do you know where your candles are?

Jan 31, 2011

Before TV stations were on 24/7, way back when stations were broadcast over airwaves (I’m referring to the stone ages when there wasn’t cable and satellite), the TV sign-off screen was what you might see shortly after hearing the words, “It’s 10:00 o’clock. Do you know where your children are?”

If that’s too far in the way-back machine for you to travel, how about Homer Simpson…
TV: It’s 11 o’clock, do you know where your children are?
Homer: I Told You Last Night! NO!
– Homer Simpson

In light of the grim weather forecast predicted for the ville and many other parts of the world, I thought I should ask about your candles as a reminder — in case they might come in handy. Like the rest of you, I’d rather have a ton of snow than a dump of ice. And, like the rest of you, a trip to the store and gas station was in order today. Fighting the masses for a loaf of bread, gallon of milk and a dozen eggs is the worst part about incoming bad weather.

So there’s plenty to eat and drink in the house even if we’re snowed in (iced in) for 2 weeks. What worries me is the talk of downed power lines due to ice. What about coffee? Crazy that I’m worried less about staying warm than I am about how I’m going to make coffee without electric. I have a wood stove. I have no wood. If I can’t make coffee, I’ll probably burn dining room chairs as kindling and heat water in a kettle on top. See? I’ve already planned it out.

Just in case…do you know where your candles are?