LIGHTS, WATER, TV, INTERNET!!

Late Tuesday night(1/27/2009) news; "The second wave of the ice storm is in progress very high possibility of power outages, across Western Kentucky." Turning off the television I went to the back of the house to see this event in progress.

Keep in mind we already had 1 1/4 inches of ice, that coated the tree's on Monday night. Pulling a chair to a window I sat looking to the South were the majority of the trees are, I watched as the ice fell. Reflecting in the light the ice was a wonderful sight, as if diamonds were tossed from the Heaven.

The old Oak tree branches began to bow down to the earth as the weight of the ice increased. Then a crash as the first branch fell and shattered on the basketball court.
I realized then the danger this ice storm possessed, even though it was a wonderful site to see and my first major ice storm with a prayer for safety around us I went to bed.

Wednesday morning (1/28/2009) wakening with the sound of the alarm (battery travel clock)going and a chill in the bedroom, I was thankful for the extra blanket I placed on the bed. I stirred in my man made cave of covers and sheet of warmth, I slowly exited my cave turning off the alarm. Feet touching the floor I headed to the bath room. Power out check news said this could happen, but no water this was not mentioned.

Dressing, I made my way downstairs upon entering the kitchen I felt the warmth from the kerosene heaters which have been a blessing this winter. (relieving the burden from the electric bill) Checking them out they were good for a couple more hours without light I was glad I didn't have to attend to them right away.

Looking out the window I was amazed the back yard was a sheet of ice, there were branches big and small all over the yard. My eyes focused on a boat that is being kept for a friend of my son's and my old Bronco. There above the truck a large branch broken was lying on another branch the smaller limbs of the branch were all over the boat. The larger part of the broken branch was perfectly balanced on the limb it landed on an amazing site for sure then again an answer to a prayer.

As I was looking out the window time was lost it began to get lighter and more damage was revealed the tree's were weighted with ice, a crack a crash another branch or limb had fallen, turning away form the window I went to the kitchen sink thinking that maybe the pipes in the bathroom had frozen thus no water a little trickle came out no water.

A moment of despair flashed through my mind, what are we going to do? Taking a quick inventory in my mind I knew we were fine, I had fuel for the heaters food,candles, car was full of gas, some cash on hand, flashlight's somewhere,batteries questionable
and water. Finding my wristwatch time 6:45 am knowing work would be closed today I went about gathering things needed in one location which wasn't much my wife had done a lot of preparation Monday.

Finding a radio I was glad to hear a sound tuning in WKMS the Murray State on campus radio station I learned there had been a water main break plus the power was out for 700.000 Kentuckians this storm was a major event. Thankful to WKMS they were are only link to the outside world,and kept us informed a job well done.

Form Wednesday morning till late Friday night we were without power, water came back on with a boil order sometime that Wednesday, Sunday cable was restored so the Super Bowl was enjoyed, everything was getting back to normal except for the internet which has been a mystery in it self I have a package deal phone, cable ,internet all with the same provider. Today Sunday I'm back thankful to be.

I was able to spend quality time with my wife playing cards and talking. Reaching out and helping those in need with the warmth and words of encouragement, this was truly an experience that will be remembered there were lessons learned in being prepared.

There were a lot of stories of others helping the community that warmed the heart.
Stories like this one of some with out a heart. A man had brought a generator to power his home when he noticed the lights went out, hearing the sound of what he thought was his generator he went out to check only to find his lawnmower running.


The Ice Storm of 2009 was the worst in Kentucky history. 30 people around the area lost there lives form hypothermia or carbon monoxide poisoning. This was truly one event that will last a life time in my memory, 14 days and still there are some in Kentucky without power.

With a prayer for those still without power. Thankful for those electric companies that came to help, that are still working to help restore power to all.
Thankful to be back.

Work Smart Be Blessed
Lee

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