[bushycat]

Oh, poor Dan. Sounds dreadful. Any port in a storm, as they say- you found some entertainment! We were without power once for over one week in California after a big storm. It was okay on our little farm, though, because of gravity water (the showers were cold !) , a wood burning cookstove (usually used the electric one), heaps of candles, etc. The first priority was the fridge- you don't open it unless really necessary, and use what you can right away.
Here I've just had a back-up solar system installed. My husband and all of his friends think it is to save on the power bill. Also, we have some rain catchment tanks, one under the deck with a pump for the loos. I'd rather be in a cabin in the woods, but I'm here in a city trying to look after my adopted family.
Yep, soup and peanut butter (I prefer almond) works. It always reminds me of being a kid.