NASHVILLE - The weather obviously has been the big news for the past two weeks out here in the Coast Range. When our power went out in the late afternoon of Dec. 20, we all knew we were in for a long one.

After weeks and weeks of relentless downpour (or so it seemed by that time), it was inevitable that the high winds would rip trees out of the soggy ground, blocking roads, downing power lines and disrupting phone service in some places.

The hillside down Nashville Road near Eddyville that has been gradually melting onto the highway finally collapsed into a muddy mass, inhibiting traffic for what turned out to be days.

Fortunately for those of us on log-truck routes, the drivers and loggers on their way to work in the wee hours of Friday morning opened the roads with their chainsaws, allowing clear passage for later commuters. It was still a tricky business navigating tree limbs and other debris that decorated the roads, but it was passable.

The power outage was another story. Days dragged on for many of us without electricity, and attitudes varied. Some looked upon the event as a blessing in disguise; the heavy quiet and early darkness created an unexpected opportunity for romantic candlelit dinners, contemplation, reading or catching up on sleep. And it was a good excuse not to vacuum.

Others accepted the outage with resignation; this is rural living and the reason we have woodstoves, gas ranges, generators and lots and lots of candles and batteries.

Those, however, who were without generators, heat or water were less sanguine. Many sat bundled in layers of clothing day after day hoping the lines would be fixed, getting more distressed by the moment. Quite a few were grouchy about missing their favorite TV shows or blog sites Some took showers at friends' houses in town and ate out. A few bagged the scene entirely and moved into motels or homes of family members with power.

One thing we all had in common, however, was that we were powerless.

Little by little, thanks to the herculean efforts of Consumers Power, Pioneer Telephone and highway crews, phone lines were restored, roads were cleared and the lights came back on.

For some, it was a matter of two days; for others in Summit and Nashville, the process took almost five and one-half days. The CPI crews worked round the clock and, day by day, one area at a time, power was restored to the area. We are extremely grateful to these hardworking people!

Summit New Year

Now we are looking forward to a lively New Year's Eve in downtown Summit. The Summit Underground and the Deep Woods Band are combining forces and staging the Deep Woods Underground New Year's Eve Party at the Summit Grange from 8 p.m. until midnight.

Local musician Bob Shade, the genius behind the Deeps Woods Band, and Summit Underground's Michael Riley have cooked up an evening of fun, food and funk. Other musicians are invited to jam with the band. Everyone else is invited to dance, listen, enjoy.

There is no cover charge and no alcohol at this "all ages" party. Food will be for sale, as a benefit for the grange.

Litter pick-up day

As if that weren't enough fun, there is a "Summit Grange and Folks" litter pick-up day scheduled for the next Sunday, Jan. 7, at 11 a.m. As always, bags will be available at the grange and everyone will select a portion of Highway 180 between Blodgett and Summit to scrounge for trash.

It's a good way to work off some of the excess calories that have accumulated on the body after the holidays. Bring gloves, warm clothes and a buddy.

Nashville resident Kathi Downing can be contacted at ramdown@peak.org or 456-4252.