Day 1 of NaNo

Goal for each day of NaNoWriMo: 1,667. My personal goal was 2,500. Actual word count thus far: 2,500… Woop Woop!

I made it, and I’m still writing. I’m about to go make myself another cup of coffee and then I’m headed back to the computer. But I thought I’d let you know what I’ve been up to…

We went Trick or Treating with my daughter and the little man last night…and had a blast.

Half Dead Zombie (my daughter) and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle (Mr. Viktor)

Went to a family reunion this morning and had some great food and spent some time with my family… Good Times. And in thirty minutes or so we’re going to Papa and Mama Taylor’s to watch the football game.

Though I am taking NaNoWriMo seriously, I also have a life to live–besides, spending time with family and friends provides me with inspiration, spiritual and mental nourishment, and motivation.

So that’s what’s going on in my world on the first day of NaNo… Oh, and it was snowing in Columbia, SC this morning, which is only about 45 minutes from us and it’s been raining here on and off all day. Wonderful weather to be writing.. Glad I got the good coffee creamer and a bottle of whipped cream.. Yummy!

 

Winter Storm # 2

So the local news program had our second winter storm in the South (Click for news article from USA Today) hashtagged as #WinterMess. I’m originally from Charleston, SC and I can tell you from personal experience that it rarely SNOWS in the Low Country, and doesn’t snow very often in the Midlands. But we’ve had 2 storm/ice storms (click to news article from CNN) in the past couple/few weeks. People from up North have made fun of us for cancelling schools here, but our roads aren’t made the same because we don’t get SNOW like up North. In the Low Country and in the Midlands, we could only use salt on our roads. We can’t use chemicals. And many of us lost power, some still don’t have power (mine didn’t come back on until late this afternoon–was off since Wednesday).

Broken branches. #WinterMess

Broken branches in Sumter, SC. #WinterMess

Broken branches in South Carolina. #WinterMess

Me, well I survived. went to my in-law’s house–They had power, their power lines are underground, ours aren’t. My father-in-law came to get me in his truck, luckily we only live 2 minutes from them, but it took him 20-30 minutes to come get me. My daughter and grandson had power (their power lines must also be underground so weren’t affected by the ice and tree branches/limbs falling. My parents lost power Tuesday and just got it back today (they live in the low country in between Summerville and Beaufort).

Powerline guys restoring my power in South Carolina. #WinterMess

Duke Energy guy waiting to see that the power was turned back on in my neighborhood in South Carolina. #WinterMess

I was ever so patiently waiting for UPS to deliver my new power cord and battery for my laptop (which I really could have used while I was at my in-laws but delivery was delayed from Wednesday until today due to inclement weather–makes me cringe just thinking about it again.) I was about to load my re-packed overnight bag into the car when I saw the Duke Energy truck pull up to the power line box at the end of the street (we’re the 3rd house down from there) and then I saw a big orange truck and then a big white truck and a Duke Energy van. I got excited. I ran inside and grabbed my camera. I was so excited! I might have power soon, I squealed to myself. And they got it back on! Those guys ROCK!!!

I’m spending Valentine’s Day without my husband. He’s in Dallas, TX and about to head to Mississippi. But I’ve talked to him several times today. We’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day Sunday after he gets home, but really it’s just extra day to show your love if you show you much you love and appreciate your significant other/partner/spouse/husband/wife every day. I’m so proud of my husband. He supports my writing and photography. He is supportive of every thing I do from crafts, to working or not working outside the home’ including our family’s, our children, our grandchild.

Happy Valentine’s to Mr. Rockstar/Truck Driver!!! I love you!!!!

In the wake of the second round of Winter Storm Mess I have to say that I’m so thankful for all of those who have to get out there and work regardless of the weather, from emergency personnel like nurses (my aunt), doctors, EMT’s, Firemen (my brother), Linemen, 911 dispatchers (my sister-in-law), police officers, etc, to the phone operators you call (my mother-in-law) to the truck drivers that are bringing us gas, food, and other goods (my husband) to the guys who are driving heavy equipment (my dad)…Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!!!

 

Another Winter Storm in the South

ICE on car and in yard

It’s raining ice here. Literally. I can hear it outside of the window of my writing room. I have power, which means I have coffee, and I’m hoping I’ll keep power but with all the ice I’m not counting on it. My yard looks like it has snow in it, but it’s mostly ice.

This is ice in our yard not snow; Feb 2014 Winter Storm in South Carolina

My husband was leaving Monroe, LA and heading to Arlington, TX. The further he goes West the better. My poor brother-in-law had to drive to work in this mess, and officially, according to Gov Haley, people aren’t supposed to be on the roads, yet there are employers who expect their employees to come to work when every other business is shut down, including some of the roads.

Icicles hanging from car; February 2014 Winter Storm in South Carolina

So I’m drinking coffee, checking on the news for I-20 which is the route my husband is taking, as well as the news for SC, and hoping I don’t lose power, which will mean no hot coffee, no heater, no computer, especially since UPS delayed the delivery of my new laptop battery (figures), though I can’t blame them. They don’t need to be out on these roads either.

Ice on window… Frozen window. Winter Storm in South Carolina, February 12, 2014

IF I had to go somewhere I’m not sure of how long it would take my poor car to unthaw. It’s covered in ice. Not that I”m going anywhere. If I lose power I have a few people who have trucks I can call to come get me. Many people are without power in SC already. But as long as I have power I’ll be staying right here in my comfy PJ’s drinking coffee and writing.

And drinking coffee….

This is definitely me! Drinking coffee and about to put bagels in the toaster now. Late breakfast.. Hope everyone stays warm and safe 😀