When Is This Going To End? Now Eleven Days Without Power!

Living a solitary life, in an old stone cottage, amid three acres of planted woodland and garden, Colette O'Neill is a published author and passionate environmentalist, honouring and promoting Celtic indigenous wisdom and culture in all of her work.
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[@naturalwitchery]

Thank goodness for wood heat and and a wood cook stove!

[@katherineeckert2157]

No electricity....but so much power and LIGHT.. Love your attitude of gratitude..Love enjoying tea with .. xoxox

[@carterb43]

An ancient poet said “Barn’s burnt down. Now I can see the moon.” I try to remember that often when things are taken away. Blessings to you. ❤️

[@JamieSantos]

I thought the same!

[@JaiHylRubis]

"Every apparent curse can be seen as an obvious blessing, given time." - I was in an inspired place 30 years ago when that came 😃 💫🙏💖

[@janetmore351]

Have you noticed Colelette how still it's been since the storm. The light! Reckon the storm has created its own bit of magic. Brightest blessings, intrepid lady. Your place will be even more wonderful🍀

[@bealtainecottage]

Very true

[@katherinedomingo4952]

So good to see you. Your resourcefulness is your superpower.

[@preppernut]

If you can make it this long without electricity, you could do it forever, I am sure. Well done.

[@posyoryan606]

There you go, I’m thinking 20 years ago the woman you were then respectfully and lovingly thought of the woman you would be this very minute. She planned for times like this she worked so hard with such passion to aide you in the world she would create for you in the future. Bless her and bless you. She did alright and it was in the plans that today you would be well and march on and keep planting!

[@marierodriguez7029]

I just loved what you said!!❤

[@1wholovestrees]

This is so beautifully said!

[@positiveworld-view8677]

Well said.. lovely 🌱

[@OuilmaEnyaGypsey]

You're inspiring me on 👉

[@denisegariepy1176]

Thank goodness for your Stanley stove, and all the wood from your 3 acres to heat your home. Blessings to Ireland

[@danamarcotteseiler7423]

Blessings, peace and Safety

[@SweetPea72x]

Even without power your cottage looks like the most idyllic cosy sanctuary. Certainly makes you realise what is actually important for a comfortable life. I think I would enjoy the opportunity of no electricity for a time, purely to get my unfinished knitting projects completed and half read books read. Stay warm and safe x

[@oceansoul3694]

Hello from Colorado. I'm older than you are, live on my farm alone but for chickens and dogs, huge garden and etc. I know the angst of huge storms and no power. I hope you have one of those small pocket-size solar charges for your phone, in case you need emergency help they are a godsend. Keep warm and well rested, hope you're keeping well!

[@Patricia-ii9md]

Watching the dark kitchen at 5am popped in my mind what every day, every year must have been for our ancestors. Part of my ancestry is Irish back to 1799 marriage of Savage to Kean. 💚

[@denisegariepy1176]

This is a good lesson for all of us to be prepared. 😊

[@maureenmckenna5220]

In the British Isles, in ancient times, wood was cherished, expensive and used to cook and heat everything. people would cut down trees, theirs and others, until a law was passed making the forests of the King, and all the King’s land, off limits, on penalty of something awful. However, there was a boon to a big storm. Anyone could scavenge wood from the ground that might have fallen, and people would and did. And so, we have the word windfall.

[@carmenmarialinne702]

Being prepared is the greatest Love and Respect we can give to ourselves- and our families!

[@slkelise]

Thank you for letting us know. We're thinking of you every day! ❤

[@emmamacgregor731]

I'm so sorry! We were out of power for weeks during the Great Ice Storm in January 1998, Ontario, Canada. I slept in the kitchen with the big wood stove, 8 layers and two German Sheperds and boots and coat on. Our old farm house was freezing. I'm so glad you have Patsy and a wood stove. I hope this is very soon over. Thinking of you and wishing you warmth!

[@susanparker9877]

Lord, that was such a difficult time. I found a book on it last fall, and burst into tears. So much sadness because of the destruction, and so much to do to keep warm, fed, clean and safe. I feel for the people in Ireland dealing with such destruction.

