Houston, we have a problem.
I’m going to forego my usual CSA update today since I have been without power for almost four full days. The lights went out on Monday and didn’t return until sometime late Thursday evening.
This means I haven’t written a blog, I haven’t read a blog, and I certainly haven’t cooked anything using my CSA produce. In fact, I’m going to have to toss pretty much the entire contents of my fridge, including my homemade pumpkin puree. Me and pumpkin just weren’t meant to be.
Even though I was living in the dark for the past few days, the thing I’m most grateful for is heat. I can handle the darkness, although I can see how one might get depressed or go clinically insane (I’m not there yet), but the unbearable cold was the hardest to endure. The temperature gauge in the house said 52, but I could see my breath in our bedroom on Thursday morning.
Even with our fireplace, the Hubby and I were bundled tighter than a Chipolte burrito and lived in layers and layers of clothes. Three pairs of socks, three shirts, a hooded sweatshirt and two pairs of pants was our normal attire. I started to feel like a squatter in Hooverville, and we were days away from burning furniture to stay warm (my flair for the dramatic is still intact).
Sure, I could have left the house and stayed with the in-laws or friends, all of whom kindly offered, but I couldn’t leave my felines behind. Anyone who owns cats knows just how difficult it would be to transport them and set up shop in another home, where other cats reside. It’s not gonna happen. So the Hubby and I chose to stay in the cold and the dark because I (not the Hubby) refused to leave the kitties behind.
Today, I have electricity and heat, and I couldn’t be happier. When the lights came back on last night, I couldn’t stop singing, dancing, and jazz handing all over the house. It’s the little things that count.
Did you get hit by Sandy? Would you leave your pets in the cold and dark for days, or would you stay with them? What “little things” matter most to you?
Jade says
I’m glad your power is back on, that was a long haul for you! I’m like you and would never leave my doggy. The pictures are crazy, wow.
Meghan says
You and me both; it felt like an eternity. I’m glad to hear you’d stay with your pooch too.
kirsten@FarmFreshFeasts says
I’m glad you have power back! We lost power for several days after the derecho this summer, and were without power for about a day during a blizzard a few years ago. I moved the kids and I (spouse was deployed) all into my bedroom and we were snuggled under lots of blankets. My concern was for the composting pigs, since I wasn’t about to snuggle with them all night long! I figured all of the humans in one room would be a warmer place so the pigs moved up with us, albeit in their cage–which was covered with blankets to give them a chance to cocoon as well.
I’m sorry for the loss of your CSA produce–that happened to me with the derecho. We ate what we could (even had guests over!), but still I tossed a bunch. Amazingly the freezer in the basement stayed icy long enough that we didn’t lose the cow. Still, though, that stuff is just stuff. In the grand scheme it’s unimportant and Mother Nature reminds me of that fact.
Anyway, glad your power is back and you are safe and warm.
Meghan says
Thanks Kirsten. It’s amazing how much we rely on the simple things like electrity and heat. I can’t imagine going through the same thing during a blizzard and with the husband deployed. That’s rough. I’m glad you, the kiddos and the piggies made out alright. And at the end of the day, it is all just stuff and not what’s truly important. You got that right!
Luv What You Do says
So glad that you are back in power and safe and sound. Those pictures are crazy and my thoughts go out to you and your friends and family this week!
Meghan says
Aww thanks so much. EVeryone I know is safe and sound and I figure a few days without power is a small price to pay for those who were injured. I really appreciate the kind thoughts.
Jessie says
Oh girl, I am so happy you finally have electricity. Bless you & your husbands heart. These past couple days just sound awful for you two :(. You both deserve a drink or two after this week, that’s for sure!
I couldn’t leave our little girl behind. She’s what makes our family the way we are. I would miss laughing @ funny things she does, and of course telling her to go lay down when shes driving me nuts haha.
Have a great weekend <3
Meghan says
I did have a drink on Friday night and just decompressed. Thank you for all the kind thoughts and well wishes. It really means a lot to me, and I know there’s no way you’d leave your little baby behind either. Not after you waited so long to be reunited in Kuwait. You have a great weekend too.
Shannon - Healthiful Balance says
Oh no! It’s so heartbreaking to see and hear all about the damage the hurricane has done. My heart goes out to all those affected! <3
Meghan says
Thanks Shannon. I really appreciate the kind words. It means a lot. My heart goes out to those who were really affected or injured in the storm. A few days without power is tough, but small in the grand scheme of things.
Amanda (@ fridaylovesong.net) says
Holy crud! Glad you’re safe! I know how the powerless thing feels. It happened here for about a week the other year after a really bad windstorm. It was horrid.
Meghan says
It is rough, but I am so glad to see you back!! Can’t wait to check out your sight.
Liz @ IHeartVegetables says
Oh my gosh I’m sorry you lost power for so long! I was lucky that we didn’t lose it in richmond. I hope you’re nice and warm now!
Meghan says
Yep, that first night with power, I blasted the heat. The Hubby thought we were living in a sauna.
Sunnie@moderngirlnutrition says
Thank goodness your power is back! That tree pic is insane. Glad you are safe!
Meghan says
Thanks Sunnie. I’m glad too.
Karen says
We avoided Sandy but I’ve had plenty of hurricane experience unfortunately (lived in FL all my life). All I could think about when I saw the coverage was not having heat. Down here we don’t have to worry about that factor. Glad you are safe and have power back! I wouldn’t be able to leave pets either 😉