Guess I was wrong about the early intensity of Hurricane Sandy!

It started slowly, but rapidly gained intensity. We lost power a few times during the day Monday, but it came back within a few minutes — until Monday night. We do not live near a train track, but in the early evening Monday it sounded like we were living right next to a railroad! at 9:05 PM the power went out and stayed out. As of Thursday evening it is still not back on and we have no idea when it will be back.

I ventured out late Tuesday for a drive around the neighborhood, but was very frequently detoured by downed trees and along with them the overhead power lines. With the wind speeds at over 40 mph, the work crews were on hold.

The only way I was able to keep in touch was with my cellphone.

It sure makes one realize the utility of what we normally take for granted. A few days without the Internet, heat, television, and lights makes me feel like a farmer, but without the satisfaction. I was prepared, with flashlights, spare batteries, and a full gas tank in both cars. But, hey, this is the third time in three years this has happened. It looks like those 100 year storms are coming every year lately.

Not only were we without power, but virtually all our fiends and neighbors were in the same state. Of course it became impossible to find any hotel rooms. After two days my wife and I decided to drive 240 miles to our son’s home in Massachusetts – he had power. Soon other relatives began clamoring for shelter also. We are getting real crowded now and things are becoming testy.

It turns out that a major problem is finding petrol for cars. With most gas station pumps powered by electricity, few stations are left that have generators. Lines often extend more than a half mile waiting to fill up.

All we know now is that more than 2 million residence still do not have power and it could be another 7 to 10 days before we see power again.

In the meantime I am busy searching for the right type generator to buy. Any recommendations?

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