I was mum indeed! We lost our power at 8:00 p.m. on Friday night and didn’t get it back for 24 hours. Mercifully, nothing came crashing down during those 75 mph winds, but I lost food in my fridge and freezer. No use bemoaning it I guess, as I tried to put it into perspective and think what other havoc those high-power winds might have wreaked. I was concerned about it getting too warm in the house for my canary Buddy, but with the windows and blinds closed, it stayed fairly cool in the house and we lived by the light of a large fluorescent lantern which I placed near his cage so he would not be afraid of the dark. I kept a smaller lantern for myself and carried it around the house, feeling a little like a pioneer woman toting her oil lamp with her. The fluorescent lantern cast shadows on the wall and Buddy was fascinated with his shadow and that was amusing to watch, plus I had to stop myself from making shadow puppets and reliving my childhood. The only thing more irritating than the darkness and the loss of food, were the dueling generators nearby which were running non-stop during that 24-hour time period. I was happy to see the power turn on, especially since DTE had called in the 7:00 p.m. hour to say due to the extensive damage from the storm, our power would be restored by late Sunday evening.

So, I walked roundtrip to Meijer this morning to replenish the produce at least. It was a beautiful morning and I logged four miles back and forth and just meandering around the store. At the entrance to Meijer, they had a beautiful display of chrysanthemums in every color. They looked like jewels as they were lined up upon the many bales of hay and some were nestled near the large pumpkins. The first harvest décor of the season and it was just as gorgeous as the weather which had an almost Fall feel.

Today is Grandparents Day. If you are lucky enough to still have them, take the time to benefit from the wisdom of their years, not just today, but every chance you get.