Well my Dears, I had a test of survival last night! The power went off at 8.30pm. I checked the trip switch in the garage and then heard neighbours opening garage doors so I knew I was not the only one affected. The Electricity Board informed me that the break in service was due to vandalism and it might be midnight before it was restored. Some young bucks were letting off fire crackers earlier, they actually sounded like gun shots! One hit the local electricity sub-station for our estate so we were all left in the proverbial dark. Looking out the back windows the rest of the town was all brightly lit.
My computer went black just as I was answering an email and thinking of a post for today. I unplugged and checked that candles and lighters were where they should be. Fortunately I keep a plentiful supply of candles; I often light one for friends who are going through difficult or stressful times. I light the candle and think of the person or people for a few moments while looking at the flame and then let it sit and burn for the day, checking at intervals that it is still alight and trim the wick
Thankfully it was still bright and warm at 8.30pm, so there was no need for heating or lights. I went to check on elderly neighbours one of whom had been discharged from hospital in the afternoon. Not being happy with their candles (the tall narrow variety, easy to knock over) I came home for some sturdy night-light holders and night-lights, thanks to Elly and IKEA, and my spare lighter. They are so much safer for unsteady hands.
I went to my bed early leaving one light switch and the bedside radio on. I listened to the radio on my mobile phone for a short while and soon drifted off to sleep. The radio and light woke me at 1.30am. I made a warm drink and checked the house to make sure that everything was in order. Snuggling down once more I slept until 4am. That’s a good night sleep for me, although I never get up at that time. I allow the body to doze as I listen to the radio and occasionally I SLEEP as I did this morning, waking at 8.30 with a thick fog wrapped around my brain. It is clearing….I hope!
Normal service will resume tomorrow.
Grannymar 
Grannymar,
Your practical and thoughtful self knows no bounds!
That’s why you’re in a fog today. You used up all your clear-thinking cells while you sorted out the world yesterday.
I can hear your fog horn from here. I’m off to light a candle for you right now!
Pity you didn’t have a toyboy visit last night, what with all that romantic candlelight and time to burn! 😉
Think about it, Steph. Did Grannymar SAY she didn’t have a toyboy there last night?
Silly me! Nancy
I should have known better!
No wonder! 🙄
Well Steph and Nancy, I’m going to keep you guessing! 🙄
I just hate it when the power goes off, especially for such a silly reason. We had thunderstorms last night and the threat of a tornado (none came, thank God) and I had to turn off the computer and un-plug everything before I was done reading. Hope yours is fully restored and that you can get some rest.
I keep lots of pillar candles on hand, in glass hurricanes for when there is no power. Of course, it helps that I buy them wholesale.
Judy
Thankfully I have never experienced a tornado and have no desire to do so. The power is fully restored and I am now working on all cylinders.
I also have a few pillar candles here at all times but thought the night lights were safer for my little friends.
Fireworks are banned here unless you have a license to buy them from a proper firework manufacturer (although we occasionally buy them from “Thunder” behind the pub!) I’m with Kenju although we don’t have hurricanes it’s a flat panic when a big storm rides through to get all the electrics turned off . . .I’ve lost a pool pump, computer, video recorder and microwave due to storm surges . . .always a candle on hand although we don’t necessarily wait for an electricity outage to use them . . .I like the glow of candlelight. Glad you’re services resumed without too much hassle. . . don’t forget to reset your digital clocks! I always do!
Fireworks are illegal here, but they still get through the net.
I did go around turning things off last night and the clocks are now all sorted…. oh except…. the one in the car is still on winter time 😆 I only remember it when I am actually on the move. One of these days I’ll get to fixing it.
I really love your habit of lighting a candle for loved ones in times of stress or need. I’m going to try that.
Sugar B
I have been lighting candles for years. My mother lit some for my siblings and I when we were sitting for exams or attending interviews all those years ago.
Some days If I have nobody on the list I just light one for myself!