The storm that hit last night has really wiped out a lot of people’s homes, roofs, gardens etc. Many still had power out as of this evening, 24 hours later.

Nick and I lost power for a few hours last night, but we just had a windy thunderstorm - normal for this time of year, and something I quite enjoy! We had no knowledge of the extent of the damage in other parts of the city. I had people ring today to tell me their children wouldn’t be coming to tutoring, because their schools had been closed, and they’d spent all day cleaning up the yard!

The phonelines have been patchy as well. It got us thinking last night - what if this happened long-term? What if the power didn’t come back on, the phones were dead, the supermarkets ran out of food? We, along with everyone else, would certainly be in a massive fix. We’d be heading down to the beach with a fishing line in order to stay alive!

Things like this help to remind me why I want to live a self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyle. And why it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the weather forecasts…

Rinelle over at Tir Tairngire, was kind enough to award me with the Premio Dardos Award.

“This award acknowledges the values that every blogger shows in his/her effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literacy and personal values every-day”.

Thank-you, Rinelle! I’m off to squirrel around my favourite blogs to see who I can pass this on to

So it was with great joy that I watched the latest election turn in favour of Barack Obama. America’s first black president, young, energetic, and hopefully the one who can turn the country around. It’s a good day to be an American

Why, it was only just over 50 years ago that Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man… and now, we have a black president. The country has come a very long way…

And just for a little perspective…

I’ll be keeping my eye on this bush, ready to enjoy the next flower!!!