For many years, we had no power. No electric bills, no lights, no mixer, canning in 90 degree weather on a wood cook stove. Finally we achieved the grid. I did a happy dance.
However, after years of living off the grid, I am well prepared when the power goes out. Propane generator hooked up to 500 gallon tanks, plenty of wood in the shed and on the porch, gas heaters hooked up and ready to run, lots of water in the tank and the power to run the pump. Gas hot water for the shower!
I get to enjoy storms with a well-stocked pantry. I love cooking on the wood stove while it heats my house.
When the most recent big storm came, I had a pot roast with veggies and home-grown horseradish in one pot. Chicken soup with herbs from the garden (picked before the snow) in another.
I finished canning up some applesauce.
My daughter says “warm applesauce is the best applesauce” and she makes sure I have enough jars for it all to fit.
All the dishes were washed, the house was cozy and really smelling good. I got my daughter to make some applesauce muffins and other goodies in the afternoon. I wished I could share the comfort with those who really got blasted by Sandy.
It’s time to unearth the winter woolies and down quilt. It seems like we just had the windows open at night. My heart goes out to the people on the East Coast still suffering.
Stay warm folks.
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Connie says:
Loved the article and the pictures. I was born in the hills of WV in 1955 but only got to visit in the summer. Still do. My Dad and his brother own the farm (no house) that his grandfather own on Middle Mountain in Randolph Co. And God willing I would love to build a house there some day. Both my grandmothers cooked and canned on woodstoves most of their lives but my parents couldn’t wait to leave all that behind 🙂
On November 16, 2012 at 7:38 am
Jan says:
What a great post! Thank you for that – it makes me want to build a cabin and live off the grid (maybe!). I am buying a few acres in Maine and hope to some day do just that – well, it will be hooked up but hopefully we can be prepared as you are to be without power for days at a time. It’s on the side of a mountain and there’s lots of wind so I’m sure the power goes out during storms. Love your pictures! And I can just imagine how nice it smells with all that cooking and baking going on…
On November 16, 2012 at 11:37 am
cityMousE says:
Great post, and fantastic pictures! Thanks for sharing with us. =D
On November 16, 2012 at 10:52 pm
whaledancer says:
Great post. That snow picture looks so cold, and the stove picture looks so cozy and warm.
On November 17, 2012 at 3:49 pm
Barbee says:
What a wonderful post! I enjoyed it so much. Now, I’m going back and read it again. Thank you.
On November 17, 2012 at 6:59 pm