Blinded By The Light

We have lived in our humble abode for 4 months now. I can hardly believe it has been that long.

It took us about 3.5 months until we installed blinds throughout the house. 

It was a slow process. #poorkidproblems

The first (and only) window we covered was the lower level front window. We installed this the first weekend we lived here. Because this is the one that our darling neighbors stroll by and when they occasionally turn the door knob, you know, just to make sure we remembered to lock the door.

Once we heard we were going to have a guest or two coming to stay, we bought a few for the guest bedroom. 

Then recently, we got a wild hair and bought the remaining blinds for our office and our bedroom

Here H is, installing the blinds in our bedroom, the last room to get window coverings. Why wouldn't our room be the first room to get blinds you ponder? We just wanted to make sure we made a good impression on all of our neighbors I suppose. Yup, 3.5 months of unfiltered master bedroom viewing. Quite the impression I imagine. 

We decided to purchase Levolor "wood" blinds in white from Lowes. They had great reviews, seemed to be the most attractive, and fit into our budget. They also come in all different sizes which is lovely because all of our rooms have different sized windows. Why? HIIK

So, we went from showing off our goods to our neighbors. 

To adding a long overdue layer of privacy. Neighbors, you're welcome for both.

Now, we are no longer blinded by the liiighttt. 

"Cut loose like a deuce, another runner in the night..." 

1:19 / 7:18

Happy Accident

How do you like our impromptu Halloween costumes? 

H was "Howdy" & I was "Hon"

Wigs supplied courtesy of our James from our skeeball team.

Yes. We are in a skeeball league. It is awesome. More on that later. 

Relish The Good Times

Before the "Super Storm Sandy" came along, we were invited to a weekend at the Bay. 

Where the days were spent with this view in our sites.

Our realtor, turned BBFF, James and his partner Greg hosted H, Maui, and myself at their home away from home. Their beautiful house is down the road from where the movie, Wedding Crashers was filmed. Gorgeous!

The first morning we did a quick tour of the local farmers market.

Have you ever seen cranberry beans? They are so pretty.

Things got a little hot and spicy.

 Especially at brunch when we dove into this scrumptious treat.

Then we enjoyed the first of two boat rides on their new to them boat, Relish.


There was a little bit more lounging in the yard.

Another boat ride took place once a few more of our friends showed up and a dance party quickly ensued. 

E and G may be giving dance lessons at a club near you soon.

The big pickle made an appearance. Get it? Pickles... Relish?  (also, this IS the most innocent pickle picture taken) These newlyweds, aka JohnNott, were truly relishing their time on the boat.

While the rest of us were having a dance party on the motor boat H had possibly the most exciting thing happen; a neighbor offered to teach him how to sail a 'Laser'. 

He has since volunteered to sail on a recreational racing team. Teach a man to sail and, err,  you may never see him again.

After a night out on the (nearest) town and a beautiful breakfast in the gazebo we headed back to Charm City. H, Maui and I had a great weekend with some of our new friends. 
Thank you for being the hosts with the most: James, Greg, Gertie, and Ossi.

P S. Thankfully, Relish the boat, and James and Greg's beautiful home were all safe from the wrath of Sandy.

Shoo Sandy

Frankenstorm update, Tuesday: 

H and I were pretty lucky yesterday. We ate, drank, danced, and played Gin Rummy. We both were awaken by the storm in the middle of the night but, we seemed to have slept through the worst of it.

As of now, it's still raining.

The winds have died down. The temperature's in the low 40's. The clouds will hopefully part by tomorrow and start drying up this soggy mess.

H took this picture this morning at the Harbor. 

From what I can tell, or have been told, some people/businesses had problems with flooding. Some did not. Most of the store fronts near the water still look like this. 

Travel restrictions are being lifted, debris being cleared, and power is slowly being restored. Although, it is not the best day in Maryland it looks like minimal damage was done, respectively.

Our thoughts and prayers are with my family and the people suffering in NJ/NY. In particular, my UB who has a house on LBI, NJ. The reports and pictures we've seen so far aren't good. But, we wont know details until they let people back on the island which, may be somewhere around 10 days. 

LBI is a long, skinny island that runs north-south along the NJ coast. Yesterday, the ocean met the bay and the water levels rose. Many homes and businesses were damaged or destroyed. We are hoping not UB's and saddened for the others. We have so many great memories there. Remember Chowderfest?

Oh, The Weather Outside Is Frightful

"Frankenstorm" Update:

It's raining. The wind is picking up. Right now, it is blowing at about 30-40 mph. All in all, its not too bad, yet. 

Before I left for work this morning, my weather app's map looked like this.

Yes, I said 'before I left for work', I work at a major hospital that is open for business. However, I was sent home almost immediately because, the path of Miss Sandy has changed. She was once reported to be heading north and striking NJ/NY with the majority of her force. The silly girl decided to detour and hang out in Charm City for a while. Super. Thanks girl.

Yesterday, the city was preparing for the hurricane and things looked like this around here:

The Coast Guard was docked in Fells Point and hard at work in the Harbor. 

 

Dump trucks full of sand were lined up along the Harbor.

Where citizens could bag their own sand to protect their homes.

Lower level doors had been taped off with plastic barriers and sand bags put in place. Many windows had been boarded of buildings that sat on or near the water. 

Basements windows and entrances were covered with plastic and sand bags.

Storm drains were covered (in some places) with duct tape. Classy Baltimore.

Back to today, Monday: 

We aren't too concerned with flooding as we live about a half mile or so from the water and up hill. Oh, and we don't have a basement. sorrynotsorryaboutthelackofmancave

The temperature has already dropped into the 40s and H just reported to me that it is snowing in the Harbor. 

So far we have power. The Governor is saying that wont last for long. 

This tree in our back yard, that on a good day drapes and hangs over power lines may pose a problem. 

Or perhaps the bigger problem is that when Sandy makes landfall, tonight, the winds are expected to be at or around 90-100 mph (meaning she will then be classified as a category 2 hurricane). She is expected to stay, unwelcomely, for 24-36 hours.

We are all home now, safe and sound. Mr. C even wrote us an email saying, if we have any problems that he and his crew are on standby and will be available to help if any house related issues arise. 

Also, we have plenty of booze to keep us entertained so, don't feel too sorry for us yet.