This isn't my usual blog entry.
I can't remember a time where I was awake at 4:00AM and wanted to blog. This is a celebration of electricity...but not at my house.
Chanel and I moved in suddenly yesterday at my Mom's house. She didn't have power either but she did have a gas fireplace.
I seem to have almost lost track of time, but this whole thing started at 2:15PM on Tuesday. I was busy as usual at home on both computers editing pictures and working on a new listing, juggling a short sale, updating files, emailing, blogging....you know all the usual stuff that can roll into a real estate kind of day.
You know that dreaded sound when the electric goes off. A BUZZ...then nothing.
Prior to that, the Direct TV dish had been searching for a signal...not a good sign. Hmmm...I wondered if the sleet and rain had something to do with it? There was a good thick coating on everything outside.
As day went on and I was reading by candlelite after my laptop died, I decide to start preparing for a night without power. I found all my candles, flashlights, power cords and converter box to use my car as the source of power if need be to recharge. I took all food from the freezer and put it on my back porch.
I made it through Tuesday night and the temperature in the house had only dropped about 14 degrees.
Time for breakfast, I pulled the ice covered gas grill out on the deck and fried some bacon and heated water for coffee in my French press. As I worked on breakfast it was still sleeting and then it turned to snow.
I tested out my converter box in my car cigarette lighter. That was working to recharge my phone and flashlight. I carefully opened the garage door manually so I wouldn't die from carbon monoxide poisoning.
My emergency system was all running smoothly till friends started calling (that still had power) wanting to come pick us up for the duration.
Part of your brain says,"I can survive this and make due and the other half says I need electricity to survive."
So I let the friend come get me.
As we drive along with all my thrown together belongings, Chanel is clinging fearfully on top of the pile. All along the road trees are broken and no traffic lights work, cars are stuck here and there. It looks like a war zone.
By the time we make it to the friend's house, I see large trees hanging over power lines all around them. The power is off as soon as we arrive.
My handyman calls to check on me and is in town with his truck. I decide to go to my Mom's house. He stops by to pick me up and off we go. Mom is no camper and didn't even have matches. She did have a gas fireplace! I figured it would be best to help her if I could get over there.
As soon as I arrive, I start getting her organized. I had brought all my power cords, candles, food, and whatever I could think of in 5 minutes in a big bag. Mom was amazed that I was cooking all our gourmet meals on the gas fireplace. I heated water for French press coffee and we were doing pretty well. I ran a cord to her car so we could check out some news on my laptop. I think she missed her TV the worst.
My handyman called again. Now, he was worried that I didn't leave any water on in my house and the pipes might freeze. He wants to come pick me up to go back over there.
As we go into my neighborhood it looks so strange because it is so dark in every house as far as you can see. We go in and get all the water on and I pick up a few more things I forgot. It's odd to see it in the dark by flashlight. I glance at the thermostat and it reads 48. I couldn't have stayed there. Good thing I left.
At about 11PM the lights finally flicker on at Mom's house. Finally, we don't have to camp out. It's somewhat normal but I can't sleep. The couch is uncomfortable and now I'm hot! Too much heat can keep you awake. So...I was awake at 4AM and decided to blog. It's nice to be connected again.
I hope my house has power tomorrow. I heard that work crews from Tennessee and National Guard are here to help. This might take some time.
A shower might feel nice about now!
Lizette Fitzpatrick- Principal Broker at Lizette Realty.
#1 featured Kentucky Realtor on Activerain.com and Localism.com.
Publisher/Author for the only Central Kentucky email newsletter on local real estate listings and sold properties, Kentucky relocation, local events, homeowner information and fun!
For more information on Lizette, Kentucky Horse Farms, Lizette Realty, Madison County, Fayette County, Richmond or Lexington KY real estate click on Lizette.us.
See for yourself what Lizette's extraordinary clients have to say about their Kentucky Real Estate experience. Copyright © 2009 By Lizette Fitzpatrick, All Rights Reserved..*How I Survived The Kentucky Ice Storm*
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