We Made it Through

We made it through the wrath of Frankenstorm Sandy. The worst part of the entire storm was that we lost power for about 5 hours overnight.  So I just went to bed!

Dad and ESM ventured back to their house to see what they would find.  It was fine!  No flooding or damage.  We were very, very lucky and I am so thankful for that!

After checking out the pictures from around the web and friends, we were SO lucky!

AZ's parents have a mobile home in Lower Delaware and shared pictures of water up to the doorway.  SCARY!  Especially since they are currently in Florida for the winter. Fortunately, they have good friends who are checking things out for them and hopefully they won't have to make a trip north to handle things here.

I am praying for all the people who were not as lucky as my family was and I hope the clean up moves quickly to get everything back to the "new" normal.

Checking in

We are all battened down and tucked in for the hurricane. By all predictions sandy will be making a left into south jersey. Yes, you can make a left in south jersey, just have to watch out for the cows.

If we were in north Jersey sandy couldn't make a left. She'd have to take the jug handle. Thanks for the giggle @blogmamaandrea and @cyclinpapa!

I had a good week of getting blogs scheduled but didn't get a chance to catch up with yours. I was flat on my back with positional vertigo. I don't know if the treatment or the problem is worse. Dr prescribed antihistamines and rest. The meds put me to sleep and I was still dizzy when I was up. Without the meds I was/am still dizzy. It hasn't been a fun couple of days for me.

I think my biggest complaint about this illness is I haven't been able to read. Dr ordered be rest and tracking across the page makes.me.sick. booo hoo.

I hope to catch up with you guys this coming week provided we have electricity.

For those in the path of this frankenstorm I pray for your safety. Be safe!

Velata Fun

I'm a Chocoholic. I admit it.  If there is a support group, please do NOT direct me.  I don't want help for my addiction. 

I do LOVE that Velata has helped out my addiction with their Fondue Warmers.  I have three that we use regularly.  A Blue Razz, a Maraschino cherry, and a black liquorish.



Blue Razz
Looks like fun just sitting there!

They are so easy to set up.  Just plug it in and turn it on!  To get the chocolate started, you just have to put the bag into the microwave for a minute or so, then pour the chocolate into the fondue dish.  I've been known to suck the remaining chocolate out of the bag.  There's no sense in wasting chocolate.



The Chocolate Packets

And the clean up is just as easy as the set up.  When you're done dipping, just toss the dish into the dishwasher.  It can't get any easier!

There are also dishes to go with the warmers.  You can display your dipping food all around the warmer.

 

Velata Dishes

This weekend, I made lots of cute dipping things. I got the ideas from Velata's website and Pinterest Pages.  The first one, Peanut Butter Pretzels were SO yummy!  AZ was my taster and he said he could eat them like chips and dip.  I had to hide the ones that I was making for work so he wouldn't eat them all! 



Before their swim in chocolate!



If you want the recipe, let me know!  I'll email it right over. 

If you want a Velata warmer and chocolate, email me and I'll get you set up!

After their swim in the chocolate.
Some dove all the way in, while the others were more cautious and just waded in halfway

I also took the white chocolate, melted it and colored it orange.  I dipped the pretzels in and topped them off with a green M&M. 

 

How cute are they? 
And SO easy to make with the Velata Chocolate and Warmer



Now, I know I've talked ya'll into getting a Velata Warmer and chocolate.  Remember, all the wonderful holiday parties you are planning and you know this will be a wonderful addition to your spread.  Plug it in, warm up the chocolate and lay out some fruits and other dipping stuff.  Easy set up, easy clean up.

Contact me and we'll get you all set up in time for your holiday parties!

Thunder Shirts for Dogs

There is a product designed for dogs and cats to help with anxiety in the animal.  Its called a Thundershirt.

Fortunately, Jaxon doesn't seem to have separation anxiety.  He does have an aversion to loud noises like fireworks.  We made our own version of a thunder shirt for Jaxon.

Jaxon has a monkey on his back.

Jaxon loves playing with stuffed animals, especially ones with long arms and legs.  They are easy to tie around him.

He fell asleep with the monkey on his back.

Jaxon was able to untie the monkey when he got up.

He puts up with a lot from us. 

But he still loves us.

Driving All Over - WW



Me and Octy the Octopus spent Monday driving all over South / Central Jersey for work.
Jacob gave me Octy years ago and he keeps me company on long car rides



It was a beautiful day to take in the Fall Colors



Lovely back roads with green fields contrasted with the fall colors

 



New Family Member

We have a new addition to the family.

This is Oscar.
Dad and ESM adopted him this weekend.

Not to be mistaken for Jaxon

This is Jaxon

Oscar is a 2 year old Jack Russell who is very loving and a happy pup.

Oscar and Daddy

We are looking forward to getting to know Oscar and getting the boys together to play.

Oscar is by the door.  Jaxon is behind him.
They look so much alike they could be brothers!

We are going to have so much fun with the new addition.  Welcome to the family, Oscar!

New Phone

It was time for an upgrade for my cell. I've had an iPhone and have loved it. But I have friends who have Android phones.

They tell me there are so many more free apps for the Android system.

So I got me a galaxy 2 s. I love it!  The screen is bigger than the old phone. The apps are great!  There is even an app for blogger that works completely, without any compatibility issues.

In fact, I'm using the app right now!   If your in the market for a new cell phone, I highly recommend the galaxy 2 s.

These opinions are all my own and I haven't been paid for them. Of course if Samsung wants to toss a great cover my way, it'd be mighty appreciated!