Are you power—full, or are you, like me, power--less?

Anyone wonder where I've been lately?  It’s going on the fourth day with no power.  I have developed a new respect for my ancestors who somehow, without power managed to live, love and work. 

The crazy but quick storm that whipped through the state of Virginia Friday night left a trail of power—less devastation. The real kicker is that on my street only 10 houses remain without power.  While I walk around with a candle like Martha Washington, the Washington family 3 doors down are enjoying air conditioning and home cooked meals. Now that is adding insult to injury.  We all know I’m not a fan of summer.  Heat and humidity drains me to the core.  Heat and humidity in excess of 100 degrees makes me very disagreeable, especially when there is no reprieve.

I shouldn’t complain.  We are one of the lucky ones who are in possession of a portable generator.  Yes, it sounds like it is about to explode but it does keep a fridge and freezer from turning its contents into a stinking mass of inedible garbage.  Ice is pretty much as valuable around here as gold.  Gas stations are running out of gas and since most traffic lights are out, driving anywhere turns into a game of chicken.

For those who are blessed with a power—full life this is what the other half is dealing with:

Getting dressed in the dark

No hair dryers, curling irons or other power based items of beatification.

Taking showers that freeze you to the core one second only to feel as if you need another one as soon as you step out. (Guess I should be glad I don’t have a well or I would be bathing in the creek.)

Foggy brain activity from lack of sleep--yes, I glued the nail caps I usually put on my cat to my own finger, and walked out of a Bob Evan’s bathroom with toilet paper attached to my shoes.

Feeling as if you live in Disney World since the lines are a mile long…only problem is there is no Jungle Cruise at the end of the line.

Sub-par restaurant breakfast, lunch and dinners

Internet wherever one can get it whenever one can get it

Candles are not just for mood lighting anymore

Burning need for coffee—and lots of it

Being lulled to a semi-fitful-sleep by the roar of portable generators

No room at the Inn

Ice is nice and no one has any

Hopefully although the power companies aren’t talking (and I am one of those annoying people who fruitlessly call every single day) they are admitting that everyone will be power—full by the weekend.

Keeping my fingers crossed, heck my eyes, my legs, anything I can cross. 

2-hour line to the landfill where one can dispose of debris and spoiled food