Big Winds...

The Power's Out

“And God said, 'Let there be light' and there was light, but the Electricity Board said He would have to wait until Thursday to be connected.”

Spike Milligan

The power is out this morning. A storm during the night kept Liza woofing and me awake. Limbs from brittle old oaks smacked against the window like bony ghosts begging for entry. Now the street is littered with broken branches, leaves and garbage can lids ripped from cans and flung like Frisbees across the street. Having the power out reminds me once again how dependent we are on being connected twenty-four-seven. I briefly contemplated getting into the car and heading to the nearest coffee shop, The Red Cat, for both coffee and free Wi-Fy. Are we spoiled or what?

We have a lot of wind here; it would be a great place for wind turbines, though the tornadoes would probably yank them up and slam them down in Georgia. Solar panels would work here, too. In summer, panels on my roof alone could power up the whole neighborhood. As we are transitioning from winter to spring, tornado season is two weeks away. Given what the rest of the US has endured this winter, the relentless snow and now, both flooding and drought, we can hardly complain. Tornadoes are spectacular in their destructive power, but at least they come and go.

There is a field of lavender crocus in my front yard. And the jonquils are just about to pop their pale green casings. I don't think winter's over, but it's in its death throes. We anticipate spring here like a bride her wedding day. It can't come soon enough for us “warm-bloods”. As much as I have enjoyed watching the Winter Olympics, not one single cell in my body wants to spend five minutes on snow and ice. Six hours a day—every day—please! Just let me sweat!

Wherever you are today, I hope you aren't shoveling snow, or sliding on ice. I hope this day holds for you the promise of spring, of warmth and sunny blue skies. Just as I finished that sentence, the power buzzed and then the heat came on. Thank God—and Alabama Power! As we like to say around here, “Have a blessed day!” whatever that means:(

                   In the Spirit (and the power),

                       Jane