But I do know that nearly all the pathways I shoveled out today seemed to be about 18" deep on the level. Could we have possibly gotten that much snow? The flat board on the top of our deck railing usually provides me with an accurate measurement of snow, but during this storm it stayed blown clean as a whistle.
Papa Pea and I spent nearly all day outside cleaning things up. (Okay, he was out there working a couple more hours than I was. But, hey, somebody had to prepare nutritious, delicious meals to fuel our bodies, right?) It was actually a pleasant day to be outside as we had a high temp of 13° and bright sunshine all day. We only had to come in a couple of times to warm up fingers or toes and make a stop or two by the kleenex box.
In preparation for the severely dropping temps tonight (which will stay with us for a few days), we knew it would be wise to get things ship-shaped up today. We brought in lots of wood for both the house and heated part of the garage. Honkin' big logs to put in the stoves to hold the fires overnight, too. Hubby climbed up on the roof to check chimneys and clean them. The wild birds have plenty of suet, peanut butter and seed. Our chickens will be checked and tended to several times a day.
The forecast of low temperatures and wind chills are not to be taken lightly, but nearly everyone living up here knows how to stay safe and look out for those who might need help. And you can be sure nobody is concerned with making a fashion statement when they dress to go outside.
Temp tonight is to be around -26°. It's only 0° now at 6:30 so it's got a ways to go to get that low. Tomorrow, a high of -19 to -14 (that's the "warmest" prediction of the three I've seen) with a wind chill factor of 40-50 below zero. Monday, a high of -16 to -11 but a nasty wind chill factor of 45 to 55 below. These temperatures should be taken seriously, and you can believe we do so. The wind chill advisory is in effect until noon on Tuesday.
Don't worry about us. We'll be smart and careful during this little "cold snap." For those of you who don't want anything to do with cold winter weather, aren't cha glad you don't live up here?
It's supposed to drop to -2 here in a couple nights which is a BIG deal for us wimps. You guys are tough cookies!
ReplyDeleteWell, that's just it. We expect these kinds of temps every now and then. -2 for you guys in the Banana Belt is darn COLD!
DeleteWe are having a crazy warm spell here out west. But we were -27 before Christmas. Sure is good you got so much snow to insulate against the extreme cold. Hope you are feeling better - if not, get back in the house!!!
ReplyDelete2 Tramps - I'm feeling fine now, thanks.
DeleteAnd yes, without our heavy snow cover, there would be problems!
The fluctuations from severely cold to warm (as you're having) can wreak more damage than not. Hope all is well.
Every time I complain about cold snaps here (2 degrees Sunday night, high of 12 degrees on Monday) I think about how insanely cold YOU guys are. How do you do it?!? You must have penguin DNA somewhere in there.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn - Don't forget we're used to it and have adequate clothing and shelter and have learned to be smart when having to go out in it.
DeleteI probably do have penguin DNA in my genes but it only shows up in my short, squat size! (I wonder if I walk funny, too?)
You could always come to visit your Calif. family! It was 77 here today.
ReplyDeleteBrother Pea - Can't you just see us getting off a plane in our full below zero Minnie-soda outfits into 77° weather? Bet we'd get our picture in the paper!
DeleteSending warm thoughts your way!
ReplyDeleteRuth - Thanks! We're up to -11° from -27° already. We may have to open some windows to cool down in here! ;o}
DeleteI was going to say I have a guest room if you get tired of the cold but I see you already have an offer to visit CA.
ReplyDeleteI agree you must have penquin DNA in your blood.
We are back in a no burn status so cannot use the woodstove until some rain shows up to clear the air. At least you have clean air.
Tombstone Livestock - Clean air we do have! Clean, cold, cutting, biting, invigorating air. (Now let me back inside.)
DeleteWe just got over a bout of minus 25, so yesterdays 22 degrees felt like a warm spring day. I used the time to sort that mess I call my "shop". Had the radio cranked, dancing around. Neighbors now believe me to be crazier than ever. Oh well-it felt like heaven to be out doing something again. Back to the cold again tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the "forced" cocooning (quilt room, I'm assuming?)
