Come Stitch With Me

Yesterday, I got a taste of what it’s like to be without power for a few hours. Apparently, there was a major traffic accident near my home involving a power pole and a big transformer box at the corner intersection. Everything fell eerily still and silent. No blinking lights, no attempts to restart the power like it normally does during a power outage. It took almost 5 hours before power was finally restored.

Due to the rain and cloud cover, the house was dark mid-afternoon. I had a small flashlight, candles and matches readily available, plus my cell phone, which was only about 1/2 way charged. On my to-do list for yesterday was to buy D batteries for the other flashlights and radio, plus charge up my Daylight lamp and small portable battery bank.

I took care of all that last night and this morning – plus removed yard ornaments, cushions and secured other things that might go flying in heavy winds. Home Depot and nearby retail stores were out of D batteries, but I managed to snag some at a CVS a few miles away. I have my books, word search, playing cards and handwork (embroidery/EPP) ready to go. Water and non-perishable snacks are ready. The 10′ ladder is in the garage waiting to prop up the garage door in case I need to get out when there’s no power. I’ll finish up all the laundry this afternoon, take a hot shower and wash and blow dry my hair. All in case the power is out for an extended period of time after the storm.

The weather forecasts are all over the map. It’s hard to know exactly who to believe. The storm is estimated to come ashore anywhere from a Cat 2 to Cat 5 hurricane. The forecaster I trust the most is calling for a Cat 3 hurricane at landfall closer to Cedar Key. We’ll still get rain and wind, but the worst of it will be east of I-85 – on the other side of town from where I live. I hope he’s right. Anyhow, I’m planning to hunker down in the basement with Sadie for the night. We’ll deal with whatever we need to once the storm passes.

Stay safe out there!