Yesterday my area suffered a seven hour power cut from just after 3pm to 10pm.

Initially the electricity company expected to get things sorted out by 6pm but that didn’t happen. Thankfully I have a gas hob so I was able, by fading light and candle light, to prepare chicken cooked in a saucepan with rice rather than oven-baked as I had planned. With no electricity there was no listening to the radio (as I do not have a battery powered one anymore) or watching television.

If I am alone I usually eat in front of the TV. However, last night I had what turned out to be a lovely meal at my kitchen table with just the light of two candles for company, and a glass of champagne which was still cool in the fridge. As I ate I was struck by how wonderfully silent the world is when there is no power. No whir of the fridge. No hum and rumble of the boiler and central heating system. And no distraction from the goggle box. Just the most profound stillness. I was moved to write in my journal about the experience and felt like I was Emily Bronte scratching away in the near darkness with my fountain pen.

Earlier in the day I had felt very tired and had promised myself and early night. Usually, come the end of the day, I do not keep such promises but last night, at around 9.30pm there really was nothing else to do but go to bed. I suppose in days gone by people did go to bed earlier, and consequently rise earlier, because there was no light. I’m guessing that their days must have been structured to make the most of daylight and also to get more rest and relaxation after dark.

After positioning my candles on my kitchen window sill so I could see to wash up the dishes, off I trotted to bed clutching a single candle. Still feeling so quiet and calm I got under the covers, blew out the candle and snuggled down for an early night of sleep.

Whether I had dosed off and awoken or not, I’m not sure – but a few minutes later I was aware of the glow of a light from downstairs. Ah-hah, the power must have returned. I got up to investigate and sure enough my living room light was now on. I checked my watch and it was 10pm. Perfect, I thought – now I can set the video and record Desperate Housewives. There are some things from the twenty-first century that I just cannot live without!