Blackouts

March 13, 2011

Well, things are getting a little bad.
But, things must be getting a little better too.

Panic buying has started.
There were long lines at the gas stations.
We also quickly filled up our cars.

Also there is panic buying of food. Yesterday, I went shopping and there wasn't much food. The Japanese shop every day for most food items. They buy what they are going to use that day, on that day. There was no milk or eggs or bread or instant noodles to speak of. I got a few things. I am okay.

Once the blackouts start, driving will be a problem. Traffic lights will not work in some cases. And the ill at home who rely on machines to breath will have a hard time. Also, water will not run during the blackout in some cases, we have been told.

My area is set for 3:00 to 7:00 at night. Great! :-(
I'll just sit in the dark for a while.
Some areas will have two blackouts a day, morning 6:30 to 10:00 and 5:30 to 8:00.
Also, times may change each day.

I have never been one to give into this sort of thing. I don't feel the need to run out and buy everything JUST IN CASE. I have enough to get by. I am sure we will all be okay.

I saw Ken on Sunday and he is fine. His apartment is fine. The rest of the clan is fine. My husband's mom lost all of her fine dishes when they fell out of the cabinets, but other than that, there has been surprisingly little damage. Oh, Takao's younger brother is afraid to venture outside and did not come to the "grave cleaning" ceremony that happens twice a year in Japan. His whole family was afraid of aftershocks and they refused to leave their home..... Perhaps a little too much worry, I think. Everyone was surprised at their reaction.