CLARKS SUMMIT - The McCarthy family stopped at Weis Markets on Wednesday because they heard there was free water and ice.
Their next stop was the library, to find entertainment that doesn't require electricity.
In the aftermath of Sandy, the hurricane-turned-superstorm, thousands in Lackawanna County remain without power, including the family from Glenburn Twp., who have been without power since Monday.
Jessica McCarthy said the latest news from PPL said residents could go without power until Sunday at 11 p.m.
"I have to heat water on the grill to wash dishes," she said, adding that until Wednesday afternoon, she had not heard any news of when power would be restored. "It's like we're forgotten about out here."
Her frustration was shared by Beth Baker, 63, who also lives in Glenburn.
"We thought it would be like half a day," she said of the outages. "It's a cruel joke."
She was disappointed that she hadn't seen any trucks or workers in her area correcting the problem. Her power has been out since Monday, and like many residents, she was concerned about preserving her refrigerated food.
"I just bought a whole organic pig," she said. "I can't replace it."
Residents relied on relatives and friends to provide a place to take a shower. Babysitters were also required for children when schools were closed.
Mrs. McCarthy's two sons are home-schooled, but she said she has been giving them shorter days to allow for the added work of taking care of the home without electricity.
Fortunately, the McCarthys purchased a small generator last Thursday, which has kept the refrigerator powered. They also filled two bathtubs and several 5-gallon jugs with water, but they were already running low.
Warming stations have been opened in Lackawanna County to provide residents with a hot shower or a place to charge electronics. Stations located at Thornhurst Fire Department on River Road and Chinchilla Hose Company at 113 Shady Lane Road, South Abington Twp. will be open from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. as needed until further notice. For more information, visit neparc.org.
No electricity has been fine for Mrs. McCarthy's 5-year-old son, Liam, who has been enjoying playing Monopoly by candlelight.
"He thinks this is so exciting," she said.
Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter