I have internet temporarily at a friend’s house, so wanted to pop in here and let you know that I’ve had no power since Friday evening when we had hurricane-force winds in a wild storm like I’ve never seen in West Virginia. I hadn’t had the news on all day, so I was taken by surprise. The power went out in advance of the storm, as if bowing down in fear. I was wondering why the power went out when the insane winds struck. Everything was blown off my porches, including the gas grill–that’s how strong the wind was. I had gone outside to watch the storm, but ducked right back in for fear of being hit by something. In the morning, Weston helped me pick everything up and I walked the fence lines in the pastures looking for trees down on the fences, but was lucky to find all my fences intact. Trees were slashed to the ground everywhere, including one on the road in front of my farm. My neighbor Jim cut it out of the road. I’ve had no power since Friday evening, and don’t know when I’ll have power again. Over half a million people in West Virginia are out of power (which is, by the way, half the population of the state). It’s nearly 100 degrees and it’s so hot, I’m sleeping downstairs on the couch because I can’t stand to go upstairs. On the upside, my house, barn, fences, family, and animals are all safe and sound. And I have water. I love public water. Because the well requires electric and I left the well water on at the barn when I hooked up to public service at the house and studio, I’m toting buckets of water from the house to the goats and sheep, because they have no spring or currently-running creek in their fields. I’m just grateful to have public water in the house to tote for them, considering how dry the creeks are here.
The power company isn’t even offering an estimate at this point of when they expect power to be restored in my area. It’s just that bad around here. Nearly everyone in this area is out of power, and people are waiting in long lines at gas stations that actually have the power to pump gas, so I won’t be doing too much running around to borrow internet. I’ll be back online when I can! My power might be back tomorrow, or it might not be back for a week.
P.S. Old photo of Casper is posted because 1) I didn’t bring my camera here with me so I can’t post a new photo, and 2) Morgan wrote me a plaintive email saying she missed her dog about 20 times and was searching my website looking for pictures of Casper. Morgan, this one’s for you.
Cbfisher says:
So sorry Suzanne. Even though it sounds like you’ve got lots to be thankful for, no power in 100 degree heat is difficult. I’m praying.
On July 1, 2012 at 6:08 pm
DFW says:
Glad you, animals & buildings are safe. So very sorry for the heat wave you are having to endure.
On July 1, 2012 at 6:36 pm
LisaAJB says:
Good luck with the animals! Stay cool and hydrated. I hope things turn around quickly with they power and the hot weather!
On July 1, 2012 at 7:03 pm
easygoinglady says:
I also hate when the power goes out and noooo water. that’s much worse to endure than the lack of power. I think i would be heading to the cellar with a blow up bed, probably the coolest place around! LOL.
So yes, thank goodness for public water, for drinking and washing up in and watering the animals, and thank goodness you have a gas stove to cook on, food in the cellar. Hope you enjoy your time being unplugged. :fairy:
On July 1, 2012 at 7:08 pm
KellyWalkerStudios says:
We lost power in Virginia too but ours is back on today. There are a lot of others in VA not as lucky. Hope you get yours back soon. Glad the animals and fences are ok. Take care, stay safe.
On July 1, 2012 at 7:32 pm
whaledancer says:
Thank you so much for posting during such a difficult time. I figured you must be without power, but it’s a relief to hear that you and the beasties are safe. I’m glad you’ve got water and gas, at least.
On July 1, 2012 at 7:37 pm
beforethedawn says:
Glad ya’ll are okay, except for the missing power. I had no idea there even was a storm out there. We don’t have cable or satellite anymore and the news sites I have on igoogle haven’t mentioned it. Hope power is restored for everyone soon.
On July 1, 2012 at 8:03 pm
Rainn says:
Thank goodness ur all ok! West Virginia has been in my thoughts and prayers of late! Just a thought-but maybe u could occasionally switch to news or weather channel instead of judge Judy?!?! Just a suggestion-the be prepared girl scout in me!!!! :sheep:
Rain
On July 1, 2012 at 8:27 pm
CATRAY44 says:
Very glad to hear you and those in your watch care are safe. God bless you. Hope the power is back soon.
On July 1, 2012 at 9:18 pm
Murphala says:
Glad you weathered the storm! I see on my trusty map another line is heading through WV…doesn’t look as bad though. Hope power comes back soon. :happypuppy:
On July 1, 2012 at 9:43 pm
JerseyMom says:
Same situation here in south Jersey. We are lucky and have power but they are saying at least 3 days for many of our neighbors in communities around us.
On July 1, 2012 at 10:08 pm
Pat says:
So glad that you are all so safe and have no damage. We deal with hurricanes here in eastern NC. I can imagine what it was like for you. (Last year Irene left us without power or water for 7 days in the heat of the summer.) Hope your services are restored soon. Prayers are offered for you and all W.Va. folks along with powerline repairmen and emergency workers.
