It’s been a rough couple of days in Del Ray. With Friday’s storm leaving us without power, we’re hot, tired, and a little on edge. At our little condo community in the heart of Del Ray, we spent Saturday with neighbors, cleaning up the wreckage, enjoying each others’ company, and sharing what food and drink was left in our refrigerators.
Here was the scene when we awoke Saturday morning – our trees, once lush, are still reeling from the storm of 2010.
But we rallied and carried all the broken branches and limbs to the curb.
The kids helped too, sharing their expertise on the types of bugs living in the remnants of the wind-blown trees.
With the yard clean, there wasn’t much to do, especially as word on the street was that most of the DC area was without power as well. So we settled outside where it was much cooler and watched the neighborhood kids come out of the woodwork, eager for playmates and shared toys.
At lunchtime, we decided to pool our community resources, figuring the food wouldn’t last much longer, and everyone had a little of this and a little of that.
We grilled shrimp,
And sausages.
And made grilled cheese,
Tomato salsa,
And potato salad.
Everyone also seemed to have a few random cold (for not much longer) beers to share.
After lunch there were forts to be made…
Craft projects that needed attention…
And a few rounds of bocce ball.
Mid-afternoon the popsicles in the freezer were melting, so the kids lapped up the juices.
Then hosed off in the sprinkler.
By dusk it was becoming clear the power outage was serious business and with more storms in the forecast, who knew when power would be restored. Tomorrow could be even more brutal, so it was time to seek alternate arrangements. Some of us left the area, some visited friends across town spared from the heat, and some simply retired to cooler temps in their own basements.
I’ll be glad when the power is restored, the odors from the fridge dissipate, and laundry can be washed. But I’m thankful for our safety and the solidarity of great neighbors sharing time, leftover food and their homes with anyone and everyone nearby.
