True Grit

The “Wichita Linemen” (homage to Glen Campbell in the 1969 True Grit) were here this evening. It’s two degrees above zero right now and we’ve had no power for the past couple of hours. Usually I turn on the “fire” aka “heatilator” for 10-15 minutes to take the chill off and have the heat set at 68 degrees.

I’d just finished baking a partial ham, par-boiling and sauteeing some organic potatoes and zucchini when the power went out. We’ve three candles and tea light vessels, a bag of replacement tea lights, a lighter, Jim’s “miner’s lamp” for grilling and late-night walks with the dog and one more thing in our favor, the fireplace was ON.

There is no way to turn the fireplace on except by electricity. Once on, it’s gas. So the downstairs was warm. The power came back on about 15 minutes ago and I’m keeping the fire going for a while until I know it won’t go off again.

Let’s see, at five degrees I wouldn’t be overly concerned about keeping food fresh. I’d conserve cell phone batteries and make sure I could top them up in the car. Luckily we both have full tanks and cars in good repair. We’ve enough winter clothing to withstand nearly anything. It was so cold this morning that I wore ski pants to walk the dog. Then I wore silk long undies under my clothes most of the day, even inside.

I wouldn’t be so concerned about the dog, as she has so much undercoat that it sheds everywhere and she still has enough. The pipes would freeze, of course. That would put a damper on things.

So it’s good to know that the power company cared just a bit about the 2,200 of us who were without power for several hours this evening. Jim and I had a romantic candle-lit dinner and now I get to write this! It’s always an adventure living here. May you not be at two degrees and lose all your electricity. One thing, we did not panic and had a nice dinner. Cheers, Dee