misslake and i were in the living room, just about to start watching another episode of firefly when it happened. i immediately tried to peel her clothes off and ravage her right on the couch. i mean, everyone else was shouting about where the candles and flashlights were and no one's eyes had adjusted yet, so it seemed a perfect opportunity. unfortunately, it turned out that misslake was the only one who knew where the flashlights and candles were.

so we lit a bunch of candles and set them up around the kitchen (i also set a dishrag on fire, but that turned out not to be an efficient and reliable source of light). then we all gathered on the kitchen floor and played pictionary by candlelight. after the game was over, we opened some wine and started in on a 1000 piece simpsons jigsaw puzzle. i don't know if you've ever tried to do a jigsaw puzzle by candlelight, but it's not that great for your eyes.

the power was out for about three hours in total and the whole thing was beautiful. reminded me of how much i love our housemates. i am very happy that misslake and i didn't fall for that line that as soon as you get married start building a mortgaged kingdom and a legacy. we do intend to reproduce someday, but i hope that we don't have to live by ourselves when we do it.

speaking of which today marks the six month anniversary of the shawshack. seven of us living within these walls, sharing food, sharing space, sharing chores and there is no tension, everyone gets along with everyone. and as much as i love living in full busy houses, i acknowledge that this is something of a miracle. and i am thankful for it.