No this is not another chapter of the Angst of Annabelle. But I do feel a narrative coming on.

Friday wasn't Friday the 13th but is almost was. It was Friday the 12th.

Our game started out swimmingly. The players put all new cards in the boards and we still got started on time. As always, thanks to those other directors who did some of the set up tasks and to my friends who took the refreshment responsibility off my shoulders.

We were beginning the fourth round when all the power in the building went out. Well, you know the situation we play in, no windows, so complete darkness prevailed. There wasn't even an emergency light. Some enterprising souls began opening doors, letting in a modicum of light, then scurried back to their table to resume play. You could barely see the cards but being dedicated bridge connoisseurs, the band (oops, players) played on!

The power came back on after about 5 minutes but the overhead lights didn't. Paul and I checked the circuit breaker box, no bad breakers. Then the power went off again. Players opened more doors, the big curtain was opened and all the curtains in the East wing were pulled. We let in as much light as we could because it was evident the players were not going to stop playing bridge. They weren't going to let a little thing like darkness interupt their game. I might also mention, there was no air conditioning. The breezes coming through the open doors were pleasant, and do you believe? No complaints about lack of air.

Since everyone was playing, I turned my attention to the computer and bridgepads. The computer is battery operated when there is no power available but the unit is old enough that the battery is undependable and will only afford a short period of operation. If the computer lost power and shut down, all the bridgepads would complain they couldn't find the server and would become useless. We did have a short period when some of the bridgepads were beginning to complain. [Technical note: the bridgepads, being battery operated themselves are fully capable of operating, and remembering, indefinitely without power.  That was one of the selection criteria when we bought them.]

Someone suggested I get out computer pickups. Someone else suggested we call someone we know and have them check with the power company to make sure the problem wasn't in the building. My sister took care of that for us and reported a general power outage in the area. They could give her no information about possible start up time.

All this seemed to take a long time but probably took only 20 minutes or so before full power came on again. We returned the building to normal play status, closing doors, regulating the air conditioners, etc., and finished the game at about the same time as usual.

So, why do I say no angst? Adversity unites us. No one complained. Everyone did whatever he could to help keep things going. It's the type of situation I thrive in. We shall overcome!