Back On The Grid

There are many things I am grateful for in life; my family, health, freedom, but what I am most grateful for is ELECTRICITY!

I live in a rural area and our power is subject to loss at any given time. Such was the case this last Monday night. We were in the path of Katrina's leftovers. Trees were down all over and 1/2 of our county lost power. At first we were told "by Saturday" then "7-10 Business days" (the Business was enunciated by the Entergy Rep)and then "by Saturday" again.

We were ok overnight, but wondered if we would have any power soon. The next day our water quit working. Not good. I was luckier than my neighbors, I have a propane gas tank and so we had hot water and I could still cook. Unfortunatly, I had just gone grocery shopping + had an upright freezer FULL of meat and food. This meant going to town, buying HUGE coolers and packing everything into them. Lucky for me, I didn't have to pay for ice. The Boy Scout Camp around the corner had an ice machine that was full. Dennis said I could have all I wanted until it ran out or melted. I am glad to report, we only lost 4 bags of frozen veggies, one bag of frozen fruit & 1/2 a gallon of icecream.

Tuesday evening, things got a bit tougher. The house was beginning to heat up without air, raising the windows provided no relief and the kids were going crazy. Thankfully the water was back on. They had a back up generator going for that. My husband was just about to go to his Uncle's house for something when his Uncle pulled up in the driveway. After talking for a bit we realized they never lost their power or water! ACK! We only live on the other side of the highway from them! Anyway, after coming into the house he called his wife and Aunt Connie graciously invited to their home to stay until the power came back on. They also let me put my groceries up in their freezer and fridge. All in all it was a nice arrangment; I fixed all the dinners using mostly my groceries and Aunt Connie made breakfast. I made lunch as well. I always cleaned the kitchen back up as clean or better than I found it.

Friday afternoon at about 4:00 pm, our power was restored! I went home (a neighbor had called me to let me know) and set the air to cool the house down, cleaned out the fridge and freezer like new and did some housekeeping. I had a huge load of towels to wash from where the freezer had thawed itself out all over the kitchen floor. ACK! By Saturday morning, we were all back at home. I missed my juicer, my own bed and my own "routine".

Anyway, I am just thankful for what little damage and inconvenience we have had to endure. I have been following the devastation and troubles of our neighbors in southern Mississippi and Louisianna. I think what I find most disturbing is how when given a chance, man (and I mean mankind) can be so evil and take opportunity to be act so. Sad, truly sad.

I just pray for safety, health and blessings to all during this horrible time.
God Bless,
katcha