Global Warming, My A$$...

Actually I'm pretty certain that global warming played a significant part in the ice storm that we had here at the end of last month.

On Saturday morning, Feb.24, 2007 my electricity went off after about an inch of ice formed overnight Friday night in one of the freakiest storms of the decade. All the trees were broken. Marshall county was one of the 11 counties Gov. Culver declared "of particular concern."

The first 2 nights I stayed at the house. Sunday morning I got up and made hot water for coffee and toast on the grill in the garage.



It was about the same temperature out there as it was in the house. The kitties were certainly annoyed with the whole thing. They were all fluffed out most of the time and spent every night with me under the 17 blankets I used to keep warm.

Monday morning I didn’t go to work, because well, the neighbor’s tree (or part of it anyway) fell on my car. (A note to Kenny, Jill and Greg: Remember when the barn fell on the car? Well, this was kind of like that). There wasn’t much damage, just some scratches.



It really just kind of “pushed” the car down the driveway. I couldn’t have gotten too far anyway because many highways were still closed or reported as being dangerously icy.

Later that morning I went to Anita’s house. Her power had been off from Saturday morning until Sunday evening, so she was back on the grid. She gave me hot coffee and I laid on the couch and slept for another 2 hours. Being cold apparently takes a lot out of you.

When I woke up later, I realized I could not go back to the cold house. I went home, and Anita helped me pack up the ktties and we went to Anita's. Skittles, Miss Wiskers, Totoro and I lived in Anita’s bedroom for the next 5 days. When we left my house it was 42 degrees. The latest I had heard at this point was that they may have power restored by 6 PM March 4th. But then again, it might happen before that. Eric and Joe were without power also, but they have been staying in the camper during the day and sleeping in sleeping bags at the house at night.

The next 5 days were very weird. I enjoyed staying with Anita and actually called her “Mom” twice while I was there. That didn’t go over too well, but she was doing my laundry and making dinner and basically taking care of me.

We went to my house every day to see if the power was on, but it wasn’t happening. The situation was strange because it was as if the electric company guys had to go block by block and some people had power and the person next door didn't. Driving around town was surreal - it was like Armageddon. I was convinced this was the beginning of the End Of Days, but then I hadn’t seen the giant squid yet…

So me and the kitties stayed at Anita’s and we made dinner for Joe and Eric a couple of nights. We got more snow and wind that Thursday (Feb. 29) so work offices were closed on Friday (but I got paid anyway – Whee!)

We made dinner for the boys that night, but that afternoon Anita said she had a feeling – so we went to my house and my power was on! I couldn’t wait to get home! We went and got the kitties and took them over because it was starting to get warm in the house. Then we went back to Anita’s and had dinner. Then I went home and had a shower and started running all my machines (dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc.) Sleeping in my own bed with the kitties was a joy beyond belief. I can't believe how much we rely on technology at this point. I mean I think we could learn to do things the old fashioned way eventually, but if (God forbid) we really did have a real attack on this country. all they would have to do is take out the gas and electric and people wouldn't know what the hell to do.

So one month later, today, it was 82 degrees and sunny. I had the windows all open and kitties are intently watching the apparent bird wars going on in my backyard. The whole ice storm incident seems lights years ago, but it's springtime in Iowa and I guess anything can happen.

Otherwise things are going okay. My brother discovered he has 2 spots of cancer in his brain and is having a high dose radiation treatment tomorrow. If any of you are spiritual, we could sure use your prayers. The doctor thinks that one super dose will take care of it. If not there are other options including surgery, but I don't want to think about that yet until we find out if this is going to work. He will also be starting chemotherapy in a month. I will keep you updated.

So there it is then. I have had some "issues" with my car, but I'm saving that for another time. One other note, Eric obtained the last season of the BBC program "Extras" and we watched them this last weekend. Honestly, if you get a chance, you must see this show. Ricky and Stephen are brilliant and all the guest stars are just amazing.

Hope you are all keeping busy! See you again and take care out there!