Expecting

Woke up this morning, got yourself a gun

Oops, not writing the lyrics to the Sopranos theme song here, let's start over.

I woke up this morning to a pregnant sky, heavy with impending precipitation, waiting for its water to break. Will it be snow or rain? Could go either way here, down the shore. The predictions for our area have been all over the place, and include rain, sleet and snow.

The consensus seems to be that we will get significant accumulation, but they've been wrong before. They being the forecasters of doom. In March of 2001, John Bolaris (then of Philly channel 10/WCAU) predicted the Storm of the Century for the Philly and South Jersey area. And he did it in a big, dramatic way. Schools were closed, as was the anonymous government office, in anticipation of the event. And we got nada. A whole lot of nothing. It was a lovely, serendipitous day off.

Not much chance of a day off from this storm, falling as it does on a three day weekend. Most of my coworkers appeared to accept the threat of a blizzard with equanimity. Seems we all secretly welcome a reason to stay home and rest for a change.

We made the short trip to the grocery store last night. It was not crowded (we went on the late side). While we did pick up water and PopTarts (standard fare around here when the electric service goes out), we really went to get a Valentine to mail to Mom, since the chances are pretty good that we won't get out to see her before Tuesday. The card is on its way as we speak, along with a heart-shaped box of chocolates. Why do I always hear Forrest Gump whenever I say those words?

Unfortunately, Mr. Merci took the chocolates to the post office to mail them, and he mailed the card separately. Maybe mom will think she has a secret admirer when she gets that anonymous box of chocolates (there goes that Forrest Gump line again). Maybe that's not a bad thing. She has a good sense of humor.

I've looked everywhere for those wonderful Hershey's Cordial Kisses, but they are nowhere to be found. I had one at work last week. My hubby loves cherry cordials, and I had hoped to pick some up for him. I found some cherry KitKats, but they are just too sweet. We're not exchanging gifts this year; no real need to do that. I just thought the cordial kisses, along with a card, would be a nice touch.

But I digress: back to the topic of the (alleged) Nor'easter. We don't often lose our electric service, but it's best to prepare for the possibility. We have a well - no city water (or sewer) available here. The pump can't run without electricity, so we can't get water when the power is out. I will fill the tub before the worst of the wind hits. This will enable us to continue to flush the toilet if we cannot get water from the well.

So here I am, waiting for the heavens to deliver a big bundle of joy. We're all safely at home (2 humans and 2 canines), we are well stocked with comfort food, and the nutritious kind, as well. We'll light the pilot light on the gas fireplace, which will ensure that we have heat if the power goes out (the heater needs an electric spark to start), and, oh yeah, gotta go fill the tub with water...