Last night, our power went out in a thunderstorm. When I called FPL, the automated voice said there was a problem with the main line. Fortunately, I’d had a flashlight standing by, as we have in every room, so when our house was plunged into total darkness, light was readily at hand. We got to test our battery-run lanterns. While I worried about the food in the refrigerator if this lasted all night, and how I’d sleep in the heat without a/c, I didn’t have long to be concerned. The power flicked back on within the hour. However, this wasn’t the only episode lately, and it makes me realize how easily we’ll lose our power in the event of a hurricane. Early one morning during the last week, the power went out for no apparent reason. Again when I called FPL via old-fashioned wired phone, they said damage to the main line had caused the blackout. This one lasted three hours. At least it was daylight and I’d already warmed my morning coffee. But what’s the problem with their equipment? Why aren’t they better insulated against damage? It’s almost 6am and the sun isn’t up yet. Better keep the flashlight handy. I am praying we don’t have any big storms this year. The question then would be, does our condo in Orlando have power? Can we make it up there with the congestion on the Turnpike and on one tank of gas? And how will we know when power is restored here? Hopefully, I won’t have to worry about those things any time soon, but with FPL’s track record already, it appears a stormy season is ahead.

I think people just dont realise how powerful nature is and with us damading it, we also damadge a healthy balance in nature. That's why we have so many thunderstorms and hurricans lately. I live in Switzerland and I havent seen so many thunderstorms here like this summer.

And if there is a power outage, wouldnt that be a good reason to have a romantic evening with candel light? ;)

You're right about the forces of nature, Kat. Sure, a power outage can lend itself toward a romantic evening, but not once the heat creeps up. It's in the nineties here outside, and without a/c, the temperature in the house climbs quickly.

The best we can do is always be prepared. Like having those flashlights handy, and supplies of food that won't spoil. And remember that in a battle of wills, Mother Nature will always win!