McBride Messages: The Kentucky Ice Storm...not so nice!

Okay, so here in Kentucky he recently had an ice storm! It was beautiful in so many ways with all of its icicles, but not so beautiful when it caused all power to go out in our homes and businesses! It all started on the night of Monday, Jan. 26th, we received some snow and a little bit of ice. On Tuesday, the 27th it started to sleet, and the temperatures were below freezing, making for a winter warning advisory for our area. All through out the the day power was on and off for many people. My parents lost power that morning, and then Jerry's parents and us lost power on Tuesday afternoon late. Tuesday evening we went to Uncle Mike and Chris' house for dinner and ate by candlelight. They had a nice warm toasty fire going to keep us warm. Jerry was out all afternoon and evening w/the fire department keeping the roads clear of falling limbs from the ice. We spent the night at our house with a borrowed generator that kept a electric heater running to keep us warm. Ice/snow kept falling all through out the night. Work was called off on Wednesday and Thursday for me, and it was Jerry's shift/day to work. So, he left for work, and we headed over to my in-laws where they had a nice warm fire going. After a little while it already seemed that this nasty weather was going to last for some time, and the kids were getting antsy already and still seemed a bit cool. So, I called a dear friend. She did not have power, but her mother did. She and her mother invited us to come over and stay with them. There was plenty of room, and Jenna and Jagger could play with Biven and Baines. It would keep them warm and well occupied while waiting out the weather. The ice/snow was still falling on Wednesday and the temperatures were still frigid! The ice kept compounding on the trees and powerlines throughout the night leaving more and more people with electricity! We were so very lucky to be staying with friends that were so generous to open up their home to us. Thursday the ice was still around and we still had no electric, nor did any of our family. My friend's power was restored to her home on Thursday so we headed back to her house since Jerry was mandatoried to work overtime. She was so gracious to let us bunk with them Thursday night. The kids had so much fun being with each other those two days! Friday I headed back to work, and the kids headed back to school (daycare). Finally some sort of normallcy. Since generators were so scarce around here....we had a wonderful idea.... Jerry's sister and brother-in-law were heading here from Oklahoma... so on their way here they stopped and bought three generators for us! Yay! So, Friday morning...Jerry had our generator up and running! We had "some electric." However all weekend.... still no real electric. It's now Monday, Feb 2nd, and that afternoon we finally got our power back! Thank you God!!!! I think he knew I was going to go insane if it didn't come back soon. As I am typing this it's Thursday, Feb 5th, and my parents still do not have power! They are being so very patient, I think God knew I would not be as patient about it. It might be the first of next week before it's restored. They probably will not be able to sleep when they don't hear the sound of the generator running anymore:) However, I hope it's soon for them! We had some good quality time with family and friends while eating and keeping warm together. That part was nice; however, I am so very thankful to be back in our own home. We experienced a lot of wonderful generosity and warm hospitality from others during the ice storm! Thanks to everyone for opening your homes to us, feeding us and making sure we had somewhere warm to stay... especially for our children! Here are some pictures from the storm and things we did to pass the time.