tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post4692715315981862993..comments2023-12-31T20:43:08.499-05:00Comments on THE STILETTO GANG: Weathering the StormUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-9940205117411733382010-03-03T19:08:23.961-05:002010-03-03T19:08:23.961-05:00I know the feeling about winter..I am tired of it....I know the feeling about winter..I am tired of it. This was a snowy winter for so many states this year, Very different in deed. susan Lsusanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07719916545911843485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-81736489590223290902010-03-03T13:30:12.856-05:002010-03-03T13:30:12.856-05:00For snow, which you might have heard we sometimes ...For snow, which you might have heard we sometimes get in the Chicagoland area, we slow down and do things with caution and cut out trivial errands or spur of the moment activities and replace them with some fun: walks, sledding, a little snowman construction. We’ve usually got enough stock of the every day stuff that all our needs are covered. We have a gas stove, so we can if desperate add some heat.<br /><br />Ice can be bad, here more so for driving than for losing power. Chicagoans lose their minds in snow or ice or rain, which is so odd because we get those every year. This complacency is only reflected in their pig-headedness about going “out there” in the weather, but not in any growth of skills in BEING out in the weather. Most of my area long ago went to buried utilities to stop the ice from snapping wires. But, it happens and we lose power, especially when a transformer blows. In the summer, they sometimes just catch fire. However, we've never been out of power in my adult life for more than six hours, regardless of weather and season. Summer is of course an easier time of it, though. More natural light, can get relief from heat by hanging out in the basement, less desperation for hot water, etc.<br /><br />Coincidentally, we did lose power on a Saturday night at the end of January and I was worried because it was very cold and the automated call-center for ComEd first estimated power to be restored by 11p, then changed that to 6a. Surprise, we were sitting playing a little Yahtze and just getting ready to get tucked in when the power did indeed come back on at 11p.<br /><br />In a life storm, which you all know can rage totally unseen, inside you, but still seem like they can actually generate enough energy to run a power plant by being so combustible and frenetic, the counting your luck and blessings thing is really good. And, you have to detach a little, I think. You have to take a breath, step back and think about the real scope and import of what is happening. How it is just a few hours that will pass, you will be distant from it in time, you can’t just stop and let the water rise. At least keep moving, treading some water.<br /><br />Or, as Churchill said (and here I know it’s a little over-done): when you’re going through hell, keep going. Doesn’t matter what the specifics of hell are, really, it’s a good tip.<br /><br />So glad the Barbieris are safe and catching up on pre- and post-storm life and feel really good to hear that your neighbors who suffered the fire are going to be fine, too.Vicky Politonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-64132810243765557822010-03-03T12:31:14.977-05:002010-03-03T12:31:14.977-05:00We've just experienced our first snow storms t...We've just experienced our first snow storms this year and it was spectacular! That said, we've not been snowed in or really had to deal with anything scary.<br /><br />What an ordeal, Maggie. I can't even begin to imagine.Misahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09841388306033941061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-23695340957008677692010-03-03T10:26:59.021-05:002010-03-03T10:26:59.021-05:00I love a good snow storm. Unfortunately we don'...I love a good snow storm. Unfortunately we don't get them often here as the ocean keeps our weather pretty moderate. Never too hot, never too cold. We get some whopper storms, but only very rarely. I think they make up for it with ferocity, though. Hurricane Juan shut us down for a week a few years back. That was followed by White Juan the next winter that dumped a meter of snow on us within a couple of hours. For me, as long as I have some books to read and candles to read them by, I can weather anything =).Zitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10934983183390982361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-77784600695379457612010-03-03T08:37:50.448-05:002010-03-03T08:37:50.448-05:00Oh my! I can relate a little in that most everythi...Oh my! I can relate a little in that most everything is electric Including water ... But we do have heat. Never snow like that. Scary! MarilynMarilyn Meredith a.k.a. F. M. Meredithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04179984154939161530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1025201337316610324.post-18193031204380108792010-03-03T06:37:31.644-05:002010-03-03T06:37:31.644-05:00Maggie! I had no idea all this was going on (and ...Maggie! I had no idea all this was going on (and in one weekend?). No wonder you've been feeling stressed! I'm glad you guys didn't freeze and that your neighbors are okay. Scary, scary! I think "surprise stress" is very hard to deal with, even if you're a low key person who normally isn't affected by daily crap. So cut yourself some slack, have a glass of wine (or two), and take a few deep breaths. Your deadlines will be met (or they won't), and the earth won't stop spinning either way (one of the things I like to tell myself!). Sending lots of positive vibes to you!Susan McBridehttp://susanmcbride.comnoreply@blogger.com