The allotted time came and went. Repairs were more tricksie than expected (we have all been there). The power was restored, long enough for the clocks to be updated and timers to be set to quiet and a small number of beeps. The computer was booted up again.

Oh well, the power went off again for 5 minutes. Long enough for me to return to the above paragraph (rinse and repeat).

The internet is back on and I sent yesterday’s blog to this site.

I do wish that it was that easy in Ukraine – that promises were kept.

Fragile human bodies subjected to fragments from shells or mortar bombs (it is a moot point). That is twice, the Russians have lied about safe passage (they have form on this – see Chechnya & Syria). Today, all ‘safe passages’ lead to Russia or Belarus. Ukraine has not agreed to this posturing.

The first intimation of this was that my computer screen would not light up. I pressed the space bar repeatedly but nothing happened. I then noticed that the Drobo’s lights were off.
Next step – the light switch – no power to the lights
Next step – check the main circuit boards – all switches were in the right orientation

Next step – check the 4G signal on my phone – still there
A txt came through from Power Grid – power cut – estimated 12:15 return of power

So that is Sunday lunch ruined if the power does not come back on for the family lunch. A dog walk beckoned. While I was out on ‘walkies’ the power went out on the mobile phone mast. I suspect that it has a battery supply for short outages.

This is occurring perhaps twice a month now – the first and perhaps not the last for March. So inconvenient – computer off, no mobile signal. No TV or HomePods and Apple Music. The central heating is off but the sun is streaming in.
Time to crank up the log fire and have a cup of tea. Unlike the Americans, we Brits use electric kettles (240V). So time to go to the dual supply Rangemaster and put a hob kettle on the gas ring.

We still have power to the local water supply, so toilets flush and we have clean drinking water. It is daylight and we have candles and a portable gas heater. If we place our black Labrador puppy into direct sunlight, then she will act as a heat store for later use!
Time to wrap up, go into the garden, empty out the compost from the wormery and drain out the liquor that will sustain pot plants.

Now imagine you are in Ukraine 🇺🇦
Wrecked houses, no power, no light, no water — just a solid determination not to give in to Russian aggression and murder.