The British are offering some matter-of-fact advice about things we all ought to be doing this weekend to prepare for whatever the new week brings. Their government recommends keeping three days of bottled water and nonperishable food on hand in case essential services are interrupted.

Three days? That is about what Deirdre allows for leftovers in the fridge. Apparently, the Galley has been practicing national resilience for years.

With Ukraine still on our minds, even sensible housekeeping advice acquires a slightly ominous tone. We take the warning to heart. The freezer banks recently failed at the DoD commissary where we make our quarterly bulk buys of dry goods and other provisions.

Whether the culprit was mechanical, electric or something more sinister remains a question. A freezer does not have to explain itself before the contents start thawing.

Meanwhile, the Wyoming Pure and Kansas City Specialty steak orders are in and packed away. We have backup generators here at The Trillium, so we should be reasonably well situated—as long as the generators have fuel.

There is always another item for the checklist.

For the moment, we intend to get through the next four days. Then we can start arguing about close tallies, allegations of cheating, candidates with identical names and whatever else the election delivers.

Today begins the latest installment of our season of endless celebration. If you happen to be near The Trillium lobby, you might want to bring a festive gown. Food, water, generator fuel and something suitable to wear as we prepare to FALL BACK early on Sunday morning.

We will need the extra hour: preparedness takes many forms.

It is time to get ready!

Copyright 2026 Vic Socotra
www.vicsocotra.com