[@emmamacgregor731]

@@susanparker9877 I've never been so cold in my life. It was very painful. The room beside the kitchen was -10 degrees C and it took a whole two weeks to get the house back to warm...2 weeks! I knew people out of power for up to 8 weeks. January and -25 plus wind chill. Never want to experience this again.

[@goldenfd475]

Seeing you sitting in the firelight took me back to my childhood in the 50's when the only light I had to read with as a child in the winter was a tilly lamp which also had to accompany me to the outside loo at the bottom of the yard part of our country cottage up on the Solway Firth. Very nostalgic but hoping you have by now got your power back.

[@jolovesblackcats]

Oh Collette, I'm so sorry for your hardships. Fingers crossed that you get your power soon. We're finally getting an engineer out to fix our Internet & landline tomorrow. We're in Dumfries & Galloway, we took a beating from the storm too. Fingers crossed for everyone without power. ❤❤❤

[@missy3656]

Cozy me time with Patsy. Off grid living is tougher than one might think. Good for you. Although you will be a very busy lady once your power is back on. I love your spirit.

[@stephaniegarrett3246]

You are blessed indeed to have a burner... Sometimes blessings come disguised as adversity ❤️🙏 many blessings x

[@leemiller9246]

Hi Colette and Patsy, I am so glad you are safe and warm. It's good to hear from you and know that you are getting on with the recovery at Bealtaine Cottage. Good luck with your planting, new trees to nuture, bringing their own unique offering to the woodland. The blessings of imbolc to you and Patsy. Debs X

[@corinnedews7277]

Whenever high winds would bring down old branches, my Dad used to say it was Nature's way of pruning to help the trees grow stronger! I hope you have electricity back soon. It's no fun not being able to have a shower in your own home.🤗

[@DebNewton-kh4cv]

She can, from a thermo siphon system connected to her wood oven….

[@positiveworld-view8677]

At 7:59 .. witch hazel ! Thank you , dear

[@AcornHillHomestead]

Thank God you have your stoves and plenty of wood.! You know better than most how to “do without” but it’s still frustrating. Praying that you are restored soon! ❤ I have a garage shop that I do all sorts of projects in. We set up a small old wood burner in there the previous owner left behind. It burns those cut branches beautifully. We also have a vintage stove to cook and many other helpful old things like oil lamps, Victorian commode and composting toilet to get us by in case of grid down events. We set the shop up to hunker down in just in case. Our house is a bit too big to fully heat with wood. Everyone should own a wood burner! Stay warm sweetie! A small solar generator will help with charging a phone. 😊

[@KarenBowers4]

The cottage is so lovely in the sunlight. The land will heal. Stay strong.

[@joannahart1604]

Maybe a solar power bank might help. When i lived off grid it was amazing for laptops/phones and lights plus a wee fridge and head torches. Your trees gave you much protection.

[@elizabethbarberis9058]

More light and a butterfly of white ~ More trees after that 'bit-of-a-breeze!' ~ The pure joy of hearing your voice making pleasure your choice ~ The dark of the night and the Imbolc Light ~ Bird Song and standing strong ~ To Patsy and Colette I will no longer fret ~ You are You doing You 'til the power comes through ~ With my love from Yorkshire, uk XXXXXXX (that polly tunnel eh? Following your example and standing strong...)

[@sweethaven1929]

Omg , how do you do it …thank you for still thinking of us….🙏🏻

[@SCsweettea]

Mother nature is doing everything she can to get our attention. Your woodlands protected the cottage admirably. So hoping you have power by now. I also watch The Irish Homestead. The devastation was terrible. I hope your viewers go visit them and give them some love too. Blessings on us all, dear Collette and Patsy. Our world is crashing a bit, all around. Pray for America.

[@radicalcartoons2766]

Please don't bring politics into this, not everyone here has the same views.

[@enquery]

What politics?

[@SCsweettea]

@radicalcartoons2766 I did not bring politics into the conversation…..you did!

[@SCsweettea]

@ thank you.

