Necessities....

We learn through life that there are those things that are necessities for us to function.  For a moment, let's consider electricity.

When a severe storm is predicted, we always hope there will be no power outage from any possible damage caused by the storm.  Should we lose electricity here during cold months, our heating system would no longer operate!  That would lead to a cold house!  If the heat would be inoperable for a long enough time, and if the temperatures were cold enough, one of the effects might be frozen water pipes!

Should we lose electricity here during warmer months, our cooling system would no longer operate!  That would take me back to the years of my childhood when we had not even dreamed of something called "central air!" 

Notice I haven't mentioned that we wouldn't be able to cook.  We have a gas cooktop!  Of course, the igniter requires electricity to operate properly, though we are able to very carefully light it if needed during a power outage.  Also, there is a gas fireplace that would give a bit of warmth when turned on. 

What does losing electrical power bring about for you? 

Now, let's consider water!  Last Thursday morning, I had a few errands to complete, and I had my schedule full - with kitchen activities - when I returned home.  Imagine my dismay when I turned on the faucet to wash my hands before beginning my work in the kitchen and - there was no water!  I began thinking about all the things I had on my schedule!  How would I be able to complete them?  Well, a phone call to the water company indicated a leak in our area, workmen were on the job repairing it, and water service would be restored at some point.  Two hours later, the water was running from the faucet again, and I proceeded with my all-important schedule.:-)

It was during this time that I began to really appreciate the fact that all we need to do to have clean water available is just to turn on the faucet!   Do you know how many people around the world are not able to have that luxury?  What does losing your access to water bring about for you?

I quickly decided that losing water service was far more serious than losing electrical power, though some of my kitchen activities would have been curtailed with a power outage!

We take for granted that the light will come on when we turn the switch, and that the water will come out when we turn on the faucet.  I often wonder about our ancestors.  You know, the ones who came to settle Jamestown, Williamsburg, or Plymouth for instance.  Would I be able to live as they did?  What about you?

Just some thoughts brought about by an inability to have that water "at my fingertips!"

Thank you for reading.  I really appreciate your comments.