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| Ship puzzle coming along... |
OK, it was -1degree F early this morning. That's a bit ridiculous for Texas. Seriously. We may get several over 100 degrees in the summer, but minus temps - no - at least not here in this part of Texas. The weatherman said that we had this -1degree here back in '89, but neither DH or I remember that - and we've been here since '71.
Anyway, it's COLD! The outside ferals' water dishes keep freezing and we keep replacing them. And trying to feed them a bit more often to help them keep warm. The heating lamps are a big draw and some have taken to going into the garage. We don't really need to put birdseed out as the birds seem to enjoy the cat food and they (bluejays anyway) are noticeably fat.
Both my son's house here and my daughter's house in the hill country were without power for a few hours yesterday. And DH's brother's house in Houston is still without power. He says his inside temp this morning was 47 degrees. They are bundled up and have put their refrigerated/frozen items outside since the electricity is off.
This is definitely an incentive to get a generator. I've been talking about this for years, but we've never bit the bullet. Now... we just might. And I was also wondering why Texas is having all these power problems when other states up North and other cold places like Canada, etc. don't (or at least I'm not aware that they do). Is it something that the state of Texas can do to avoid this in the future?
Seems like just another thing we knew could happen, but weren't prepared.
I am a bit concerned that we will have a really big water bill since the faucet water all over the house has been streaming for days to protect the pipes. But DH says it's better that than busted water pipes and the damage it may cause.
Oh well, it's at least taken our minds off the pandemic and the vaccine distribution!
I heard someone on the news say that some who have had their power off moved into hotels. Not everyone could afford to do that, but it is a solution if your power is off too long and you're able to get to a hotel on these roads... as long as the hotel has power (but most likely hotels have generators?).
We are expecting more power outs due to the rolling blackouts... but so far, so good. We are conserving energy, lights off, thermostat set at 68, no large appliance use, etc. And we do have both the gas Aga and the gas fireplace.
Take care my dear blogging friends. This weather is dangerous. This pandemic is dangerous. This political atmosphere is dangerous. I think that it is safe to say that we are living in dangerous times. But... I feel that we will get through it all - together. Maybe it will make us stronger... and even more important... kinder.
Our neighbors next door are keeping an eye on us (the old folks) and come by lately when they make a grocery run to see if we need anything. This morning the only urgent need was coffee. We use Keurig's Dunkin Donuts 100% Columbian k-cups and have run out. We order both from Keurig and Amazon... and both deliveries have been delayed due to the weather and roads. This is such a simple kindness that I wonder if they could possibly know how much we appreciate it.
I keep Community coffee around for these occasions (if we run out of k-cups), but the grind isn't really meant for the k-cups and I've never been able to get the French press to taste right (probably grounds are not ground for either). Luckily I can get by with hot tea, but DH really needs his coffee.Wishing everyone a warm safe healthy week! Thinking Texas should be back to normal winter temps by Friday (hope!hope!). And praying for all of you who may be in the path of this Arctic weather.
Hugs, (virtual)
Rian
