Meanwhile, I should be grateful to have broadband - we spent 6 hours on Saturday without any power at all. We had just got back from stocking the larder (extra tins, cat food, loo rolls etc in case the Coronavirus takes off in our area - we will then just stick to our home locale as much as possible.) So, around 1.20 the power flickered and then went off. After ten minutes or so, we checked (using Tam's phone, which has signal here and broadband link) the Western Power line - power outage affecting 29 or so houses, expected back on at 3 p.m. By 3.15 pm the power outage was affecting about a further 100 houses (most of the parish I assume) and the update said, expect power back at 6 p.m. At 6 p.m. we were back down to the 29 houses (our little bit along the valley, pretty well our postcode) and 7.30 p.m. was the prognosis. Indeed, it was 7.30 p.m. when it came on again.
During daylight it was OK as we lit the woodburner and camped out in the living room. We lit candles and put them in front of the big mirror over the sideboard, and lit other candles and set them around the room, including the one in a church hanging sconce and we also turned on all the different fairy lights. It looked really cosy. We read by torchlight, and talked. I set a little pan of water with a lid on to heat on the woodburner but had to laugh as the fire wasn't going strongly and it didn't boil until . . . 7.30 p.m.!!
We have a collection of small torches, but Keith had invested in two big new ones from Lidl last week - they work on a beam or if you pull the centre out, then you have a big all round light. They also have a jointed magnetic end so you can attach them to a radiator. They are re-chargable. A good investment!
We made our evening meal by the light of one - rolls with cheese or chicken fillings, salad etc and then didn't need to cook later.
We coped, but were very glad when the power returned. 6 hours was quite long enough!
Back anon with a proper post - I got a walk in along the river earlier on - as it was SUNNY and dry for once!
Survived! Must look out for those torches in Lidl.
ReplyDeleteThey are excellent, I have to say.
DeleteI have marsh marigolds in my garden on the bank of my very small pond, they are yet to flower but they are so pretty when they do. We rely on power so much these days that it is hard when it goes off even for a short period isn't it.
ReplyDeleteMy walk today was to checkout the wild ones which row in a marshy bit of woodland beside the lane just over a mile from here. I could see leaves coming through but it had been flooded the last few weeks with all the storms and rain, so they are late on parade.
DeleteI always worry when the power goes out at this time of year. It is still winter here on the prairies of Canada and cold as well.
DeleteYou were well prepared for the outage.
God bless.
I can't remember when we last had a power cut that lasted more than a few seconds! Although even a short one sets the burglar alarm off! I do love Marsh Marigolds - we have just a few by the pond. I must admit I have bought a few more tins than usual and extra toilet roll!
ReplyDeleteWe've not had one for a long time either, but this certainly lasted . . . Toilet rolls are . . . somewhat essential I have to say.
DeleteMollyblobs? New one to me but what a great name
ReplyDeletePat (Weaver of Grass) knows them as this and it's a lovely country name.
DeleteWinter power outages were frequent during the years we lived in Vermont and it could be several days before the lines were repaired. I always filled every water container I could find as the water pressure dropped quickly; I could use the propane cooktop although not the oven which had an electric igniter. Candles, oil lamps, trying to keep the core of the house warm--not fun! [To say nothing of going without a shower!]
ReplyDeleteOur water flows into the bottom part of the house but has to be pumped up onto the top, and the central heating has an electric primer. Then huddle round the wood burner with candles and books!
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