August 14, 2003. Largest blackout in North American history. 55 million people without power. Ohio, New York, Michigan, Connecticut, Canada.
In Amish community of Holmes County, Ohio: nothing happened. Literally. Cows milked. Dinner ready. Lamp burning (kerosene). Children playing. Sunset — beautiful (as always).
Neighbors
English neighbor (Tom) came to Amish farmer (Jacob): 'We have no electricity!' Jacob: 'Neither do we.' Tom: 'No, you don't understand — they CUT our electricity!' Jacob (calmly): 'Ah. Ours was never turned on. Would you like tea?'
Tom drank tea by kerosene lamp. First time in 40 years without TV, internet, fridge. Quiet. Strangely quiet. 'How do you live in such silence?' Jacob: 'How do you live in such noise?'