All over the airwaves and internets ^[1]this morning is news that we’re getting a “MONSTER STORM” this weekend. Earlier this week, parts of the Willamette valley received their first snow. Every year, we have these weekends where we get high winds and rain and invariably, many lose power. So, my question to you is – are you prepared?

When I say “prepared,” I don’t mean having a bomb shelter with a 3 gigawatt generator and a cache of arms and enough food and supplies for a year without sun. What I am saying is – do you have a blanket in your car and maybe some power bars and water? I have the blanket, but no food nor water just in case I get stranded on a remote road for some reason. Do you have some extra canned or packaged food in the pantry in case we get an ice storm like three years ago where one could barley walk on the sidewalk? Do you have some candles and matches handy? (Note here, the cute smelly candles from the boutique are nice and all, but not practical if you need to move around the house. Look for basic pillar type candles that you can easily pick up without burning yourself.) Do you have enough beer or liquor or games to get you through the evening if the power is out and you can’t watch Tivo?

With winter on its way (only 22 days till it officially arrives,) be sure to think outside the box next time you go shopping so you are prepared if per chance the wind and rain and snow make a visit to your neck of the woods this year. Be prepared.