Day #13

"Reading by flashlight."

Well, the "Big Storm" of 2011 hit full force today. Causing major snowfall in Chicago, something like 2 feet of snow fell there. And they had their first snow day in over 10+ years.

Here at home we got sleet overnight and by morning EVERYTHING was covered with about a half inch of ice. Schools were closed but I had to go to work, as our office wasn't closed yet. But the forecast was calling for more ice, and throughout the evening and the night we got it, probably another 1/2 inch. Power was knocked out for most of Delaware, we lost ours around 8:30pm.

It was actually nice. No distractions of the WII or xbox, T.V. the DS'es lost their power. And we all had fun looking for flashlights for everyone and putting batteries in them, no heat, no TV, no distractions. Just US.. FAMILY! and quiet.

I couldn't help but think back to 1978. "The Blizzard of 78'" Thats what they called it. I am sure that was far worse than this ice storm. But in the mind of a child, it may be the same.

Nathan is now about as old as I was at that time. What will he remember about this storm? I remember in 78, it seemed like everyone was living with us at mom and dad's house. I remember playing in the snow, It was cold, I remember the blankets that mom would hang up in the doorways to hold heat in areas. I remember our main heat source was the gas stove. I can't remember if we had telephone for not. But this time things were different. At least for me, I now being an adult had more thoughts on my mind. No Heat. How long will the food in the fridge last. Pipes freeze at 32°. How am I going to charge my cell Phone battery if it dies. Weather forecast not happening without internet or TV. No-email. Things I am sure that Nathan didn't care about. But looking back I didn't didn't care about any of those things at 6 years of age either. It was warm and there was food.

I am sure that he & Leah will have a few memories of this storm, but maybe not realize them for a few years. And maybe this storm won't be hyped up as much as "The Blizzard of 78" But I hope he will have memories like mine. It was warm in the house, there was food and mom and dad was there for us!