So I woke up in the pitch dark 5 a.m. Sunday morning, only to find the power was out. So, per usual, I lit some candles, a fire, got my headlamp and walked around making sure all my windows were tight so our heat could stay in the house as long as possible. For me, it was a minor inconvenience at worst, as power outages usually are – as well as frequently sort of fun! However, it occurred to me “Geez, what if I was a lineman for Opalco?” for whom it would mean a middle of the night phone call, no Sunday sleep-in, many intense phone calls, making multiple assessments, strong coffee, catching a red eye ferry and, in the horrifically windy, very wet morning conditions, working what turned out to be all day and into the dark again, repairing and replacing poles and lines, just so we can all be lit and warm as quickly as possible.

I, on the other hand, much like Abe Lincoln, had to watch my Seahawk highlights on my 4G phone that talks to satellites in outer space instantly. And wear a sweater. So boohoo for me. As usual, they don’t get near enough credit, so I’d like to thank them all for going above and beyond the call of duty for us. We so appreciate what you do.

Jim Bredouw

Orcas Island