Ever since Green Bean mentioned Earth Hour, I’ve been spending my evenings with the lights turned off. I’m not spending my time in the dark to make a statement on climate change. Instead, spending time in candle light makes me sleepy so I can go to bed easily and thus wake up early and get to work on time.

I’ve made some observations with this excercise.

1. It helps to be organized. You don’t want to trip over piles of clothing/shoes. This is worse for husband who is probably legally blind without his glasses and tripping also causes wax spillage. Wax spillage makes wife cranky.

2. Who knew candle technology coutld get worse? When we first began experimenting with candle light, we purchased candles made out of beeswax as well as cheapo candles from Target. Target’s candles don’t hold a steady flame and the flickering drives me nuts. Beeswax candles hold a steady flame and two or three of them can provide enough light for a little bit of bedside reading. Beeswax candles at the Reading Terminal Market at $3.00 each. I haven’t calculated how long a single candle lasts. They are the sort that fits into a regular candle stand. Target’s cheapo candles are $0.99 and are fatter but smell a bit icky. We purchased the non-scented variety of cheapo candles.

 

3. When we blow out the candles, the lights from the street are incredibly bright. I am very glad that I purchased dark, heavy curtains to block out the light.