No Power in Southern NH: Unexpected Challenges

[niktim3]

:cry:Just please think of us during this tough time!!
We have had no power here in southern NH since Thursday... and they are hoping for this Friday... maybe!!!
Real exciting... school is cancelled until the new year....
SO much for getting the shopping done with the kids home!!!:yuck:
UGH!
Sorry, had to vent.....
Nicole

 

[gailz2]

Oh my, I had no idea you were still without power, and school! My thoughts and prayers are with you all! Let's hope for the power back on Friday, then you can actually celebrate Xmas a few days later -- are your children young enough to not know what day it is? I've done that with Easter when our kids were small and we were travelling.

 

[niktim3]

The oldest, in first grade has a count down....
we will make it through, its just frustrating that all the traditions that we can not do together. The cookies, pies, and enjoying the holiday.
All are safe and healthy, thats what we always want, right??
Thanks!

 

[gailz2]

How nice that you have your family all together to spend this time with. It will be a Christmas you'll look back on, always. Make the best of it -- play games, etc. Create a new tradition, somehow.

 

[lockhartkitchen]

Bummer Nicole. We've been out of school all week with more than 8 inches of snow. Electricity we have. You can't even keep the kids occupied with making cookies, etc. I hope you get it back soon. Stay warm.

 

[niktim3]

THanks guys!!!
We found a premade ginger tree too put together!!! and doing socks... something that always seems to not get done!!!
Now trying to figure out how to make entrees for the xmas parties this weekend in another thing!!!
Have to stay positive, right??

 

[baychef]

January 6, 1998 we had an ice storm in northern NY and into Canada. School was an early dismissal that day and we returned to school in the last few days of January. Homes lost power on the 6th and the MINIMUM time anyone was out of power was between 7 to 10 days. Most were 3 weeks without power and some were an entire month without power.

We had about a foot of snow fall within the first week and generators sold out. Gas stations could not pump gas. Grocery stores would escort each customer (so that meant one employee per customer) with a flash light to do any shopping.

No delivery trucks could get in for the first week. I remember going into town (it was several days because of numerous downed power lines) and having to pay $5 to make a phone call to a food service company in PA telling them not to deliver our food until further notice.

Eventually, I was able to make it into school where a Red Cross shelter was set up. I went in everyday for 2 1/2 weeks. My son and I moved to my parents' home after 10 days because their power was back on. He was 7 at the time.

I can SO sympathize with you and am sending BIG {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} and lots of sanity your way.

Stay positive (VERY hard) and don't worry about things too much. Those that attend your parties this weekend will certainly understand. Do they have power? Please let them bring items if they offer. Those on the outside know you are going through very difficult times and they will want to help you out.

When my son returned to school, they had each child write what their experience was and draw pictures. That could be a fun project and your children will look back on this as a much more pleasant experience than you will!!!!

We eventually got a generator and it was a treat for my son to play Nintendo for 1/2 hour with us. He had received it for Christmas. We all learned to cook on gas grills and kerosone heaters (someone had a brownie recipe they made on the heater!!) We had no computer, radio or television.

All I know is that the first REAL shower I took was a heavenly experience. I will never take soap and water for granted again!!

Prayers and thoughts are with you! Let us know if we can do anything more for you from afar. We were shocked at how far and how much help came to us.

 

[raebates]

Nicole, do you have a good friend who's in the same predicament? If so, trade off. She keeps the kids while you shop and wrap. You keep the kids while she does the same.

 

[niktim3]

Thanks for the encouragement!!! We are going to pawn off the kids tomorrow night, and go then. Of course, as long as the next storm doesnt show up until Friday am!!!I have booked a couple of shows for Jan., so theres a plus!