Ice Cold January

The coldest week of the year coincided with the week Paul was away in a much warmer location.  I am grateful that living on a farm has made my boys hardy and helpful, I'm not there yet, only when I have to be, and that is when Paul is away.

It was around 6 degrees when we went out for morning chores.  One of the cows (or children) may have tripped on the cord to the water heater the evening before because every source of water was rock solid.  We spent some time chipping away at it with a hoe and pitch fork and discovered the hoses hanging high on a beam in the barn were also frozen beyond use.  Those were dragged inside and into the bathtub to thaw while William and I watered the animals the old fashion way, bucket by bucket.  The labor of it warmed us but every splash turned to an instant layer on ice on our boots and coveralls.

I called a couple of helpful neighbors and in an instant we had a mini neighborhood gathering as we figured out the problem and got the cows and sheep the water they needed. I am so grateful for the wonderful community in which we landed, I have never before experienced such goodness in people.    

Meanwhile Paul was asleep on Pacific time and woke up to many missed calls from me.  He was initially defensive, then turned to sympathy and finally melted into laughter and admitted how he would much rather be freezing by my side then participating in a boring business conference.  He immediately booked an earlier flight and as soon as our feet and boots thawed William and I headed over to Tractor Supply to pick up what was needed.

When it is that cold I only go out when I have to.  But not the kids, the site of snow calls to them like an empty playground.  This week we've gone through many cycles of bundling up, cracking the door just enough to let them anxiously squeeze through without letting in too much cold air and then finding them back at the door just 15 minutes later, faces red with cold and crying.  I know the routine, it takes about that long to make hot chocolate for 8 so it is ready and an instant remedy.

                        

The favorite spot is in front of the fire place and it is amazing how many chilled bodies it allows.   Everyone is outfitted in wool long underwear, I've suggested hats in the house and we've also fired up the old furnace, so we are warm and well.  

Our thoughtful babysitter Peggy brought over an indoor castle to color and climb in, this is keeping the youngest ones entertained while we wait for the temperature to climb to a more comfortable freezing.