We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.
On the other end of the weather spectrum, it was a beautiful 70°F, CAVU, with essentially zero wind here just west of Rapid City today. I sauteed some halibut cheeks outside on my deck this evening. Sorry, BD, for all the bad weather in New England! (Believe me, today's weather was an aberration for this time of year out here.) chuck
Those in the countryside who do not have electricity yet can get by with firewood. Been there, done that. See great pre Xmas ice storm of 1973: 45 degrees inside , even w a fireplace going, is better than outside.
Those in the cities who do not have power yet: God help them.