Whither 99 and HB?

[99 44/100% pure]

Hi folks, just plugged my recharged laptop into a friend's working phone line to let y'all know that we have weathered the hurricane safely and without damage, but have been without phone for 2 1/2 weeks (due to pre-hurricane lightning strike) and without electricity since Thursday at 3:00 am. Unfortunately, neither is likely to be restored before this Friday! (The kids will be out of school at least through Tuesday.)

The neighbors got together 2 nights in a row for a giant meat-fest, but there is only so much meat one can eat, and we have all since had to toss the contents of our freezers.

Fortunately, my kids are already used to no TV, but even they are getting sick of the good ol' family games we've been playing by candlelight every night. (My friends are getting a kick out of me typing away on my Powerbook by candlelight.)

Anyway, we have lots of friends who have worse conditions, such as no water, due to electric pump for the well, or chunks of trees in their homes, or six feet of water in the basement. For me, however, the combination of no phone and no power (and a goddamned electric range) has become wearysome.

For HB the lack of internet for diversion during his off hours (he works odd hours these days) has been the hardest part (although putting up with my bickering kids is no picnic -- but he hasn't said anything yet).

Gotta go; I've got a line of people who want to check their e-mail. Hope everyone else is faring well!