With nighttime temperatures dropping to 23°F and daytime not rising above 26°F, keeping the house somewhat warm was the priority. Eating became the next issue. I had plenty of food in the house, but needed to come up with creative cooking avenues since I did not have a cooktop or oven at my disposal. I know from past experience that eating good food helps lift the spirits⎯this was certainly a time to lift spirits. So, I must say, we didn’t settle for quickie meals. We had yummy comfort food and appreciated every last bite. The days were filled with snow shoveling, generator refueling, pellet stove loading, preparing meals and cleaning up afterwards. Each day seemed to progress quickly as everything we did seemed to take more time and effort.
I have a renewed appreciation for electricity and all the people who have lived without it. I would like to send the universe a big thank you for Mr. Thomas Edison and his electrical pioneers. I think I love you!
All in all we kept our spirits up. We discussed the priorities and needs of each day and made sure we held onto our patience and humor. I think we all take for granted lights going on with the flip of a switch and the fact we can get hot water on demand. But, moreover, we take for granted the abundance in our lives. Just think about all the things you are able to go about doing each day and the past and present invisible people who touch your life⎯perhaps it is time to send the universe a big thank you for the abundance in your life.
Working Replica of Thomas Edison Carbon Filament Lamp (as first developed in the 1880's) photo courtesy of Vinovin
