We got home from Canton today. It turns out we didn’t miss anything. The electricity came back on late yesterday afternoon, but we were still without water when we first got home. A lot of houses over here didn’t have water yet.
One of the smartest guys in the neighborhood told Kip that these streets are the last to be fixed or thawed out. I had confirmed with several of the neighbors more than once that we weren’t the only ones without water, but that didn’t stop Kip from trying to fix ours.
“When was the last time we called the water department?” He asked.
“Why would we call the water department?” I answered. “We know, (I will use a slang phrase that I hate), it is what it is.
“I’m going to try something,” he said. “I think I know what the problem might be.”
I hate it when he looks really thoughtful and then he says, “I’m going to try something.” That usually means he’s going to Lowes and spend a lot of money, or he’ll get his monkey wrench, tear off some piece of the house that shouldn’t be torn off, and eventually fix it. He can fix almost anything.
I knew it wouldn’t be that way this time, because it wasn’t something he could fix. I let him do it anyway without further comment. Why fight the inevitable.
He had a vent torn off and was twisting something with his wrench, when I saw a drip of water come from the kitchen faucet. Was I dreaming? Wishful thinking?
I ran outside to tell him the good news.
“I knew if I turned the bulb a little bit that way and uncovered this pipe so the sun would warm it up, it would work, he said. “Aren’t you happy I was able to fix it?”
“I sure am,” I said. “And it appears that whatever you did fixed everybody else’s plumbing, too! I’m getting texts from all the neighbors telling me their water just came on.
“Well, I think I’ll put these tools away and cover that pipe a little later. Is it time to eat?” He asked.
I am thrilled to have water and electricity. Pioneering is not my thing. We did stay in a motel for four days of the ordeal, but it wasn’t exactly like being on vacation.
P.S. This is tongue and cheek. We are very grateful. This neighborhood really came together and helped each other out. One couple brought propane, heaters, soups, water and kept an eye on everyone’s needs. Especially the most vulnerable.
We continue to say prayers for those who are still dealing with no water electricity, and no food in the stores. At least it has warmed up. Like everything else, Texas did this storm in a big way.
Those 70ish Girls 