Page 18 - February 2021 Voices
P. 18
I WAS THINKING . . .
PERCEPTION & OUR LITTLE TIME OUT
Emilie Taylor, DTM - Immediate Past District Director
There is nothing like having the Covid-19 cake What do you do when there is neither access
around with a little bit of “icing” on top to give to television nor internet? What do you do when
us a little “time out”. you are so used to having a fridge that works,
I live in Clackamas County, one of the hardest light from flipping a switch, warm soup using
hit counties in Oregon dealing with the recent the microwave for a minute or two? Everything
ice storm. First was the layer of snow, then came you need (well almost everything) was at your
the rain, then came the flashes of lights and fingertips—until an east wind with below
exploding transformers. Our neighborhood freezing temperatures met with a west wind of
was plunged into darkness. It is still is without warm wet air. A shift of a degree or two became
any lights from street lamps and homes are in snow or freezing rain, then our “time out.”
the dark. Trees were down blocking streets in My take away. . .
the neighborhood. Powerlines and telephone 1. It is very important to have working
cables littered the streets. And, a few beloved flashlights. A flashlight became my
maples trees and their branches buckled down best friend for 5 days. . . aside from my
from the weight of ice. Our bamboo had arched husband. Yes, everywhere I went I had a
completely to the ground offering sanctuary for flashlight in my pocket. You learn pretty
any little animals. quickly which flashlights are the best. With
It felt as if everything quieted down. I can’t so much “darkness” around, it is good to
even remember seeing birds and our house is know that we are never truly in the dark.
surrounded by trees. Of course, the trees had 2. Not knowing what was happening was
thick layers of ice on them. My husband did not oddly refreshing. The noise was quieted
recall seeing any birds encased in ice while he down, not just from no traffic, and no
was clearing all of the fallen debris. planes in the air. There was a time out
Luckily for us, we have a gas stove in the for genuine quiet! There was no need to
basement though there was no power to blow know what was going on in Washington,
hot air around. At least we had radiant heat to DC for the time being. There was no need
take the chill off. We could warm up the kettle to watch the daily ritual of evening news.
or a pot of soup albeit it took 2 to 3 hours for it Knowing when power would be restored
to be ready. We were also luckier than most as took precedence over everything else!
we have a gas water heater. Taking a hot shower 3. Our cell phones were a lifeline! Indeed
while the house was 50 degrees felt like camping they were. You never really think about
on the Oregon Coast. it until they are your only way to connect
18 ONE COMMUNITY
