The lights are ON!!

Woohoo!!  It took 8 days but I finally have my power back after Hurricane Irene!!  Fortunately my home, property and family all weathered the storm just fine, but a couple of trees just down the road took out the power lines and we've been living out of a cooler and by the light of our glow sticks all week.  My dear hubby was away on business until the last couple days, and once he was home it did not take him long to agree that we finally need to get a generator - especially after listening to the sound of all four neighbors running theirs, lol! 

My daughter and I had a pretty good routine down after the first couple days and the hardest part was just wondering each day how much longer it would be before the lights came back on.  I kept my sense of humor through most of the days, which was definitely much easier once I accepted that I lost everything left in the fridge and freezer.  On the up side, I don't think it's ever been so sparkly clean! 

I did learn a few things this week and I thought I'd share my top 10 bits of wisdom:

1. Whirlpool tubs hold just enough water to flush toilets for 3 people for a week.
2. Always keep the bathroom door closed to keep out those curious kitties who think they are bathtub lifeguards for your precious water.
3. Glow sticks are priceless.
4. A frozen gallon jug stays frozen in a cooler for 5 days.
5. Never display your daughter's artwork on the fridge door under the ice maker - it leaks when cubes melt.
6. Cold water does not rinse shampoo.
7. The sun on my deck warms a jug of water in 4 hours to a comfy bath temp.
8. Leaf rake nets for your pool are a miracle tool.
9. It is possible to cook a grilled cheese sandwich on my BBQ grill without burning it.
10. Car chargers ROCK!

Around my town I saw utility trucks from Canada, Florida and Kentucky working on our lines and trees.  I get choked up thinking how these folks came so far to help us out, and I admit I did hang out my car window a few times as I passed by waving and shouting "Thank You!!" to them.

I've been so disconnected this week without any news or internet or phone, but the bits and pieces of reports that I've managed to see so far showing Irene's path from the east coast up to New Hampshire are unbelievable.  My thoughts are with all those who are still recovering from the damage or waiting for the lights to turn back on, big {hugs} to you all!

I'm looking forward to catching up on all my emails and blogs that I follow and getting back to crafting.  I've missed my peeps so much!!

Thanks for letting me babble!