I am thinking of the past week (and the coming week) as an adventure.

It seems a better way to think.

Not a disaster to be survived.

An adventure to be lived.

I’ll admit that we didn’t have it so bad. We had power and heat most of the time. Without that I’m sure I would have a different take on things.

We haven’t turned our water back on yet because our septic is not working at all. We have tried every trick we know of to clear the line. We’ve now concluded that it can only be a blockage caused by the freeze.

We’ll get through this. The lines are in the warming sun. The snow and ice are melting quickly. I’m collecting water as it falls off the roof just in case.

I’ve learned a lot of things. Today I learned not to stand under an oak during the thawing process. Those ice chunks hurt worse than an acorn tossed by an angry squirrel.

And in all my decluttering, the only thing that I got rid of that I wish I had kept just “in case” is a funnel. A funnel to be used for pouring boiled and cooled water from a pot on the stove into a container.

I’m glad I kept the extra towels I had been thinking I didn’t need. They came in handy for covering windows, blocking drafts and drying the floor when we came in with wet boots and clothing…and when we spilled water trying to pour it without a funnel.

The minor “prepping” that I did – mainly a stash of food – came in handy when not going to the store regularly. We had thought about not needing to stock the pantry so well since my daughter works in a store that sells food and we could easily get what we need on a daily basis.

There was the minor inconvenience of only having two solid winter outfits. I had minimalized my wardrobe because I have a washer/dryer and we don’t really have serious cold weather here. I have been wearing both outfits at the same time since this started over a week ago. Thankful for Febreeze.

Even though I had to haul out water to the chickens every two hours while the sun was up, I am grateful for our chickens. They were faithful layers until yesterday when they went on strike. They are loudly expressing their displeasure with the whole situation and I’m afraid they would attempt to fly south if I let them loose to roam. The coyotes are also unhappy about this whole situation and are searching out an unfrozen meal. The chickens are staying cooped up.

Please stay in prayer or positive thoughts or whatever it is you do for the people in Texas. Although we are thawing, this is not over. Pipes are bursting, there is a very real shortage of food and water, hourly wage folks haven’t been able to work and there are huge expenses looming in the coming weeks. Infrastructure, buildings, homes and more are damaged. The hard part is just starting.

I am encouraged by all the good news that I am hearing. Neighbors and strangers are helping each other. There are good stories being lived and told and most of them are not to be found in the news.

It is 27 degrees outside as I write this morning.

Sixty-five degrees inside. I’m getting ready to lower the thermostat. We had it at 62 as we slept, but raised it for just a bit to get the temperature up a little in case we lose power. We are trying to minimize our electric usage just in case it really does help the grid.

It’s a veritable heat wave. Right now the forecast calls for it to get up to 31 at 2. I might drop down to 2 layers of clothing inside if this warming trend continues.

Last night’s winter storm brought more ice. My son tried to make it into work. In an hour he covered the distance that would normally take 10ish minutes. He turned back and came home when he slid into the guardrail on the first bridge over the San Gabriel River.

It just started snowing.

Winter storm #3 comes through tonight. The forecast is for a “wintry mix”. I’ve given up trying to anticipate what’s next.

My husband has to go into work tonight. He’s supposed to be there at 8. The current plan is for him to go in during the “warm spell” at 3. There will probably still be ice, but the roads will be in better shape. He’s taking a “go” bag just in case he can’t come home.

None of this is a complaint. We have been so blessed. Our power has only been out briefly. We have stayed warmish. We have plenty of food.

I do wish that I owned a pair of gloves and a real winter coat and shoes that weren’t geared towards keeping my feet from sweating. I’m doing ok.

Socks works pretty well as gloves in the short term.

I’ve rigged a foot warming “heater” from some candles and a flower pot.

I’m using icicles for my iced tea. (I know – iced tea? I must be a true Southerner)

I am praying for the thousands of people that still don’t have electricity days into this disaster. For those who are alone and isolated with no phone or internet service. For those without water. For those running out of food. For the lineman and all others who are working outside to keep things running. For stores and their employees who are trying to keep the doors open and the shelves stocked as best they can. For frustrated people who just want to have basic necessities that we take for granted until something like this happens…

I’m thankful for the local fireman my son saw hand-shoveling snow off of our bridges to try and make the roads passable. (I’ve heard that there is no more salt/sand in our county to treat roads) For facebook which is allowing us to share information and resources. For neighbors checking in and opening their doors to share what they have. And so much more…

I’m wondering what changes I will personally make to be better prepared for the unexpected….and how much more “unexpected” shit is going to happen. I

A young friend recently said that she is tired of living in “historical” events. She has relocated to her third household to be able to have electricity. She’s spent the last three nights sleeping with her tortoise to keep him warm.

I think that we are all growing weary and I hope that we can become better at working together to solve our problems instead of spending so much energy pointing fingers and placing blame.

Our power is flickering…

Peace.