Back in the Saddle
By Marie Anne
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
United States
September 16, 2008 10:32am CST
Wow, what a couple of days we've had here in Ohio.
Without warning, we lost power Sunday afternoon and just now got it back Tuesday morning. Since cable was out too, that meant no lights, no TV, no computer/internet (no myLot - GASP!), and all the rest that comes with it. The remnants of Hurricane Ike traveled far enough that severe wind damage caused over one million people to be without power in central Ohio, and right now there are 500,000 still in the dark.
I had started two discussions the other day and of course haven't been responding and there is no way I can get caught up on them, so I want to apologize to everyone for that. I have over 100 responses on the one discussion, and over 30 on the other, and they are still coming in. It would take me days to respond to that many, and there is no way I could do it and make them worthy comments, so I am just going to have to be strong and walk away from those two and just start again.
I've a lot of catching up to do in other areas, but I'm so thankful to be back and have the opportunity to post again. Others will be without power for up to a week, so I am very thankful that although it was very rough going for the few days, my problems were very minor compared to so many others.
Are you always prepared for major power outage or some other natural disaster? I don't think they prepare much for that sort of thing here in Ohio like they do in other places. One of my first purchases when things settle down will be a portable radio and lots of batteries.
12 people like this
22 responses
@thebeaddoodler (4262)
• Lubbock, Texas
16 Sep 08
I'm glad to see you back. I'd noticed you were strangely inactive and wondered if you were in the path of that storm. I hope you didn't suffer too much damage other than being out of power. Welcome back!
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
16 Sep 08
It was just windy, no rain or anything else. It wasn't all that bad right here in my neighborhood, but other areas had a lot more damage from the wind.
I have a few smaller sticks and branches around, a yard full of hickory nuts, but that's about it. Other areas didn't fare as well.
1 person likes this
@prinzess1515 (1341)
• United States
16 Sep 08
Houston Texas area here and most people still don't have power from the hurricane. Thank God I live in one of the few areas that only lost power for a few hours.
2 people like this
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
16 Sep 08
Like I said, I'm very grateful that our issues weren't worse than they were, as I know others haven't been as fortunate.
@prinzess1515 (1341)
• United States
16 Sep 08
Most of the Houston area still doesn't have water or electricity.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169449)
• United States
16 Sep 08
I have seen a radio that does not require batteries. In fact, I bought my son one, about ten years ago. After the ice storms last Spring I got a flashlight like that. Both of them operate on energy from being cranked--"fitness activity". I have canned food, propane stove, candles, oil lamps, oil for the lamps, but no generator, and no water. Or very little water. I am going to take care of that right away. I am not sure I could afford a generator. We had lots of rain here in Kansas, but kept our power from Ike. The ice storm last Spring did that kind of devastation in Kansas, that you folks are experiencing now. I also have a discussion that is very long, that I have quit responding to, and am having a heck of a time choosing BR for.
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
16 Sep 08
Oh yes, I'd forgotten about those crank-type things. I will definitely look into that and try to save some pennies for that investment. We've got two good flashlights that served us well, but I think I'd prefer those you don't need batteries for too.
I think I've seen them on TV or something, those that you shake to activate? I think I'll ask for opinions on that sort of thing and look into it further.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169449)
• United States
16 Sep 08
My crank light came from the battery display at Wal Mart. $7.50. I think they have the shake ones in Sporting Goods as well. Always have them for sale in the Christmas stuff.
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11642)
• United States
16 Sep 08
Eh, we have to be a bit prepared, being right on the east coast we get some of the hurricaines. We also get some snow that causes problems. We've ALWAYS got tons of batteries, portable radio, non-electric phone and non-electric clock. We always have drinking water, but I usually don't worry too much about flushing water (although I should). I think the longest we've been without power has been 3 days. Just long enough to start throwing out the stuff in the fridge and the freezer stuff is usually borderline. We have a gas stove so we can cook some things. Every now and then we think we need to get a generator, along with the electric hook up so that we can run some of the things while the power's out - fridge, water, and INTERNET!!!
1 person likes this
@reinydawn (11642)
• United States
17 Sep 08
I didn't think you would have gotten much there either...
We have a power box with FiOS so we still have access when the power's out. I don't know how long it's for but it's probably better than nothing....
@reinydawn (11642)
• United States
30 Sep 08
Thanks for "best response"!! I need to go back and give them out on my discussions...
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
16 Sep 08
We did get a generator going for a while, but since cable was out it did me no good here.
I've always been prepared when living in other parts of the country, but I've only been here a year and wasn't prepared for this, none of us were. They said 'wind advisory', but I think it went just a bit beyond that.