[@kalayne6713]

Thinking of you, Colette. After the 2020 bushfires in Australia, while my landlord had generators to power air conditioning, and all other necessities, the little cottage I rented from him had no generator and as I need a cpap machine to sleep, I was forced to stay with friends for two weeks. I still had to pay rent on the empty cottage, though.No wonder I am a socialist. The rich get richer, the poor suffer. It has been ever so.Take care, go gently dear woman. So grateful you and Patsy and the majority of your sacred woodland are safe.Blessings from Kaye, Australia. 🍀

[@valentinaleissler4212]

Hello Colette and sweet Patsy! Glad you are still hanging in there. Thank goodness you have your stoves for heat and cooking. Can you imagine without them?! The longest I ever went without power was 8 days but we had a generator for the freezers. No lights, just propane lanterns and wooden stove. Please be well, carry on, and blessings. 🌻

[@virginiafurie4518]

Thank you for your posts. You are inspiring. I live in the USA and see your devastation and the coming beauty you see in your land as hope for us. Creation out of chaos.

[@clairdeluna70]

Colette, your video brought such joy. You have already made great strides in the restoration of your beautiful land. Yes, the birds singing always reminds us that life goes on. Praying the electricity is back on today and the cottage can again bring its warmth back. Much love and many blessings.

[@Mypuppies812]

I think you are wonderful and I am happy you are warm!!!!

[@CarolCrane-h9p]

The bird song is gorgeous

[@angelar3045]

Thank you for keeping us updated. Many of us really resonate with this channel. You don’t owe us anything, but I’m sure many like myself really appreciate these videos. Look at the gorgeous resilience you have provided for yourself by collaborating with the Great Mother. Very inspiring.

[@OkieJammer2736]

What synchronicity.. was it that long ago that your beautiful, EPIC wood stove arrived .. and now to warm your hands with a hot cuppa and make life (a bit) easier during this trying time. So many of us want to fly in, gather there and help with the now longer chore list!

[@susanthomas5464]

Thank you so much for keeping us all informed .I thank the Goddess for our woodburning stove ,which as been in use many times for heating and cooking afrer the storms !! Blessings to you dear Colette and pretty girl Patsy .💚💚💚

[@carolnavan4137]

My brother got his power back yesterday in Galway. Today he is out doing wellness checks on people on the islands as they also are without power still.

[@morrigans_cottage]

It's a tough slog without the power I'm so sorry you and Patsy haven't been restored yet. I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed it'll be back asap for you. My connection was set to be restored on the 6th of Feb but it has just come back this morning so fingers crossed it's on its way to you now too ❤

[@kimmoore2681]

Collette, I cant bdlieve it! 11 Days! That is disgraceful. We got ours back in Galway West last night at Day 10. 😮

[@susanbird5612]

Bealtaine is still as beautiful as ever. When you have so much to do, it's very much appreciated that you have continued to do these little snippets of the days after the storm. Blessings for Imbolc and the return of power.

[@jasminewaterdragon]

Blessings to you from all the plants, trees, and creatures you are caring for and from me.

[@morningwatch9740]

Colette, it is so good to see you and Patsy again! Praying your power is restored soon.

[@treasuremuch9185]

Good to know you're back at it with the planting. This recent storm couldn’t keep you away for long. Your level of energy and resilience are admirable.

[@PamLangley-t3g]

Wow 11days with out power! That great your doing so well I’m afraid of the people that aren’t as prepared

[@esthergebel5256]

It's amazing how many green plants you have on your woodland. Here in Virginia, the last patches of snow have just melted away, and the land is barren. I noticed some daffodils peaking through the soil, which is always an exciting moment. I am sending a warm hug across the ocean, dear Collette. Your positive attitude is remarkable. Soon, soon, there will be light❤

[@starlight1867]

Blessings of Imbolc to you - we are moving from the dark into the light and towards Spring now, with all the beauty that comes with new buds on the trees and shoots forcing their way towards the light. /|\ 🇬🇧

[@katherineb6102]

