Debra LaValley's Blog

Frankenstorm is Approaching . . .

Last year on the night of October 29, 2012, we had over a foot of snow fall to welcome in Gate Night/Halloween. This year, Hurricane Sandy is cruising up the coast and has been nicknamed Frankenstorm! We are not going to get the brunt of the storm – but there will be a lot of rain and wind. There also may be some power outages. I am hoping it is “Much Ado About Nothing” (one of my favorite plays BTW). I do not like power outages – being addicted to technology – television and the internet, etc. Just in case we lose power – I have made sure my Kindles, laptop, cell phone, and camera batteries have been charged. I have not run out for milk or toilet paper – like the rest of the masses. I can’t believe folks think that even if there are power outages that they don’t have enough toilet paper in the house! I have almost 4 rolls – I think I will make it through Frankenstorm. It isn’t as if I plan on running around on Gate Night toiletpapering houses! Seriously – I hope everyone stays safe through Hurricane Sandy. Take care everyone!

An earthquake shook us in little old Penacook and surrounding areas tonight at approximately 7:14PM. I had gone out to fill up the car with gas and stopped at friends who live off the Manor. All of a sudden – the couch, floor, and windows shook like the dickens! The phones acted up for a bit – probably because everyone was calling everyone to ask if they felt it. It says it was a 4.6 epicentered near Sebago, Maine.

No damage – just a lot of shaking! I am sure folks in California wouldn’t have even noticed 🙂

Ghost Squirrel

I had an albino squirrel sighting at approximately 5:00PM on 10/13! I was thrilled to see the albino (aka Ghost Squirrel) after the rumors of one of them being killed. I have since heard that there are at least 2 albino squirrels in the area. I hadn’t seen one since the rumor of one being killed – though I know others have seen him since. I was thrilled to see him today. It is such a cutie. I also shot some video on youtube.

Have a great day!

Blackwater River – Webster, NH

The leaves were flying today. The rain and wind we have been having is not being gentle to the trees and foliage. I love October though! I have been decorating my apartment for Halloween. I still have a few more things to get out of storage and put them out.

October is also a season of delicious apples – fresh from the orchards. I figured I would share my mom’s favorite Applesauce Cake.

Applesauce Cake

Mix:
1 cup applesauce
7/8 cup (little less) brown sugar
1/2 cup liquid shortening (aka – oil)

Then add:
1 3/4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. cloves
1/2 cup nuts & raisins

Bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees.

The colors of fall are starting to emerge from the greens of summer. I love the fall. Unfortunately, it has been raining for days – so I haven’t had any good photo opportunities. I am hoping for better weather in the next few days. Uncle Ralph is arriving early next week. He is looking forward to seeing the fall foliage. Hopefully, the rain will stop and the leaves will still be on the trees.

I came across this recipe of my Grammy LaValley that I thought I would share on this rainy day:

Scalloped Potatoes

3 cups sliced raw potatoes
onion
1 can cream of celery soup (or cream of mushroom)
(Mix soup with one can milk, layer potatoes, onion, and soup mixture in casserole dish)
Salt and pepper

Last add 1/2 cup grated cheese

Cover with aluminum foil and poke a couple of holes. Bake one hour – 1/2 hrs . . . in a 350 degree oven – uncover and then bake for 15 minutes.

Ken Ross 1936

Today would have been my Grampa Ross’s 103 birthday. Unfortunately – he died Christmas Eve 1958. I turned 1 year old on December 26, 1958. I was the only grandchild he ever knew. Unfortunately, I was so young that I don’t remember him.

Tonight, my Mom, sister Jackie, and I stopped by Blossom Hill Cemetery and wished him a Happy Birthday. From all that I have heard about him from family and friends – he was a wonderful man.

Happy Birthday, Grampa Ross!

Tom’s Team 2011

The 2012 Out of the Darkness Community Walk is in Portsmouth this Saturday (9/29). Tom’s Team is getting ready for the event. If you have not donated yet, and would like to click on My Fundraising Page.

The entire La Valley family thanks everyone for your support over the years.

Thanks again!

June 15, 2011 Sighting at my Folks’ House

I heard very disturbing news today. Someone who lives at Penwood Apartments (where the Albino squirrel has been staying around for many months) SHOT the albino squirrel! Penwood is right in the middle of a very urban area. The person must have used a BB gun! Who would KILL such a beautiful and rare creature?

It sickens me! I hope it is just a rumor – but I fear it probably is not so. There was another albino squirrel that visited my folks’ yard all summer one year – many years ago, and we heard that poor thing was shot by a kid with a BB gun!

Bad Karma – I am sure to kill such a rare and beautiful creature.

The poor wee thing! I just saw it run across the street last week and run up an oak tree. It was almost 7:00 PM and too dark to try and get a good photo. The last halfway decent shot I got of it was June 28, 2012. It was late afternoon and in the shade.

June 28, 2012 Albino Squirrel Sighting

😦

There are only a few more days of Summer left! Time flies when you are having fun! The weather this summer has been very nice overall – especially the past couple weeks. I really need to get the kayak out before it starts getting too cold! Tonight it is raining – but we really need the rain. It is better to rain during the week than the weekend! Have a great night everyone!

Debbie 🙂

Blue Moon 08/31/12

Click Blue Moon

It is hard to believe that today is the last day of August and tomorrow is the start of Labor Day Weekend! Where does the time go! Summer still has a bit of a kick left though. Tonight is also a blue moon (I took the above photo around 8:00 PM. It isn’t really blue – I tinted it blue) – the second full moon in a month. August 1st also had a full moon. There will not be another blue moon until July 2015.

Enjoy the evening and the rest of the summer!

I need to watch GREASE this weekend! That movie is the perfect summer movie! Click Summer Nights