Just wanted to let you all know that I was offline last week, because I was participating (against my will) in living history. I live in Texas and as you may have heard, we had a few difficulties last week with an historic snow storm.

My family and I are fine (now), but we spent a little under 48 hours in the freezing cold with no electricity as well as some time without water. I was underprepared, to say the least, for the winter camping skills that would be required of me.

Here is what I learned:

1. Gas stoves are wonderful (I already knew that from hurricane season).
2. All of the flashlights in my house are either missing batteries or no longer work.
3. I am grateful to all of the people who have given me scented candles over the years, they came in clutch.
4. Hoarding bottled water in between natural disasters is a good idea.
5. Hoarding toilet paper in between natural disasters is a good idea.
6. Get your fireplace flue checked out before each winter season, even when you live on the face of the sun.
7. Even if you have decided that you are too old to ever ski again, keep your ski clothes.
8. Don’t feel bad if you are the type of person who neglects to clean out your pantry, you will gratefully eat those weird remnants one day.

I look forward to getting back to enjoying history together, but wanted to let you know what I have been up to!

All the best,

Jenn