Pat in Eastern NC
On July 1, 2012 at 10:12 pm
Miss Judy says:
Glad you and yours are ok. Maybe your power will be back quickly. They had told people in my mothers area not to expect it back for 4 or 5 days…it’s already back.So thankful neighbors were there to look after my 82 yr old mom. My brother in Florida says at least he knows several days in advance when a hurricane is coming…People inland just get a prediction of strong winds.
We are all thinking and praying for everyone who were in the path of this storm.
On July 1, 2012 at 11:38 pm
Darlene says:
So glad you are all ok. Weather can change so quickly. After we were hit by a tornado we got a weather alert. If your county is set up for that it would be well worth having one in the house and barn. I’m sure Wal Mar, KMart, Lowes have them.
On July 1, 2012 at 11:39 pm
SuzieQ says:
Suzanne, you need to get a weather radio. Our weather is getting crazier and crazier. They are cheap and do give you warning. Most places you can find them for $20-$30… Well worth it for the early warning you get. Hope you get power soon.
:fairy:
On July 1, 2012 at 11:54 pm
Blessings says:
Suzanne, you need to think about going into the cellar under the studio.. cellars are cooler…..this is another reason to utilize that space other than for storage…a nice cot for sleeping perhaps?
~~Blessings~~
On July 2, 2012 at 12:03 am
bonita says:
Thanks for letting us know you’re okay. Dede had posted about how bad things were @ her place and opined that you were probably power-less. Pat the critters and keep cool as best you can. This weather streak is several days long.
On July 2, 2012 at 5:07 am
Rose H says:
So sorry to read about the storm and your power outage, but relieved to read that you and your dear animals are ALL well. Stay safe, I’m sure you’ll be back with power soon.
Rose H
x
On July 2, 2012 at 6:12 am
PaulaClark says:
I will second the “Get a weather radio”. We moved up to the area in Alabama that had the terrible tornadoes last year just shortly after the tornadoes. They first thing we purchased was a weather radio. It runs on batteries too so when we lost power last night it still announced another round of thunder storms coming. We got our power back at 3am.
On July 2, 2012 at 8:05 am
Sue, a Florida Farm Girl says:
I’m so sorry to hear of all the trials and tribulations a lot of folks are having due to the heat. Being without power in sweltering heat is no fun. Let’s all say a prayer that this pattern will break and the weather will resume some sort of normalcy!!!! Take care, everybody.
On July 2, 2012 at 9:10 am
KarenAnne says:
Sue, a Florida Farm Girl, not happening. Those of us who have been warning about Global Warming/Climate Change can now say, We told you so, but it’s probably too late without massive action to save the planet.
On July 2, 2012 at 10:03 am
Debbie in PA says:
Oh Suzanne! I was wondering how you were. I have friends in VA and heard about the wicked winds that came through there. Thankfully we were spared that here in SE PA It’s just been hothothot! I hope things get back to normal as soon as possible for you.
On July 2, 2012 at 10:22 am
holstein woman says:
Suzanne, do you have your generator plugged into the house some way so you can keep your food frozen and use the refrigerator?
You and WV are in my prayers for safety and health for everyone and animals. Keep us posted please.
On July 2, 2012 at 10:23 am
cabynfevr says:
I wondered where you were! Glad you are ok. Must have been the same frontal system that blasted through Maryland? I have friends there that described it the same way you did… sadly, they live in Baltimore on the outskirts of the city. I cannot imagine having no shade tree to lie under for some relief of the heat.
On July 2, 2012 at 11:06 am
cabynfevr says:
Good idea Suzy Q! I bought a weather radio when I decided to stop being a slave to the cable company and then realized I had no reliable way to get storm warnings. Solar, battery and crank powered it’s great!
On July 2, 2012 at 11:08 am
WvSky says:
KarenAnne: Global Warming/Global Cooling, and Climate Change has been going on since the earth formed. There were once glaciers where Suzanne lives. The earth warms and cools in a constant cycle.
On July 2, 2012 at 12:31 pm
wvhomecanner says:
What hit WV and other areas was a derecho. Will try to post a Facebook link here of the actual radar of the derecho that slammed us last Friday.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=291785364252887&set=a.121955251235900.20529.101608723270553&type=1&theater
On July 2, 2012 at 4:32 pm
STH says:
You’re correct, KarenAnne. This is just the beginning.
‘If we did not have global warming, we wouldn’t see this.”
– NBC Washington’s Chief Meteorologist, Doug Kammerer, explaining the June heat wave and subsequent powerful storms.
On July 2, 2012 at 7:13 pm
Julia says:
Glad everybody is OK. Thank you for finding a way to let us all know.
