Strategies...

The last 3 years I have developed strategies for dealing with the frequent and unpredictable power outages. At first it was just a matter of buying a little propane burner to heat water for tea or hot chocolate. Then when I moved to Malishevë the strategy was to have a gas stove/oven, and to have a heater that stayed warm when there was no power. Being on the second floor with no place to store wood for a wood burning stove, I obtained a heater that has heat retaining bricks...does the job nicely, even when there is no power.

Other strategies included watching the clock to see if it close to the top of the hour, since the power usually goes out on the hour or shortly after. So if it is 6:50am...quick go make toast, use the curling iron for taming bed head, and then if there is time a quick touch up to iron the clothes you plan to wear.

On the other end of this strategy...when the power will come back on...usually at the top of the hour. So when it comes back on...quick put a load of clothes in the washer so it can finish before the power goes out again. Also...quick get into the shower (if there is water), because there will be light and warm water, and time to get your hair dry before the power goes out again.

The only thing that really frustrated me was the loss of the internet connection...and recently many disconnected skype calls with friends and family in the US. I have a good computer battery, so I had that...but otherwise I was in the dark, with only candle light or a oil lantern. Not enough to read or do anything else. Recently the power has been going out around 5pm...just as it was getting dark, and staying off for 2-3 hours. For the last few weeks, the power has been off during some time every evening...

But...I have a new strategy!

I purchased a voltage inverter and battery system, that seamlessly switches on when the power goes out. I continue to have a good light and a connection for my modem for the internet, for 3+ hours. So...I can continue my skype conversations, or work on the internet for school, even when the power is off. There is one small glitch...my modem turns off after 2 hours, or when the power comes back on...oh well...it is still better than before. This new strategy does not include the termo heater, blow dryer, or light anywhere else but in my living room. It is much better than how it was before, I am happy to have good light so that I can read or crochet...or not have to sit in the dark wondering what I can do (besides going to bed at 6pm).

Always an adventure...

PS...I finished this blog post with no power...