{the dutch oven filled with winter squash on the woodstove, with storms outside}
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It’s been stormy here. Really stormy.
Wednesday morning our power went out. We had a feeling it might. There were 100 mph winds on the coast, not far from us. Jeff reminded me to grab Bracken and hit the floor (preferably next to a piece of furniture) if I heard a loud cracking sound (meaning a tree falling.)
Thursday we were going to drive to Mapleton to get ice for our freezer, but the road was flooded and unpassable, so we returned home. We were not well stocked with batteries, but Jeff managed to jerry-rig (I use that word a lot when it comes to him) some batteries together and get our radio to work, but we could only use it for short periods of time since we didn’t know how long they’d last. (We want to get a hand crank radio for the next time the power goes out.) We heard on the radio that highway 36 and highway 126 were both closed. Translation: we couldn’t get to Mapleton, Florence, or Eugene. We were pretty well stuck.
It was too stormy to be outside, so we were indoors. We stayed nice and cozy by the woodstove. Jeff cooked us meals on the propane camp stove.
I made soup and winter squash on the woodstove.
When the power goes out, we have no running water. Luckily, we had water stored in the pantry and had filled the bathtub, just in case. Jeff heated up water to do the dishes. We had propane and carosene lamps, but needed to conserve them, so we tried to only have one going at a time. We sat by the dim light and waited.
Friday morning we were able to drive to Florence and get batteries, water, propane, and food. Water was over the road in many places, with road crews assisting traffic through, we were able to pass. I had never seen it flood like that here before. Jeff had seen it flood worse one other time.
After running errands, we were relieved to be back home safe. We talked about how we wanted to better prepare for the next power outage (with more storms on the way!)
Usually the quiet peacefulness that pervades our home when the electricity is out, is something I enjoy. But this time, it was starting to wear on me. I’ll admit, my spirits started getting rather soggy. I felt very much like complaining (a good sign that grouchiness had a hold on me) and told Jeff that the Amish would think me quite pathetic for being such a poor sport going for such a short time without electricity.
Last night, Jeff read aloud from a book. The words were just what I needed to hear. Then we drummed. We drummed and drummed until all my frustration seemed drummed right out of me. Bracken drummed with us, shook his rattle, and danced. I felt a little brighter and a little lighter.
I wrote my gratitudes by candlelight and fell asleep to the sound of wild winds.
This morning, day four, we were still without electricity.
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When the lights came on mid morning, we hollered celebrations throughout the house.
An observer might have thought we won the lottery.
I usually love power outs as well, but we also lose water and that I don’t like at all! Glad you’re all ok.
Here in Oz, I’m bracing myself for a week of terribly hot weather, 39/40 every day – I think that’s around 102/104!
Have a great week 🙂
I thought about you guys a lot when I was out in Veneta, and I have to admit, you inspired me when my best friend, her partner and I went to Yachats to go to the beach, and I ended up flying home with luggage full of stones!
I missed the flooding, but not the snow. Yikes. Glad you all fared well!
Wow! I just was reading about things like this happening in an amazing book I rented from the Library::
Blood Lust Chickens and Renegade Sheep: A first Timer’s Guide to Country Living
It has a really neat chapter on all the possible emergencies that can arise in all different types if places/climates/natural disasters ect. It basically says, make back ups, and then make back ups for your back ups and then make back ups for your back ups for your back ups!
I’m glad you all fared okay and maybe actually had fun??!!
Blessings,
Samantha (Woodland Woolens)
Glad to hear that your power is back on. We too are having terrible winds and clouds but no rain… There is something about the power being off that is soothing.. it is absolutley quiet in the house… no fridge or tv running, just the sound of the wind blowing thru the pine tree out side the living room doors. It kind of whistles as it blows in the needles.. wind chimes sounding off like bells in the distance. Makes me wish I was in the forest and if I close my eyes, I can almost believe it. I hope you are all safe and well and send my best wishes to you for a wonderful weekend…Marti
I have been wondering how you guys are doing up there! Really happy to know you are okay, and your power is back on. It is amazing how dependent we are – especially when your water flow depends on electricity as well. So glad you guys are high up and did not experience flooding. It is such a mess in Mapleton!
Hello, brand new follower here!
It’s a very powerful feeling to have gone without. Especially when one is so used to having those modern conveniences like electricity and running water.
Ours would go out periodically growing up so my baby Sis and I were given much time to explore our imaginations together. We were dragons and faeries and we built houses for the gnomes and smallish creatures. Those were actually good times for us and whenever I’m faced with these situations as an adult I try and conjure up some of that childhood spirit.
The only thing else I could say about it is enjoy these quiet moments and take time to learn something new about yourself during them. It doesn’t come along often or as much as I would like.
Peace,
Nico Swan
I do well without electricity but I can’t deal with it when the internet is down. We had a freak snow storm in October that left us without internet for 6 days. We were only without electricity for 1 day. But I was freaking out by the fourth day without internet. You are so right, I would not make a good Amish woman. I’m glad you got your electricity back.
Kathi