Electric

frozen April rain

branches fall with icy weight

plunged into darkness

Last Wednesday we had heavy freezing rain (about 20-30 mm accumulation), and with the winds that followed, many trees fell and branches broke. Since most of our hydro lines are aboveground, this resulted in massive power outages (1.1 million customers at the peak)*. Our power was restored on Sunday evening, well into our fifth day without electricity. We fared well enough** – a combination of a charcoal grill, camp stove, and a small generator which allowed the fan on our fireplace to keep our place from feeling too cold. And while it is spring, nighttime temperatures were well below freezing most nights last week and over the weekend. Many people are still without power, and it might be a few more days for some.

It was stressful, and unsettling, in part because for a few days the cell networks were down as well, so getting updates was tricky. We actually pulled out an old radio from the basement to get updates – evidence that old technology still plays a role in our high-tech society! Overall the last few days was a strong reminder of how dependent we are on comforts of a warm home, cell phones, stoves, and hot water. It is good to be grateful, always, and not take such things for granted. Now, time for a hot shower!

*In this part of Quebec, freezing rain and power outages are not uncommon, but the one last week sure lasted longer than most. Such events bring back strong memories in our region, as the ice storm of 1998 (which occurred in January of that year) was truly historic and impactful. We weren’t in Quebec at the time, but many of our friends talk of that time often.

** and we fared well because of the generosity of so many of our friends – THANK YOU! (you know who you are)