Little House on the Prairie (circa 2009)

I am about to date myself...so, here goes. Remember the episode of Little House on the Prairie, where there is a tornado and Laura is walking to the storm cellar, but she can hardly stand up because the wind is so strong? No? Well, never mind. Last night in Abilene, we had severe thunderstorms, with a chance of tornadoes. Now, I hate to be too comfortable with my area, but I have lived in Abilene for 33 years and have NEVER been in a tornado. I lived in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area for seven years and was in one. I think that Abilene is in a hole and nothing can reach us. VERY COMFORTING!!! So, when my husband came home and said that we needed to load up and head to the ranch (30 miles away) to avoid the severe weather, I thought he was crazy. But, to avoid a fight, I parked my car in the garage, loaded the girls up in my daughters' car, he loaded the dogs up into his truck and we headed east.

Lighting was all around us. Wind was whipping and the rain had started. AND, the sky was green. TORNADO GREEN! It was ERIE! The girls looked at it as an adventure. We arrived at the ranch and parked the cars in the barn. Let me tell you that I love to watch a storm roll in; from inside the comfort of my home. We ran inside and buckled down for the night. I poured myself a glass of wine and got ready to relax. Elle, Delaney and I were snuggling on my bed and watching TV when the power went out. All five of us gathered in the den and waited. We decided that if the power did not turn back on in 30 minutes, we would head back to town. Well, in the meantime, how do you entertain three children who are use to TV, cell phones, internet, cable and ELECTRICITY. Leave it to my eight year old to come up with a plan. We played a game where you name an animal that begins with every letter of the alphabet, beginning with A and ending with Z. It was sooooo nice to sit and visit with these girls and witness them help each other come up with an animal that starts with "n". Can you do it? However, 2008 came into play. Cell phones with internet. My oldest did not want to play this game; however, she is always up to any academic challenge where she will be top dog. Suddenly, she was rattling off so many animals for EVERY letter. She tried not to enjoy herself, but I think in the end she did.

Lesson learned - we need to get back to the simpler times in life. Maybe not everyday, but occasionally. I have found, that our family really comes together in adversity. Whether it be death, birth, personal issues or lack of electricity, the love of a family will always get you through. Laura Ingalls Wilder knew it...now so do the Schroeder's.

Keep the home fire's burning!
Gabbin' Gal Erin