It wasn’t a matter of if, more a matter of when we would lose power. With Hurricane Sandy approaching landfall, the lights began to flicker. By mid-afternoon Monday, we were completely cut off.
We lose power frequently enough that we keep the house well-stocked for going off-grid. With the wind and rain battering outside, we stoked the woodstove, lit the candles, and settled in to wait it out.
We were on alert for the storm’s surge and watched the tides for possible flooding. Otherwise, our concern was with those directly in the storm’s path. Here, we’re listening intently to the radio for any further news.
In the end, we were without power for only 36 hours. The storm left a few trees uprooted, and the garden strewn with leaf debris and fallen limbs. In the scheme of things, minor inconveniences. Heartfelt thanks to all of you who left your kind thoughts. Our own go to those who suffered the brunt of Sandy’s destruction.
Diary of a Tomato 
I’m so glad you’re okay. It was an awesome display of nature’s power—beautiful and terrifying, all at once.
Eleanor
I’m so happy to see that you came through the storm relatively intact. This storm should be a wake-up call to the rest of us to get prepared. Disasters can strike anywhere, at any time.
Thirty-six hours can seem like a lifetime. This hurricane we kept our power. Last time we were out seven days. Yesterday we picked up all the downed branches. I’m so thankful NH got brushed and not hit. My thoughts are certainly with all the folks in NY and NJ.
Your candleholders are so pretty! I snatched up a generic oil lamp that isn’t half as nice. We were out for 24 hours, and listening to the roar of the wind and rain (and worrying about trees falling on the house) made for a pretty groggy day or two – but no damage, thank heavens. Glad you got through ok! My heart goes out to everyone caught in this hurricane, especially NY and NJ. The damage in those places is just staggering.
Love the photo of the person with what I presume is a head torch and the empty glass of wine – definitely the way I’d approach such an event, a kind of enforceful civilised camping.
Great photos! They make it look like an adventure instead of what it was. I’m glad you didn’t have damage and that your power is back! We got ours back yesterday late afternoon, so it was out for three days. Thankful for the blessing of electricity!
I feel we are a bit spoiled since we have a generator and when we lose power, it’s only for a couple of seconds. Of course, in case of a long emergency, even a generator won’t help. I am glad to read you managed ok. I am sure it was a nightmare.