I'm sure it hasn't been easy being without power for so long. You show us yet again what can be accomplished with a good attitude and rolling up your sleeves. 🐦

[@karenferrel8308]

Colette my friend, if I could be anywhere with or without power, it would be at Bealtaine❤ Blessings

[@YvonneYven]

Thank you for up-loading this video. I missed your voice…you are so deserving of your cottage, Stanley stove and of course your woodland garden. My shared garden is tiny in comparison, but it is my sanctuary, feeding birds on a daily basis. Poor hungry birds sing for me, a group of about 20 sparrows, a few starlings or blackbirds, with cataracts in both eyes, hard to tell the difference. You have soo much energy. Blessings from South East London; SE25. ❤

[@TammyBani-Hani]

So glad to hear u again it makes me relax had a hrad day last thrusdsy my wonderful wht lab passed away I know he's went over the rainbow but 9id rather have him here it was unexpected u take care

[@bealtainecottage]

So sad to hear of your loss XXX

[@elainerichards6406]

Hi Colette, I know that you are a very resourceful lady and that you seem to be keeping on top of things despite being without power for so long! Little Patsy looks very comfortable, hasn't noticed a thing! Hopefully things will return to normal for you before too long! Keep warm and look after yourself. Many blessings to you and dear little Patsy ❤❤

[@RamonaStrait]

Blessings on you too Colette!! You take such good care of Patsy AND I love how you tend to your woodlands!

[@gail-elizabethengland7853]

Thank you for keeping in touch. There is so much work to be done on the land and you'll certainly have plenty of wood for next winter. What I tell myself when doing big jobs like that is to "pace yourself." I work so much better this way. Over time I can accomplish everything...and then take a nap. 😴 Blessings to you and Patsy!

[@lex6819]

I remember an ice storm that knocked our power out for nearly 2 weeks years ago, here in Kentucky. My Mom is so smart! She used about 6 to 8 tealight candles and put them in a roasting pan with a little grill on top and was able to heat water in a kettle that way (we still mainly use a stove top kettle instead of the electric kind). You're lucky to have a wood stove! My parents have a fireplace for warmth but not for cooking. We were able to have instant coffee and instant oatmeal using her little tea lights setup. Now every time we have bad winter weather advisories she gets out her roasting pan and tea light candles. I hope you get your power back on soon.

[@ellenbirmingham1404]

I am always in awe of the varied notes of birdsong. How wonderful it would be to wake up to *only* that sound and not cars, motorcycles, trucks, or trains! Here in the Midwest of USA, it will be May when the little birdies start waking me up at 5:30 AM:)

[@nikkihines3652]

🙏 Colette for checking in with us. I know it’s a bummer without electricity I glad you and Patsy’s is fearing okay. 👍🏾

[@audreyhall7040]

Here in Texas USA, we had a bunch of snow/ice that we aren’t prepared for a few years ago. It knocked out our power/water for 14 days, and I had just had a double mastectomy three days before! It was 19 degrees Fahrenheit in the house, and we had no fireplace! 😭

[@marianfrances4959]

💝⚘️🙏

[@Shazza2345]

Sending lots of Hugs ❤

[@marianlynch4829]

Omg...that must have been some ordeal.. at least you survived...Well done! ❤

[@Tullywitch06]

I'm so glad that you and patsy are safe and warm, hope your electricity comes back on soon, the light in the woodland is enchanting 😊

[@kerrycusack9262]

It's -29 C here in Alberta right now, still have snow everywhere; although, it is beautifully sunny with loads of blue sky! I look out and wonder where those poor birds are. My dog, a Welsh Terrier, does not like going out in the cold. I have power thankfully! Looking at your garden is so soothing, to see the plants and the trees and hear birds is wonderful! Thank you for sharing your space with us, it is very soothing to hear what your plans are. Hope you get power on soon, take good care!

[@marianlynch4829]

Omg...🥶🥶🥶

[@silviath521]

Indomitable spirit that you have!!! So glad you are both safe. I love that you make the most of it and you try to see it all with a heart of gratitude. Every morning I collect kindling in my woods for my stove as well. We are covered in deep snow but I am planning the garden. Never a shortage of work that feeds the soul as well as the body.

