Day Four No Power in Western MA

The freak storm that hit Massachusetts and the northeast on Saturday has left millions without power. This blogger is one of them and - as such a one - would like to share some input as to what I've learned about living without so many of the so-called comforts we enjoy. For example: be sure to have the following on hand - multiple flashlights and batteries - a transistor radio - plenty of gas in your car before the storm hits so one may get warm in the winter and or cool in the summer and above all charge ones cell phone. Living without lights and sufficient heat for several days teaches one how to adjust and invent ways in which to stay warm - feed oneself - dress and do ones hair by flashlight and appreciate the fact that the power company will restore all as soon as they are able - everything will be as it was before with few if any difficulties. This is not so for the many homeless or those living on marginal incomes especially in the cold weather states. Therefore the next time there is an opportunity to give to a food pantry or to someone asking for change to possibly keep warm for the night just do so - life without even the basics of what one is used to must be nothing compared to that individuals plight. At the moment my biggest challenge is how to complete this post using a smart phone with a qwerty keyboard that is somewhat unfamiliar. I cannot find the comma for instance and miss the ability to opine on whatever event that catches my attention. How shallow the later is when one considers this powerless and heatless northeastern city will soon be back to normal. One last note-the City of Chicopee and its Mayor - Mike Bissonnette and the municipal electric company have done an exemplary job at restoring power to over seventy percent of the city and the mayor has kept those with access updated through Facebook. A job well done.