Dupont:

Finally felt OK to go to the store for a few things and another for de-icer for the steps and back porch. As I drove from one to other, there was a streak of blue sky and sun. I thought I would get home and open the drape that would let in some solar gain. I went into the store, grabbed a bag, paid and left --- right into a raging wind and vicious sleet storm. Made it to the car and left the cart in mid parking lot, avoided a knocked over sign and came home. No electric!

Found and lighted a couple candles, others handy. Put my tea in a pan on the wood stove. Phoned R to apprise him. Had a bit to eat - crackers and almond butter.

R came home. At this point it was still above freezing, raining and melting - sump pumps need electric! Water running across floor in cellar and in library (basement)... Off to look for way to manage this crisis: CAnadian Tire had a couple possibilies BUT they now have a big TV sort of thing where one can look up items and get "details" and even reviews. The items both had terrible reviews - WHY are they still in stock???

Next store: I entertained myself looking around for something/anything useful and desirable while R disappeared. Eventually, I found him on the floor near the exit, putting a small generator together with moral support from one to three staff! A young couple left with the same gen in its box. There may have been a couple more customers in this Large store -between 6 and 8 pm.

Of course, when we got home, the lights were on! R checked the cellar and we ate supper. I went to bed at 9! a few cm of snow this am and below freezing temps - a bit of sun earlier but grey now and sporadic wind.

Roads closed in most of southern Ontario. We may leave tomorrow, weather permitting. The good news, so far - the hydro is still on at Beaver!

NOW, I am going to do a "R" laundry. We had a nice BF of Pineapple buckwheat cakes - R dissected the pineapple - one in freezer, one in BF. Oh, I shoveled the slush off the front walk and back deck yesterday and ache today...