We had a forced detox several years ago when we lived in Alabama from Tornadoes that ripped the town up and then a derecho a year later. Power down for over a week both times.

It wasn't horrible. Books, games, hobbies, long walks. The worst thing was no hot water for bathing.

I grew up camping so it was like camping, but inside.

And we're not a dysfunctional family; that's probably the best advantage one could have in such a situation.

We also had enough food and were used to rationing and stretching. As you do. It was spring so it was cool but not cold.

It did get old, but I think that was mostly because you're waiting for the power to come back on. If we weren't waiting or knew how long it was going to be, that probably wouldn't be the case.

Gotta say though, my neighbors were driving me nuts. They were losing their damn minds. Absolutely cracking. It was really something.

Definitely made me start thinking about distance.