Monday, November 7, 2011

Thankful for the power by Barbara Edwards


View from the top of the hill
I’m Barbara Edwards and I live in Connecticut. I am so thankful the electricity is on. The power company finally repaired the last lines leading up the hill to our home after eight days.  

The weathermen are saying the October 25, 2011 Northeaster that buried Connecticut in snow was probably a 500 year storm. I looked out the window as over 15 inches of white flakes covered our yard, the road, and the town. The power went off about ten o’clock the first night. Across the valley, we could see transformers blowing out.

We are lucky in many respects. We have camping equipment including a small generator for dry camping. It’s not a whole house unit, but it did run the refrigerator and the furnace so we didn’t suffer like many other families.


At home in Connecticut
The town was able to clear our road since most of the branches down were small, not like other neighborhoods where entire trees blocked access and dragged the electric lines down.

To our shock, the cell towers were damaged. Phones didn’t work or were unreliable.  So no cable, no phones, no lights, and when we needed fuel for the generator, no gas stations were open. Surprise! Surprise! Pumps run on electricity.

No credit cards at the few places open for business. Credit cards use the phone lines. So we needed cash to buy fuel and bread.

And the bank ATMs? Guess what needs power to open the door to the foyer? Or to run the machine?

I’m thankful my family is okay and that my husband is a good provider. We made it.

I’m grateful to the workers who put in long hard hours to make our town safe again.
And I'm thankful I can get back to my computer.

Ancient Blood by Barbara Edwards
Paranormal romance
Lily Alban escapes a murderous stalker, but his vicious attack leaves her with the ability to see auras. She finds safety in the tiny hamlet of Rhodes End where a stranger stands out like a red light. Try as she might to deny her growing desire for Cole, she seeks his help but soon discovers the man she loves is not a man at all.
Werewolf Cole Benedict resists his attraction to Lily. A botanist researching the healing herbs to find a cure for Lycanthropy, he’s determined to protect Lily from her stalker as well as himself even in human form, but instinct takes over when he changes to his inner beast.
Together they must use their extraordinary gifts to catch Lily’s stalker before he attacks again, but revealing their secrets to one another could destroy their growing love or save them both.
Ancient Blood http://on.fb.me/naHRY5

Buy link Ancient Blood http://tinyurl.com/3f627vh

13 comments:

Colleen Connally said...

Barbara,
When Hurricane Irene came through in September, we were out for a couple of days...long...long days. But back then it was warm. I feel for you guys. One of my friends in Massachusetts was still without power yesterday! You never realize what you have until its gone.

Alison Henderson said...

Oh, Barbara, what an ordeal! My college roommate lives in Wilton, and she was lucky. Their power was only out a couple of days, but she took in several friends and neighbors. The last one just left yesterday. So glad you're getting back to normal.

Unknown said...

Barbara--not fun. But 50 yr-old Coleman stoves and lanterns have saved us more than once. However, our ice storm was short-lived compared to your ordeal. Ice. That's what we get, and it will get so thick on enormous live oaks, that branches as thick as my body will bow and bend to the ground.
I, also, am grateful for a "make-do" husband--lots of wood cut out there waiting, and the stove and lantern.
It makes me feel even more sorry for people who lose everything in fires and hurricanes.

Kayelle Allen said...

Makes you appreciate the modern conveniences even more, doesn't it? We sometimes take for granted things we need for survival, until they're impossible to get and we have to make do or do without. Glad to see you back.

Lynne Marshall said...

I'm glad you're okay, too, Barbara. Mother Nature can be fierce. I hope the rest of your winter is smooth sailing with no more power outages.

Stay warm!
Lynne

Calisa Rhose said...

What a pain for your town, Barbara! But it all came out okay and that's great. I love your house. So quaint and green! Love it.

Jannine Gallant said...

Glad you weathered the ordeal, Barbara. It always amazes me what a foot or so of snow can do to some parts of the country. I guess it's all in what the cities are prepared for. Now, when we get 4 feet of snow in a day in Tahoe, it closes the schools. But we usually don't lose power. It's great to have you back!

Margaret Tanner said...

Hi Barbara,
Wow all that snow.Glad you "survived" relatively unscathed. That lovely house looks like it should be on a Chrstimas card.

Regards

Margaret

Janice Seagraves said...

I'm sorry you and your family had such a hard time in this weather. If it's any consolation, the photos are beautiful. You could use them for your Christmas cards.

Your book sounds really good. I love paranormal romances. Good luck with your release and I wish you many sales.

Janice~

Christine said...

My pitiful 22 hour power outage seems like nothing now...thanks for the perspective, Barbara! Glad you are safe, and that you had a generator. That's definitely on my "earthquake" list.

Barbara Edwards said...

Thanks for alll the comments. I'm still not back into my routine on answering, but I appreciate every one.
Barbara

Maggie Toussaint said...

Sounds like quite an ordeal, Barbara. You were able to cope fairly well, I'd say. Glad to have you back on the grid.

LK Hunsaker said...

Barbara, I feel for you, literally. We've had two of those long outages in the past few years. It is quite an experience, and I'm glad you're back up and running again!