1 person likes this
@cher913 (25781)
• Canada
16 Sep 08
what i worry about when we have something like that is loosing all the food that i have in my 2 freezers. did you loose much? other than the power outage of several years ago, we dont loose power much (not more than an hour or so) and i seriously cant imagine living without it.
2 people like this
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
16 Sep 08
We did get a generator up and running, but then had to be concerned about gas until we could get out to get more.
We got it going after a few hours, then let it run for 2-3 hours several times and I think we'll be able to salvage most, although we will lose some.
1 person likes this
@sconibear (8016)
• United States
16 Sep 08
hmmmmmmm......yeah......just last night i was wondering where you've been the last couple of days. 
living here in the weather vacuum of Las Vegas, i sometimes forget the rest of you guys actually have storm systems and such coming through.
i've lived in the midwest so i do know what severe weather is all about, here if it drizzles they consider that as severe weather.
anyways, glad you weathered the storm and made it back to MyLot Land. 
Happy Posting. 
living here in the weather vacuum of Las Vegas, i sometimes forget the rest of you guys actually have storm systems and such coming through.
i've lived in the midwest so i do know what severe weather is all about, here if it drizzles they consider that as severe weather.
anyways, glad you weathered the storm and made it back to MyLot Land.
Happy Posting. 2 people like this
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
16 Sep 08
Well I was definitely here, staring at this computer screen in tears.
@kareng (80243)
• United States
16 Sep 08
We still have power outages here in Baton Rouge, LA from Gustav which hit a week before Ike. We lost some power Friday morning due to Ike's winds. I'll be so glad when things get back to normal here. The traffic is horrible, red lights still out and idiots that don't know how to use a 4-way stop are really getting on my nerves. The grocery stores are all still bare. As soon as the shelves are stocked it is wiped out.
1 person likes this
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
16 Sep 08
I know that my few days is nothing compared to what so many others go/have gone through, so I am very thankful for what I do have.
I haven't gone to town to pick up the things I need yet, thinking it would probably be a wasted trip. I know some parts of town still have no power, so I don't know what will be open, or what they'll have available if they are.
I think I'll have to venture out by tomorrow, though.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (51818)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
16 Sep 08
I have a gas stove, so would always be able to make tea in a power outage ~D)
I have lots of candles, and a wind-up radio, too.
1 person likes this
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
16 Sep 08
LOL, the all-important cup of tea.
I'm definitely going to look at those radios and flashlights.
1 person likes this
@BarBaraPrz (51818)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
16 Sep 08
Yeah, I like to say that I'm "tea-powered" 
(I'm also solar-powered, so don't get much done on dreary days.)
(I'm also solar-powered, so don't get much done on dreary days.)1 person likes this
@enola1692 (3323)
• United States
16 Sep 08
well glad to have you back I remeber when the hurricanes went though florida we had 4 canes in on month np power for 2 weeks boy that was nerve wrecking now you know one of the reason i moved to south carolina everyone use to laugh at me saying i would get over prepared for the hurricanes but boy they were glad when they needed ice or water I always had a bath tub full to share with the ones that laugh an seeing i am not there no more i wonder now if they make extra ice an bottle water before the storm hits hhhmmm I know not!
1 person likes this
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
16 Sep 08
I'm normally prepared with water and ice and such too as I spent most of my years in NC and a few in SC, but this was totally unexpected. They said 'wind advisory', which to me isn't a big deal.
Obviously the power companies and the city/county/state weren't prepared for this either.
@carmelanirel (20942)
• United States
19 Sep 08
You know what, I heard someone ask about being prepared for a long outage and I didn't say anything because usually when we have no power, the longest I have had that experience is maybe 18-24 hours at the most..So, when we had no power until Thursday evening, I wasn't prepared, though we did make it through, I think next time I will be more prepared..
1 person likes this
@koalatbs (2229)
• United States
16 Sep 08
Good idea Ldyjarhead to buy a portable radio or one of those crank-up ones like somebody else mentioned. Those would probably be much better for any kind of a long power outage as it would definitely save on batteries... they're not cheap! Don't worry about those discussions you started the other day, I am sure people here on myLot will understand your situation. Thank goodness you got your electricity back. I'd hate to be one of those still without power. Not fun... to say the least. Take care.
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
16 Sep 08
Going without for a few days sure makes you appreciate the little conveniences when things are back to normal (whatever 'normal' is).
