Sunday, December 21, 2008

Bleak December

It was a cold, windy, and icy morning this past Friday. About 5:00 AM, I received a call from my friend and teammate, Martha, letting me know that school was going to be delayed for 2 hours. Shortly thereafter, we received an automated message relaying the same detail. The delay in school was good news as our cars were ice-covered, and the driveway was no better. Additionally, this was to be our last day of school before our holiday break. The day before any holiday can be quite hectic for teachers and students alike. A two-hour delay meant that school would begin at about 9:30 AM. However, the weather conditions convinced the powers-that-be to cancel school altogether for that Friday, December 19, 2008.

After Daddy D, a physics and chemistry teacher for the same school system in which I teach seventh grade science, and I received a couple of phone messages about the school cancellation, my husband noted that we had lost a few branches to ice in the backyard. A few minutes later, I heard a loud crash and the lights went out in our bedroom. However, the computer that I was using was still functioning, and other lights throughout the house were still on. Investigating the source of the loud noise, I found this broken branch outside our bedroom window. As my husband looked outside, he found that this tree limb broke off and hit our roof apparently pulling down the electrical wire and the cable wire coming to our house. Luckily, the part of the power still coming to the house was to the refrigerator and to the furnace so we had both food and heat.

Of course, we called the power company immediately. The customer service person asked Daddy D several questions and said that repairmen would come to our house as soon as possible. It turns out the as soon as possible was Sunday afternoon. Furthermore, NIPSCO, the power company, was not responsible for the repairs so we needed to call an electrician. We called a conscientious and efficient electrician named Dean, who was here within an hour and quickly made the repairs in sub-zero temperatures. Dean and his men restored the mast leading to the meter, and the NIPSCO men turned on our power



Although this event was inconvenient and this cost us a few dollars, my husband and I feel fortunate that we had heat, a functioning refrigerator, and that were able to use our stove, washer, and dryer during these few days. I guess that December may not be so bleak afterall.

16 comments:

Luke said...

I am glad that you stayed safe and warm (and still had food), despite the inconvenience from the bad weather.

Cazzie!!! said...

Such a contrast to our weather here today. It is very hot here and we have gale force HOT Northerly winds. The kind of weather you have got to think about preparing for fires...I think about the firemen on these days and pray that no one lights a bush fire that may get out of control.

daddy d said...

The whole job was done for us with the best of timing. The NIPSCO guys where super to deal with. The guy,Dean,that actually did the work they don't was right on the repair work. He said," Fixing electrical problem is what we do." So with the help of his helper, they did just that. It was cold for them but they worked their magic anyway. It is good to have people do the right thing at the right time.

Faye said...

So Molly, are you looking at the unexpected early start to the school holiday as a lucky break or a hassle when you go back to school after the holidays? I'm not sure how I would see it. I'm glad you all escaped more extensive damage and were able to get the good electrician out to solve the problem. Everyone needs a good electrician, plumber--and tree trimmer lately--in the rolodex. . .

It's bitter cold in Louisville today as I'm sure for you all. Stay warm and, if you're traveling safe for the holidays, safe. Enjoy your time off. Merry Christmas to you and yours Molly.

Tink said...

I sincerely hope that the electric company would have sent someone out sooner had you not had heat and a refridgerator! But I'm glad it all worked out in the end.

((HUG)) Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Unknown said...

Besides having to drive in snow this is the other think I dread about winter. Glad you're warm. :)

Judith said...

What a tale to tell and what a massive branch to fall but I'm glad that you were alright :) Judith

Margaret said...

In spite of the money and inconvenience, you were very fortunate. I am glad that we have had power in the midst of our snow storms. It makes life bearable.

Pamela said...

it is stressful when you get caught in the middle of not knowing who to call.

my brother was driving the other day and the roads were all graveled for the snow and ice. Except for the off ramp between the state highway and the city. I guess both agencies figured it was the responsibility of the other.
so, off he goes -- and slides right down the hill and smashed into another car.

captain corky said...

I'm glad things turned out ok for you guys!

I actually had to have an electrician come out and replace a part on our Trane furnace. It was the day before the temperature dropped to 6 degrees and the guy fixed it within a couple of hours. I felt very lucky and was happy that this repair only cost us 230 bucks.

captain corky said...

PS It's nice to see you guys back in action.

karisma said...

Merry Christmas Molly and daddy d, I hope santa is kind to you both.

karisma said...

Merry Christmas Molly and daddy d, I hope santa is kind to you both.

Anonymous said...

Here's wishing you and yours a healthy, happy, and safe hollyday season and 2009.

NotAMeanGirl said...

This winter seems to be one of the most brutal in memory... I live in TX and we've been COLD. I can't imagine how cold it is in OTHER parts of the country!

Can't wait to read more from you!

debi said...

First let me say I am glad to see a new post here. I missed you. Thank goodness you are both safe. I live in fear of falling trees. I wake up Joe and ask him to pray for us when we get those awful wind storms. Merry Christmas to you. Love the birthday pics of little Kara. She grew up so fast.I want them to stay small forever. To always be right there in my pocket where I can keep them safe.