WHAT'S FOR AFTERS?

Surprisingly enough, it was not as difficult as I had imagined getting up with the alarm on Monday morning.  My routine was slightly altered due to the previous week's events, but that was not a hinderance. The temperatures were due to hit record highs this week, and despite foliage taking a big hit, everything looked quite bright.  The berry bushes had survived much better than some of the more established shrubs and trees.  

Of course, speaking to a native New Yorker about our terrible weather was like telling a left arm amputee that you got stung by a bee on your left hand and it was very painful.  "So, you had a bit of snow, and no power for a couple of days". In the words of the 'four Yorkshiremen' (a sketch written by some very talented British comedians) "Luxury"!  "Only 36 hours," and "Only got down to 7 degrees".  Naturally to those who are not used to it, it was devastating, and we were ill-prepared.  However, this is Texas.  Various comments were thrown out about the lack of 'looting' that would be abound in other parts of the world.  Someone wrote, "This is Texas.  We don't loot.  We make casseroles".  That is what we did.  Those who can, do, and those who cannot are helped by those who can!  

As I walked on Monday morning, I was reminded of a holiday many years ago.  I was sixteen, and my parents, Elise and I went to France with some good friends who lived opposite us in the cul-de-sac.  Their children, Stephen and Leslee, Elise and I were laughing as our parents sang songs that they used to sing 'during the war'.  I remember their mother saying, "I would hate for our kids to go through that, but we did have a good time".  I understood what she meant.  You made the best out of the worst.  Sitting down in the sun on the previous Tuesday afternoon was making the best out of the worst.  "Luxury", I could hear the New Yorker say!  

Preparing Ratatouille took precedence first thing on Monday.  I wanted to use all the fresh produce that I had been given on Friday, that I could not use before it started to wilt, and make something that I could 'give back'.  As the provider had lived in Paris for a few years, many years ago, I thought she might appreciate the gesture.  I had prepared some of the ingredients, but when Samantha came in, she took a knife and helped me chop!  Into the crockpot it went and I felt as if I had done justice to the mass of food!

I stopped by another office in our building and spoke to the young girl who is employed there.  She had no water.  I offered to run home and bring some bottles, but she reminded me that the building had not lost power nor water.  Admittedly, there had been a burst pipe on the lower level, but everything else was good.  We swapped stories of the previous week.  Everything suddenly became a 'before and after' experience. 

My neighbour, who had given me her freezer remains, called to say that she would come across to collect the salvaged food.  I had let her know that I had not used it, but had frozen it and kept it until she was ready to retrieve it.  At my back door appeared a familiar face. "It's stuck!" she Patricia, my neighbour's daughter.  "No, it's locked!" I replied.  "When there is no snow, I lock the door!" I said with a smile on my face.  My back door had remained, mostly, unlocked all the previous week, to allow access to my electricity outlets.  Back to normal seemed odd!  Along with the frozen food, I gave her a pot of Ratatouille.  It was received graciously, and within minutes I received a call from her mother to thank me.  I was still in 'communal spirit' mode and wanted to help out, when no help was really needed!

The decision to make cookies was both spontaneous and rediculous. My neighbour was coming back from almost two weeks away, and she had gone through some invasive tests during a routine check up. I was not sure as to whether she was expecting the additional tests, but I did know that she was not feeling 'tip top'.  Although I had checked on her unit, (yes, the one where I had bruised my arm, rather than damaged the door,) it appeared that there was a slight leak.  However, she assured me that it was not bad, and her husband had managed to take care of it.  A delivery of cookies had been made to her house when she was not there, and she had insisted they be distributed.  Part of my cookie making was to replace those she missed.  I was so grateful that we had remained virtually unscathed throughout the process that I wanted to share my blessings!  Again, I digress!  Cleaning the kitchen would have to take place when I came home, and I put the cookie dough in the fridge, and headed out to work.  

Another busy day was followed by a very busy evening.  Once cooked, I took the cookies over to my neighbour, and left the box by her front door.  "Delivery at the door", I texted her, as I was not sure if she was dozing after her long order, and long drive home.  It appeared I "did good".  I felt happy.  Shortly after, I went for a walk around with the 'work out crew', after they had finished their exercise routine, which still takes place in my car port!  Another neighbour stopped me and explained why she had been picked up in a fire truck! I tried not to laugh, but she also said that the coffee that we had sent over had been a 'saving grace'.  "You have no idea how much that helped me!" she said.  I am not one for public shows of emotion, but it was all I could do to hold back the tears.  It was as if there had been a valve release.  "Before", or "After" the big freeze.  We will continue for months!

My kitchen was a double disaster area on Wednesday and there was no way I was going to make it into work before heading for a manicure!  My idea had been simple, but the preparation was far from it!  The stuffed flounder was worth the effort, and the mess!

More stories started to flood the news, and our community had fared much better than some.  Thankfully we knew no one who had suffered fatalities!  I thought about how I react when someone from home tells me, "It's boiling here, unbearable!"  I ask exactly how hot is boiling and think to myself, "Luxury!"  When you are not equipped, it is 'unbearable'.  

I returned home Friday evening and received another call from my neighbour.  She wanted to bring my pots back.  I went down to meet her.  In her hand was something along with the pots.  It smelled delicious and I could only wonder.  She said that she had not made one for years, and hopefully it was good.  One thing I miss here is a good old fashioned quiche!  There are some restaurants that are not bad, but there is something not quite like those we get at home.  Perhaps home is wrong, and they are right, but I know what I like! Dorothy's quiche was just like I get at home.  I let her know it was absolutely wonderful.  I was so thankful for her 'thank you'!  

Matnee and I took to the shops on Saturday morning and everything was mostly back to normal.  Some items were still not on the shelves but we were not sure if that was due to distribution, or panic buying. There was nothing that I needed that could not wait until next week, or indeed the week after.  I arrived home, reorganised a couple of cupboards, and then took a nap.  Surprisingly enough, I was exhausted.  Although warm, it was very overcast.

Sunday morning came around, as it does, once a week, and I made breakfast, after going for a walk. The pool filters were clogged, as there were a lot of leaves falling, even though this is not necessarily the time of year for them to do so.  Most had just dropped after dying. I put on my specialised clothing (a pair of plastic gloves) and emptied all the filters.  It was hard work!  However, the bubbles that were caused due to the blockage receded and the leaves that were laying on top made their way to the sides, no doubt to block the filters again.  Raul will be around tomorrow to take care of it!

I spoke to both my children on facetime, and saw a couple of very tired little boys off to bed.  They had been at the park with the dog for most of the afternoon and were exhausted.  Lots of lovely fresh air is as good as a sleeping draught!  

The sun has not shown its face today, and a sit by the pool is probably not going to happen, despite the temperature being conducive.  The end of my book awaits, but it may be another week before concluding the final chapter.  I can do something else, I am sure!  

March will come roaring in tomorrow, although I am not sure it will be 'like a lion'.  Spring is on its way and the nights appear to have 'drawn out' a little bit, here.  There is not as big a difference as at home, but it is noticeable.  Hopefully, there will be something new on the horizon to talk about in ........... another story!