[@reliablesauce]

My thoughts are with you. I too am without power, and heat, and only got a small signal back yesterday.

[@LunarClair8]

Good to see how resilient you are Colette. Patsy sure loves her comfort 🥰💚❤️Hoping the power is back by now, shocked it's taken so long tbh...

[@lauriehessler8639]

I went 10 days without electricity once and it was difficult. My three children were young, and doing homework by candlelight was a challenge. It definitely makes you understand why our ancestors celebrated the return of the light at the Winter Solstice! I imagine you're more prepared than others due to your simple life and self-sufficientcy. Hopefully your electricity will be restored soon 😊

[@pennythomas2016]

Many blessings to you Collette.❤

[@grannypattie]

The wood stove and candles saved us here through many power outages here on Whidbey. I purchased back up batteries and put up solar panels but we haven’t had 100 MPH winds as you have. You are so very fortunate for what you have. We all should be as you, closer to the earth. Sending blessings to you.

[@marykaymorley8551]

God is watching over you and Patsy. Still praying....❤

[@FolliesandFangles]

Warm hugs to you and Patsy❤

[@rebeccadees2300]

Hopefully the power will be restored by Friday if not before 🙏. I’m so sorry that this has been going on for so long. You and Patsy are real troopers. Thank you for this update. Perhaps in a later post you could share how you plant your new trees and shrubs? Garden? There’s always a blessing to be found and the fact that you have noticed that there is more light since many of the trees were blown down is really something 😊.

[@margolovesflowers]

I’ve said this to you before, but I love your work ethic! 10 days after the storm and there you are out planting more trees; not to mention gathering firewood, cleaning things up, and finding beauty in everything. I have a feeling the garden center will be seeing a lot of Colette O’Neill!

[@bevhillbilies4906]

Thank you for letting us know that you and Patsy are well, despite you're having to deal without power for such a lengthy time. How you weather the storm (pun intended!) brings a smile to my face! Keeping busy helps in times like this. You have achieved so much in such a short time since the storm reeked havoc at your cottage. Stay safe and warm, hugs...❤

[@greenthumbedgal]

Hearing your voice and seeing sweet Patsy always brightens my day. Praying you get power soon, Colette. You are so resourceful. I want to be you when I grow up. :)

[@donnab2667]

Thank You for you Colette! Thank you for sharing...hugs to you and Patsy xoxo

[@cynthia57169]

When a strong storm swept over their property, felling trees, some cousins found they had a butternut tree and a mulberry tree in their woods. Some loss, great gain.

[@carolchapple912]

During Storm Arwen in Northumberland England, a number of years ago. The electricity people supplied generators to people who had been of the grid for a week.

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Hugs and love to Patsy and you, Colette ❤❤

[@cherihermans9118]

Sometimes nature comes along and helps do a cleaning job and helps to set things new. Does this make sense? That’s what I think. I love your positive ways and can do ways. Take care ❤❤❤

[@ravenbrown7053]

I hope power is restored for you soon, Colette! Such a beautiful sanctuary you care for- Patsy seems to greatly enjoy the comforts of the woodstove- my kitties do the same- sending much love your way and thank you so much for this beautiful blog ❤

[@Elizabeth-arb22]

Princess Patsy is adorable! You have a wonderful outlook. I appreciate you, sharing your positive take on things during difficult times. Thinking of you, and sending you positive energy! Be safe and be warm, Collette and Patsy.

[@cq4804]

I'm so sorry about your beautiful tree's, yet you're so right about the new view and light. Due to draught and pests one of our neighbors lost 80 old Pinion Pines. Yet, after the dead trees were removed. When we visted we took a stroll and where the old pines stood, and there stood baby Pinion Pines below. Now they will receive the light and moisture that the older trees received. Nature always shows us renewal. Your sacred space is in renewal mode and with your love it will flourish. Imbolc Blessings`~

[@positiveworld-view8677]

At 7:58 Witch Hazel.. Thank you , 🌱dear

[@amelia2656]

So glad you’re ok and could sweet Patsy possibly get any nearer to that lovely fire. Planting Birch trees, I believe is a strong symbol of renewal and you must have been so enormously busy to have achieved so much since the dreadful storm. At least the sunshine and the wonderful birdsong have helped. Hope your power is back on now. Happy Imbolc and blessings to all.

