Huge thanks to utility workers putting in long shifts. Just got power back and looking forward to living in a house where everything isn’t damp!

Thanks! 95 percent of my city has had power restored so they have to get to us soon. And it’s been fine with candles, boiling water on the lighter-started gas stove. I feel really awful for WNC et al. So grateful to have water and an end in sight.

When we lost power, I happened to be reading a history of everyday Victorian life, which is some useful perspective. (That said, I would really enjoy a not-sweaty sleep and a not-cold shower.)

Heading into day six without power, and it’s 100 times better than not having water.

Day three of no power, and cellular comes and goes. Columbia, SC, seems to be a patchwork of neighborhoods with varying levels of unrestored service, slowly moving back to normal.

Worried about relatives and pals in NC. Feeling lucky to be dealing with only inconvenience (an ongoing power outage and a boil-water advisory) here.

My neighborhood, sunny after the storm. (Our house is fine, except still without power, and that’s not my car that was crushed. This damage was caused by outer bands—feeling bad for the people hit straight on.)

Columbia, South Carolina: lots of wind and no power, here in the outskirts of the storm.

If you hit a full voicemail box, please send an email — now. This is an urgent action to stop the execution of Marcellus Williams

Writing a character who is 40 percent Dorothy Dix, 30 percent Lafcadio Hearn, 20 percent Dorothy Parker, and 10 percent me. Which makes no great sense, but I like her. #amwriting