Unplugged (or, ICE STORM '08!)

Well, we did it. We survived Ice Storm '08! While I actually thought the ice-laden trees of our winter wonderland were quite pretty, they wreaked major havoc on our roadways and electrical system over this past weekend. Schools and businesses have been shut down for four days now, with no heat or power. I love how in the Northeast they give these natural phenomenons front-page billing on every newspaper with names like ICE STORM '08! Like it's some major concert event we're all dying to get tickets to. ICE-A-PALOOZA! WooHoo! Sign me right up!

The fun-filled weekend I had planned - kids' cookie exchange party, quick overnight getaway in CT with my college housemates, and Seamus' Christmas concert Sunday afternoon - all came to a screeching halt when we lost power Friday morning. So did 80% of our city. The temp Friday night was predicted to be 15 degrees. BRRR. I called five hotels and managed to land us a room, and we all stayed warm and toasty. Saturday morning, still no power. Saturday evening, still no power. Yay, Nanny and Poppy's power goes back on! We all shuffled over there for a slumber party. Sunday, still no power. Wow! Even I am in shock...and I'm a diehard Northeaster, who will take a mountain of snow and chilly temps over heat and humidity anyday. But as you can see we had some serious ice, ice baby...

This limb snapped off a tree in our yard and landed on the deck. We were very, very lucky...there were many uprooted trees that smashed right through people's homes.
On Sunday we battled our cabin fever by attending a Toys for Tots fundraiser that my dad was DJing. Gigi was excited to get all dressed up in her pretty dress...
And Seamus couldn't wait to wear his festive Pimp Daddy hat...

They spent the entire afternoon on the dance floor, hula-hooping and limbo-ing away. (If you're looking for a way to keep your preschoolers entertained, download the music and teach them how to do "The Freeze." Hilarious!)
When it came time to visit with Santa, I said all I wanted for Christmas was for our power to be turned back on. (Well, that and a shiatsu massage cushion. And a Kindle. And a new Fiestaware place setting. And what the heck, world peace.)
I must have been a good girl this year because we got our power restored at noon on Monday! We were so fortunate to have had a warm place to spend the weekend, and I know there are still many, many more who do not yet have heat. But I am grateful that ICE STORM '08! has come and gone, and wonder when we should get in line for BLIZZARD '09!