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A light bulb moment

17/6/2021

16 Comments

 
PictureCartoon by Natasha Williams-Novak
By Etsuko Yasunaga
 
WE WERE warned. This storm would be one of the most severe and damaging ones in the recent years. I saw many flood and gust damage warnings issued around Gippsland on the forecast a few days prior. I thought I’d better squeeze in a few more kilometres on my bike and walking before the storm hit, otherwise I may not be able to exercise for a while. I was resigned to a few quiet days with a good book at home.
 
Luckily the predicted heavy rainfall didn’t eventuate in Inverloch on Wednesday. I managed to exercise in between the showers, and it was invigorating to go out in the wild weather. However the horrendous wind got to me in the end. I don’t like wind. Harrowing wind unsettles and disturbs me. I feel my mind can’t focus adequately. It gets agitated easily and goes wild like a fallen leaf trembling.

We enjoyed dinner and just relaxed into the couch to catch up on the news on ABC. We could hear wind was increasing its velocity and the lights started to flicker. We lost TV signals for a few times then the power was out. The darkness hit us suddenly. By relying on the lights from our phones, we quickly gathered torches, candles and a cigarette lighter to light them. I thought the power would be back in a few hours though. I was glad that I’d already had my evening shower. Rob and I briefly went outside to check our neighbourhood in the terrifying wind. The streets were completely dark. Once or twice the street light in front of our house came back on for a few seconds then went out again. At the same time a bright white light flashed like thunder storm lightning. After the excitement of going out in the wild weather I checked a newsfeed briefly to see how others were managing this power outage. The phone was still working. I thought to myself ‘Read for a while then early to bed tonight’ and that’s what we did. When I briefly woke up during the night I turned on my bed side lamp switch but it didn’t work at all.
 
ABC Gippsland radio reported massive floods in Traralgon the following morning. We also learned that the restoration could take more than 24 hours. Furthermore we didn’t have phone reception any more. Then ABC radio and 3MFM went off air as well. We were completely cut off and had no way of getting information. Unlike other parts of Inverloch where there were intermittent supplies of electricity, our side of the town went completely without power for over 38 hours. The most difficult part was not having an access to correct information and not knowing when the power would be back. For a mind that likes to figure things out and plan ahead, it was certainly a challenging time. To keep my morale up I continued on with my regular exercise. Luckily the weather improved and by lunch time the horrific wind died down. I rode my bike to the rotunda to get a data access for just briefly but lost it again shortly after.
PictureGlass of port by candlelight. Photo: Julian Walker
When I learned this power outage was going to be a long haul I had to shift my mind set. I decided to regard it as an unplanned camping trip. At least we had gas cook top, and we rugged up to keep ourselves warm in the evening. I cooked beef rendang for dinner. I have bookmarked the recipe on my phone but couldn’t access it. Without being able to retrieve the details I had to follow instinct and trust my ability to improvise. I remembered certain ingredients - star anise, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass. I didn’t have every ingredient so substituted where I could. I started with garlic, ginger and chili spice paste and the rest flowed easily. Instead of relying on the recipe I just trusted my taste buds and added extra flavours as I went. I enjoyed the whole process very much. Although it was bit runny as I forgot to add toasted coconut, it turned out to be a good beef rending. We enjoyed an early candlelight dinner immensely.

​As a hot shower was no option I decided to have a quick wipe before I went to bed. I boiled water and poured the hot water into a small bowl then soaked a face towel. I wrung it out much like the hand towels we are given when we board an international flight. I wiped my face, neck, arms and other parts of my body to freshen up. It’s simple but very effective. This act brought me back fond memories of trekking in Nepal in 2003. A tub of hot water and a hand towel prepared and brought by porters in the mornings was definitely one of the luxuries on trekking in Nepal. At least here we still had a water supply.  

 
I felt like having a bowl of porridge on Friday morning. I needed nourishment and warmth. Porridge making is usually mechanical by measuring the ingredients then popping into the microwave. I wait until it has the right consistency to my liking. The whole process is passive but I had to cook it on the stove top on that morning. While gently stirring the creamy grains, I realised I was actively involved in the process of preparing my breakfast intently from the beginning to the end. I poured more milk and stirred the organic honey I was given from my friend in to the piping hot porridge. It was delicious.
 
Later, I was in the middle of shifting food from the freezer to our camper fridge. We had disciplined ourselves not to open fridge and freezer doors to keep it cool inside so that we didn’t waste food. If the power cut were to continue it was time to act. Then the power came on! I couldn’t deny the sense of relief. Combined with the recent lockdowns there were many cancellations in my diary – sport massage, hair cut, singing session and Covid vaccination as at the GP clinic they couldn’t save vaccine due to the power cut. I could easily reschedule them though.
 
