There is something about the earliest stages of a power outage that can bring out the little kid in even the most jaded Yankee. At first there is the scramble for the candles, the flashlights, and then the board games and snacks.
As time goes on, and the blackout extends into a day two or beyond, the joy rapidly dissipates as the pain in the rear factor increases: favored TV shows go by the boards, email piles up unchecked and inaccessible, and freezers stocked full of stored food spoil.
Those of us who have been through enough of these, and without kids in the house who will in fact squeal with joy at the prospect of “camping out” in one’s own home, should probably be excused from wholeheartedly embracing a few nights in the 19th century.
Coming as it did on the heels of the ice storm in December and landing within spitting distance of the spring thaw, this latest blackout was especially annoying.
This time as we dug out the candles, the flashlights and extra blankets, checked our stash of potable water and hunkered down for what CMP suggested could be a three or four day wait for restored electricity, we will admit to a little grumbling as in, “Haven’t we been through this before?”
Yes, we know CMP line workers and volunteers from out of state are working extra long hours to get everybody back online quickly.
When the lights come back on in a situation like this, it’s because these guys have worked like dogs to make it happen.
Yes, we appreciate the support and service of our emergency responders who open and staff temporary shelters. We recognize what a creek we would be up without their help.
While we express out heartfelt appreciation and gratitude, this is not to say that we have to like it.
We tend to side with our able cartoonist Glenn Chadbourne who ably summed up the theme of the week in his latest effort.
One of the joys of living in Maine is that it is a four-season state and right now one season seems to be threatening to overstay its welcome.
Enough of this, already. Bring on the blackflies. Cry havoc and let loose the tourists.
