Even living closer to work, I still live far enough away that a Western Pennsylvania ice storm or blizzard may force me to spend the night in a motel. It has happened 3 times in the 2 years I've been working where I currently work. After the first time of being stuck far from home with only the clothes on my back and just enough money in my bank account to afford a room, but not much else, I started making an "In Case of Emergency" bag to keep in my trunk. This bag will allow me to spend the night at a local no frills fleabag motel in relative comfort. It contains: a spare phone charger a shaving/toiletry kit 2 complete changes of work clothes 1 set of casual clothing 1 set of sleep clothing I also have a food kit stuffed in there that includes: 1 packet powdered milk 1 tin of 'Spam" crackers assorted single serve powdered drink mixes, instant coffee, tea, sugar packets a travel mug an empty 20 oz bottle a $5 gift card to a major retail outlet. $5 in rolled change when winter is over, the clothes (which are one patch job away from being unacceptable for the dress code) get put back in the dresser and the food items get rotated into the pantry before they expire.

One of the 20 oz. mugs from the Mug Club for 156 regulars. 156 Bistro, Burlington's newest upscale eatery and sports entertainment bar. Featuring excellent and creatively executed cuisine, the area's finest beers, and very friendly atmosphere. St. Paul Street, Downtown Burlington. Monday, October 12, 2009. (BEN SARLE/Free Press)