📫Duke Energy Is Asking You To Reduce Your Energy Useage! | Surviving The Fall-Do Cats Land On Their Feet?

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Hello friends!

Happy National Pay a Compliment Day! 🎉

Today is the perfect excuse to sprinkle a little extra sunshine—tell someone their smile lights up the room, praise their killer work ethic, or just say, “You make everything better just by being you.”

Go ahead—drop a genuine compliment on a friend, coworker, family member, or even a stranger today. Watch the magic happen! ✨

Who are you complimenting first? Hit reply and tell me—I’d love to hear!

Wishing you a day full of kind words and big smiles,

See you out there in beautiful Wake,
Diane

—Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

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📍 Today’s Chuckle 📍

Why don't kids ever play hide and seek with mountains?
Because the mountains are always peak-ing! 🏔️😄

📍 Trivia 📍

• 1952: Britain's King George VI died peacefully in his sleep at Sandringham House, and his 25-year-old daughter immediately became Queen Elizabeth II—who went on to become the longest-reigning British monarch in history (over 70 years!). What a pivotal shift for the monarchy. 👑

This Weekend in Wilmington

Wilmington is a charming coastal gem that's surprisingly fun and invigorating in the winter months, with milder temps (often in the 50s-60s), fewer crowds, and a vibrant mix of history, culture, and seaside vibes.

Why head there now? February brings a quieter, more relaxed pace along the Cape Fear River, perfect for cozy exploration without summer's heat or tourist throngs. It's ideal for a romantic getaway, family outing, or solo recharge—think crisp walks on uncrowded beaches, fresh seafood, and indoor/outdoor fun that beats the winter blues.

Top things to do include strolling the historic downtown Riverwalk lined with colorful shops, galleries, and waterfront eateries; touring the Battleship North Carolina (a massive WWII museum ship with self-guided adventures); hopping over to nearby Wrightsville Beach for winter walks, birdwatching, or even a chilly surf session if you're brave; catching the North Carolina Jazz Festival on February 6 & 7 (part of the full event running February 5-7 at Hotel Ballast, featuring internationally renowned traditional jazz musicians in lively 4½-hour concerts starting at 7:30 PM each night); or visiting the Cameron Art Museum for rotating exhibits and a scenic ferry ride to Fort Fisher for Civil War history and pristine dunes.

The beauty shines in the soft winter light over the Intracoastal Waterway, blooming camellias (February's prime season!), and that classic Southern charm of oak-lined streets and pastel historic homes. It's rejuvenating, affordable off-season, and full of low-key magic—perfect for readers craving an easy escape close to home. Get Information

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Duke Energy Urges Carolina Customers to Reduce Power Usage Amid Frigid Cold Snap

As North Carolina digs out from the recent bomb cyclone that blanketed the state in snow and ice, Duke Energy is calling on its customers in the Carolinas to voluntarily cut back on electricity use to help stabilize the power grid. With temperatures plummeting 10 to 20 degrees below normal, the utility giant issued an urgent plea asking residents to conserve energy during peak hours—specifically from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. This comes as the region grapples with unusually high demand driven by the need for heating amid the lingering winter chill.

The extreme cold following the winter storm has pushed energy consumption to record levels across the East Coast, including in Wake County and surrounding areas. Duke Energy explained that this surge in demand strains the grid, increasing the risk of temporary power outages if usage isn't moderated. "We know it’s inconvenient to reduce electric use, but it makes a real difference," said Gerald Wilson, Duke Energy's vice president of grid operations. The company is maximizing its own generation capacity, purchasing additional power, and coordinating with large commercial and industrial customers through demand response programs, but residential conservation is key to maintaining reliable service for everyone. In a state where the storm marked the first time since 2014 that all 100 counties saw snow, this plea underscores the broader impacts of severe weather on infrastructure.

Duke Energy provided practical, easy-to-implement tips to help customers lower their consumption without sacrificing too much comfort—especially important in areas like Rolesville, where icy roads and remote school days might keep families indoors. Here's how you can pitch in:

• Lower Your Thermostat: Set it to the lowest comfortable temperature. Every degree closer to the outdoor chill saves energy—aim for 68°F or below if possible, and bundle up with layers or blankets.

• Delay Appliance Use: Avoid running high-energy appliances like washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, or ovens during peak hours (4-10 a.m.). Schedule them for midday or evening when demand eases.

• Unplug and Turn Off: Switch off unnecessary lights, electronics, and chargers. Even standby mode draws power, so unplug "energy vampires" like TVs, computers, and coffee makers.

• Smart Heating Choices: Use space heaters sparingly and only in occupied rooms, but never leave them unattended. Close doors to unused areas to contain heat.

• EV Owners Take Note: Charge electric vehicles during off-peak times, such as midday, to avoid adding to the morning surge.

• Natural Warmth Hacks: Open curtains during the day to let sunlight in, and seal drafts around windows and doors with weatherstripping for better insulation.

By following these steps, customers can collectively reduce strain on the system, potentially averting outages and keeping bills in check. Duke Energy emphasized that these voluntary measures are temporary and aimed at protecting the grid for all 8.2 million customers across the region.

Surviving The Fall-Do Cats Land On Their Feet?

