More Power, Scotty!

Storms mean power outages.  Power outages mean no water, since pumping it out of the ground requires electricity.  No water means no toilets - now, there's a major irritation.  So preparing for a storm like the one pounding us right now means checking the water supply.  I keep six full 2-1/2 gallon jugs in the garage year round:

There are two more in the house, plus a few empty ones in the basement.  If the power goes out we start filling jugs until we drain the pipes.  With judicious use, that's a few days of washing up and flushing toilets.  Ah, sweet civilization!  In the summer, when a horse might drink 5 gallons of water a day, that's barely enough for one day, and forget the washing up. 

Power outages also mean no computer, which means I am reduced to writing the old fashioned way with a pen and paper - in my opinion, one step above a stone tablet and chisel.  To be prepared I usually print out the last 2 or 3 pages of my work in progress before the storm hits.  That way I can review and edit, which helps me slip back into the story.  My output suffers, but it's better than nothing.  I'm hoping that doesn't happen with this storm, but with a foot of snow pulling down tree limbs and power lines, I can't count on it. 

So... Water bottles are full.  Pages are printed.  Warp speed, Mr. Sulu, and keep those engines running, Scotty!