Powerless

By Annette Dashofy

If you’re expecting to read the second installment of my ride-along adventures, I apologize. While the piece is written, it’s also locked up inside my PC. The one in my home office. Where the remnants of Hurricane Ike blew through on Sunday night and knocked out our electricity.

I won’t mention that the power went out right at kickoff for the Steelers game. I will mention that the power company says it should be restored this afternoon. Two days ago, they said it would be restored by yesterday afternoon. Some reports say power won’t be on until Saturday.

I’m in marathon mode. No more of that sprint mentality. Oh, certainly the electric will be back on in a couple hours.

We have a generator powering our water pump (the joys of country living…no city water), our freezer, and our refrigerator. Our camper sits in the front yard. Its propane provides hot water for showers and washing dishes. It also provides a working stove and oven.

Our phone lines are down, too. Cell service has been iffy. And, obviously, I have no Internet. I’m posting this from my laptop in a coffee shop.

So, I’m in the dark. Powerless. Literally. If there is anything good about having no access to electricity and Internet, it’s that I’m doing the only thing left…I’m reading! No TV, no radio, no distractions. Currently I’m reading MAD MOUSE by Chris Grabenstein.

Unless Allegheny Power pulls a rabbit out of their hat and restores my service early, I won’t be able to respond to comments. So chat among yourselves. What are you reading? Share your stories about being left in the dark.

And come back next week when I will make every effort to post Part 2 of Along for the Ride.