Ice Storm Survival

We had a major ice storm this week, leaving about 700,000 people without electricity. The picture above is my favorite from the week - the line for kerosene at the one gas station that could pump it. It has been quite a strain, although we were lucky since our electricity was down only for three days. Here are a few statistics from our house:

Number of days with no electricity = 3
Number of blankets on the bed Madeline and I shared = 3
Number of quilts on bed Madeline and I shared = 4
How Madeline and I felt under covers = like the Princess and the Pea
Hubby sleep location = couch
Number of hours Hubby slept each night = about 3
Number of times he checked heater and generator per night = 4 to 5
Heat source = Kerosene
Length of time I stood in line for kerosene = 1 hour
Number of people in kerosene line = about 50
Number of meals at Mom & Dad's = 6
Best hot showers ever = at Mom & Dad's
Best delivery received = pot of hot coffee from Dad
Amount of ice = about an inch or inch and a half
Value of time spent with family = priceless
Blessings Received = inumberable
Days out of school = 5 so far
Days out of work = 2 1/2

We are blessed - our electricity came back although it is predicted that many local people won't have it back for 7 to 10 days. We had a generator so that we had heat and refrigerated food. We have a gas water heater so warm water was available. We own a kerosene heater, so we had warmth. We had carbon monoxide detectors to keep us safe. We have a great marriage and flexible child, so we didn't fight or argue. We have our health so we didn't suffer physically from the hardship. Many, many people did not have those things. Thank You God for all that we have in the face of adversity!

We tried to share our benefits today by having many of Steven's family over to provide them a warm bed, warm food, warm showers and laundry services. I didn't get the best pictures, because I didn't want to leave the house! (Hense the deck photography) Here are a few: