This morning they were talking about severe weather this afternoon and I just figured regular summer storms that can get a little wild. Then they started throwing around the word “derecho.” It may have been 11 years ago, but I remember it as plain as day.

So, breaks and lunch around here has been a bit of panic prep. Electronics and power banks all charged. Books & podcasts downloaded. Lanterns tested. Filled up the car. Got cash, ice, snacks, and water. Icemaker running to make freezer extra full.

Last time we went through this, we only lost power for 5 hours. But everything around us was down for days – and even when power came back, a lot of internet didn’t so, places could be open but only take cash. (Hence the trip to the ATM machine today.)

But, we’re as ready as we can be.

Though, there is a dude on YouTube who lives off grid (not a weirdo, he just wanted to live out in the country) and he has these solar powered generators and when I saw them I thought they were super clever and dammit, WHY DIDN’T I GET ONE WHEN I FIRST SAW THEM?

I will be taking a much closer look at those before winter hits, that’s for sure.