How can I recover my SkyDrive files after upgrading to Windows 8.1?

Don't know if I am too late asking this.  Obviously the first person didn't find your answer helpful.

I just got laptop with Windows 8 and loaded free 8.1 update.  Had not used Sky Drive.

 

Today while working with photo files was interrupted by (what I thought was a routine) Microsoft update so I clicked ok.  Did not realize it was for Sky Drive till it started downloading. Should have clicked cancel!  I do not intend to pay for Sky Drive after the 30 day trial in any case.  

 

Now, when I try to access my folders/files in pictures there is a several second delay before they open.  Worse--the folders come up as "empty" until it is filled, presumably from the cloud.  I could accidentally delete an "empty" folder. 

 

I am a very low tech user.  I back up my photo files on an external hard drive and various USB ports.  I feel that you tricked me into using the Sky Drive and I want my photos back on my hard drive!  How do I do this?