Last night there was a violent thunderstorm that rolled through our area. Usually I love thunderstorms and enjoy falling asleep to them. But this one was pretty intense, with strong winds, tons of lightening and intermittent periods of torrential rain - making me seriously wonder if our roof would be torn off. I had only just begun to fall asleep when at 1:15AM the tornado siren went off! I turned my alarm clock radio on, and just at that moment the emergency broadcast system was on telling people in our county to seek shelter immediately.
I don't know if I've mentioned these things on the blog before, but in the Midwest they've got these huge outdoor sirens that go off when a tornado has been seen in the area. They spin around so that people in all directions can hear them, so it gets louder and quieter as it turns. They actually have a sample sound on the Monroe County website about halfway down the page - we get the "steady wail".
Anyway, we had to get up and head to our most interior room (the downstairs bathroom) and huddled with the dog and a radio until the siren stopped. Binsey was jumping all around, and I thought for a moment maybe she's got that sixth sense and knows there's a tornado nearby, but really she was just excited that she got to hang out with us in the middle of the night. Thankfully, we were not hit by a tornado and got to go back to sleep (or at least get back into bed) about 15 minutes later.
Let's hope tonight is less eventful!
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Valentine Cupcakes
Just tried out this recipe I found on another blog for chocolate strawberry cupcakes. Perfect for Valentine's day!
I borrowed their picture because there is no way I would get such a pretty one of the inside!
But, here's how I decorated them
And experimented with some frosting techniques (almond buttercream)...
A great way to use up some strawberry cake mix I had sitting in the pantry. With the extra volume from the brownie mix, I had to use 2 full cupcake trays and 1 tray of mini cupcakes. Something tells me the other people in Paul's work building are going to be eating some of these!
Yum!
I borrowed their picture because there is no way I would get such a pretty one of the inside!
But, here's how I decorated them
And experimented with some frosting techniques (almond buttercream)...
A great way to use up some strawberry cake mix I had sitting in the pantry. With the extra volume from the brownie mix, I had to use 2 full cupcake trays and 1 tray of mini cupcakes. Something tells me the other people in Paul's work building are going to be eating some of these!
Yum!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Winter takes its toll
*UPDATE: To better illustrate just what went on, and due to popular request, I have added enhanced images.
After several snowstorms, we realized that our dear terracotta earthworm guy who lived in our lavender garden, named Señor Worm, was a casualty. He was a tough little guy, having been blinded after his painted-on eyes washed off in the rain. He stood guard day and night over our lavender, keeping it safe from harm. Since his untimely death, one of the chicks and hens plants got chopped or eaten by something. RIP, Señor, you were a great garden figurine!
After several snowstorms, we realized that our dear terracotta earthworm guy who lived in our lavender garden, named Señor Worm, was a casualty. He was a tough little guy, having been blinded after his painted-on eyes washed off in the rain. He stood guard day and night over our lavender, keeping it safe from harm. Since his untimely death, one of the chicks and hens plants got chopped or eaten by something. RIP, Señor, you were a great garden figurine!