At least four times this year (2008) we’ve had substantial power outages due to weather. This summer had us throwing out food after a three day stint with 90-plus degree heat.
Now just days after Christmas, my wife, four year old and I, are hotel bound once again as a low pressure system steam rolled through Michigan. Not just any low pressure system but one that initially brought unseasonably warm temps and wind gusts topping 60 mph. Not hurricane strength but enough to snap those big old oak limbs which in turn sever power lines.  Temps today have dropped back to the freezing point and the house – with no water, heat or light – is now in the low 50′s.  No water =  No flushy.  Hence the hotel.  Reports of 350,000 businesses and homes  without power warranted utility crews from as far away as Tennessee to assist Detroit Edison in the restoration of electricity.

Fortunately I’m ‘on holiday’ until January 5th, so I don’t have to deal with getting ready for work in the morning and can help in keeping our toddler preoccupied. My wife reminded me this morning that I should stop taking vacations, as the last time I did we were without power also.

If I don’t update this post rest easy that I can for now,  take flush a crap, brush my teeth AND get on the internet to blog.

What power-outage stories do you have?

[Update: 12/29 - Back at home.  Son went to every light switch turning on the lights and saying, "Look!  We have powers now!"]

This was a brown out. Worse than a blackout for some. Light bulbs barely glow, appliances can be damaged by low voltage and you have to keep everything off as IF it was a black out. All of this started me thinking about the pros and cons of our situation.  I think that if anyone is going to bitch about something, they should spend the same energy thinking about how it can be a positive experience too.

Cons. Apart from what is mentioned above:

1. No computer, no blog.
2. It gets cold.
3. No Rose Parade
4. No Football
5. No videos for the 3 year old.
6. No stove/microwave
7. It was the last day of vacation before heading back to work.
8. It gets dark really fast.

Now for the Pros:

1. I sat and read a book.
2. Beer still stays cold on the porch.
3. We all went out and played in the snow.
4. It makes me grateful for the old fashioned kerosene hurricane lamps.
5. It reminds me of camping when you cook outside with your camp pots over a gas grill.
6. I played several games of Gin Rummy with my wife. (and lost)
7. You realize why you keep all of those candles and batteries around.
8. You’re still able to wash your hands and flush the toilet.

So as you can tell, I kept a positive attitude overall. Here’s a picture of my kid with rosy cheeks just before his first official snowball fight – which he started. Don’t be fooled by the innocent look.

How did you spend your first day of 2008?