It’s typical that my Irish Channel house is apparently among the last 10 percent of those who lost power from Tropical Storm Cindy to get power back. I am able to write this only because I’m up on a generator to power the computer and a fan. We’ll crank up a light or two once it’s dark.

Power went down about 1am Tuesday morning. This was expected, though the extent of damage and power outages around the city was not. We cruised around a bit in the early morning darkness to look at damage, and I was surprised even the St. Charles Tavern was closed. It appears they had power, but it also appeared so in my neighborhood.
I called Entergy and was told (via autobot) that power would be restored by Tuesday evening. But, in listening to the callers on WWL, it was obvious things were much more damaged than anyone had anticipated.

Now — had Entergy told me it might be the weekend before power was restored, I’d have gone to my office and gotten my generator. But nooooooooooooooooo — I was foolish enough to believe.

Tuesday stretched into early Wednesday morning. No power. Cruised around for a while in the dark, listening to the radio and seeing who had power and who didn’t. A few more places open. Nearly ALL my neighbors had power, but not me and like a half-dozen houses nearby. By Wednesday afternoon, food in the fridge was going bad. Started heavy drinking at 2pm — at least Parasol’s had electricity. Went to bed at 8:30.

Wednesday night — still no power. Got up early Thursday morning (couldn’t sleep in the thick air) and at least got a 2:30am burger at St. Charles Tavern. Coffee at a Starbucks on Magazine at Washington (too early for CC’s to open). Loaded plywood in my pickup for a neighbor in anticipation of Dennis next week. Still no power at 6:23pm as I write. I’m told it will be on by “8 pm.” I have emptied the fridge and tossed all food, except what I could put in a cooler with some ice. Power crews were in my neighborhood today, but left before I could entice them to the house. Next time I’ll get Kim to wear something low-cut when I go talk to them.

Going to Dallas this weekend anyway for my mother’s 80th birthday. We’ll see if power actually returns sometime this evening. If not, I’m prepared for Dennis if it comes this way. At least I’ll be long gone before any evacuation highway headaches.

Note to Entergy — please give us the Worst Case Scenario when my power goes out so I take appropriate action. I’d rather you cry wolf than be Pollyanna. That said, I know you have a tough job and I appreciate your efforts.

Related posts:

1. Dennis Hastert, please sit down and shut the fuck up
2. Stormy Weathuh
3. GRAW!
4. Dingdingding!!!
5. Dennis the Menace