Sue - From -25 to +22, huh? As my dear husband would say, "Everything is relative!" Our +13 when we were working outside yesterday felt warm, too.
DeleteP.S. Probably the only reason your neighbors thought you had lost it yesterday was because you were hauling donkey doo in shorts and a tank top! Hee.hee.
Our weather is just coming here in southern Indiana. They say 6 to 8 inches with blizzard conditions, blowing snow and -30"s. Panty is full and shovels ready, woods in, all we are doing now is waiting. Stay safe!
ReplyDeleteSherry Miller - You have it that cold in SOUTHERN INDIANA?!! Now that is unusual! Will your plants and trees be harmed by that? Hope not. You stay warm and safe, too.
DeleteBrr. Here, they are now calling from 6-9 inches (not 5-8 like yesterday's forecast), and 45-55 below wind chill by Monday night. Stay warm and safe.
ReplyDeleteKristina - Isn't it crazy the way so many folks are having the terrible wind chill temps to deal with? Hope you do get a nice layer of snow because that's what keeps all of our pipes, septic systems, etc. going. ('Course, you know sometimes even that doesn't help. Ugh.)
Delete"baby ,its cold outside "is a understatement-although my son was at lake of the woods last week-end ,his car gave him a little trouble so he sent his coordinates to his brother ,places he knew he would not get phone single ,but he n\made it home safely.came to say hi ,stay warm ,I'm crawling back in bed ,cus" baby its cold in here" 55 by my feet with the heat on
ReplyDeletejudy - Yes, keeping vehicles going (when necessary) is a real downside to this weather. It's got to be extremely hard on the vehicles . . . think of all those parts and pieces that must be just brittle from the cold. It's a wonder they work at all. Good day for staying in bed and not having to go out at all, if you can.
DeleteWell shut my mouth. I can hardly complain about a measly -13 with those frigid temps you're having. I do feel that this type of winter sure makes you happy to see spring. I am going to haul out my seed catalogs and tip toe through the tulip bulbs.... You two keep warm and toasty...
ReplyDeleteSusan - I've been wondering what kind of weather you just had with reports of near blizzard conditions by you in the last couple of days. I always worry about your drive to work and back. (You probably do, too!)
DeleteYup! This is our forecast for tonight: Patchy blowing snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around -32. Wind chill values as low as -61. Northwest wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. And for tomorrow?: Partly sunny and cold, with a high near -16. Wind chill values as low as -61. Blustery, with a west northwest wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Trying to think warm thoughts here!
ReplyDeleteFreedom Acres Farm - Good thing we're made of tough stuff up here, eh?
DeleteYou may have to go out and sleep with your animals tonight to keep them warm!
Mama Pea,
ReplyDeleteI was pretty sure you would be prepared for the arctic front being from Minnesota. I'm from Marquette, Michigan, we were always prepared up there. Now living down in Oklahoma, temperatures are 18 degrees with a wind blowing like heck making it feel like zero degree's outside. Some snow blew in last night, not enough to even talk about. With this wind blowing 30+ knots, the snow won't be here long :-)
Sandy - I think Marquette has traditionally gotten more snow and cold than we have on this opposite side of the Big Lake, haven't they? 18° with a wind as you describe makes for COLD air, no two ways about it. (Especially when I think of Oklahoma always being warm and cozy! Let's hope your frigid weather doesn't last long.
DeleteOh, I've been hearing about the weather in your area lately, and been thinking about you. Glad to hear you are ok. It's a good feeling to be prepared. When we get cold snaps here, the wood box gets filled to overflowing too, although our cold snaps would be your summer. I cringe at anything lower than 30, and run around like a crazy woman when it gets down to about 25 or so. Hats off to you and surviving your winters!!
ReplyDelete~~Lori
Lori - It's all in what we get used to, I guess. Down to 30° or 25° is not expected for your area so I totally understand why it just doesn't feel right!
Delete