@koalatbs (2229)
• United States
16 Sep 08
You are so right Ldyjarhead... heck, I dunno what I'd do without electricity for any length of time! I remember the last time our electricity went out a few months ago (which was only for a few hours, I must add) I almost went berzerk! I sat there twittling my thumbs for awhile, then I think I took a nap. 
LoL! I was going through computer & internet withdrawals! Yikes! 
LoL! I was going through computer & internet withdrawals! Yikes! 1 person likes this
@bunnybon7 (50970)
• Holiday, Florida
16 Sep 08
thats terrible. i had no idea it went that far. my cousin in Texas is still without power and many bad things are going on due to that storm/hurricane. i had no idea it was also in ohio. im sure people will understand.
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
16 Sep 08
It was hurricane or even tropical storm condition when it got here, it was just a bunch of wind, but they still weren't prepared for it.
I didn't think it was all that bad, but I guess it was in some areas or we wouldn't have the downed lines and trees that they're reporting.
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
16 Sep 08
Oops. Of course I meant it WASN'T hurricane or tropical storm.
@onlydia (2808)
• United States
16 Sep 08
I'm sorry to hear that. I have candles flash light's and one of them radio's for weather but I still have to get batteries for other radio. I can live with out aolt of stuff. But my toaster. I love toast. I would have to go back to oven. then lol. How are your crafts coming along then. You should be doing good. with out power. Well nice to see you back. YOur friend Onlydia
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
16 Sep 08
I did so some reading and crochet as long as I had daylight.
I need to post a picture of the afghan I decided to do with the chocolate/aqua/white. Maybe later tonight or tomorrow I will.
1 person likes this
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
16 Sep 08
Thanks. I usually try to answer at least the first few pages of discussions, but there is no way I can go back and do that now. I'm well behind on other things as well, and I have to draw the line somewhere.
Time to move forward!
@dragon54u (31633)
• United States
17 Sep 08
Yep, my power came on this morning around 4am. Out since Sunday. I was prepared with a month's worth of canned food/bottled water and a crank-powered radio, a big cooler-still threw away about $40 worth of food-and plenty of dog food and candles and stuff. So it was a minor inconvenience, not a major trauma. Others were less well prepared, I heard a lot of people on the radio asking where they could get food and water, which surprised me because Ohio has tornadoes and snow storms and stuff and I thought people would be prepared for something like this.
I will have to go out and get more candles and stuff later but the ones I have will last through a power loss as long as this so there's no big rush. I just like to be prepared for anything.
I'm glad you came through it ok! Computers have really spoiled us, haven't they?
1 person likes this
@gitfiddleplayer (10362)
• United States
16 Sep 08
Not prepared like I should be. I do have flashlights and I know where to go if something did happen. I'm in the mountains and we had a blackout the other night. I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. The only natural light was the moon, good thing it was full and my cell phone light when I flipped it open.
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
17 Sep 08
glad u are back in the saddle. don't u just hate to be w/out power? i'm never prepared for it. if u don't have any of those little lantern type thingies that run on batteries they are great. puts out more light than candles etc, they come in different sizes. i'm going to get me a bigger one than the ones i have if i ever think about it when i go to wal-mart. we also had winds from ike sunday, paper said 50 mile an hour winds, alot of trees & big ol' limbs down. as u say tho nothing compared to texas & other places. have a good one.
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
17 Sep 08
Hi Ldyjarhead,
I am sorry you lost all your power but I'm glad you are all right with all the bad weather and hurriacane Ike I don't know how you are all copeing, I would have gone mad with Myloting and nothing to do, we don't have that sort of weather where I am but we do get power cuts once in a while and I have a lot of candles just in case, but I like burning candles anyway, I still do like power cuts.. I hope you will back to normal with Mylot, take care.
Tamara
1 person likes this
@redkathy (3374)
• United States
17 Sep 08
I feel your pain girlfriend. We were without power for about a week when Charley came by us. When I went outside the following morning, the morning sunlight brought about reality. The devastation was widespread, eerie, or surreal as my hubby put it. I was speechless. The days that followed were tough but nothing compared to the neighbors just north of us who took the direct hit. I'll never forget that day.
As for your question, I have a hurricane pack at all times. Batteries, flash lights, lots of candles, lighters, butane, charcoal, lighter fluid, radio. I had a gas grill and would fill at least four tanks for that. I hope to get one next year. I put bags of ice in the freezer when awaiting a storm, and fill a water keg with fresh water. In June I pack the pantry with spam, tuna, veges, potted meats, anything you can eat right from the can. And I don't like to stock the freezer either. Buy what I need week by week June through October.
I'm happy that you're back and safe!
1 person likes this
