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Journal 4 Page 1 • 2 • 3 • 4 
December, 2004 An Old-fashioned "Shiver-ee" Like the pioneers, we fought the elements over Christmas. It all began on the 23rd, about 2:00 a.m., when we were awakened by the wind howling and limbs, encased in ice, cracking and falling around our property. When the power went out, I knew we would be in for the long haul. I'm a former Boy Scout and I like to "be prepared." So I quickly inventoried our flashlights and candles and pulled out the most important tool that would get us through the next five days, a machine flown down by the angels, my Honda generator.Unlike many who had to flee to their relatives to stay warm, we were able to stay in our home because of this electricity-maker. Hooked directly to our furnace, the generator enabled us to have heat, at least on and off, for the duration. Two lines ran out of the generator: one went downstairs which I'd alternate between the furnace and freezer, a few hours for each. The upstairs line alternated between the pond pump, the TV and a table lamp. We strung one of our lines across the street to help a neighbor keep warm the first night, until he was able to make it on his own. My senses were heightened. The noise from our generator, placed under the opened garage door, and the other generators thumping down our abandoned street added a surreal touch. I never realized how welcome light can be. Our reading lamp at night was a godsend; and in the morning, how special it was when the sun rose and lit up the house! On Christmas eve we were still able to cook a meal on our gas stove and hold a fun-filled family party by candlelight and fireplace. On Christmas morning, the shih tzus, warm in their knit sweaters, were on the couch, while the temperature outside plummeted to sub-zero. Here are some things I learned about the cold and how to deal with it: 1) Bundled up with coat, hat, and gloves, one can withstand freezing temperatures in the house for about two hours. 2) Heat isn't needed overnight. 3) A lit candle in a small inside room, such as a half bath, will not only light the room, but heat it comfortably too. 4) The TV was good for our morale, as was turning on our Christmas tree occasionally. Sitting around the fire, we had visions of being back in the log cabin of one of our ancestors; but the Tsunami that hit on Dec. 26, in the midst of our ordeal, put everything in perspective. Who were we to complain?
© 2009 Mark the Storyteller Reynoldsburg, Ohio |