On July 2, 2012 at 8:42 pm
JerseyMom says:
yep…we had the ‘la derecha’ too which means ‘to the right’ in Spanish. logged horizontal winds up to 81 mph. crazy winds and the aftermath is tough here too. our little burg is tucked in between two rivers and we have power. we consider ourselves lucky. went to a funeral today for a friend’s brother. almost didn’t happen due to power issues. it was sad enough because Ricky was a 57 year old race car driver who died in a ‘run of the mill’ traffic accident….. prayers for the Bourguignon family appreciated….
On July 2, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Pete says:
We got some power this afternoon, and now have internet connection as well! We are getting reports of dozens and dozens and dozens of utility trucks rolling in last night and today, so things will be looking up very soon.
Some that arrived this afternoon were from Kansas City!
We did maintain water throughout the outage, but with the pump being electric, our neighbors up the hill had no on site water for their animals. It’s been dry here as well, so the usual watering holes had dried up, so there was a bunch of water being hauled around.
On July 2, 2012 at 10:03 pm
WvSky says:
STH: Of course ‘If we did not have global warming, we wouldn’t see this.” That’s common sense. But again, it’s natures cycle, nothing more. Remember: “Global Warming ended the Ice Age, and I think we all approved of that.
On July 2, 2012 at 11:24 pm
CynRob says:
:sun: I’m in Huntington, and after 70 hours without electric, was blessed to have it come back on today. Hallelujah! It’s been a rough 3 days, but we made it through. On the 5 pm news (WSAZ) I heard it should be on by Thursday for most of WV…Friday at the latest. The National Guard is bringing fresh water to those who need it and going door-to-door checking on everyone, especially rural areas. Boone County was supposed to be several weeks, but that was updated this evening and is now set to be on by Friday, too, to my understanding. You can keep updated at wsaz.com Will be keeping you in my prayers, along with the more than 50,000 still suffering thru this in our state. Hugs!!!!
On July 3, 2012 at 3:26 am
STracer says:
We are in southern WV and one of the few people I know who had power flickers, but never lost power during the two storms that went through over the weekend. Sunday’s was almost as bad as Friday’s around here. We did lose Internet service until Monday evening though so I have been wondering how you fared through this all. I am glad you didn’t have much damage. I am still working my way through a back log of blog feeds so I hope your situation has improved by now.
On July 3, 2012 at 7:11 am
wildcat says:
Suzanne, when you didn’t update for awhile, I figured your power was out like everyone else’s. I’m so glad to know that the farm did not sustain damage and that the people and animals are OK!
My parents in Huntington lost power from the storm too. They were told that the lights should be back on by this Friday. But hallelujah, it came back on Tuesday afternoon, sooner than expected.
Crossing my fingers that life is back to normal for everyone soon!
On July 3, 2012 at 2:10 pm
Annabelle says:
Despite the hard work think of this as a vacation from the computer! Good Luck and hope for power soon!
On July 3, 2012 at 8:29 pm
PonderinStuff says:
I feel your pain, Suzanne! I’m in Huntington, WV and I went three days in this heat wave with no electricity, phone or internet. (Here’s my blog post about it:
https://www.theenchantedbath.com/is-it-hot-in-here-or-is-it-just-me-2/)
My power just came back on so I hope yours won’t be far behind!
Linda
On July 3, 2012 at 9:05 pm
Jersey Lady says:
Suzanne-Hope you can get yourself set up with some long hoses so you don’t have to haul those buckets.
On July 4, 2012 at 8:22 am
Diane says:
Thinking about you. Hope all is well and that you got your electric back on.
On July 4, 2012 at 8:47 am
Pete says:
Update: We had additional normal summer storms roll through here last night. Some who had regained power are now out again. We still have ours, but areas of Roane County (where Suzanne is) were especially hard hit.
The good news is that as states around us come back to full service, repair crews are coming in to help. Like from KY. That is just beginning, but will pick up in the next day or two.
It is quite amazing, actually, considering the magnitude of the problem and the lack of advance warning. Usually this sort of thing happens during winter storms and they have the opportunity to preposition repair crews. With no warning of what was coming, there were no repair crews from out of state here, and had to come from further away than usual.
On July 4, 2012 at 10:57 am
Murphala says:
Just wanted to pop in myself and say “I MISS SUZANNE!” :hissyfit:
To everyone east of me who suffered from this storm, I hope things return to normal soon. I do have to say, weather in my youth was quite different than it is today… violent storms are the norm now, droughts are the norm now, the sun is hotter and the shade is cooler. No such thing as a comfortable day in the sun anymore..the sun scorches no matter what the temp. Sobering…and it is what it is, I guess… again prayers and thoughts with all of you over on the east side…
On July 4, 2012 at 11:29 am
lavenderblue says:
Hope everyone is safe, between the wind storms and wildfires. Glad everyone is kind of checking in here. Been praying for all the people in these distressed areas. I think there have been enough disasters for one year already. Do we get a vote? I vote “no more”.
