We should have a problem

[SuperHeroRalph]

I realize, of course, that even when there's light, even on the brightest summer day, some of us are still in the dark. My sympathy goes out to those who are so clueless. Yet, one of our own is facing serious hardships and I just wanted to light a candle of acknowledgement.

Due to a surprise snowstorm that dumped 18" of snow on the Northeast, Babs, YourSINSerely has been without power since Saturday, October 29th.

Just take a moment and think about that reality. Can you imagine not having any power for a week?

We all complain about our days but can you imagine your life without power? We're all so spoiled. We're all so dependent on things our ancestors didn't have. Truly, we all should have a problem.

No light, no heat, no phone, no TV, (gulp) no computer. If it was me, I'd be marching on the electric company with all my neighbors.

Along with having some of the most beautiful homes in the country, as are too many parts of the country today, that particular area is depressed and crime ridden. I can't imagine the mayhem going on in the dark. God help those people.

She supposedly is going to have her power restored tomorrow. I just wanted to wish her well and a safe return.

We miss you, Babs.

 

[LettersFromTatyana]

I don't know where she lives, but if she's in CT and dealing with the mess that is CL&P, I know a few dozen more who will happily march with her. It was the same thing after Irene in CT; I can't believe it's happened again.

I hope she's found a warm couch to sleep on somewhere, and that her power is back on by Sunday (that's the new date I've seen thrown around).

 

[wishfulthinking]

Yeah, count my candle in.

It's been a really tough year where I am - floods, then cyclone. When I wasn't in one, I was worried about my family in the other.

 

[PennLady]

Sending positive thoughts and wishing I could do more...

 

[oggbashan]

When we were married, we bought a house in a village. My wife had been living in a village for several years.

We knew we would get power cuts in the Autumn when farmers burning off stubble would set fire to power lines, in the winter when falling trees and ice would bring down power lines, and at any time when a car/truck collided with a power pole.

We had candles. We had coal for the coal fire. We had gas and electric heating. We had hurricane lamps and fuel for them.

Every time there was a power cut we were ready. Our neighbours? They seemed to forget the last one and would rush out to buy candles...

In our last house we had nine operational coal fires as well as the gas fired central heating. We had a stock of 3 to 5 tonnes of coal.

Now? We still have a gas fire that will work in a power cut; an open fire and coal for it; two camping stoves that run on propane; three Primus stoves and fuel; candles; torches; hurricane lamps and of course matches.

We don't get many power cuts, but when we do, our daughters need supplies for light and heat, and then our neighbours. We still don't have enough.

 

[SuperHeroRalph]

When we were married, we bought a house in a village. My wife had been living in a village for several years.

We knew we would get power cuts in the Autumn when farmers burning off stubble would set fire to power lines, in the winter when falling trees and ice would bring down power lines, and at any time when a car/truck collided with a power pole.

We had candles. We had coal for the coal fire. We had gas and electric heating. We had hurricane lamps and fuel for them.

Every time there was a power cut we were ready. Our neighbours? They seemed to forget the last one and would rush out to buy candles...

In our last house we had nine operational coal fires as well as the gas fired central heating. We had a stock of 3 to 5 tonnes of coal.

Now? We still have a gas fire that will work in a power cut; an open fire and coal for it; two camping stoves that run on propane; three Primus stoves and fuel; candles; torches; hurricane lamps and of course matches.

We don't get many power cuts, but when we do, our daughters need supplies for light and heat, and then our neighbours. We still don't have enough.

Coal? Yikes. It sounds like a Charles Dickens novel.

So...(gulp) where do you buy coal? I checked with Home Depot and Lowes and they don't sell any (lol).

We're all spoiled in the US, Ogg, especially we city slickers. A hardship for us is running out of batteries to power our phones.

Nonetheless, we all should have a problem. Maybe being out of power is a good time to connect to those you love and have sex.

Oh, darn, my power just went out.

Does anyone (female that is) wanna have sex with me?

"Hello? Hey, where'd everyone go?"

 

[oggbashan]

Coal?

Most local gas stations sell coal, firewood, firelighters, propane and paraffin for lamps and stoves.

My local coal merchant delivers for quantities of more than 100 kg or I can buy 25 kg bags to take away. I used to get discounts for orders of more than 1 tonne delivered between April and the end of August.

In my first winter at my old larger house I used 8 tonnes of coal and coke for the AGA solid fuel cooker, two closed stoves and 7 open fireplaces. In the second year I had gas central heating installed but didn't remove any of the coal fired fittings.

 

[Handley_Page]

Which reminds me; I must get some more coal for my hearth, although it is unlikely the gas supply will go off. I have a number of batteries and torches, tv., but powering the Radio or TV could be a problem. Ah, more batteries then, for the radio.