Just because it's late, doesn't make it less true

I have carried the seeds for this post with me for a few weeks now, but until now have not had, or made the time to actually commit it to a post. A few weeks ago the Virginia, DC, Maryland section of the country was buried under about 20 inches of snow that mere weeks later were followed by two back-to-back winter storms. The government closed for almost a week, drivers were encouraged to stay off the roads and even the Washington transit system came to a grinding halt due to snow.

We were lucky in that we both made it home before the weather hit and therefore were safe. We did, however, lose power. For 5 days. Our house is all electric, so no power means no water, no heat, no nothing. We were not unprepared, we keep some camping gear in the house, so we were able to cook and we had back-up lights. We do have a small propane heater, but it is designed to heat a small tent, not a house. We have a fairly well stocked pantry with food and water stores, as well as candles, paper products and some additional pet supplies. We knew there were two big items still missing from the emergency preparedness plan, an emergency radio and supplemental heat. We had wisely left the cars on the bottom of the hill, so after two days, we managed to drive to town and arrange for a propane heater and the radio. Overall, I give us good marks for preparedness. We will improve a few things in case of future problems, but the start is made.

What really came out of this experience though, was a reaffirmation that my husband and I are very well suited to each other and make an excellent team. Neither one of us got frustrated, whiny or pissed and quite frankly we had a pretty good time throughout the whole experience. We worked together, made things as comfortable as possible, played games, read and did our chores. I'm not sure I'd want to repeat the experience anytime soon, but it is good to confirm yet again that my life partner and I are one the same frequency.