Sigh. Over a week gone in my vacation. So far, I've hung out with the kids while my wife and eldest son spent the week in Florida, watched tv, watched Spider-Man II, Napoleon Dynamite, and Mean Girls, had to evacuate from my home due to the Ohio ice storm, and not only missed giving gifts at Christmas (for the most part) but can't even cook much for the family.

For the first half of the week, things were okay. But last Weds the snow began. That wasn't bad - we just tried to stay in. Then Weds nite the snow turned to freezing rain, and the power went out.
Thursday I decided to brave the streets and move to a site where I could at least cook
some food for the kids. We stayed there for a few hours, but then were given the suggestion to move to a local relief shelter for some heat. We tried that, but the conditions at the high school were pretty rugged. Friends of the family volunteered, out of the greatness of their hearts, to share their electric and heat with us for the night.

Friday afternoon power returned - and we returned home. The house is still cold - temps staying in the 50s or sometimes a bit lower - but we have a couple of space heaters.

Saturday, we ran to the airport, where our vacationeers were returning. We returned home, and Christmas afternoon and evening returned to our dear friends home, where we were treated to a wonderful meal and fellowship.

Now we spent the night here at the house. Weather.com is predicting that these temps of mid 20s will rise to mid 50s by the end of the week - finally, some warmth! Also, after payday and bills , perhaps I will be able to buy a few small gifts for the kids.

Even though so many preach that it is better to give than receive, it is hard for teenagers to end up with few to no gifts.