A lot of people aren’t. Thousands of folks in Antrim, Bennington, Washington, Hancock, Peterborough, Temple, New Ipswich and New Boston, as well as Weare and Amherst, have been told NO POWER until CHRISTMAS! That’s crazy. The thought it, put out the worst expectation and hope for something much better.

I let some friends borrow two of my generators- and mine is ready just in case. The forecast is calling for more snow and ice tomorrow so people are really worried.

The utility workers from Ohio and Canada are in my region: On my way to work I saw them yesterday and today- clearing trees, debris and then hooking up lines. I saw 7 crews. And they have removed over 300 downed trees on Rt 31 alone, from my town (Milford) to my work town (Greenfield)- a 16 mile stretch. It’s like a tornado went through the region the damage is so extensive to houses, roads and all that. I’ve never seen so much damage in my life from one storm.

Let’s all hope the 115,000 people still without power get it back before the weekend. It doesn’t look good for them though. They’ve closed schools in all these towns for the duration- after January the kids will go back.

It’s Day 4 and I’m still rocking the generator, but it’s got more than what I need all powered up so it’s pretty damn cozy here. I’m surfing the ‘net, watching the MNF football game on the big plasma with the Christmas tree lights on.

And it’s most true that the ice usually melts within a day or two (since they usually occur in conjunction with a warm front), but the tree and electical wire damage takes much longer to handle.

Ice storms are so beautiful and so damaging. A most graphic illustation of just how heavy water weighs.

Much of the tree ice has either melted, or been shaken off by wind and man. Many are still without power though, so the NHN is still in effect. The roads have been cleared, mostly, and mostly by citizens. Food is being delivered to the shelters and now, the shelters are starting to cook the meals (being schools with well appointed kitchens AND power)…the local businesses don’t have to shell up so much.

I’m thinking schools will be closed for some part of this week- lack of power and the use of the buildings is a reason.

It was wild. And fun. And very awesome to see- all this ice. I love New England weather for this reason: It’s always different!