When the morning rolled around, we started our routine by flashlight. I hoped that power was out at work too, but that was not to be. I called my early to rise coworker at his office, and he answered his phone. Chainwhip's boss called and told him to stay at home, his office didn't have power... that lucky dog. So off I went to work while Chainwhip cared for the baby in our powerless condo. Good thing we have a bunch of jarred baby food in the pantry.
The trip to work went smoothly. Not many people were out and about, so the uncontrolled intersections moved along quickly. The trip back was not the same story. The streets were packed with cars that were slowly advancing through these unpowered intersections. Once I crossed over the highway though, traffic lights were on and stores were open! I thought maybe Imhave power at home! But a block from my condo, the lights were out.
When I returned home, we decided to venture outside by foot to grab some grub. The Chinese restaurant was stuffed to the gills with hungry patrons, so we backtracked to Subway where I waited at least 45 minutes for our one 12" sandwich and a couple of chocolate milks. Chainwhip fed the baby while I stood in line. I felt like I was in bizzaro Russia.
We spent the rest of our daylight at home playing with the baby and lamenting the fact that I hadn't done laundry the day before. When darkness fell, we lit our tea candles and lived by the flickering flames. For me, this is the fun part about blackouts, living by candle light. Before I got my cats, I used candles all the time, but Titus is a strange one and use to paw at the flame. My cat book told me that the cat will learn his lesson and stay away from candles, but my cat would singe the hairs on his paws and whiskers :( Nothing smells worse than burning hair.
After putting the baby to bed, I cooked up some mac 'n cheese with tuna on our gas stove and opened a can of green beans. Weezley2 came by with Monopoly and we pummeled Chainwhip... by candlelight. I declared Weezley2 winner when it was way past my bedtime and we had burned through at least one set of tea candles.
At about 6:30am Saturday morning the power returned, and we heard our neighbors shout yay! The
first thing I said was... awww, the fun is over.
All kidding aside, we were really comfortable during our day of no electricity. We have a gas stove and a gas fireplace, and one day is more than bearable. Some of our friends are still without power, so please pray that the electricity workers will have a smooth night and will be able to move quickly through the communities. Darkness and coldness is dangerous for those of us who are use to our light and warmth.
