After last week’s heavy rain and wind, my sister was left 2 or 3 days without power.

That’s one of many reasons why when I own land and an off-grid cabin, I want to generate my own electricity, live a life that isn’t so tied into material realities of modern suburban living. If something breaks, I want to be able to fix it myself or substitute it with something that provides nearly the same capacity. Heat with wood, so as long as I have seasoned wood split and ready to go, I can be warm. Not be so dependent on electricity, so that if a fuse blows or other part fails, I can live with a lantern until I can replace the broken part. Have a tractor with a bucket loader, so I can fix washouts and a saw so I can cut downed trees.

As it stands, as a renter in the city, if the power goes out I’m cold and in the dark. I have flashlights, can charge things off the truck, but that won’t keep my groceries cold, nor will it keep the stores open or the traffic lights running. Right now, I am too dependent on things not in the my control.