We recently spent six days without power, and the experience has left me with a new respect for the pioneers.

Was the worst part going without lights? No, we had some old-fashioned hurricane lamps for that. We walked around the house after dark, and it looked like we were in a Dickens tale brought to life.

Was the worst part going without the electric stove and microwave? No, I could cook on the outdoor grill. I’m much better at it now. There are some things that were a challenge – say, pasta – but we didn’t starve to death.

Was living without a fridge and a freezer the worst part? No. Except for throwing away a lot of stuff that should have been thrown away a few years ago – half-empty bottles of novelty condiments, such as garlic-peach jam, and moldy cheese rinds – I wouldn’t say it was a crushing loss. Plus, the freezer got a good defrosting.

When future archaeologists dig up the remains of our civilization thousands of years from now, there is no doubt that abandoned freezers will be some of their most treasured finds.