When "Down Time" is Thrust Upon You

It takes a tropical storm and a four day power outage to help you appreciate the daily conveniences we enjoy...but some great moments were imposed on us as well when Irene struck.  Once we got past the complaining ("it's too dark to find anything ...which cooler is the milk in...there is nothing to do"), we found ourselves together as a family; talking, laughing, bonded by frustration! 

Throughout the day we played endless games; a gift that doesn't happen often enough with the distraction of electronics just feet away.  As a matter of fact, it was during an enthralling round of "Risk" that we heard the snap of our maple tree as it fell toward our house.  While the clean up wasn't much fun, it's a memory that will stay with us.

Nighttime was seemingly the most limiting with no businesses open and diminishing batteries making it hard to get around the house by flashlight or lantern.  However, the beautiful weather in the days after the storm allowed us to spend evenings outdoors.  With no ambient light to interfere with visibility, the stars shone in abundance.  We live right near Route 1 so that is a sight only appreciated when the power is down.  Taking in the constellations in the star-filled sky was a gift to be appreciated! 

While we've enjoyed some of our best memories from hotels and beaches near and far, this particular summer vacation brought us together in ways unexpected!