As of 8:30 Thursday night, we lost power in our home (right in the middle of Survivor!) and we were assured that we would get it back by 3 am.  When we woke up on Friday and were ice cold we decided to jump ship and head over to our friend’s house with power.  With 2 feet of snow on the ground, we trekked across town despite roadblocks and down trees.  We arrived at the Z house by 9am just in time to have breakfast.  The Z’s took this opportunity to invite many friends who had young children and no power over to their warm home.

By 3 pm there were 12 adults and 26 children (8 and under) all at Casa Z.  The Blizzard had left us all powerless and weary, but now in a house filled with heat, food, libations, and friends it turned into a real party.  Everyone brought over food (I brought homemade cookies, brownies, cheese and meatballs) which led to a feast of a Cocktail Hour.  The hosts then cooked dinner (and their neighbors brought the most amazing Stew over as well) of pork, chicken, rice, cauliflower, and other sides for this big crowd.  The children feasted on chicken and pasta.

What is remarkable about this, is that The Z’s were not planning on having a party, but because of how stocked up they are on paper goods, beverages, etc. it was effortless.  Basically, I feel that almost all entertaining should be that way.  All anyone really wants is to have a good time and relax, why else would they be going out?  So the lessons learned are: 1- You can have a party in any situation, 2.  A relaxed host/hostess makes for a relaxed party, 3.  Make sure you are stocked up on the basics- beverages, paper products, and snacks- everything else can be added later, 4.  It is more fun to roll with a situation then to fight it.

To continue with “Snowmageddon”, by 8 almost everyone had cleared out still without power.  Some families forged over the bridge to be with relatives with power, some went to hotels, and some went back to there cold homes and roughed it out.  My family, as well as one other family, chose to stay at The Z’s.  The Z’s were gracious hosts and the children all thoroughly enjoyed their slumber party.  For us the party extended through Sunday night.  Our power went back at 9 pm so we were able to move back on Monday.  Lots of people told me that I had a rough weekend being shut out of my home.  Honestly, it was one of the most fun weekends I’ve had!