Guest Column: Thanks to Neighbors for Cigars in the Snow

— from Harry Patton —

Family and friends,
Just to let you know that Dad is ready for hellish Storm 2.

Chris and Vicki Brems put their numbers in my Cell in case of an emergency.

Predicted Bellingham/Orcas, 7 days of snow, ice, high Frazier River Nor’easter freezing winds, hitting my Cabin in the face!

Electric lanterns, flashlights, candles, out and ready.  Generous Rum and Coke in Position Alpha.  Have sufficient Propane and food. Heavy shirts and jackets at Standby.

But I’m down to only 7 cigars, what do I do?

Thursday was Potato Night at the Legion, prepped by Erys.  Big, specially baked spuds with special cheese topping.  Num, num! I didn’t want to go as I was worrying about tomorrow’s [Friday’s storm. LaDonna said, “Get in the car and shut up!”  I love strong-minded women!

Everyone was there having a loud good time, enjoying the spuds, while the bartender was working fast! As the storm was scheduled to commence Friday, the next day, we laughingly referred to this meal as the ‘Last Supper.’ I held court in my lounge and everyone came by and talked, which was great.

— Craig Nelson is concerned that his beautiful Navy blue SNJ needs an expensive 100-hour checkup.

— Katie and John Curlett are back from Baja, and say ‘hello’ to you, Sue.

— Wild gourmet cook Tazz put his number in my Cell. “I have a large truck with snow tires.  I will bring a turkey and ham out, and cook a Mark IX dinner for you!  Sleep in the back bedroom!”

This is Orcas, neighbors helping neighbors.

LaDonna went to the market with my long list of groceries and loaded up.  I’m set on food.

But no cigars.

UPDATE Friday Morning – – –  Storm slowly commences.

It started snowing, one inch on ground.  Ground frozen.  Wind coming up.  My steep lane covered.

My cigar girl April called, has cigars, and will bring them out.

I said ‘no’ I didn’t want her to get stuck in the snow.  Don’t come.  I will smoke only one for the next seven days.

She hung up.

She turned to Aerial and said, “Bullhockey!  Harry needs cigars!  You will be my Shotgun!  Grab the shovel and get in the damn car!  The mail and cigars must go through!”

I’m drinking morning coffee and watching snow rapidly falling.  Whitecaps forming on Rosario Strait as Nor’easter builds up. Suddenly the door bursts open and in come April and Aerial, brushing off snow!  They made it!

“Here are your cigars!  You haven’t had breakfast! I’m gunna cook you a cupla eggs!  Where the hell is the spatula?”

These are a cupla great gals.   This is Orcas . . . .

Now I have cigars.