Still in the dark

[fenchurch]

So, I managed to sleep for about two more hours giving me a grand total so far of 2.5 -- although it's not like I'll be able to do much of anything today, so I'll have plenty of time to catch up.

Unsurprisingly, we're still plunged into darkness... according to the news, the roads around our specific area are pretty much impassible. There are trees down everywhere, power lines down everywhere and a sinkhole on one of the routes into Woodinville. I believe they said there are about 1 million households in the Puget Sound without power, and several of the major bridges are closed until at least Noon.

This has really brought back a lot of childhood memories, since it sounded quite a bit like a low-level typhoon overnight, but at least that means we're pretty prepared for this sort of stuff. Even beyond the fact that we belong to religion that stresses emergency preparedness, when you've been through as many natural disasters as I have, from a very young age, you get to a point where you just automatically make sure you have everything you need. We have some battery powered lanterns... and I made sure to charge up our little, low-powered rechargable garden-lanterns yesterday afternoon. They've made perfect night lights for wandering around the house. I'm listening to a battery powered radio, and I've got a wind up radio downstairs I'll probably dig out later.

It's a bit chilly in the house right now... about 62. If it doesn't warm up once the sun comes up, I think we may actually look at lighting a fire in the fireplace -- this is exactly the reason we looked for a house with a fireplace, in the first place! It's also why we wanted a gas stove when we remodeled the kitchen... because we won't have any problems cooking meals, although we may have to throw away stuff from the fridge if we're without power for long enough.

Comments

[psubrat.livejournal.com]

Glad to hear you're okay! I was watching the weather channel last night and it looked like things might get a tad bit nasty out that way. Keep us updated when you can. ::hugs::

[rosiewook.livejournal.com]

Just think of it as a chance to get back to basics.

But I have to ask. Aren't you cheating a little with the gas stove? Where's the challenge of trying to heat up ravioli using Sterno and a fondue pot? :)

[ww1614.livejournal.com]

Oh man! Poor PNW what with snowstorms and wind storms etc. :(

Glad you're doing ok.

[pmgoose.livejournal.com]

Eeep. *HUGS*

[cindergal.livejournal.com]

You all really got pounded - I heard the wind gusts at Seatac set a new record (69mph). We lucked out this time - some wind and rain but no major damage. I hope you get your power back soon. Stay safe!

[nmissi.livejournal.com]

Still keeping fingers and toes all crossed that the power comes back up soon. Hugs and good wishes to you both.

[fishsanwitt]

I didn't realize you still didn't have power.

I was nodding my head as I read your list of emergency supplies. I'm trying to do that here in the house.

I hope your power comes back soon.

[jerusha]

I'm glad you're doing okay. When I heard the news reports on the storm, I thought of you and the others I know in the Northwest. Stay safe!

[valkyrie-kitten.livejournal.com]

glad to hear you are ok. Stay warm. For some reason it reminds me of the picture Bob has of me. I'm sitting working on a lap top, using candle light since the power is down. Stay safe.

[zotel.livejournal.com]

Hope y'all hold out ok there, and nothing too big comes tumbling down. In Bapticostal circles, preparedness isn't emphasized much, but as a cub scout I took the be prepared to heart. Maybe too much. I bought a generator years before I even had a house, plus I have enough UPS's and backup lights to handle days probably. Hope the elec comes back before you lose food, if it came down to it I could run portable heaters and fridges with the generator but it'd have to be down for quite a few hours before I resorted to that. I'm so far out in the boonies we don't have gas, but I have considered a woodstove for emergency use...