Nature, more particularly Hurricane Irene, spent the weekend under the belief that she could best a couple of misfits known as my parents, and I personally found the results to be hilarious.
For those who don't know them, my parents are not completely out of place people who don't know how to operate in this world. Between them they do own a cell phone (one) and at one point they had a satellite dish - they have traveled the world and made it back to Kingston USA in one piece, and they are not incapable or subjects of anyone's pity. They just bought kayaks, and they'll explore that Jones River for the next few dozen years like they are a couple of Lewis & Clark's, except they won't bring the President back a few Grizzly Bears (L&C really did that! They lived caged on the White House lawn for Jefferson's enjoyment).
But as "in the now" as they are, there is an equal part of them that wishes for a world of no electricity, an existence that offers as much challenge and consequence as one that offers reclining chairs and the internet. They don't long for the good old days like the 1960's, they long for the good old days of the 1690's, and it's one thing that gave my sister and I a great deal of comfort when they remained powerless and out of touch for a few days.
If any 2 people took Irene's punches and never hit the mat, it's them, and the below email from my mom today is living proof of that.
Keep punching, Irene, Katia, or whoever you may send next. My parents won't hit back, but they won't go down easy, either.
From the words of Paula Fisher:
Electricity came on during the night. This is what we learned while experiencing the inconveniences of Irene:
- We’re old enough to know how to light a gas stove with a match.
- E-Garage doors can be opened manually (but that may mean an electrician will be needed to make it an e-door again.)
- Rain Barrels with the lid not on could (and did) cause a squirrel death in the Ahdeenah section of Kingston L
- When there are no street lights there are more than just Orion’s Belt, and the Big & Little Dippers visible in the night sky
- We actually have ambulatory neighbors (We had thought perhaps they were disabled and could only get from one place to another in cars)
- Neighborhood generators make for an annoying mosquito-like hum/buzz if you don’t have one
- I can go without coffee for two days and not even realize I have
- Rules to games like rummy and gin rummy are not like riding a bicycle, you don’t remember, but as long as you agree to make them up as you go along it’s OK.
- Houses look really warm and inviting from the outside when lit with candlelight
- Since hurricanes usually happen in the summer and Masterpiece (Theatre, Mystery, Classic) are all repeats it’s OK if you miss one
- Having an unexpected day off cuz your company has no power is a really cool surprise and can be very productive
- And finally, it’s worth getting your yard raked, and decorative accouterments back in place even though Katia may be on her way next week
