Six Days With No Electricity

Tropical storm Arthur has definitely left its mark in Eastern Canada. Thousands of people have been without electricity since last Saturday and many are not expected to have it restored until early next week.  High winds and heavy rain caused thousands of trees to fall, bringing down with them power lines and poles causing sever damage and massive power outages. 

At our house several huge branches fell from our trees engulfing our home in greenery. Neighbors of ours had a whole tree uprooted that sadly fall onto their camper.  The rest of the tree was left held up by the power lines. The highest voltage line snapped and fell onto my shed and camper.(see photos below)

This is beside my house. So many branches down you can barely see my house.

Huge branches broke right off by the wind.

Front of the house

Neighbors lost their camper

Line up for gas. People waited for hours at one of two stations that had electricity.

Thankfully no one was hurt and also that we are not in the middle of winter. We did have access to a generator so our fridge was staying cold (huge bonus) and we were able to cook food on our BBQ and camp stove.  Luckily the weather has been fine so the kids just continued to play lots outside in the absence of electricity (obviously away from the dangling power lines). 

I have to say, I am really amazed at how much support and help has been offered. These types of situations really do bring people together.  I have seen people sharing access to generators, food and whatever else they have to offer.  Those that do have electricity are offering hot showers to those that do not.  Local churches are putting on dinners and several electronic charging stations have been set up.  It really is heartwarming to see and hear of so many acts of kindness.  I know Maritimers are known for there warm hospitality and with the amount of  generosity  I have seen  I can confirm that this is absolutely TRUE!

The people working to get the electricity back on and the trees cut have been working day and night and many have come from other provinces to help out. They are doing a fantastic job and all deserve to be thanked for their time, commitment and dedication.

So what do you do with two kids for six days with no power/hot water??  You get pretty creative! Lots of stories, outdoor play, board games, glow sticks, tea parties, painting, flashlight parties etc.  I know it could be so much worse but wow you really learn to appreciate electricity when it has been gone for several days. A cold shower just does not seem to cut it. 

In the absence of no electricity I was forced to abandon my blog which was shear mental torture. This is something I really look forward to everyday. Since our electricity was restored  last night (woohoo) I am back in blog action so be sure to stay tuned! 

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those that have been affected by this terrible storm and also to those 25,000 homes that still remain in the dark. 

xoAngela
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