Phat (and all),

Here is another way to view how resourceful we are instead of wimps in the City. What is really nice about all our backpacking equipment is how useful it is when the power goes out. It does that here about twice a year. Dear Husband and I put on the headlamps, light the candle lanterns, pull out the whisperlight stove, and some extra camp food, and we are set. And if its winter we pull out the extra down sleeping bags. We are very near the river, so could fetch water and purify it as needed. We tell each other that having our camping gear makes us prepared citizens and we are just doing our civic duty! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Carol

p.s. And I am totally with your wife on the expensive range/hood for the microwave.