Reboot the current century
Not sure why I awoke. That moment of silence, when the refrigerator stopped. The sensation of flashing clocks, even through an almost closed door. Just before 03h00 (which is a shorthand for “too early”), I came downstairs. The burner readouts on the kitchen range framed one of the pulsing 12:00 displays with large, red “PF” codes. The cable clock (my trusted real time indicator) was off. And son #3 was waiting for the ‘net to come back.
Sleep eluded me. Around 05h00, I used one of the smartphones to call tech support at our ISP; a confirmation that TV, telephony and TCP/IP were out through the whole sector. A return to simpler times.
The system stayed out, all morning. After sunrise, I charged the bread robot and summoned a very surprised dog to go for a walk. He was speechless! By breakfast time, I’d already gone for groceries. Much longer, without connectivity and I would take up a new hobby. Stone carving, perhaps. Something for the ages.
I’ll not bore you with details. The systems came “back up” during the afternoon, although I did have to call tech support for a tip on how to restart the cable TV set box. Hint: it involves unplugging the power, waiting for ten seconds and then plugging the power back in…
Now I’m trying to find the trigger phrase to convince son #3 to pack the boxes in his room. After all, if I start, he won’t be impressed with my cull strategy. Funny how he needs a thirty minute shower BEFORE the job begins.
