Enough with the rain already!

Southwest Virginia has gotten more rain in the first half of 2013 than we'd normally have all year.  If I remember correctly what I heard on the local news recently, we've had measurable rainfall almost daily for several weeks in a row.  I was surprised when we had snow in April but this is even more surprising because it's normally dry and sunny here in the summer.  This unusual pattern is causing a flooding issue. My co-worker had five feet of water in her basement on July 4th and couldn't get out of her driveway.  All that flooding also knocked out her water and sewer service.  Not fun!

I snapped the picture on my way to work.  Those trees are normally away from the creek and you can see that they are completely submerged.  The water level is so high that it's attracting quite a few herons!

Happy 4th!

 

 

Happy Independence Day!  Hope you are enjoying a day off from work and relaxing, like I am.  Since it's been so rainy here in SW Virginia for so long, there is a lot of flooding and we just can't seem to get a break from the wet.  You should see all the lawns around here - the grass is ridiculously high.  One of my potted plants in my front yard literally disintegrated over night.  The foot tall daisy plant is no more.  Only the pot is left.  A lot of our local holiday fireworks celebrations have been cancelled or postponed too and I'm sure fewer people will be at a pool or bar-b-q'ing today compared to last year.

 

Although, I guess I shouldn't complain because last year we were suffering from the aftereffects of the derecho storm.  So many people were without power for over a week and it was over 100 degrees every day so this rain and 80 degree temperature situation is a lot more palatable.

 

I didn't use to really do much to celebrate July 4th that I can remember.  Maybe take in a movie or cook out.  Last year, my man and I went to see the Roanoke fireworks show down by Reserve Avenue.  The field was jam packed and the band they had wasn't bad.  If I had a choice, I'd prefer to watch fireworks at the end of a baseball game.  You have semi-comfy seats and a good view and concessions.  Always the food with me....

 

I've seen the Macy's fireworks show in NYC and the national show in D.C. once each.  They were both fabulous and exciting but sharing the experience with immense crowds and standing in line for a smelly port-o-potty made me not want to go back again.  You'd think that growing up in NY would have made me used to crowds but I think some people are just more averse to dealing with large groups than other people are.  The older I get, the more I like peace and quiet.  :-)

 

Hope your holiday is wonderful!

Farmville

My farm was more free flowing & hippy-ish than this one

Did you play Farmville on Facebook a few years ago?  I was obsessed with that game back when I was living in New York but the move to Virginia cured me of my addition because I just didn't have the time to devote to it.  Interstate moves are a lot of work especially when you only give yourself three weeks to get it done.

I didn't realize it at the time I was playing but there is a Farmville, VA.  Who knew?  I drove through it once on my way to Richmond with my friend, Peg.  We were going to Richmond to do some shopping at a large mall and passed through Farmville.  Let me tell you, it's adorable and I've wanted to go back to visit ever since we drove through.

Pic from http://www.bcbonline.com

Unfortunately, like a lot of small towns, Sunday probably isn't the best day to visit since so many stores are closed.  It's a shame for us working folks who can't venture out during the week.  Anyway, Farmville seems to have gotten larger and have some classy looking stores and restaurants.  It sort of struck me as similar to Lewisburg, WV but more furniture-focused.

Yesterday, I got together with my good buddy from college, Cathy.  She's an interior designer and sales specialist who started her own business last year called Save My Place.  I mentioned how I need to buy a couch and Hickory, NC was the town on my list to visit.  I didn't really want to drive several hours and deal with the huge warehouses in Hickory but that's where the bargains live, right?  Cathy said that the word on the street is that a lot of people are now going to Farmville instead.  I totally didn't expect to hear that.  Neat!  A good reason for me to visit sooner rather than later!

I found this furniture store's info on Farmville's town website and it sounds huge: Green Front Furniture.  Twelve warehouses full of nice furniture on sale.  I don't know anyone who has bought furniture in Farmville but I'm curious.  Sounds like this Farmville visit has potential to be awesome.

iWatch?

I just saw an article on CNN.com entitled "Apple Files for iWatch Trademark".  I didn't have the patience to read the entire piece but I skimmed and looked at the various photos.  You know, the possibility of a clunky wristwatch that does a lot of computing brings me back to the early 80's when those calculator watches were a fad.  They fascinated me at the age of five but do we really want to lug around a clunky wristwatch with a touchscreen?  Isn't a phone with all the bells and whistles in our pockets enough already?  I sound whiny.

I love Apple products but I don't understand Apple TV or this iWatch thing.  Both seem uninspiring and I am losing faith in the post-Steve Jobs Apple Corporation.  I have never used an Android phone but a lot of my friends who use them say they are wonderful.  I have a major attachment to my iPhone even though it's several years old and slowing down a lot.  It can't handle software upgrades anymore.  So, I toy with the idea of getting a new phone but do I really need a new iPhone?  I barely use apps anymore...  I wonder what the best smart phone out there on the market is?

My friend Rosemarie made the switch from iPhone to Android and switched back in three weeks.  I think I need to go to Best Buy and play around...  One day.  When I have money to spend.  :-)