Early Monday afternoon the electricity went out. This is not a frequent occurrence but when it does happen, it usually comes back on in a few minutes. Rarely does it take more than an hour. After an hour, the early afternoon heat was becoming unbearable. AJ and I decided to seek heat relief at the Seacon Square Cineplex. So we hopped in the car and took off down the street towards the wat, the temple at the end of Soi 93. As we approached we saw a tangle of wires, a light pole, and two transformers blocking the street. Parked across from the 7-11 was a big cement mixer-truck. AJ said, I bet that's what caused our power outage. We had to turn around and take another route to Seacon where we saw Madagascar 2, not exactly high culture, but we weren't looking for anything too educational either.
It was late in the afternoon when we got home to feed Gigi. It was getting dark but there was still no electricity. Since the pump wasn't working we had no water pressure. No bathing, no cooking. I fed Gigi and left her munching her dinner in the evening shadows. We went to the Club to have showers and dinner. After dinner, I bought two bags of ice at the supermarket to stuff in the freezer.
As we approached the turn into our cul-de-sac, we could see strong spotlights at the end of the street where the repair crews were still working. But the whole cul-de-sac was eerily quiet and dark. Usually you see lights and hear the sounds of television and voices talking. This time, I was truly glad to have Gigi to watch the house. Her bark is always worse, but no one knows this. Unfortunately, the cool weather we had enjoyed for so many days has dissipated and the mosquitoes who enjoy the cooler weather as much as we do were out looking for a blood meal. I could see it would be like that sweltering summer night in New York City when our a/c broke down. But this is Thailand. Hotels aren't that expensive here and thanks to the PAD for chasing away the tourists, the hotel occupancy rate is down too.
AJ and I packed up our jammies and toothbrushes, got back in the car, and drove to the Dusit Princess near Seacon Square. We just parked at the front door, walked up to the front desk, and checked in. It was that easy. We got a comfortable double room with twin beds, a/c, cable tv and buffet breakfast the next day.
All this time we had no information on the progress of the repairs, no report on what caused the power outage, or when power would be restored. It turned out AJ was right about the cause. Somehow, the low-slung power lines got tangled up on the cement mixer. According to the Bangkok Post, eight power poles were pulled down. That was an exaggeration. The newspaper carried a photograph of what happens in the narrow streets of Bangkok when moving force meets stationary object: something's got to give. It said vaguely that the power outage lasted "several hours" when AJ and I know for a fact that it lasted at least 8 hours and certainly more. Amazingly, no one was hurt or killed.
*****
So Tuesday evening, AJ and I were settled back in our house, thankful for the gods of electric light (and bless the crew of the MEA) when we heard the most fearsome commotion. The front door rattled and shook. At first, I thought someone was trying to break in. But why didn't Gigi bark? AJ and I approached the door wondering what to do. Then AJ said, I can smell Gigi, and I could hear her whining too. I opened the door; Gigi was in quite a state. Her tongue was hanging out and she was panting heavily. She had broken a dew claw and rubbed off a patch of fur on a hind paw. Then I heard a distant bang and a whistle: fireworks. Gigi is afraid of loud noises like exploding fireworks and thunder. I was so mad when saw the damage. She had gnawed and scratched the door. And I had to hose off her yucky slobber too. I reclaimed the door as "mine" then I took her out for a walk/run in the empty cul-de-sac so she could get rid of her nervous energy. In due course she relieved herself of all her pent up feelings. Silly Mutt.
On this New Year's Eve, AJ and I wish everyone health and happiness.
Walk good,
Jo Anne
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