The Lights Went Out

So…the lights went out and we were in the dark. With a puff and a pop and a flash of light, a typical 9:00 p.m. instantly became an eerie darkened world. Was it an EMP attack? A dirty bomb? A drunk driver crashing into the main switch – yes this seemed more likely.

Funny how such incidents bring the neighbors to the streets – especially the men. We, who relish in our independent and rebellious ways – the monarchy of the Bucklew clan - are no exception it is sad to say. Once we found our flashlights and lit a candle or two so we could find our way, Bill and I handled the situation completely differently but we both ended up in the streets with the rest of the neighbors.

Bill
Out to the streets he goes - with his special flashlights – one in each hand and one in his pocket. The men bring their beer – Bill felt somehow less – he didn’t have one. They talk about all the possibilities that caused it and recall the many other incidents that pulled them out of their caves to the streets. They size each other up to determine who can help who and who is a weenie. They talked about their tools and what they could do if the electricity doesn’t come back on. The plan was forming.

Kathy
I decided I might as well hit the bed – since I cannot be productive. But on the way I am telling Bill – who is already outside unbeknownst to me, my thoughts about pioneer days and Bible days when there were no lights. “I suppose they slept earlier and rose earlier to make the most use of the sunlight” I said. “I wonder if you get used to not seeing much at night – I mean, I don’t suppose you could read all that well or sew, - I wonder how the evenings were passed – perhaps looking at stars.” “Bill? Bill? BI--L--L!!” So I put my britches back on and the hat with the light on it and went looking for my caveman.

The ladies were venturing out of their houses and they quickly joined the conversation. What were you doing when the lights went out? We told everyone all the things we were not going to get finished. A movie – A shower - The dishes – “Thank goodness the kids were sleeping,” said one neighbor. Well – the Electric Department showed up outside the neighborhood. So the party was over. We said our good-byes knowing that next time – be it a few months or a year we would meet again – same time – same station.

Time Trolls

Last weekend – or was it two weekends ago……………………..? With baby Nolan in the NICU whom I adore seeing daily and activities with kids, grandkids, dogs, and work, I am now convinced that time is not a constant. Like a sly little troll with a devious bent, it speeds up at the most inconvenient times– mocking you with sinister sniggers and snorts. I feel like a gerbil running in a wheel that some prankster whirled around – just for laughs. It feels like a Groundhog Day………never mind…… back to the story…….
Last weekend – or was it two weekends ago, my daughter and granddaughter and I went for tea with the most delightful work friend and her sweet little girl. We enjoyed getting to know each other under the twinkling candlelight as the sun set across Lake Wire playing patty-cake with the candles in the window. We all dressed up – Emma wore gloves. I love her delightful and fanciful ways. Her new little friend brought and shared her teapot set she had gotten for her birthday. Zohra’s Restaurant in Lakeland served us the best dinner and dessert. They were fabulous to us and I look forward to going there again.
I am doing an experiment with my clothes. Very interesting – it is expanding my persona. I have decided I will not re-wear anything until I have worn everything I have in my closet (save seasonally inappropriate clothing). I have gone three weeks now. I am wearing the clothes I bought and don’t like, the clothes I don’t wear because they are wearing out, the clothes I love and usually wear once a week, the clothes I bought that do not match anything. I then evaluate how I feel in the clothes. By the end of the day, if I think I would wear it again – it gets relegated to the re-wear side of the closet – of course in the proper order of wear. If I don’t like how I felt in it – out it goes to the give-away pile. One problem with this experiment for which I must caution you on should you care to try it; DON’T wear all your favorite clothes first – because it is a long time before you get back ‘round to them!

And the End of August

Most of you who would even venture to this blog already know that Monday August 31 brought the dramatic entrance of Nolan James into this world mearly 9 weeks early at 3 lbs and 9 ozs and 17 inches long. We have been to the hospital every day and last night had our first opportunity to touch him. It was overwhelming - and my gratitutde to God for the miracles it took to perserve his life poured out of me like an offering of praise.

I am so proud of Mommy and Daddy - Joe and Mindy. They have been strong, and sacrificing and are doing everything they know how to do to give Nolan the best. Mindy is doing well, I am so proud of her. She is walking and regaining her strength - fighting the pain of the C-section.

I will write more another time but here is my darling, God's gift to the world.