[@HistoryPanoptic]

You are a blessing to so much of nature and critters...You have too much light to let negative forces in!! Sending so much energy your way love! The Sun will ALWAYS shine!

[@trishjordan8859]

You have done so much work since the storm, you are amazing. I guess there is one positive to lack of electricity, less distraction 😂. I am happy you guys are doing well and keeping your open and uplifting mindset. Not sure how I would react in your situation but I would hope it would be as strong and loving as you have tried to be. Blessings beautiful soul.❤

[@JennyGunston-uh5og]

We were 11 days without power in 1987. It wasn’t much fun with 3 children at home.

[@summerbreeze1955]

So sorry you have suffered this hardship we pray the electricity is restored soon blessed be x

[@ariessunxleomoon]

Blessed Imbolc! ❄️🕯️🐑☀️

[@wendip4]

That's a long time without power Colette! Last year we had a severe outage of power. I was without power for around 7 days.I lost the entire contents of my fridge & freezer. I used long-life milk for my tea each day & needed to eat out of the pantry, using gas to heat my food. I was so grateful to have access to gas for cooking & showering! It was very a very challenging time. But eleven days is next level! I think you're doing incredibly well. I have been seeing your posts & am thinking of you each day.

[@GingerPeacenik]

It looks cozy and warm! I was without power for three weeks after hurricane Charley here in Florida. All the downed ancient live oaks made roads impassable, so there was no way in or out, in the muggy August heat! Yes, I'd rather weather weeks without power in Ireland!

[@CELTICCOTTAGELIFE]

Thank God, you have the log burner. It is an awful thing to be without electricity for so long. Hopefully you will get it back very soon❤

[@Gardenwitch1954]

Patsy is a trooper! Prayers for power 🔋 🙏

[@JulieAnne-7]

You sound so much better, Colette, even though you don’t have power! But thank God, you have that toasty warm power! I’m seeing this video on Monday night (Feb. 3). We have also had some great news here in the US-Voldemort has backed down about tariffs on Mexico and Canada!!! I am rejoicing!!!!!💖🕯️🙏🏻

[@elaineborthwick989]

There’s power and there’s Power - remember yours. X

[@AnnePullinger]

Fingers crossed you get your power back very soon. Its good that you can get outside and work and keep warm being active.

[@Kelly_Ben]

I'm glad you and Patsy are snug and safe, and trying to keep some sense of normalcy! I would honestly trade a long term power outage for the democracy outage were currently experiencing in America. I've donated to EarthJustice and Amnesty International, to help fight our man- made disaster here. I hope you can return to normal in your beautiful haven soon!

[@chriswells4400]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@DeborahPinder-f5t]

Thinking about you all and sending blessings to you and your beautiful country during these difficult times 🙏

[@kbencsik1]

Yep. If I were younger...

[@jackiepark4673]

Glad you have your stoves.😊

[@lindahawkins5983]

Be safe and praying for your power to be restored. Paty is so adorable.

[@InaGardenSanctuary]

Well done for coping so brilliantly. You have inspired me to start a channel about nature and gardening. I'm not expecting any subscribers but I will enjoy making a record of the seasons. 🌸

[@margaretdalton7899]

Oh no 11 days !!! I was relieved our power was restored after two days It's a long time and I'm 75 since I've experienced such a storm I'm up North fence down slates off sky dish dislodged etc and the wind is still whipping it up now and then as if to remind us it can come back ...stay safe girl x

[@ElementsByJasmine]

I love your place and the birds ❤ Patsy is so sweet. You can't beat self-sufficiency ✨️

[@barbarafritchie2000]

I have a small back up solar charger. They’re not as expensive now. I have multiple back up plans at almost 77 years old. I live on early SS. Hope your power returns.