The "I's" had it...

As Sunday progressed into Monday and we began to get out more, everywhere we went it looked like (borrowed analogy here) the road was carved through snow banks, except they were trees. Didn’t much matter where you were, there were scenes like this:







And if you look closely you can see various lines and such under them.. As more time passed without power, we begin to adapt to the situation. Fortunately we have so-called “city water” so that wasn’t a problem, and since we did have a propane cooktop we could heat water, and of course we had ice bags for a few things. Showers sort of posed an issue, but we found out that since we didn’t use any hot water from the tank after the power outage, if you got ready, held your breath, screamed a little, soaped up, and cranked the water to full hot you could get a minute or so of warm water. By Monday evening, this technique resulted in more screaming than warm water.

Anyway as we went out Monday morning, and turned onto Millstone (main escape route from the digs) we saw the most beautiful sign in the world (besides “bathrooms, next exit”) :



Then another beautiful sight



And more



At that point we didn’t question why or how, we just were happy to see them. On one trip back to the digs, MFO was at the head of the line waiting to use the one lane open to traffic. A workman was standing there with a computer so she figured he would know, and asked the most popular question: “sooooo, when do you think we might have power?”. He replied that he “hoped” by this evening.. cautiously optimistic..

Monday evening our Rotary club held a little life rememberance for our friend and fellow Rotarian Kirk MacKinnon, and when we left for that around five, the power people were still working. When the service was over around eight or so, we grabbed some of the leftovers from the little buffet for a “dinner” at home. Tension was building the closer we got to Millstone Landing road, no power trucks in sight, and we were disappointed to see dark houses. So once again, raise the damn garage door by hand, stumble around in the house, find the candles, and I used the remaining precious ice cubes packed away to make a couple of drinks, broke out the chili con queso, seared ahi tuna, spinach dip, and sat down on the screened in porch to a little candlelight buffet of our own.



Trying to maintain a positive attitude toward SMECO and the “hopefully” statement of the guy with the computer, aided by flashlights we retired to bed, and then in the glow from the lights on the Solomon’s we drifted off to sleep..

And then, and then, sometime around 11:00 I was awakened by something, sort of lifted the lids, looked around and thought “Damn it, we left some light on” Then the brain reluctantly began to work and it hit me….Wait a minute!! Holy (expletive deleted)!! We got POWER!! And indeed we did. Clocks blinking, fans rotating, the unmistakable noise of air coming through ducting, and all the other signs of a healthy house. It was over.

And I hasten to add that although we were without power from Saturday night through Monday night, there still are many, many, people who are without electric, and some with trees in the attic. So, all we are is grateful, and hope we are joined by everyone soon..

It’s a strange thing about these situations. I’m not saying it is a benefit to have no power and trees strewn about the landscape, but somehow it induces a sense of community. With nothing much to keep you inside, you go out in the yard, actually TALK to your neighbor instead of texting them, help them pick up, sweep some and share the experience. And with no A/C and open windows, the insulation between you and the outdoors is removed and you hear things! And without cable/internet/TV you can find this thing called a book, and read it (maybe by candlelight). Or just talk between you. While there is no doubt that our “modern conveniences” makes one more comfortable, there are things that shouldn’t change regardless of the weather.

So, Irene has gone away, but she left an indelible mark on lives and property, and a reminder of the tremendous power of nature. We are nothing.

We wish the best to those who are still in distress, and tomorrow will begin looking forward instead of backward. There are some notable food things to relate. And a new drive to

DFD

If you see this today (Friday) don’t forget Leonardtown will continue the First Friday tradition tonight. MFO and I are planning on attending.