Not only did we get another 6 inches of snow but we also got frigid temperatures! We’ve been having HIGHS in the 20 below degree range and lows around 35 below and windchill temps of up to -60 degrees! Now that’s hard on animals and homesteaders.
We spend our days carrying warm water and extra bedding, only being able to be outside for about 15 minutes at a time. (Skin will frostbite in about 15 minutes unless it’s covered.) And as the days are still so short, it seems to take all day to get ready for night! Chores, then bringing in firewood for the evening take up most of the day. Those beavers sure knew what they were talking about when they said “lots of snow and cold” last fall.
LUCKILY the weather radio says we’re heading for a warming trend, starting on Thursday with temps well above zero at night and into the high twenties and even thirty during the day. Above zero!
We’ve had such a long spell of this intense cold. Usually it gets real cold for a few days, then we get a reprieve. Not so this winter, starting in November with two feet of snow and intense cold. It’s setting records all over the state.
I have to laugh though. Hondo goes outside to play and potty, then runs back in and jumps up on my lap so he can warm his little feeties. It’s cute but he’s getting pretty big to be a lap dog — I guess he doesn’t know that’s for Pomeranians and Chihuahuas! Keep warm guys; I know our cold has gone all over the country! — Jackie
REALLY GLAD to know you all are okay. When I watch the weather, always think to myself “Wonder how cold it is where Jackie and Will are today.” For Texas, it has been really cold and the blankets I hung over the windows at Thanksgiving are still there – everyone take care.
Good to see your post Jackie! As mentioned, we all get concerned for you and yours when we know your weather is bad. (We always look for “Jackie’s Weather” when watching the weather news.) We’re also expecting a warm-up today (Thursday). That will be a welcome change even if only for a few days! Stay safe and warm and thank you for the post/update!
Soooo glad to hear from you. Don’t know how you stand it for 15 minutes. It’s -8 here in SW MO, and almost more than we can take. Your Hondo is a cutie–just a note, however. If they think they are a lap dog, they are always a lap dog. Our Lab, Bear, weighed 85 lbs. and still climbed up in the rocker for a hug. Blessings.
Even though I live in California, we do have temps below freezing each winter. I have purchased an elecric throw and connected it to a solar generator. I use it when my legs get really cold, but now my daschunds use it to warm up after they have been outside in the cold
Hi Jackie…
Been following you for years now….love you and your family. :) That pic of you and Hondo is PRICELESS!! God bless you all and may he keep you all happy and healthy throughout this hard winter.
Just chiming in to say I’m also glad to see an update from you. (:
Jackie, I had been concerned for y’all with the extreme cold. Here in my area, it has been probably 20 years since it has been this cold. I joke that when we get old enough to retire we will move south to the Carolina area if we can find an affordable place to keep on homesteading. It would however, be difficult to give up my wonderful soil. and fruit trees. Please take care of yourselves as so many of us look to you for great advice and inspiration. When I read after you, and the questions from other readers and your and their responses I know we are not alone in the way we have chosen to live, and we are not nuts for doing so, contrary to then shallow opinions of many around us who depend on big food, government and others…..Keep up the good work…..Blessings Rick
Glad to see you posting. Was worried about you in those record-setting temperatures. You guys keep warm!
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