Power & July 4th
July 4th was an extra special event this year. In addition to celebrating our nation's independence, we also celebrated something even greater: our inalienable right to electricity. While electricity is not mentioned any where in either the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution, somewhere along the (power) line, we came to accept that fact that there would always be electricity. On June 29, Mother Nature reminded Washington residents that is not the case.
Thanks to a storm known as a derecho (straight-line winds as opposed to the clockwise winds of a tornado), the greater DC area was knocked out of power for several days. The storm started in Ohio, where Grandma and Grandpa got hit first and were without power for 5 days. In the greater DC area, 1.4 million were without power as the mercury soared into the upper 90s. It was definitely a reminder as to why everyone use to leave DC in the summer.
Somehow, we escaped any storm damage and were a small island of power (all the neighborhoods surrounding us were out for several days). Anna & Charley joined us for the first day until their power returned. We were beginning to have power guilt.
Despite the electricity woes, the July 4th celebrations went on. Anna enjoyed the Fairfax parade from the comfort of a shaded gas station awning. We also enjoyed numerous neighborhood activities, including the July 3rd block party and the July 4th pool games (the highlight was the belly flop competition, which included several dads). We joined Aunt Gayle in the evening for dinner and fireworks. It was a nice celebration.
In the meantime, we continue to bake in the 100 degree heat. At least we have AC. Some still do not have their electricity restored.
Thanks to a storm known as a derecho (straight-line winds as opposed to the clockwise winds of a tornado), the greater DC area was knocked out of power for several days. The storm started in Ohio, where Grandma and Grandpa got hit first and were without power for 5 days. In the greater DC area, 1.4 million were without power as the mercury soared into the upper 90s. It was definitely a reminder as to why everyone use to leave DC in the summer.
Somehow, we escaped any storm damage and were a small island of power (all the neighborhoods surrounding us were out for several days). Anna & Charley joined us for the first day until their power returned. We were beginning to have power guilt.
Despite the electricity woes, the July 4th celebrations went on. Anna enjoyed the Fairfax parade from the comfort of a shaded gas station awning. We also enjoyed numerous neighborhood activities, including the July 3rd block party and the July 4th pool games (the highlight was the belly flop competition, which included several dads). We joined Aunt Gayle in the evening for dinner and fireworks. It was a nice celebration.
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| Anna & Joe enjoy the Fairfax July 4th parade |
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