If there was any question that it was winter time in Arkansas, all doubt was laid to rest this past week as freezing rain pounded the northern half of the state icing all the trees and timber as well as the utility lines. The precip started about 6 o'clock Monday night and the icy drizzle lasted over 30 hours. We lost electricity Tuesday night about 6:00 and were without for 71 hours. We had lights about 5 o'clock Friday night. School was out the remainder of the week.The world almost stops without 
electricity. We take it for granted until it isn't there. I don't know how many times I reached for the light switch simply out of habit. There were no land phones, cable, or internet as power lines were down. Of course, there wasn't any need to be concerned over cable since the TV didn't have electrical power anyway. (Double whammy if you will.) Many households were cold without alternate sources of heat and what do you eat without a stove to cook on just to mention a few of the dilemmas.
electricity. We take it for granted until it isn't there. I don't know how many times I reached for the light switch simply out of habit. There were no land phones, cable, or internet as power lines were down. Of course, there wasn't any need to be concerned over cable since the TV didn't have electrical power anyway. (Double whammy if you will.) Many households were cold without alternate sources of heat and what do you eat without a stove to cook on just to mention a few of the dilemmas.
We actually faired quite well at our house considering all things. We have a wood burning insert so we could stay warm. A generator is a staple in Collin's shop and he had the gas cans filled with reserves ready for which time there would be a need. It's wonderful to be married to a man who has these kinds of toys, stays in a state of preparedness and almost looks forward to the time that he can utilize these power tools. I have my own version of "Tim, the Toolman", and what a lucky gal I am. We cooked on a gas grill, made breakfast on a griddle, and dined on cuisine from the crockpot. We made coffee daily and shared meals with my mom and dad.
We did not get off totally unscathed. We lost a large amount of tree limbs
and had a tree fall over on Collin's shop doing some roof damage. And yet, for all the havoc caused by the ice storm, there was also so much beauty. The landscape was glistening in white, silvery crystals and everywhere we looked, the scenery was incredible. I happened to snap a few photos. I also had time to enjoy some magazines and since Riceland had no power, Collin was home as well. Bryan was in and out as even ASU experienced difficulties.
and had a tree fall over on Collin's shop doing some roof damage. And yet, for all the havoc caused by the ice storm, there was also so much beauty. The landscape was glistening in white, silvery crystals and everywhere we looked, the scenery was incredible. I happened to snap a few photos. I also had time to enjoy some magazines and since Riceland had no power, Collin was home as well. Bryan was in and out as even ASU experienced difficulties.We've had quite a busy weekend. Needless to say, our yard was a mess and the cleanup began. I hadn't planned on yard work until late March and had planned on some leisurely Saturdays,
but that isn't likely to be the case. We will be cleaning Mom and Dad's yard as well as Collin's mom and dad's yard next Saturday. Many people in our area are still without electricity and do not have a promise of when to expect it. Many schools remain closed. We didn't have church today because there is no electricity in that area of the city. That is a first for me; I can't remember a time of not going to Sunday services because of power failures. I will be going back to school tomorrow and I must confess that I've become spoiled to being home.
In light of the weekend cleanup, I'm quite experienced in hauling limbs, racking, and burning debris. If you need a yard woman, just give a call.
Marcia
No comments:
Post a Comment