Snowed In!

This was the view out of my window late last Sunday morning, just before the power went out.  Power was already out down the road in Pine Mountain Club and there were reports of dangerous roads cluttered with fallen tree limbs and debris.  The power on our street failed shortly after the girls and I attempted to dig a path to our car (I had the silly idea, that maybe we'd bail and go stay with my parents in warmer climes).  But there was no way -- roads weren't plowed and the van was already pretty deeply buried.  Soaking wet, we came back in and I jumped in the shower.  Mid-shampoo, the lights went out in my windowless bathroom.  I was lucky.... as standing in water is not the ideal place to be when electricity is going haywire.  Our power failed when a heavily snow-laden tree limb across the street broke and fell on several wires.   

Little did I know that would be the beginning of three days with no power -- and no heat.  This summer we are definitely getting a wood burning stove!  Between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning we got another few feet of snow and a neighborhood littered with fallen tree limbs.  This was soggy, HEAVY snow.  

Being without power/heat for 3 days was definitely an adventure and one I would likely have enjoyed a bit more if I hadn't already been sick with a pretty severe head cold and having to scramble to get substitutes for all the classes I teach.  Still, it was charming to see the dome lit by candles and sip hot tea, while huddled cozily under our blankets.  The best part by far was the amazing heroes who helped us out.  Primary among these was my wonderful brother, Dave.  Who drove up here in his 4-wheel drive truck to bring us supplies and help me dig out.  He worked awfully hard and I'll be forever grateful.  The girls have always adored their uncle, but the loving way he came through for us will be forever etched in their memories and mine!  Our neighbors too were truly generous -- helping us try to start our generator and when it wouldn't work, letting us run a cord to theirs to power our space heater.  We only got this set up toward the very end, but it was when we needed it most.  

We also had fun with friends and thoroughly enjoyed visits with neighbors who shared our plight.  All in all, it's been a memorable week.  The girls didn't do a page of school work -- but they learned so much!