The boys were awesome and really never complained. They have always played well together since during our homeschooling days that's what they did. Immediately when the lights went out they pulled out some board games and came up with their own super game using RISK, Monopoly, High Bid, Masterpiece and money from several others. Every time I would work through the room I'd overhear negotiations for stocks, shares, trades, and auctions. It was hilarious. After a couple days of this elaborate super game they moved into Lego mode and created a city on the coffee table and beyond. In between they would go out and help bring in wood for the wood burning heater and snow to melt for various uses.
Christmas morning there was no present opening. For their combined gift Rob and I decided to get them a gaming computer that they had been asking for. It was my intention to purchase a few small gifts the Monday before Christmas as well, but when the world came to a halt on Sunday, that was no longer an option or a concern. The computer did get delivered on the Eve by a dedicated UPS delivery person who marched up our driveway since they couldn't drive through due to tree branches over the driveway and power line but it was not put to use for days later. The boys were happy just knowing they had one coming. They also made some great choices in their gifts they bought for me and Rob which we opened a little early since they got a super flashlight for their Dad that was very handy in the power outage.
My favorite gift was a pair of new frying pans that got some great use quite quickly. Thankfully I had just gotten the propane stove hooked up in the "extra" kitchen so we were able to cook even without electricity, we strategically made our way through all leftovers in the fridge then worked on the items in the regular freezer. The items in the stock freezer we left snuggled together as long as possible then when it was cold enough we transferred things to outside receptacles and packed ziplock bags filled with ice around stuff. In the end we didn't lose much food but note to self, next year do more canning than freezing!
The entire experience was also an awakening for the hubby and I to get back on track with our preparedness but being self sufficient in desperate times such as these. The list has begun on what to upgrade for next year, if not before, definitely need a new kerosene heater, fix the generator, make sure there is always a supply of batteries, flashlights, candles and matches readily available, keep jugs of water around (we usually have a couple milk jugs full and on top of the kitchen cabinets), and work on the wood supply. That surely shouldn't be a problem since we will be cleaning up branches until September!
I must say I sort of enjoyed the cooking during the power out, I used all the good stuff from our garden that I put in the freezer, we had locally raised meat, lots of herbs to work with, and plenty of baking supplies. After the power came back on we got out into the world for a spell, did some grocery shopping and grabbed mostly fruits and veggies to cook with. None to soon because 2014 began with a good snow storm that had everybody holed up again. During the blizzard that followed the ice storm I got creative with a can of Hershey's Special Dark cocoa and made chocolate cake from scratch, gourmet hot cocoa, and fudgy brownies, all were fabulous. When you have the time and there is no option to go anywhere it is amazing how creative and resourceful you can be. Thankfully power stayed on when the temperatures dropped to nearly 15 below zero!
Holiday break was extended by three days and the kids finally got on the bus this morning although it was negative nine degrees while we shivered in my van that just didn't want to warm up, waiting for the bus to arrive. The whole experience of the past couple weeks has brought back the original inspiration for moving out here in the first place, to live more sustainably and at some point off the grid. As with so many things some times life gets in the way and since Rob was gone so much for work and I was involved with kid and community activities those goals seemed to fall by the wayside. Hopefully this year we can start moving back toward that direction.
Who knows what the future holds, I'm happy to take each day as it comes and be grateful to have another day to be surprised. I can tell you a few things on the horizon. Winter activities for the boys include Robotics (Fox is on FRC Team 3535 and Ben on rookie Team 5201), Fox is also continuing with Model U.N., Ethan will be doing some more Forensic tournaments and is auditioning for a youth rock band tomorrow called 3rd Degree Burns (he's auditioning for singer and will be learning bass). All the boys will soon begin counselor training as well and work at the 4H camp in July. Rob began getting calls and emails from clients yesterday which is a good sign life is beginning again in his industry. Me, I will continue my role as Vice President and Acting President for the Lapeer County Concert Choir, Chair of the 4H Camp Committee focusing the next couple months on recruiting counselors by doing presentations at NHS meetings in various area high schools, and also working to get a resurge of volunteers for the 4H Feeds Families Committee which the boys have agreed to help with as well. Rob and I are also registered as mentors for the robotics teams and will be at as many build sessions as possible.
Here's wishing you a peaceful and prosperous 2014. Remember don't sweat the small stuff, and it's all small stuff.
