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A few years ago, we stumbled across the Dietz lanterns! While living in our off-grid tiny cabin, we visited The Red Hill General Store in Hillsville, Virginia. For us, general stores hold a special place in our hearts. Perhaps, it’s their nostalgic charm we remember from childhood, or a chance to step back in time when life was simple.
In rural and country settings, long before the big box stores arrived, the country store was vital. After all, where else could you hear the latest gossip and find country life necessities to survive and thrive? If you have ever visited a general or country store, you will know they also carry old fashioned candies, “Moon Pies”
and, what we Southerners would say, iced cold “drinks” in glass bottles! For those of you not familiar with Southern or Appalachian style, “drinks” are what others would call soda or pop.
Our First Dietz Lantern
As we were browsing the isles, the Dietz lanterns caught our eye. First of all, they have an interesting history, but their style grabs your attention. With different styles and colors to chose from, we left that day with a red lantern. Ultimately, we were living off-grid in our tiny cabin with solar power. At that time, a grid-down power failure would have been of little consequence to us. I tucked our little red lamp away for safe keeping!
The Winter of 2021
In the winter of 2021, we were very much tied to the electrical grid. By far, it was the worst winter we have had in four years. There was a continuous cycle of snow, sleet, freezing rain and melt. Just as we thought we would get a break in the weather, that process began all over. The devastating winter storm and subsequent power outages of Texas played out before us in horrifying ways. If we learned anything this winter, it was how important it is to be prepared and self sufficient! Having the right tools are critical for surviving any emergency.
Fortunately, since being on the grid, we have had very few power outages of significance. I have loved every winter in Virginia. We love cold weather and snow! Because we were both from the South, snow was something we looked forward to, but snow was only occasional and very fleeting. Thankfully, Virginia has offered us a true four seasons and I love appreciate each one. I was surprised when I had reached my fill of the white stuff! The constant freeze, thaw and melt ruined our driveway and made it dangerous. As you can imagine, the driveway turned into a mushy, muddy sludge. We nearly lost our truck to a slide off the driveway in a steep curve. Thankfully, there was a tree in just the right spot!
Dietz Lanterns When The Power Goes Out
In the midst of our winter weather, we did lose power on two occasions. The first outage we experienced was 12 hours. Well, we went searching for candles, headlamps and, of course, my red Dietz lantern!
From a woman’s perspective, the first thing I appreciated about the Dietz lanterns was how romantic our dinner was that evening from the soft glow and flickering flame. As it mesmerized me, I soaked up the ambiance and imagined this was the way of a pioneer life not so long ago! I questioned why I had not appreciated the lantern and set the mood for other romantic, quiet dinners.
From my Ambitious Feller’s perspective, the loss of power meant extra work for him cycling our generators to keep our refrigerators and well running. The soft glow from the lantern for him was not about setting a particular mood, but about being able to see his food!
Imagine our shock, when within a two week period, we lost power again! No fun and games this time when we reached 36 hours. Once again, we were cycling generators at timed intervals to keep our refrigerators running and direct wiring the well to maintain a supply of water. This stretch of time without electricity was actually a brutal reality about our dependence on convenience, but also a blessing! Without this extended outage, we could not fully appreciate supplies that we needed and changes that needed to be made.
Dietz Lanterns A Favorite
First, we quickly realized how much we preferred the Dietz lantern as opposed to candles, flashlights or other items that required batteries. One thing to remember about buying batteries in bulk, they do have an expiration date and can go bad before that date.
Secondly, the lantern just feels more secure. With a convenient handle, it is easy to carry or hang up if needed. The wick lights easily and the flame can be adjusted low, medium or high depending on the amount of light that is needed. If the lantern tips over, the flame goes out!
Thirdly, the lantern, lamp oil and wicks are relatively inexpensive and lasts a long time.
Fourthly, it is just a beautiful piece to use, but looks equally lovely on a shelf when not in use!
Fifthly, what a great gift to give to someone! In fact, I gave my sister this beautiful blue lamp for her birthday. This lamp burns 45 hours on 36 ounces of oil!
More Dietz Lanterns
Because of that second power outage, we learned quickly that we needed more Dietz lanterns, lamp oil and extra wicks! As soon as our weather cleared, we went back to Red Hill General Store and brought home a few more friends along with extra oil and wicks. By far, this was our favorite alternative lighting source.
In closing, I would highly recommend you add a Dietz lantern or two for grid-down emergencies. I think you will love their style and function! From personal experience, don’t pack it away. Turn off the lights on purpose and embrace your inner pioneer spirit. Experience a cozy lantern lit meal just for two!
Wishing you cozy lantern lit dinners, but most of all, being prepared when the power goes out!
Lover Darlin’
Dietz Lantern Accessories
