Never fear! Missouri Star is still here and has not been blown away by the fierece windstorm. But man, was it fierce!! We were quite fortunate in that we only lost a few minor trees and none were on top of our house! However, we were without power for a little over 24 hours. Thanks to a generator and a husband who believes in being prepared, we hunkered down and were only a little incovenienced. In fact, we have a new staff member who just moved here from Florida. I couldn’t get in touch with her by phone, so I drove out to her house and found her shivering in the dark. So she came home with me and spent the night. We had a nice little house party! I even managed to finish Isobel’s Christmas outfit – and block it! But no pictures until after Christmas.
The storm, however, has put another glitch in the kitchen remodel. As you may remember, ordering the wallpaper was delayed because the countertop installation was delayed due to our snow and ice storm. Shipping was delayed because of a snow and ice storm on the other end. Now delivery is being delayed because of the windstorm!!! We were hoping the wallpaper would come in yesterday so we could work on it this weekend, but the paint store was closed due to power outage and therefore, not taking UPS deliveries. Drat!! Abby mentioned that Izzy would be more than happy to help us wallpaper when she gets here and we may just have to take her up on it.
My birthday was this week and my staff and family went out of their way to make sure it wasn’t lost in the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Here was what greeted me when I arrived at work:
There was also a Christmas mug and tea supplies from my British co-worker. Bill outdid himself with this:
I have SO been coveting this book and it is fabulous!! I want to make just about everything in it. And, Bill went the extra step and included a 2300 yd. cone of cashmere lace yarn in a beautiful orchid color. Of course, I had to cast on for a project right away. I am doing the sampler shawl – I’ll post pictures as soon as I can get it on a longer needle. Right now it’s scrunched up on a 10″ straight.
I was patting myself on the back that this was a pretty easy pattern until I hit the second section that has pattern on every row. Not as easy as it looks! But I muddled through and it’s getting a little easier as I go along.
And my son, Allen, had this delivered to my office:
It’s a candy bouquet! Being the considerate son that he is, he told the shop to make it sugarless since I work in a dental office. My boss was certainly pleased. The Curious George fireman is from my sister, along with an offer to take me to tea at the Fairmont Hotel in Seattle.
We spent our powerless time yesterday decorating the house. I had several appointments scheduled, but they were all cancelled due to the power outage. So we are all ready for everyone to come. Just some last minute baking to do. Not sure if I’ll find time to post before Christmas, but I promise lots of cute, cute pictures to come!!
Breaking news – you know that last minute baking I was going to do? Well, we have an equipment malfunction. My oven doesn’t work! And, I’m not sure when it will be fixed. The soonest service call is Thursday, so Bill’s going to work on it to see if he can get it working before then. But on the positive side – no pressure to bake! Safeway bakery – here I come!
missouristar 
Glad you made it throught the storm okay.
Happy Birthday. What nice gifts!
Happy Birthday Dorothy! Such fun to have your desk (which is so neat!) jazzed up. And the book and yarn are perfect gifts!
Glad you’re so bright & cheerful amidst the chaos, keep your chin up.
And congrats on your perfect score for stats. The last time I read that post I had my son on my lap and he was so caught up with the train photo that I didn’t manage to read the post properly 🙂
Happy Birthday to you! And relieved to know that you managed through the storm.
Happy Birthday! My oldest daughter’s is the 16th and we try to make a big deal out of her birthday and have a pretty low-key, just-us Christmas. I had a November birthday which was close enough to Christmas to make me realize how hard December babies really have it:) (And yet, I still got married right before Christmas and my DH had the nerve after 11 years this year to ask if I expected an anniversary present as well.)
You did well on the presents. Can’t wait to see your project; I love that particular shawl in the book.
Happy belated birthday! Looks like you had a very special day indeed.
Now, on to Christmas. Have a great time with Izzy and her parents, even without an oven and/or wallpaper.
How are you generating those ice storms with your kitchen project?
I think I’m getting that book for Christmas. Glad to hear the good review.
Now I’m off to make dog food cake (made with dog food) for the doggy school party tonight. My favorite Christmas party and I get to go to two of them!
happy birthday, Dorothy!
Happy Birthday! You have quite a guy there, I’d hang on to a man who buys you cashmere yarn.
We lost power for a little over 48 hours here. The neighbors across the lake still don’t have their lights on. Glad to hear that you made it through OK.
Oh, and many congratulations on the “A” in statistics! That’s quite an accomplishment!
Happy Birthday Dorothy!
I was looking at that book the other day at an LYS, I showed restraint and didn’t get it, now I wish I did. It really is fabulous.
Looking forward to seeing little Izzy modeling her new Christmas sweater.
Happy belated birthday!!! You’re the best.
I know I told you this earlier but, for all Floridians who are a bit shocked by the cold, the storms, etc….. thanks for going and checking on your co-worker. And thanks for warming her up. I’m sure she was feeling very blessed to have you as a friend.
Happy Birthday Dorothy! Glad to see you get spoiled on your day! Fingers crossed for better weather for your holiday. Merry Christmas!
Hi Dorothy! Happy belated Birthday! My Victorian Lace book is on its way to me via Amazon.ca,I have waited more than a month,but now it should be her in a couple of days.Can’t wait to see it,I am glad you like it.
Ann
Happy Birthday, Dorothy, you have trained that Bill right 🙂 or he’s a natural at knowing the difference between a gift and a present.
Li
Happy Birthday! Sorry about the windstorm, but glad that everything is OK.
I know I’m behind here, but Happy Happy Birthday . . . and NOW have a Merry Christmas!