Typing this in the library at New SLAC because as of Sunday I have furniture, but as of yesterday I don't have electricity. (Long story, involving the stupidity of the local power company and an apparent misunderstanding on the part of my landlord.) Good thing I didn't throw all those candles out before I moved. I actually did toast marshmallows this time, over the candles, because there really isn't anything else to do once it gets too dark to read or write, and if I remember nothing else from the Girl Scouts, I do remember how to make s'mores.
It's also about a hundred degrees out. Well, if I could live in a college dorm in southern Virginia without AC, I can do it again. (Of course, we DID have fans in college. Grumble. I tried sleeping with the window open, but it didn't really help.)
This sort of thing does give one renewed respect for one's ancestors, who got along not only without electricity, but without running water and matches and ice chests and all manner of things. And managed to write Beowulf and Hamlet while they were at it. (Well, OK, the vast vast majority of them didn't write anything of the sort, but after an evening of trying to write by candlelight, I'm very impressed that anybody did.)
Talking of Beowulf, I should probably re-read it before I have to teach it. More later.
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6 comments:
Mmm, smores! At least you have the furniture. Maybe getting a lantern or something from a camping supply store would help if you still don't have electricity.
And as someone who's building's washer broke in the middle of a cycle last week and who had to de-soap and wring nasty wet laundry, I'll add washer-dryer combos to the necessary modern conveniences.
I'm good, fortunately -- they turned the power on this afternoon. Good thought, though.
And oh yes, washers and driers are lovely. So are clothes that you don't have to make by hand.
Hey, I'm from southern Virginia! I went to Hollins College in Roanoke for my undergrad! I also endured un-air conditioned dorms.
Glad to read you have electricity now!
roaringgrrl
No kidding! :: waves at fellow Virginian ::
Hey there! I've just discovered your blog -- and since I'm moving and doing my first year on the visiting track and maybe even going on the market (again) this year, I feel -- I don't know, SO HAPPY to find someone who's in similar straits.
YAY! And yay for electricity. I often think that in the very old days, I would have let the tribe down -- and eventually they would've left me to rot on the side of a craggy rock somewhere.
Hi, Earnest English! Nice to meet you!
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