Survival Essential #1: Coffee
We learned that it is possible to grind coffee beans with a wooden spoon. Then when the water finally boils on the wood stove, our little French Press provides us each with a decent cup (or two) of coffee.
Survival Essential #2: Food
On Wednesday, the day before the power went out, I cooked up two huge batches of beans to freeze for future use.
They warmed up nicely in a big cast iron pot on the wood stove for dinner Thursday and Friday nights. (It will be a while before we're ready to have beans again!)
We learned that pancakes cooked on the grill are especially yummy.
(So are fried eggs and pesto-encrusted salmon!)
(But not all at the same time, of course.)
Survival Essential #3: Water
Remember the hand-pump we had installed on our well this summer?
Mike pumped lots of water.
LOTS of water.
For washing dishes, flushing, cooking, and drinking.
Survival Essential #4: Candles
Once it got dark, we all curled up in blankets and quilts in the living room and read by candlelight.
Survival Essential #5: Laundry Tub
Sunday morning I finally gave in and did some laundry.
Some things just can't wait.
Survival Essential, Special Mention: Wood stove
The wood stove was the center of attention. It boiled water for coffee and tea, heated food, heated dish water, dried wet gloves and clothes, kept us warm, and even provided (some) light in the evenings.
I can't imagine these last few days without it.
