"Two wrongs may not make a right but a thousand wrongs make a writer.”

Friday, December 27, 2013

All The Way To The Top

When the ice storm hit on the night of the winter solstice and the power went out, we rediscovered things we enjoy but seldom have time for, and it’s remarkable how much time is freed up when there are no electronic devices to captivate your senses.

We paid close attention to daylight hours and the sun’s position in the sky; we minded time by the path of its progression. At nightfall, we lit candles and hauled an old kerosene heater out of the attic and kept track of the matches. We played cards and dominoes by candlelight. With the television off and internet down, the piano regained its rightful place at center stage, and rusty fingers turned nimble over the course of the outage.

When the skies cleared and the sun came out, the kids took to the outdoors with boots and camera. They climbed the slide on the dock at the pond,




all the way to the top.


And saw the tracks leading across the ice.
But I, wrapped in sweaters and scarves, read the first few chapters of hard copy, changed a few good words for better words and found errors that I missed on the screen. I call it monitor blindness. 

I considered a story of mayhem and murder in a two-hundred-year old barn. You can research a novel in a spooky barn, but do it before the sun goes down. 



Just saying…it’s not all bad when the power goes off. And when it comes back on, you have another experience to write about.

10 comments:

Other Mary said...

It sounds like you made it a delightful experience! Happy New Year to you Yvonne!

Yvonne Osborne said...

Mary,
It was a Christmas we won't soon forget, that's for sure. Thank you!

Jemi Fraser said...

You always take the best photos!! Nature is always so beautiful in her icy outfit - I'm just glad she wasn't too dangerous. Glad you're all safe and well. All the best in the new year! :)

Yvonne Osborne said...

Hi Jemi!
I like that....Nature in her icy outfit! Thanks so much and the best to you in 2014.

Frances Garrood said...

Sounds as though you certainly made the most of it! I think we're all far too dependent on electricity.

Liza said...

Oh wonderful. You came back to your (our) senses! Sounds like it was lovely! Yes, I know. Cold. But lovely nonetheless!

Yvonne Osborne said...

Frances,
Frances,
Yes, I think it was good for the younger kids to be without power. Really good. Thanks!

Liza,
Thanks! Yes, temporarily back to our senses.

Pet said...

What a wonderful thing it must be. Not an electric device around. People even talking to each other.
I wonder what they would do in windowless hotels when the electricity goes off. Brake the windows to let the air in! That would be something to enjoy!

Deborah Lawrenson said...

Fabulous post. Glad you're all right and love your positive attitude to what must have been quite worrying at the time. Happy New Year!

Yvonne Osborne said...

Pet,
Thanks! I enjoyed your post about windows that won't open in American hotels. You can happen upon bed bugs but not a window to open to the night.

Deborah,
Thank you so much. It was probably only fun because our children were here to help make it fun. And to play duets with me on the piano. Four hands are so much better than two. Invigorating and pleasant to hear.