Polar vortex

In Tennessee we just went through sixty five hours of temps under freezing. We had ice that wouldn't melt for days and it was kinda fun. Gary and I made all the preparations necessary to live without power for a week. We bought a rick of firewood. I made soup. We have burned a fire each night and it has been heavenly. 

The chickens have done surprisingly well considering the single digit temps the last three days. Gary put an extra heat light in the coop and one day it was thirty degrees in the outer enclosure. The next day it was forty degrees in the outer enclosure. The girls have given four to eight eggs respectively. Tomorrow maybe we can let them out for a while. Mollie and Scout have enjoyed the warmth of the downstairs kitchen for the last three days. Such good boys! 

Cold weather is a drag. Static electricity drives me crazy. Warm fires are heaven. Tux and Cricket snoozing beside us in the comfy couch is nice. It's a trade off. Loving life!

Fire and ice

Tonight the temps will take a significant tumble. Thirty six hours ago we started preparing for it. We bought a propane heater at lowe's, got our groceries, and put away our Christmas tree and decorations. Gary has a nice fire burning good dry ash wood. There is a blueberry cobbler in the oven. We have everything we need in case of a power outtage. Gary fixed both of us knapsacks with emergency gear for the car and truck. It's a good feeling to know we are prepared. I hope I don't have to go in tomorrow but I probably will. There is almost a rick of wood in my truck bed so that will really help keep me from fish tailing on the ice. Cricket doesn't quite know where he wants to be...upstairs alone or downstairs with us.  Tux has the loveseat to himself. Mollie and Scout are asleep in the kitchen. The hens are sleeping in the coop with two warming lights on.  It's now snowing and sleeting. Gary and I just finished a bowl of blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Yum.