The Storm of '09

I just came back inside on this rather cool and blustery day. I'd gone out to watch Cliff and Leroy flush the sewer system. Also just to have a chat, because they're two of my favorite village experts. Cliff no longer lives here, but drives out several times a week to help with assorted town business. Leroy, I'm convinced, knows how to do everything. He probably knits, for all I know. The guy is a storehouse of handy information regarding sewer systems, water pumps, broken pipes, assorted tractors or small engine use and repair, solar panels- anything. They've been working on the town sewer system for the last several days- we've had water shut down, etc. One day, the water shut down right as I was getting ready to rinse out my hair in the shower. I called Leroy to ask how long it would be off, and explained my situation. Now, he's been updating me frequently, and kindly. We're lucky to have him.

It's been a rather quiet fall. I haven't been out as much as usual, the kids and husband have been playing a few hundred rounds of duck-duck-goose with the current virus- I'm the only non-player so far in this fun, and that relegates me to being the pharmacist- although- after dealing with this for more than a month, I'll admit to be tired and less patient than I should.

We had a HUGE storm in August. Woke the entire town up around 4 in the morning, and proceeded to cut electricity, knock 1/2 the trees over, ruin rooftops (I got a new one!), and scare the heck out of all of us. And of course- no electricity means no air conditioning, and... it was August. Pretty miserable. But, it was also one of those days when the community showed it's stuff. Most of workers took the day off- from whatever their jobs are- stayed home and cleaned up. Neighbors helping neighbors, it had the feel of a block party at times, with everyone out, talking in the sunshine- and not just about the storm.

I admit to being occasionally frustrated living in this small place. Maybe that's because I don't always go out of my way to build that community that I've talked about so heartily. Maybe I've stayed inside too much lately. Anyway, I'm going to try to right those wrongs, and begin afresh. Hence the talking to Cliff and Leroy in the street, accompanied by the sound of flushing sewer line.