I took the photo of this stone scupture in Bernkastel (but added a different background)... and it seems rather apropos for today ...... which is Halloween...
Unfortunately the trick and (not treat) is that we are still enduring the dramas of Hurricane Sandy.
Thankfully humans and animals in our house are fine but we are day 3 without power and starting to encounter challenges with heating, eating, washing, communications,trash.... and the list goes on.
Most of the businesses around us have no power either, including the grocery stores and the petrol (gas) stations. Most of the ATM's are out of commission and so are the transaction processing machines at the stores, if you can find one open - so cash is the only form of payment accepted in many instances and that is in rather short supply.
I've actually come to work with my husband today so that I can stay warm, get coffee, hot food and have some degree of communication with the outside world. It's also nice to just have the lights on!!
And speaking of lights .....my stellar "survival" technique over the last few days has been figuring out how to make a Lamp using "extra virgin" olive oil, a wick made out of an old t-shirt and some craft wire and an empty jam jar (or 6!).....surprisingly effective actually!
DH has also admitted that my penchant for purchasing candles has finally paid off!!
What a hard time you are having. Sorry to hear things are this way for so many. Glad that your home is solid and you have a chance to get warm at your husbands work . it will be weeks before things can start to get back to normal. Hang in and keep your spirits up. It is a hard job -been there and do not ever want it again. Stay strong and prayers are coming your way.
Posted by: Nancy Gene Armstrong. | November 02, 2012 at 09:18 AM
We are watching and listening and it is incredible to think of what you're going through.
Love and hugs and smooches for you
and the best of wishes and hopes that recovery continues swiftly for all.
Posted by: Chris | November 01, 2012 at 10:55 PM
P.S. Take Care and hang in there!!!! Sending good thoughts and prayers your way!!!
Posted by: Tera | November 01, 2012 at 06:48 PM
Glad to hear you are ok - if without power!! Living in a hurricaine zone, my candle addiction has also come in handy a few times in the last 15 years that we have lived in Florida. I have also used solar yard lights inside at night too - I get the ones that sit and not on stakes - charge them up in the days before the hurricaine and then use them when we loose power (they last most of the night). For cooking we have gotten very inventive with the BBQ grill which gets used alot anyhow.
Posted by: Tera | November 01, 2012 at 06:46 PM
I'm so glad you and your family are safe, but I'm sure the lack of electricity is getting very old by now. My heart goes out to all those affected...I hope life can return to normal for you very soon!
Posted by: Sherri B. | November 01, 2012 at 03:47 PM
thank goodness you are safe ~ my heart goes out to those who are suffering.
I truly hope you can return to power soon.
~K
Posted by: karen burns | November 01, 2012 at 02:05 PM
Glad to hear that you are riding this all out. We are thinking of you and wish you all best. I was worried about earthquakes in Southern California :) Take care and let us know how you are..when you can.
Posted by: Leslie J. Moran | October 31, 2012 at 11:40 PM
You are so clever! I'm glad you are all safe and hope for a speedy return to "normal".
Posted by: Judi | October 31, 2012 at 04:54 PM
Like your olive oil idea and am filing it away! Great piccy! Hugs to both you and your dear husband.
Posted by: Laurin Lindsey | October 31, 2012 at 04:52 PM
The challenges of getting by without hydro in a world run by it, feel for you, surely hope they are able to make the repairs soon.
Wonderful image by the way
Posted by: Bren | October 31, 2012 at 04:06 PM
Happy to hear that you are safe! this Sandy storm is one we all will never forget! we lucked out . our little town kept its power which for us is a rare thing. we are 30 minutes from Atlantic city what a difference!! hope you get electricity soon!
Posted by: lyle baxter | October 31, 2012 at 04:00 PM
Glad to know you are safe and warm, good old Girl Guides, Be Prepared
Our thoughts and prayers are with the hundreds that are less fortunate.M OXOX
Posted by: Mother Bear | October 31, 2012 at 03:54 PM