We survived a devastating storm and an election. And right now, we're being pounded by a Nor'easter. Miraculously, superstorm Sandy did very little damage to our house and property. For that, I am deeply thankful. I protected the big trees in our yard with offerings of cornmeal, according to Native American tradition, and red strings, according to some other tradition I had heard about. Maybe Celtic? A version of a Scots clootie, perhaps? In any case, it worked. We never even lost power. In between cooking pots of soup for not so fortunate friends, I managed to make and list a few bracelets on Etsy. And make my first sale!! (Thank you, dear Kristin.)