The longest we were out was 4 days and I rather enjoyed it. I ran the generator once or twice a day to keep the fridge and freezer cold and to charge a couple deep cycle batteries I use to run the blower on the fireplace insert. We have oil lamps and solar lights so we aren't completely in the dark. I have potable water stored for cooking and drinking and we have a 1/4 acre pond for non-potable water needs. You're right with the quiet aspect. I rarely watch TV but AuntJoe has it on all the time. I prefer to get the guitar out and entertain myself as opposed to letting the boob tube entertain me.
Don't forget the cozy scent of burning wood. People will buy candles and incense to duplicate this smell. Also, if you have insomnia, just pull up a recliner and point your feet toward the stove. Gone in 20 minutes. And you can make a nice pot of chili or stew without using the kitchen stove, and it will simmer all day long.
You put into words what I've been thinking but wasn't able to put so well Dexter. We struggled through last winter due to high oil costs, and it brought back some bad memories from when I was a kid, dad was out of work, and the house was often cold. Don't want my kids to be uncomfortable many months of the year because of old man winter. And they won't be. Now I just need a truck and chainsaw to cut my own wood!
