The Halloween That Wasn't...

 Or "Where I Have Been Since October 29!"

Dear friends,

We have had quite the adventure here at Faerie Moon.  Seems like Mother Nature decided to give us a "trick" instead of a treat for Halloween (we received nearly a foot).  On Saturday, October 29th we experienced a freaky October snow storm that blanketed our state in a world of white.  This snow storm has left our state greatly incapacitated - with over 88 percent of its residents and businesses left without power.  Ourselves included - today is day 7.  I write this post from the warmth of my parents' home.

I actually had to drive in this rare autumn snow storm, and it was not fun at all.  The snow came down fast and furious, making for most hazardous driving conditions.  But I made it safely home from my destination, and my hubby and I sat inside the comfort of our home and watched the snow fall.

As the temperatures dropped, we gamely wrapped ourselves in our warmest coats and hats and tried valiantly to dust snow off our many trees and shrubs - which still had many lovely colored fall leaves clinging to their branches.  Then, I settled in and was about to visit all my lovely friends participating in Frosted Petunias' Halloween Tea Party when the Internet went down (along with our cable and phone).

While inside, and when we were shoveling snow from the driveway, we heard the scary noises of tree branches cracking under the strain of the heavy, wet snow that continued to fall from the sky in a fury.  The first to go was one of our beloved crab apple trees in the front yard - where many a bird loved to land and eat from the feeder that we maintained there.

Later that evening, at about 11 pm, we lost power.  Never did the thought cross our minds then that we would still be without it after seven days.  But we became rather inventive - mostly out of necessity.  We built many a fire in our fireplace, which provided us with both warmth and comfort.  We ventured into the next town over (which did not experience any power loss) and purchased a crank radio, so we could keep atop the latest state news, and a butane heater so that we could heat water and cook simple things like couscous and veggies.

Sunday came, and still no power.  Monday - Halloween Day - came and still there was no power.  There were so many downed power lines, tree limbs and pitch black streets that parents were encouraged to keep their little ones safe at home.  Our plans to attend a party were thwarted, as well.  Alas, although my Halloween came and went with no fanfare - I took solace in my decorations and the one wee pumpkin that grew in our yard! I was so happy to save this little guy before the snow came.  

We waited patiently as service trucks from all across the country descended on our state to try and help with the recovery process.  It was frightening to see so many huge trees downed by the storm - crippled by the weight of the snow.  The one positive is that we shall have cured firewood for next season and many years to come.  

It was quite disheartening to survey all the damage done to our beautiful trees - many of which were over 50 years old.  We have tried to salvage those that we could - and we will purchase new trees to flourish and grow in the spots where others were not so fortunate.

Our furry babies were always safe and sound inside the house - although they were most curious as to all the ruckus and were probably wondering why things were slightly different in their home!  Sometimes they would both venture atop the couch to peer outside and think "hmmm...wonder where those service trucks might be!"

In all my years, I've never witnessed such devastation to our state as this storm caused.  I was saddened to learn of unnecessary deaths due to carbon monoxide poisoning and fires from individuals just like us who were trying to keep warm in whatever way they could.  We were so grateful that my sister and her husband lent us a small generator so we could keep the food in our fridge from perishing.  I am now nursing a case of laryngitis, but otherwise we are all safe and well.

I will never forget the Halloween That Wasn't.  And I am so sorry that I have been absent here to update all of you - but it was beyond my control.   We were most grateful to be able to visit my parents today for hot showers,  hot home-cooked food, a bit of computer time, and good company.  You, my dear friends, are all terribly missed.  I am sorry that I have not been able to visit and spend time with you...but please know that you are not forgotten - and I hope that I am not, as well.   Although we hope (fingers crossed here) that as we approach day eight without power that we will "see the light" very soon, I will still be unavailable until cable/internet/phone service is restored to our area, as well.  Please do not take offense if I am unable to respond to your emails and comments in a normal fashion...for I will do so as soon as I am reasonable able to.

As for my two recent blog party giveaways, I am terribly sorry for the delay.  I won't be able to draw names at this time.  So, if you haven't visited and wish to do so, there is still time to enter!  I will include a few other lovely gifts to the winners to make up for the inconvenience.  

As soon as I am back up and running, I shall come and spend time with you all.  Til then, I bid you adieu and send you warmest wishes and hugs...

Theresa