Utilities

We got four hours of electricity last night. It came on at about 8:20 and went off at about 12:30.

You may think I'm complaining, but I'm not. I'm rejoicing! This is more electricity than we've had at one time in weeks! Our recent average is about two hours out of every forty-eight. So much for Christmas lights.

And wait! There's more! Yesterday, we got an hour during the day, too - from two to three in the afternoon. That's FIVE hours in ONE day!

In the midst of my euphoria, however, allow me to whine for a moment.

Not only do we pay electric bills, we also have to buy and maintain alternate power systems - basically, we're responsible for generating our own power most of the time.

Not only do we pay a phone bill, but we have to have cellphones because when it's raining a lot, our landline doesn't work. And before every call, we have to listen to a little recording in two languages about how they are about to disconnect our phone. And yes, we are fully paid up.

Not only do we pay a water bill, we also collect every drop God sends us from the sky, because God sends a lot more than the water company. The water company, whose name includes the word "potable," which is a nice little joke, sends us water once or twice a week. God sends it every night in some seasons!

You're not supposed to have to think about your utilities - you're just supposed to pay your bills and then get your service. Right? Not in Tecwil.

But last night we got four hours! I'm happy!