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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
Gosh, -1F = -18C and that is FREEZING, even for us, at least in southern Ontario. (We had temps like that last week and are still freezing this week, though not quite as cold.) The prairie provinces and northern areas go lower, typically, at least for a short time in the winters. Being without power during the deep freeze is scary. It's rare for this neighbourhood to lose power for long (so far, knock on wood), the August 2008 (?) blackout and occasional "event" notwithstanding. Our lines are underground in this complex and usually when we lose power it's because something has happened further along the chain. I WAS living in this city during the Ice Storm of '98, and we were without power for 5 days (my ex and I had a rented flat at the time, mid-town). I do hope your brother-in-law has power restored VERY soon! And while you might never need a generator after this, it would be a good idea to have one, IMO. I've even thought of it for the townhouse, though I'm not sure where it would go, I don't know anything about generators.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, you and your family, and of course the ferals and other critters that you take care of, will be in my thoughts and prayers. Stay safe!!!
Some are without power and without water since in some areas the pipes busted on the watering plant. This isn't our area, but it does affect some. Without water or heat, they must go somewhere. And they are being told that if they need to leave, to do it soon as the next wave of this Arctic weather is heading in now. The temps won't get any lower, but freezing rain, sleet, and snow coming in will affect the roads even more. Many areas are being opened (even here by us) as warming centers for anyone who needs it. And they are asking that people wear their facemasks.
DeleteWe should be fine. Even if the power goes off, we have a fireplace, an Aga, and lots of bottled water.
Been thinking of you poor souls freezing in Texas. So sorry DH's brother was still in the cold. Wow, that is miserable. We have been just as cold here--negative 2 but fortunately, the power has so far stayed on. We did get warned by Entergy that we might get rolling blackouts but so far none. We will see tonight when the second storm gets here.
ReplyDeleteStay warm and safe.
DH's brother's power came on this afternoon! (Hurray!) And we are the same as you, been warned about the rolling blackouts, but so far, so good. We too will see what happens tonight when the snow and freezing rain gets here. Stay warm and safe!
DeleteI learned from the news that Texas has its own power grid, the only state in the Union to do so. And they aren't doing all that well right now. I sure hope you will stay warm and safe until this crisis has passed. The good news in my world is that I finally scored an appointment for the first Covid jab next week.
ReplyDeleteNo, people are not too happy with the power outages. Seems like we need to do something so this doesn't happen again. With Climate Change, I'm sure this isn't the last unprecedented weather event. And I'm so happy that you finally got your Covid vaccine appointment! That's great news!
DeleteDangerous times indeed. That is a brutal temperature, especially for those not used to cold and generally not prepared for it either. You have very kind neighbors and kindness is what we all need right now. I'll be thinking of you and all the cats as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Olga. We will be fine. I think we just have to get through another day or so. And yes, we do have kind neighbors. I'll need to cook or bake something for them to show our appreciation.
DeleteI'm glad to hear that you're doing all right. I was thinking about you today and hoping for the best. Hopefully the weather eases soon. We're finally out of the very cold weather and back to the just normal cold weather.
ReplyDeleteTake care, stay well.
We should be almost out of this after tonight's expected snow and freezing rain. The temps aren't supposed to go down any more, but the roads will be a problem. Luckily we don't have to get out on them.
DeleteRian, I was thinking of you guys in Texas last night, we lost our power (just on my street) last night from 8-11:40 pm from an awful ice storm, but I have a battery powered radio and was shocked when I heard the minus temps your way. Glad to hear about the gas fireplace, but yikes on DH's coffee--I'd go nuts without mine! Sure hope you guys are back to normal soon, and that puzzle is making me tremble, haha :)
ReplyDeleteYes, coffee is definitely an essential. Tea also these days. I felt a bit odd telling our neighbor that what we needed was coffee (actually it was coffee and chocolate chip cookies)... and not eggs or milk, etc. We have those, as well as lots of chicken noodle soup! But we 'need' coffee and 'kind of need' the cookies too.
DeleteI feel guilty for laughing, but you can be quite the character Rian. I hope you get those cookies! :)
DeleteI expect my electric bill will be as high as your water bill this month, and I set the thermostat at 67! Keep warm.
ReplyDeleteOurs is set at 68, Joanne... and I still need to be bundled up in fleece. We do have some of those wool heavy cable knit sweaters from Ireland and a Shearling coat (lined with wool) if the power goes out. Haven't needed those yet. Stay warm friend!
DeleteYou really made my heart sing today. No, not that most of Texas is suffering thru all this, but your narration mimics my thoughts so much. I hope your special coffee reaches your home soon. It'll help lift your spirits. Be warm my friend & hope for a warming trend.
ReplyDeleteNo, no coffee delivery yet. But our neighbors got us some other k-cups and they will do in a pinch. We are thankful to have such kind neighbors. I truly hope your power stayed on. Ours has so far, although many have no power and no water... and I'm told it's hard to find a gas station open. We did get a text yesterday asking us to conserve water as our water plant was having issues. Apparently all Texas utilities are having issues. But hey, the weekend is coming and the temps should go up! We can go back to worrying about the pandemic and getting the vaccine.... and paying our water bill! (and hopefully no busted water pipes)
Deletei remembered that you are in texas, and have thought of you often, hoping you are ok!! my son lives in austin and has not been impacted in any way, he knows how lucky he is!! we have a regular generator (i wish i could ship it down to texas) but made an appointment for a price on a built in generax. it's time. after this past august (5 days and super storm sandy 8 days) without power, we really need to do something more permeant.
ReplyDeleteyour puzzle looks challenging, the sky and the water look so similar. i love puzzles, the hubs, not so much!! it is good to know you have someone helping you out, we have wonderful neighbors here!!
take care, i hope so much you will be spared these dangerous conditions in texas!!!
Thanks, Debbie. We have been very lucky... so far. One more night of below freezing and that should be it (I hope). And yes, we are 'considering' one of those built-in generators too. As for the puzzling, DH is the one who likes it... me, not so much.
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