gear on tomorrow. Off with the mowing deck and on with the snow blower! The snow poles are up on the driveway, so now we just have to wait for the white stuff to start falling from the sky. Fingers crossed.

I think that about catches up all that’s happening around here. More to come soon! Thanks for stopping by!

I love the wind, but the barometer does make me wild-headed. At least it levels off eventually!

Everybody gets in bad moods. I think they serve a purpose, though I couldn’t explain what it is, and I know they’re not pleasant. It’s kind of the emotional equivalent of having a cold which cleanses the immune system.

At least, that’s my excuse.

Glad you’re feeling better!

I love love the picture of the pinecones burning!

My goodness—you’ve accomplished a lot! When I’m in a black mood, I wallow in doing nothing!

Glad your feeling better…we all have those times.  The pot pie filling looks so yummy.  I was feeling like I hadn’t eaten all day and then I saw that photo…well lets just say “hi” quick cause I’m going to go raid the fridge - now!  Take care guys!

Jane, good for you on being a wind lover! If the weather prediction is to be believed, we are in for more!

Reya, I have no clue what my black moods serve as a purpose. I wish I did feel cleansed after an episode, but I only feel guilty for imposing my mood on Rick and the kids. Thanks!

Jess, love to burn those pine cones!

Mary, I have to force myself and I must admit that Rick is a driving force for me when I get in those black moods. So glad to know I am not the only one. However, that knitting pattern can turn anyone’s bad mood around to a good one. I wallow. A lot.

Debra, I’m so glad I made someone hungry! You are too funny! Have you been up to your cabin lately???

P.S.

Thank you all so much! You made me feel so much better for having had the “black cloud” following around.

XXXOOO

Wow! Sounds like quite a storm!  I always think it is so sad when trees go down in a storm.  I guess it is a cycle of nature, but big trees have been around so long, and ‘seen’ so much, I just hate to lose them!

Glad you are feeling better!

no…haven’t been able to go up to the cabin.  We don’t have chains to go along with the 4 wheel drive.  I miss the cabin so much.  I am always glad when Donna M. posts photos so I can get my “Sand Creek fix”

Saturday was windy alright… we had a belated Turkey Burner hike planned and my first thought on waking was that we should cancel.  I’m glad I’ve got intrepid friends we dragged me out to hike 6 miles from Westbrook to Burnt Meadow, otherwise I too might have fallen victem to a black cloud!

Jan, we get those strong winds once in a while when a front comes through. It’s scary watching those big old trees swaying back and forth furiously!

Maggie, you are brave! I would be afraid to hike in the woods for fear of a tree falling on me! Sounds like a good hike. I’ve never been on the trail at Burnt Meadow. The road going back there is an adventure in itself!