Today is Thursday, December 22, and the Arctic Freeze is just coming into our area (11 a.m.). Temps have already dropped into the teens and according to the weatherman will be around 11F by tomorrow morning. Good news is that it's not supposed to last long... and by Sunday (Christmas day) it should be warming up. I really hope they are right about that.
And it's snowing now!!
We have our outside pipes covered, water running in the sinks, and opened our garage enough to let the feral cats and kittens inside (also put down blankets, food, and water - and the heat lamps on the back patio are on).
Oh... and our daughter sent a Christmas package of goodies which also included a 'warming cat cage for outside cats' - something I'd never heard of. It consists of a large wire cage with a heating pad on the bottom and a canvas cover to keep the wind out. How about that? We put it out for the kittens...
Now it's Friday, December 23, 2022, temps were down to 10 F this morning, but are already in the teens, so things are improving. Don't think we get above freezing until either Saturday evening or Sunday, but so far, so good.
Since it's been advised not to go out since the wind chill is supposedly below 0, I may do a little baking. Chocolate chip peanut butter cookies have been on my mind. Not that we need any more Christmas goodies around here (but these will be gluten-free).
We met with our good friends for breakfast Wednesday - hadn't seen them since before the pandemic. It was so great catching up. And we also exchanged Christmas cookies - which we used to do every year before Covid. He makes the best Italian cookies - fig and sesame seed ones. And she made a delicious pumpkin pecan loaf.
And our new neighbors who just bought the house next door came over with a big stocking full of home-made Christmas goodies. Didn't expect that. We did leave a bag of Christmas goodies on their door a few days ago, but didn't expect any reciprocation since they really don't know us (yet). However, they are related the the neighbors that moved from there and we did love having them as neighbors for about 20 years.
I guess with the cats all staying warm (I hope) somewhere, the birds have been out in mass (mostly various species of Sparrows) in the back yard this morning.
Not a whole lot else going on. Our daughter sent a pic of Moose (their Great Dane) in a sweatshirt. She thought he looked cold... so...
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Moose is 8 or 9 and showing his age (some gray around his muzzle)... and he doesn't like the cold.
That's it for now. Hoping you are all surviving this Arctic weather OK. Stay warm, stay safe, and stay inside if you can.
Hugs (virtual),
Rian
I love that you (and your family) care for the critters. Stay warm, stay safe and happy baking.
ReplyDeleteHere it will be hot (too hot for me) on Christmas Day so I am aiming to stay cool.
Thanks, EC. Enjoy your warm Christmas Day!
DeleteLove that cat warming pen. Think I'll see if they make them for dogs and give one to my neighbor that never brings their dog inside even in these frigid times. We hit zero this AM- not sure what the wind chill was. Regardless way too cold for me.
ReplyDeleteStay safe and warm and keep taking care of those animals.
I'm sure they make them for dogs too, Patti. Amazon has everything - or so it seems. Can't believe anyone would let an animal stay outside in frigid weather... if the ferals wanted into my kitchen in this weather, I'd probably let them - but the garage is as close as they'll come.
DeleteYour new neighbours sound promising! And all the Christmas treats sound yummy. 🍪
ReplyDeleteStay safe and warm. We are having a blizzard here, already some power outages nearby. I will wish you all a very Merry Christmas now, while I can!
Sorry about the blizzard. I hope you are somewhere safe and warm. Do take care and have a good Christmas.
DeleteI didn't even get to the coffee shop this morning. Everything is coated with ice, and as the temperatures begin to warm up, we are thinking we may get out tomorrow! Love the warming cat cage, I hope little Possum finds it, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteWe got out this afternoon since the sun was out and it had reached 20 F (and no ice!) Just picked up a few things for Christmas dinner. Central Market was so crowded the lines went all the way around the store to check out. Luckily they had a line for people with just a few items (we had only 5) so it wasn't too bad. The little possum probably had the cat tree on the back porch and under the heat lamps all to himself.
DeleteRian, loved reading about the goodies, loved seeing Moose in his sweatshirt (he's a pretty handsome dog!) but what I liked best was that warming cat cage. What a wonderful idea, I just hope they get the courage to use it! Right now it's 30 BELOW (with the wind chill) in Pittsburgh,at least we'll have a white Christmas--but I can't help but worry for any critters stuck outside. I sure hope you & your wonderful family have a nice Christmas. :^)
ReplyDeleteThat warming cat house is something, isn't it? I don't know if they use it, but it's there... and we've learned that they're pretty smart, so I hope so. Sounds awfully cold there, Dug. Do stay in and stay warm!
DeleteWe are in Chicago ! It’s so cold and then we have the wind! Love reading your blog! Have a great Holiday!
ReplyDeleteOh my, Chicago is really cold. Do take care and stay warm! Thanks for reading and have a Merry Christmas!
DeleteThe Clawsable is very clever. The sweatshirt adorable!
ReplyDeleteIt is clever, isn't it? And Moose is such a sweetheart. He loves his sweatshirt and has kept it on all night and day.
DeleteThanks for taking care of Christmas critters. Hope an unwanted species (skunk?, snakes?) doesn't use the outdoor heated house. Looks like a great idea. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteI would prefer for the kittens (or the possum) to use the heated house, but hey, a skunk needs to stay warm too...
DeleteMy daughter and Chicago teacher friends were all texting me about how cold it was. I didn't realize Texas got that cold too. It would be a good time to do your baking. Moose is adorable!
ReplyDeleteKay, I'm sure Chicago gets it worse than Texas, but below freezing is cold anywhere. And yes, baking is a good past-time in this weather... physically and emotionally.
DeleteI do hope the cold temperatures don't last much longer. That warming box for the cats looks great, and Moose is handsome in his sweatshirt.
ReplyDeleteHave a Merry Christmas!
Thanks, Mae. I think we only have another day to go with temps below freezing... at least I hope so. Moose seems to really like his sweatshirt - has left it on and seems more comfortable.
Deleteoooooh that's so cold for you texans. it is about the same here but those temperatures are somewhat normal for new jersey!! some of our pipes froze but have thawed, it happens and we have a way to do it!! i did not think we were in jeopardy last night because we had the heat on in the garage. even with that, they froze up!! now we have the water dripping!! we have not gotten any snow, i wish we would but it's not in the cards!!
ReplyDeletewishing you a wonderful holiday!!!
Debbie, it IS way too cold for us. Sorry about the pipes. But luckily it won't last... getting above freezing this afternoon (I think) here. And the little snow we had didn't stick. Hope you and your hubby have a great Christmas and a wonderful 2023!
DeleteYou are such a kind hearted person, and it shows.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and yours a blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Hugs,
Jo
Thanks, Jo. Hope your Christmas was wonderful and your 2023 is filled with happy healthy days!
DeleteI love the pic of Moose!!
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year to you my friend!
Thanks, Anni. Moose loves the sweatshirt.
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