Morsecode wrote:Well, there's something I hope never to do again. And the power's still not back on
I lived off the grid for several years while my only electricity involved "D Cells" and most of my light involved diesel standing in for Kerosine.
No, this is not something to do if there is a way around it.
If you have to do without electricity and are using just one lantern: Cut the flaps off a big cardboard box, line with foil, stand on end, put table lantern inside. Cut a hole in the top for the hot air to escape. A partial sheet of foil across the top in front will throw light back into the box so it has more a chance to escape below where you can use it.
Good way to get enough light to read by using a candle as well. Also room for more than one candle, but I did not use them much, they cost too much per hour.
Mantel type lanterns usually flicker. Several mantels burning at once are better because they don't flicker all together so they produce less eye strain.