In the rugged beauty of Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah, a heartbreaking tragedy unfolded on April 29, 2025, when a young couple, Matthew Nannen and Bailee Crane, tragically fell to their deaths from Inspiration Point. Amid the sorrow, a quiet miracle emerged: their beloved 12-year-old tabby cat, now named Mirage, somehow survived a nearly 380-foot plunge inside her soft-sided carrier. Found covered in dirt and mud beside her owners, she was shaken and injured—but remarkably alive.

Search-and-rescue pilot Chelsea Tugaw from the Utah Department of Public Safety was on duty that day, helping recover the scene. When her team discovered the carrier and opened it to find Mirage still breathing, Chelsea later shared how stunned and moved she was: “We couldn’t believe the cat was alive.” With gentle care, Mirage was airlifted to safety and transferred the next day to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, where compassionate veterinarians treated her cracked ribs, broken teeth, and other injuries with tenderness and expertise. They named her Mirage because her survival felt almost unreal—a tiny beacon of hope in the midst of profound loss.

The sanctuary staff poured love into her recovery, and when Mirage’s owners’ next-of-kin couldn’t adopt her, Chelsea felt an unbreakable bond calling her back. On May 19, 2025, she returned—not as a rescuer this time, but as an adopter. With the family’s heartfelt blessing, Chelsea brought Mirage home to Salt Lake City, where the sweet senior cat now shares a warm, loving space with Chelsea’s other pets, Max (a dog) and Milo (a cat). “I felt there was a special connection with us rescuing her,” Chelsea said. “I’m so ecstatic to be taking Mirage home.”

This gentle story reminds us how compassion can heal even the deepest wounds—how one life saved can spark another chapter of unconditional love. Mirage’s journey from the canyon floor to a cozy forever home is a tender testament to human kindness and the quiet resilience of animals who touch our hearts forever. 🐱❤️

"And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

55 Plus - The New Silver Standard

How Do You Get More Benefits From Your Exercise!

• Senior Deal of the Day: Briggs Restaurants. Guests 65+ get 7% off adult entrée all day, every day.👈

• Forks Cafeteria & Catering 339 Brooks St, Wake Forest, NC A long-time local favorite for Southern cooking, they offer a senior citizen price.

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Friday, February 6, 2026

• First Friday Raleigh: Monthly gallery walk and downtown celebration, including the "Reflections of Us" portraiture show at Fish Market Gallery (6:00 PM–11:00 PM).

• Free Improv Jam: Leela Improv Theatre hosts a First Friday open mic and potluck (7:00 PM).

• American Aquarium: The band performs at Lincoln Theatre (8:00 PM) as part of their "Roadtrip to Raleigh 2026" series (with special guests like Tift Merritt and Abby Hamilton).

• The Wombats: Playing at The Ritz as part of their "Oh! The Ocean Tour".

• Taylor Tomlinson: The "Save Me Tour" stops at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium (Martin Marietta Center) (7:00 PM).

• Zainab Johnson: Stand-up performances at Raleigh Improv in Cary.

• ComedyWorx Shows: The ComedyWorx Show at their Raleigh venue (8:00 PM).

• WKNC's Double Barrel Benefit 22: Night 1 at Kings, featuring Monsoon and Survival Tactics.

• Gershwin & Bernstein: North Carolina Symphony presents excerpts from "On the Town" and "Porgy and Bess" (February 6–7 shows).

Saturday, February 7, 2026

• Krispy Kreme Challenge: The annual 5-mile run/doughnut-eating challenge starts in downtown Raleigh (8:00 AM start time).

• Lunar New Year Market: Celebrate at Raleigh Iron Works (11:00 AM) with AAPI-owned vendors and food trucks.

• Mardi Gras Masquerade Prom: Adults-only (21+) event hosted by the City of Raleigh.

• Lover's Lane Market: Valentine's-themed market at Rosecomb Beer Garden in Cary (3:00 PM).

• Remix: A Y2K Art Exhibition: Opening reception with DJ and pizza truck at The Makery in Wake Forest (7:00 PM).

• WKNC's Double Barrel Benefit 22: Night 2 at Kings, featuring CJ Monét and Petrov.

• Taylor Tomlinson: The "Save Me Tour" continues at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium (7:00 PM).

• Zainab Johnson: Stand-up at Raleigh Improv in Cary.

• ComedyWorx Shows: The Duel (7:00 PM) and Longform Night (9:00 PM) at their Raleigh venue.

• Rewind’s Last Laugh: Final comedy show at Rewind Retrobar in Knightdale (8:00 PM).

• American Aquarium: Second night at Lincoln Theatre (8:00 PM).

• Gershwin & Bernstein: North Carolina Symphony continues (February 6–7 shows).

• College Basketball: UNC vs. Duke (men's) in nearby Durham (6:30 PM).

Sunday, February 8, 2026

• Astronomy Days: Large-scale celestial event at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences (February 7–8), with scientist talks and hands-on activities.

• CAFA Chinese New Year Gala: Major cultural performance featuring dance and opera at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium.

• Red Pitch: A play by Tyrell Williams at Burning Coal Theatre Company (2:00 PM performance).

We strive to make sure that all information is accurate. However, we always recommend check all details with the event organizer.

There are so many events happening in and around Wake County, NC that we have gone to a seperate page to list events. Please click this button to view all of the area’s great events!👇

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If your business event, or restaurant, is not on the list and you would like to be added, contact us at [email protected]