Goodness gracious, what a storm! Friday afternoon, the weather radar was looking frightening, and by 10:30pm Friday night, we got hit — hard! But this disaster dude was ready, and prepared….
When I saw this storm form (on the weather radar that I monitor) 1,000 miles west of us early Friday afternoon, I thought it would be like others, and dissipate as it traveled east. But the storm held together. By 6pm, even the local weather newscaster was indicating concern.
I went to the store and stocked up on things that we ordinarily would buy. We had planned to go to the store on Saturday, but I feared that if this storm hit as hard as it looked that the stores either wouldn’t be open or if a store were open, it would be out of stock of what we needed.
I even had the foresight to fill our portable gas can with fresh gasoline, and fill our generator with oil. We took things inside that could blow away or be damaged, including hanging plants, trash cans, and other items.
Then, as predicted, the storm it. Winds blew as hard as 90mph, driving rain sideways. My partner and I were huddled in our basement, which is below ground — the safest place to be during a massive storm.
The storm only lasted an hour. When it was over, our power was still on so I thought we dodged a bullet. We went back to bed. However, when we awoke Saturday morning, the power was out. My portable radio gave bad news that this storm stuck our whole state badly and did a huge amount of damage. Our power company was lowering expectations, and advised early-on that they may not be able to restore power for at least a week.
Okay, fine. My partner and I got the generator going, so we had power to keep our refrigerator and freezer running. I was even able to connect our internet modem and got back on-line. While neighbors are whining about the heat and their mobile devices running out of power, my partner and I are comfy in our basement, where it remains cool and comfortable. My partner can even watch whatever drivel he wants to watch on the DVR on which he has recorded hundreds of hours of TV shows and movies.
I have been checking on my senior pals, making sure they are okay or have a cool place to stay. Being the ever-good-hearted schnook, I connected a very long extension cord to our generator and ran it over to a neighbor’s house, so they can at least have power for their fridge and not lose their food. This also reduces the guilt I feel about the noise from the generator bothering my neighbors.
It will be several more days, up to a week, before power is restored. But my partner and I are okay, and I’m out there caring for my senior pals, as always. We’ll make it. I am very glad, though, that I practice what I preach, and live preparedness every day.
Life is short: be prepared!
As you guessed, Google directed me here because I had the audacity to type in the search box “Why is it so hard to find a masculine gay man?” Now, I know this has nothing to do with your current post, but I just wanted to tell you that I thoroughly appreciate and enjoy the grounded advice that you have dispensed to your visitors. I’m not keen on dating “ladyboys” and no disrespect to them – – I have friends that are effeminate in their ways, but that’s not what interests me.
Contrary to popular belief, not all gay men are effeminate and not all gay men only want a night of lust and solace. I want to find a deep and meaningful relationship with a MAN. I done the websites, the chat lines, the phone lines, the late night rendezvouses at the local “book store”, and so I decided to take your advice on allowing things to come naturally. I yearn for companionship, but not at the cost of me losing my sanity. You’re absolutely right: I need to focus on ME for a change instead of chasing Mr. Elusive. I KNOW he’s out there and when he’s ready to come find me, he’ll know where I will be.
Thanks again for all your stories and wisdom. =D