Snow Day For Sheepie!

I awoke this morning just after 4:00 a.m. This, in and of itself, is unusual. But, I was struck by the unavoidable feeling that something wasn't quite right. Quite wrong, if the truth be told. Given my recent run of bad luck, this probably shouldn't have come as a surprise. In fact, I was mightily tempted to just turn over and let the flaming meteor that was no doubt heading straight for my bed just take me out as I slept and be done with it. But I couldn't seem to resist giving it just a moment of thought. And I quickly realized what was different about this morning. There was no blue glow from the clock radio. There was no gentle hum from the refrigerator. Despite what seemed to be arctic temperatures in my home, the heater was not kicking on.

The power was out. And probably had been for a while given the number of cats that were clamoring for my attention and body heat. As I have a battery operated alarm clock as a back-up, I probably could have just gone back to sleep. But the lack of power combined with the gentle crashing of tree branches just outside my window seemed to indicate a need for further exploration of the situation. Which was rather difficult given that it was dark. And that there is really nothing one can do to restore power, stop furiously falling spring snows or re-attach fallen tree limbs. But I was up at that point and Hysterical Mind (who is the queen of disaster readiness in this household) was rather excited at the prospect of putting some of her emergency preparedness training into action. I just gave in and rolled out of bed.

And thus, The Sheep starts her day by candlelight

I broke out the battery operated television (think what you will of me but I cannot live without the glowing box of entertainment), ascertained that my school was cancelled for the day and mentally prepared myself for an extended period without hot coffee. Once daylight made an appearance, I chanced to peer out of the windows to see just how badly we had been hit by this freak storm. Frankly, I was hoping for a bit less snow. The tiny, toy rental car that I am still driving was not going to be fun to get out of a snowbank. I may have given the impression that I do not care for this vehicle. That would be incorrect. I actually hate it. I hate it with the passion to ignite a thousand suns and still have energy left over to light up a decent sized theatre marquee. But I am stuck with it. It is getting me where I need to be in my time of vehicular trial so I have made the best of it.

It still amused the heck out of me to see that it had been hit by a rather large fallen tree branch during the night. Call me insensitive. Call me bitter. I'm with you all the way on that. It still made me happy in grim sort of way. Take that rental car!!!!!!

Note: I was less amused when I had to go out and move both branch and toy car so the plows could get through, but that is another story and I prefer to dwell on the small glimmer of happy that brightened my morning.

Meanwhile, the power was off, the condo was chilling down and I had a day to kill without internet or cable television. This certainly inspires a Sheep to finish up some warm hoof covers in short order. I doubt that when Noolie drew my name as the winner of this sock yarn, she had any idea the paths these socks would walk with me. I began them during the self-induced stress of having the Mole Of Disturbing Dimensions removed. I knit them through several boring night classes. They have traveled with me on two fifth grade field trips. They kept me from using my hands to strangle my Dreamy Mechanic on two separate occasions. And today they occupied the empty hours then warmed my feet during a power outage that lasted well into the afternoon. These are some versatile socks, people! I took them off long enough to get a picture then they went right back to work.

Sheepie Loves Her Noolie Socks!!!!!

Interestingly enough, I had originally planned to use this yarn for a beret. It just didn't say, "socks" to me when I first looked at it. But, when the time came to begin knitting, I couldn't seem to find the pattern. And, as I'd already wound it into a cake, I decided to go ahead with the socks. Now I can't believe that they were ever destined for anything else! Merino makes for a softy-softy sockie. Even though the heat is back on, they remain on my feet in order that they might eventually return to their normal body temperature. Thanks so much, Noolie! These will be favorites and worn often.

Things are looking good for the return of the truck tomorrow and I also happen to have the day off for a doctor's appointment. I'm looking forward to resuming normal transportation activities as well as a day with heat and lights for the duration. I'm hoping that this is a sign that things will be returning to their normal and mundane status here in Sheepland.

But I'm starting another pair of socks just in case...

SA