Just like the pioneers did things

Last night, just as we were putting the kids to bed, the power went out. We hurried them through the end of their bedtime routines and then went outside to investigate. The streets were full of gossiping neighbors with the latest news -- a tree had come down on some power lines a few blocks away and sparked a huge electrical fire. It didn't look like we'd be getting our power back any time soon.

We hadn't cooked dinner yet and our evening plans included the Desperate Housewives/Grey's Anatomy lineup. Clearly, a new plan needed to be improvised. So we lit some candles, called out for delivery on the cell phone, popped a NetFlix DVD into the laptop with the extended-life battery and settled in for a quiet electricity-free evening, 21st century-style. Roughing it has never been more fun.