We have survived the coldest spell in many years. I was surprised to see that this is only number three on the coldest day. I saw that in 1899 it was -1 degrees. I wasn’t alive then, so I can’t appreciate how horrible that event was. I just know these last five days have been a strain. We have been comfortable with our wood stove. My house does still smell like a campfire, but I can live with that. We had enough food and water to last through the storm. As usual, folks around here pulled together, and checked on neighbors, and those lacking in basic supplies. We are a community of caring people.
Thanks to the water folks in Richland proper, there was no loss of water and therefore not many broken pipes. The same cannot be said for the SUD. When the power goes out so does the power to operate the pumps. As a Texas grid, we will have to examine our system to see what we can do to prevent this giant power loss, but overall, we survived.
I imagine all the mockers from the North are paying back times in the past when the North received record highs and people were dying from the heat. We here in the South couldn’t believe there was a problem. We all live with high temperatures that would melt the northern climes into greasy slime. It’s all in what you do daily. I just hope we don’t have to do this again any time soon.
Skelton’s Hardware has plumbing supplies for those in need. They are good neighbors. If you call, they will open even when they are closed for business. Sunday, I saw a line up of cars outside the store. They have supplies, but if you need a plumber, you may be out of luck for some time to come. There are reports of some businesses, not around here, hiking their prices during this cold spell. I hope they realize the error of their ways and do what is right.
School will be back in full swing this week. We keep trying to catch up to our missing days, but there seems to be no end of events that send us back to virtual. We teachers are determined though, so look out kids. I think the worst thing for me is the work ethic that comes out of virtual schooling. Getting up early, spending the day in a classroom and being forced to work and get things done, does not compare to getting up late and playing around with work. I can’t blame the kids, but it worries me for the future workforce.
Forget the kids, look at the union teachers who are refusing to go back to work (most recently in Los Angeles, CA). They have gotten used to staying home and collecting a paycheck without having to work. I think they should look themselves in the mirror and call it like it is… laziness.
I spent a good number of hours reading last week. I did not miss the television or the news. I didn’t even miss the computer. My friends know what a horrible phone person I am. I admit it’s nice to have phone service when there is an emergency.
Our major emergency here in the city was the loss of the Locker house. Our firefighters were there to help, but the shortage of water proved to be an insurmountable obstacle. Michael, Sarah, and Foster are all well. They were able to get some clothing out, but the rest of their possessions are a total loss. A GoFundMe page has been started for them, and the First Baptist Church is collecting money as well. They have a safe warm place to stay for now. Hopefully, they will rebuild soon and resume normal activities. I know they are touched by all the messages of concern and offers of help.
Unlike the big cities, our stores are stocked up, and we are resuming our daily lives. I suspect it will take a few weeks for the big cities to catch up on supplies, but don’t forget, we are Texas strong!
Please pray for the Martin family on the passing of Maxine Esquivel.
Prayers are needed for Gerald McKee in his fight against cancer. We have several others in the community fighting this horrible disease.
My son-in-law, Mark, is also fighting cancer. Donna Taylor’s brother, Dave, is having complications from his cancer surgery.
Please pray for our country, our Congress, and the unrest in the world. Most of all pray for our medical staff, law officers and our precious troops and their families. Have a great week.