Brrr and The Drought

So, I just got in from a long day out and about. I had a fun, eventful day and it made me realize how much Charlotte has grown on me in the past few months. Especially since I quit that job that was an albatross around my neck. Anyway, it meant I was gone from about 10 this morning and now it's after 10 at night. It's a little chilly in my place right now. It was only in the mid-60's here today and I don't get much direct sunlight. Needless to say, while I was out the house remained cool and I didn't think to put the heat on before I left. It was warmer this morning, I swear!

What I'd normally do on the first seriously cold day, such as this one, is turn on the heat and go upstairs and take a long hot bubble bath before going to bed. This way while the heat tried to dispel the chill of the day I'd be toasty warm in the bubbles and the sauna like bathroom. By the time the water cooled off some, and I finished both a chapter in my latest book and a nice glass of white wine, the heat would have made the house an acceptable temperature. Then I'd change into some cozy pajamas, dry my hair, and go to bed. Instead, I'm shivering and bundled up under covers with my computer on my lap trying to suck up all it's heat.

Why, you may ask? Because of the drought. Yes, I am a victim of the drought affecting the Southeast United States. I am currently under Phase 4 Water Restrictions. These restrictions include no baths - only showers and said showers are only supposed to last five minutes. Five minutes! Who do you know can take a five minute shower and actually be clean? I'd like to meet that person - from a distance of course because I'm betting they smell. It takes me five minutes to wash my hair. Much less the rest of me. And forget shaving and washing in five minutes. Five minutes! I, obviously, have been violating the five minute guideline and will continue to do so. But until they send some man with a stopwatch to time my showers I'll take my standard 15 minutes or so. Plus, I'm only one person - it's not like four other people are taking showers as well so I can use up some of their time. But, I am not going to take a bubble bath - as I was informed it is a waste of precious water.

We can't afford to waste any either. I went past the Catawba River today and it is very low. There are several mud islands that are exposed now. All of which were at least six inches or more under water this time last year. It doesn't look like there is an end in sight either. There is no rain of significance forecast in the near future and it would need to rain most of November and December to put a dent in the drought. It's an interesting position for me to be in - I'm usually not an advocate for rain. I think of it as a dirty four letter word that I don't like to say because it affects my livelihood. However, I really need some rain because it is affecting my life. I don't know about you but I like water. I like being able to turn on the faucet and have some come out. I like being able to fill up my Brita pitcher whenever I like and I also enjoy long hot showers, bubble baths, and flushing the toilet. Simple things like that bring me joy. But it especially brings me joy that my neighbors are able to shower as well. It seems some of them don't appear to have as much love of water as I have and they are using the drought as an excuse not to bathe. I do not like this aspect at all. PeeEEWW!

As of today there are 57 days of water left to sustain my town. 57 days. It still seems as though I will be moving prior to end of those 57 days. In case anyone's wondering - 57 days from today is December 30, 2007. But, alas, I am questioning whether moving to Raleigh is a good idea for Raleigh will run out of water on January 25, 2008. It really gives me pause because I really love water. And bubble baths.