The transformer for the eight houses in Beth's cul-de-sac "blew" around 9 AM. That began 17 hours of no electricity, no air conditioning, no refrigeration, no television, no videos, no cooking, and no computers. Sarah was our Florida Power and Light liaison.  She was brave enough to ask the workers when to expect a return of electricity. (The grim news about 6 PM was "many hours from now." At least we weren't  filled with false hope any more.) Hannah was sick that day with a fever and a stomach virus. Joel had just recently recovered from the same virus. Thus, they were both fairly weak that day. We sat in the car air conditioning (taking turns). The kids were amazing that day... they had great attitudes and entertained themselves using available resources.

More giant beach play	There are probably people in that silver rental car...enjoying the A/C.	Sarah organized this game that they played for hours.
They played cards and more "Mafia."		We took them to dinner at CiCi's "All You can Eat Pizza".
Jenni, always resourceful, found a new way to do her jig-saw puzzles.	Joel was so patient and would sit for hours letting Emily comb, gel, and shape his hair.
The kids went inside after dark and moved all the mattresses to the living room and began to "camp-out."		And finally after the power was restored... lounging in the back bedroom with "Fairly Odd Parents."