A thunderstorm swept through the area last week. Lightning illuminated the house after the power failed. Being in the dark was a lark...for a short time.

They tell you not to stand close to a window when lightning is in the area. How close would that be? What is safe? Ten feet? Twenty?

They say don't use the phone during a storm. If the electricity is on during a storm lightning can come right into the phone line and cause one heck of a nasty burn in your ear and your brain. Fair warning there.

They say don't take a bath or shower when it is lightning. I wonder if that means even if I am twenty feet away from a window and not using my phone?

When the storm was over the electricity stayed off. I read as long as I could by the natural light coming in through the window (very Little House on the Prairie). When darkness descended and the house began to get warm we drove to the grocery store to enjoy the air conditioning and illumination. We did not need anything at the store however by wandering around were able to pick up about $70 worth of indispensable items.

When we arrived home the lights were on again.

And that's what I'm thinking about.