Power outages and earthquakes are not something we typically get around here. Oh sorry, outages? Yes! Earthquakes? Not really, so let’s just start with the latest power outage.

Andre and I have no generator so it only took a couple hours for me to insist on leaving the frigid house with its dirty dishes, unflushed toilets and spoiled food, and travel all the way across the Delaware. Brave like Washington, however, not by boat or through ice. More like a minute by car. Maybe less.

We packed light, but just before we left, the phone rang. It was Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. He said he had something important to tell me, and I said, not now, my teeth are chattering. But he started talking a mean streak so I handed the phone to Andre. 

“Could you get us some electricity?” I heard Andre say. But RFK, Jr. didn’t stop because he was a recording. You’ll understand why we hung up on him. Maybe another time, Bobby. When we’re not in such dire straights or you can actually do something to help.

Finally, Andre and I made it over the Callicoon Bridge and into NY where we stopped to eat at The Creek House Grill. 

According to owners, Karen and John Dettori, their careers in hospitality and “a lifetime of great food and drink” took them from the oldest pub in Kells, Ireland, through the halls of Manhattan’s financial giants, and across North America and Ireland in search of “Craic,” That’s Irish for, fun. “We have found the perfect place to share our vision of Great Craic here, and we are thrilled to share it with you!” 

Andre had the Cajun catfish with two sides; homemade slaw and brown rice. I had the mushroom ravioli. Both dishes were WARM and delicious. Halleluiah! I sat with my back to the radiator the entire time watching Karen visit each table for a quick chat. That kind of courtesy makes us feel at home, and we certainly did.

Our next stop was The Western Hotel. It was closed for the season. However, after a few knocks, Irene answered. We explained our situation and she was willing to accommodate us with a room for the night. A room with HEAT, running water and flushing toilets. We were in heaven. It was cozy and quiet. 

The room was clean and white. The linens crisp. The comforters extra comfy. There were numerous pillows on each bed. It was quiet even when the train passed by, felt more like a tiny cradle rock than what you might expect with tracks so close. Plus, there was Wi-Fi, breakfast treats, a blow dryer, and a TV that neither myself nor Andre could work because we’re Neanderthals. 

“We should vacation in Callicoon more often,” Andre quibbed. Actually, I’m seriously considering it. 

I spent the rest of the day at the public library, Delaware Free Branch, on Main Street. It, too, was WARM and COZY with plenty of computers. In fact, I’m creating this column right now on one of them. 

On day two of the outage, I grabbed breakfast and lunch at The Kitchen Table. They have some interesting dishes. Egg and beef on a sweet bun, for example, was enough for two meals. Now for the earthquake.

Suddenly, the UDC network (our online bulletin board hosted by Beverly Sterner) lit up with announcements about an earthquake felt from Brooklyn to Beach Lake to Newfoundland, PA, and parts in between. In some places with a 4.8 magnitude! But curiously not by me when I was in Callicoon. 

Vacationing in Callicoon is sounding better and better. 

RAMONA JAN is the Founder and Director of Yarnslingers, a storytelling group that tells tales both fantastic and true. She is also the roving historian for Callicoon, NY and is often seen giving tours around town. You can email her at callicoonwalkingtours@gmail.com.