Some people went crazy with cabin fever.

Others, like the Russells, chose not to complain, instead relishing a chance to live without all the distractions of the 21st century. A chance to actually sit down at the dinner table - or somewhere - and talk.

In fact, the Russells enjoyed it so much they're going to do it again on the day after the one-year anniversary - April 28 - to remember what happened. They said not only will people get a chance to appreciate what they have when the power is on but also prepare themselves in case Madison County has another damaging tornado (like it did on March 2).

It may come as no surprise that Katrin's father is Rusty Russell, director of the Huntsville/Madison County Emergency Management Agency, which helped coordinate the response to the April 27 tornadoes. (Katrin's husband's last name is Russell, as well.)

"Last year after the tornadoes we were very fortunate to have no damage at all, so we only had to put up with cold showers in candlelight," Russell said. "The first night was strange - no streetlights, no TV or music - just nightly sounds and starlight.

"It was actually very peaceful. During the power outage we spent a lot of time with our pets outside, grilled and just had this camping-vacation feeling."

Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle echoed the positive aspect of having no power, saying people got into conversations with others they'd never spoken to, or spoke to rarely, before.

"You really can't put a value on how people did," Battle said. "Neighbors got to know neighbors, and it was really nice. You don't know how good you are until you are tested, and we were tested and had a good response from the population."

Katrin Russell said she and her husband realized just how much they'd taken electricity and modern conveniences for granted.

"You knew the power was out, but you still walked into a dark room and just automatically flipped the light switch - and nothing happened," Russell said. "Without TV, phones and computers, time seemed to move slower. You actually were more aware of your surroundings - wildlife, weather, sounds, just nature in general.

"It was just great at night to see all the stars from your own home because it was dark enough without the street lights."

Russell said she and her husband came up with idea for the electricity-free day so people can make sure they're prepared for an emergency:

Is your generator working?

Do you have intact extension cords in the proper gauge for your refrigerator/freezer, water heater, even water pump?

Do you have stored supplies like gas, water, canned food, first-aid kit, medicine, pet supplies, baby supplies, etc.?

"We want people to appreciate electricity and all the conveniences that come with it," Russell said. "Also, to remember and hopefully enjoy a lot of activities that do not require electric power like board games, card games, outside activities like hiking, grilling, spending time with your pets/kids, flying kites, etc.

"We will be working the April 27 weekend, so we will be using some electricity at work, but at least in our own home we will have a good time taking cold showers, drinking room-temperature beverages and cuddling by candlelight."

Dad Rusty Russell is certainly proud of the idea his daughter and son-in-law came up with and hope it catches on.

"Yeah, my daughter came up with the idea of doing it," he said. "April 27 is the anniversary, and on April 28 they're going a whole day without electricity.

"In my mind, everybody needs to remember what happened and think about whether they're ready to do it again. People need to check their go kits and make sure they have everything in case of an emergency."