On July 4, 2012 at 12:55 pm
Katharina says:
We were hit with a derecho (the name of this type of storm) last year in July. The winds lasted about 6 minutes. Our power was out for days because lines and poles were laying on the streets. Trees were down everywhere in my yard and across the county-it looked and felt like a war zone. After cutting trees for a few hours that first day, we were sick from the heat. (It took four days to clear out the main limbs) We took ourselves down to the cool concrete basement floor and fell asleep there until we recovered. That is were our son found us when he finally found a route home from work, which took hours. I thank God for our basement. If you have to be out doing clean up work on the property or just hauling water, don’t work too fast. Remember to take advantage of the unfinished basement. The dogs will appreciate it too! I hope they get power to you soon.
On July 4, 2012 at 6:13 pm
Pat says:
I’m with Murphala; I miss Suzanne! :hissyfit: And all the critters and updates! :hissyfit: Continued prayers for those without power and for those working to restore it!
Pat in Eastern NC
On July 4, 2012 at 9:48 pm
Pat says:
P.S. to Pete — thank you for update. You folks take care and find a spot in the shade. :yes:
Pat in Eastern NC
On July 4, 2012 at 9:50 pm
Diane says:
Thanks Pete for the update!!! Keeping you folks in my prayers. We had a bad storm roll though Western PA last night. Did not hear of any damage but tons of needed rain.
On July 5, 2012 at 6:33 am
mcbailey22 says:
I’m hoping and praying your power comes on soon. I haven’t been watching the national news, so I don’t know if you have been hit by any more storms.
God Bless!
On July 5, 2012 at 7:19 am
lattelady says:
I, too, concur this is Global warming. Yes, it has happened before in history. BUT, this one was precipitated early by the people who populate this planet.
On July 5, 2012 at 9:47 am
fowlers says:
Good morning everyone, hope all of you are staying “cool”! (think cool thought’s):: I’m new to the page! I am enjoying reading and exploring, were going to hit 100+ today::yuck! at least I’m in the AC till 4:30:::then I’m headed home. I’m hopping to do a little canning tonight::thinking Chili?
Sandy, AKA: Mama or Country Doodle
On July 5, 2012 at 10:26 am
liz2 says:
You & all others affected by the recent severe weather events are in my thoughts every day. I watch the national news & know you still must be without electric power. I miss you.
On July 5, 2012 at 10:42 am
CindyP says:
According to https://www.facebook.com/eyewitnessnewscharleston Roane County is supposed to have power restored Sunday!
Hoping everyone is safe!!!
On July 5, 2012 at 11:24 am
CATRAY44 says:
Checking in, again. :wave: I hope Suzanne and all affected by the storm are faring well.
On July 5, 2012 at 9:15 pm
MousE says:
I hope you have your power restored soon, Suzanne! You are missed. Fingers crossed it happens darn fast. PS to Pete: thanks for the update!
I hope every person and animal is safe and sound.
On July 5, 2012 at 11:42 pm
Diane says:
Good Morning!! Hope someone is reading all this and letting you know that we all are thinking about you. Stay safe, keep cool.
On July 6, 2012 at 6:23 am
Pat says:
CindyP, thank you for providing a fresh update. Continued prayers.
On July 6, 2012 at 11:20 am
PattiLynn says:
Missing you terribly. I’m glad you have Weston home to help you tote water. I’m sure toting water gets old, both in routine and on the arms.
I know you’re a smart resourceful woman who is taking care of you, the kids, and all the animals. Just wish you didn’t have to be so inconvenienced (and HOT). I know you could use this time doing things you’d enjoy!
Hope you have electricity soon!
~ PattiLynn
On July 6, 2012 at 4:31 pm
djbrown says:
Thinking of you. I sure hope everything is ok, and your able to keep cool.
On July 6, 2012 at 10:32 pm
NancyD in NH says:
I check 2 or 3 times a day to see if you are back. Hoping and praying that you are ok and not too frazzled, even though the thermostat is set to “HELL”.
NancyD in NH
On July 7, 2012 at 11:10 am
KarenAnne says:
Getting worried, Suzanne.
WvSky, the current rate of warming far exceeds anything that’s been determined to have happened before. And when did it start? Coincident with the start of pollution caused by the Industrial Age.
Why does it matter to know this? Because we have a (slight, at this point) chance to reverse it or slow it down. At the current rate, we are near a feedback loop that will make the planet uninhabitable in a few generations.
On July 7, 2012 at 12:31 pm