Finally

Our power came back on at 10:10 last night with a welcome burst of light and the sound of the furnace rumbling into action. Thirty-four hours without electricity is plenty long enough to remind me of how dependent I am on the power that runs silently into my house on a fairly constant basis.

After lunch yesterday the Kid went to a friend's house to do homework and watch the football game. I came home and wandered aimlessly around our chilly house for a bit. It was too cold to sit and read and with darkness looming early, I decided to seek warmth and light elsewhere. I spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening at Panera and Borders, drinking coffee, reading blogs, looking a books and magazines. I had reading I could do--I'm in the midst of several books--but I felt unfocused. Normally I enjoy--even seek out--time sitting in coffeeshops reading but yesterday I just wanted to be home with heat and light restored.

When the lights came up, I flipped on the internet to make sure the wireless router was up and running, and them promptly feel asleep on the couch. Two hours later I groggily set all the clocks and took myself off to bed. This morning I've been cleaning up bits of wax and returning candles and flashlights to their drawers for the next storm. I still have to tackle the refrigerator and throw out food that more than likely was warmer than it should have been.

I'm grateful for another sunny day, and for the conveniences I take so for granted.