A few weeks ago I had some new neighbors move in and while I don't know them very well I did decide to ask if I could run an extension cord so I could at least plug in the fridge, charge the phones, etc. The woman was very understanding and immediately said she didn't mind at all. I told her I would gladly give her $20 for the electric for the night. She said she didn't want any money and was more than glad to help. I am thinking a box of cards as a thank you is in order for sure!
Since we couldn't cook I took the kids out to dinner and then to Walmart for some batteries for one of the camping lanterns. We also stopped at Goodwill and looked around a bit and then buy Autozone for a headlight lamp for the van. After returning home to a dark house we lit some candles and put the batteries in the lantern. Shiane had her Kindle already charged so she spent time reading a book. Chuck was able to get his homework done and then he and I watched a movie. Most nights all three of us are in separate rooms doing our own things but last night was different since we had to be contained to one area of the house and it was nice spending some time with them. I am thinking it might be a nice thing to have the electric go out a few nights a month.
It's amazing how we take things for granted so much, especially electricity. It reminded me of a simpler time of when I was growing up and we didn't have cable TV, cell phones, laptops or any other electronic devices and the family spent time together eating dinner and watching TV. It definitely made me think "those were the good ol days".
Hopefully the electrician will be here soon and get the problem all resolved and I will be restored to full power. In the meantime I am thankful for having those few hours to spend with the kids just enjoying each other's company.
There is definitely something very peaceful about turning off all our gadgets and just being together. As a Floridian, I've had my share of powerless times (2 weeks, 3 times) and while it got really old not having hot water or the ability to cook, the evenings spent reading by the lantern light were very cozy and nice. Maybe you should just declare a no lights/no tv night once a month. hugs, eileen
ReplyDeleteDuring Hurricane Ike we were without power for 9 days - it sure makes you realize how much you depended on the electricity and that you really can do without it for a while. I hope your power is back up soon, though.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, I've been without each utility at one time or another because we do alot of home remodeling, and I would say, WATER is the most missed...Not having a toilet because running all new water lines in a house or kitchen sink, is terrible (I won't go into the gory details of how my 18 month old discovered how to take off her diaper at naptime that day...NO TUB!!) :( But I have done the same thing when we do electrical, just run a long orange cord next door! (Living in FL we now have a whole house generator at least) Nice to have family time though, I know what you mean :)
ReplyDeleteAwww, I love how you recognized that good came from bad. You have a kind neighbor and I am sure you will love whatever thank you gift you come up with. I hope you had a new electrician though, since the other one continued to miss the problem.
ReplyDeleteI also remember "the good ol' days" with happy memories. But, then I remember how nice all this new technology is and I'm glad for the progress. I do think we need to slow down a bit and spend more time with the family - so thanks for the "nudge".
ReplyDeleteJackie
Sorry you lost your electricity. Hopefully they will get it straightened out today. And yes, the good old days were a lot different. When my DD and GK's were staying with me last year I insisted we all eat dinner together at the table every day. No cell phones and the tv was shut off. Boy did they grumble at first but after a few days I think they all actually enjoyed hearing about each others day and all. I don't allow phones or the tv to be on when we have dinners together to this day and they know this when they come.(which is quite often...lol)
ReplyDeleteI love this story. Technology is a wonderful thing - but it also isolates us from each other, so is definitely a double-edged sword. Glad you have such a good neighbor - so few people even know their neighbors anymore. It's good to have someone you can count on in an emergency.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kraftychick.. Often think wow...when we were kids we used our imagination to think of things to do and play. Of course there weren't any video games etc.. And yes we did seem to be more of a "family". Thanks for sharing. And just think "thank goodness it didn't happen if mid July" .:O
ReplyDeleteI too miss the time when we did not have all the technology.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing and reminding us of how important it is to just hang out together without all the modern amentities that we've grown used to having! We all could use more of the 'good ole days.'
ReplyDeleteamazing how we take for granted what we have everyday. about 1/3 of michigan lost power last week in the frigid single digit temps. we were without from midnite until 7:30pm the next night. what an experience! glad to see you made good out of a bad situation. imagine what the east coast did for wks w/o power. i wouldn't want that! sure glad your house didn't burn down...good lord!
ReplyDeleteWe were wo power for 2 weeks with Sandy. It was ok for the first few days, but after that it was a real burden. There are still those wo power due to Sandy. I agree it's great to unplug for awhile, but power is a wonderful thing. I hope you get your back soon!
ReplyDeleteThis is such an "Okie" way of finding the silver lining! Great family time, and a new relationship with your neighbor. And, you have also given us all something to think about!
ReplyDeleteShellee
yes - the things like electricity we take for granted. ours went out last night about midnight and stayed out for over 3 hours. I am fast asleep, my husband says "the electricty must be out, humm, unless someone cut our line and is going to rob us". well - you can image I didn't get much sleep after that comment. I should have let him figure out how to reset the clocks this morning! haha
ReplyDeleteMaureen
Isn't it amazing what a few nights of no electricity can do for the family unit? Maybe you should entertain the idea of one night a week as family nite or game nite.
ReplyDeleteSo they finally figured out the problem was a "leg?" Hmmm...I don't want to get on your bad side, lol. Seriously, I hope your power is back on by now. Mary
ReplyDeleteI too love when we lose electric, only it doesn't happen enough around here! lol It is nice to have all the extra phones, tv's, computers, etc...quiet where you have to actually talk to one another. It's fun to get back to board games instead of electronic games. It's just nice being in the same room together! lol That's why I love camping! But I don't want to give up the electric to the freezer, the blow dryer and many other conviences. lol Still it's nice to be without from time to time.
ReplyDeleteI think we all need more of these kind of days to be together. So cozy :)
ReplyDeleteSandy R. MN
Ok you've been MIA for almost 10 days now....which leads me to ask Work? or Life? You know you are missed. We may not always act like it when you are here but when we don't see you for a while we start worrying. Ok well just checking on you. Miss your "chit"
ReplyDelete