The storm took forever to get here, but its clout was scattered. I saw photos from relatives east of me that showed snow covering the ground. There was no snow here. There was some rain during the night that I didn’t hear. I went to my church on line, where a mid-week service had been recorded to show today, in case weather kept the church closed. The tech showing it, from the comfort of his home, said the streets of Asheville were icy and dangerous.
On the weather map, all around my area the temperatures were 28 F (-2.22 C). Both of my outdoor thermometers showed 55 F (12.77 C). I was in a warm pocket!
Wind began to blow, with the intensity increasing rather quickly. The wind chimes and whirligigs flailed about in the garden. Slipping on gardening shoes, I rushed out to take them down. As I did, the wind roared on the nearest ridge and made the old oak tree dance. I don’t know that I’ve ever been outside in wind that heavy. I think I could have been frightened if I hadn’t been concentrating on the job at hand.
The background hum of the house changed as the heat pumps shut off and the generator came to life. The power was off! I texted neighbor Joyce, who is great at reporting our outages. I have the app for the power company, but I’ve never used it successfully. She soon sent me a screen shot from the company that said the estimated restore time was unknown and 109 accounts were affected. In a very short time – minutes, not hours – the power was on again! Amazing!!
I was writing this and stopped to enjoy the holiday lights on Holly’s house. Texting her, I told her how lovely they looked. She texted back that Logan was eating dinner with her, and she was sending him over with a bowl of her Cincinnati chili. A minute or so later he was at the door with the warm chili and extra cheese and onions. Wow! My neighbors are THE BEST!!
Temperatures are on the way down now and are forecast to be 6 F (-14.44 C) tomorrow night. I’m thankful the rain, snow, sleet, wind, and cold air didn’t hit all at once while the power was out.
Mehrling Muse 
That’s good it fizzled – thank goodness for that. That is really cold for you! Better wear long johns on your walk tomorrow!
LikeLike
I’ll see what the temp will be. I’ve almost settled on a cutoff point — not walking if the temp is below 25°.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, there are ice dangers too … I know you like patting the ice with your shoe tip, but you might get black ice too. I’ve encountered black ice at the Park from the mist on the Creek in October. My walking regimen is virtually at a standstill. I should have taken the pedometer out to record walking back and forth while shoveling or running up and down the stairs to check on the water (it’s been running, a thin stream in all faucets since Friday, the 16th. I had a water line break once and it was a big mess.
LikeLike
I’m running my taps right now, too. I check the road carefully when it’s cold. I don’t think there was any water on the road today. Tomorrow is too cold for me to walk, anyway. It’s going to be 7°. I’ve decided I won’t walk if it’s under 25 degrees unless someone is with me. Do you have a set point that is too cold for you to walk?
LikeLike
Read I g this list itveas like being there or reading a story. Despite the cold storm and the power outage you portrayeda beautiful cosy picture. Stay warm and safe my friend 💕.
LikeLike
I was really relieved that none of my nightmares became reality. The storm drew our neighbors closer.
LikeLike
You have delightful neighbours
LikeLike
I am very blessed!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad you weathered the storm. Your neighbours are awesome!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I especially admire your fortitude going out into that wind. Isn’t the idea of the same wind blowing through to North Central Texas today, so we shared it together a nice thought (however unlikely)?
Despite the storm, we have had uninterupted internet and power. I’m pleased to catch up on your posts today. I have admired your perseverence over the past years and appreciate your reports from your mountain, regardless of when I can log on from my apartment. Your stories make those days the best!
LikeLike
What a lovely thing to say! I’m thrilled that you read my blog. I always look to see who liked each one. I miss your writing. If you ever get the urge, please blog again.
I’m sure some of the wind I got had the Texas name branded on it. I would love to know when some of your air went over me.
LikeLike
Oh my, that is definitely something to be thankful for! It was 25 here this morning and believe it or not, I stood outside while the dogs blessedly did their biz in the pen! I think Whiskey understood me saying it was way to cold to walk her all over the park this morning. 😂 Why not, they can tell time, who’s to say they don’t understand what we are saying?
LikeLike
Maybe her footpads told her it was too cold to stay outside.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so fortunate to have such wonderful neighbors. A warm bowl of chili sounds lovely on a cold winter day.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Holly’s chilli is legendary!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are so lucky. We had 12″ of snow with a light coat of sleet on top. A lot of work to clear. I am ready for spring!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, we were extremely lucky.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Storms can start with a bang and just fizzle out to nothing
LikeLiked by 1 person
This storm fizzled from start to finish.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A big relief and hopefully, there won’t be another threat of a power outage this winter! The weather can be fun, but not losing power.
LikeLike
Anne, I felt the drama of your post as you rescued the wind chimes and thank goodness the power cuts were brief. They provided such a cosy respite from the electricity though. Oh, your neighbours are definitely the best, bless.
LikeLike
You’re such a naturally, good writer. “The wind chimes and whirligigs flailed about in the garden. Slipping on gardening shoes, I rushed out to take them down. As I did, the wind roared on the nearest ridge and made the old oak tree dance.” = absolutely beautiful!
LikeLike