Novena candles lining the walkway are better and much cheaper than tiki torches when there’s a party. Last night’s power failure of nearly three and a half hours was a party of sorts. But we were short on our supply of emergency candles and had to bring out the kerosene lamp.

Reed Candle Company of San Antonio supplies all the H-E-B stores and many others around town with with these long-burning candles in glass jars of various colors. I like the effect of lots of red and pink ones together. Another member of the household likes the blue and green ones teamed, but they don’t throw much light. The plain, clear glass holders are best for that. Survivalist and gadget merchandisers often sell emergency candles at a much higher price that don’t burn as long.

The price of these candles always seems to rise around Thanksgiving, Guadalupe Day, Christmas, Epiphany, and the entire lenten and Easter season. On the weekend, they were up to $1.05, when they’re usually 95 cents although sometimes as high as 99 cents. So we hadn’t replenished our stock. By this weekend, perhaps prices will have returned to normal. No matter which chain raises the price to what levels, these candles are nearly always cheapest at H-E-B.