Power Strokes
What would you do all day with no electric power?
I had the chance to find out.
Yesterday, Tropical Storm Hermine visited San Antonio on its trek inland. It explored the Missions, the Riverwalk. SeaWorld, of course. On it's way out of town, it knocked out our power.
This occurred sometime around noon - maybe 11:30 or so.
No big deal.
I had a few things to do that didn't require the computer. Lunch time came and went. I read. The soggy, windy weather meant the doggies and I stayed inside for the most part. They did venture off the patio and onto the grass a few times.
I read some more. Then - this is a secret ... don't tell a soul. I dusted. Ssssshhhh.
Dinner time. Live-In Handyman lived up to his name and grilled salmon in the rain. I provided the salad, and we dined al fresco on the patio.
Darkness fell and still no power.
"Now I know why all the old families had so many kids."
"It's only eight-thirty."
Time passed.
"I guess I'll go to bed."
"I'm not anywhere near sleepy."
"It's dark." Live-In Handyman climbed the stairs, light from his flashlight making eerie shadows on the walls.
I switched on a flashlight and opened a book. When I was reading the second page, the power flashed on. Appliances whirred to life. Ceiling fans woke up. A light in the kitchen winked on. I heard footsteps while I reset the oven and microwave clocks.
"Was that the power?"
No. I just found a 100-watt flashlight. "Yup."
"Good. I need to check my email."
I'm thankful we live in a time after Thomas Edison. Otherwise we would have very little that makes our lives easier today. Otherwise Live-In Handyman would've helped create a whole huge flock of Little Live-Ins.
How about you? Would you do well living in an earlier time period?
I had the chance to find out.
Yesterday, Tropical Storm Hermine visited San Antonio on its trek inland. It explored the Missions, the Riverwalk. SeaWorld, of course. On it's way out of town, it knocked out our power.
This occurred sometime around noon - maybe 11:30 or so.
No big deal.
I had a few things to do that didn't require the computer. Lunch time came and went. I read. The soggy, windy weather meant the doggies and I stayed inside for the most part. They did venture off the patio and onto the grass a few times.
I read some more. Then - this is a secret ... don't tell a soul. I dusted. Ssssshhhh.
Dinner time. Live-In Handyman lived up to his name and grilled salmon in the rain. I provided the salad, and we dined al fresco on the patio.
Darkness fell and still no power.
"Now I know why all the old families had so many kids."
"It's only eight-thirty."
Time passed.
"I guess I'll go to bed."
"I'm not anywhere near sleepy."
"It's dark." Live-In Handyman climbed the stairs, light from his flashlight making eerie shadows on the walls.
I switched on a flashlight and opened a book. When I was reading the second page, the power flashed on. Appliances whirred to life. Ceiling fans woke up. A light in the kitchen winked on. I heard footsteps while I reset the oven and microwave clocks.
"Was that the power?"
No. I just found a 100-watt flashlight. "Yup."
"Good. I need to check my email."
I'm thankful we live in a time after Thomas Edison. Otherwise we would have very little that makes our lives easier today. Otherwise Live-In Handyman would've helped create a whole huge flock of Little Live-Ins.
How about you? Would you do well living in an earlier time period?
Comments
Twenty-five years ago, I'd have been fine living in an earlier time period, but it was about that time I started working with computers. Now, even a couple hours without power makes me crazy. No computer is akin to being cut off from the rest of the world.
I used to romanticize the 1800s and 1900s, now, not so much. I go nuts when I lose internet connection. When the power goes out for X reason, I don't know what to do with myself. So yes, I'm glad I grew up knowing what electricity was ;)
I wouldn't do well in a time before electricity (or the internet), but I'd be well-rested.
The power went out for 3 days once from a hurricane here and I lost a few of my marbles, I think. :)
Hmmm. I would be in trouble, especially with no flashlight to read.
Maybe dream...pray...
GREAT POST!
Claudia - I've never much wanted to live earlier except once in school when I had a crush on a much older boy :)
Laura - I know. Impossible to believe, even now.
Patti - I've heard 'dark-thirty', too.
We've lost power a few times due to hurricanes. Boring without electricity. Also very hot and humid!
CD
Jan - I really missed the internet. And TV. I wanted news. And, of course, the fridge. I'm also thankful it wasn't hot - only mid 70s - which is about 20 degrees cooler than normal for this time of year.
Alex - Two peas in a pod :)
Jennifer - On the other hand, I had a perfect excuse for not vacuuming!
Clarissa - Yes, addicted. But didn't miss it before it came along.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
I like my technology though and while I might enjoy a little time off once in a while, I couldn't have lived in earlier times. =D
I think their mindset in that day and age was different. They didn't have what we have and what they didn't have they couldn't miss, but us on the other hand, well, we stand at a loss when the power goes out.
Of course, there's playing cards by candle light. That's always fun. You can use cookies for money or coupons. Oreos are worth more than shortbread by the way.
I laughed out loud at "Otherwise Live-In Handyman would've helped create a whole huge flock of Little Live-Ins."
Glad you survived.
I don't think I could go *back* in time and be a good sport about it. :)
If it takes a hurricane to do it again, well...on second thought...no hurricane, but it was worth the day.
RaShelle - I like my technology, too.
Nikole - Of course Oreos are worth more...they're chocolate :)
Words Crafter - Me, too!
Elizabeth/Riley - If I went to bed at 8, I'd be up at 2. I don't think I'd be a good sport either.
Gretchen - I think a day of your choosing makes it different. Like going camping.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Arlee - I agree. We don't know what we're capable of until we have to do it.
Yes, we can adapt, but we're a spoiled lot and expect our food to get trucked in on schedule and our water to be safe. I still believe in being as prepared as I was back in hurricane country, even though I now live in Colorado. You never know.
Patricia
No, I would not have wanted to live in an earlier time before electricity, indoor plumbing, central heat & a/c, and computers (okay, I was around before computers came on-scene, but don't want to go back).
Helen
Helen - Oh yeah...indoor plumbing! And what is it with those dust bunnies?
I don't know how people did it.
But, I do love writing on stormy days. (If I know a storm is coming, I make sure I charge my macbook's battery all the way.) Even if it means pen and paper. I guess the moody weather inspires my writing.
Glad you have power.
Oh, and my daughter was born in Sept.--we have big snow storms. ;)
Diane - I hope I never have to find out :) Thanks for commenting here at the Tiki Hut.