In the scheme of the things it was a minor inconvenience our household had to endure. It was certainly a great eye opener to learn how heavily our lives depend on electricity and we all take it for granted. I also learned that how resilient and ingenious we could be. In that sense it was the best camping trip I’ve ever had.
 
We were lucky. Ours was a minor disruption compared to others who are still suffering and will for some time to come. Our hearts reach out to those businesses, farms, the elderly and others. We genuinely hope for a swift recovery and a return to normality.
​

16 Comments
Lois Dwyer
18/6/2021 04:00:59 pm

Beautifully written article Etsuko!

Reply
ETSUKO YASUNAGA
20/6/2021 03:18:57 pm

Thank you for taking your time to read and comment. Readers' interests are always encouraging to any writer. Much appreciated.

Reply
Vasy Petros link
28/6/2021 01:22:10 pm

It was a pleasure meeting you Etsuko and other attendees at yesterday's Bass Coast Prize Launch, a wonderful event bringing together writers and artists. After the recent lockdowns, it was lovely to connect with new people, share different perspectives and ways forward...from 'isolation, connection and emergence'...a much needed collaborative event.

ETSUKO YASUNAGA
28/6/2021 02:41:29 pm

Likewise Vasy, it was such a lovely occasion to meet many talented writers and artists. Your work is outstanding, and I felt privileged to be able to see your original work close up and listen to your process of creativity. Thank you.

Andy
19/6/2021 11:10:43 am

As always dear Etsuko you manage to put a positive spin on a challenging situation! Glad to hear you are both ok xxx

Reply
ETSUKO YASUNAGA
20/6/2021 03:31:33 pm

Thank you for your kind words, Andy. Life certainly can throw us a curveball but that's when we can often find our inner strength. Lovely to see your name on Bass Coast Post. I appreciate your time.

Reply
Anne Heath Mennell
20/6/2021 03:08:00 pm

Wow, Etsuko, you really rose to the challenges. Thank you for sharing this positive take on a difficult situation.

The 'civilisation' we have built is not very resilient is it?
No power/light,/heat, no petrol, no ATMs, fouled water, no phone to call for help, no internet and uncertainty about what is happening. It doesn't take long for things to fall into chaos. Is there a Disaster Plan somewhere?

Reply
ETSUKO YASUNAGA
20/6/2021 03:38:46 pm

We've certainly learned a lot from this experience, haven't we? Listening to well intentioned 'Visit our website for more information' on the radio when we didn't have internet was a classic case. Thanks for your comment.

Reply
Verena
21/6/2021 12:48:03 pm

I enjoyed reading your article and find myself having found ways to survive our time without electricity. We were lucky with the short outing and like you, I feel for the people who are still struggling without.

Reply
ETSUKO YASUNAGA
21/6/2021 01:22:38 pm

I'm glad that you also managed to survive your few days without electricity. The situation like this certainly makes us think. Thanks for your interest in my writing.

Reply
Margaret Lee
21/6/2021 06:14:55 pm

I loved your story and adaptive attitude Etsuko. Some of my family in the Dandenongs are still without power...... They are resilient too kids and camping turning adversity into fun when you can.
However I feel for all the vulnerable ones out there. I have my little battery operated and yes also a windup radio to tune in to updates. I purchased that a couple of years ago because of our high fire risk.

Reply
ETSUKO YASUNAGA
21/6/2021 08:29:28 pm

Thanks for taking time to read my writing, Margaret. I do feel for your family and other vulnerable people in the Dandenong Ranges. It's way too long to be out of power. Good to hear that you are well prepared for the emergency.

Reply
Phyllis Papps
28/6/2021 08:06:50 am

Dear Etsuko,
it was a very special moment to meet you again at the Bass Coast Prize for Non-fiction launch for 2021 and the launch of the book.

You are a great and sensitive writer of Non-fiction so please apply for the 2021 BCPFNF with closing date of 14th September 2021.
Warm Regards, Phyllis

Reply
ETSUKO YASUNAGA
28/6/2021 02:30:57 pm

Dear Phyllis, although our meeting is not frequent, the feeling is mutual. It was indeed a special moment. Thank you for your generosity, encouragement and guidance. The tiny seed need to be dropped in dirt, and wait and see.

Reply
Ebony
17/7/2021 01:32:15 pm

I have just found this article Etsuko which brilliantly captures this event. While an inconvenience, events such as this, proves a valuable opportunity to re-set our lives, not disimilar to a lockdown! I hope you are staying well and doing what you love to do.
Ebony

Reply
ETSUKO YASUNAGA
17/7/2021 03:21:51 pm

Thanks Ebony for your comment. From time to time we are all tested for our resilience, and another lockdown can be a beneficial opportunity. I trust that you and your family are well and content regardless of the situation. Looking forward to seeing your smile when we are free and safe to return to parkrun.

Reply



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