[barb1191]

Oh, how we wish that we were in our warm, comfy home in TV, rather than the horrendous ice storm here in New England that paralyzed all with freezing rain and extensive power outages!!! Unfortunately, medical attention here in MA was our reason for not being able to go South for the winter.

Since we were out of power and not expected to get it back for a week or so, my daughter made reservations at a local hotel for Bill and me to stay there while we were out of power. The hotel was mobbed with people experiencing the power outage. Trees were laden with ice and uprooting and taking the power lines down with them.

During our stay at the hotel we experienced a fire alarm where everyone had to evacuate. There was a wiring problem that had set off the alarm. Just to add to the excitement of it all.

This morning we received word from our daughter that we now had power at home; we were ecstatic to hear the good news and swiftly headed home. (We have a cozy inlaw apartment built onto our daughter's home.)

Lots of damage from high winds and freezing rains that broke huge tree branches and uprooting trees, as well as flooding, however, we felt that it surely didn't frighten us as much as a tornado or earthquake or other Mother Nature's crises. The temperature has been in the low teens and we expect that by mid week it will go into the 60's (tropical weather here for this time of year).

Yes, I'm sure it's "a beautiful day in The Villages." Just figured that we would share with you our tales of woe!!

barb

PS: And....you say it's cold down South.

[Barefoot]

Barb, ... and I've been missing the softly falling snow, the ice skaters, the sleigh bells, making Christmas angels in the snow, cutting down a real Christmas tree, having egg nog in front of a roaring fire, and all the Christmas ambiance!! We do tend to remember the positive things.

Thanks for the wake-up call! Actually, the fact that I have company coming from Canada to spend Christmas here in TV (for the second year) should remind me that TV is a WONDERFUL place to spend Christmas.

Hope your health issues are minor and you'll be back with us in TV soon. Best wishes for 2009 and for radiant good health.

[barb1191]

Bare.....

You DO paint a pretty picture of Christmas in a winter wonderland and you must treasure those beautiful memories. However, in reality at this stage in our lives, I do believe that you are now in "paradise" and enjoying building more lovely memories of the holiday with a slightly different slant.

Thanks so much for your kind, comforting wishes.

Hugs, barb

[mulligan]

me & mrs went to the tso concert thurs nite, and returned home to no power(we live in worcester ma). By fri am our neighborhood looked like beirut. went to my son's house in next town(he has power & heat). They are now saying it may be thursday before the power is restored( too many trees down on power lines, and blocking the roads). my visit to TV in october is but a fond memory.

[barb1191]

Originally Posted by mulligan

me & mrs went to the tso concert thurs nite, and returned home to no power(we live in worcester ma). By fri am our neighborhood looked like beirut. went to my son's house in next town(he has power & heat). They are now saying it may be thursday before the power is restored( too many trees down on power lines, and blocking the roads). my visit to TV in october is but a fond memory.

I understand, from what I've heard on the news media, that Worcester was one of the areas hardest hit. Best of luck in your recovery.

[ouma1938]

I hope that everything will be okay with you and your family Barb. I am so sorry that you are having these difficulties and hope that you will soon be back in TV enjoying the warm Florida sunshine. And I am not going to complain about it being cold (49 degrees) here in SC anymore.

[graciegirl]

Barb. I know your health issues are not minor, and I am so happy to know that you are staying close to your daughter. I am relieved to hear that you are once again in power.

I keep hoping that I will be seeing you soon and giving you this great big hug.

Merry Christmas dear Barb and family!!!

[barb1191]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Barb. I know your health issues are not minor, and I am so happy to know that you are staying close to your daughter. I am relieved to hear that you are once again in power.

I keep hoping that I will be seeing you soon and giving you this great big hug.

Merry Christmas dear Barb and family!!!

Thank you dear "Mrs Sweetie." I too look forward to meeting both you and Henry and Helene.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and yours, and Hugs, Barb

[Peachie]

Barb, I'm sorry to hear about the icy weather you are all enduring and the problems the ice has wreaked. I am glad to hear you have your daughter looking out for you and has things under control.

This has been the strangest year for weather, hasn't it?

[KathieI]

Barb and Bill, I miss you so much down here in TV. We think we're cold? Oh my gosh, I can't even imagine being in that kind of freezing cold and ice.

Yes, its a lovely day in the villages and we are having a great time, but TV definitely missing Barb & Bill. Merry Christmas to you guys and your family, all my love, Kathie

[colleenj]

Living here in NH, they are saying it is the worse ice storm ever- they expect some people will be out of power for longer than 10 days- too many downed trees to remove before they can repair the power lines. I was one of the lucky ones and only lost power for 7 hours yesterday. My mother, who lives 25 minutes from me lost it for 36 hours but got it back this afternoon before we hit the single digit temperatures.
It is times like this that make me cherish the time I spend in my Villages home all the more, am looking forward to the future when I can be a full-time villager. After this storm, I don't think my friends will question why I bought a home in Florida to retire to!

[Boomer]

Barb,

I am glad you and yours are all tucked in and cozy up there now.

I have been griping and grouching around because I think it is too cold here in Ohio. I will now officially stop that griping and grouching around.

Mr. Boomer has been wanting to buy a generator. Now, I am thinking about it, too. I wonder if one will fit down the chimney. I think I will ask.

Take care.

Boomer

[F16 1UB]

Uh - Kath have ya heard from Donna? Poconos get ice too????

[another Linda]

Usually nothing misses us here in Sybericuse, but this did! My heart goes out to all you that got hit. My husband is at me again about getting a generator. Maybe not such a bad idea.

[barb1191]

Thank you sooooooooo much for all the wonderful support....Boomer, ColleenJ, Kath, ouma1938 & Peachie.

YESSSSSSSS we are definitely getting a generator. My son-in-law is a builder and that is now on top of his agenda. He's a sweetie and always makes an effort to please "Mamalita" is what he calls me. No, he's not of Spanish decent, just chooses that "handle" as a loving gesture. How lucky am I, huh?

barb (with a generator forthcoming)