We had a little blackout last night. I was able to walk across the floor without stubbing any toes, find my daypack hanging in the hall closet, feel through the pockets and quickly produce a working maglight, which made finding other flashlights and candles much easier. Thank you, Flylady! Butterscotch and Clover were not at all upset; they must have just thought we were going to bed early. They did become more active again when MassElectric restored power a while later. The iMac booted up without incident, for which I am immensely grateful.

The blackout was only about two or three blocks along our street. Two doors down, which is Stoneham rather than Melrose, stayed lit. Side streets stayed lit. chiefoperator and I walked through a light rain toward Main Street and watched the crew replace what looked like a fuse holder. It was kind of fun in a geeky sort of way and I was able to thank the guy who took the bucket up to the wire and did the repair - how often do you get to actually thank somebody for an essential everyday service?

Need to remember to back up the iMac today. I've let it go a couple of weeks now and that is too long for my comfort. She who lives by email, dies by email crash.