investing in carrier pidgeons

It's funny how not being able to reach someone makes it all the more imperative that you reach them immediately!

For the past couple of days, I've been unable to get through to any of my family in Western Kentucky. That part of the state was hit hard by an ice storm that knocked out power lines and phone lines and apparently cell phone towers, too. I went so far as to have the police department in my mom's little town go by her house, only to find out she wasn't home.

How frustrating!!!! Not only could I not reach my mom, who lives with my sister, but I also couldn't get in contact with my sister's mother-in-law who lives next door. Nor could I reach my brother, or any of the aunts and uncles I have in the area. It was like the 21st century stopped at the county line!!! My daughter was [this close] to making the two hour trip over, and only relented when I told her that her going would just give me one more person to worry about, especially since we didn't know what the roads were like over there.

Finally this morning, I got a text message from my brother. All is well. Generators are providing heat. Hope to get power later today.

I swear, I'm going to buy a pair of carrier pigeons. No electricity necessary.