Still no power and no stamping here! I’ve been hopping between my house and Kate’s all week for meals, sleep and laundry. I leave this afternoon for Chicago, so if you happen to be attending the Rubber Stamp and Scrapbook Expo at the DuPage Expo Center, please stop by the Rubbernecker Booth and say Hi! I’ll be there working along side Shelly a/k/a Papermoon and Meg a/k/a Waxyo!
Hopefully by the time I get home from Chicago I’ll have power, a stocked fridge and plenty of light to stamp by. I was sitting in the semi-dark yesterday afternoon wondering what it would be like if we didn’t have all the little gadgets and luxuries that we have today. What if we were back in the 1800 or 1900’s and lived in small towns or on farms that didn’t have indoor plumbing and lights. There wouldn’t be computers, or cell phones, or email. People would be outside enjoying nature, visiting with neighbors and lending that helping hand to someone in need! This week has not been that bad. I’ve visited with my neighbors more, have helped those that needed it and have relaxed more than I have in months.
Yes, I’ve been a bit inconvenienced and haven’t been able to meet my commitments. I’ve stressed about it, made what phone calls I deemed appropriate, and then worried a little more. But in reality, I haven’t had it nearly as bad as some of my neighbors. To be quite honest, I’ve enjoyed the slower pace and camaraderie that this storm has brought to our neighborhood. When the power comes back on, my neighbors, and I included, will once again turn to the computers, Internet, cable television, etc., to entertain us. It’s actually very sad that it takes a storm of this magnitude in order to visit with your neighbors.
There are also people like my daughter, Kate, and her boyfriend. They have opened their home to any family member or friend that needs to take a hot shower, a place to sleep for the night, or even a home-cooked meal. Will spent a day with me cleaning up the yard and removing debris. Without his help, I would have only gotten about a third of the clean up done on Monday.
I suppose my inner reflection is over and I’ve babbled on enough. I hope you have a great day!
*dialing the Chicago PD with a warning to be on the lookout* Have fun, Sherry! Hope everything is back to normal in your life soon!
Sherry, I can relate so much to what you are saying about getting out with your neighbors. When we had the hurricanes blow through Florida a few years ago we had loss of power three times and terrible debris in our neighborhood each time. It was so hot in our houses and it seemed the neighbors were all out helping each other and offering people to hook up to generators, etc. It was a high time in the neighborhood to unite rather than do nothing. Even though the time was terrible for our neighborhood it was also a good time.
You’re right that it’s a shame it takes something like this to bring people out of their homes and together, but it’s a wonderful thing that you were able to experience the caring and sharing. Bless Kate and Will for their generosity and help! Be safe and have fun on your trip.
Funny, how all this technology is suppose to “connect” us more, but in reality, it just puts a bigger wedge between everyone!!
Have a safe trip (I got my pkg from RN yesterday!! Now to find a few moments to play!!)
You know, they say that sunshine and vitamin D are very important for mental health. Maybe you should get out of the dark for awhile…lol!! Just kidding. I do have to agree with you, though!!
Hi, Sherry. As I live in Chicago, I should be at the show this weekend. But I have to be in WI all weekend, so I’ll miss you. Dang it! Stay positive…it WILL get better.
I’m glad to hear you say this, Sherry. I’ve thought about this sort of thing so many times. Starla’s comment really says it all. We’re connected to some but disconnected from others. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to keep all this in mind when the power comes back on and the debris is cleared? We do tend to slip back into our old routines, though. Good luck to you and thank you for a thoughtful post.
Sherry, I live in the middle of Houston and have been officially without power for a week today and no end in sight. I second your comments about how this storm has brought people in our neighborhood together- we moved all the food to houses with generators, have been cooking as a group and eating candlelit dinners at each other’s houses each evening. The kids have spent more time on bikes than I have ever seen and are running around the neighborhoods until dusk, just like we used to as kids. Everyone has been gracious, helpful, concerned for each other- it’s been lovely. We are getting a bit depressed and weary here, but we are very grateful for all the help other states have sent in to us. Please keep us in your prayers as we struggle through this immediate crisis and beyond as we learn the extent of damage- other than the newspaper that has finally started to come, we have had no information about what all has happened beyond our own streets!
Can’t wait to see you tomorrow to give you a *real* hug! Way to see the positive with this whole situation!
Hi Sherry,
I hope your life returns to ‘your normal’ soon. South Shore, KY (about 3 hours East of you) was hit by a sever ice storm a few years back and we were without power for 7 days, some areas 3 weeks! I agree with how it is relaxing and changes our pace.
We had the wind also, just not quite as bad as L’ville. Thanks for sharing!
Leeann
I sure hope you have power back!! Thinking of you and glad you are all OK!! You are in my thoughts and I hope all returns to a state of normal asap –