Earthquake Update

This morning, it's business as usual for us with one big exception: there's no way to take care of The Daily Business.

Though our power was restored last night around 9:pm, the city's water and sewage systems were badly damaged and remain shut down, so the pressing question is this. Do you do the deed in the toilet and let it hang out there until flushing is an option? Do you find a place out in the yard and do it doggie style? (In our case, the yard isn't an option as we only have a concrete patio.) In the absence of a yard, do you find your local park and then clean up after yourself? It's clearly an issue that's at the top of folks' minds because this morning we ran into several of our newly befriended neighbors who were cruising around town looking for a place to poo. No joke.

As for water, we had some stashed from our pathetic earthquake kit (note to self: beef this up asap) and collected rainwater last night in buckets and lawn chairs. We will boil this and add it to our drinking water supply. The news tells us that supermarkets and petrol stations are beginning to reopen around the city, so hopefully this will ease some of our immediate water concerns. That said, if the long-term prognosis for the water and sewer systems remain grim, we may consider packing up and going for a trip until things improve. It's unbelievable how inconvenient it is to care for a toddler without being able to wash (as in hands, faces, butts, clothes, dishes, produce, etc.).

Last night's dinner was sandwiches and fruit. Tonight may be more of the same, which sounds unappetizing. The dilemma is that we have the pantry goods to make much more substantial and tasty tucker, but is it worth the mess when it's anybody's guess how long the dirty dishes could sit on the counter. You know what my inner Virgo would say . . .

We'll continue to keep you updated on what's up over here, but for now we're comfortable, warm, and dry and reasonably well fed. Thanks for your love and concern. We love you right back.

xoxo