Christmas is over ~ Frozen Pipes ~ Anniversary

 

The storm delayed my surprise anniversary getaway, but we still went despite arriving home on Christmas day.  We had zero company Christmas day anyway.  The kids were all with other family this year.

Anyway, we stayed in a Bed & Breakfast, he had flowers, chocolates, and a cheese and meat board all arranged for us.  What a guy!

Also, he bought me a new very warm coat you see in the photo, but I have to return it for a smaller size.  

We returned home to no hot water.  Everyone in the state was either battling no power, or no power and water, or pipes that had already burst.

We finally got all of our pipes cleared, and despite heat tape, it still froze with this treacherous weather.

With zero family to spend time with this Christmas, I made Mom's sour cream softies.  The temperatures are slowly getting warmer, but so many people suffered damage to their homes with this storm.  I'm glad it's over and warmer days are in the future. 

Winter storm continues....

 We had plans to go away yesterday, for celebrating our  upcoming anniversary.  It did not happen.  The winds were up to 50-60 mph, -27°F wind chill, white out conditions so bad, almost all business/restaurants closed.  We had a level 2 road emergency.

Reports today tell us a 50 car pile up on the state turnpike caused 4 deaths, and one electrical worker died doing his job repairing power lines.

Power went out all over yesterday, and some are still without.  We are currently, despite heat tapes, without hot water.

The wind is just as nasty this morning as yesterday.   

I unburied my office, by removing books off a bookshelf, moving the bookshelf back to the living room.  It was the only thing moved back so far.

The storm continues this morning, and entire cities are again reporting power outages.  Thankfully, we have power, but that wind could stop.  There will be no cooking or baking of any kind until we have water restored.  This is not how we intended to spend Christmas, or our anniversary.  By the way, this is the first time ever, for our area, to have such cold weather.

I heard that the big box stores have had trouble with their freezers, and they were pulling all of their food.  I have not confirmed this yet.

Storm Updates

 Storm/winter prep is not new to us.  I made sure all the dishes were washed, and laundry done, chickens got fresh straw, and salt tank filled.

Gas heaters were finally up and running last night, and wow!  I cannot tell you what a difference with heat these are.  We will be putting a stove board under it next week.  We just needed it "on" for this storm.

It is currently a windchill of -27°F as I type this post.  The interstate highway near my hometown has shut down due to so many accidents.  The in town route is so bad, we are told you cannot tell what side of the highway you are on. 

We have turned on porch lights, as we live on a country highway and it will be a beacon for those needing to get to work (which is crazy unless you are medical).

We could definitely lose power with the wind.  It is horrible.  The snow has arrived as predicted, but the 60mph winds are here.

Winter Storm ~ Blizzard Conditions

 

My afternoon delight most days now - homemade hot chocolate and mini marshmallows we picked up in Amish country.

You may see blips in posts now.  Meaning, more chances of power outages, loss of internet (like this morning), etc.

This morning there was a car accident nearby, which took out power, and I am sure I heard life flight fly over.  Praying for all involved.

No, the heaters are not on yet. and the temps will drop to 0°F tonight (so frustrated with getting this done).  Experts have been called in at this point.  Delivery on our flooring transition piece is a month from now.  We will fire up the woodstove, but I sure hope we saved our fireproof rug from the pellet stove.  I went to the farm store to buy a new one, and they told me they never got any shipped in this year.

I made an attempt to have the sofa moved back to the living room, but we could not get anyone in the family to help move them.  We literally have about an hour of daylight after my husband gets home from work. 

The winter storm is moving in now.  Rain turns to snow, then icy roads and blizzard conditions.  I believe we will be snowed in for a few days.  Stay safe my friends.

Sunday Chit-Chat

I got my plant start trays ordered yesterday, and they should arrive today.   

It's still freezing cold here.  No change in the weather just yet.

Dinner was a 2-crock pot meal last night.  Turkey in one with a paprika rub (homemade), and sweet potatoes in another with garden garlic, thyme, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper.  It was all I could muster up at the time, but well accepted.

The flooded utility room is mopped up, and with heat, pipes thawed and repaired (he's still mad he didn't listen to me and wrap the pipes last summer). 

In between getting around and moving/cleaning/etc. I have been resting by watching Cook's Country.  There is nothing like motivation to get you to think up an easy meal.

Using the sled, I brought my plant stand inside for seed planting.  It's way to heavy to carry in by myself.  I think I may order one more heat/grow light, but we'll see I guess.  

My husband hurt his back trying to start the wood splitter.  He spent the afternoon with a heating pad on his back.  No wood was split.  We only have enough for about an hour.  He's too humble to ask the boys for help either.  He'll try again this morning, but with my help (between coughing spasms).  He thinks the sub zero temperature has to do with the temperament of the splitter.

I keep hearing of a bad storm moving thru our area next Wed./Thursday.  Not sure if we'll get what they are calling for, but for what we are seeing, possible in the rain belt of it.  I still haven't located the other two shovels, so it better not be a foot of snow.

Today is the big day for the football game.  My husband is super excited and hopeful for the Bengals.  They are making history this year for sure either way this turns out.