An electrical storm just knocked out my power, but oddly only the outlets surrounding my home office. I was just starting this post when the computer shut down, then the overhead lights. An adjacent bath was without power and the guest bedroom dark, but the rest of the house was fine. Upon inspection, the circuit breaker had tripped and efforts to reset the switch failed. I began to unplug things – computer, printer, extension cord, etc., even turning the light switch off, but the breaker would not reload. Finally, I unplugged a bathroom nightlight and the circuit breaker switch promptly held. After restoring all the office equipment, there now seems to be no issue.

Being the pessimist that I am, I began to imagine the cost of an electrician, perhaps replacing the computer, and sitting in darkness for days. Woe is Me! Retirees like me just don’t have the resources to cover these unexpected things and no means of earning extra cash. It’s a constant worry, but in this case fortunately unnecessary. It’s why I need to find something more constructive to do than watch TV, sort baseball cards, and write. I had no intention of posting about electrical hassles, just regarding a Robb Report I was sent about the 50 top pizza places in America. 

I’ve been to #1 and #5, Una Pizza Napoletana in NYC and Ken’s Artisan Pizza in Portland. I actually prefer Apizza Scholls over Ken’s when we visit. Just last week, for example, we chose to go to this competitor. Portland also offers #27 Grana and #30 Nostrana. No other city but New York has more Top 50 options. Chicago also had three. It’s been years since we’ve been to Una Pizza Napoletana, but it’s the only occasion where I’ve ever turned down my favorite cookie, the Black & White, so as not to spoil the flavors dancing in my mouth. 

Given the choice though, I would still opt for my hometown favorite, Volcano Pizza. They also have a location in Johnson City, Tennessee. We happened to stop on one of our cross-country drives to find it to be exactly like my treasured Elkhart, Indiana pie – even the store layout. I coincidentally spoke with a fellow Viking Cruiser whose name tag identified him as living in Johnson City, and we shared our love of their tasty sausage preparation. My wife likes Bruno’s in nearby Logansport that I also enjoyed. Experts say that pizza lovers favor their hometown choices because of the familiarity of water, the biggest ingredient in any brand. It’s tough to find a pizza that I don’t like and even harder for me to turn down and Black & White!