When the power goes off

The woods behind the house

We live in New England, a  locale subject to hurricanes and snowstorms and alas, power outages when nature gets mad.  Our first experience was  not long after we moved here.  I actually drove downtown to work the day of the hurricane, to find the office closed and the doorman telling me to go home.  We survived the storm, although a huge paper wasp nest was dislodged from the maple in front (we didn't even know it was there.).  After the storm the neighbors came out and walked around and a little boy came by and (as little boys will) kicked the nest.  Ouch!  The worst was that the power went off and stayed for four days.  My neighbor had just filled her freezer with hors d'oeuvres.  We had a camp stove and a Weber kettle and  as stuff in the freezer defrosted, we ate it.   We had some really weird meals, but nothing spoiled and we were fed.

When we moved further out into the 'burbs, we bought a place with a gas stove, gas hot water heater, and it had, like our earlier house a wood-burning fireplace.  We've had two major power outages here and life has not been too bad.  The first was Hurricane Irene (3 days w/o power).  We can cook on the stove top if we light to pilot light, bypassing the electronic ignition.  And  we still have our Weber kettle, so as usual, we cook and eat the food as it thaws.  Showering is done in one bathroom, because the other has no windows, and gee, it does get dark.

In the big storm a year ago October, with a foot of snow before the leaves fell, the branches broke and hit the power line.  That was  4 days with no power.  It got dark early and it was cold.  We had the fire place going almost 24/7 and it heated the living room.  We could cook (Weber kettle was buried in snow) on the gas stove top and shower.  We always have candles, battery powered lanterns, kerosene lanterns, (ancient) and flashlights.  I have a special little light for my Kindle.  Our sons left us with two down sleeping bags.  It never was so cold that we couldn't wear heavy pjs to bed and nestle under the down duvet, but had it been, the sleeping bags in front of the fire would have been toasty.

During the blizzard of 2013, we didn't lose power, nor did we during Sandy.  Truth be told, it's a pain in the ass, and it takes all one's wits to cope, but you can cope.  We always have a few days worth of food in the house, winter and summer.  If a big storm is forecast, for heaven's sake make sure you have staples and things which will help you see in the dark.  Don't forget pet food. 

We visited libraries of various towns that did have power to read email, and there was always Starbucks or Panera.  Neighbors help neighbors.  And you'll have some good stories.   Be prepared.  

Chicken With Forty Cloves of Garlic

Tonight we're feasting on a braised chicken, actually with only twenty cloves of garlic, because forty is for two chickens.  Home grown garlic, home grown oregano and rosemary, a good quality chicken, now defrosting on the kitchen counter. 


Last night we shared a steak that was on sale, and we shared a baked potato (a big one) and we shared a pear tart I made for dessert.  All this sharing has nothing to do with frugality but more to do with keeping one's weight in check.  Also shared a long walk through the woods.   Walking is a great activity, and it's free. 


When I got out my walking stick, the orange cat (a new cat to the household) took one look and raced upstairs.  He has perhaps an interesting story about sticks which he can't tell us.   Many years ago my father was visiting us, and he took it upon himself to sharpen all the dull kitchen knives.  My god, the cat freaked and took off at fifty miles an hour.  Another interesting story.  Animals can talk in their own way. 
The garden is just about gone except for the herbs and a couple grape tomatoes.  I only have two bulbs of garlic left, having eaten ((or almost eaten) nine and gave one away.  It was great garlic.  There is a lot of bang for the buck with herbs, too.  


The nasturtiums are still blooming, and for some reason, the aphids left them alone this year.  We had a big hawk sitting NEXT TO the bird feeder yesterday.  My husband wanted to take a picture, but I chased him before he could eat any of my birdies.  Wish the hummingbirds would migrate.  I'll worry about them until they show up again in May. 


With the cooler weather, one begins to think pot roast,  chili, beef stew, chicken pot pie and spaghetti and meatballs, the heartier fares.  Shop the sales.  Eat seasonally.  Clip those coupons!  Make out your menus for the week from the specials.  You do make out menus and a food plan, don't you?  Shopping willy-nilly is not paring any cheese. 


Yours in thriftiness, 

The Cheeseparer




Italian prune plum tart.  Found all over Germany in late summer, made with either with a crusty dough somewhat like shortbread  (muerberteig) or a yeast dough (hefeteig).  I sprinkle a few sliced almonds on top.  Tastes as good as it looks.