It was, for about 10 years. My choice to live next to the creek, but when the power company comes through an area and takes down trees that threaten the power lines they never think to go down the right-of-way behind our houses.

After yesterday's outage I forgot to reprogram the new string of lights on the porch so they were merrily sparking when I just checked the mail. I may set them to Halloween colors for a couple of days then turn them off the actual night (when I make sure the front of the house is dark and not inviting to trick-or-treaters who drive the dogs nuts.)

I'm using this week to step down from a long-term habit. Ages ago I bought several cases of large dark chocolate bars at the discount grocery, and I have finally run out. I used to have a piece of it in the morning with my tea, and I do understand that while it was lower-carb dark chocolate (low on sugar) it was a source of caffeine. So as I approach my high-protein dry November I'm also letting go of the chocolate.

Today the first roofer is supposed to come by to look and give me an estimate; I think the man must get a lot of spam calls or just be very cautious, I had to explain what I wanted and how I know him before he agreed he is the roofer and will come over. I worry about businesses like his in the current administration with their hate-immigrants policies.