Happy Halloween from Building Moxie, Sandy and her boyfriend (Daughter’s Words) FrankenStorm

Built By jb bartkowiak for Building Moxie & Published October 31, 2012.
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Almost don’t know where to start with this one.  … Here?

There is nothing like a big storm to chuck a small blog, barely holding onto an editorial calendar, out of whack.  I mean – I had our single Halloween post in the can; please see Last Minute DIY Guide to Halloween Decorating (and you know, you can also click “Back” (^^^) up there).  And I mean – I am certain you have had your share of “Tips for Staying Safe … ” or “How to Recover …” and further, your share of the images . . . of destruction, via the Weather Channel, Facebook and yes, don’t you just love all those folks that have all that extra time to Photoshop in something that makes it all just a little bit more gruesome?  That last bit there was rhetorical, and okay, *ahem*, maybe a lot bit sarcastic too.

Plus something like … “Bathroom Vanity Combos – Pros and Cons for Your Next Bathroom Remodel” or “Discerning Fact from Fiction: Four Plumbing Myths That Can Increase Costs” . . . just didn’t seem, well, to fit . . . for this next post.  I mean – yes, I do have a few pieces in the hopper, in need of only finishing touches, and Barry too is busy working “post production” on our interview with Mark & Theresa Clement (@MyFixItUpLife).  But still, for Halloween, a few days after a natural disaster … truth – we didn’t really have the time to give those posts any needed push.

Downtown Baltimore from my roof

So … I choose just to … write.

Sandy was easy enough on my family here in Baltimore.  Like many on the east…ern half of the US, we experienced some heavy rains and, at times, heavy winds.  Yes, we lost power . . . for something like 12 hours.  I am sure it was nothing compared to what those on the coastline or those in the direct path of the storm . . . felt.  Nothing like being down and without power for nearly a week in the peak of the summer, this past summer.

Because of that, we were just a little better prepared this time. Re-chargeable flashlights charged, devices charged, gas for the generator, kerosene for the kerosene heater … check check check check.  Pulled everything close to the house and laid down trash cans … check check.  Trimmed back some branches … check + we made sure we had plenty of cash on hand … yep, check.  …

For us, we live at something like the 2nd highest point in BMore, so no risk of any real flooding – thank you! And when the power went out, it all went pretty easily.  We lit some candles, started a fire and popped “Mirror Mirror” in a laptop.  If nothing, it was good for some quiet time, time away and to un-plug (almost).  With a seven- and nine-year old, too, it (and other similar opportunities) makes for good teachable moments.  …

And that’s it.  I usually steer you away from some of the more . . . ghastly, and unfinished parts of my house.  But Sandy (coincidentally my mom’s name) comes the occasion to show you my disorganized and sometimes scary basement  You see, it did again take on water.  Funny really, as the week before this FrankenStorm began its approach, I was just getting into the final stages of planning for finally installing new gutters and my downspouts.  Part of me, of course, is now glad it was put off for just one more week.

… and then there is our outbuildings.  Aaaaa!  Frightening!

And anyway, Happy Halloween all who are reading.  Our thoughts to those who are knee deep in storm clean up and a shout out also to all the “moxiful heroes” (Barry’s words) for doing the … dirty work.

Enjoy! Be safe and eat lots of candy.  ~jb & the Staff at Building Moxie.