On Sunday September 14th, the tail end of Ike caused some crazy wind storms here in Kentucky. Local weather forecasters claimed it was the worst wind storm in 30 years, with gusts recorded up to 75mph. The winds took a toll on the bigger, older trees and brought down many big branches and power lines, leaving over 500,000 people without electricity. Recently developed areas were somewhat spared, as younger trees tend to bend and sway more gracefully in the strong wind. Established areas like the Louisville Highlands were frequently described as a "war zone", and while I could quip about the lack of unexploded cluster bomblets, the loss of power was no joking matter.

There were unusual rumors about gas shortages that day, and fearful people were lining up to pay outrageous prices nearing $5 a gallon. Some stations stopped selling gas, and I heard rumors "that Tennessee was out of gasoline". What utter nonsense. While I was laughing at the time, this too was no joking matter.

That Sunday, Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency which allowed Beshear to put a price ceiling on gasoline, and allowed the KY National Guard to be used (at his discretion) as a domestic police force. Their observed tasks included removing downed branches, assisting utility workers, and directing traffic at the 2008 Ryder Cup in Valhalla.

Schools were shut down for the entire week, and the neighborhood streets were filled with confused and disoriented children, who for a brief moment were forced to entertain themselves. I can only hope that some of these children rediscovered the wonder of creating their own thoughts, and exploring their imaginations.

We were lucky that my house in Centerfield never lost power, but my parents, and the parents of my roommates were both without power, so we quickly sprang into action saving frozen goods before they spoiled. Our house has never seen so much food.

So I've been pretty busy the past 10 days, blogging and coding were put on the back burner temporarily. My roommates and I helped our elderly neighbors clear their yards of debris, and created a massive pile of branches with the assistance of a Husqvarna chainsaw. In the tradition of the Mabon festivities, the fires have been burning all across the hills of Kentucky as we bring in the last of 2008 harvest.

Weeks like this make me realize that nature will accomplish what man neglects to do. Few people are willing to spend the time and money needed to prune and maintain trees. Between the cicadas and the windstorm, nature pruned many trees this year.

It is a shame that so many houses were without power, as much of it could have been prevented. But I hope that a week without power allowed many people to re-evaluate what is truly important in life. When the TVs, computers, and telephones stop working is when communities are strengthened and families can reconnect. That is when we all start talking again.