We have returned to the electrified land of the 21st century. One can't help but to pause and reflect during times like these.
Sandy did not damage our inland the way Irene did. Connecticut's shoreline though is another, devastatingly sad story. As is New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island.
I'm grateful for the technology that allowed us to see this coming, giving most of us the chance to prepare. The loss of life would have been in the thousands without it. Still, for the many who did lose their life and the families that remain behind, my heart is heavy.
In my lifetime of forty years, I've experienced five extraordinary weather events - devastating storms that halted daily life, destroyed property beyond repair, claimed lives. Three of those five weather events occurred within the last fourteen months.
Times are changing.
There is talk online and in real life about prepping - some folks are totally into it, others think it's kind of a wacky idea. I'm a Virgo which means by birthright I lean strongly toward the camp of preparedness.
I find myself asking questions.
Are we able to heat our home during a winter power outage without dependency on a fuel-run generator? Could we adequately supply our clean water needs without relying on bottled water? Do we possess first aid skills and supplies? Are we relying too heavily on our large freezer for storing our food supply? Speaking of food supply, is ours where it should be? What is "should be"? Should we have a proper and well built outhouse, just like Adam's grandmother maintains on her property... just in case?
Some of these questions I'm happy with the answers to, others not as much.
I'm not an alarmist. I don't have a two year supply of food or a plan to bug-out, but I am a human who is wired to survive and most importantly perhaps, I'm a mother responsible for the life of her young.
I think about these things... do you?
For now, I'm grateful for the familiarity and ease of everyday living. Today was one of my homeschool days (Adam has three and I have two). Tomorrow morning I can't wait to catch up with my workshop and see how everyone is doing this week.
If you too were in the path of Hurricane Sandy, I'm hoping you have not suffered too greatly and life is beginning to get back to normal.
Stay well everyone, thank you for thinking of my family and fellow east-coasters during this time, and thank you for the space to ponder wild thoughts such as prepping and readiness this afternoon. Feel free to share your own thoughts and resources on the subject, if you are so inpsired.
Take care, friends. xoxo
