On Wednesday, March 13, 2013, a blizzard hit Colorado. Quite – unlike any blizzard that I have gone through –  because the winds were so strong with this one. They likened it to a Category 2 hurricane – except it bought snow with it. Call it a “bomb cyclone”, a “bombogenesis”, or a “snowicane”, it was fierce and the worst of it didn’t even hit our little suburb. I did however get a fence panel loosened, trash cans blown over and I was without power for almost the whole day.

I’m glad I didn’t go to the gym and listened to CSP and the weather man – who said don’t be lulled into a false security. CSP even gave permission for everyone to stay home. It came and it hit fast. Always, listen to your gut and if it warns you to stay home – then do it.

Besides feeling like I was living the book – The Long Winter – (Little House on the Prairie book by Laura Ingalls Wilder), I had a great day of reflection and writing in my journal. I realized that if a blizzard ever hit again I would need 5 things.

 1. A portable battery charger – Now, through the years, my husband has bought these for me…. but I have never taken them seriously – until a few days ago. There is no greater fear…. errrrr…. concern, than watching your phone battery get down to 20% and realizing that unless the power comes back on soon – you won’t have contact with the outside world. (I couldn’t get internet cuz the power was out) But to not be able to text or make phone calls? Worst thing ever….

2. Unscented candles – I love Yankee Candles and other smell good candles, but when you get too many scents mingled together… I can’t breathe so good. Apple Pumpkin and Eucalyptus/Mint doesn’t mix together so well.

3. My inhalers stocked up –  One thing I learned about scented candles is that when you mix Apple Pumpkin scent with Eucalyptus/Mint – I start to wheeze. Too many scented candles is not good for asthma. And I only had about 10 puff left on my inhaler… Not Good!

 4. Battery lights – or lights operated by batteries. This includes flashlights, LED lights, solar lights, etc. I had just bought about 4 packages of LED tea lights from the Dollar Tree. They came two to a package and boy, was I ever grateful I had them. They gave off a nice light and made the room look cozy. (I actually still have them up – cuz I like them so much).

 5. Food that doesn’t need to be cooked.  – A salad just doesn’t quite sound so good during a blizzard. (There is a reason lettuce is called iceberg). I’m talking more about canned goods and shelf-stable foods. Spaghetti O’s, Bean and Bacon Soup, Underwood Chicken Spread…. not healthy in the least, little bit, but some calories are better than no calories.

So….. what would be some of your necessities during a blizzard and a power outage.  Leave me a comment and share below.

Through it all

I’ll remain

Positively, Debbie