I will painfully admit to not appreciating how high modern-day quality of life is until a power outage shows up to ruin my day. At the Genesee Country Village and Museum's upcoming Sap, Syrup and Sugar event, you can get a sense of the old days, where people had to build each amenity in life piece by piece, right down to the maple syrup they put on their pancakes.

The event will include everything from trails designed to demonstrate the history and uses of maple sap, to storytelling and maple-product tastings. The final weekend will also provide the opportunity for guests to watch maple cream be produced. Visitors will also be able to take pleasure in a pancake breakfast on each day using real maple syrup (no bottles shaped like a grandmother here).

The Sap, Syrup and Sugar event continues Saturdays and Sundays March 20-21 and 27-28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $4.25-$7 (children 3 and under free); a family pass costs $15-$25. Pancake breakfasts are served 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each day and cost $7 adults, $5 youth, $1 ages 2-4. GCVM is located at 1410 Flint Hill Road in Mumford. For more information visit gcv.org or call 538-6822.